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Borough BOE proposes policy to ban sex offenders from school grounds December 19, 2019 - Naugatuck, Naugatuck, News, Schools, Top Stories - Tagged: Board of Education, Naugatuck - 1 comment by Andreas Yilma, Staff Writer NAUGATUCK — The Board of Education is proposing a new policy that would prohibit registered sex offenders from being on school property, with a few exceptions. The proposed policy comes from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and is intended to provide greater clarity and increased safety measures for all schools in the district, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Christopher Montini said. Under the proposal, registered sex offenders would be allowed on school property to vote and to attend a public meeting. Registered sex offenders who are parents and guardians of students would also be allowed to transport their child to and from school, and attend a conference about their child, as long as they have prior written approval from the superintendent of schools, the proposal states. The superintendent could also approve other exceptions for parents and guardians on a case-by-case basis. If a registered sex offender who isn’t a parent or guardian tries to electronically communicate with a student while the student is on school property, the person will be considered to be on school property without permission and in violation of the policy, according to the proposal. If a student is a registered sex offender, the superintendent or a designated administrator will determine where and how to educate the student, under the proposal. The superintendent will contact police when someone violates the policy, according to the proposal. The Board of Education unanimously approved the first reading of the policy at its Dec. 12 meeting with little discussion. “It’s always important to review our policies and develop new ones if need be. If it helps to keep our kids safer or even just feel safer, it’s always good to do that. They need to feel safe in their learning environment,” said Board of Education Chairman Jeff Litke in an interview after the meeting. The proposed policy is expected to come up for approval at the board’s January meeting. Litke said he’s confident the policy will be approved. There were 37 registered sex offenders with Naugatuck addresses as of last week, according to the state sex offender registry. The borough sought to implement an ordinance that would ban registered sex offenders from public places, but it sits in limbo. In January 2018, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approved an ordinance that banned registered sex offenders from designated child safety zones, which included borough-owned or borough-operated parks, schools, sports facilities, trails and open space areas, with a few exceptions. In April 2018, officials introduced an amendment to the ordinance that would allow a sex offender to receive a waiver from the ordinance from the police chief, granted the offender meets certain criteria. Officials have yet to enforce the ordinance or take action on the amendment due to legal concerns about the ordinance. Montini said the school board’s attorney vetted the board’s proposed policy. “There is a provision in there which basically says that sex offenders are allowed to be on property, if it’s a place where they’re voting or if it’s an open meeting,” Montini said. One thought on “Borough BOE proposes policy to ban sex offenders from school grounds” Much to do about nothing. Criminals don’t obey any laws.

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Region 16 board elects Cretella chairman December 17, 2019 - Beacon Falls, News, Prospect, Region 16, Schools - Tagged: Beacon Falls, Board of Education, Prospect, Region 16 - no comments Priscilla Y. Cretella PROSPECT — The Region 16 Board of Education last week unanimously elected longtime member Priscilla Cretella chairman for the next two years. The board, which oversees public schools in Beacon Falls and Prospect, rotates the chairman’s seat between members from each town after every municipal election. Cretella, who was vice chairman the past two years, takes over the chairmanship from Robert Hiscox, a Republican from Prospect. Cretella thanked Hiscox, who the board elected vice chairman, for his leadership. “We don’t always see eye to eye but we always want what’s best for the kids,” she said. Cretella, an interior decorator, is a 68-year-old unaffiliated voter from Beacon Falls who ran on the Democratic ticket. She has served on the school board for 33 years, including multiple terms as chairman. “Even after all these years, it means a great deal,” Cretella said about being elected chairman. “As long as I can still help bring about the best we can for our kids, that’s my goal. That is my goal to give back to this community through education.” The board elected Christine Arnold, a Republican from Beacon Falls, and Nazih Noujaim, a Republican from Prospect, secretary and treasurer, respectively.

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Shawnee Animal Shelter often at capacity By Elisabeth Slay | (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay Much like rescues throughout the area, the Shawnee Animal Shelter is overflowing with dogs and cats and has a small staff. According to Kesha Miller, one of two full-time Animal Welfare Officers, the Shawnee shelter receives calls daily regarding animals in the area. “Here at the shelter we come in about eight o’clock. We’ll clean and feed all the animals whether it’s cats (or) dogs…,” Miller said. Miller said it's her job to patrol the streets for strays and deceased animals and ensure the city is running smoothly regarding its animal population. However, about three to four years ago the shelter went from euthanizing animals through a gas chamber on a regular basis to a low-kill shelter only euthanizing animals who are sick or overly aggressive. While they no longer euthanize to free up space, Miller said the shelter struggles to maintain the animal population. “It’s rough right now. People are no longer spaying and neutering their pets like they once were, so populations are growing,” Miller said. “We can only house so many, so until people start spaying and neutering, we’re going to continue having strays running around.” Miller explained the shelter only has 26 kennels: six are for legal holds such as abuse cases, six are for owner surrenders and 14 are for stray pickups. With such limited space, Miller said the shelter is almost always at full capacity and the day-to-day work of patrolling and caring for the animals is quite challenging. “We’re trying to communicate to the community it’s not that we don’t want to help it’s our options are limited. When we’re full there’s nothing we can really do,” Miller said. “It becomes a challenge because I understand the community is frustrated but our hands just become tied.” Similar to the rescues, officers like Miller and others associated with the shelter urge the community to spay and neuter their pets as well as take more responsibility for their animals. “Start taking care of your pets. If it needs to go to the vet take it to the vet. Don’t just kick it loose because you know there’s something going on with it. Until we start treating our pets a little better and start taking care of them, it’s just going to be a continuous thing,” Miller said. Volunteer at the Shawnee Animal Shelter Craig Ljungquist shares Miller’s opinion and passion. Several weeks ago, Ljungquist said he drove by the shelter and decided to step up and volunteer. “I thought they could use some help and I was correct they could really use some help,” Ljungquist said. The volunteer said when he gets the opportunity he goes to the shelter to feed the dogs, clean out their kennels, take them for walks and give them a chance to stretch their legs. He and his wife also help groom the dogs to make them more adoptable. “Just from being here I’ve seen it’s kind of a revolving door. I’ve seen a couple of the dogs come back. So even when they go out, they come back,” Ljungquist said. The volunteer said he’s seen how challenging it is for employees at the shelter to maintain both the facility and the streets of Shawnee. “I’m not really sure people understand what’s going on in their community-that there’s a lot of dogs and cats and such-that really aren’t being taken care of at their homes…,” Ljungquist said. Ljungquist said when the dogs see him they’re always excited and jumping up and down. “When I come in, they are overjoyed to see me…,” the volunteer said. “It’s wagging tails and they’re barking because they’re excited…They know I’m coming to let them out.” He explained it’s sad to see such kind and loyal creatures without a family to care and love them. “It breaks my heart really because these animals have a lot of love to give and they don’t know why they’re here,” Ljungquist said. Ljungquist said he is one of the only volunteers the shelter sees on a regular basis and they can really use more help. The volunteer also urges people to spay and neuter their pets and take better care of their cats and dogs. Miller said the shelter is currently looking for a third Animal Welfare Officer. For more information on the shelter call (405) 878-1531.

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Hurricane Evacuee Welcomed, Offered Work In Nashville By: Blayke Roznowski Evacuees from the East Coast made their way all over the country looking for safety and shelter. Some of them ended up in Middle Tennessee. Dylan Vaughan, a Wilmington, North Carolina resident, said when he first saw Hurricane Florence barreling toward his home, he didn't believe it would actually hit. "[It] just kept saying Wilmington, Wilmington, Category 4," Vaughan said. With the path continuing straight for him just days before the storm, he decided he needed to evacuate. That's when he called his best friend Patrick Raines Jr. to stay with him in Nashville. The immediate concern became making money while he was away, so Raines Jr.'s stepmom, Judy Raines, took to social media to find him work. "Within two or three days he had had more odd jobs through the city that I have ever seen an app work for anybody," Raines Jr. said. An electrician by trade, Vaughan started helping people painting, building shelving units, moving furniture, or anything they needed help with. "Just 20 to 30 bucks here and there. It's definitely helped out," Vaughan said. "It's just going to be a while before I have any real income coming in." The calls went beyond offers for work. "People saying, 'Keep your head up. We're thinking about you. Anything I can do,' you know food, so it's been really nice," Vaughan said. Vaughan knows his shed at home is underwater, although he's not sure how seriously everything is damaged. The time in Nashville has helped make it all just a little easier. "It's really nice and it's comforting you know, that there's other people in the world that care," Vaughan said. If you have work for Vaughan while he's still in Nashville, he can be reached at 804-928-2323. You can donate to him using the Venmo app with the username Dylan-Vaughan725. Raines Jr. is holding a benefit show on October 24 at The Local where proceeds will go to Vaughan and the North Carolina Foundation.

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Duke and Duchess of Sussex release new baby photo to celebrate Mother's Day Watch: Was Archie's name inspired by a New Zealand boy? Credits: Image - Instagram/Sussex Royal; Video - Newshub. Prince Harry and Meghan have paid tribute to all mothers as the Duchess of Sussex's native United States, New Zealand and other countries celebrated Mother's Day. The couple posted a picture of baby Archie's feet on their official Instagram account, writing: "Paying tribute to all mothers today - past, present, mothers-to-be, and those lost but forever remembered. Royal baby Archie: Prince George let the name slip months ago - report Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce their son is named Archie Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce birth of baby boy "We honour and celebrate each and every one of you." It is Meghan's first Mother's Day. Meghan gave birth in the early hours of Monday morning to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, leaving his father, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, and royal fans across the world enthralled. He is seventh in line to the British throne. Britain celebrates Mother's Day on March 22, but the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Japan, and several countries across Europe and others mark it on the second Sunday in May. The couple also quoted from the poem Lands by Nayyirah Waheed: "My mother was my first country; The first place I ever lived."

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NI divorces rising again – but where do marriages struggle most? Paul Crowe Published: 08:30 Saturday 09 February 2019 It’s official. After appearing to go into reverse in 2015, the latest figures available reveal that the annual number of divorce cases in Northern Ireland is back on the rise – and headed towards the as yet unreached 3,000 mark. The number of registered divorces dipped to a still high 2,360 in 2015, but newly released figures show that that number jumped to 2,572 in 2016 – a figure surpassed only twice in the history of the records available, which date back to 1984. The number of couples ending their marriage rose to 2,600 in 2010, but the highest number registered came in 2007, when 2,913 couples parted ways. The 2016 figure of 2,572 is a far cry from the 1,514 number almost 30 years earlier in 1987 – the lowest number on record. The number of divorces across the Province hovered around the 1,500 mark during the mid-late 1980s, until crossing the 2,000 barrier in 1991. It has never fallen below 2,000 in any year since. As Colin Bates, from Belfast-based solicitors Mackenzie & Dorman acknowledges, much can be said about changing cultural attitudes and views on marriage, with more people choosing to simply live together before making a legal commitment, but, of course, this doesn’t quite explain why marriages end once they have begun. There will be many reasons for an increasing number of divorces over the past three decades – a rising population; falling church attendance levels, resulting in people perhaps not taking the institution of marriage as seriously as previous generations did; and even the end of the Troubles may have had an impact (times of conflict – and the fear which they bring – are known to bring smaller units closer together). But let’s get back to those 2016 figures – and take a look at how they break down across the Province. For instance, in the Ballymena area, 191 divorces were registered. No localised figures for previous years are available – but we can make a comparison with other parts of Northern Ireland. However, we cannot look at those figures in isolation. Rather than simply compare tallies from different areas, the population of the area will need to be taken into consideration in order to draw a fair comparison. When this is factored in, we get a better picture of how things look. Sam McBride: Clumsy clash over cash reveals how vulnerable this Executive will be The tables illustrating this article, and which have been supplied by Mackenzie & Dorman solicitors, rank the areas of residence where divorce is most and least common. Ballymena finds itself among the areas where divorce is most common – just nine areas are placed higher on the table. Carrickfergus is in third place, with Banbridge coming in second, while Ards takes the place of divorce capital of Northern Ireland. Other towns and areas which make this list include Antrim, Coleraine and Down. At the other end of the scale, Magherafelt is identified as the area where divorce is least common. As a percentage of its population, the number of divorcees there – 0.16% – is less than half of that in Ards (0.34%) and just over half of that in Ballymena (0.29%). Other towns and areas which keep Magherafelt company on the table highlighting where divorce is least common include Fermanagh, Dungannon, Cookstown and Omagh. Interestingly, this table also features three cities (Armagh, Newry and Derry/Londonderry), as well as the capital city of Belfast. On a Northern Ireland-wide scale, another observation which can be made from some of the data unpublished on these pages relates to the ‘age’ of the marriage. Marriages lasting between five and nine years have the highest number of divorce registrations, when compared against all other marriages by duration. This has – aside from a blip in the 2006-2010 period when the 10-14-year-old marriage was most vulnerable – remained constant ever since 1983. Population size may explain why figures jump in urban areas, says Colin Bates: From the time your first child is born, until they leave for university or their own home, your life is dominated by them – caring for them, talking to them, and about them, making your plans fit theirs. Therefore, when a couple finds themselves alone in their home for the first time in 20 years, it can be difficult to reconnect on that one-to-one basis. Without their child as a common interest, what do they talk about? What shapes their weekends? Many find they have simply grown apart. URBAN EFFECT It’s difficult to say why there are more divorces in some areas over others. You have to consider, of course, where the courts of law are based and how many people are living in each different city and location. However, when we look at the data we have for areas in Northern Ireland, we can see that the lowest rate areas of Fermanagh, Dungannon and Magherafelt are more rural, while Banbridge, Ards and Carrickfergus, those with the highest rates, can be described as urban. We cannot give a definitive reason why this might be, but it has been suggested that marriages are more likely to fail in the city, because of the typically higher income of its occupants. Higher income means that couples are better equipped to afford solicitor costs, and also the price of separating – buying additional cars, a second home, etc. Others still have suggested that the larger populations mean that people have more choice than those in smaller, more rural areas, and are therefore more likely to be unhappy with their chosen partner. Colin Bates is director at Mackenzie & Dorman solicitors, Belfast. ...so why are marriages ending? The main ground for divorce in Northern Ireland, by far, is separation, accounting for about 73% of divorces in 2016. This is almost precisely the same figure we arrive at when we look at the number of couples who divorced on the grounds of separation in 1984 as a proportion of all divorces. So far, no great surprises. The amount of marriages ending due to ‘combined agreement’ has been rising steadily through the decades. Thirty-five years ago it accounted for just over 2% of cases – that figure has now risen to about 10%. But then it gets very interesting. Adultery, as a motive for divorce, only accounted for 2% of divorces in 2016. That is a significant decrease from 1984, from 208 incidences (and accounting for slightly less than 14% of divorces) to just 51.
The situation regarding divorce on the grounds of behaviour is the reverse of this. Just over 130 couples parted ways on the grounds of behaviour in 1984, working out at about 9% of the total number of divorces. However, fast-forward to 2016 and you will see a slightly different picture. The number of couples where behaviour has been quoted as the motive for divorce has now swollen to 372 – or almost 15% of all divorces. As Colin Bates at Mackenzie and Dorman acknowledges, aside from adultery falling to low levels, ‘desertion’ has almost vanished completely in the same timespan. Thirty-two divorces were granted on these terms in 1984, but only one in 2016. Mr Bates says that the desertion ground is difficult to prove and is rarely used: “We all have social media profiles. “These pin us to places and other people, making it exceptionally difficult to vanish into thin air. “Even if we personally do not update our social media, friends might – and upload a tell-tale picture of you to their account. “The best thing, of course, is to be honest with your spouse, rather than running away.” To view the original data, visit https://macdor.co.uk/northern-ireland-divorce-reasons-rates/ NI snow alert - first snow of 2020 has arrived confirm Met Office - subzero temperatures expected tonight Eamonn Holmes in tirade against Meghan Markle

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Teen identified... Teen identified as gunman at California food festival, police hunt for associate People look on from near the scene of a mass shooting during the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California, US, July 28, 2019. (Reuters) GILROY, California – California police were searching on Monday for a suspected accomplice of the gunman who killed three people, including a 6-year-old boy, in a mass shooting at a food festival south of San Francisco. The gunman was shot dead by police officers within minutes of opening fire early on Sunday evening at the three-day Gilroy Garlic Festival, about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of the city of San Jose. He was identified as Santino William Legan, 19, according to CBS News and NBC News, both citing unnamed law enforcement officials. The Gilroy police department declined to confirm the reports but planned to hold a news briefing later on Monday morning. Among those killed was a 6-year-old boy, according to news reports. Fifteen people were injured, but it was unclear how many were shot or otherwise hurt in the crush of bystanders trying to flee, according to police. One person was in critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman said. President Donald Trump described the gunman as a “wicked murderer” and asked people to pray for the victims during an event at the White House. “We grieve for their families, and we ask that God will comfort them with his overflowing mercy and grace,” he said. A second suspect “was involved in some way, we just don’t know in what way,” Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee said late on Sunday, without giving further details. “We have no idea of a motive,” he said. Police recovered a rifle at the scene, Smithee said. The gunman cut through a fence to evade metal detectors and other security at the festival entrance, police said. Legan, the teenager identified in news reports as the gunman, appeared to post a photograph from the festival on his Instagram account shortly before the shooting accompanied by disgruntled captions. The account only appeared to be a few days old, and was deactivated at some point on Monday morning. “Ayyy garlic festival time,” he wrote in the caption to the picture of people walking through the festival grounds. “Come get wasted on overpriced s**t.” Another photograph posted on Sunday showed a sign warning of a high danger of forest fires. Its caption urged people to read Might is Right, a racist and sexist treatise written by the pseudonymous author Ragnar Redbeard in the late 19th century. “Why overcrowd towns and pave more open space to make room for hordes of mestizos and Silicon Valley white twats?” the caption continued. Footage uploaded to social media showed festival attendees scattering in fear and confusion as loud popping sounds could be heard in the background. “What’s going on?” a woman can be heard asking on one video. “Who’d shoot up a garlic festival?” One of the victims was identified by his grandmother as Stephen Romero in an interview with ABC7 News. Maribel Romero described her 6-year-old grandson as “a really loving boy”. Her daughter-in-law and the boy’s other grandmother were also being treated in a hospital for gunshot wounds, she said. “I want justice for my grandson,” she said. Evenny Reyes, 13, told the San Jose Mercury News that at first she thought the gunfire was fireworks but then saw someone with a wounded leg. “We were just leaving and we saw a guy with a bandana wrapped around his leg because he got shot,” Reyes told the newspaper. “There was a little kid hurt on the ground. People were throwing tables and cutting fences to get out.” Maximo Rocha, a volunteer with the Gilroy Browns youth football team, said he saw many people on the ground, but could not be sure how many were shot. He told NBC Bay Area that “quite a few” were injured, “because I helped a few”. One video posted on Twitter showed a blood-spattered woman sitting in the back of a semi-trailer and telling a man she had been shot in the hand. Founded in 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival is an annual event run by volunteers and held outdoors at Christmas Hill Park. Weapons of any kind are prohibited, according to the event’s website, which also said anyone wearing clothing or paraphernalia indicating membership in a gang, including a motorcycle club, would be refused entry. “I want to express my extreme shock and sadness about what’s happened today,” Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco said at a late night news conference. “I would ask for the thoughts and prayers of the community as our Gilroy police officers continue to investigate this tragic and senseless crime.” (Reuters)

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Tentative “Burn Notice” Deal Would Extend Miami Lease, Demolish Building at Season’s End Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff said he and executive producer Terry Miller reached the agreement Thursday By Edward B. Colby • Published at 9:57 pm on August 2, 2012 The popular cable TV show “Burn Notice” could stay in Coconut Grove after its executive producer and Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff reached a tentative agreement Thursday, Sarnoff said. Under the deal, the show would extend its lease at the Coconut Grove Expo Center for another year. If the show’s production company TVM Productions Inc. approves, it would substantially cover the cost of demolishing the old convention center next to Miami City Hall once filming of the upcoming season is complete, Sarnoff said in a statement. TVM Productions has been paying $240,000 a year in rent on its current lease, which is due to expire by the end of October. Super Bowl LIV 6 mins ago Complete Guide to Super Bowl LIV Week Events in South Florida MLK Day 2020 Jan 17 Miami-Dade, Broward Holding Various Events Honoring MLK on Monday The Miami Herald reported that under the new arrangement, “Burn Notice” can stay at the convention center rent-free through October 2013 – if it pays to demolish the building, which will cost about $500,000, and take away the trash. The production company has used the convention center as a production studio, soundstage and storage facility since 2006. But a master plan calls for the center to be torn down and a waterfront park to be created in its place, and Sarnoff and Mayor Tomas Regalado indicated they wanted to go ahead with the plan. "Burn Notice" Facing Eviction in Miami Sarnoff met with executive producer Terry Miller on Thursday. “The concessions were well received, and they balanced our stated desire to keep ‘Burn Notice’ filming in Miami while also advancing the plans to build the park that has long been promised to the citizens of Miami,” Sarnoff said. Miami commissioners must also approve of the agreement. Bob Lemchen, the head of production for Fox Television Studios, said earlier this week that if the show’s lease wasn’t renewed, it would move out of Miami. “Burn Notice” has aired for six seasons on the USA Network, which, like NBC 6 South Florida, is owned by NBCUniversal.

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Private Tour, Scenic Tour, Lunch Provided Roaring River is located just a few miles Northeast of Savanna La Mar in the little village of Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury was one of the 24 estates owned by Peter Beckford, a horse trader who arrived in 1660 and broke his neck some 50 years later when he intervened in a riot in the Jamaica House of Assembly. There are two sources of the Roaring River. Once source of water gushes from and old aqueduct while the other is a Blue Hole where the upwelling of water flows down to meet the other source in a confluence at a 300-year-old Cottonwood tree. Part of the subterranean flow of this river passes through Karst limestone caverns snaking through a rock formation across the river from that tree. A footpath ascends up this rock outcropping to a locked iron gate at the top of the path. Residents of the area have the key and provide guided tours. The cathedral-like caverns are quite large with a small amount of electrical light place conveniently out of sight providing a wonderful ambiance. Smaller pools and caverns branch off along the way requiring a small bit of stooping to avoid the overhanging formations. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and a towel, as the water is very clean and loaded with healing minerals. Dr. Scott, a Massage Therapist and Healer can be hired as a guide if you ask for him. During the Winter Months, a Mento-like band plays songs in the caverns for your entertainment. The percussion is provided by striking pieces of bamboo with a stick and by cleverly playing a set of stalactites like a xylophone. A tip for their services is requested after the music is played. All along the passages, the guide points out, with his flashlight, shapes and textures in the walls and on the ceiling that through suggestion become recognizable animals and people. A former slave plantation, the Roaring River Estate near Petersfield in Westmoreland is named for the gushing waters of the river. Its history is rooted in the sugar industry of the colonial era, beginning in the late 17th century. It was owned by the Beckfords of Gloucestershire, one of the first English families to settle in Jamaica after the island was won from the Spanish.

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NEW CYCLE HIRE SCHEMES ANNOUNCED With one of these boroughs being local to us, it's refreshing to see these cycle hire schemes roll out in new areas. With Hillingdon home to a favourite circuit of ours (one where a certain Bradley once raced!), let's hope this starts an improvement and investment in cycling infrastructure. We often commute into the borough and it's far from cycling friendly. Like the RPSB says, build it and they will come (you can imagine what our garden looks like!). Swansea and London Borough of Hillingdon will see the arrival of new cycle hire schemes this spring, after Swansea University and Brunel University London won the Santander Cycles University Challenge. The schemes, which will be open to students, residents and visitors alike, have been awarded to the two universities after they came top in a nationwide competition. After reaching the final shortlist of five from the initial 23 entrants, the universities ran month-long crowdfunding-led campaigns to see which institution could raise the most money to cover the on-going running costs of their proposed scheme. Swansea University and Brunel University London won the competition, respectively raising 188% and 175% of their fundraising target. They will now receive the capital costs for their schemes from Santander, which will cover the initial £100,000 investment in a number of docking stations, 50 bikes and the technology required to operate the scheme. Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, said: “We congratulate Swansea University and Brunel University London for winning against such tough competition. The standard of entries was incredibly high and the level of commitment from all the finalists throughout the challenge, and in particular during the crowdfunding phase, was exceptional. Most importantly, the winners were able to demonstrate the support from those who will benefit most from the scheme – their own communities. This has been a unique element of this challenge, a pioneering approach, which we hope will ultimately contribute to its long-term success. We look forward to working with both institutions over the coming months to get the cycle schemes ready for launch.” Initially Swansea’s Santander Cycles scheme will include 50 bikes with five docking stations located along the city’s main cycle path. Docking stations will be located at Singleton Park Campus, the Civic Centre, the National Waterfront Museum, Fabian Way Park and Ride and the Bay Campus. The university has over 18,000 students who will benefit from the scheme, but the initiative has also proven extremely popular amongst city businesses and residents, with large numbers pledging their support during the crowdfunding campaign. Professor Richard B Davies, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said: “Winning the Santander Cycles University Challenge demonstrates the ambition and ‘can do’ attitude of Swansea University. We have had overwhelming support for the campaign, not just from the university community, but also from across the City and beyond. The level of support we have had throughout the entire process from Santander, Crowdfunder and Nextbike has been outstanding, and we’re very much looking forward to continuing this relationship as we work towards the launch of the scheme this Spring.” Brunel’s Santander Cycles scheme will include eight docking stations and 50 bikes installed at several locations around Hillingdon, including Uxbridge underground station, Hillingdon Hospital, and various sites across the university campus. Extensive support for the scheme came from across the London Borough of Hillingdon which, along with over 14,000 students at the university, will benefit from the new initiative. Professor Julia Buckingham, Vice Chancellor and President of Brunel, said: “Thesheer amount pledged, which is significantly more than was originally asked for, goes to show just how enthusiastic Brunel’s students, staff and local partners are for our own bike scheme. I am so proud of everyone involved in making this a reality, and I can’t wait to see our fleet of ‘Brunel Bikes’ out on the streets of Hillingdon, serving a healthier and happier community.” The competition received entries from across the country, with universities looking to develop sustainable transport schemes around their campuses. In the initial phase of the competition, the university teams benefited from expert consultancy allowing them to design bike schemes to meet their specific needs. They received support from Santander and its cycle partner; Nextbike, which runs more than 130 schemes worldwide. The shortlisted universities (The University of Birmingham, Brunel University London, the University of Portsmouth, the University of Surrey and Swansea University) also benefited from advice from Crowdfunder, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, on how to raise funds to cover the on-going operating costs.

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The islands Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog and Wangerooge are nestled between the North Sea and the East Frisian mainland. East Frisia is a region in northwest Germany and has about 465.000 inhabitants on 3144,26 square kilometers. East Frisia is characterized by the fact that it is not dominated by a large city. The structure of East Frisia is rather defined by the five medium-sized cities Emden, Aurich, Leer, Norden and Wittmund. Furthermore, there are five small-sized towns and numerous villages. East Frisia is considered to be the stronghold of the Low German language: approximately 50 percent of the inhabitants are still able to speak Low German. Over the centuries, the region was characterized by agriculture, fishing and maritime trade. Today, East Frisia is a popular holiday region. Especially the region “Krummhörn”, which is famous for its 18 romantic terp-villages and the fishermen’s village Greetsiel, is very popular amongst tourists, because it is located next to the East Frisian North Sea coast at the national park “Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer”. The “Krummhörn” is a community that includes 19 districts with about 13.000 inhabitants. With about 80 inhabitants per square kilometer, the population density of this region is very low. Hinte is a calm community in immediate proximity to the seaside town Emden. The county town Aurich is about 20 kilometers away from Hinte. The four-star Hotel Novum in Hinte is about five kilometers away from the harbor town Emden. Numerous bikeways which invite you to extensive tours through East Frisia’s charming landscape are easily accessible from our hotel. The region’s connection to the road and rail network is fully developed. The Netherlands can be reached in less than an hour’s drive in order to visit the sights in many Dutch cities. Tourist attractions in East Frisia Mill Hinte Krummhörn / Hinte Visit the reconstructed mill in Hinte! The three-floor “Galerieholländer“ was fully renewed from 1994 to 1998. Today, it accommodates the tourist office, a tea room, a gallery and the wedding room of the community of Hinte. Castle Hinta „Hinta“, a castle set on a lake, was built at the end of the 13th century. During the 18th and 19th century, the castle was rebuilt and received its contemporary shape. It is located next to a church built in the 14th century. Since then it is arranged as a four-winged construction with a big inner yard. The castle is surrounded by a ditch and accessible via a wooden bridge. Since the 16th century, “Hinta” is the private property of the von Frese family. The castle can only be visited from the outside, i.e. from the cemetery of the church. Lighthouse Pilsum “Otto-Turm” The lighthouse of Pilsum is one of the most famous landmarks of East Frisia. It located on a dyke in immediate proximity to the community “Krummhörn”. The lighthouse became famous because of a movie done by the famous German comedian Otto Waalkes. The lighthouse can be visited in the course of guided tours which inform about the history and the importance of dyke construction on the East Frisian North Sea coast. Church of Suurhusen Since it is equipped with the world’s most crooked steeple, Suurhusen attained nationwide famousness because of its church. Moreover, a small museum called the “Landarbeiterhaus” is located in the center of Suurhusen. The “Landarbeiterhaus” shows an ancient working-class family’s life. Another famous sight is the organ in the church of Westerhusen. Otto-Huus Otto Huus The “Otto-Huus” shows the various important stages in the career of the famous German comedian Otto Waalkes, who was born in Emden. Otto Waalkes invites you visit his small museum and enjoy yourself by having a look at the many funny requisites exhibited there. Most certainly, his legendary “Ottifanten” are also part of the “Otto-Huus”. Johannes a Lasco Library The ruin of the medieval church “Große Kirche“ in Emden was modernly rebuilt and impresses with a special room in which people can experience art, culture, music and history. A permanent exhibition invites you to have a look at paintings, old manuscripts and modern graphic works. This program is complemented by varying exhibitions, concerts, lectures and readings. Canal tours Canal tours Emden Take a tour along Emden’s waterside promenade through the famous “Kesselschleuse”, Emden’s harbor and the “Delft” with its famous museum ships. Take a look at East Frisia’s typical vastness - far away from streets and settlements. The numerous curves remind of the fact that the channels flow within a former riverbed. Another must-do in Emden is a sightseeing tour in the harbor alongside the famous museum ships, the shipyards and the container-terminal. While being on a sightseeing tour in the harbor you will get an idea of the big wide world. Journey time from “Delfttreppe“ Emden Daily at 11.oo, 13.oo, 14.oo, 15.oo and 16.oo (Length approx. 50 minutes) Kunsthalle (Art Gallery) Kunsthalle / Art Gallery in Emden Henri Nannen, founder of the German magazine ”Stern”, built a house for his collection of 20th century art in his hometown Emden in 1986. His passion as a collector gave rise to a very special compilation of art. The Kunsthalle in Emden is a popular destination for art enthusiasts from all over Germany and the neighboring foreign countries. The German Expressionism and the art of the “New Objectivity” form the centerpiece of the collection. Part of the highlights of the Kunsthalle are works done by the “Brücke”-artists Kirchner, Heckel, Schmidt-Rottluff, Pechstein, Müller and Nolde. Furthermore, artists associated with “Der Blaue Reiter” (Jawiensky, Münter, Marc and Macke) and paintings by Beckmann, Feininger, Kokoschka, Rohlfs, Hofer, Radziwill and Modersohn-Becker are part of the collection. Another part of the museum is dealing with contemporary art. Apart from a unique selection of Russian art from the “Glasnost”-period, works of Hödicke, Zimmer, Richter, Damisch, Altmeppen and Kantor are highlights of the collection. Bunkermuseum Emden was nearly completely destroyed during an airstrike attack on the 6th of September 1944. Only the 35 bomb shelters survived the attack. After an inferno that lasted about 20 minutes, 78% of the city and the complete city center were destroyed. Despite numerous inhabitants having lost everything they had, the death toll was quite low with 370 victims. One of the remaining bomb shelters was arranged as museum in 1994 in order to remind of the tragic events that happened during World War 2. Großes Meer Emden - Aurich The “Großes Meer” is just a couple of kilometers away from Hinte. It is a naturally emerged moor-lake with a water depth of about 0,5 meters to 1,0 meters and a total area of about 460 ha. A recreation and relaxation ground was built on the northeastern bank in immediate proximity to small channels and canals. The “Großes Meer” is a small paradise for vacationers: due to the low water depth, the “Großes Meer” is most suitable for water sports beginners. The area is mostly favored by surfers and sailors, but fishing and other water sports are also often practiced. The region around the “Großes Meer”, which is a natural preserve of about 2500 ha, can be used for cycling tours, Nordic walking, hiking or just for relaxation and refreshment. The continental climate with the winds of the North Sea leaves nothing to be desired. The southern part of the “Großes Meer” is an official natural reserve since 1974. City of Aurich Aurich (Low German “Auerk”) is the second biggest city in East Frisia. Aurich has been the residence of numerous East Frisian rulers and the site of the Prussian and Hannoverian administration of East Frisia. This old tradition causes the self-confidence of Aurich’s inhabitants, who secretly speak of Aurich as East Frisia’s capital. Aurich is entitled to use bilingual place-name signs (German and Low German) since 2004. Fishermen’s village Greetsiel Without a doubt – Greetsiel is the most romantic fishermen’s village on the North Sea cost. Any visitor will feel like travelling back to ancient times when walking by the historic rows of houses. East Frisia’s biggest shrimp boat fleet (28 boats) starts out from Greetsiel in order to take a good catch in the North Sea. A tour to Greetsiel invites you to soak up the fresh sea air. Apart from the harbor and a stroll through the village, the twin mills, the 200 years old sewer gate, the ship in a bottle museum and the small galleries are the highlights of Greetsiel. Dry beach Upleward Krummhörn / Upleward The world’s first dry beach was officially established in the terp-village Upleward in 2000. The beach was artificially arranged behind the dyke because of the tides. Nevertheless, it is still possible to go swimming since the North Sea is just at the very back of the dyke. The area around the dry beach is equipped with sanitary fittings, a kiosk, colored beach chairs, a beach volleyball court and an adventure playground with the sunken ship of Klaus Störtebecker. Fishermen’s village Ditzum Harbour Ditzum Ditzum is a small and romantic health resort in East Frisia. Since it is located between Emden and Leer at the opposite bank of the river Ems, Ditzum can be reached from Petkum via a ferry. Because of its charming harbor, the Karktilke (wooden bridge), the refurbished mill and the octagonal church, Ditzum is a beautiful village to relax and refresh. The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union Germany offers tours to the bird tower “Kiekkasste” in Neustaatensiel. Moreover, the Dollart, which is in immediate proximity to Ditzum, is an ideal area for surfing and sailing! City of Leer Evenburg Leer Since the local Bünting-group is one of East Frisia’s main tea producers, East Frisia’s third biggest city is well known among lovers of East Frisian tea. The picturesque old town is considered to be the most valuable of the whole region. Leer has four castles, numerous community centers and churches from different centuries. Because of its harbor, Leer has been characterized by trade for centuries. Moreover, Leer is considered to be one of Germany’s biggest locations for shipping companies. In addition, Leer pertains as East Frisia’s most important shopping city. Leer can be seen as a junction connected to the road and rail network. Because of its location, Leer is often referred to as the gate of East Frisia. www.leer.de www.touristik-leer.de Norddeich is a harbor town and the gate to the East Frisian islands. Norddeich is always worth a visit – regardless of the time of the year. The adventure pool filled with water from the North Sea truly is something for everyone! The 105 meter long waterslide is a thrill ride for every child. Moreover, children can enjoy themselves under a waterfall or in the children’s pool. Adults can take a ride in the flow passage or in the witch’s cauldron. In addition, the adventure pool is equipped with a steam bath, a Finnish sauna, a soft-sauna, a solarium, a relax pool, a cold water facility, a grotto and an outdoor pool. Another highlight is the wave pool which runs half-hourly for eight minutes!

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signage and livery content-managed websites ecommerce and ebusiness websites The criminality of cybercrime Here at Nutcracker Design & Marketing, we recognise the importance for individuals and businesses within the UK to keep themselves safe online from cybercrime and over the next few weeks our blog series will be full of tips on how to protect yourselves as well as how we can help to protect your website. The statistics for cybercrimes are staggering and just a quick Google search can come back with statistics and horror stories of huge data and financial losses – here are just a couple of stats we have found. The Australian watchdog, the Australian Cyber Security Centre stated a cyber crime was reported on its new online portal at a rate of 1 every 10 minutes since it’s launch in July 2019, with 13,500 incidents reported. The Indian Government launched its own online portal in September 2019 to combat an alarming rise in cyber crime in the country and estimates stated the website has had almost 2.5million visits in it’s first month of operation In the UK, Action Fraud, the UK’s leading anti-fraud initiative run by City of London police, received 13,357 reports of cybercrime in April – September 2018, with an estimated financial loss of £34.6 million to customers. The National Crime Agency believe the average age of cybercriminals is 17. There are also examples of high-profile hacks throughout the internet again some examples: In May 2019, the WannaCry ransomware program infected over 230,000 computers within 24 hours, including the entirety of the NHS. The program essentially encrypted and locked out a user’s access to all files and displayed a page asking users to pay $300 in bitcoins (a cyber cryptocurrency) as a ransom to unlock the files again. The hack cost the NHS £92 million in disruption to services and IT maintenance upgrades. In 2017, US credit reference agency Equifax revealed it had been hacked with personal information including names, addresses and sensitive financial information at risk which affected over 400,000 UK customers. In 2016, Yahoo! was targeted with two data breaches due to hackers where it wasn’t confirmed until the following year that all 3 billion user accounts were at risk from the breach including names, email addresses, telephone numbers, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers and dates of birth. The hack is believed to have been one of the largest in the history of the internet. In 2014, Sony Pictures was hacked by a hacker group calling itself the Guardians of Peace – they claimed to have stolen around 100 terabytes of data from the movie studio and released it on the internet over a period of months. The data released included scripts and production details of films in development, as well as highly sensitive emails from employees throughout the business. Indeed, cyber security is a massive issue facing companies today and many businesses are at best naïve and at worst ignorant to the true impact it can have on their business. In our next blog, find out how Nutcracker Design and Marketing can help you to keep your website protected. Nutcracker Design & Marketing Limited Holloway House, Martin Hill Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 8RT 2nd Floor, Quayside Tower, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HF, © 2018 Nutcracker Design & Marketing Ltd. Registered in England No. 06936200. VAT Reg. No. GB 974 4560 88. privacy SEO Birmingham

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U.S. Educational Endowments Report 8.2 Percent Return in FY18 (NEW YORK) – Data gathered from 802 U.S. colleges and universities for the 2018 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments® (NTSE) show that participating institutions’ endowments returned an average of 8.2 percent (net of fees) for the 2018 fiscal year (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018) compared with 12.2 percent for FY17. The decline in year-over-year performance for U.S. college and university endowments was largely driven by a decline in the U.S. and international equity markets. While the mission-critical 10-year average annual return increased by 1.2 percentage points this year to 5.8 percent, it still fell short of the 7.2 percent average return institutions report targeting as a long-term return objective. Participating colleges and universities reported spending more than $21.6 billion from their endowments on campus operations, and, for the first time this year, the Study introduces new data that show how institutions allocated their endowment spending dollars. On average, schools used 49 percent of their total endowment withdrawals to support student scholarships and other financial aid programs, and 16 percent for academic tutoring and other related functions. “The new endowment spending data from this year’s Study clearly demonstrate the deep commitment colleges and universities make to support financial aid and student success,” said NACUBO President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Whealler Johnston. “These data show that students and their families are the ultimate beneficiaries of institutions’ endowed funds. We remain concerned, however, about the below-target long-term rates of return, which have made it much more difficult for colleges and universities to increase endowment spending to support their missions.” In spite of the long-term returns remaining below 6 percent, institutions continued to increase their endowment spending dollars. In FY18, 66 percent of NTSE-participating institutions reported raising their spending, and among those schools, the median increase was 6.6 percent, well above the rate of inflation (as measured by the Commonfund Higher Education Price Index ®) of 2.8 percent. “Endowments are playing a bigger role in institutions’ operations, funding an average of 10 percent of the operating budget in 2018,” said Kevin O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer of TIAA Endowment and Philanthropic Services. “Given the role endowments play to fulfill institutional missions—and their sensitivity to policy and management decisions—a more comprehensive approach to endowment management has become pivotal to the success of higher education institutions.” The annual Study analyzes return data and a broad range of related information gathered from U.S. colleges and universities, both public and private, as well as their supporting foundations. The size and scope of the Study make it the most comprehensive annual report on the investment management and governance practices and policies of institutions of higher education institutions across the U.S. The 802 institutions in this year’s Study represented $616.5 billion in endowment assets. While the size of the median endowment was approximately $140.2 million, 41 percent of Study participants had endowments that were $101 million or less. The average asset allocation in FY18 of the institutional participants in the Study showed very little change from FY17. For the statistics representing all cohorts organized by total endowment market value, the major asset class categorizations of U.S. equities, non-U.S. equities, fixed income, short term securities/cash/other and alternative strategies were all virtually unchanged from the prior year’s survey results in the combined statistics. FY18 Returns by Asset Class Returns were lower in FY18 for the institutional participants in the Study compared with FY17 in four of the five primary asset class categories tracked in the Study, with only alternative strategies providing higher returns (8.3 percent in FY18, as compared to 7.8 in FY17). Larger institutions posted higher average returns than smaller institutions in FY18, in part because they had meaningfully higher allocations to alternative strategies, particularly private equity and venture capital. Non-U.S. equities, which produced last year’s highest return, 20.2 percent, fell to 6.8 percent in FY18, the largest decrease in percentage points year-over-year. U.S. equities returned 13.6 percent, a decrease from last year’s return of 17.6 percent. Short-term securities/cash/other returned 1.3 percent, just slightly less than last year’s 1.4 percent. Longer-Term Returns While one-year returns are important, many endowment managers use 10-year average annual returns as a target for long-range planning purposes. While on a positive trajectory, the 10-year average annual return is still lower than institutions’ target rates. Spending Rates Institutions participating in the Study reported the same average effective spending rate as FY17 (4.4 percent). Comparing FY18 returns to spending for each respondent, 76 percent of respondents successfully grew the real value of their endowments in FY18. This is due to primarily positive market returns for FY18. Gift Levels Institutions participating in the Study reported $9.9 billion in total new gifts to endowments in FY18. Median gift levels experienced positive growth in the last two years, increasing from $3.2 million in FY17 to $3.7 million in FY18. The median gift values of public institutions outpaced that of private institutions, at $5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. While overall median gifts were $3.7 million, they ranged from $376,000 for smaller institutions to more than $50 million for the $1 billion-plus institutions. Founded in 1962, the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) is a nonprofit professional organization representing chief administrative and financial officers at more than 1,900 colleges and universities across the country. NACUBO’s mission is to advance the economic vitality, business practices, and support of higher education institutions in pursuit of their missions. For more information, visit www.nacubo.org. With an award-winning[1] track record for consistent investment performance, TIAA (TIAA.org) is the leading provider of financial services in the academic, research, medical, cultural and government fields. TIAA has nearly $1 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2018[2]) and offers a wide range of financial solutions, including investing, banking, advice and education, and retirement services. For more information on TIAA Endowment and Philanthropic Services, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser and TIAA’s endowment and charitable planned giving services provider, please visit www.tiaa.org/teps. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, Members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2019 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, New York, NY 10017 [1] The Lipper Large Fund Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Return for eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12 (36 fund companies), 11/30/13 (48), 11/30/14 (48), 11/30/15 (37), 11/30/16 (34) and 11/30/17 (34) with at least five equity, five bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. Note this award pertains to mutual funds within the TIAA-CREF group of mutual funds; other funds distributed by Nuveen Securities were not included. From Thomson Reuters Lipper Awards, © 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Certain funds have fee waivers in effect. Without such waivers ratings could be lower. For current performance, rankings and prospectuses, please visit the Research and Performance section on TIAA.org. Securities offered through Nuveen, LLC, and TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC. [2] Based on $970 billion of assets under management across Nuveen Investments affiliates and TIAA investment management teams as of 12/31/18. Katy McCreary Senior Manager, Public Relations and News NACUBO Statement on Endowment Inquiry NACUBO Offers Resources on College and University Endowments NACUBO Responds to Congressional Inquiry into Diversity in Endowment Management NACUBO President and CEO Susan Whealler Johnston has responded to a letter from six members of Congress concerning diversity among the leadership of firms managing college and university endowments.

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Documentaries about Woodstock and INXS frontman Michael Hutchence among Tribeca Film Festival highlights By Gina Salamone The life of Michael Hutchence will be honored with a new film premiering at this year's Tribeca Film Festival. (Andrew de Groot) The Tribeca Film Festival’s feature film list has landed — and it’s rockin’. Among this year’s highlights are world premieres of documentaries on Woodstock and on INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence, who took his life in 1997. “Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation” arrives as we mark 50 years since the legendary music festival took place in August of 1969 on an upstate farm in Bethel, New York. Rock icons from Jimi Hendrix to The Who performed at the rain-soaked celebration. Directed by Barak Goodman, the film tells the story of the fest from the point of view of those who were there and “evokes the freedom, passion, community, and joy the three-day music festival created.” Concert-goers at the original Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York in 1969, which will be the focus of a new documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. (Elliot Landy/The Image Works) “Mystify: Michael Hutchence,” directed and written by Richard Lowenstein, zooms in on the life of the frontman of Australian rock band INXS. The “kinetic yet intimate documentary examines Hutchence’s deeply felt life through his many loves and demons,” a film synopsis reads. Former Hutchence lovers, including Danish model Helena Christensen and singer and actress Kylie Minogue, appear on camera. Other rock docs include “The Quiet One,” a look at bassist Bill Wyman, an original member of The Rolling Stones, and “Sublime,” about the rise and end of the California-based ska punk band Sublime. The band’s lead singer and guitarist Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996. Now in its 18th year, the Tribeca Film Festival takes place from April 24 to May 5 in Lower Manhattan. The event was launched in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff after 9/11 in order to promote the area devastated by the attacks. This year’s fest boasts 103 films from 124 filmmakers. The program will feature 42 first-time filmmakers and 19 directors who showed their work at past Tribeca fests. Related Gallery Woodstock: Relive the music festival that started it all The festival will open with the HBO Documentary Film “The Apollo,” which tells the history of the iconic Harlem music hall. The flick includes archival footage, music, comedy and dance performances, along with interviews with artists including Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx. Woodstock Festival (1969) Disney wants Taika Waititi to make a ‘Star Wars’: report

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Old-school typewriters make a comeback among new generation of writers By Erin Durkin Paul Schweitzer and his son, Justin, of Gramercy Typewriter Co. on Fifth Ave. in Manhattan, have seen a resurgence in business as some young writers opt to use an old-fashioned way to write. (Andrew Savulich/New York Daily News) The old-fashioned typewriter is making a comeback. Once written off as obsolete, the low-tech machines are experiencing a surge of popularity among writers looking to avoid distraction or drawn by the novelty of seeing their words appear on the page as they type. "They have their computers, they have their blackberries or iPads or whatever it is, but they still would like to have a typewriter. They like the idea of pressing the keys and having the words hit the paper," said Paul Schweitzer, 73, whose Gramercy Typewriter Co. has been in business since his father Abraham founded it in 1932. As typewriters fell out of favor in the 1990s, Schweitzer kept his business alive by learning to repair laser printers. But in the past few years the typewriter business has bounced back, as customers bring in old typewriters from flea markets or basements. Schweitzer takes them apart, soaks them in a chemical bath, and gives them back good as new. Donna Brady of Brady & Kowalksi Writing Machines calls them "non-native typers" — people who have been using computers for decades before deciding to invest in one of the typewriters she and her partner sell at the Brooklyn Flea. "The more disconnected we get from other humans because of electronic devices ... the more we kind of want to get away from those gadgets," she said. "A lot of people still want to be productive, but would like to get away from the screen." Matt Cidoni, 17, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, had never seen a typewriter outside of the movies before he came upon one in his mom's basement. "I loved the instantaneousness of it, and immediately seeing the words on the page," said the high school senior, who now owns ten typewriters (his favorite is the Royal 10), writes a blog about typewriters and hand-types his school assignments. "The teachers love it. They think it's neat." Jack Tassia, 55, of Elmhurst, bought himself a Smith Corona last week, hoping it would help him focus. "If I'm on the computer, which I've also used to write, I feel like a lot of times I get distracted, either by emails or any stuff that comes up online," he said. For Stephanie Tamez, 48, of Carroll Gardens, the draw was the slower and more deliberate typing process. "I would try to make some notes on my iPad, but I just wasn't connecting to it," she said. "There's something about writing on an old typewriter that allows me to think slower and clearer." Colleen Ferraioli, who owns Brooklyn shops Brownstone Treasures and Yesterday's News, said she sells about one used typewriter a week. Customers also look for cases — so they can lug the portable machines around to offices or coffee shops. "It's become very popular with young writers," she said. "They'll actually bring a typewriter around rather than a laptop and they'll work that way." edurkin@nydailynews.com Survey shows which states are hated by other states — guess who picked New York

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Movies|‘The Woman Who Loves Giraffes’ Review: Crackers for Animals https://nyti.ms/37HBcnM ‘The Woman Who Loves Giraffes’ Review: Crackers for Animals This warm documentary uses one woman’s singular passion to fuel a tale of zoological discovery, blatant sexism and environmental alarm. Anne Innis Dagg is the subject of “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes.”Credit...Zeitgeist Films and Kino Lorber The Woman Who Loves Giraffes Directed by Alison Reid When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed film through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. In the summer of 1956, years before Jane Goodall encountered her chimpanzees, a young Canadian biologist named Anne Innis Dagg traveled, alone, to South Africa to meet her favorite beast in its natural habitat. As documented in “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” that trip — aside from a Scottish study of red deer — would make her the first scientist ever to study the behavior of animals in the wild. She was 23. Blessed with a trove of 16-millimeter film footage captured during this yearlong adventure, the director, Alison Reid, uses it as the foundation for a far-ranging story of scientific discovery, sexual discrimination and environmental alarm. Guiding us is Dagg herself, now in her 80s and passionately involved in giraffe conservation and education. A warm, overwhelmingly modest woman who, for many years, remained ignorant of her published work’s impact on the zoological community, she recounts without bitterness a career destroyed and a life’s dream derailed by academic sexism. Unable to continue studying her beloved giraffe, Dagg would spend years working to reform Canadian universities for the women who came after her. This gives the film a sorrowful tint and a rather stuffy middle section, dimming the vividness of the young Dagg’s ecstatic letters from South Africa to her mother and fiancé. Whether befriending African farm workers (and noting the indignities of apartheid) or peering excitedly at the heart and intestines of a dead giraffe, her unmitigated joy is the movie’s secret sauce. And when we see this remarkable woman, once overlooked and uncelebrated, return to the scene of her pioneering research, it’s clear she’s finally back where she belongs. Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes.

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Yankees reunite with Britton, 3 years with option for 4th While Yankees fans continue to await news on Manny Machado, it was reported that Zach Britton has signed a 3 year deal with the Yankees with an option for a 4th year. The deal will average $13 million each season, with an opt-out clause after 2020 if the team does not exercise its option for the 2022 campaign. If Britton departs after two years, he would have earned $26 million; completing the full four years would net him $53 million. The signing has not been announced by the team. In 41 combined appearances for both the Orioles and Yankees, Britton was 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA and seven saves in 10 chances, permitting 14 earned runs in 40 2/3 innings with 34 strikeouts Since the beginning of the 2014 season, Britton leads all Major League pitchers (min. 200 innings pitched) with a 1.82 ERA.

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Home > News > Foundation coach heading to Street Child World Cup in Russia Foundation coach heading to Street Child World Cup in Russia A coach from Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace FC, has been selected as part of the coaching staff for Team England at the Street Child World Cup in Moscow. Angel with Foundation coach Jamie Broughton Croydon-born Angel O’Dwyer will work as a coach and mentor with young players who have experienced homelessness, rehabilitation or social exclusion at the event which takes place one month before the FIFA World Cup in Russia. The 19-year-old was first introduced to street football in 2016 after dealing with difficulties in her personal and family life and played in a number of international tournaments. “It was the most incredible experience, I couldn’t imagine I would ever be given that opportunity. The whole organisation and set up is amazing, they are giving young people hope and a chance that they would never usually get.” Angel, who was a volunteer before being appointed a sessional coach with Palace for Life Foundation in 2017, works with youngsters in some of the most deprived areas in south London and sees the power of football to help change lives. Angel making the #PressforProgress sign for International Women’s Day earlier in the year “Football is massive, it’s not just about the players on the pitch, it’s the people that you meet, the opportunities you get and the life skills, personal development and motivation that it can give you to do other things within your life.” Over two hundred street-connected children from across the world will take part in the third Street Child World Cup from Thursday 10 May, which will include a festival of arts and Congress for their rights. Teams of boys and girls will represent 24 national teams, including England, and Angel is confident the experience will positively benefit each of them. “They’ve generally never been away from where they grew up and are very low on confidence or going through a really difficult time, so it’s all about giving them the support to carry on and push forward. It’s a ripple effect, once you have a positive influence like this, it can stop the automatic negative thoughts and help make you a better person. “They will be nervous at first, but as long as they all go in with an open mind, they will meet people from different countries who are going through the same things as them and it will show them that they are not alone and everyone has hope together, that’s what makes it special.” While Angel’s priority will be on the physical and mental wellbeing of participants, she is also looking forward to the personal challenges that lie ahead. “Working with Street Child United, no two days are ever the same and I love that, it presents me with challenges. I don’t know what those eight days are going to throw at me and how everyone is going to be feeling, I just hope I’m able to grow from it so that whatever is thrown at me in the future, I’m prepared.” “It’s so cliched to say it’s not about the winning, but everyone who comes on the programme really does leave with a sense of achievement because they walk away with something, it might not be a physical trophy, but they will take away life skills, resilience and other things they learn along the way, as well as improving their football and enjoying themselves.” Angel completing the Marathon March in 2017 Find out more about Street Child United https://www.streetchildunited.org/ and follow the event on Twitter @iStreetChild #StreetChildWorldCup Palace for Life Launch Kicks GIveaway Primary Star is referee’s mascot against Brighton Crystal Palace and Palace for Life host Down Memory Lane event

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Implicit bias training expands at NIU October 7, 2019 Andrew Pemberton Faculty & Staff, Homepage, Uncategorized At least half of new faculty hires at NIU this past year were people of color as a result of the hard work and collaboration between college deans, academic department chairs and search committee members, as well as implicit bias training. Based on the success of the initiative, the training has become mandatory as of Oct. 1 for those participating in Supportive Professional Staff searches. The training already is mandatory for members of faculty search committees. “It’s everybody’s responsibility and, moreover, it’s everybody’s unique opportunity to be able to contribute to diversity and inclusion,” said Roselyn Snell, executive director of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education, a newly formed office with Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “That includes diversity in thought, ability, in our work and how we play and how we interact with one another.” The training, entitled Achieving Excellence in Recruiting: Reducing Implicit Bias in Search Committees, provides an understanding of how unconscious bias can have an impact on employee recruiting, how applicants are evaluated and the interview process. The human brain is overloaded with 11 million pieces of information every second. In that one-second window, the brain can only process about 40 pieces of information. Whether knowingly or not, people tend to rely on past experiences to make snap judgements of one another, Snell said. “It’s human nature because we get so much information at one time, what we hear, smell, see. We use all of our senses to make decisions,” she said. “Research demonstrates we all experience unconscious bias.” The training helps people recognize those potential biases and perhaps check themselves. It also refers departments and search committees to online forms and samples to formulate publicity plans, search committees, the applicant screening process and interviews. “Prejudice and discrimination are detrimental to the success of any organization,” Snell said. “At a minimum, we hope some of our implicit bias training decreases some prejudice and discrimination by making people aware and giving them the tools to minimize those prejudices.” More than 600 faculty and staff have completed implicit bias training since the program launched in September of 2018. Search committee members must be trained once a year. The training is not yet mandatory for those participating in civil service employee training, but that may change in the future, Snell said. However, it is still best practice, she added. The goal is to diversify applicant pools, be inclusive in the hiring process, make strong offers to diverse candidates when they are selected and provide a supportive environment for new hires. Contributing to the initiative, Alan Clay has been hired as associate director of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity to oversee the recruitment process, working with departments to develop diversity recruitment plans and to provide expertise and guidance in best practices and procedures for the university search process. Hired in May 2019, Clay comes from the University of Illinois at Urbana -Champaign where he assisted various departments with developing policies and procedures for the academic search process. Since the addition of the training, at least 50 percent of faculty searches have resulted in diverse hires, Snell said. “That’s been the work of the entire university. It’s very collaborative,” she said. “We’re hoping as we broaden this initiative, we will also see more diversity in our SPS hires.” The 1-hour, 30-minute session entails a presentation, a review of case studies and an interactive portion in which participants pair up and share, said Rose Henton, director of Coordinated Education, Training and Outreach Programs, who conducts the training. Participants are encouraged to be open-minded and objective. They’re asked to redact names on applications, as well as any identifying or geographic information, so they can look at the applications as objectively as possible. Henton encourages participants to ask themselves, “Why?” when it comes to making a decision about a person’s qualifications for the position and to question others on the search team on their reasoning behind selecting one candidate over another. “A lot of times we want someone who thinks and acts like us and has the same experience,” Snell said. Participants are reminded to refer back to the position description and think through their choices when selecting candidates and ultimately employees. The training also encourages participants to recognize points of pride at NIU and within their own departments so they can promote the university to applicants. “NIU is a quality university and we need to focus on what we provide to the candidate, as well as what the candidate can offer us,” Snell said. To register for training, visit go.niu.edu/ADEI-events. For questions and more information, email adei-training@niu.edu or visit the FAQ page of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education. Previous Post:NIU training helps teachers in Rockford, Sauk Valley bring authentic math tasks into the classroom Next Post:Master of Science in Financial Risk Management launches in Shenzhen, China

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© 2023 by Jessica Priston. Proudly created with Wix.com 3 songs to end your Monday right. My Thanksgiving break began with a middle C. That’s right, a middle C. Specifically a middle C played by the lead violinist of the Kansas City Symphony on the grand piano in the middle of the stage in order to bring the entire orchestra into harmonic synchronization. In other words, I went to the symphony two Fridays ago. The Patton family graciously invited me to attend the Symphony at the Kaufman with them. I haven’t been to the symphony since I was a young whippersnapper tagging along with the rest of the homeschool group on a tour. I was expecting an amazing evening, but the experience blew away my lofty expectations. The symphony played selections from Brahms and Beethoven, and they also brought in an acclaimed young composer to play his piano concerto. This guy was barely 25 years old - artist type (long hair, thin frame, expressive piano playing). I sat back in awe as he pounded out dissonant notes on the piano and waited as the symphony joined in, a luxurious blend of strings and brass - and then the piano added a harmony on top of the sound. Needless to say, I left feeling much more cultured than before and with a renewed appreciation for music and its composition. Ever since that night, I’ve been thinking about why I like the music I do like. I’ve also been pondering the connection between how I create art like writing or painting and how a musical composer creates. We are all trying to do the same thing - ignite an emotion in those who experience our art. Mondays aren’t particularly creative days for me. I try to make them very productive, but as most of you probably have experienced, Mondays are days that seem to chunk and grumble along instead of smoothly flow. Whether you’re trying to write, paint, draw, or just plain work, Mondays can use a little more inspiration. Here are three songs that have been inspiring me lately based on their lyricism, songwriting, and rich storytelling. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. 1. The Scientist (Coldplay) I’m working on a short story inspired by The Scientist. To me, it screams of a story the songwriter was trying to tell. I’m so intrigued by whose story it is. Is it the songwriter's’ personal experience? A friend of his? His parents? I may never know. 2. Intro by the xx An amazing instrumental that builds on itself and makes me wish I could find about ten more songs just like it. Unfortunately, it seems to be the only one of its kind. Guess I’m stuck listening to it on repeat hundreds of times. “But I’m not an instrumental music person” you may be saying. “Why should I listen to this song?” I honestly can’t explain what is so powerful about Intro. All I know is it communicates a different emotion every time I hear it - strength, urgency, determination, love. But every time, it communicates a strong emotion. Go listen to it. 3. Happiness by NeedtoBreathe Oh man. Where do I start with this song? It inspires me, encourages me, and it’s just got a great groove. (really professional music reviewing vocabulary there, I know.) NeedtoBreathe’s latest album is all amazing - definitely go look it up. They tried a new kind of sound with this one; a little more pop, a little more edge, a lot more groove. I can’t think of a better way to end my Monday than with these three songs. What songs have you been listening to lately? Let me know in the comments! P.S. I recently took a leap of courage and posted a few chapters of a novel I've been writing on a site called Wattpad. If you're interested in reading a scifi story about a girl called Hawk, check out my account by clicking HERE. P.P.S. I also recently joined Bloglovin! I'm finding all sorts of new ways to waste time with that site. If you've never used it, it's sort of like a Pinterest but for blogs. Perfect for procrastinating studying for finals! Follow me on Bloglovin HERE. <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18357249/?claim=qamt3sq9dun">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

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Online Schools Home > Online Colleges > Connecticut Alphabetical by State Online classes are more popular than ever, and it's not surprising that students across the nation are drawn to the opportunity to be online to learn. Student can look to online colleges in Connecticut or across the U.S. to pursue training for a specific field or to participate in hybrid or fully-online programs. Browse Schools by Degree and Program Search for Schools by State Online Benefits Online Colleges in Connecticut Online education has changed both the way students receive education and the way universities and colleges deliver it, with Connecticut very much part of the effort to make education truly location independent. The state, which has among the most highly-educated residents in the nation, made distance education available to its students early on, allowing it residents to reap the benefits of distance education and, more recently, the benefits of online degrees in Connecticut. The innovative Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (ctdlc.org), founded in 1998, is a state agency that supports online learning. It hosts and provides services to Connecticut's colleges and universities to make it easier for them to offer online courses and degree programs. Knowing that it takes well-trained teachers to deliver classes at online schools in Connecticut, the Consortium has provided services and support to help educators meet the demands of delivering effective technology-enhanced learning for students in higher education, adult education and high school settings. Established under the Board for State Academic Awards, the CTDLC is a division of Charter Oak State College (charteroak.edu), which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year and has awarded more than 11,000 degrees. Trends in Connecticut Online Schools Middletown Adult Education (maect.org) is a cooperative adult education program that serves several Connecticut districts, providing academic programs, early childhood classes, family education, job training and many other services. Established decades before the internet changed the way we communicate and learn, Middletown was founded in 1945 and enrolls more than 2,500 students each year. Middletown Adult Education takes the democratization of education one step further, by making it possible for adults who don't own a computer to complete their online high school diplomas through the computer lab, which offers access to all of the school's students. The University of Connecticut (digitalcollections.uconn.edu) makes it easy for students at online colleges in Connecticut to comply with their professors' research expectations, as the university's digital collection gives students and the general public access to its fully online digitized collection. Middlesex Community College's online portal (mxcc.commnet.edu) takes any tech-related challenges out of the online learning equation as their comprehensive website, which includes grades, payment information, class schedules and library databases, can be accessed from any on-campus or off-campus computer. College Degrees in Connecticut Connecticut may face a shortage of college graduates by 2025 unless students in the state earn an additional 161,000 degrees, according to data from the Lumina Foundation (luminafoundation.org). With only six brick-and-mortar public universities in the state, students may benefit from having online colleges in Connecticut to pursue postsecondary options. Students may want to prepare themselves for their future by looking to the state's important or growing fields, such as the information sector. As well, the Connecticut Department of Labor (ctdol.state.ct.us) indicates that nearly half of the state's leading careers should be in management, professional and technical occupations, making a college education more important than ever. The Office of Research of the Connecticut Department of Labor (ctdol.state.ct.us) disseminates information about the labor market. One of its goals is to assist students in making career choices, making the website a goldmine of information for college students. According to December 2012 data, the sectors in the Connecticut economy that experienced growth include educational and health services, leisure and hospitality, and the information sector. As compiled by the "Connecticut Business & Employment Changes Announced in the Media" report by the same agency, the companies that added positions in the last quarter of 2012 include telecommunications providers, pharmaceutical corporations and TV networks. Online colleges in Connecticut may give students the credentials to help enter any of these or other fields, and Quinnipiac University (quinnipiac.edu) even offers an online master's degree in information technology. Through its Center for Continuing Studies, the state's flagship university, the University of Connecticut (uconn.edu), offers a selection of online options, including an occupational safety & health certificate and a web technology certificate. Charter Oak State College offers a variety of online certificate and degree programs, such as a project management certificate, and a bachelor's degree in health studies, organizational leadership or healthcare administration, among others. Lincoln College of New England (lincolncollegene.edu) is a private college that offers both fully-online learning as well as blended learning choices. The blended classes combine classroom instruction with online learning through the school's online learning platform called eCollege. Students seeking fully online programs can opt for associate and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and health management offered through the school. Charter Oak State College, Programs of Study Connecticut Department of Labor, "Connecticut Business & Employment Changes Announced in the Media'' Connecticut Department of Labor, Forecast 2016, 2006 Connecticut Labor Market Information Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018, 2010 Lincoln College of New England Middlesex Community College, myCommNet Quinnipiac University, Master of Science in Information Technology University of Connecticut, Center for Continuing Studies University of Connecticut, University Libraries Digital Collections Featured Online School Selected Programs: Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Management Popular State Searches Online Schools in Arizona Online Schools in California Online Schools in Florida Online Schools in Georgia Online Schools in New Jersey Online Schools in New York Online Schools in Ohio Online Schools in Pennsylvania Online Schools in South Carolina Online Schools in Texas Is Gen Y Really Lazy and Self-entitled? ME-llennials in the Workplace How does Gen Y stack up in the workplace? Learn how these Millennials compare to other generations in his infographic. Criminal Justice, Legal & Safety Health, Healthcare & Nursing Vocational & Trade Results open in new window Showing schools in your area Prefer exploring options talking to our staff? Call toll free now: 1.855.330.6938 Billing & Coding Specialist Daymar College , Online Visit http://learn.daymarcollege.edu/ Criminal Justice Administration Career training since 1963. Gives you the freedom and flexibility to learn on your own time, at your own pace and in your own environment. Complete your education and gain technical skills when and where it's convenient for you! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). We Change Lives...One Person At A Time. ® Lincoln Technical Institute , Campus Visit www.lincolntech.edu Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Collision Repair and Refinishing 70+ years of helping students start careers in Health Sciences, Business & Information Technology, Automotive, Skilled Trades, and more. This year, Lincoln schools around the country have made more than $15 million in scholarship funds available to qualified students. Designated a Military Friendly School for the 6th year in a row by Victory Media, and offers exclusive scholarship for servicemen and women and their families. Schools include Lincoln Tech, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Lincoln College of New England, with 30 campuses in 15 states across the U.S. Information Technology Bachelors- Online Entertainment Business, Master of Science (Online) Computer Science Bachelors - Online Full Sail’s curriculum combines elements of creativity, art, business and life skills, technical prowess, and academic achievement. Full Sail offers accelerated programs, so a degree that would normally take four years takes 24 months on average. Students work with industry-standard tools and technologies, allowing them to gain practical knowledge and real-world experience. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to interact with our community, read about grad success, and see campus images. Doctor of Education: Community Care & Counseling: Marriage & Family Doctor of Ministry: Evangelism & Church Planting M.Div: Homiletics Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security Bachelor of Fine Arts: Graphic Design LU students learn to be Champions for Christ as well as strong business men & women 15+ business specialization options and ACBSP accredited 60+ undergraduate & graduate degree options in the Liberty School of Business Voted 2017 Best for Vets Business School by Military Times MBA program ranked Best Buy Online MBA Regional Program by GetEducated.com Business Administration - Human Resources Emphasis (BS) Nursing (RN completion to BS) (RN req.) Medical Assisting (AOS) Business Adminstration - Marketing Emphasis (BS) Purdue University Global , Online MS in Accounting - Audit Specialization AAS in Criminal Justice BS in Fire Science MS in Information Technology - Project Management WELCOME TO PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL World-Class Education Tailored for Working Adults Building on Purdue's mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Globaldelivers a fully personalized online experience tailored for working adults. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN completion) Master of Science in Management - Healthcare Management Master of Science in Information Technology - Network Management Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Human Services Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Organizational Behavior Master's (M.Ed.) - Leadership of Educational Organizations American InterContinental University Online , Online Bachelor of Accounting Bachelor's (BSCJ) - Law Enforcement Master's (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education Bachelor's (BSCJ) - Forensic Science Offers MUSE (My Unique Student Experience), a content delivery system that gives students the option to watch, view, read or listen to required course materials. Allows students to complete courses at whatever pace they want. Provides IntelliPath, a proprietary learning technology that lets students learn at their own pace. A DANTES-affiliated university and member of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges. For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended these programs, go to: www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership - Organizational Leadership Regent University , Online Visit www.regent.edu Master of Business Administration - Leadership M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Teacher Leader M.Ed. in Student Affairs Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry Topped the list as Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. Regent is ranked among Top National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2019. Flexible online, on-campus and evening courses offered in 135 areas of study, including Business, Nursing, Psychology, & more. Regent is recognized among Top #10 Military Friendly Schools by Military Friendly®, 2019. 86% of Regent University students receive financial aid. 88% of Regent University students receive financial aid, with $24 million awarded in institutional scholarships & aid in 2017-18. Master of Science in Health Informatics University of Illinois at Chicago , Online Recognized as the largest university in the Chicago area, with 27,580 students and 15 colleges. Listed as one of the top 200 research-funded institutions in the world, with more than $291 million research funds in FY 2013. Proud to be a tobacco-free campus, prohibiting all forms of tobacco within campus boundaries. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

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Sacrament of Vocation At Our Parish Indicate here the instructions for receiving this sacrament at your parish. Who to contact? Replace this with an image of this sacrament happening in your diocese and delete this box (image is 800 px tall) The Sacrament of Holy Orders "Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time…It includes three degrees of order: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate" (CCC 1536). Deacons, priest and bishops are essential to the Catholic Church because we believe that they continue the work begun by the apostles. Since the beginning, the ordained ministry has been conferred and exercised in three degrees: that of bishops, that of presbyters, and that of deacons. The ministries conferred by ordination are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: without the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, one cannot speak of the Church. (CCC 1593) Ordination is the rite at which the Sacrament of Holy Orders is bestowed. The bishop confers the Sacrament of Holy Orders by the laying on of hands which confers on a man the grace and spiritual power to celebrate the Church’s sacraments. The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordained the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry. Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character. (CCC 1597) Who Receives Holy Orders? The Church confers the sacrament of Holy Orders only on baptized men (viri), whose suitability for the exercise of the ministry has been duly recognized. Church authority alone has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. (CCC 1598) In the Latin Church the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God's kingdom and the service of men. (CCC 1599) The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the mission of ordained clergy, while unique, is interrelated to the mission of the lay faithful: Though they differ from one another in essence and not only in degree, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood are nonetheless interrelated: each of them in its own special way is a participation in the one priesthood of Christ. The ministerial priest, by the sacred power he enjoys, teaches and rules the priestly people; acting in the person of Christ, he makes present the eucharistic sacrifice, and offers it to God in the name of all the people. But the faithful, in virtue of their royal priesthood, join in the offering of the Eucharist. They likewise exercise that priesthood in receiving the sacraments, in prayer and thanksgiving, in the witness of a holy life, and by self-denial and active charity. (Lumen Gentium 10) and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)

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NATO’s aging eye in the sky to get a last overhaul by: LORNE COOK, Associated Press Posted: Nov 27, 2019 / 09:17 AM CST / Updated: Nov 27, 2019 / 11:26 AM CST NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, right, and the President of Boeing International, Sir Michael Arthur, hold up photos of an AWACS plane during a media conference at Melsbroek military airport in Melsbroek, Belgium, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019. NATO and the Boeing Company on Wednesday marked the signing of a 1 billion US dollar contract to modernize the Alliance’s fleet of AWACS aircraft. This will ensure that NATO AWACS continue to support the Alliance’s missions to 2035. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO and U.S. aircraft-maker Boeing agreed Wednesday on a $1 billion contract to refurbish the military alliance’s aging fleet of surveillance planes, ensuring that they can continue to serve as the organization’s eye in the sky until 2035. The agreement, which was not actually signed Wednesday, was made public just days before U.S. President Donald Trump joins his NATO counterparts in London for a Dec. 4 summit marking the 70th anniversary of the world’s biggest security alliance. Trump is expected to make fresh demands on his European and Canadian partners to significantly step up defense spending. Critics say he is intent on drumming up business for the U.S. defense industry. NATO’s contract announcement provides a timely reminder that money is going to Boeing, although other European contractors will be involved in the refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by 2027. Purchased in 1977 at the height of the Cold War, when Jimmy Carter became U.S. president and as a missile crisis with the then Soviet Union was beginning to fester in Europe, the 14 Boeing E-3 planes cost almost $8 billion. “The modernization will ensure NATO remains at the leading edge of technology,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters at a military airport outside Brussels, not far from the alliance’s new billion-dollar headquarters. He said the upgrade will provide the Airborne Warning and Control planes, known as AWACS, “with sophisticated new communications and networking capabilities so these aircraft can continue their vital mission and contribute to our security.” The planes were deployed in U.S. skies after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington to help protect cities and nuclear power plants. They were used during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, to assist Turkey during the war in Syria and to help the coalition fighting the Islamic State group. Beyond their role as NATO’s eye in the sky, the planes can be used for air-policing, support in counter-terrorism or evacuation operations, and provide help during natural disasters. They can stay aloft for 8 hours at a time and watch over an area of more than 120,000 square miles (310,000 square kilometers.) Developed years before the internet and mobile telephones were in common use, they seem almost quaint in an age where a pilotless drone has flown for 40 consecutive hours, and stealth technologies wreak havoc with many modern surveillance systems. But the maintenance program will see their computer hardware and software upgraded to turn around double the intelligence information, data and imagery that they currently handle, whether it be of air, ground, sea or space origin. The surveillance aircraft, which are based in Germany, are among the few military assets that NATO owns as an alliance. Member nations own all the other equipment. A new drone program has also been set afoot, with the first of five Global Hawks delivered to a base in Italy last week. NATO experts have warned for years that this plane-based surveillance platform will not work after 2035. They have urged the alliance’s 29 member nations to quickly decide how to replace the fleet by then; given the roughly 20-year time gap required to develop new surveillance technologies. A decision on what will come next — probably an integrated network of equipment like, say, a combination of drones, satellites, planes — is expected in 2022.

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Jaguars switching back to rookie QB Minshew amid 4-game skid by: MARK LONG, Associated Press Posted: Dec 2, 2019 / 01:03 PM CST / Updated: Dec 2, 2019 / 03:05 PM CST Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Sam Acho, left, forces a fumble as he sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Mississippi Mustache is back in Jacksonville’s starting lineup. Rookie sensation Gardner Minshew will start Sunday when the reeling Jaguars host the Los Angeles Chargers. He replaces ineffective and highly paid quarterback Nick Foles following the team’s fourth consecutive lopsided loss. Coach Doug Marrone made the announcement Monday, one day after a 28-11 home loss to Tampa Bay in which the Jaguars (4-8) managed 242 yards, turned the ball over four times and were flagged a season-high 16 times for 125 yards. It was Jacksonville’s 18th loss in its past 24 games. “We feel with Gardner’s mobility and elusiveness, it gives us a better chance of winning with the way we’re playing right now because we’re all not doing a good enough job,” Marrone said. Asked whether the job would be Minshew’s for the remainder of the season, Marrone said, “We’re planning on him playing.” It was the obvious move following Sunday’s debacle against Tampa Bay. Foles ended Jacksonville’s first three drives with turnovers that the Buccaneers turned into touchdowns. Marrone benched Foles at halftime, trailing 25-0. Marrone said Foles handled the demotion like a pro. “It’s brutal; it’s tough,” Marrone said. “He’s a competitor. He worked his (butt) off to come back. He’s a great pro, so he’s going to do everything he can to help us win. And at the same time, he’s got to be ready in case there’s an injury. I think the world of him. I think he’s a really good quarterback. He obviously can win in this league. But we have to have some help around him.” Minshew, who went 4-4 as the starter while Foles recovered from a broken left collarbone suffered in the opener, rallied the team and had a chance to make it a seven-point game in the fourth quarter. But his would-be TD pass slipped through Dede Westbrook’s hands and resulted in an interception. Minshew finished 16 of 27 passing for 147 yards, with a touchdown to Westbrook and the interception. He was sacked twice and fumbled on the team’s final play. Foles completed 7 of 14 passes for 93 yards and was sacked three times. The 2018 Super Bowl MVP has thrown for 661 yards, with two touchdowns, two interceptions, two fumbles and eight sacks in three games since coming off injured reserve. He doesn’t look comfortable in the pocket and playing behind a shaky offensive line highlights his lack of mobility. “They’re part of it when you look at protections,” Marrone said. “But’s it’s really a lot of things. You’ve got to get open. You’ve got to protect. … We’ve got to be able to run the ball better. There’s a lot of things that come into it. … It’s not the way we want to be playing.” Minshew, meanwhile, extends plays with his legs and does some of his best work while improvising. A sixth-round draft pick from Washington State, Minshew has thrown for 2,432 yards and 14 touchdowns. Turnovers have been the main issue: he has five interceptions and 12 fumbles (seven lost). The Jaguars signed Foles to a four-year, $88 million contract in free agency that included $50.125 million guaranteed. It made sense for them to go back to the former Philadelphia backup once he was healthy, if anything, just to see what he could do. Switching back to Minshew could complicate the situation moving forward. Foles’ contract pays him $15.125 million in 2020 — fully guaranteed — and he will count nearly $22 million against the salary cap. That’s a huge payout for a guy not guaranteed to be the starter. Cutting him would cost the Jaguars nearly $34 million against the cap and trading him would cost nearly $19 million. South Carolina, Baylor still top AP women’s basketball poll by DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press / Jan 20, 2020 NEW YORK (AP) — South Carolina still sits atop The Associated Press women's basketball poll, with Baylor in second place. The Gamecocks received 22 first-place votes from a 30-member media panel Monday. The Lady Bears got six. by DAVE SKRETTA, Associated Press / Jan 20, 2020 That doesn't mean they didn't move around, too.

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Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station The Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station is a decommissioned nuclear power plant built by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) in Herald, California. In 1966, SMUD purchased 2,100 acres in southeast Sacramento County for a nuclear power plant, which was built in Herald, 25 miles south-east of downtown Sacramento. The reactor entered commercial operation April 17, 1975. On March 20, 1978 a power failure of the plant's non-nuclear instrumentation system led to steam generator dry out. In an ongoing study of "precursors" that could lead to a nuclear disaster if additional failures were to have occurred, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission concluded that this event at Rancho Seco was the third most serious safety-related occurrence in the United States (Behind the Three Mile Island accident and the cable tray fire at Browns Ferry). The plant operated from April 1975 to June 1989; it was closed by public vote June 7, 1989. All power generating equipment has been removed from the plant and the now-empty cooling towers remain a prominent part of the local landscape. Also scattered throughout the area around the plant are abandoned air raid sirens that at one time would have warned people of a radiation release from the station. On Oct. 23, 2009, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission released the majority of the site for unrestricted public use; while approximately 11 acres of land including a storage building for low-level radioactive waste and a dry-cask spent fuel storage facility remain under NRC licenses. 014 Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station Rancho SecoSMUDnuclearnuclear powernukenuke plantnuclear accidentnuclear emergencynuclear wasteCaliforniaSacramento CountyHeraldnuclear power plantatomicdecommissionedNuclear Regulatory Commissionpowerenergyurbanurban exploringUEurban exploration

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Home » Whistleblower Questions » Who can be a whistleblower? Who Can Be a Whistleblower? Who can be a whistleblower under the False Claims Act? Anyone who is aware of fraud being committed against the federal government and is willing to bring a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act to help the government recover the money. With the help of an experienced attorney, a whistleblower can earn a substantial financial reward for bringing a valid claim and assisting the government in recovering the lost funds. Our firm has helped whistleblowers recover millions and we can help you determine if you have a good whistleblower claim. All you need to do is take just a few minutes to call or email us for a free and completely confidential discussion about your potential claim. Learn more about our firm’s whistleblower practice and the successful results we have obtained for our clients. What does it take to be a whistleblower and earn a reward? Are you aware of a company that has done any of the following: Charged the federal government for products or services that the company did not actually provide; Used money provided by the federal government in an unauthorized manner; Done something that may have violated a government contract to provide goods or services (like using substandard products or unqualified employees); or Failed to pay money that it owes to the federal government (like customs duties, over-payments)? Did any of the fraud occur within the last six years? Is the total amount of money the federal government lost as a result of this fraud at least $500,000? Do you have any documents or data to show that this fraud occurred? Or did you or someone you know witness the fraud in some way? Is this fraud still unknown to the government? (You generally cannot bring a whistleblower claim if the fraud was disclosed to the government by someone else or if the fraud is already public knowledge.) If you qualify, the next step is to contact our experienced whistleblower attorneys to discuss your potential claim in complete confidence. We will give you our opinion about the merits of your claim, advise you of any potential risks or concerns, and help you file a compelling lawsuit that will persuade the government to act on your claim so that you can recover the maximum monetary award allowed under the law. Over the past 20 years, our firm has represented a number of whistleblowers, who are able to report fraud against the federal government, and recover a substantial financial reward. When I talk about whistleblowers, I’m referring to people who file lawsuits under the False Claims Act. People who become aware of fraud by a company who is billing the federal government. Now, we see False Claims Act cases in many different types of industries. The biggest industry is probably the healthcare industry. We’ve seen many cases where doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare providers bill the federal government through Medicare or Medicaid for procedures that they never actually did or treatments that may not be medically necessary for the patient. That’s a potential False Claims Act case, and it’s one where a whistleblower can step up, report the fraud, and earn a reward.But, the healthcare industry fraud is not just limited to doctors and hospitals. We’ve seen a lot of cases recently involving drug companies. Drug companies have a practice sometimes of giving kickbacks to physicians by giving them, you know, not just cash, but consideration for special benefits, lavish trips, dinners, speaker fees where they pay them basically to talk to their own office about the drug company’s products. Any of that can be the basis for a False Claims Act case because those prescriptions for that particular drug that may later be written by the doctor are all tainted and potentially fraudulent. We’ve also seen drug companies do what we call, “Off-Label Marketing.” They’ll take a drug that’s been approved by the FDA for one particular use, but then try to convince doctors to prescribe it for some other use that’s not been approved yet. That can also be the basis for a False Claims Act case, and we’ve seen whistleblowers earn substantial rewards in those cases. But, it’s not just the healthcare industry. We see this type of fraud wherever you have a company that has a financial relationship with the federal government. Defense contractors, that’s another big area of potential fraud. The company may be billing the government for goods and services that they didn’t provide, or for goods and services that are not up to the contractual specifications. There are some cases where a False Claims Act complaint will be appropriate where there are federal grants or loans that are being backed by the government. We see it sometimes in the customs area, where importers will bring in merchandise and change the name of the merchandise, to avoid substantial customs duties or anti-dumping duties. In fact, we had one of those cases just last year, and our client earned a substantial multi-million dollar reward for reporting that company to the federal government. So, that’s basically the type of whistleblower we’re talking about. Now, how you earn a whistleblower reward can vary depending upon the type of claim that you have, but I’ve learned that there are basically seven steps to a good successful whistleblower case. The first step is that you wanna confirm that there’s actually a false claim. We’ve had many people call us and say, “Look, I’m aware that this doctor or this hospital is billing Blue Cross or Blue Shield for procedures that they didn’t perform.” Well, that’s fraud, but it’s not the type of fraud where you can be a whistleblower and report it to the government and earn a reward. What you have to be looking for is fraud against the federal government. Medicare, Medicaid, any type of federal program, that’s where you see an actual False Claims Act, not against a private company, it has to be against the government. The second step, if you are a whistleblower, is to try to collect some evidence, if possible. You may still be working for this company, and you may see invoices, or emails, or other documents that help prove the fraud that you’re talking about. Gather that information if you can. And, don’t be too aggressive about it. You don’t wanna go steal documents off your boss’s desk or copy computer information. There may be contractual reasons why you can’t do that, and there are certainly privacy laws that may come into play. But, if things come across your desk in the regular course of business, as part of your normal job responsibility, you may wanna hang onto that because it can be helpful for your lawyer, and ultimately, the government in trying to determine if there’s actually fraud. Now, the third step is to hire an experienced attorney. Once you realize that you’ve got what you think may be an actual false claim, a company who’s defrauding the federal government, and you have some evidence to support that this is actual fraud, and not just some simple mistake, talk to a lawyer, call several lawyers. There are many firms that deal with whistleblowers, and so you’ll have a wide variety of lawyers to choose from. I would suggest that you look for a couple of things. One, you clearly wanna find a lawyer who’s done this before, who has a track record of success because that’s the type of lawyer that knows how to file the right complaint, that’s the type of lawyer that the government has respect for and will deal with, and that type of lawyer will help you ultimately earn a substantial reward. But, the question sometimes becomes, do I wanna deal with a big firm or do I wanna deal with a smaller firm? In our experience, a smaller firm can be much more effective in these cases because of the speed in which we can operate. You know, a big firm may have many cases, they may not be able to get around your case in time, they may have so many lawyers involved in the project that it goes from one lawyer to another lawyer to another lawyer. All that takes time. And in a whistleblower case, you have to act fast because it’s that first person to file who usually gets the reward. Now, the fourth step is to file that complaint under seal. So, after there’s been some investigation, you’ve gone to your lawyer, the lawyer’s gonna prepare a detailed complaint alleging specific examples of this fraud before it’s filed in court. The lawyer will also meet with the government to disclose the information before they make this filing. The complaint is very important because it kinda sets the roadmap for the case going forward. And, when I say it’s filed under seal, that basically means that it’s secret. You can’t talk about it, not with your friends, family, and certainly, not at work. It’s under seal, it’s secret to give the government time to investigate the case. It’s gonna be at least 60 days where no one can talk about it, but most of the time, that period is extended for many months, sometimes, many years, while the government investigates the case. Now, the fifth step is to offer to help the government. While the case remains secret, under seal, the government’s gonna be investigating this company. They’re gonna be trying to interview witnesses, gather documents, whatever they can do to try to prove that there is actually fraud going on. So, if you’re aware of something, you may know who the individuals are, who are involved, you may be able to explain the significance of certain documents, you and your lawyer will reach out to the government, and offer to cooperate whenever you can. Now, you won’t control the investigation, the government will do that, but they may very well need your help, so your lawyer should be frequently in touch with the government, talking about potential interviews, meetings, whatever you and your lawyer can do to help the process alone. Now, sixth, be patient with this process because it’s gonna take a long time. The bigger the case, usually, the longer it takes. Because, there’s a lot to investigate, lot of documents, especially if you have more than one company, or more than one individual involved, the government’s gonna take its time investigating it. But, that’s usually good because the more time they spend preparing the case, the bigger the settlement, and the larger the financial reward. And, of course, finally, that’s what you want to do at the end of the day, collect the biggest reward possible. And, a good lawyer can help you do this. Because, the law basically says that you’re entitled to 15 to 30% of whatever the government recovers from the company, but that percentage can vary, and it really depends upon negotiations between your lawyer and the government, and how you handle the case. Did the government intervene, did they take it over and settle it, or did you and your lawyer have to take it into court, and litigate it on your own? That’s a flexible percentage, and a good lawyer will help you get the highest percentage, and earn the biggest reward. So, those are the seven steps that we found effective in handling a whistleblower claim. If you are in a position where you think you may have evidence that a company is cheating the federal government, healthcare industry, defense industry, any type of industry, give us a call to discuss it. The call is completely free, no charge to you, and it’s also completely confidential. Your employer is not gonna know about it. So, if you think you have this kind if evidence, let’s see if you have a whistleblower claim. Because remember, the reward is great, and that’s certainly one of the benefits of doing this, perhaps the biggest benefit. But, you’re also helping the taxpayers because we’re talking about companies that are cheating the federal government, and if you know about that, you should report it, and if you report it, and go through the process, you’re likely to earn a substantial reward. So, give us a call if we can help. A recent review from one of our whistleblower clients on avvo.com: “The absolute best Whistleblower Attorney you can hire!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $15M Settlement! Page is an amazing, brilliant and exceptionally talented attorney. He represented me in a Whistleblower False Claims Act case which resulted in a $15M settlement with Z Gallerie, a major US furniture retailer who evaded paying anti-dumping duties to US Customs and Border Protection for many years. My award was a life changing $2.4 Million. Page has long standing, established relationships with the Department of Justice and knows exactly how to navigate the complexities of pursuing such a case with the government. The detailed and precise complaint he prepared and submitted to the US Department of Justice is one for the record books, truly amazing. The Government immediately took up the case with much enthusiasm. Page was engaged with the US Attorneys throughout the entire process. Words alone can not express the gratitude I have for Page Pate!” Kelly W., a former client Recent Whistleblower Cases Our firm helps secure $108 million settlement in whistleblower case Our whistleblower lawyers filed a qui tam complaint several years ago that lead to a $108 million settlem... Anti-Kickback law violations lead to settlement of whistleblower lawsuit The Department of Justice recently announced an $11.5 million settlement with a Texas-based radiation the... Our firm helps secure $10.5 million settlement in another whistleblower case In an interview with the Daily Report, Page Pate discusses the $10.5 million settlement our firm helped o... Our firm helps nurses file whistleblower lawsuit and expose Medicare fraud at hospices Our experienced whistleblower attorneys helped secure a victory for our clients, the taxpayers and advoca... Whistleblower lawsuit leads to $66 million settlement in procurement fraud case The Department of Justice recently announced a big settlement with a Japanese manufacturer in a serious c... Our firm helps secure $10.5 million whistleblower settlement over unpaid customs duties Yesterday, the Department of Justice announced that they had reached a settlement with Bassett Mirror Com... If you think you may have information relating to fraud against the federal government, contact our firm to see if you qualify under the government’s whistleblower definition. Page Pate is personally available to answer any questions you may have about the federal whistleblower laws or the process of filing a whistleblower complaint. Page will also give you his honest assessment of your case and tell you how he thinks you should proceed. There is never any cost or obligation for this initial consultation, and it is completely confidential and protected by law.

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AMLO and Mexican women’s fight for equality The next Mexican cabinet will be gender equal. But it is unclear whether Andrés Manuel López Obrador will give the feminist agenda a central role. Español Brisa Ruiz Image: Nueva Sociedad. All Rights Reserved. Last July, the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) issued its recommendations for the Mexican State. It expressed concern about delays in fundamental issues such as tackling the increase in gender based violence and defusing machista culture, as well as lifting the obstacles to accessing justice with a gender sentive perspective. It stated, in addition, that in Mexico there are no strategies for the economic, labour and educational empowerment of low-income, rural, indigenous and disabled women. The document ends by denouncing the lack of law and protocol harmonization on abortion, and the absence of guarantees on access to rights by migrant women, female asylum seekers and refugees. Mexico has historically been an unequal country. Inequalities have a direct impact on the opportunity gap between men and women, and a decisive influence on gender based violence. Almost 7 out of 10 women in Mexico have suffered emotional and sexual violence, and the number of women killed in 2016 was the highest in the last 27 years (on average, 8 women each day). There is no denying the figures: according to recorded data, almost 7 out of 10 women in Mexico have suffered emotional and sexual violence, and the number of women killed in 2016 was the highest in the last 27 years (on average, 8 women each day). However, out of the total of women who suffered violence, a full 88.4% did not request institutional support or file a complaint, for they did not consider it a relevant issue, feared the consequences of doing so, did not know where to report and how to do it, or thought that they would not be believed and would even be blamed for it. On the other hand, sexual violence in Mexico also has a direct impact on forced maternity: between 2009 and 2016, 111,413 complaints were filed for rape – in sharp contrast with the data reported by the public health system, according to which only 63 legal rape-related abortions were performed in the very same period. The machista narrative and sexist dynamics have also wreaked havoc on the construction and maintenance of gender stereotypes and roles: in 2016, the activity to which Mexican women devoted most of their time was food-related services (32.2% of their time), while the activity through which they generated the highest economic value was the "care and support" services to household members (on average, the housework and care tasks that each woman contributed amounted to 2741 dollars, as opposed to men’s 999 dollars). In other words, although progress has certainly been made in incorporating women into the labour market, this has been accompanied by an imbalance in the distribution of household tasks. The rate of economic participation decreases, though, when children come into the picture: if the number of children is between 3 and 5, the participation rate falls below the national average (42%), and goes down to 24% if there are 6 or more children. As for economic distribution and development opportunities – education and employment namely – Mexico faces huge challenges. For example, the percentage of men who earn more than two and up to five times the minimum wage is 38.1%, whereas the percentage of women is 25.8%. Similarly, out of the over one million students aged 18-20 who finished high school and did not go on to higher education in 2013, 41% were men and 59% women. The main reason for quitting was economic: they simply did not have enough money to pay for further education. The data indicates that 21.6% of those who defected for economic reasons were women, while the percentage of men was 14.5%. Poverty and marginalization are also exacerbated in the case of women in rural areas. 69% of men employed as agricultural workers are self-employed, while the percentage is 57% for women. Women rural workers often carry out subordinate tasks, have lower incomes and, in many cases, do not receive any payment for their work. More women in political posts, but few proposals to reduce the gender gap. Given this situation, the obvious question is: will equal quotas in the government have a positive effect on reducing the country's gender gap? The truth is that Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his team have said very little about this. During the election campaign, AMLO questioned the Social Encounter Party (PES) joining his Together We Will Make History coalition, since the former’s conservative outlook - the PES defines itself as the family party - contrasted with the alleged leftist values of AMLO’s campaign. Since then, the only document with specific proposals on gender is the so-called Femsplaining, a document intended to start a dialogue on the subject. The proposals contained in this document address "conjunctural" issues facing the country, but a brief analysis shows that it does not include transformative measures that would contribute to the construction of a feminist and gender agenda. The document proposes seven basic axes: education and culture, economic independence and labor inclusion, harassment and violence, feminization of poverty, reproductive health, violence and access to justice, and public administration with a gendered perspective. Most of the proposals, however, focus on achieving material equality over substantive equality. That is, few of them are aimed at transforming the structural conditions that determine unequal access to women's rights. There is no mention of inclusion strategies with a real gender perspective such as, for example, the distribution of housework between men and women, shared parenting, or extensive paternity leave. Most of the document deals with issues such as the granting of scholarships, salary increases, the construction of productive centers in marginalized urban areas and the opening of more nurseries and children's rooms, but there is no mention of inclusion strategies with a real gender perspective such as, for example, the distribution of housework between men and women, shared parenting, extensive paternity leave, or the designing of new masculinity-building programs for the reduction and prevention of gender violence. It is also surprising that the document does not address two issues of the utmost importance for the real protection, respect and guarantee of women's rights: the harmonization of laws on abortion, and specific strategies for the recognition and development of indigenous and rural women. Regarding the former, there is only a brief mention of the possibility of holding a popular consultation on the issue. Regarding the latter, even though AMLO has appointed two women to head the Office of Rural Development and the Ministry of the Interior, the lack of concrete proposals for indigenous and rural women has effectively ensured their invisibility. Hope may still be on the cards however. The entry of women into the public space and their political representation is undoubtedly something to celebrate, but the future president’s government must consider the various faces of social oppression that Mexican women experience, and design and implement policies and institutional capacities that can have a real impact on the transformation of their lives. Proposals must not only address economic redistribution between men and women, but also prioritize the participation of men in the cultural and symbolic shift away from the prevailing machista discourse and in generating strategies that guarantee and protect women’s rights. This article is published in the framework of our editorial alliance with Revista Nueva Sociedad. See the original here. Unete a nuestro boletín ¿Qué pasa con la democracia, la participación y derechos humanos en Latinoamérica? Entérate a través de nuestro boletín semanal. Suscríbeme al boletín. Published in: democraciaAbierta Mexico 2018: end of an era and regime change? Written by: Guillermo Trejo All articles by: Guillermo Trejo Airport, transparency and the new government in Mexico Written by: Laura Dowley All articles by: Laura Dowley Mexican elections: the security issue Written by: Patrick Corcoran All articles by: Patrick Corcoran Democracy and government This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. If you have any queries about republishing please contact us. Please check individual images for licensing details.

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The sex change commission in Ukraine Transgender citizens in Ukraine have good reason to think that they are all but invisible. Even the EU is not pushing for inclusiveness; and then there is the sex change commission… на русском языке Nadzeya Husakouskaya It is a time of great change in Ukraine. Changes have taken place in Kyiv’s political order and its state borders; and military conflict continues to rage in the east of the country, all of which has captivated the imagination of the international media industry. As these ‘priority’ topics continue to dominate the debate, ‘peripheral’ issues such as feminism and LGBT activism inevitably fade into the background; on the rare occasions that they make it on to the radar, it is in a fragmented and one-sided manner. If the mainstream media is to be believed, the LGBT community has faced two problems in ‘post-Maidan’ Ukraine: the cancellation of the Kyiv Gay Pride in July of this year and the decision of the new government – with EU consent – to defer the inclusion of sexual orientation or gender identity in anti-discrimination legislation. However, there are other things being ignored: the exclusion of particular issues from any debate, and the unequal distribution of power and resources within the LGBT community itself. In this situation, the experiences of Ukraine’s transgender citizens are forced out of the public arena, excluded from the activist agenda, and ignored in academic analysis. A transgender blackout Of more than 40 registered LGBT organisations in Ukraine, Insight is seemingly the only one which advertises itself as an LGBTQI-inclusive organisation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex). The organisation gives priority to some of society’s most vulnerable groups – lesbian, transgender and intersex people. Since 2009, it has been helping and advising transgender people, and providing them with information, and psychological and legal counselling. Issues faced by transgender people in Ukraine are, more often than not, the very last item on the LGBT agenda – that is if they appear at all. According to Olena Shevchenko, director of Insight, this is partly due to the fact that Ukraine’s LGBT organisations tend to follow the vision and priorities of their Western funders, leading to a situation where those organisations are often insensitive to local contexts, and view the problems faced by Ukraine’s LGBT community in a narrow light. Ukraine’s LGBT organisations tend to follow the vision and priorities of their Western funders. ‘Most organisations in Ukraine work with so-called MSM groups (men who have sex with men), and focus primarily on HIV/AIDS as this area received a great deal of funding at one time,’ says Olena. ‘At the last national LGBT conference, where 80% of the attendees were gay men and 20% "the rest", there was a particularly animated debate about lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender people. I am always surprised by people who say that they only work with gay men, and that transgender issues should be an optional issue.’ Though many LGBT and feminist activists skirt over or ignore the transgender subject, the word is neither new nor unknown in Ukraine. The dominant Western (Anglo-American) understanding of ‘transgender’ is extensive and inclusive, and encompasses a diverse range of gender-variant subjectivities and experiences such as transvestism, transsexuality, genderqueer, female and male drag etc. In many non-western contexts such as Ukraine, ‘transgender’ is often re-defined and/ or reduced to particular meanings. Thus, in Ukraine, the term ‘transgender’ refers to what in the West is usually meant by ‘transsexual’; it is used to describe those people whose gender identity does not match the biological gender assigned to them at birth, and who opt for medical procedures in order to ‘transition’ to the opposite sex (both medically and legally). In Ukraine, the term is reduced to the procedure and practice of sex change, and has this narrow meaning both amongst the general public and within the LGBT community. However, it is crucial to understand that the trans community in Ukraine is loath to ally itself with the term ‘transsexualism’ because this is how the state medical institutions have translated ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ (the diagnosis described in the International Classification of Disease-10). Keen to distance itself from this pathologising medical label, the trans community has largely accepted the term ‘transgender.’ That being said, it is important to acknowledge that the transgender community in Ukraine (and indeed everywhere else) is not a homogenous group that thinks and acts in unison. Some view the prefix ‘trans’ as temporary, unnecessary and/or humiliating, and aim to transition into the neat category of ‘man’ or ‘woman;’ others wear the label ‘transgender’ with pride and consider it part of their social and political identity; and yet others feel that the term ‘queer’ is more appropriate to them. In Ukraine, the term ‘transgender’ refers to what in the West is usually meant by ‘transsexual.’ For all its diversity, however, the transgender community in Ukraine is united in the struggles its members face when dealing with the country’s medical and legal institutions during the ‘gender reassignment’ process. The sex change commission In Ukraine, the procedure for sex reassignment – or ‘sex change (correction)’ as it is called in official documents – is regulated by the country’s Ministry of Health, according to Decree No.60 (03/02/2011). This decree determines how the procedures should be carried out and stipulates the 'medico-biological' and 'socio-psychological' indications and counter-indications for changing (correcting) sex. It also provides for a commission of doctors, with the power not only to permit or refuse medical procedures (both surgical and hormonal) but also to determine whether transgender individuals have the ‘necessary’ and ‘sufficient’ grounds to have the sex stated on their official documents, legally changed. Any such change may only be made with the permission of this commission. When I met Max, a transgender man who has already passed the scrutiny of the commission, he described it to me as such: ‘these are people who determine the fates of others. And they behave like people who determine the fates of others. They are conscious of their absolute power and this is reconfirmed to them the moment you first appear before them. They understand that you are utterly dependent upon them and that your life is in their hands. You can do nothing but play according to their rules as long as you possibly can. It is a totalitarian machine…’ According to Insight, the 12 doctors who make up the commission do not change. The rigidity of the commission’s structures makes it almost impossible for transgender people to try again, having already failed, to pass or to challenge the verdict of the commission. The commission’s structures also appear corrupt as some of its doctors actually provide (for payment) the very services they then force upon applicants. Corruption within the medical sector, the imbalance of power, and the victimisation and demonisation of transgender ‘patients’ in Ukraine makes the process of going before the commission a humiliating, traumatic, almost Kafkaesque experience for Ukraine’s transgender citizens. This situation is rendered even more difficult by the fact that they have little say (literally) at the commission hearings. ‘These are people who determine the fates of others. And they behave like people who determine the fates of others.' Anna Kirey, a trans activist, has attended commission hearings in the past (to support transgender ‘patients’ and monitor how they are treated by the commission): ‘during the two evaluations that I attended, there was hardly one word uttered by a transgender person. The doctors didn’t seem interested in their individual needs and didn’t even think to ask them whether they in fact wanted medical or surgical procedures. The evaluations felt more like criminal trials than a process in which the rights and interests of the individuals under discussion were being taken into account.’ For most transgender people in Ukraine, the commission is a necessary and unavoidable evil which they must confront in order to have the sex on their documents legally changed so as to reflect their desired gender identity and, often, their appearance (many begin hormone treatment long before the commission, and without medical advice). Having this change made to their documents is of extreme importance to transgender people because the documents have a profound impact upon their daily lives. Anton, a transgender man, has been taking hormones for quite some time, and his appearance barely differs from that of a ‘natural’ man. However, the discrepancy between his physical appearance and the stated sex in his official documents can make situations, which for most people are safe and unproblematic, both uncomfortable and dangerous. ‘Of course it’s very important for me to have these changes made to my documentation. My current documents make life pretty complicated, from finding work to simply boarding a train. Even the most banal situations can be uncomfortable and difficult for me. For example, I earn extra money by working for a foreign company that transfers the money to me from abroad. For this, you need to open a foreign currency account, and to open a foreign currency account you need to go to the bank. Going to the bank always involves some sort of drama for me. I hand over my passport with a kilometre-long queue of customers waiting impatiently behind me. The girl behind the counter starts to ask questions about my appearance and the name in my passport. Everyone in the crowded bank stops and begins to stare at me. It’s like that everywhere I go. It’s annoying, to say the least. It’s bearable if people just take a look and then move on but some people get aggressive. It’s even worse now with Ukraine’s current situation where there are many threatening people walking around, some with guns.' ‘Voluntary’ hospitalisation Despite the challenges Anton faces on a daily basis, he continues to delay appearing before the commission. His personal reasoning for this is the requirement stipulated by Decree No. 60, for transgender people to admit themselves into a psychiatric hospital before being allowed to come before the commission. According to the decree, individuals must spend between 30 and 45 days in a closed psychiatric hospital, and be officially diagnosed as ‘transsexual’ before being permitted to appear in front of the commission. Ukraine is the only country in Europe, which forces its transgender citizens to be hospitalised in a closed psychiatric facility, before they can be classified as ‘transsexual.’ Being hospitalised in a psychiatric facility is often a humiliating, uncomfortable, and traumatising experience for transgender individuals. Some transgender people succeed in coming to some sort of arrangement with their doctors. Max, for example, took the time to acquire a complete understanding of the nuances of Ukraine’s medical system during his transition process, and managed to secure a partial hospitalisation agreement, whereby he would alternate between one week in hospital and one week at home where he had both work and school commitments. ‘One day you’re a “regular” person, and the next day you have to admit yourself into a psychiatric hospital.’ ‘Nonetheless, it’s a traumatic experience’, says Max. ‘Just imagine, one day you’re a “regular” person, living independently in society and socialising, and the next, you have to admit yourself into a psychiatric hospital. These hospitals have their own regimes. In some of them there are metal bars everywhere, and you can’t just leave or go somewhere. For example, you can’t just pop to the shops to buy a chocolate bar or whatever else you might want. It’s no sanatorium. You’re conscious of everything that’s happening, but you need to stay put inside this nightmare.’ Though some ‘patients’ may wind up under the care of more knowledgeable and caring doctors, and others are able to work the system so as to avoid the very harshest conditions (this is dependent upon the social skills, connections, and financial situation of individuals), it is impossible to avoid hospitalisation completely. This means that, no matter who you are, you will have to communicate with insensitive medical staff, undergo psychological and psychiatric examination, and receive a final diagnosis, which substantially affects and restricts your social opportunities in the future. The contra-indications After receiving the diagnosis of transsexuality, from doctors at the psychiatric hospital, transgender people next have to undergo an examination by the commission of doctors, working under the auspices of Decree No.60, which will then confirm (or not) the diagnosis, and provide (or not) the authorisation for medical and/or surgical interventions. To confirm the diagnosis the commission is guided by the terms of the decree, which stipulates a list of ‘medico-biological and socio-psychological’ contra-indications that must be determined before a ‘sex change’ can be allowed. The list of contra-indications is long, and some of the points give rise to legal complications: for example, being a parent of children under the age of 18 and being married at the time of application. How does one describe a transgender parent on the birth certificate of a child – as the father or the mother? And how is one to understand ‘marriage,’ if in changing the sex of a transgender person, the commission of doctors also changes the marital status of the individual in question to ‘homosexual,’ given that Ukraine’s Family Code does not recognise same-sex unions? Instead of transforming the legal norms, however, the bureaucratic, legal, and ideological apparatus of the State opts for the less complicated route of simply excluding and brushing aside those individuals or minority groups that do not fit into the prevailing binary system and its normative thinking. The list of contra-indications is long, and some of the points give rise to legal complications. Being in ‘violation of social adaptation’ (for example, being unemployed) is a further contra-indication. At the same time, however, demonstrating endocrine, morphological, neurophysiological, psychological, and physical signs of the desired (opposite) sex can speak strongly in the applicant’s favour at the commission hearing, that is to say that, if you want to have surgery to become medically female, you will have a higher chance if you look like a woman, and vice versa. This encourages many transgender people to begin taking hormones without consulting doctors, and before undergoing the commission tests so that their physical appearance is more in keeping with their desired gender. This was the case with the aforementioned Anton who selected his dosage of testosterone based solely upon information he found online and received from his transgender friends. According to Anton, 90% of transgender people in Ukraine do this in order to increase their chances of passing the commission tests. But whilst changes to their physical appearance may help their chances at the commission hearings, they also create other problems for transgender people, as they begin to look less and less like the photos in their passport and other documents. As such, it becomes more difficult for transgender people to find or hold on to a job or to secure housing, all of which falls into the category of ‘violations of social adaptation,’ which, according to Decree No.60, is grounds for refusing a medical and legal ‘sex change.’ Policing transgender bodies The double standards and dictatorial logic of the decree becomes even more apparent when you take into account the final point in the list of contra-indications, which is ‘the refusal to agree to the diagnostic and therapeutic measures recommended by the commission.’ This is a common reason for refusing transgender people the right to medical procedures and alterations to legal documents. What constitutes the recommended measures, however, is not made clear in the decree, and is determined arbitrarily by the commission, which does not take into account the desires or needs of transgender people. In response to a request from Insight for more information on these recommendations, the commission gave the unequivocal answer that ‘all reproductive organs must be removed from the transgender person’s body.’ This response reveals that forced sterilisation is still being practised upon transgender people in Ukraine today. Forced sterilisation is still being practised upon transgender people in Ukraine today. But state control over transgender bodies does not end here. The legal diagnosis of ‘transsexualism,’ which paves the way for potential gender reassignment surgery, and changes to documentation, in turn is a contra-indication preventing both adoption and assisted reproductive technologies (including surrogacy and the cryopreservation of sperm, ova, embryos, and other biological material). Thus, the State seeks to maintain a status quo, in which transgender people are deprived of reproductive and parental rights, and left without any ability to overcome these limitations. Unless they agree to sterilisation, transgender people are not permitted to undergo transformative surgery or to have their documents legally changed; and without changes to these documents it is difficult for transgender people to lead a ‘normal’ life. But what is ‘normal’ Anton is waiting for me in a café. Summer is in full swing and the heat is unbearable but Anton is wearing a fleece, and he is slouched so far down in his chair that he is hardly noticeable. I am familiar with this posture from my other transgender friends. I sit down, take out my notebook, and we start talking. ‘Yes, I take hormones but I don’t think that's what defines me. Hormones are necessary for my bodily transformation – to feel more comfortable and at ease. I’m lucky, right now I can afford not to go before the commission because I have a job where I am accepted as a transperson. And I still hold on to the hope – perhaps foolishly – that there will come a time when the law will change so that we don’t have to go to the nuthouse or go through all these operations. And, let me tell you, if we lived in a society where people responded normally to men who have both a beard and breasts, then I wouldn’t even have the operation. Not ever.’ As Olena Shevchenko of Insight points out, many (but not all) transgender people just want to move quietly from one box to another, to transition from one gender to another, and start living a new and ‘normal’ life. Those who strive for this should undeniably have the right to do so. However, as a society perhaps we should also be placing the concept of ‘normality’ under the microscope. Perhaps we should be asking ourselves whether we want to make space in Ukraine for variation, diversity, and for alternative ways of life. If the answer is yes, then we must find ways to challenge the state systems and institutions, which so zealously monitor and preserve what is ‘normal.’ Get oDR emails A weekly roundup of political and social developments in the post-Soviet space. Join the conversation: get our weekly email Published in: oDR Life in the Chechen closet Written by: Ksenia Leonova All articles by: Ksenia Leonova Brokeback in Belarus Written by: Alyona Soiko All articles by: Alyona Soiko Rights for all oD Russia Queer Russia This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 licence. If you have any queries about republishing please contact us. Please check individual images for licensing details.

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Long Term Ecological Research Catimbau National Park Site Field Course of Ecology and Conservation of the Caatinga 2018 The Field Course of Ecology and Conservation of the Caatinga()(ECCA, in portuguese) has been increasing the capacity of communication and human resources in the areas of ecology and conservation. In 2018, the XI ECCA took place from May 6 to 20, in the Catimbau National Park. The course is promoted by the Post-Graduate Program in Plant Biology of the Federal University of Pernambuco (PPGBV-UFPE) and this year will be focused on "Restoration Ecology of the Caatinga". Dynamics and objectives of XI ECCA The dynamics of the course included lectures on various themes in ecology and biodiversity conservation, as well as the design, execution and exhibition of group projects with potential applications for forest restoration. Thus, the participants had the opportunity to train skills related to scientific practice (elaboration of hypotheses, definition of sampling / experimental design, data collection and oral and written communication), discussing concepts and implementing emerging ecological restoration practices applied to Dry Forests as the Caatinga. The Caatinga has already had six editions of a Field Course, assisting in the training of more than 60 students from several universities, whose work is included in four books already published with the results of the projects developed in the courses (the fifth and sixth books are in final preparation phase). During the course, some pilot activities were also carried out for the Caatinga restoration project that will be carried out in the Catimbau National Park. The project, which is a partnership between Professors Felipe Melo (UFPE) and Professor Gislene Ganade (UFRN), also has the collaboration of professors Marcelo Tabarelli and Inara Leal, and aims at the application of recent scientific findings of the ecology group of Natal -RN on techniques to increase the survival of transplanted plants to restoration areas in the Caatinga. The activities also had the participation of Professor Geraldo Wilson Fernandes (UFMG), invited professor of the course, collaborator Pieter Vranckx and the students participating in the course. It was an excellent opportunity for students to have the experience of participating in the application of the techniques and discussing this approach. For more information, visit the research group site of Professor Gislene Ganade. Field courses in ecology and conservation are a tool adopted for many years throughout the world as they are recognized as the best way to train ecologists, conservation biologists and natural resource managers 'in loco'. Some of the most recognized are offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies - OTS in Costa Rica and Peru (http://www.ots.ac.cr/). These courses consist of intensive training of students in concepts and tools of ecology and conservation of biodiversity. In Brazil, some of these courses are already consolidated and have existed for almost 20 years, as is the case of the Amazon Forest Ecology course (https://sites.google.com/site/ecologiadaflorestamazonica/home) offered by the National Institute of Amazonia-INPA. Others, such as the Pantanal Ecology field course, have been offered uninterruptedly for more than 10 years (http://www.dbi.ufms.br/ecopan/index.htm). The Caatinga has already had six field course editions organized by the Department of Botany of the Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, assisting in the training of more than 60 students from several universities, whose work is included in four books already published with the results of the projects Developed in the courses (the fifth and sixth books are in final preparation phase). Provide the student with the ability to identify issues, formulate hypotheses, develop methodologies and execute ecology projects in the Caatinga ecosystem. Provide a theoretical framework and practical experience in the analysis of spatial distribution, demography and population dynamics, as well as interactions among species, structure and function of communities. Also, offer training in tools and concepts of conservation biology such as: conservation status of biological diversity, ecosystem functioning and main threats to the Caatinga ecosystem. More details at: https://sites.google.com/site/cursocaatinga/ 1st CNPq-DFG Brazil-Germany Workshop presentations Inara Leal - Anthropogenic disturbances, climate changes and the future of Caatinga biota. Andreas Floren - Arboreal arthropods in human-disturbed and native ecosystems in Borneo. Burkhard Budel - Preliminary observations and research proposal on the role of biological soil crusts in the Caatinga. Inara Leal - Long Term Ecological Research on the Caatinga: ongoing and planned projects in the Catimbau National Park. Ingo Grass - Phylogenies, functional traits andcommunities under global change. Jayne Belnap - Biological soil crusts National park design, management, and policies. Kevin Bähner - Effects of forest fragmentation and climate change on plantherbivoreinteraction networks. Leonor Álvarez Cansino - Drought vulnerability and Caatinga forest community changes driven by anthropogenic disturbance.Determining traits for drought resistance across precipitation and land use gradients. Marcelo Tabarelli - The Caatinga Vegetation:ecology and conservation. Mrs Höbener - Instruments and funding opportunities for bilateral and international research collaborations. Natalie Kunz - Vegetation dynamics in the Succulent Karoo: The role of grazing pressure and Biological Soil Crusts. Rainer Wirth - Biotic interactions under human pressure: Research issues, thoughts, and preliminary observations from Catimbau. Sebastian Meyer - Arthropod mediated ecosystem functions along land-use gradients and their relation to biodiversity. Timm Hoffman - Measuring long-term vegetation change in Southern Africa in response to land use. Wolfram Beyschlag - Why do Plants coexist? © 2016 by Teixeira.

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Pew Biomedical Scholars / Directory of Scholars / Theresa Alenghat, V.M.D., Ph.D. Overview Directory of Scholars Theresa Alenghat, V.M.D., Ph.D. Program Details To Apply Division of Immunobiology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati MLC 7038 Theresa.Alenghat@cchmc.org http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/bio/a/theresa-alenghat/ Trillions of microbes live symbiotically in the intestine and act as environmental influences that shape mammalian host physiology. My lab explores molecular mechanisms that underlie how these microbes, called the microbiota, regulate health and disease. Epigenomics refers to modifications that allow genes to be turned on or off in response to environmental cues. We recently discovered an enzyme that integrates signals from the microbiota to regulate host gene expression and intestinal health. We aim to determine how the microbiota fine-tunes the epigenome through this enzyme. Our goal is to assess how mice lacking this enzyme in the intestine respond to infectious and dietary challenges. This work may lead to new treatments for disorders in which the host-microbiota relationship in the gut is askew, such as allergy, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Institution Albert Einstein College of Medicine Amicrobe, Inc Arizona State University ARMGO Pharma, Inc. Asymmetrex LLC Baylor College of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens Boston Children's Hospital Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brigham and Women's Hospital Brown University California Institute of Technology Cardiovascular Consultants, Inc. Cardiovascular Research Institute Carnegie Institution for Science Case Western Reserve University Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Central South University Centre of Advanced European Studies and Research, Max-Planck Institutes Centro de Estudios Científicos Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center City of Hope National Medical Center Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Colorado State University Columbia University Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University Zuckerman Institute Cornell University Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dartmouth College Department of biochemistry and molecular genetics Department of microbiology Duke University Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Emory University Fox Chase Cancer Center Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Genentech, Inc. Georgia Institute of Technology Harvard Medical School Harvard University Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Imperial College London Institut Jacques Monod Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Iowa State University Janelia Farm Research Campus, HHMI Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Katholieke Universiteit Leuven La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology Lankenau Institute for Medical Research Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Marine Biological Labratory Massachusetts General Hospital Massachusetts Institute of Technology Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics Medical College of Wisconsin MedPharm Consulting, Inc. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Merck and Co., Inc. National Cancer Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institute of Genetics National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health National Jewish Health National University of Singapore New York University New York University School of Medicine Newcastle University North Carolina State University Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Ohio State University Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oregon Health and Science University Pennsylvania State University Princeton University Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine Purdue University Quinnipiac University Reactome Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute RIKEN Rockefeller University Rutgers University Rutgers University, Newark Saint Louis University Salk Institute for Biological Studies Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Scripps Research Institute Seattle Biomedical Research Institute Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Stanford University Stanford University School of Medicine State University of New York at Albany State University of New York at Buffalo Stony Brook University Stowers Institute for Medical Research Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Texas A & M University The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia The Commonwealth Medical College The Rockefeller University The Salk Institute for Biological Studies The Scripps Research Institute Thomas Jefferson University Tufts University U.S. Department of Energy University Hospitals university of alberta University of Arizona University of Bristol University of British Columbia University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Francisco University of California, Santa Cruz University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of Cambridge University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Denver University of Delaware University of Geneva University of Georgia university of houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maryland, Baltimore University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts Medical School University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Oregon University of Oslo University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of Southern California University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Würzburg University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wyoming Vanderbilt University Washington State University Washington University Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Weill Cornell Medical College Western Michigan University Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology Yale University Yale University School of Medicine Zhejiang University Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Vanderbilt University Medical Center Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute Universidad del Desarrollo Award Year 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 State Alberta AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA IA IL IN KS KY MA MD ME MI MN MO NC NH NJ NY OH OK OR PA RI TN TX United Kingdom UT VA VT WA WI WY Innovation Fund Investigator Scholar Keywords Host-Microbe 2015 Search Pew Scholars Nicola J. Allen, Ph.D. Brenda L. Bloodgood, Ph.D. Jesse D. Bloom, Ph.D. Michael S. Cohen, Ph.D. Kimberly L. Cooper, Ph.D. Aaron P. Esser-Kahn, Ph.D. Gianna E. Hammer, Ph.D. Michael J. Harms, Ph.D. Christian M. Kaiser, Ph.D. Daniel Kronauer, Ph.D. Marcus Kronforst, Ph.D. Polina V. Lishko, Ph.D. Qin Liu, Ph.D. Carolyn S. McBride, Ph.D. Nima Mesgarani, Ph.D. Douglas Millay, Ph.D. Clarissa J. Nobile, Ph.D. Gary J. Patti, Ph.D. Robert J. Schmitz, Ph.D. Joshua J. Woodward, Ph.D. Ke Xu, Ph.D. Submit an update to this directory entry for Theresa Alenghat, V.M.D., Ph.D.

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Revised and Expanded Edition A revised and expanded monograph of Los Angeles-based Paul McCarthy (b.1945), one of the most influential artists of his generation Interview by Kristine Stiles, Survey by Ralph Rugoff, Focus by Massimiliano Gioni, Update by Robert Storr, Artist's Writings by Paul McCarthy Editions: Hardback | English Price: USD$69.95 Los-Angeles-based artist Paul McCarthy (b.1945) creates Disneyesque installations, sculptures of animal/vegetable/human hybrids and slapstick performances in a purge of a national subconscious. The psycho-sexual desires and anxieties induced by the media and the built environment of contemporary America emerge in his collisions of plastic prosthetic limbs and condiments that stand in for bodily fluids. These works have been variously deployed: through live actions, often documented on video, and more recently in outsized figures and artificial rural environments, combined in overtly sexual ways. McCarthy's work echoes that of European artists such as Joseph Beuys or the Viennese Aktionistes, but gives 'action art' a postmodern twist. This is the first comprehensive survey of over twenty years of work by a profoundly influential artist whose work is in the collections of the world's most important museums. Ralph Rugoff, curator, critic and author of Circus Americanus, has created an important critical framework for contemporary West Coast art. In the Survey he identifies key themes in McCarthy's oeuvre and sets them within a broader cultural context. Expert on live arts and co-editor of Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art, Kristine Stiles talks with the artist about his performances. Giacinto Di Pietrantonio, celebrated for his writings in Flash Art and his curating of public art projects in Italy, focuses on McCarthy's Pinocchio Pipenose Household Dilemma, a nineteenth-century tale told in a post-Disney world. For the Artist's Choice, McCarthy has spliced together various fragments from Jean-Paul Sartre's Nausea, creating his own non-linear rendition of this classic existential novel. The book also includes interviews and previously unpublished notes and poems towards sculptures, performances and videos. Finally renewed art critic and historian Robert Storr investigates how McCarthy's work has evolved over the past two decades. Size: 290 x 250 mm (11 3/8 x 9 7/8 in) Illustrations: 330 illustrations Ralph Rugoff is the Director of the Hayward Gallery in London. In 2005, he won the inaugural Ordway Prize in the category of arts writer and/or curator from the Penny McCall Foundation in New York. Kristine Stiles is Professor of Art and Art History at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, and has contributed to numerous books on contemporary art and performance, including Out of Actions: Between Performance and the Object (1997) and Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art: A Sourcebook of Artists’ Writings (2013). Robert Storr is Dean of the Yale University School of Art. He has directed the Venice Biennale in 2007 and was Senior Curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York from 1990 to 2002. "McCarthy teaches us to acknowledge that we are mortal and split by speaking. His work is death (of the ego) and abject resurrection."—Michael Cohen, Flash Art "The combination of intelligent analysis, personal insight, useful facts and plentiful pictures is a superb format invaluable for specialists but also interesting for casual readers. It makes these books a must for the library of anyone who cares about contemporary art."—Flash Art "The boldest, best executed, and most far-reaching publishing project devoted to contemporary art. These books will revolutionize the way contemporary art is presented and written about."—Artforum Paperback | English Wild Art Hardback | English AKADEMIE X Wallpaper* City Guide Los Angeles

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PCW lauds women athletes in the 2018 Asian Games Submitted by information officer on Mon, 2018-09-10 11:05 The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is one with the nation in celebrating the victories of Filipino women athletes at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from August 18 to September 2. Data from the Asian Games' official website showed that the Pinay athletes bagged 13 out of the 21 medals the country brought home specifically four (4) gold, one (1) silver and eight bronze (8) medals in various games, including the traditionally-male dominated sports such as weightlifting, golf, skateboarding and martial arts. Topping the list are the gold medalists which include Hidilyn Diaz for Women's 53 kg Weightlifting; Margielyn Didal for Women's Street Skateboarding; Yuka Saso for Women's Individual-Golf; and Saso, Lois Kaye Go and Bianca Pagdanganan for Women's Team-Golf. Other women athletes who emerged victorious are the following: Kiyomi Watanabe - Silver Medalist - Women's 63 kg Judo Bianca Pagdanganan - Bronze Medalist - Women's Individual-Golf Margarita Ochoa - Bronze Medalist - Newaza Women's 49 kg Jiu-Jitsu Junna Tsukii -Bronze Medalist - Karate Women's Kumite 50 kg Cherry May Regalado- Bronze Medalist - Pencak Silat Women's Single Pauline Louise Lopez - Bronze Medalist - Taekwondo Women 57 kg Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Rinna Babanto, and Janna Dominique Olive - Bronze Medalists - Taekwondo Women Team Poomsae Agatha Chrystenzen Wong - Bronze Medalist - Wushu Women's Taijijian All-Round Divine Wally - Bronze Medalist - Wushu Women's Sanda 52 kg “The victories of our women athletes prove that Filipinas are indeed strong, empowered, and resilient. They inspire young women and girls to pursue their goals and ambitions no matter how impossible and difficult these may be.” “We continue to call our partners in national and local government as well as in civil society and the private sector to continue to provide better opportunities for women to excel in sports, to increase their participation in athletic leagues and decision-making bodies, and ensure their safety and well-being. As provided for in Section 17 of the Magna Carta of Women, the State must ensure that gender-based discrimination in competitive and non-competitive sports is eliminated so that women and girls can equally contribute to and benefit from sports development,” said PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa. The Asian Games, the biggest multi-sport games after the Olympic Games, is a continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.

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Review: Poster Designer is fun and fast to use By Liane Cassavoy Generic Company Place Holder Poster Designer I was pleasantly surprised when I started using Poster Designer. With its sleek interface and intuitive features, this application impressed me from the start. Poster Designer ($30 for personal use, $50 for business use; free demo with watermarking) isn't perfect, as it lacks some of the more refined features and elegance of Microsoft's pricier Publisher, but it's easy to use and, sometimes, a bit more fun. Poster Designer, which was formerly known as Poster Forge, is designed to allow ordinary people (read: those without any design expertise) to create posters, banners, and signs easily. And it succeeds: when you launch the application, it presents you with a selection of templates that allow you to create a range of posters, from wanted signs to motivational posters and kid-friendly signs. Poster Designer makes it easy to create a sign or a funny, mock-motivational poster in just a few minutes. (The free demo version allows you to create as many posters as you'd like, but places a watermark on any that you print.) Poster Designer features plenty of templates that make it easy to create fun, polished posters quickly. If you want to create something of your own design, you can eschew the templates in favor of a blank canvas. Poster Designer's neat and attractive interface makes it easy to insert text, images, shapes, backgrounds, and more. Poster Designer is much more visually appealing and easier to use than rival product Poster, an $18 application. But fine-tuning your design in certain ways can be a challenge. For example, when I tried to change the size of some, but not all, of the text in a text field, Poster Designer wouldn't allow it. And it continually pushed some of my text off the screen, rather than wrapping it to the next line automatically, as Microsoft Publisher would have done. Poster Designer costs $30 for home use, and it will appeal to parents, teachers, and any folks looking to have a bit of fun or design a few posters. But a business license costs $50, which seems like a lot to pay for a program that lacks some business-friendly options, such as the ability to create pamphlets and more. Microsoft Publisher includes those options, but costs just about $100. If you can find an extra $50 in your budget, upgrading to Publisher will be worth it to your business. Note: The Download button on the Product Information page will download the software to your system. Poster Designer will appeal to home and casual users looking to create attractive posters quickly. Fun templates Can't create pamphlets or print multi-page posters Liane Cassavoy is a veteran technology and business journalist. She contributes regularly to PCWorld and has written about business issues and products for Entrepreneur Magazine and other publications. She is the author of two business start-up guides published by Entrepreneur Press.

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Free Shipping on orders $39+ | No code needed | Not valid outside the U.S. SHOP GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Classroom Kids Valentine's Day Cards Valentine's Day Address Labels Valentine's Day Stickers Trifold Christmas Cards Ribbon Booklet Holiday Cards Luxury Christmas Cards Christmas Ornament Cards Foil Stamped Holiday Cards Funny Christmas Cards Photo Cube Christmas Cards Magnetic Christmas Cards Holiday Envelope Seals Halloween Invitations and Photo Cards Triplets, Twins Birth Announcements Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Invitations Graduation Stationery Trifold Graduation Announcements Ribbon Booklet Announcements Foil Graduation Announcements Mini Graduation Announcements College Graduation Announcements High School Graduation Announcements Photo Graduation Announcements Affordable Graduation Announcements Graduation Address Labels Graduation Envelope Seals Graduation Decorations All Graduation Decorations Graduation Party Yard Signs Graduation Signature Posters Graduation Party Napkins Graduation Photo Posters Graduation Party Table Decorations Graduation Bunting Banners Graduation Cupcake Flags Photo Wedding Invitations Ribbon Booklet Wedding Invitations Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitations Bridal Shower Thank You Cards Surprise Birthday Party Invitations BBQ and Picnic Invitations Custom Party Decorations Custom Party Posters Guest Book Prints Cupcake Flags Stickers and Seals Mini Note Cards Baby & Kids Address Labels Custom Post-it® Notes Personalized Metal Ornaments Custom Kids Books Photo Art and Decor Shop All Photo Art and Decor Custom Photo Posters Photo Wall Prints Tabletop Photo Art Gilded Frame Vertical -- Birth Announcements Item Number: PTG34345BABYVF 3 Reviews — Write a Review Give your birth announcements the look of a gilded picture frame. 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If ordered today, we estimate your order will be ready for shipment on Thursday, January 23. 8 for $19.12 ($2.39 each)16 for $36.00 ($2.25 each)24 for $48.96 ($2.04 each)32 for $65.28 ($2.04 each)40 for $81.60 ($2.04 each)48 for $89.76 ($1.87 each)56 for $104.72 ($1.87 each)64 for $119.68 ($1.87 each)72 for $124.56 ($1.73 each)80 for $138.40 ($1.73 each)88 for $152.24 ($1.73 each)96 for $152.64 ($1.59 each)104 for $165.36 ($1.59 each)112 for $178.08 ($1.59 each)120 for $190.80 ($1.59 each)128 for $203.52 ($1.59 each)136 for $216.24 ($1.59 each)144 for $228.96 ($1.59 each)152 for $220.40 ($1.45 each)160 for $232.00 ($1.45 each)168 for $243.60 ($1.45 each)176 for $255.20 ($1.45 each)184 for $266.80 ($1.45 each)192 for $278.40 ($1.45 each)200 for $248.00 ($1.24 each)208 for $257.92 ($1.24 each)216 for $267.84 ($1.24 each)224 for $277.76 ($1.24 each)232 for $287.68 ($1.24 each)240 for $297.60 ($1.24 each)248 for $307.52 ($1.24 each)256 for $317.44 ($1.24 each)264 for $327.36 ($1.24 each)272 for $337.28 ($1.24 each)280 for $347.20 ($1.24 each)288 for $357.12 ($1.24 each)296 for $367.04 ($1.24 each)304 for $376.96 ($1.24 each)312 for $386.88 ($1.24 each)320 for $396.80 ($1.24 each)328 for $406.72 ($1.24 each)336 for $416.64 ($1.24 each)344 for $426.56 ($1.24 each)352 for $436.48 ($1.24 each)360 for $446.40 ($1.24 each)368 for $456.32 ($1.24 each)376 for $466.24 ($1.24 each)384 for $476.16 ($1.24 each)392 for $486.08 ($1.24 each)400 for $496.00 ($1.24 each)408 for $505.92 ($1.24 each)416 for $515.84 ($1.24 each)424 for $525.76 ($1.24 each)432 for $535.68 ($1.24 each)440 for $545.60 ($1.24 each)448 for $555.52 ($1.24 each)456 for $565.44 ($1.24 each)464 for $575.36 ($1.24 each)472 for $585.28 ($1.24 each)480 for $595.20 ($1.24 each)488 for $605.12 ($1.24 each)496 for $615.04 ($1.24 each)504 for $624.96 ($1.24 each)512 for $634.88 ($1.24 each)520 for $644.80 ($1.24 each)528 for $654.72 ($1.24 each)536 for $664.64 ($1.24 each)544 for $674.56 ($1.24 each)552 for $684.48 ($1.24 each)560 for $694.40 ($1.24 each)568 for $704.32 ($1.24 each)576 for $714.24 ($1.24 each)584 for $724.16 ($1.24 each)592 for $734.08 ($1.24 each)600 for $744.00 ($1.24 each)608 for $753.92 ($1.24 each)616 for $763.84 ($1.24 each)624 for $773.76 ($1.24 each)632 for $783.68 ($1.24 each)640 for $793.60 ($1.24 each)648 for $803.52 ($1.24 each)656 for $813.44 ($1.24 each)664 for $823.36 ($1.24 each)672 for $833.28 ($1.24 each)680 for $843.20 ($1.24 each)688 for $853.12 ($1.24 each)696 for $863.04 ($1.24 each)704 for $872.96 ($1.24 each)712 for $882.88 ($1.24 each)720 for $892.80 ($1.24 each)728 for $902.72 ($1.24 each)736 for $912.64 ($1.24 each)744 for $922.56 ($1.24 each)752 for $932.48 ($1.24 each)760 for $942.40 ($1.24 each)768 for $952.32 ($1.24 each)776 for $962.24 ($1.24 each)784 for $972.16 ($1.24 each)792 for $982.08 ($1.24 each)800 for $992.00 ($1.24 each)808 for $1,001.92 ($1.24 each)816 for $1,011.84 ($1.24 each)824 for $1,021.76 ($1.24 each)832 for $1,031.68 ($1.24 each)840 for $1,041.60 ($1.24 each)848 for $1,051.52 ($1.24 each)856 for $1,061.44 ($1.24 each)864 for $1,071.36 ($1.24 each)872 for $1,081.28 ($1.24 each)880 for $1,091.20 ($1.24 each)888 for $1,101.12 ($1.24 each)896 for $1,111.04 ($1.24 each)904 for $1,120.96 ($1.24 each)912 for $1,130.88 ($1.24 each)920 for $1,140.80 ($1.24 each)928 for $1,150.72 ($1.24 each)936 for $1,160.64 ($1.24 each)944 for $1,170.56 ($1.24 each)952 for $1,180.48 ($1.24 each)960 for $1,190.40 ($1.24 each)968 for $1,200.32 ($1.24 each)976 for $1,210.24 ($1.24 each)984 for $1,220.16 ($1.24 each)992 for $1,230.08 ($1.24 each)1000 for $1,240.00 ($1.24 each)1008 for $1,249.92 ($1.24 each)1016 for $1,259.84 ($1.24 each)1024 for $1,269.76 ($1.24 each)1032 for $1,279.68 ($1.24 each)1040 for $1,289.60 ($1.24 each)1048 for $1,299.52 ($1.24 each)1056 for $1,309.44 ($1.24 each)1064 for $1,319.36 ($1.24 each)1072 for $1,329.28 ($1.24 each)1080 for $1,339.20 ($1.24 each)1088 for $1,349.12 ($1.24 each)1096 for $1,359.04 ($1.24 each)1104 for $1,368.96 ($1.24 each)1112 for $1,378.88 ($1.24 each)1120 for $1,388.80 ($1.24 each)1128 for $1,398.72 ($1.24 each)1136 for $1,408.64 ($1.24 each)1144 for $1,418.56 ($1.24 each)1152 for $1,428.48 ($1.24 each)1160 for $1,438.40 ($1.24 each)1168 for $1,448.32 ($1.24 each)1176 for $1,458.24 ($1.24 each)1184 for $1,468.16 ($1.24 each)1192 for $1,478.08 ($1.24 each)1200 for $1,488.00 ($1.24 each)1208 for $1,497.92 ($1.24 each)1216 for $1,507.84 ($1.24 each)1224 for $1,517.76 ($1.24 each)1232 for $1,527.68 ($1.24 each)1240 for $1,537.60 ($1.24 each)1248 for $1,547.52 ($1.24 each)1256 for $1,557.44 ($1.24 each)1264 for $1,567.36 ($1.24 each)1272 for $1,577.28 ($1.24 each)1280 for $1,587.20 ($1.24 each)1288 for $1,597.12 ($1.24 each)1296 for $1,607.04 ($1.24 each)1304 for $1,616.96 ($1.24 each)1312 for $1,626.88 ($1.24 each)1320 for $1,636.80 ($1.24 each)1328 for $1,646.72 ($1.24 each)1336 for $1,656.64 ($1.24 each)1344 for $1,666.56 ($1.24 each)1352 for $1,676.48 ($1.24 each)1360 for $1,686.40 ($1.24 each)1368 for $1,696.32 ($1.24 each)1376 for $1,706.24 ($1.24 each)1384 for $1,716.16 ($1.24 each)1392 for $1,726.08 ($1.24 each)1400 for $1,736.00 ($1.24 each)1408 for $1,745.92 ($1.24 each)1416 for $1,755.84 ($1.24 each)1424 for $1,765.76 ($1.24 each)1432 for $1,775.68 ($1.24 each)1440 for $1,785.60 ($1.24 each)1448 for $1,795.52 ($1.24 each)1456 for $1,805.44 ($1.24 each)1464 for $1,815.36 ($1.24 each)1472 for $1,825.28 ($1.24 each)1480 for $1,835.20 ($1.24 each)1488 for $1,845.12 ($1.24 each)1496 for $1,855.04 ($1.24 each)1504 for $1,864.96 ($1.24 each)1512 for $1,874.88 ($1.24 each)1520 for $1,884.80 ($1.24 each)1528 for $1,894.72 ($1.24 each)1536 for $1,904.64 ($1.24 each)1544 for $1,914.56 ($1.24 each)1552 for $1,924.48 ($1.24 each)1560 for $1,934.40 ($1.24 each)1568 for $1,944.32 ($1.24 each)1576 for $1,954.24 ($1.24 each)1584 for $1,964.16 ($1.24 each)1592 for $1,974.08 ($1.24 each)1600 for $1,984.00 ($1.24 each)1608 for $1,993.92 ($1.24 each)1616 for $2,003.84 ($1.24 each)1624 for $2,013.76 ($1.24 each)1632 for $2,023.68 ($1.24 each)1640 for $2,033.60 ($1.24 each)1648 for $2,043.52 ($1.24 each)1656 for $2,053.44 ($1.24 each)1664 for $2,063.36 ($1.24 each)1672 for $2,073.28 ($1.24 each)1680 for $2,083.20 ($1.24 each)1688 for $2,093.12 ($1.24 each)1696 for $2,103.04 ($1.24 each)1704 for $2,112.96 ($1.24 each)1712 for $2,122.88 ($1.24 each)1720 for $2,132.80 ($1.24 each)1728 for $2,142.72 ($1.24 each)1736 for $2,152.64 ($1.24 each)1744 for $2,162.56 ($1.24 each)1752 for $2,172.48 ($1.24 each)1760 for $2,182.40 ($1.24 each)1768 for $2,192.32 ($1.24 each)1776 for $2,202.24 ($1.24 each)1784 for $2,212.16 ($1.24 each)1792 for $2,222.08 ($1.24 each)1800 for $2,232.00 ($1.24 each)1808 for $2,241.92 ($1.24 each)1816 for $2,251.84 ($1.24 each)1824 for $2,261.76 ($1.24 each)1832 for $2,271.68 ($1.24 each)1840 for $2,281.60 ($1.24 each)1848 for $2,291.52 ($1.24 each)1856 for $2,301.44 ($1.24 each)1864 for $2,311.36 ($1.24 each)1872 for $2,321.28 ($1.24 each)1880 for $2,331.20 ($1.24 each)1888 for $2,341.12 ($1.24 each)1896 for $2,351.04 ($1.24 each)1904 for $2,360.96 ($1.24 each)1912 for $2,370.88 ($1.24 each)1920 for $2,380.80 ($1.24 each)1928 for $2,390.72 ($1.24 each)1936 for $2,400.64 ($1.24 each)1944 for $2,410.56 ($1.24 each)1952 for $2,420.48 ($1.24 each)1960 for $2,430.40 ($1.24 each)1968 for $2,440.32 ($1.24 each)1976 for $2,450.24 ($1.24 each)1984 for $2,460.16 ($1.24 each)1992 for $2,470.08 ($1.24 each)2000 for $2,480.00 ($1.24 each)2008 for $2,489.92 ($1.24 each)2016 for $2,499.84 ($1.24 each)2024 for $2,509.76 ($1.24 each)2032 for $2,519.68 ($1.24 each)2040 for $2,529.60 ($1.24 each)2048 for $2,539.52 ($1.24 each)2056 for $2,549.44 ($1.24 each)2064 for $2,559.36 ($1.24 each)2072 for $2,569.28 ($1.24 each)2080 for $2,579.20 ($1.24 each)2088 for $2,589.12 ($1.24 each)2096 for $2,599.04 ($1.24 each)2104 for $2,608.96 ($1.24 each)2112 for $2,618.88 ($1.24 each)2120 for $2,628.80 ($1.24 each)2128 for $2,638.72 ($1.24 each)2136 for $2,648.64 ($1.24 each)2144 for $2,658.56 ($1.24 each)2152 for $2,668.48 ($1.24 each)2160 for $2,678.40 ($1.24 each)2168 for $2,688.32 ($1.24 each)2176 for $2,698.24 ($1.24 each)2184 for $2,708.16 ($1.24 each)2192 for $2,718.08 ($1.24 each)2200 for $2,728.00 ($1.24 each)2208 for $2,737.92 ($1.24 each)2216 for $2,747.84 ($1.24 each)2224 for $2,757.76 ($1.24 each)2232 for $2,767.68 ($1.24 each)2240 for $2,777.60 ($1.24 each)2248 for $2,787.52 ($1.24 each)2256 for $2,797.44 ($1.24 each)2264 for $2,807.36 ($1.24 each)2272 for $2,817.28 ($1.24 each)2280 for $2,827.20 ($1.24 each)2288 for $2,837.12 ($1.24 each)2296 for $2,847.04 ($1.24 each)2304 for $2,856.96 ($1.24 each)2312 for $2,866.88 ($1.24 each)2320 for $2,876.80 ($1.24 each)2328 for $2,886.72 ($1.24 each)2336 for $2,896.64 ($1.24 each)2344 for $2,906.56 ($1.24 each)2352 for $2,916.48 ($1.24 each)2360 for $2,926.40 ($1.24 each)2368 for $2,936.32 ($1.24 each)2376 for $2,946.24 ($1.24 each)2384 for $2,956.16 ($1.24 each)2392 for $2,966.08 ($1.24 each)2400 for $2,976.00 ($1.24 each)2408 for $2,985.92 ($1.24 each)2416 for $2,995.84 ($1.24 each)2424 for $3,005.76 ($1.24 each)2432 for $3,015.68 ($1.24 each)2440 for $3,025.60 ($1.24 each)2448 for $3,035.52 ($1.24 each)2456 for $3,045.44 ($1.24 each)2464 for $3,055.36 ($1.24 each)2472 for $3,065.28 ($1.24 each)2480 for $3,075.20 ($1.24 each)2488 for $3,085.12 ($1.24 each)2496 for $3,095.04 ($1.24 each)2504 for $3,104.96 ($1.24 each)2512 for $3,114.88 ($1.24 each)2520 for $3,124.80 ($1.24 each)2528 for $3,134.72 ($1.24 each)2536 for $3,144.64 ($1.24 each)2544 for $3,154.56 ($1.24 each)2552 for $3,164.48 ($1.24 each)2560 for $3,174.40 ($1.24 each)2568 for $3,184.32 ($1.24 each)2576 for $3,194.24 ($1.24 each)2584 for $3,204.16 ($1.24 each)2592 for $3,214.08 ($1.24 each)2600 for $3,224.00 ($1.24 each)2608 for $3,233.92 ($1.24 each)2616 for $3,243.84 ($1.24 each)2624 for $3,253.76 ($1.24 each)2632 for $3,263.68 ($1.24 each)2640 for $3,273.60 ($1.24 each)2648 for $3,283.52 ($1.24 each)2656 for $3,293.44 ($1.24 each)2664 for $3,303.36 ($1.24 each)2672 for $3,313.28 ($1.24 each)2680 for $3,323.20 ($1.24 each)2688 for $3,333.12 ($1.24 each)2696 for $3,343.04 ($1.24 each)2704 for $3,352.96 ($1.24 each)2712 for $3,362.88 ($1.24 each)2720 for $3,372.80 ($1.24 each)2728 for $3,382.72 ($1.24 each)2736 for $3,392.64 ($1.24 each)2744 for $3,402.56 ($1.24 each)2752 for $3,412.48 ($1.24 each)2760 for $3,422.40 ($1.24 each)2768 for $3,432.32 ($1.24 each)2776 for $3,442.24 ($1.24 each)2784 for $3,452.16 ($1.24 each)2792 for $3,462.08 ($1.24 each)2800 for $3,472.00 ($1.24 each)2808 for $3,481.92 ($1.24 each)2816 for $3,491.84 ($1.24 each)2824 for $3,501.76 ($1.24 each)2832 for $3,511.68 ($1.24 each)2840 for $3,521.60 ($1.24 each)2848 for $3,531.52 ($1.24 each)2856 for $3,541.44 ($1.24 each)2864 for $3,551.36 ($1.24 each)2872 for $3,561.28 ($1.24 each)2880 for $3,571.20 ($1.24 each)2888 for $3,581.12 ($1.24 each)2896 for $3,591.04 ($1.24 each)2904 for $3,600.96 ($1.24 each)2912 for $3,610.88 ($1.24 each)2920 for $3,620.80 ($1.24 each)2928 for $3,630.72 ($1.24 each)2936 for $3,640.64 ($1.24 each)2944 for $3,650.56 ($1.24 each)2952 for $3,660.48 ($1.24 each)2960 for $3,670.40 ($1.24 each)2968 for $3,680.32 ($1.24 each)2976 for $3,690.24 ($1.24 each)2984 for $3,700.16 ($1.24 each)2992 for $3,710.08 ($1.24 each)3000 for $3,720.00 ($1.24 each)3008 for $3,729.92 ($1.24 each)3016 for $3,739.84 ($1.24 each)3024 for $3,749.76 ($1.24 each)3032 for $3,759.68 ($1.24 each)3040 for $3,769.60 ($1.24 each)3048 for $3,779.52 ($1.24 each)3056 for $3,789.44 ($1.24 each)3064 for $3,799.36 ($1.24 each)3072 for $3,809.28 ($1.24 each)3080 for $3,819.20 ($1.24 each)3088 for $3,829.12 ($1.24 each)3096 for $3,839.04 ($1.24 each)3104 for $3,848.96 ($1.24 each)3112 for $3,858.88 ($1.24 each)3120 for $3,868.80 ($1.24 each)3128 for $3,878.72 ($1.24 each)3136 for $3,888.64 ($1.24 each)3144 for $3,898.56 ($1.24 each)3152 for $3,908.48 ($1.24 each)3160 for $3,918.40 ($1.24 each)3168 for $3,928.32 ($1.24 each)3176 for $3,938.24 ($1.24 each)3184 for $3,948.16 ($1.24 each)3192 for $3,958.08 ($1.24 each)3200 for $3,968.00 ($1.24 each)3208 for $3,977.92 ($1.24 each)3216 for $3,987.84 ($1.24 each)3224 for $3,997.76 ($1.24 each)3232 for $4,007.68 ($1.24 each)3240 for $4,017.60 ($1.24 each)3248 for $4,027.52 ($1.24 each)3256 for $4,037.44 ($1.24 each)3264 for $4,047.36 ($1.24 each)3272 for $4,057.28 ($1.24 each)3280 for $4,067.20 ($1.24 each)3288 for $4,077.12 ($1.24 each)3296 for $4,087.04 ($1.24 each)3304 for $4,096.96 ($1.24 each)3312 for $4,106.88 ($1.24 each)3320 for $4,116.80 ($1.24 each)3328 for $4,126.72 ($1.24 each)3336 for $4,136.64 ($1.24 each)3344 for $4,146.56 ($1.24 each)3352 for $4,156.48 ($1.24 each)3360 for $4,166.40 ($1.24 each)3368 for $4,176.32 ($1.24 each)3376 for $4,186.24 ($1.24 each)3384 for $4,196.16 ($1.24 each)3392 for $4,206.08 ($1.24 each)3400 for $4,216.00 ($1.24 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each)4944 for $6,130.56 ($1.24 each)4952 for $6,140.48 ($1.24 each)4960 for $6,150.40 ($1.24 each)4968 for $6,160.32 ($1.24 each)4976 for $6,170.24 ($1.24 each)4984 for $6,180.16 ($1.24 each)4992 for $6,190.08 ($1.24 each)5000 for $6,200.00 ($1.24 each) 5 1/8" x 7 1/4" card featuring your personalization White Envelopes are included with your order Customers who like this item also like these as low as $0.70 each 0.70 as low as $39.95 each 39.95 Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Lynn from OR wrote on December 09, 2014: As a novice to creating a card with photos I did have problems but managed to figure it out. All Around Great! Kylie from OH wrote on December 07, 2014: Good quality and designs, good price, and quick shipping. Dan from TX wrote on October 23, 2014: You create high quality products.I am pleased with my purchase and plan to re-order. Pear Tree ships to the United States and Canada. Prices on our site are listed in US Dollars. © 2020 PEAR TREE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Pear Tree's Coupon Codes and Promotions No minimum required Use code LOVEIT at checkout $59 minimum purchase required Use code TAKE25 at checkout 30% OFF THE 2020 Use code GRAD30 at checkout $39 minimum required, no code necessary Not valid outside the U.S.

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Lauren Saria Amsterdam Gives Beer, Tobacco, and Money to Alcoholics to Pick Up Trash Lauren Saria | November 21, 2013 | 6:00am Only in a place like Amsterdam would alcoholics be able to get a job that pays both money and (let's be honest, what they really want) beer. The project, called the Rainbow Foundation project, is financed by the Dutch state and donations, according to Times Live. Employees get paid 10 euros, a half-packet of rolling tobacco, and five cans of beer every day. See also: Cheers! Scientists Say Beer Consumption Is Good for Your Health "This group of chronic alcoholics was causing a nuisance in Amsterdam's Oosterpark: fights, noise, disagreeable comments to women," said Gerrie Holterman, who heads the project. So the idea was that picking up trash would at least keep them busy during the day at -- they work from 9 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m. The alcoholics, who are all in the program voluntarily, are split into groups of about 10, with each group working three days a week. A day of work for the group starts with two beers and coffee before they go out and starting cleaning the city's streets. Then they return at lunch for two more beers and a hot lunch. The shift wraps up around 3:30 with one final beer. "I think I can speak for the group and say that if they didn't give us beers, then we wouldn't come," says one participant, Frank, who "has been jailed for violence, has never worked for anyone, and has no fixed abode." And as nice as it sounds to get beer -- and quite frankly, a lot of it -- at work, Frank points out, "We need alcohol to function; that's the disadvantage of chronic alcoholism." And while participants say the program has given their lives structure for the first time in years, it's not clear whether the program is actually making them drink less. "When we leave here, we go to the supermarket and transform the 10 euros we earned into beer," Frank told the Agence France-Presse. Also on the downside, beer and 10 euros is never going to pay the rent. So we guess we'll have to stick with getting paid in money. Follow Chow Bella on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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FCC vote next month could lead to faster 5G rollout in the states by Alan Friedman / Jun 19, 2019, 2:09 PM Looking to help speed up the rollout of nationwide 5G service in the U.S., the FCC said yesterday that it will be voting next month on a plan that would allow the agency to auction off some mid-band spectrum. To allow this auction to proceed, the FCC would drop a requirement that the mostly unused airwaves in the 2.5GHz band be held for educational purposes. Reuters reports that the spectrum was originally reserved in the 1960s for the Educational Broadband Service (EBS). EBS was originally designed to allow schools to transmit live or pre-recorded instructional material to locations within school districts and on college campuses. The 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum is also leased and used by Sprint. Once the latter merges with T-Mobile, as now seems likely, the latter's low-band 600MHz airwaves will be used with Sprint's holdings to create a nationwide sub-6GHz 5G network. Both Verizon and AT&T appear to be concentrating on using mmWave technology for their 5G networks. Since these ultra high-band airwaves don't have a wide range, the nation's top two wireless providers could take longer than a combined T-Mobile-Sprint to offer mobile 5G service coast-to-coast. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Education Department is not happy about this news. In a letter written to the FCC earlier this month, the department said that the spectrum being auctioned should be employed for educational use only. The Education Department also suggested that some revenue from the auction be used to help students who cannot do homework assignments because they cannot access the internet. According to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, 90% of the spectrum held by educational institutions are leased to wireless companies. Carr says, "many educational institutions have contracted with those providers so that each can focus on what it does best: the former can educate students, and the latter can build wireless networks." 5G is the next generation of wireless connectivity and offers speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G LTE. Once 5G becomes available nationwide, it should lead to the development of new industries and companies.

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Christie Duffy christieduffy Christie Duffy is the New Jersey reporter for PIX11 News. She appears on WPIX weekdays at 5 and 6 p.m. Christie has covered breaking news and investigative stories, including the Chelsea bomber, the Tribeca terror attack and the fatal Hoboken train crash. Duffy exposed braking problems onboard a train that careened into Hoboken Terminal in 2016, killing a young mother. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her continuing coverage of some of the most dangerous rail crossings in the nation. She exposed safety failures in Elmwood Park, N.J., resulting in almost $1 million in upgrades. Christie has also received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Garden State Journalists Association for her coverage of Superstorm Sandy, the internationally watched trial of Dharun Ravi and the untimely death of an Iraq war veteran who survived an IED explosion. She has spearheaded exhaustive investigations into election ballots cast by dead voters; local police departments acquiring grenade launchers, AK-47s and armored tanks; rogue jitney buses; and the true cause of a massive fire that destroyed the Seaside Park boardwalk after Sandy. Christie joined WPIX from New Jersey’s PBS affiliate, NJTV. Prior to that, she anchored financial and economic news. Duffy reported for Verizon FiOS1 News. She began her career at Fox News Channel. Christie grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey.

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Researchers win grant to study workplace human-robot interaction Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researchers have secured a five-year, $3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant focusing on research and training related to the adoption of robotic assistants in the workplace. By Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) October 28, 2019 WPI researchers (from left) Soussan Djamasbi, Jeanine Skorinko, Winston Soboyejo, Cagdas Onal (principal investigator), Yunus Telliel, Jing Xiao, Pratap Rao and Jane Li with the Baxter research robot. Courtesy: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Anticipating a future of work that establishes a division of labor between humans and robotic technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researchers have secured a five-year, $3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant focusing on research and training related to the adoption of robotic assistants in the workplace. WPI received the grant from NSF’s Research Traineeship (NRT) program, which awarded $49 million to 17 institutions across the United States to develop and implement graduate education traineeship models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. According to the NSF, these projects will immerse graduate students in interdisciplinary research and deliver training in career-aligned skillsets, which will enable the next generation of scientific leaders to tackle complex, societal problems. “NRT projects are changing the graduate education landscape and preparing STEM scientists for 21st century careers,” said Karen Marrongelle, NSF assistant director for Education and Human Resources. “These STEM graduate students collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders to tackle complex problems, where solutions often involve large datasets and sophisticated analyses.” Cagdas Onal, associate professor of mechanical engineering at WPI, is the principal investigator on the grant. Onal said the interdisciplinary research program, named “Future of Robots in the Workplace – Research & Development (FORW-RD),” will allow graduate student trainees “…to attain diverse skills needed to navigate opportunities and challenges to shape, guide, and lead the transition to a robot-assisted workplace.” He said the project anticipates training 120 master’s and PhD students, including 30 funded trainees, from mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, computer science, materials science, and user experience design in WPI’s Foisie Business School. Robotic technology in the workplace Onal said the research idea came from informal discussions with Yunus Telliel, assistant professor of humanities and arts and a co-principal investigator. Onal had been examining ways to integrate robotic technology in the workplace in a socially responsible way, and he had informal talks with Telliel, who was curious to understand how humans would respond to such robot technology in the workplace. “In our discussions, we talked about the impact and what this means for the future of how we work,” Onal said. “For example, if the worker isn’t there physically, are they actually responsible for the actions of this robot? Could they still find meaning in their job? There are so many different aspects to consider.” The pair then became aware of the NSF grant and learned that it also aligned with the NSF’s Big Ideas program, which includes a program called “Future of Work.” “We learned about the grant and thought that this would be a great way to explore some of the ideas we discussed,” said Telliel. “This was a perfect opportunity for us as we’re trying to imagine a framework in which a truly transdisciplinary perspective informs the training of the next generation of technologists.” Onal and Telliel acknowledged ongoing public debate as to whether robots will either take jobs away or allow existing workers to perform more advanced tasks. The researchers say that one of the grant’s premises is that the workplace will remain human-centric and that people will shape the success of human-robot collaboration. “The FORW-RD program anticipates the need for industry leaders who would be able to develop an integrated perspective on technological change, social impact, and economic consequences,” Telliel said. FORW-RD’s training activities will cultivate a breadth of interdisciplinary technical and professional skills, in addition to depth in one area of specialization. FORW-RD Thinking seminars will address ethical, social, economic, legal, and technical issues related to the use of robots in the workplace. “We need to continually ask questions so that advisors and students can think about larger issues,” Onal said. “This program is not just about doing technology development and figuring out new algorithms. It’s about making sure the programs are perceived correctly and done right for everyone’s benefit.” www.wpi.edu – Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com. See more Control Engineering robotics stories. Author Bio: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Cultivating robotics and AI for sustainable agriculture Tanya M. Anandan

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Home » Rhythm Rules: 5 Ways to Make Your Chords Cooler more... Lessons • Lessons • Beginner • Chords • Rhythm • Rhythm Rules • Tab Rhythm Rules: 5 Ways to Make Your Chords Cooler Keaton Simons Chops: Beginner Theory: Beginner Lesson Overview: • Create more interesting chord progressions. • Learn how to use extensions. • Add more interest to chords through the use of inversions and substitutions. Click here to download MP3s and a printable PDF of this lesson’s notation. As a songwriter, I like to start simple and build from there. Some of my favorite songs to play (including many of my own) only have a few chords. These techniques will help to make things more compelling without over-complicating the basic framework of the piece. Having said that, it’s fine to geek out and compose music that isn’t simple! There is plenty of room for simple, complex, and everything in between. I’m always looking for ways to keep it interesting and increase my options while enriching my harmonic landscape. Let’s take a simple and common set of chord changes like the VIm–IV–I–V progression. In the key of G major those basic chords are E minor, C, G, and D. These are the same chord changes (in a different key) that I use in my song “Beautiful Pain,” as you can see in Fig. 1. Nothing too groundbreaking here, but let’s look at five different ways to make them more interesting. 1. Extensions< When you see a chord like E7#11b13, do your eyes cross? Have no fear, it’s really not as complicated as it looks (or sounds). First, you have the root—in this case, E—and then you have the quality (major, minor, dominant, etc.). So far, so good. Now is where most people get lost. The numbers after the quality (#11, b13) indicate the extensions and alterations. These are non-diatonic notes that can add color, depth, and sophistication to a chord. They also open up more opportunities for voice-leading and finding common tones between chords. For example, if we take the vanilla C chord shown in Fig. 1 and add a D, we now have a Cadd9 chord. Simple, right? Now, let’s look at the first chord in the progression, a basic Em shape. Let’s start by changing the first chord from Em to Em7 (E–G–B–D). Now, the 7 isn’t normally considered an extension, but it does create a common tone (D) between the first two chords. Because both the G and D major chords also contain the common tone, it can smooth out the transition between chord changes while creating layers of harmony (Fig. 2). If you want to get even more colorful you can do something like Fig. 3. For example, by making the Em7 into an Em9 (E–G–F#–B), the C into a Cadd9#11 (C–E–G–D–F#), the G into a Gmaj7 (G–B–D–F#), and the D into a Dadd9 (D–F#–A–E)–you can really take it out there. 2. Suspensions You can suspend the tonality of a chord by replacing the 3 with either the 2 or 4. This creates a gentle, almost ethereal dissonance that can really bring some flavor to your changes. For example, by making the D into a Dsus4 (D–G–A), you now have a common tone—G (Fig. 4). This is another subtle way to enhance your changes. Although similar to the effect of a chord extension, I think you’ll find that the differences make understanding both approaches more than worthwhile. 3. Inversions By rearranging the order of notes, you can bring out different sides (I think of them as personalities) of a chord. When you have a song that consists of the same three or four chords over and over again, you’ll want to keep it interesting, and this is a great way to do it. Let’s make the D chord into a first-inversion shape (otherwise known as a D/F# or D with an F# in the bass). In this context, you can really alter the personality of that chord and therefore the entire set of changes (Fig. 5). This is an idea I really think about when composing my own songs. 4. Voicings There are several different places on the neck where you can “voice” the same chord. The transformation in this case is almost mystical because you are playing roughly the same notes, but when it’s in a different position on the neck they can sound quite different. For example, by playing Em9 with the root on the 7th fret of the 5th string, you can increase the cool factor while breaking yourself out of the open position box (Fig. 6). 5. Substitutions You can also substitute a chord for another chord that shares one or more common tones. Check this out: Try substituting an Am7 (A–C–E–G) for the C chord. You can really create a departure from the repetitive (Fig. 7). As you can see, both chords contain the notes C, E, and G. I use this technique more when I’m composing because the change is more pronounced. Bluesy singer/songwriter Keaton Simons is truly what the Los Angeles Times terms “a triple threat.” He captivates audiences with an authentic voice, compelling and soul-baring songs, and a command of both acoustic and electric guitars in every genre. Keaton’s new album Beautiful Pain is out now on Best Revenge Records. For more information, visit keatonsimons.com. Download: Jun13_LESS_RhythmRules_Fig1.mp3 Download: RhythmRules-June2013.zip Rhythm Rules: 8 Ways to Navigate a 12-Bar Blues Rhythm Rules: 6 Essential Exercises to Improve Your Groove Rhythm Rules: Atypical Funk

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Movie review: There’s very little bliss in the sad, haunting beautifully made ‘Marriage Story’ There’s a very popular but unofficial genre of motion pictures known as date movies. You know: “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Before Sunrise.” Boy meets girl, things go wrong, things go right. Then there are the opposites of those, the loud and nasty bad relationship movies: “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Husbands and Wives,” and the granddaddy of them all, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” It’s difficult to figure where to place “Marriage Story.” There’s some yelling involved, but not a lot. There’s mostly moods of frustration and sadness - along with, fortunately, a beautifully crafted script, a few well placed laughs (as in a subtle Beatles-related bit near the end), and performances that are firing on all pistons. Writer-director Noah Baumbach knows how to make small, personal, heartfelt films. His most successful, box-office-wise, is still “The Squid and the Whale,” but my thoughts remain more positive for “Greenberg” and “While We’re Young.” And this one. The momentarily confusing opening of “Marriage Story” features the off-screen voice of Charlie (Adam Driver) discussing what he likes about his wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), and his words are accompanied by home movies showing good times with the two of them and their young son Henry. That segues into her off-screen voice taking a turn at the same activity, with some of the same home movies. They both also include, almost as afterthoughts, a few things they don’t particularly like about each other. But those opening moments, that never show anyone speaking, stay within the realms of being light and breezy. It’s after this prologue, when the characters are in front of cameras, playing out the story, that we begin to learn about their similarities - they’re both artists on the rise. He’s a hot experimental New York theater director. She’s a California TV actor who has switched to the theater and settled with him in New York so they can work together. And we learn about their differences which, as the story unfolds, are shown to be more of a problem than either of them had ever considered. This is a story of a marriage in trouble, one that, although both partners love each other, is probably heading toward an abyss from which there’s no escape. They both realize this, and they both struggle to find a way to deal with it amicably. For instance, he’ll work in New York, bringing his small, artsy production of “Electra” to Broadway. She’ll leave the play and, taking Henry along, will split for L.A., where she’ll make a TV pilot. It’ll be a breather for both of them. Then she’ll come “home” to New York and they’ll figure out a way to keep things together. No, that’s not going to work, but “We love each other and we want to do what’s best for Henry. So, we’ll separate, but no lawyers! We’ll handle this ourselves.” No, that’s not going to work, either. Say hello to her lawyer, the bright and calculating and possibly man-hating Nora (Laura Dern.). Nicole, under Nora’s bitter guidance, believes this will be for the best. Up against a wall and not knowing what to do, Charlie hires the no-holds-barred shark of a lawyer Jay (Ray Liotta), but soon sheds him for down-to-earth lawyer Bert (Alan Alda). Let the games begin. Charlie and Nicole are two nice people who, against their wills, become caught up in traps set by their lawyers. I wonder what audience reactions are going to be. Will men be rooting for Charlie? Will women be on Nicole’s side? Will Bert be considered too wimpy? Will Nora be known as a villain? Maybe Charlie and Nicole are simply too self-centered to be in a marriage. There are scenes where their love for each other is clear, but then there are moments where they have nothing to say to each other. One uncomfortable sequence boils over into a yelling match that will rattle viewers as much as the characters. Partly because of the venom that’s spewed, but partly because that love is still there. So, another warning. If you’re in a troubled marriage, steer clear of this film. And if you’re considering seeing this with someone on a first date, there’s a very good chance there won’t be a second date. Written and directed by Noah Baumbach With Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta

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Republicans fail to eliminate abuse of power charge against Trump ​ By IANS | Published on ​ Fri, Dec 13 2019 1:33 IST | ​ 21 Views NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2019 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Economic Club of New York in New York, the United States, Nov. 12, 2019. Trump on Tuesday criticized Federal Reserve's monetary policies, saying central bank's h. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Dec 13 : The Republican minority on the House Judiciary Committee has tried - but failed - to eliminate the "abuse of power" accusation against President Donald Trump in the debate before the vote on the articles of impeachment against him for exerting improper pressure on Ukraine. The impeachment charges will probably be easily approved by the committee, which has an overwhelming Democratic majority, and then the impeachment case will be ready for a vote by the full House, which is also controlled by the Democrats, Efe news reported. During the two-hour debate in committee on that amendment, GOP legislators, ardent supporters of Trump, argued vehemently against including the abuse of power article in the two-article impeachment case against the president. However, despite their efforts - which consisted largely of using the committee proceedings as a forum to denounce the impeachment process and to attempt to erode the Democrats' case against the president - the committee voted 23-17 along party lines to reject the amendment that would have removed the abuse of power charge. Republican lawmaker Jim Jordan of Ohio presented the amendment to remove the abuse of power charge claiming that it "ignores the truth." Lawmakers then launched into a bitter debate on the matter, which conservatives on the committee took as an opportunity to denounce a process that they claim is unfair to Trump and to try to undermine the Democrats' case. "It's obvious to all of the American public that this is a railroad job," said Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin in support of Jordan's amendment. "The facts speak for themselves. There was no impeachable offense here," he added. Meanwhile, Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee insisted that "the president abused his power and is a continuing threat, not only to democracy but also to our security." The Republicans plan to put forward other amendments to the impeachment articles, but they are all virtually certain to be rejected by the committee in unwavering party-line votes. In September, Democrats announced the opening of an impeachment inquiry into Trump's actions after an anonymous whistleblower revealed to US intelligence services the content of a July telephone call between the president and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zeleneky. In that call, Trump asked Kyiv to launch an investigation of his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son Hunter for alleged corruption in the East European country, a claim for which no evidence has yet been shown to exist and which Ukrainian officials have rejected. During both the closed-door and public hearings in which assorted witnesses testified before several House committees, lawmakers heard details about how Trump conditioned already-approved US military aid and a White House visit for Zelensky to the launching of the probe of the Bidens' activities. If the impeachment articles are approved in the Judiciary Committee, which in all likelihood will be the result, the case will move to the full House, which will have to vote on an as yet unspecified date on whether or not to hold an impeachment trial of Trump in the US Senate. Thanks to the Democratic majority in the House - where they hold 235 seats versus 198 for the Republicans - it is expected that the impeachment case will be handed to the Senate, where the chances of the president's conviction are significantly lower, given that a two-thirds majority of lawmakers would be required to remove him from office and the GOP dominates the chamber with 53 of the 100 seats. Plea in SC challenging National Commission for Minorities Act Karnataka to set up centre for Internet of ethical things 10 FIRs registered against AAP ahead of Delhi polls

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Measures for Slowing Growth in Electricity Consumption by Ronald D. Doctor Energy Conservation, Where are the possibilities for slowing the growth of electricity demand? This discussion examines the three greatest sources of growth — heating, cooling, and lighting — in terms of four major growth-slowing measures: improved building insulation; substitution of gas for electricity in selected end uses; use of solar energy for heating and cooling; reduced electricity requirements for lighting. These measures would apply to new construction and appliances only. Improved insulation could result in 40-50 percent savings in residential heating-cooling. Increased residential-commercial use of gas could be more than offset by decreased use of gas at the electric utility. Solar energy devices could decrease energy for heating-cooling 70 percent. Selective conversion to fluorescent lighting and basic conservation practices could reduce electricity used for household lighting by 50 percent, and by about one-third in the commercial sector. If, overall, a 3 percent average growth rate can be achieved, many problems could be relieved or postponed to allow time for long-term solutions. (Statement before the Assembly Subcommittee on State Electrical Energy Policy, February 23, 1973.) Consequences of the Present Policy of Demand Accommodation Doctor, Ronald D., Measures for Slowing Growth in Electricity Consumption. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1973. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P5017.html. Also available in print form. Doctor, Ronald D., Measures for Slowing Growth in Electricity Consumption, Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND Corporation, P-5017, 1973. As of January 19, 2020: https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P5017.html

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Pyfer Reese Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Expungements and Pardons Probation and Parole Violations Retail Theft and Shoplifting Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) Discrimination & Harassment General Practice Areas Business Incorporations Buying or Selling Real Estate 717 Serious Injury Attorney Robert H. Reese, Jr. Practice Area Specialties: Lawyer Robert H. Reese Robert H. Reese, Jr., is a shareholder of Pyfer, Straub, Gray & Farhat, P.C. and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Reese brings with him his expertise in family law, specializing in divorce, custody and support. He also specializes in criminal law and has been a participant in Driving Under the Influence Seminars put on by the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Council. Mr. Reese is a native of Lancaster County, having graduated from Manheim Township High School, class of 1965. He is a graduate of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, with double majors of honors in political science and honors in American history. He graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1972. In addition to practicing law in Lancaster County, he has practiced law in 27 Pennsylvania counties and has appeared in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Reese has had a number of his opening and closing arguments published in national publications. Mr. Reese is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Lancaster County Bar Association and has been admitted to practice in both the Eastern District and Middle District of the United States Federal Court. He is also a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Reese is a key cog in Pyfer’s posture as the foremost divorce lawyers in Lancaster. Mr. Reese has been involved in sports his entire life and in college gained All-American status as a runner. He has completed numerous marathons and ultra marathons in the eastern part of the United States. He is the past president of the Manheim Township High School Booster Club, a past Officer of the Manheim Township Soccer Club and also a past Officer in the Lancaster County Girls Soccer Association. Mr. Reese is also affiliated with the Central Pennsylvania United States Naval Academy Parents Association. Google Map Does Not Work Without JavaScript Enabled 128 North Lime Street 2801 Willow Street Pike Willow Street, PA 17584 2550 Kingston Road, East York, PA 17402 Ephrata, PA 17522 © 2020 Pyfer Reese | All Rights Reserved MMDAF MMDAF 2 NCDD Best of Lancaster NLCCC

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Podcast Episode 105: Patrick & Imelda Bourke, Owners Patrick Bourke Menswear & The Pantry | 90 Years In Retail Jun 7, 2018 5:08:12 PM Patrick & Imelda Bourke, 90 years in retail with two locations in Ireland share what being customer-centric looks like, how money isn't what drives his customer service and more. The money is part of the transaction, but it's not the major part of the transaction Treat everyone equally whether it's the guy with the big car or whether it the guy that's on his little bicycle up the road Let them walk out feeling a foot taller than when they came in Listen to it on Apple Podcasts. Listen on Google Play. Don't forget to subscribe, comment and like on your favorite podcast platform. You can also watch this podcast recording on YouTube I saw this excellent video about Patrick Bourke at the Retail Excellence Awards and said I have to meet these two... Bob: I am here in Dublin, Ireland, and I've had the most wonderful time with these two folks. And, well, tell me Patrick, what happened last night? Patrick: I got a totally flabbergasting surprise at the Retail Excellence dinner and that our family business is 90 years in business this year. Bob: Okay, 90 years. Patrick: Ninety years, I'm the third generation in the business and I'm behind the counter for the last 55 years at this stage, and I was awarded with a beautiful plaque and it really, really knocked me for six. I wasn't expecting it in any shape, make or form. I got beautiful compliments and accolades and that which knocked me for six for a while. And after, when I got my legs back again, I was totally delighted. Bob: Well, you should be, and who is this lovely woman next to you? Patrick: This lady here is my wife Imelda. Imelda: Yeah, okay. Bob: Tell us about what you do and how... Imelda: Okay, so, I'm with...we're married over 30 years so, I support Patrick all the way. I'm actually a home economics teacher myself, so I'm very into food as well, Bob. I love Irish food and local food, and I run a restaurant on the Wild Atlantic Way which I'm sure all your listeners would be familiar with in Ireland. Bob: I hope so. Patrick: If not, they are now. Imelda: And I'm in Kilkee in County Clare, a nice seaside town and it's where Patrick grew up. So, we started...Patrick actually started my business for me when I left college. He gave me a loan of £500 for my business. Bob: Really? Patrick: Five-hundred pounds. I will never forget. Imelda: Yeah, he's good. Bob: And you both love customer service? Imelda: Service, yes. Bob: Yes, I mean, they were at my keynote yesterday and we just bonded over like, "Yes, that's exactly what we were talking about." But, in a world where everybody is talking about...it's all about technology and it's all about knowing, you know, your smartphone, all that, you both have a different version of that, right? Patrick: I'd say we probably still have a lot of old-school ideas and old-school habits, you know, and that which we were brought up with because both our parents were in business before us in different businesses. And we were just brought up that you appreciate your customer. Your customer is not a lone friend or a way you make a living out of, he's your next-door neighbor, he's the guy you meet in the street, he's the fella you meet at a football match, he's the guy that you tag out, you know, for a wedding, for a funeral, for any event. Bob: He's not someone to take money from? Patrick: No, no, no, no. But, the money is part of the transaction, fine, but it's not the major part of the transaction. It's the familiarity, the friendships and the acquaintances that are built up over the years. Bob: And you talked about it as a spider web, that spider web and communities... Patrick: Cobweb in the community and that, you know, families are intertwined in smaller areas, they're related and businesses are a part of the network of the community and the fabric of the community and, you know, they all cross at different points. Bob: And that's what keeps it strong, right? Patrick: Exactly, very much so, yeah. And so, if one part falls down, if the family, you know, families maybe die out or business closes down or whatever, you know, there's a hole in that web and it takes a long time for that hole to be repaired. Bob: That's right, but it's up to all of you to repair that, right? Imelda: Everybody comes together, they support each other, yeah. It's important. Bob: I think that's great. And you said you started out at seven years old at the knees of your great grandfather, is that it? Patrick: Well, yeah, the knees of my grandmother and...yeah, my granny... Bob: At the grocery store or something? Patrick: That's right in the grocer. My granny and my mother...had a grocery store and my granny was at the menswear shop, her husband had just passed away the year I was born actually. And that so, you know, she in her own right was a particularly strong woman as well. During the war, we had rationing here in Ireland and she went around the country buying butter and eggs and exchanging them for tea and sugar from the towns. She was one of the first women that was able to drive. Bob: She was an entrepreneur. Patrick: Yeah, she was in her own way. Imelda: She made cakes then. Patrick: Cakes, yeah, wedding cakes, everything like that, yeah. Imelda: Something in the business selling, like that, the clothes shop, if maybe it wasn't that busy and she'd make the cakes to supplement. That was his granny, yeah. Patrick: And my mother then had the grocery shop in Kilkee Seaside Resort and that was a very busy resort at that time with families coming from Limerick, the city close enough to us. And that is, you know, for four months of the year she opened at 7:00 in the morning, she closed at 11:00 at night. The staff... Bob: Wow, you think they have long hours at a mall, that's a long time. Patrick: Yeah, exactly. So, you know, the girls that worked in the shop with my mother left 8:00, so family members cloud in the other three hours so, you know, even though I was in 7, 8, 9 and 10 and 11, I worked from 8:00 to 11:00 at night. Bob: Wow. And we talked about that...all three of us share that starting off as a, kind of a janitor, right? Patrick: Yeah. Bob: I mean, that's the stuff that we still notice today, this stuff that nobody else would notice unless you did that job. Patrick: That's true. We have a...you know, the chewing gum stuck to the footpath outside the door, you know... Bob: But, you notice that so, see that's the thing, customers notice that. Patrick: Yeah, they do and I would notice it and, you know, and we have to go...we are the people that end up cleaning that because everybody else will pass it. Imelda: Pass it by. Bob: Absolutely, and then pretty soon you look around, you're like, "My store looks terrible. Well, that's my fault." Right? Patrick: Yeah, that's right. Bob: What's the biggest, best advice you think you ever received? Patrick: God, I suppose, you know, my mother always had the thing, "Be honest in business. Never ever do your customer wrong." Imelda: No, and she always preached as well...she was a fantastic woman, his mom. She was a great businesswoman, she was always smiling and joking, funny, but she said, "Treat everyone equally whether it's the guy with the big car or whether it the guy that's on his little bicycle up the road. You treat everyone equal, and she was as good...whatever...every person that came in her door, she treated them with respect. Bob: I think that's the secret, but you have to train that because right now. We've got every kid who's got something nasty to say at a reality show about somebody else, right, and it's funny to say something, but it's not funny to hear someone talk bad about one of your customers, is it? Patrick: No, no, no, that's a horrible... Patrick: It's one that we, you know, we wouldn't allow our staff to do. We wouldn't do it ourselves so, wouldn't allow anybody else to do it. Yeah, everybody is treated equally, everybody is treated the same with the utmost of respect in every way, but as well they're treated in a very friendly manner. And that's the main thing, the friendly manner. Bob: So, you start off being friends and then just go from there. You're not waiting for them to like you first, you gotta like them first, is that it? Patrick: That's it, yeah, but we do, yeah. And I suppose we're in such a small and closed in community as well and we're in business for so long in the community. We have a certain reputation, possibly, you know, and our reputation would be good so, you have to uphold that reputation. Bob: I think you have better than a good reputation, I think you have an amazing reputation, my friend. You know, we talked last night, towards the end about being story collectors. I think that's just a great idea, that...and we were talking about like, your...I'll take people for graduations and for weddings, but you're also kind of a counselor, right? You have some stories along that line. Patrick: You know, that's the thing, when you get so close to your customer like we do over the years, you know a bit about their background history, you know, the marriages or deaths or, you know, problems of any sort and they come to you automatically because they know that box will sort me out. And we often get a guy in on a Saturday morning, he was going to a wedding that day, he needs a suit, he needs a shirt, he needs a tie, he needs a haircut, and the suit might need alterations. We have our own in-house tailors. We have a barber in-house. We'll iron the shirt for the guy. We'll turn up the trousers. we'll lace the shoes, and I've actually often even polished customer shoes myself, see? I will let them out. Bob: But see I think that's...but, because all you're selling is a feeling and you want them to feel a certain way when he walks out there and you're giving it to him, that's a big gift. Patrick: Yeah, when they feel...let them walk out feeling a foot taller than when they came in. Bob: And that's the other thing that I thought was really great about Patrick, that they added the barber shop because...and you were telling me about the rugby player...McGregor, right? Patrick: Connor McGregor Bob: What did he do for menswear? Patrick: Yeah, Connor McGregor was the best thing that hit the Irish fashion trade in the last 40 years I'd say, since the Beatles maybe. Connor McGregor, he dresses well. He puts a lot of time and effort into his appearance, from his hair to his beard, right to the very fashionably crafted suit's that he wears. So, he has become an icon to the younger people of Ireland, and obviously a very successful fighter and now become a very successful businessman, but his wardrobe is what really took off in Ireland. They're copying his look. Bob: And that grooming that beard that's what brought him back to the barbershop? Patrick: Very much so, yeah, twice. We noticed that not alone the checked suit which was his signature look with the waistcoat and the way tailored his hair, his beard and that, you know, we said, "We've got to have this add-on. We have to add both on this to our business just to complete the look." Bob: Well, absolutely. Patrick: It's very successful that we did it. Bob: Yeah, I love that. Patrick: Very successful. Bob: So, we also talked last night. So, when Patrick and I were chatting, out of nowhere, he picks out one of these from his pocket which we have three here, unfortunately, you can't get it and I don't know exactly how even pronounce what this is or the game. Imelda: Slither. Bob: Slither ball, but I want you to tell me what is...and you have a video, by the way about behind these as well, but what is your goal for this...this is a sporting goods ball. Patrick: This is your traditional Irish slither which we'll say would relate in England to a cricket ball or in America to a baseball. It's played with a stick of ash, you know, ash is the timber that's used in it. It's a very, very fast ball...this ball travels at over 100 kilometers an hour when it's hit, so it's quite an iconic sport really, but our County Clare won the all-Ireland which would be the equivalent of winning... Bob: World Series in America. Patrick: World series, exactly, exactly. So, I bought 5,000 of these from Pakistan where they're made because they're similarly made to a cricket ball. And then so, what we do now is that we will launch this ball's slither challenge. Bob: It's just this week, I think. Patrick: That's right. Imelda: Yes. Bob: Yes. Patrick: So, anybody going on holidays or an expedition or any sort of a trip, we give them to our customers and then take them off with them...take a photograph in front of an iconic building, place, wherever, anywhere in the world and send us back the photograph on social media. The best photograph every month wins a makeover. Bob: So, then I didn't know there was a prize. I thought it was just a...hey. Patrick: Yeah, yeah, but as well as that, what part has really surprised me is that from the photographs we're getting, how far around the world and how out of the way places that, not alone Irish people, but Clare people get...we have from Alcatraz, we have from pool parties in LA, but we have also from the other side of the world, down Tasmania and we even had from base camp in Everest. Bob: Oh, my goodness. Patrick: Yeah, where a local guy climbed Mt. Everest. Bob: And again, think about what it is to carry this. I mean you're packing your product just to be able to take a picture of it. I mean that's the epitome of loyalty, and it didn't come from an app, folks. It came from this guy doing the hard work of coming up with...well, with great marketing things too. Bob: Yeah. Patrick: Coming up with an idea. Bob: Right? Bob: So, tell me about your socks too. I love your socks idea. Patrick: Yeah, anybody who purchases a suit from us, we give them socks, and the socks have our name on them. So, if somebody admires the suit that you're wearing and then they say, "Well, where did you get the suit?" You just pull up the leg of your trousers. "There, that's the guy, Patrick Bourke written on these socks." Bob: It's right there, I love that. I love that, and again, it all comes down to having fun with it and the Idea of that one-stop groom that even if the guy didn't think of it for 24 hours, he could still be a winner with you whereas in a lot of other places, like, "We can't do that, you know, you should've been here a week ago. We can't get..." And you have a lot of testimonials on your page too, people saying you outfitted the whole wedding party. Patrick: You know, part of what we often say is that the impossible we can do at once, miracles take a little bit longer. Bob: I love that. Patrick: All we do is, you know, I will say to anybody, young or old, it doesn't make a difference that I can knock three years off you by showing you how to wear your clothes properly, so we can have three years... Bob: So, hold on a second because I think that's really fascinating. So, give me one tip, you know, because I get tired of my clothes. I think that's the problem with me, but... Patrick: Yeah, well, funny...if physically, you have the...within reason, a decent shape, by wearing the silhouette of your jackets a little bit neater, you know... Bob: Actually, does that mean a little tighter? Patrick: Tighter, yes, a little bit tighter...I don't mean painted onto you, but I mean fitted, you know, firmed onto you and that it actually shows the contours of your body and your shoulders much, much better, whereas if you wear your garments lose, they sag on you, but they actually make your body look like it is drooping as well, you know. So, little things like that. A proper length in the trousers and wearing the trousers something like... Bob: Proper length of the trousers one of my pet peeves. Guys who get trousers too short, it makes you look short. You don't realize it's all about looks. I used to sell cowboy clothes. Patrick: That's right, yeah. Bob: So, the way we would talk about it is, you know, cowboy clothes have that yoke up here and so, we say, "So, if it does this to your shoulders, what's it do to your waist?" and they would all just go...you'd be in front of the mirror, "If it does to your shoulders, what's it do to your waist?" we're like, "Exactly." and it was just fun to see their eyes like, "Wow, really, that works?" like, "yeah." It's all about that image. Patrick: That's true. Bob: That image and that feeling. Patrick: When I started in the menswear in the early '70s, the lariat tie with the cowboys, that was actually popular at the time, yeah, and then the cravat. Bob: Right, right, right, yeah, yeah, yeah. Patrick: That was another idea that was popular. Bob: Are you gonna bring that back? Patrick: I can see it happening in maybe...you have to think that in order to be fashionable, fashion changes with hairstyles. Long hair brought in bell bottoms and low-cut denims and everything like that. Short or meter hair brought in more formed, more fitted clothes so, the hairstyles have to change with the fashion change and at the moment, it's all clean cut. Bob: And it's all really trim. I'm not that trim anymore, I'm 60. Patrick: You're not bad [inaudible 00:16:27], no, no, no. Bob: I'm not bad, but, you know. So, one of my favorite questions that I ask is that both of you have to answer this, all right? So, you have a friend, they've just rung you up and they said, "I wanna have coffee., I wanna tell you something." So, you go to coffee, but it's your favorite place and they say, in your case, "I wanna...If you have to open a restaurant. I wanna open a restaurant, always wanted to open it." What would you tell them? Imelda: What would I tell them? Bob: Actually, there they are, speak to them, right because that's your friend. Imelda: Well, I owned the restaurant for over 30 years. It's very hard work I would tell them. I start every morning at 5:30 a.m. and I start with all the baking because we make everything on site, every morsel in my restaurant is homemade. So, I would say to them, they need to learn the product first. They need to be trained in the product. I think the person that thinks they can open the door, they have a lovely fancy idea that they are going to have these little tea rooms and they're going to be dressed up like I am today and, you know, walk around and that everybody... Bob: Be hostess. Patrick: Be hostess. Imelda: ...else will do their hard work, they won't. You need to understand the product. You need to understand, "Well, why did that cake sink today when we were making?" So, you know, I would spend maybe a month in my quiet time testing recipes, making sure flavors are correct. You know, we did it there only a month ago with coffee cakes and lemon cakes. Are they lemon enough? We need to get them more lemon. How can I get them more lemon? I'm tasting... Bob: Well couldn't they just buy all that from a supplier? Imelda: They're not good though. They're not good. That's the secret of my success. Bob: And what would happen to the business? What will happen to the business. Imelda: It will go down. Bob: There's no way. Imelda: And they'll close. In they'll last the year. And what's happening here in Ireland now is that everybody is buying the products because labor is very expensive. And in the summertime, in my restaurant, in the peak weeks, we've up to 30 people working, right and it's... Patrick: Because that's what you need. Imelda: That's what you need. It's labor-intensive. Bob: And that one point I wanted to get to also was the way you said...got a little...there you go...was that you started off with...in there at 5:30 every day. Imelda: That's right. I am. And that's what I'd like to tell the person. Bob: And like, you were talking about is you gotta put the time in it if you're gonna be in business. Imelda: Yeah, you've got to put the time in. It could be seven days a week...all weeks with me are nearly seven days a week and I get home, I might be the last person out because I'm checking, is everything there for the morning? is everything right there when I walk in the door at 5:30, that I've no hassle, that... Bob: You know that it's ready to go. Imelda: Yeah, that it's ready to go. Bob: That's huge. Patrick, what would you add? Patrick: What would I say? Bob: When a young man or young woman says, "I'm gonna open a..." Imelda: Well, our son is there, I suppose maybe in a couple of years... Bob: Okay, okay. Imelda: He might be down the road, but maybe there's hope for him, but anyway. Bob: That's right. Patrick: Yeah, well, if you're starting from scratch, you have to have a passion and nothing can be left undone, and nothing can be a problem to you, you have to overcome...you will have to overcome lots of problems so, nothing can phase you and nothing should phase you. Finance in Ireland at the moment is probably the biggest thing that [inaudible 00:19:36] and that it's impossible to get finance to start any business in Ireland at the moment. The banks have just, more or less, shut up shop as they've had over the last 10 years. So, typically, there are very, very few businesses starting up and that Imelda has just alluded to it there, and I would definitely confirm it, that knowledge of what you're about start up, courage isn't enough, you need knowledge as well as courage. Bob: But, "I like clothes." isn't that enough? Patrick: No. Bob: I like to buy clothes, isn't that enough? Bob: Isn't that what it is? Because I just like to buy clothes so, I'll be successful, right? Imelda: No, they won't know though if this guy's suit is fitting him correctly, you know, you won't have the knowledge then. You won't know of knowledge the cloth or the shirt or what's a good quality. Patrick travels all over the world. The same as my ingredients, what's good, what's bad. I buy always good quality ingredients and people tell me, "God, you buy that much butter in Ireland?" We do a lot of cakes with butter and even our scrambled egg for the breakfast and people say, "Do you buy all of that?" and I say, "But, I get it back. I get it back, all..." I've just to be the best on the street. Everybody tries to copy then, once you're there, you... I think you said that yesterday, you've got only got a little short time and then they're on the bandwagon copying, and I've had that over the years, big time, big time. Bob: Drive you nuts and then you just have to say, "Just stay true." Imelda: And just have to say true and you bring another product on that people like and zone in maybe and like, we have a very successful carrot cake. Everybody tells me it's the best in Ireland, "My God, it's the best in Ireland." And, you know, people come for it. They just come. We're a destination. Bob: So, you don't do that. You buy the average stuff, now you've gotta spend all that marketing, right? Patrick: That's right, Bob. Yeah. Bob: To say, "Please come to try me and have average service and have a, sort of, lemon kind of cake, but it's not exceptional." Bob: I mean, you have passionate followers, both of you, of your businesses. Patrick: We're lucky we have...The other side of that is that is that I would never discourage somebody from following their dream. If they want to start a business, I would definitely encourage them, but I would also advise them that they should get a mentor of some sort, you know, be it a person who has been through the mill or advisors who can guide them, but I would never discourage them from following their [inaudible 00:22:03]... Bob: Or go work in a store first or something. Imelda: That's it, that's it. Patrick: Yeah, very much so, very much that. Bob: Because I think is fun to say you're the business owner, but the reality is we're all salesmen. We're all salespeople. we don't eat unless somebody buys. Imelda: That's right. Bob: And until you understand that, it's easy to fill up a store with pretty stuff, and then it's your money sitting there and you're like, "Now what?" Imelda: [inaudible 00:22:24] say, "All my money is tied up." Bob: That's right, "All my money is in inventory." Patrick: Yeah, yeah, and that happens in a lot of businesses. There was a talk I listened to lately there, and the guy, he was in the coffee business and he called them breadline entrepreneurs. A lot of people in business and who start up business really are on the breadline. Everything is tied up in their business. They're not turning over enough, you know, they're not able to get enough out of it, and they're just struggling from day to day, yes. Bob: Yeah, you bought yourself a job. it's not really a business. Patrick: Yes, you bought a job. Bob: But, it's a hard job, not even... Patrick: That's a very good phrase, but you bought the job. Imelda: Bought yourself a job. That's a good idea, yeah. Bob: So, tell me, what would you...I know you've been generous with your time and if you can hear the clanging, we've just finished breakfast and they've been so generous today with me. Imelda: We enjoyed it. Bob: What would you think, what's your definition of great customer service? Patrick: Well, everybody thinks they have the best customer service, you know? Bob: And it's so true. Patrick: I never think that. I always think we can be better and my thing to my staff is that...my coworkers, I don't call them staff, [inaudible 00:23:28], they call them coworkers and friends and five-star... Bob: Did you get that distinction, coworkers and friends, not staff, I love that, keep going. Patrick: You know, five-star service. So, you know, I looked at hotels. I've looked at the quality service that hotels give in the five-star market. Is there anything that I can bring to my business from the likes of their service? So, that's the kind of ambition that I would have for our business. Everybody tells us we're good. I don't realize possibly myself that we're as good as we are, but I feel that we can do better and strive to be better all the time. Bob: But, that's...at least the same thing you're doing with your recipes. Imelda: That's right, yes, they're all the... Bob: Yeah, it's a great carrot cake today. Imelda: Yeah, it is. All the ingredients have to be good and the person making it has to be careful that everything is weighed properly, you know, so, that's the important...and then it's down to the servers in my restaurant and whether they're smiling today. Bob: So, how do you train that? Imelda: I do a training day with my staff to make sure that they are...that they understand every product that we have and they understand our area, that we're on the Loop Head Peninsula Wild Atlantic Way. So, that we have our foreigners as well as our locals in, that, you know, you're able to say to people where you're going today? A lot of people will come to see the Cliffs of Moher which you probably have heard of in the States and we have beautiful sea green cliffs. you saw them on our video last night, beautiful. And we try and make sure that people coming to visit have a good experience in the town, not just in my restaurant, but in the town. Bob: So, you're really...that's customer service for the area. Patrick: That's it, yes. Bob: You're ambassadors for your area. Imelda: Yes, that's it. Patrick: Very much so. Bob: Which I certainly get from both of you. Patrick: You asked me there about it and then the one thing that has just struck me there now is we hire for attitude and smile and you can train the rest. Bob: Attitude and smile. Patrick: Attitude and smile. Bob: Yeah, because I can tell you to smile, but that's not sincere, it has to come. Patrick: Yeah, a painted-on smile is not good. Bob: No. Patrick: It has to be an actual smile. So, attitude and smile and you can train the rest. Bob: Yeah, no, I would agree. I was at a...I did a speech, much like yesterday. So, I do a speech and before I go in, there's a buffet breakfast like this, and I do my speech and at lunch and I'm going back to the line and one of the servers says, "How'd your speech go this morning?" I was like, "Really?" I mean, that was pretty exceptional. She goes, "Well, I saw you had a full house so, did it go well?" I said, "It really did." And it took me back because it was just saying, "I care about you that moment in your life." It just says that much. Imelda: I'm interested in you. Bob: I'm interested in you. Bob: Because that's just like, "here, go away, go away." Patrick: Yeah, that says...basically... Bob: And I think that's the key with you. Patrick: Yeah, yeah, very much so. Bob: Because you probably see people from very young and I imagine sadly, all the way, right to death, probably. Patrick: Right to the...yeah, that's true, yeah. Well, years ago when we were...10 years ago when we were 80 years in business, we ran a competition to see, could we find four generations of the one family who were shopping with us. I could remember...I actually could figure out three to four families who had three generations, but I was looking for somebody with the fourth generation, you know. We ended up with three different families with four generations working or at least they had been purchasing from us at the time. Bob: Wow, that's amazing. Patrick: Ten years ago. Bob: That's amazing, and people think loyalty is, they got points on a card. Loyalty is four generations coming back to you and you're still around. So, you've been generous with your time. When you feel overwhelmed or you kind of like, you lost your way or you're frazzled, what do you do? What's your secret? Patrick: What's my secret? Bob: Because you have our irons in the fire, both of you. Patrick: Yeah, well I... Imelda: He likes to cycle as well. Patrick: Well, yeah, a bit of physical activity is what I like. Bob: Okay. Patrick: Exercise, you know, and if I don't...in my younger days I never participated in sport unless there was sweat involved and now even today I can't watch sport without sweating, and definitely in my own instance...and that I cycle, now I ride in [inaudible 00:27:41] few years ago so, running has gone from me you know, but I cycle now and I like the fresh air for that. It clears my head. Definitely clears my head. Bob: Okay, that's always good, always good. Imelda: Along the cliffs that you saw in the video. Bob: Yeah, lovely. I will show you that length when we get around to it. And so, the name of my podcast is "Tell Me Something Great About Retail." So, tell me something great about retail. I think you could go and on. Patrick: Yeah, I know. Well, I tell you... Bob: Because you're the...he's like the greatest ambassador for retail in the world. I mean, wouldn't you all wanna be able to walk into his store or into her restaurant and meet these people and I get to meet them today, halfway across the world in Dublin. Patrick: It's all right, but for me, the greatest thing about retail is actually to be a part of it. To be walking in it, to enjoy what I'm doing, and to be successful at it. Imelda: Yeah, to be successful. You want to be good at your job. Patrick: That's the great thing about retail for me. Bob: Good, I like that. Imelda: Yeah, and I like to be good at my job as I said to you earlier, you know, I'm in the Wild Atlantic Way, and I want to be a destination. I want people to come to me for good food, for good quality food, good local produce. You know, I'm not into convenience foods or that so, I want it to be a destination and I want to be good at my job. Bob: If I could build on both, I think what you both wanna do is give people a feeling when they come in contact with your brand and that's fairly the key..."Tell me something great about retail" is a feeling, that's it. And I've had a lovely time with you today. Thank you, Imelda, you been so lovely and thank you, thank you so much. Patrick: It's been a pleasure for both of us. Bob: And who knows where this is gonna end up around the world so, thank you very much. Episode 101: Tony Drockton, Founder and Chief Cheerleader, Hammit Bags Episode 102: Deanna Renda, Founder, Naples Soap Company Episode 103: Brian Travilla, Regional & District Leader Petco Episode 104: Robert Bonoff, CEO, Creative Kidstuff | Everything Is Just A Conversation Episode 105: Patrick & Imelda Bourke, Owners Patrick Bourke Menswear & The Pantry | 90 Years In Retail Episode 106: Rachel Doyle CEO, Arboretum Garden Centre | The Glass Is Not Half Full; It's Full All The Time Are you a retail owner, C-Level Executive with a major brand with inspiring stories to tell? Then use the button below and let me know why you would be a good guest for the podcast. Retail Podcast Featured Take My FREE Retail Assessment Quiz Use this free Retail Assessment Tool to discover where you truly excel in retail, and uncover areas for improvement. Get My latest Podcasts Delivered To You © 2020 Bob Phibbs The Retail Doctor In-Person Sales Training Resource Center

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Current Productions and Archives Department Productions 2003-2004 Jury by Trial Mr. John Pixley's Biography After working on and performing in the ground-breaking P.H. *reaks: The Hidden History of People with Disabilities with other disabled artists in the Other Voices project at the Mark Taper Forum in L.A., John Pixley wrote Jury by Trial, his first full-length play. Inspired by his experiences serving as a juror, Jury by Trial received its first reading directed by Timothy Douglas in May 1996, in the Other Voices Chautauqua: May Days and Summer Nights. John's second play, Someone Like Him, received its first reading, directed by David Catanzarite, at Pomona College in May, 1998. He performed in both. John made his performance art debut at Highways in Santa Monica in 2003 in The Body Here You See, a forty minute exploration of disability, body image and sexuality directed to Kathy Kilsby. John, who received a B.A. in English from University of California Riverside in 1985, lives in the college-town/suburbia-oasis of Claremont, on the fringe of L.A. county, where, among other things, he shares his house with a cat, Sam, and two canaries, Morro and Pippin. He writes a regular column in the CLAREMONT COURIER and enjoys going to plays and other events at the Claremont colleges and in the L.A. area. A vegetarian and an active member of the Claremont Quaker Meeting, John came out as a gay man in January, 1999, and is involved, once again as a severely disabled pioneer, in the California Men's Gatherin, the L.A. Gay Men's Peer Group and the Radical Faeries.

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News & Influence Recent News Putting the “Why” in “EHR”: Expert on clinical information systems presents Regenstrief SAM Talk First randomized clinical trial found no harms from dementia screening in primary care Innovative CareView app provides patient data on 7 conditions related to 40% of ED visits View All News Recent Influence Recent Influence Research scientist meets with U.S. Surgeon General; discusses her work to lower infant mortality Regenstrief VP breaking ground in artificial intelligence education in conjunction with National Academy of Medicine, other partners View All Influence Give Now – WeCare About UsInvestigatorWanzhu Tu, PhD Wanzhu Tu, PhD Research Scientist, Indiana University Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine Vice Chair for Research, Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine Dr. Wanzhu Tu is an investigator funded by the National Institutes of Health. He has developed a new set of semiparametric modeling techniques for the dissemination of multiple nonlinear and interacting influences of factors in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on blood pressure. His research team has generated a number of important findings that characterize a unique pathophysiology of hypertension in African Americans. He is a fellow of the American Heart Association. Dr. Tu is a statistical methodologist with an interest in semiparametric regression. His recent methodological work has appeared in both theoretical and applied statistical journals, including Journal of the American Statistical Association, Biometrics, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, and Annals of Applied Statistics. “Big electronic medical record data are being used to answer questions that may otherwise be unanswerable.” wtu1@iupui.edu Get the latest Regenstrief news and events. ©2019 Regenstrief Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. 1101 West Tenth Street • Indianapolis, IN 46202 Privacy Policy • Employee Intranet

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Today in Music History...October 12, 2018 (Now with more info) Music History: October 12th: 2013 Pharrell Williams marries the model Helen Lasichanh. She inspires several tracks on his 2014 album, G I R L, including the song "It Girl." 2011 Joel 'Taz' DiGregorio, keyboard player in the Charlie Daniels Band, is killed in a car accident before the band's gig at the Cumming Country Fair in Tennessee. DiGregorio, who was 67 at the time of his death, co-wrote many songs with the group, including "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." 2011 Paul Leka, songwriter, pianist, arranger and orchestrator, dies of lung cancer in Sharon, Connecticut, at age 68. Co-wrote the '60s hits "Green Tambourine" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." 2009 Blue Cheer singer/bassist Dickie Peterson dies from liver cancer at the age of 63, in Erkelenz, Germany. 2003 Rapper 50 Cent takes home all five trophies for which he is nominated at the World Music Awards, held in Monaco. Russian teen duo t.A.T.u. picks up three awards, while Norah Jones and Eminem win two. 2003 The blind Puerto Rican singer Jose Feliciano performs the "The Star Spangled Banner" for the first time since his flavorful rendition at a Tigers/Cardinals World Series game in 1968. His performance in Miami at the Marlins/Cubs playoff goes off without incident. 2002 Faith Hill is the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, hosted by Sarah Michelle Gellar, and performs "Cry" and "Free." 2002 Bandleader/arranger Ray Conniff dies after he slips in his bathtub in Escondido, California, at age 85. 2002 Court-TV's crime documentary series Forensic Files depicts the murder of Walter Scott, lead singer of the '60s rock 'n' roll band Bob Kuban & the In-Men. Scott disappeared in 1983 and his body was found hidden in a cistern four years later, leading to the arrest of his widow's new husband. 2001 Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland quits the band. A post on the group's website states, "Limp Bizkit and Wes Borland have amicably decided to part ways. Both Limp Bizkit and Borland will continue to pursue their respective musical careers." 1999 Frank Frost, Delta blues harmonica player, dies of a cardiac arrest in Helena, Arkansas, at age 63. 1999 David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young (Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young) appear at New York's Madison Square Garden to announce their forthcoming album and CSNY2K tour. 1997 With Backstreet Boys mania building worldwide, the group has to cancel a free, open-air concert at the Mostenses Plaza in Madrid when too many fans show up. 1996 Though they've refused to release it on video for 27 years, largely due to dissatisfaction over their own performance, The Rolling Stones finally release their landmark 1968 all-star BBC television special, The Rolling Stones' Rock And Roll Circus. 1995 Tupac Shakur is released from jail after Death Row Records boss Suge Knight posts a $1.4 million bond to release him. Knight puts the rapper to work, flying Tupac to LA, to record his fourth album, All Eyez on Me. Tupac had been serving time on sexual abuse charges stemming from a 1993 incident. 1994 MTV airs the reunion concert special of Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, entitled Unledded. 1993 Faith Hill releases her debut album, Take Me As I Am, featuring the #1 singles "Piece Of My Heart" and "Wild One." 1985 Ricky Wilson (guitarist for B-52s) dies of AIDS in New York City, at age 32. 1979 Jethro Tull lead singer Ian Anderson has his right eye torn open by a thorn, situated on a rose an adoring fan threw on stage at the band's Madison Square Garden concert. 1975 Singer Rod Stewart ends his longtime association with The Faces by playing one final gig with them at Nassau Coliseum in New York. 1974 "Rollermania" takes hold as the Bay City Rollers' debut album, Rollin', hits #1 in the UK. 1974 Olivia Newton-John's LP If You Love Me, Let Me Know hits #1. 1972 The movie Lady Sings The Blues, a musical biopic of singer Billie Holiday that launches the movie career of star Diana Ross, opens in theaters. 1972 Joseph Kahn is born Ahn Jun-hee in Busan, South Korea, but will be raised in the Jersey Village suburb of Houston, Texas. Kahn grows up to be the go-to director for pop videos of the late-'90s into the new millennium, helming clips for everyone from Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Taylor Swift to Chris Brown and Eminem.More 1971 Rock 'n roller Gene Vincent dies from a ruptured stomach ulcer in California, at age 36. 1969 Martie Maguire (of Dixie Chicks) is born Martha Elenor Erwin in York, Pennsylvania. 1969 Russ Gibb, a DJ at WKNR in Detroit, takes a call from a listener who tells him that if you play The Beatles song "Revolution 9" backwards, a voice says, "Turn me on, dead man." Gibb plays the record in reverse on the air, and the phone lines light up with astonished listeners offering more clues as to why Paul McCartney might be dead. For about a week, Gibb entertains a stream of rumors on the show, as ratings explode and the story goes national. Other clues include a voice at the end of "Strawberry Fields Forever" that says "I Buried Paul" (actually John Lennon saying "Cranberry Sauce") and the cover of the Sgt. Pepperalbum, where Paul is wearing an armband that says "OPD" - "Officially Pronounced Dead." 1968 Big Brother and the Holding Company's LP Cheap Thrills hits #1. 1968 The Beatles record "Savoy Truffle." 1966 The Moody Blues split up, with Denny Laine signing a solo deal with their label, Deram. The group re-forms a month later with new members Justin Hayward and John Lodge. 1966 Sammy Davis, Jr. appears as a guest star on today's "The Clock King's Crazy Crimes" episode of ABC-TV's Batman. 1965 The Beatles record "Run For Your Life" and "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)." 1963 "Sugar Shack" by Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs hits #1 in America, where it stays for five weeks, longer than any other song in 1963. 1962 Little Richard headlines a package bill at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton, England, where he meets The Beatles for the first time, who are also on the bill. 1957 Little Richard renounces rock and embraces God, telling the crowd at his show in Sydney, Australia: "If you want to live for the Lord, you can't take rock 'n' roll, too. God doesn't like it." After the tour, Richard gives up secular music, gets ordained as a minister, and records Gospel. He doesn't return to rock until 1962. 1956 Massively influential DJ Alan Freed's second film, Don't Knock The Rock, starring Little Richard, Bill Haley, and the Treniers, opens in New York. 1955 Chrysler introduces the world's first in-car sound systems -- vinyl record players, complete with an assortment of classical records, mounted under the dashboard. 1948 Rick Parfitt (vocalist/guitarist for Status Quo) is born in Woking, Surrey, England. 1944 At Frank Sinatra's show at the Paramount Theater in New York City, police are called in to control the crowd, which is mostly teenage girls. Performances go on one after another, and many audience members refuse to leave, which leads to the tensions in what was dubbed the "Columbus Day Riot." 1942 Melvin Franklin (bass singer for The Temptations) is born David Melvin English in Montgomery, Alabama. 1935 R&B singer Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave) is born Samuel David Hicks in Miami, Florida. 1935 Operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti (of The Three Tenors) is born near Modena in Northern Italy. 1927 Guitarist Joe Olivier (of Bill Haley And His Comets) is born in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands. John Denver Dies In Plane Crash John Denver, an avid amateur pilot who loves flying experimental aircraft, is the victim of a fatal plane crash. The airplane he flies has a fuel selection valve behind the pilot's head, forcing him to balance on the right rudder in order to switch tanks. That day, Denver leaves the airport with less fuel than he should have. He hits the right rudder when attempting to switch tanks, causing him to plow into the Pacific Ocean. Denver was the aircraft's sole occupant. 2009 Michael Jackson's from-the-vaults track "This Is It" is released as a promotional single to accompany the concert documentary of the same name. It's the first release since his death in June. 1996 One of these things is not like the other. Here's what the US Albums chart looks like: #1 Celine Dion - Falling Into You #2 Kenny G - The Moment #3 Marilyn Manson - Antichrist Superstar 1979 Fleetwood Mac release Tusk, their first album since the wildly successful Rumours in 1977. A double album with less commercial appeal, Mick Fleetwood credits it with keeping the band together, as the band members were free to experiment. 1978 Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, who he found dead in the bathroom of their hotel room with a stab wound to her abdomen. Vicious dies of a heroin overdose before he can be tried for the murder. 1970 Jesus Christ Superstar opens on Broadway, telling the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus. Labels: Music, Music Artists, Music Awards, Music Blog, Music Events, Music groups, Music Hits, Music Industry, Music News, Musicians, radio, Radio DJ info, RememberRadio.net, This Day In Music History

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Johnson's Map of the Vicinity of Richmond,... Benjamin P Ward & Alvin Jewett Johnson Johnson's Map of the Vicinity of Richmond, Peninsular Campaign in Virginia. Showing also the interesting localities along the James, Chickahominy and York Rivers. . . Publication Place / Date New York / 1863 Hand Colored Sell Us a Map Johnson's map of the Vicinity of Richmond, colored by counties. Includes the line of advance and retreat of the Union Army, several battles and other details. Shows towns, roads, rivers, lakes, bays, islands, soundings, railroads, court houses and other details. The map was apparently produced during the early part of the War and included in Johnson's Atlases for the next several years, in response to the high level of interest in the South's Rebellion. Minor foxing. Benjamin P Ward Biography Benjamin P. Ward was an American publisher. He was best known for his partnership with A. J. Johnson. In 1860, the Johnson firm published its first significant work, the Johnson’s New Illustrated (Steel Plate) Family Atlas. The first edition of the Atlas bears imprints in both New York and Richmond, VA. In 1861, however, following the outbreak of the American Civil War, the Johnson & Browning firm abandoned their Richmond location. Browning seems to have remained in Virginia to pursue other ventures and, in 1861, Browning’s portion of the firm was purchased by Ward. The 1863 issue of the Atlas was one of the most unusual, it being a compilation of older Johnson and Browning maps, updated 1862 Johnson and Ward maps, and newer 1863 maps with a revised border design. The 1864 issue of the Atlas is the first true Johnson and Ward atlas. Johnson published one more edition in partnership with Ward in 1865, after which Johnson becomes the sole publisher. Alvin Jewett Johnson Biography Alvin Jewett Johnson (1827 - 1884) was an American map publisher. Born in Wallingford, Vermont, he received only a basic public education, but he still served as a school teacher for several years before moving to Richmond, Virginia and, in 1857, New York City. Johnson also worked as a book canvasser for the map publisher J.H. Colton. Johnson's name first appears on maps published with Samuel N. Gaston and D. Griffing Johnson (no clear relation) in the mid-1850s, and his name (along with Ross Browning) appeared on Colton's atlas maps of 1859 and 1860. Although map historian Water Ristow speculates that Colton sold his copyrights to Johnson and his business partner, fellow Vermonter Browning, a more likely theory is that Johnson and Browning financially bailed out the Colton firm in exchange for the right to use Colton’s existing copyrighted map plates. The first Johnson maps were mostly reissues of earlier Colton maps. Indeed, Johnson's earliest works described his firm as the “Successors to J. H. Colton and Company”. Johnson converted the original Colton steel plate engravings to lithographic stones, allowing his firm to produce more maps at a lower price point. In 1860, the Johnson firm published its first significant work, the Johnson’s New Illustrated (Steel Plate) Family Atlas. The first edition of the Atlas bears imprints in both New York and Richmond, VA. In 1861, however, following the outbreak of the American Civil War, the Johnson & Browning firm abandoned their Richmond location. Browning seems to have remained in Virginia to pursue other ventures and, in 1861, Browning’s portion of the firm was purchased by Benjamin P. Ward. The 1863 issue of the Atlas was one of the most unusual, it being a compilation of older Johnson and Browning maps, updated 1862 Johnson and Ward maps, and newer 1863 maps with a revised border design. The 1864 issue of the Atlas is the first true Johnson and Ward atlas. Johnson published one more edition in partnership with Ward in 1865, after which Johnson becomes the sole publisher. The next issue of the Atlas, 1866, is the first purely Johnson atlas with all new map plates, updated imprints, and copyrights. Johnson maps include a unique border style, which changed over the years, but was not copied by other makers. These include a “strapwork border” from 1860 to 1863, a “fretwork border” from 1863 to 1869 and a “spirograph border” in 1870. In addition to the Family Atlas, Johnson issued numerous wall maps, pocket maps, and, in the 1880s, the Cyclopedia. Johnson frequently updated his western atlas maps and on occasion, more than one update appeared in a single year. Johnson continued to publish the Family Atlas until 1887. In 1879, Johnson brought his son into the business, and their publications have the imprint “A.J. Johnson and Son” and, later, “A.J. Johnson and Co.” Johnson’s son continued the business until it shuttered in 1887. Antique Maps / United States / Mid-Atlantic / Mid-Atlantic Antique Maps / United States / Southeast / Southeast

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Series: Machine Bias Technical Response to Northpointe Northpointe asserts that a software program it sells that predicts the likelihood a person will commit future crimes is equally fair to black and white defendants. We re-examined the data, considered the company’s criticisms, and stand by our conclusions. by Jeff Larson and Julia Angwin July 29, 2016, 11:55 a.m. EDT Investigating Algorithmic Injustice On May 23, ProPublica published an article on a software program designed to predict the likelihood of future criminal conduct. The company that sells the program, Northpointe, responded with a 37-page critique of our work. We addressed the main thrust of the company’s concerns here. Our replies to the company’s methodological criticisms follow. Northpointe allegation: ProPublica neglected to consider the base rate in the interpretation of their results. This is an error in judgment about the probability of an event. The error occurs when information about the base rate of an event (e.g., low base rate of recidivism in a population) is ignored or not given enough weight. ProPublica response: This is not correct. ProPublica accounted for the difference in recidivism rates in a statistical test known as a logistic regression. That test found that when adjusting for recidivism, criminal history, age and gender across races, black defendants were 45 percent more likely to get a higher score. In addition, we calculated likelihood ratios, which are useful for assessing how well a test performs independent of base rate. The likelihood ratios we calculated showed that the Northpointe test performs differently across races. For black defendants, the likelihood ratio is lower than for white defendants. This means that a white defendant who has a higher score is more likely to recidivate than a black defendant who gets a higher score. ProPublica combined the High and Medium levels and refer to this level in their article as “Higher Risk.” Thus, PP’s analysis of classification errors is for the Low cut point. This has the effect of inflating the false positive rate and the corresponding base-rate sensitive Target Population Error (1-PV+). This is not correct. In our analysis, the disparity in false positive rates was starker when we adjusted the cut points as suggested by Northpointe. When adjusting the cut points to only include “High” risk scores, black defendants who did not go on to commit new crimes were three times as likely as white defendants to be classified as high risk. ProPublica based its decision to group the medium and high scores together on Northpointe’s user guide, which states: “scores in the medium and high range garner more interest from supervision agencies.” ProPublica misrepresented the Model Errors as if they were Target Population Errors. Not so. Northpointe is describing the positive and negative predictive values of the test. We reported the differences in true and false positive rates for black and white defendants. ProPublica failed to report that the comparisons of the false positive rate and true positive rate for blacks and whites at the study cut point (“Low”, “Not Low”) for the VRRS and GRRS were inconclusive. We did not report false positive rate and true positive rate comparisons because they do not offer additional insight into the question at hand: Are higher scores distributed unequally between black and white defendants? In fact they are. Black defendants who did not recidivate were more likely to be labeled higher risk. The reverse logistic regression models are misspecified. And the relative risk ratios from the reverse regressions are miscalculated and misinterpreted. Our logistic model wasn’t trying to predict who would recidivate. We were trying to identify a possible relationship between race and receiving a high score when controlling for other variables like age, gender and criminal history. We found that black defendants have greater odds of getting a high score that cannot be explained by these other factors. Then we even controlled for future recidivism, and still found that the racial gap couldn’t be explained. Elsewhere in our methodology, we ask another question. Is the difference in recidivism risk between a high- and low-scoring black defendant different than that gap for a high- and low-scoring white defendant? If there is a difference in the increased risk associated with those scores within races that would mean a high score means something different for a black defendant than a white defendant. In other words, when you compare black and white defendants with similar characteristics, black defendants tend to get higher scores. Northpointe compared across races without correcting for other factors. But when making a comparison like this, it’s necessary to correct for other factors like age, gender and prior crimes. When we did that, black defendants with higher scores were less risky than comparable white defendants. In other words, as underlying risk increases, scores will increase more for black defendants than white defendants. Which bolsters our finding in the logistic regression instead of contradicting it. ProPublica conducted analyses in different samples that yield disparate results. The best AUC results were obtained in Sample A. Sample A consists of persons with complete case records. This assertion is correct but misleading. ProPublica used two different samples in its analysis. In the logistic regression, which does not factor in time, we included only people for whom we could obtain two years’ worth of recidivism data for an apples to apples comparison. The other analysis, known as a Cox regression, is able to take time into account. So for that analysis we could justifiably include cases where we did not have a full two-year window (i.e. those with less time to recidivate). This model did show lower accuracy, as Northpointe points out, but that’s not the result of unfairly manipulating the data, but rather using the most complete data possible compatible with the technique in use. One way of visualizing the difference in errors across scores such as those produced by Northpointe’s risk assessment tool is something called an ROC curve. The curve visualizes the predictive power of a model. The more the curve bows toward the upper left-hand corner, the more accurate the test. In its analysis, Northpointe presents ROC curves for black and white defendants, claiming that because the curves are very similar their visualization disproves ProPublica’s analysis. However, the curves they included were “smoothed,” a technique that concealed differences between black and white ROC curves. The problem with this is that a smoothed curve is appropriate for continuous variables, but the decile scores produced by Northpointe’s tool are discrete (they must be a whole number between 1 and 10). This smoothing minimized the error differences between populations across scores. ProPublica plotted the unsmoothed curves here, clearly showing differences between the black and white ROC curves. ProPublica misdefined the c-index as percent accuracy. This is not accurate. ProPublica’s detailed methodology paper never uses the term “percent accuracy.” Instead we report concordance index values as an indicator of predictive accuracy. This is not a novel interpretation. In fact, in its own validation study published in 2008, Northpointe refers to the c-index as being a measure of “predictive accuracy.” There are overlapping time intervals in the Cox survival analysis data frame (Sample C). The stop-start time intervals in the survival data frame should not overlap. For example if the first start-stop time interval for a case is 0–100, the next time interval should start after 100, but not before 100. This is correct, but doesn’t change the results. We analyzed 10,985 defendants who were assigned a risk score for Violent Recidivism, of which four have overlapping time intervals. We regret the errors, but excluding those cases would not change the outcome of our calculations. Different norm sets may have been used for the decile scores. PP did not control for norm set. This would affect the location of the cut point for the study classifier (“Low” vs. “Not Low”). ProPublica used the designations of ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ that Northpointe actually assigned to each of the defendants in our data. Following the advice in Northpointe’s user manual, we collapsed the medium and high categories. That manual states: “scores in the medium and high range garner more interest from supervision agencies than low scores, as a low score would suggest there is little risk of general recidivism,” so we considered scores any higher than “low” to indicate a risk of recidivism in our analysis. ProPublica describes the sample as pretrial defendants. It is not clear what the legal status was at the time of assessment for the cases in the sample. Incorrect. The Broward County data used in our analysis indicates the legal status of the defendant at the time they were scored. ProPublica limited its analysis to defendants whose scores were assigned during pretrial because that is the primary use of the score in Broward County. Jeff Larson Jeff Larson is a reporter at ProPublica. @thejefflarson Julia Angwin is a senior reporter at ProPublica. From 2000 to 2013, she was a reporter at The Wall Street Journal, where she led a privacy investigative team that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting in 2011 and won a Gerald Loeb Award in 2010. @JuliaAngwin Treasury Inspector General Probes Possible Trump Tax Break Abuses Faulty Equipment, Lapsed Training, Repeated Warnings: How a Preventable Disaster Killed Six Marines

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U.S. Stays Mum as Iraqi Security Forces Kill, Detain and Abuse Protesters As Iraqi government forces cracked down protesters, the U.S. government focused its criticism on abuses elsewhere. by Marian Wang March 1, 2011, 9:59 a.m. EST As the Mideast protests and government crackdowns continue, one country to watch closely is Iraq, with whom the U.S. has a long-term partnership and where clashes between protesters and government forces recently turned violent. Even as Iraqi security forces detained and abused hundreds of intellectuals and journalists, the U.S. government—in keeping with a pattern of silence on Iraq's abuses—has withheld criticism of its strategic ally. (Salon noticed this too.) Asked generally about the violence against Iraqi demonstrators on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said only “the approach we’ve taken with regard to Iraq is the same that we’ve taken with regard to the region,” which he said was to call on governments to respond to the protests peacefully. Neither the White House nor the State Department seem to have mentioned the matter since. Yesterday's State Department briefing discussed Libya, Egypt, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, Pakistan, Argentina, South Africa and Haiti—Iraq was never discussed. Nearly 30 people have been killed in the Iraqi unrest so far, according to the Post, which noted that unlike in other Mideast countries, the Iraqis are demanding better services and an end to corruption, not an end to the government. More on the brutal round-ups, from the Post: Four journalists who had been released described being rounded up well after they had left a protest of thousands at Baghdad's Tahrir Square. They said they were handcuffed, blindfolded, beaten and threatened with execution by soldiers from an army intelligence unit. One journalist told the Post that Iraqi soldiers used electric shocks on him. It’s far from the first time the government of Iraq has been accused of detaining and abusing citizens, including journalists. Allegations of abuse by the post-Saddam Iraqi government have been made year after year, even at times by the U.S. government, which has also had to come to terms with its own detainee torture and abuse in American-run prisons in Iraq. Last year, the Los Angeles Times uncovered a secret Baghdad prison where hundreds of Sunni men were detained and tortured by Iraqi security forces. “They beat people, they used electricity,” one Iraqi official told the Times. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed to shut the prison, saying: “Our reforms continue, and we have the Human Rights Ministry to monitor this. We will hold accountable anybody who was proven involved in such acts." Asked about the detention and torture by Iraqi forces in July 2010, a senior administration official said in a background briefing that the U.S. is "engaged with the Iraqis" on these kind of issues "on a regular basis." The administration official noted that what was "particularly striking" was that the Iraqi government took corrective action and "Iraqis are finding a way to use the political system." Months later, Amnesty International released another report detailing continued widespread abuse and torture in Iraqi prisons. And earlier this month, Human Rights Watch released a report that described yet another secret prison run by Maliki that was still operating. (Iraqi government officials denied the report.) Two Iraqi journalists told NPR their stories—one said he had been imprisoned at a secret facility for nine months; the other said his nephew was detained by Maliki’s personal combat brigade, which reportedly controls the secret prison. Asked earlier this month about the latest prison allegations, a U.S. military spokesman made clear that U.S. troops were not involved and referred further questions to Maliki’s government, the Post reported. Marian Wang Marian Wang was a reporter for ProPublica, covering education and college debt. @mariancw

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Series: Dollars for Doctors With Drug Reps Kept At Bay, Doctors Prescribe More Judiciously A new study shows that doctors prescribed fewer marketed brand-name drugs when teaching hospitals restricted access to pharmaceutical sales representatives. by Charles Ornstein May 2, 2017, 11 a.m. EDT How Industry Money Reaches Physicians This story was co-published with NPR's Shots blog. When teaching hospitals put pharmaceutical sales representatives on a shorter leash, their doctors tended to order fewer promoted brand-name drugs and used more generic versions instead, a study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows. The results were significant compared to doctors who did not work at hospitals that limited sales reps from freely walking their halls or providing meals or gifts, according to research by Ian Larkin, an assistant professor of strategy at the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management, and colleagues. Conflicts of interest in medicine have been ubiquitous for many years, but a string of lawsuits, coupled with a crackdown by academic medical centers and public disclosure of industry payments, have brought renewed focus on how these relationships affect prescribing. For the past 6 1/2 years, ProPublica has tracked payments to doctors, building a tool called Dollars for Docs to let users look up their physicians and sort information in various ways. We’ve found that some practitioners earn hundreds of thousands of dollars or more each year working with drug and device companies. We’ve reported how the drugs most aggressively promoted to doctors typically aren’t cures or even big medical breakthroughs. And last year we found an association between payments and higher rates of brand-name prescribing, on average. Here’s Our Data Find the data behind our health care reporting in the ProPublica Data Store. Today’s issue of JAMA is devoted to conflicts of interest in medicine and includes a viewpoint on what ProPublica has learned by publishing Dollars for Docs and a related tool called Prescriber Checkup, which compares doctors to their peers based on how they prescribe drugs in Medicare. The teaching hospital study focused on 19 centers in five states that restricted visits by drug reps in one or more ways: limiting access, limiting gifts or punishing those who broke the rules. Larkin’s team compared prescriptions by 2,126 doctors at those hospitals with 24,593 peers with similar characteristics who were not subject to the marketing limits. It examined more than 16 million prescriptions in total, using data from CVS Caremark, a large pharmacy benefit manager. The researchers found significant changes in six of the eight drug classes studied and at nine of the 19 hospitals reviewed. The policies were put in place at different times from 2006 to 2011, but changes in prescribing started immediately and lasted for 12 to 36 months afterward. Having a policy governing pharmaceutical marketing, known as “detailing,” was associated with a 1.67 percentage point decrease in market share for the average promoted drug. Before the policies, the average promoted drug had a market share of 19.3 percent. Those with tougher policies, including an enforcement component, appeared to have more significant results. “These weren’t terribly onerous restrictions, yet at the same time, they changed prescribing in a way that has really significant cost implications,” Larkin said. Among the centers that did not have statistically significant changes was Stanford University, one of the earliest adopters of restrictive policies. In 2010, ProPublica reported how Stanford was not enforcing its rules limiting the relationships between doctors and drug companies. It has tightened its oversight since. Stanford doctors prescribed fewer promoted drugs but not enough for the result to be significant. “We were surprised that some of them [teaching hospitals] were not as significant as we expected them to be,” said Larkin, without singling out particular hospitals. “You can’t just put in a policy. You have to think about it carefully, think about the efforts that really matter and involve the [medical] community.” The study had several limitations. First, it did not find that the policies caused the change in prescribing, only that there was an association between the two. Also, the study was observational, meaning that doctors were not randomly assigned to hospitals with and without policies. And the study took policies at their word, not looking at their implementation or follow through. Dr. Howard Bauchner, JAMA’s editor in chief, said the study helps to crystalize the need to limit pharmaceutical company marketing in teaching hospitals “as a way of ensuring that there’s no influence, no inappropriate influence over prescribing.” Bauchner said he isn’t bothered that the researchers only found significant results in fewer than half of the teaching hospitals studied. “Nothing is ever 100 percent effective,” he said. “To me that’s no different than a clinical trial. Not everyone benefits.” An editorial that accompanied the research suggests that alternative approaches to educating doctors about drugs — besides relying on drug company promotion — need to be tested. “It has never been more important for physicians to come together to consider these alternatives, generate evidence about their effectiveness, and move the health care system toward solutions that lower costs for patients and minimize” conflicts of interest, wrote Colette DeJong and Dr. R. Adams Dudley of the University of California, San Francisco. Charles Ornstein Charles Ornstein is a deputy managing editor at ProPublica, overseeing the Local Reporting Network, which works with local news organizations to produce accountability journalism on issues of importance to their communities. From 2008 to 2017, he was a senior reporter covering health care and the pharmaceutical industry. He then worked as a senior editor. @charlesornstein

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The "Hart" of Stampede Wrestling #PWHS #Article #HartFamily #Stampede Every pro wrestling fan has something that they cherish the most, a passion that consumes their time and interest. For me, it's the Hart family. I am fascinated by Stu and Helen Hart, their family, their extended family-anything to do with the Hart family. Stu Hart was the patriarch of this family, and a legend by the very definition of the word. His contributions to pro wrestling are immeasurable. Very few men have contributed as much or more as did Stu. Some of Stu's biggest contributions to pro wrestling were his promotions in West-Central, Canada. Holding a variety of names throughout their existence, the promotions are known colloquially by their final name: Stampede Wrestling. Stu was born in 1915. He grew up on the prairie plains of Saskatchewan, Canada. His family was poor, so poor that at one point they lived in a tent on the prairie in Alberta. They lived off the land and any wild game that could be caught. By the late 1920's, Stu started taking wrestling classes at the YMCA. Part of his training included learning the "catch" style of wrestling. He would be subjected to a myriad of submission holds that contorted his body. Of this training he would say his "head would be blue by the time they let go of him." He started amateur wrestling in 1929 and found success winning the gold medal at the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada and the Dominion Amateur Wrestling Championship. He had Olympic hopes, but those were dashed with the start of World War II. With the Olympics canceled, Stu joined the Canadian Navy where he was assigned as the Athletics Director. During his time in the Navy he learned how to wrestle professionally, putting on matches to entertain the troops. After the war he started his career working for ex-shooter and infamous promoter Toots Mondt in New York. While in New York he met Helen Smith who would go onto become his wife and matriarch of the Hart family. Helen whom he called "Tiger Belle," was the love of his life and despite her small stature was one of the few people he was afraid of. They moved back to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where Stu and Helen would sire a very large family and embark on a business venture that would play a major role in the history of pro wrestling. Since the beginning of pro wrestling, thousands of promotions have come and gone. Some promotions left a distinct mark, or made significant change in the world of pro wrestling, and some barely left a trace of their existence. In 1948, Stu Hart started Wildcat Wrestling. In what would eventually evolve into the widely-popular Stampede Wrestling by the 1960's, this promotion set a bar of excellence for all other promotions that followed. Stu Hart also became known as a man who would take a chance on new talent, as well as train young hopefuls in his basement, known as the infamous "Hart Dungeon". Stampede's territory covered four western Canadian provinces and at times parts of Montana, and North Dakota. A member of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), in its first few years Stampede was basically ignored by the organization and prominent wrestlers. The company didn’t have a tremendous financial backing like some of their competing promotions, but they did have Hart’s superior training and promoting skills. Often, this was not enough to keep the promotion from suspending operations, or outright closing altogether, to then open again when Stu had raised sufficient capital to bring back his promotion. Slowly, Stu's promotions began to gain in popularity and in notice within the wrestling world, eventually becoming the backbone of the Canadian wrestling industry. By the early 1960's the word had spread about Stu Hart and his Stampede Wrestling. Any wrestler who ever worked for Stu would tell you that unlike many other promoters of the day, if Stu gave you his word he always kept his promise. This high and rare praise from his wrestlers brought top names such as Harley Race, Luther Lindsay, Johnny Valentine, and Stan Stasiak to try their hand at performing in front of and pleasing the rabid, enthusiastic fans in the Central and Western Canadian Provinces. With business improving and profits being made, the promotion crowned its first champion in 1962, awarding the Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Title to Archie "The Stomper" Gouldie. The Stampede version of the North American title would become one of the prizes of the wrestling industry. Wrestlers who held this title also held the dual distinction of being tough enough to survive the wrestling style of Calgary, as well as survive the harsh weather conditions that assault the Provinces several months out of each year. As success continued into the early 1970's, well known wrestlers as Abdullah the Butcher, Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes-as well as then unknown newcomers Don Muraco, Honky Tonk Man, and Junkyard Dog made appearances for Stampede. Despite many top wrestlers appearing for Stampede, the vast size of the territory, combined with the low pay and the harsh weather, kept the tenure of top talent short. Stampede was the most brutal and difficult territory in the businesses when it came to traveling and weather. While other promotions had similarly harsh winters, the spread out geography of Stampede's territory made for much longer road trips which coupled with the harsh winters, made for a devastating schedule. Former Stampede wrestler Johnny Smith tells a story that once during a drive back from Edmonton to Calgary the weather got so bad they could no longer see the road in the snow and they had to take turns walking in front of the van kicking the snow off the yellow center line of the highway so they could see where they were going. Stu knew that bringing in top talent alone wasn't enough to keep Stampede as a thriving, healthy promotion. He started using his "Dungeon" more frequently to train students to become Stampede's stars. Stu was a legitimate shooter who instilled discipline and respect for the business in his students. Stu was respected, loved, and feared by them as well. He was known to stretch anyone he could get in his "Dungeon." He could be heard asking anyone who visited the Hart house in his unique drawl, "Eh, why don't you try me?" All of his students and many of the veteran wrestlers who came to Stampede were stretched at the hand of the master, the screams of anyone "lucky" enough to be put in Stu's holds, could be heard all day long in the house. The only known wrestlers who gave Stu a battle in the Dungeon were Luther Lindsay and Robert Marella. Lindsay was an outstanding hooker from the Pacific Northwest, while Marella (later known as Gorilla Monsoon) had been a standout amateur wrestler at Ithaca College. While business often fluctuated between boom years and lean years heading into the 1980's, Stampede gained a reputation as a place where wrestlers could go to hone their craft. Under the tutelage of Stu and fellow trainers Mr. Hito, and Mr. Sakurada the "Dungeon" produced top wrestlers such as Superstar Billy Graham, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith, Chris Benoit, Dynamite Kid, Bad News Allen, Brian Pillman, and Jim Neidhart to name a few. Stampede wrestling had a distinct style. It was a mixture of the American show style of pro wrestling, the high flying style of Mexican Lucha Libre, and the more realistic Japanese style. Stampede had a direct connection to New Japan Pro Wrestling, thanks to having the original Tokyo Joe as a liaison between the two companies. As a result, Stampede fans became the first fans in North American to witness Jushin "Thunder" Liger, Hiroshi Hase, George Takada, and many other stars make their debut on Occidental soil. These imported and homegrown stars led Stampede to the top of the weekly television ratings, as well as worldwide fame (many bootlegged tapes of Stampede Wrestling proved very popular in African and Asian nations, as well as in the Caribbean. These tapes reportedly are still being broadcast worldwide today). In 1981, Stu decided to withdraw from the NWA, making Stampede a fully independent promotion, and breaking a decades-long tradition of having the reigning NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion come to Calgary during the annual Calgary Stampede to defend his title. Stampede was successful enough for WWF owner Vince McMahon to be interested in its acquisition for his ever-expanding wrestling empire. Vince greatly liked and respected Stu Hart, so unlike his normal modus operandi of taking away arenas and television stations from his competition, Vince instead made an offer to Stu that (he hoped) he could not refuse. In 1984, Vince made an generous financial offer for Stampede, as well as a verbal promise to "use Stu's boys" in the WWF. While Stu loved the business he was nearly 70, and at the urging of his beloved Helen, he sold the business. The WWF shut down the actual promotion, but kept Stu, Bruce and other members of the Hart family employed as their Western Canadian representatives. By the following year McMahon, unable to fulfill his financial agreement, returned the right of use of the Stampede name to the Hart family. With the roster depleted of all its stars, and without a major network television contract-it was an uphill battle to revive Stampede Wrestling. Ross Hart, who was now running the promotion, closed it in 1989. The legacy of Stu Hart and Stampede Wrestling is undeniable. Stampede Wrestling was arguably Canada’s best promotion for nearly forty years. It trained and started the careers of some of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history. Its illustrious alumni are a testament to Stu and Stampede's place in pro wrestling's history. Stampede was revived several times-the first revival occurring in 1999. Since then, it has gone through three incarnations with rumors of another starting up. These new incarnations have taken after the original promotion's philosophy by training some of today's superstars. A list that includes Davey Boy Smith Jr.(Harry Smith), TJ Wilson, Nattie Neidhart, and Teddy Hart. Stu Hart passed away from a stroke on October 16, 2003 at the age of 88. His death was major news, especially in Canada where he was one of their most famous citizens. In honor of his accomplishments he was invested into the Order of Canada on November 15, 2000, and posthumously into the WWE Hall of Fame (2010) and the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame(2014). Other Articles By John The "Hart" Of Stampede Wrestling. Author: John-Paul Volino - R.I.P. Published: Pre-October 2014. Article: #64. Other articles by John can be Read Here.

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Getting Metro Safety Back on Track New commission will be empowered to adopt tough safety rules Posted Feb 23, 2017 9:30 AM Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md. Democratic lawmakers from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are calling for Congress to approve the Metro Safety Commission promptly. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo) BY REP. STENY H. HOYER, SENS. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, MARK WARNER, TIM KAINE AND CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, DEL. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, REPS. JOHN SARBANES, GERALD E. CONNOLLY, JOHN DELANEY, DONALD S. BEYER JR., ANTHONY G. BROWN AND JAMIE RASKIN The Washington Metro system has its good days and its bad ones. On its best, it carries hundreds of thousands of commuters and visitors around our metro area. On its worst, maintenance and safety issues have caused enraging delays and even heartbreaking accidents. The people living in our region and those visiting our nation’s capital deserve to know that when they get on Metro they will arrive at their destinations safely. That’s why we introduced legislation last week to establish a new Metro Safety Commission, putting Metro on a path to safer operations. And today, we are sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office, asking them to analyze the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s funding and governance structure and issue recommendations for changes. WMATA is distinct among transit agencies in that it is governed by four separate entities, creating unique challenges for collective action on fundamental questions such as how to fund the system. A GAO deep-dive on these questions could yield valuable and objective insight. Our delegation worked to pass legislation to reform transit safety oversight after a 2009 tragedy on the Red Line caused nine deaths. In 2015, it became obvious that serious problems still persisted when an Alexandria woman died in a tunnel near L’Enfant Plaza due to what most agree were preventable mistakes. Several subsequent nonfatal incidents shed further light on how deep WMATA’s safety problems ran. They were so severe that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration took the unprecedented step of seizing control of WMATA safety oversight due to the total inadequacy of its existing safety body. The FTA made it clear that it would only return control when it was satisfied that a functional safety watchdog was in place. On Feb. 10, 2017, the FTA went a step further by withholding 5 percent of the federal transit funds apportioned to Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia until the new safety commission was certified. The Virginia and Maryland general assemblies and the D.C. Council have now agreed on the makeup of such a body and are preparing to pass identical legislation to establish it. With the legislation we just introduced, Congress is taking an important step toward doing its part. This new Metro Safety Commission will be empowered to adopt tough safety rules and will be granted enforcement teeth, such as an authority to impose fines, issue subpoenas, and direct additional funding toward safety priorities. But two other Metro issues are critical and require careful long-term thinking. First, Metro has considerably more maintenance needs than it has dollars to spend on them. This is not only a symptom of America’s infrastructure backlog but also a consequence of past budget fights, regional decisions funding maintenance inadequately, and the federal government’s failure to pay Metro-related expenses. In 2008, WMATA received a down payment to dig out of its budget hole when Congress authorized $1.5 billion over ten years, contingent on state matches. With only two years remaining on a ten year commitment, we need to be looking to the future. Second, critical to negotiating a new funding agreement will be demonstrating improvements not only to safety but to Metro’s governance. After the L’Enfant tragedy, it took nearly a year for the WMATA board of directors to hire a new chief executive. Board meetings have been marked by dysfunction, personal antipathy, and a worrying inability by some members to balance what’s best for the jurisdictions they represent and what’s best for WMATA as a whole. This must change. We are also aware of other critical issues — long-term dedicated funding, pension liabilities, labor policy, and other challenges. But the first decisive action required is for Congress to give its prompt approval of the Metro Safety Commission. Then, we will need to build support for a funding and governance package that everyone can get behind. We must learn from the past by starting this painstaking work now, not two years from now, when funding is about to run out. We are committed to fixing these problems and will not quit until they are addressed with the seriousness they deserve. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer is the House minority whip and is currently in his 18th full term representing Maryland’s 5th District. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin is a two-term Democrat representing Maryland. He previously served 10 terms in the House. Sen. Mark Warner is a two-term Democrat representing Virginia. He previously served as the commonwealth’s governor. Sen. Tim Kaine is a Democrat in his first term representing Virginia. He previously served as the commonwealth’s governor and lieutenant governor, and was the 2016 Democratic nominee for vice president. Sen. Chris Van Hollen is a Democrat in his first term representing Maryland. He previously served seven terms in the House. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is a 14-term Democrat representing the District of Columbia. Rep. John Sarbanes is a six-term Democrat representing Maryland’s 3rd District. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly is a five-term Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th District. Rep. John Delaney is a three-term Democrat representing Maryland’s 6th District. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. is a two-term Democrat representing Virginia’s 8th District. He previously served two terms as the commonwealth’s lieutenant governor. Rep. Anthony G. Brown is a freshman Democrat representing Maryland’s 4th District. He previously served two terms as the state’s lieutenant governor. Rep. Jamie Raskin is a freshman Democrat representing Maryland’s 8th District. Topics: 2017 congressional-affairs democrats district-of-columbia guest-observer house nationwide oped opinion policy senate washington-dc Benjamin L Cardin Budget Chris Van Hollen Delaware democrats Eleanor Holmes Norton Executive Branch Gerald E Connolly House John Delaney John Sarbanes Mark Warner Maryland Senate Steny H Hoyer Tim Kaine Virginia Washington Washington DC

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Miraculous escape: baby thrown out of window survives A first-time mother is thought to have thrown her naked, newborn baby from a first floor window near Moscow, perhaps because she was 'scared' about giving birth. The 26-year old mother has been named as the prime suspect by police. On Wednesday evening Oksana gave birth to her first baby, a girl, in the town of Domodedovo. She was then alone at home and nobody knows exactly what happened next. A few minutes later the newborn was found there by a woman passing by. The woman who made the shocking discovery wrapped the baby in a plastic bag, flagged a car and took her to a maternity home, where she's being looked after. The baby had been exposed to cold and was heavily bruised. The baby’s grandmother Galina said her daughter was eagerly awaiting the birth. “I don’t know what made her do it. Maybe she just got scared giving birth on her own in the apartment. It was her first baby. It wasn’t like she did not want a baby, she had been waiting for it,” the baby girl’s grandmother said. The baby girl's mother is undergoing psychological examination and treatment. The infant and her mother are being kept separate and doctors say both are not well enough to face the media. The local prosecutor’s office is looking into the case. It will decide whether to file a charge of attempted murder, and whether the mother is mentally fit to stand trial. If found guilty, Oksana could face up to five years in prison.

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Sparks thrilled about WNBA’s addition to… Sparks thrilled about WNBA’s addition to NBA 2K20 video game Inclusion in the popular title 'means you’re legit,' said Candace Parker, one of the stars who participated in the motion-capture process The Sparks’ Candace Parker (No. 3) is among the WNBA stars who participated in the motion-capture process to make the popular NBA 2K20 video game. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) By Mirjam Swanson | mswanson@scng.com | PUBLISHED: August 9, 2019 at 10:45 am | UPDATED: August 9, 2019 at 10:45 am LOS ANGELES — For the first time in the franchise’s history, NBA 2K20 will feature all 12 WNBA teams with full rosters available to play in Play Now and Season modes. That news – announced Thursday with a trailer that featured the Sparks’ Candace Parker alongside Breanna Stewart, showing the two WNBA stars going through the motion-capture process – was the talk of the Sparks’ locker room after their 84-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. “A video game is a huge step, that means you’re legit,” Parker said. “When you’re a kid, you picture having a sneaker and (being) in a video game.” “Awesome! I think it’s great,” the Sparks’ All-Star point guard Chelsea Gray said. “Everybody needs to go out and get it – it looks like us! … I’m excited, my family’s all excited, they were like, ‘Oh, I’m gettin’ it!’ They were showing me videos, so it’s (good) to see, you know, times are changing and we’re being included with a lot of different things.” NBA Live introduced full WNBA rosters in the ’18 edition of the game, but 2K is significantly more popular of the two NBA video games. And now, many of the WNBA’s top players, also including the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, were scanned into NBA 2K20 earlier this year using 2K’s motion capture technology to create a simulation that wowed Gray and her coach Derek Fisher with its realism. “The likeness is crazy. It looks really just like the players,” he said. “They did a phenomenal job with it.” That’s not only fun, it’s important, Fisher said. “It’s hard to understand why or how we haven’t prioritized this much, putting girls and women and young women in positions to be recognized, appreciated, celebrated so that then the young people who are growing up behind them have a visual of … this is what I need to do to become elite, to put myself in position to be that one day and we all at some level have had that example,” he said. “And so it’s a video game and it sounds simple, but for young girls to be able to (play) a video game and simulate being a woman instead of playing a video game and only being able to pick guys, I don’t know why it took us so long but I’m glad that it’s here.” Gray shared a similar sentiment. “It’s gonna bring the game a little bit more attention with the younger generation, and they’re coming up playing video games and seeing all that’s within that,” she said. “So I think it’ll be a good perspective.” Gray, who grew up playing video games with her three brothers, said she’s excited to give the new 2K a go – and to play as Parker. And with the video game in mind, Fisher set a goal for his real-life Sparks team: “I know the 2K rating is a big deal, so hopefully we can keep our 2K rating up.” Chelsea Gray is fired up about WNBA players appearing in NBA 2K20 video game. (Guess who she’s gonna pick to play with?) pic.twitter.com/fi9BZT4TkZ — Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) August 9, 2019 Proud to be part of the @NBA2K family! I'm honored to help #NBA2K20 pave the way for the WNBA in video games. We continue to break down barriers so young girls and boys can have female athletes as role models #ad pic.twitter.com/h0G1Jr9KiE — Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) August 8, 2019 2 motorists critically injured in 91 Freeway collision in Riverside Vote that could split United Methodist Church worries some Southern California pastors Mirjam Swanson Mirjam Swanson covers the Clippers, the NBA and the LA Sparks for the Southern California News Group. Previously, she wrote about LeBron James and the rest of the Dream Team at the 2004 Olympics (where, yes, they took bronze), Tiger Woods winning the U.S. Open on one leg, and had a tour reporting on city government, education and the occasional bear in a backyard. Follow Mirjam Swanson @mirjamswanson Alexander: Runaway turns into nail-biter, but Andrew Landry hangs on

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Twitter has a field day with Rob Lowe in a generic NFL hat https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/John-Buchanan-Fine-Arts-Museums-director-dies-2434481.php John Buchanan, Fine Arts Museums director, dies By Kenneth Baker Published 4:00 am PST, Sunday, January 1, 2012 John Buchanan, Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, talks with Malcolm Warner and Lucy Buchanan(left to right) at the Tribal and Textile Arts Show at Fort Mason in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, February 11, 2009. less John Buchanan, Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, talks with Malcolm Warner and Lucy Buchanan(left to right) at the Tribal and Textile Arts Show at Fort Mason in San Francisco, Calif., on ... more Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle John Buchanan, the ebullient and controversial director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco since 2006, died Friday at his San Francisco home of cancer. He was 58. "He's been brilliant and wonderful fun to work with. I can't imagine what it will be like without him," said Dede Wilsey, president of the Fine Arts Museums' board and the institution's biggest benefactor. Wilsey called Mr. Buchanan "a dynamic, creative leader whose vibrant energy and humor will be missed by everyone. I, personally, have lost a best friend whose vast knowledge and intellectual curiosity never ceased to amaze me. "We were always talking about the future," said Wilsey, who traveled frequently with Mr. Buchanan, scouting exhibition prospects. "Anything he'd see in a painting, in a museum, might become an idea for a show. ... We couldn't be in a better position thanks to him and the shows he's done. We already have some great shows under contract for the next few years." Mr. Buchanan's flamboyant approach to audience building and institutional growth involved hosting exhibitions of broad appeal, such as "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" (2010), "Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique" (2009), "Yves St. Laurent" (2009) and, most controversial, "Chihuly at the de Young" (2008), honoring renowned Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly. Countering criticism Such projects prompted Mr. Buchanan's critics to accuse him of unraveling the Fine Arts Museums' prestige, which had rested more on projects and scholarship originated by its curators than on spectacles imported from elsewhere. "I'm a populist, and I'm not afraid to say it," he told The Chronicle soon after accepting the San Francisco job. Many critics, regarding Chihuly as a decorator rather than a serious sculptor, disliked the fact that the Fine Arts Museums put its weight behind him by giving him a one-venue show. But Mr. Buchanan subsequently countered criticism far more effectively by bringing to San Francisco a string of artistically electrifying shows, including surveys of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, "Picasso: Masterpieces From the Musée National Picasso, Paris" (2011) and the current "Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power From the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna" (through Feb. 12). "John deserves enormous credit for his vision," Neal Benezra, director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, said in an e-mail. "He brought a succession of important exhibitions to San Francisco, including opportunities for our community to experience masterworks from the Musée Picasso and renowned examples of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism from the Musée d'Orsay. John was a valued colleague and I will miss him tremendously." Immediately after Mr. Buchanan took medical leave in mid-December, Wilsey appointed a governance committee of seven museum administrators, headed by Chief Financial Officer Michelle Gutierrez, "who report back to me and are doing a great job." During his six years at the Fine Arts Museums, comprising the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, Mr. Buchanan presided over impressive growth in attendance and a 70 percent increase in membership. Combined attendance at the Fine Arts Museums in 2010 ranked fourth among museums in the United States and 16th in the world. The 2010 "Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces From the Musée d'Orsay" brought the de Young more than 4,600 visitors daily. Just when the world economic crisis began to crimp people's plans to travel to destination museums abroad, Mr. Buchanan's initiatives brought countless great artworks close to home. Mr. Buchanan came to San Francisco after almost 12 years as director of Oregon's Portland Art Museum. Its transformation under his leadership gave him a rainmaker's reputation in the world of arts administration. Expansion in Portland In Portland, Mr. Buchanan oversaw extensive museum reconstruction and expansion, a spate of acquisitions and a fivefold increase in the institution's endowment. His wife, Lucy, whom he met on a blind date while in graduate school, served as a development officer at the Portland Museum. The two were also busy as a team socially in San Francisco as they had been in Portland. Mr. Buchanan arrived in San Francisco at a propitious moment, after his retired predecessor, Harry S. Parker III, had spent many years renovating the Legion of Honor and building a new de Young to replace the antique structure undermined by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Having two properly equipped museums already fully operating permitted Mr. Buchanan to concentrate fully on programming, staff and collection development. In the past three years, he made curatorial appointments that met with near universal approval. In 2008, he chose James Ganz as curator of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, the Fine Arts Museums' vast prints and drawings department, and concurrently promoted the long-serving Karin Breuer to Achenbach curator in charge. In 2010, Mr. Buchanan appointed Julian Cox as the Fine Arts Museums' chief curator of the de Young and founding curator of photography. All three have since demonstrated their acumen through outstanding special exhibitions. John E. Buchanan Jr. was born in Nashville in 1953, the son of a school administrator and a utility company manager. Fascinated by art from an early age, he earned a bachelor's degree in English at Sewanee, the University of the South, then a master's in art history from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Buchanan entered the museum world as a development officer at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville and went on to join the staff of the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C. After a stint as director of the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences in Peoria, Ill., he spent nine years as director of the Dixon Museum and Gardens in Memphis, the post from which Portland recruited him. Wilsey, asked whether she had begun thinking about possible successors for Mr. Buchanan, acknowledged that she had. No search committee has been formed, she said, "although I've spoken to a few people. ... I've made some decisions about the future management, which will be slightly different. I'd like to hire an artistic director and an executive director. We're just too big for one person to handle it all." Memorial to be announced Mr. Buchanan is survived by his wife, Lucy Matthews Buchanan of San Francisco, and an uncle, Louis Buchanan, and aunt, Edith Buchanan McCoy, both of Nashville. Private funeral services will take place in Nashville. A memorial event in San Francisco will be announced later. The family requests that donations in Mr. Buchanan's memory be made to the Director's Discretionary Fund at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, (415) 750-3687, or in support of the research of Dr. Andrew Ko (research fund B2098) at UCSF Medical Center, (415) 502-1899. E-mail Kenneth Baker at kennethbaker@sfchronicle.com.

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Wisconsin millennials on why they stay here USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin looked at the many ways Wisconsin seeks to attract and retain young people. We asked college students if any of it worked. Wisconsin millennials on why they stay here USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin looked at the many ways Wisconsin seeks to attract and retain young people. We asked college students if any of it worked. Check out this story on sheboyganpress.com: http://gbpg.net/2DIjk0H Nathan Phelps, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Published 9:30 a.m. CT Jan. 24, 2018 | Updated 1:46 p.m. CT Jan. 24, 2018 Students walk on campus between classes at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wis., January 23, 2018.(Photo: Alexandra Wimley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)Buy Photo STEVENS POINT - Seth Huttner knows where he wants to be when he graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this spring: Wisconsin. The Germantown native is finishing up his degree in science education. He was one of about a thousand students taking classes on campus in January during a multi-week winter break between semesters. “I’m really attached to the Milwaukee area, so I want to go back home and look for a teaching job there,” he said. “If (the jobs) aren’t there, or aren’t the right fit for me, I’m willing to move around the state. But I really want to stay in Wisconsin.” Michael Yang inspects circuit boards at Kenall Manufacturing Thursday April 20, 2017. The company makes a variety of LED lighting products at their facility at 10200 55th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin. / Mark Hertzberg for Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers (Photo: Mark Hertzberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Huttner is the worker Wisconsin wants to keep. He’s young and learning the skills needed in the state as baby boomers retire from the workforce. It’s not just Wisconsin that wants Huttner; it’s other states, too, setting up a national competition for young talent. In 2017, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's State of Opportunity series looked at efforts to attract and retain young workers in Wisconsin through the lens of the state's changing image. Reporters profiled entrepreneurs, students, artists and young professionals from around the state about why they live here (or don't), opportunities and challenges they face and what it is about the state that will make them— and others their age — choose to stay. RELATED: Wisconsin looks to recast it's national image in search for workers RELATED: Business carves niche with farm tools of the future Many said they stay here because it’s where they grew up and where they’re comfortable. Some had a commitment to make their communities better through business or art. Others came here from other states for college, found jobs and never left. Late last fall, Gov. Scott Walker announced plans to seek almost $7 million to develop a marketing campaign designed to bring, and keep, workers in the state. The campaign, consisting of online ads and some train ads for rail commuters in Chicago, is expected to target millennials and champion Wisconsin's quality of life. The programs highlight the state’s lower cost of living, recreational opportunities and job opportunities, with large and small companies from technology to manufacturing. Arts and culture — Eau Claire’s Eaux Claires music festival, Mile of Music in Appleton and Milwaukee's Summerfest — and recreation are other tools in recruitment efforts. While Huttner wants to stay close to where he grew up, he also sees a bright future for Wisconsin's economy. He points to the arrival of an Amazon distribution center and electronics giant Foxconn to the southeast corner of the state as indications of economic growth and job opportunities in his home state. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students including Seth Huttner, left, a fifth year education student, work on a group project on the campus in Stevens Point, Wis., January 9, 2018. (Photo: Alexandra Wimley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) Of course, for thousands of millennials and younger workers, other places are more appealing. Large cities outside the state may have more vibrant arts and culture scenes and more diverse populations; places like Colorado and Utah boast a list of bucket-list recreational opportunities. Overall, Wisconsin's population growth is anemic compared to the Sun Belt. A 2015 report from the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin said about 10,000 people leave the state annually, a trend that has been dogging the state since the Great Recession a decade ago. Census data showed the state's population growth from 2014 to 2015 was 11,900 people, 39th in the nation. Huttner isn’t alone in his desire to stay in his home state. He estimates 75 percent of his friends have the same plan. Of the handful of students interviewed by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin in Stevens Point — a very unscientific method of polling, to be sure — more than half said they planned to stay in Wisconsin after graduation. Johnathan Dye strains cherries for use in one of his specialty pies at Mr. Dye's Pies Thursday February 2, 2017 in Milwaukee. (Photo: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) Nationally, competition for young talent is fierce. Companies around the nation are all vying for the next generation of workers to fill new jobs and the jobs left vacant by retiring baby boomers. Wisconsin alone is expected to face a shortage of 45,000 workers in the coming years, and as many as 300,000 in the next two decades, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. Not everyone will stay Ethan Hau grew up in Glenbeulah, a small town in Sheboygan County. He’s now looking at life after graduation with a degree in natural resource management from Stevens Point and, ideally, he’ll end up on the western United States working for the National Park Service or a state park system. He’s keen on moving to the Pacific Northwest and experiencing what cities like Seattle and Portland offer. Hau said it's likely he’ll leave Wisconsin, but he wouldn’t balk at an opportunity to work in Madison or Milwaukee for the right job. A student walks past a mural at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wis., January 23, 2018. (Photo: Tyler Rickenbach, Alexandra Wimley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) “When I was growing up there weren’t a lot of opportunities for things to do outside of going for the occasional hike or hanging out with your friends,” he said. “I see the west, and especially the northwest, as having a lot of social experiences I haven’t had yet.” Hau, who graduates in May, doesn’t rule out someday returning to his home state. “I could see myself in the future wanting to come back and maybe settle down here, but since I’m just starting my career I want to explore all my opportunities — and there seem to be a lot more in the western U.S. for my career,” he said. While family and familiarity keep many people in Wisconsin, it’s also what takes some away. Mariah Kayser, a Stevens Point student from Cloquet, Minnesota, plans to return to her home state when she graduates from the school’s education program. Like many of the Wisconsin students, she wants to live near family and work in a familiar education system. “I like Wisconsin, but Minnesota is my home,” she said. “Because I grew up there, I love the area. There are a ton of lakes nearby and there’s a lot to do in the outdoors. Pay is also higher and I grew up in their educational system and know what it’s like.” Leslie "Color me Krazy" Poeske (left), Rachel "Lolly Popya" Reed (middle) and Valerie "Fresh Meat" Johnson (right) of the Mid-State Sisters of Skate, practice jamming on March 14, 2017 in Wausau, Wis. (Photo: Tyler Rickenbach/USA TODAY NETWO) Ashwaubenon native Austin Depner says he wants to stay in Wisconsin following graduation from Stevens Point this fall. “Wisconsin is home and it’s someplace I feel comfortable,” he said. “It’s not too big. It’s not too flashy… You don’t need anything too luxurious: just enough to get by, have fun and do what you love.” State of (Young) Opportunity USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's 2017 State of Opportunity series looked at Wisconsin's changing image — and its changing workforce. Here's a look at 12 months' worth of stories on Wisconsin jobs, pastimes and people that are what Wisconsin looks like now. Building a better brand: A look at Wisconsin's image through the eyes of others Generation Next: A snapshot of the young people working in the state Who comes here:Door County fishing guide builds his business on the state's winter Have fun, stay fit: Roller derby offers grassroots fun and fitness Wisconsin tech startups: It may not be Silicon Valley, but Wisconsin offers tech opportunities Get outside: How Wisconsin recreation helps companies succeed Next-generation agriculture: How a farm kid built a drone-based business A Wisconsin firm with an international voice: Oshkosh marketing company vies for local, national, and international business Our changing schools: How smaller, rural, school districts find the next generation of teachers This manufacturing company relies on young people: Wisconsin company grows ranks by cultivating talent The arts: How music, arts and events can help keep and attract residents Big trucks: Training opportunity key to building future heavy equipment operators Read or Share this story: http://gbpg.net/2DIjk0H

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Edward Carpenter Collection Edward Carpenter (1844 – 1929) was a socialist writer and campaigner for homosexual equality. The Edward Carpenter collection was donated to us in the 1930s and is divided into two parts: The first includes Carpenter’s personal library of over 1,000 books and pamphlets. The second consists of many editions and translations of Carpenter's own works including almost every periodical to which he contributed, and 2,280 papers which comprise the manuscripts of nearly all his books, letters from friends and publishers and notebooks. This part of the collection has been added to by friends and scholars who have continued to write about Carpenter. The collection covers from 1860 to present day. Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk for more information, to book appointments or order archival materials. Location of records Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street. Microfilm copies of the manuscript collection are also available in a number of major research libraries. Copies are available to purchase from Adam Matthews Publications in their Fabian Economic and Social Thought series. Order documents Not all archive material is stored onsite and we may require notice of the items you wish to see. Please contact us to confirm when we can retrieve items for you. Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk for more information, to book appointments or order archival materials. We can normally supply copies for private study purposes, subject to the usual copyright regulations. Please contact us for further information. Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk for more information, to book appointments or order archival materials. Edward Carpenter was a pioneering exponent of many progressive causes including women’s rights and sexual reform which are taken for granted today. His radically different lifestyle became a symbol of liberation from the traditional middle class values of Victorian England and his writings were an important contribution to the development of the English socialist movement and later the gay liberation movement. He lived at Millthorpe, near Sheffield, with his lover, George Merrill and their home was visited by literary figures such as George Bernard Shaw, D. H. Lawrence and Bertrand Russell, later becoming a place of pilgrimage for all those interested in socialism and Carpenter’s philosophies. Carpenter’s library at Sheffield Archives reflects these interests and principles. Subject headings include: homosexuality, socialism and social democracy, economics, the labouring classes, women’s rights, vegetarianism, anti-vivisection, religion and science, Eastern philosophy, inter-racial understanding, environmental issues including smoke abatement and worldwide travel observations. Carpenter’s personal manuscripts, publications and correspondence reinforce these themes. Carpenter strived to create a more fair society, with Fabian ideals and a firm challenge to old concepts and beliefs. These papers contain much on gender roles (including the introduction of birth control) and modern attitudes to sex and sexuality. Carpenter was also involved in the foundation of a number of socialist societies and the collection includes correspondence from William Morris, Ramsay MacDonald, Annie Besant, Mahatma Gandhi and James Keir Hardie. Carpenter’s library and archive consist of books, printed manuscripts, handwritten correspondence and photographs. Copies of manuscript lecture notes, correspondence and newspaper cuttings are available to view on microfilm. Copies of photographs are available to view as digital images. Contact the Archives and Local Studies Library 0114 203 9395 (Sat, Mon, Tues) 0114 273 4753 (Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat) First Floor, Central Library Surrey Street Adam Matthew Digital Page last modified on 30 September 2019 1:35PM

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Get updates by e-mail Accidents & Disasters Community and Society Crime & Violence Pageants & Beauty Wolfe’s Woofers Home » Politics and Government » Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Caye Caulker « Older: Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Campaigning Newer: » Electorates to vote in People’s Referendum on offshore oil drilling in Belize Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Caye Caulker On Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, the first ever Belize Rural South Standard Bearers debate was held in San Pedro at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room. Candidates Mike Campbell, Patty Arceo, Bobby Lopez and Manuel Heredia Jr. squared off on topics ranging from crime and corruption to education and tourism. Over the next few days we will be presenting a verbatim transcript of all the questions, answers and rebuttals by each candidate for you to view, read and discuss in detail. We now get to our second topic… Caye Caulker The Topic is Caye Caulker Caye Caulker residents say the feel forgotten, neglected and only remembered at elections time. Do you think this is true and how do you intend to change this perception? Robert “Bobby” Lopez: If the people of Caye Caulker say so then it is true. I have been working with the schools in Caye Caulker since 2005 when I introduced the Lion’s Quest Light Skills Program to this country. I visit Caye Caulker at least 4 or 5 times a year and I got to know many parents, teachers and the principal. And because I work so close with them and because they are such a passionate group of people Caye Caulker emerged at the model school in the Lion’s Quest, so much that it will be featured in a film to be done in September. They have been neglected, I have heard that over and over, and when I walked the new site in the last weekend and the people showed me where the alligators come out, and the parents showed me how their children have to walk with their tennis in their hand to get to school during the high tide and the rainy season, they have been forgotten, neglected and that’s what my song says, Caye Caulker feels that they are” out of range”. Thank you Patty Arceo: Well, I have to agree, if they say it, it’s because they are feeling it. And I guess that they are feeling that since 2003. Caye Caulker is like our little sister; we have to take care of her. And the things is with Caye Caulker is that they are also growing very fast. There are issues that need to be addresses. I firmly believe that the Central Government must and should be working hand in hand with the village council, not only during election time but throughout the year. The thing is with Caye Caulker in 1998 and 2003, when we were able to serve them. When we went in there Caye Caulker needed a lot of help, especially when it came with infrastructure. I am very happy to hear that finally the beach will be reclaimed, because back in 2000 when the beach was reclaimed in Caye Caulker, it transformed completely the island, and the good thing about it is that the business was owned by local business people. When it came to the health, we were able to allocate a new doctor, and also a fulltime nurse at the Caye Caulker health center. We were able to open new streets and also able to put new lamp posts with light right there in Caye Caulker. On the north side we were able to allocate close to 265 lots and in Bahia Puesta del Sol, which is a new subdivision, we were able to about 250 lots to the residents of Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker, also the central back pier was rebuilt, because they needed to offload and load there goods coming into the island. The airstrip was resurfaced again. So these are some of the many things that we were able to do for Caye Caulker. At that time we worked with two village councils and our work never ended, there was more to be done, unfortunately 2003 came and since then very little have we seen happening in Caye Caulker. Manuel Heredia Jr.: Well definitely I feel that Caye Caulker needs a little more attention, but as I mentioned a while ago, you have to work with the resources that you have, but yes I agree with Patty that there is nothing better than working with the village council, and I have done that very very perfectly. I have worked twice with Alberto Juan in a position and now that he is the new chairman I have worked closely with him, any decision that will be made first have to be recommended by the chairman. I am not the type of representative that because I am a member of government I will go ahead and do whatever I want. The village council chairman have the a authority, the village council, the councilors have to be notified of what decision will be made, and the chairman can tell you that by Bahia Puesta del Sol we have fixed those streets several times in these four years between partnering between the chairman and myself. In the school we are having two additional classrooms because I fell that it is overcrowded. With the high school also we are making progress, we are looking into the possibilities of getting the social security land besides the airstrip for expansion of the high school, and I am very hopeful that at the end of the day we will be able to get that land and will have sufficient room to expand it even to higher grades. Mike Campbell: I would like to say to the people of Caye Caulker, well first a little background, I have lived in Caye caulker in the late 80’s, I’ve worked in Caye Caulker and I have a pretty good idea of some of the issues that they have. One of the biggest ones is that they don’t want to come out like San Pedro, and that’s a very legitimate issue. Now, here, Caye Caulker residents say they feel forgotten, neglected and only remembered around election time. Well my brothers and sisters that’s exactly the way we have it here in San Pedro too, so we’re all in this together, we also don’t receive anything, nobody comes out here or even promises us anything until it’s election time. I know how long it took to get your water system installed over there; I know how many promises, how long all of that took, how long it was promised. Part of the campaign to turn Belize Rural South into a Seventh District will give a lot more power to Caye Caulker. If we can just get a little more population in Caye Caulker I would recommend that we redistrict the seventh district to where we have two voting constituencies and Caye Caulker can have representation. It’s extremely difficult for anyone from San Pedro to represent Caye Caulker correctly, and most of their complaints are legitimate, as are ours. But I don’t want people in Caye Caulker to think that we got it good and they don’t because that’s not the fact, we are all in this together, and that’s what this election in particular is about. We are looking at another way. We have been promised repeatedly by both parties. What little progress there is is not enough and it’s too slow, and they make us feel that we are supposed to be grateful for receiving apportion of what we are actually entitled to, and we must change that, we must change that. I know how much money San Pedro and Caye Caulker contributes to this economy and I’m not willing to listen to these arguments that we don’t have the money and all of that. I want to agree with Mike, the people of Caye Caulker are the same like San Pedro and basically they feel the back half of the island has been neglected while the front half is given all the attention. That is exactly what the residents of Caye Caulker told me as I was campaigning and I was listening, they said listen, the back of the island, tourists like to come to the back to sit and watch the sun set in that beautiful bay, but what is back there? It is eroding, it’s harboring garbage, the streets are partially under water during the tide and so, just like San Pedro, the back half of the island is neglected, forgotten, and only around election time do the promises come. Caye Caulker needs the same attention as San Pedro, and it has been done and it will be done again. Whenever any new project was being done here in San Pedro another new project was being done in Caye Caulker. Take for example the fire station. When we built the fire station here in San Pedro a new fire station was built in Caye Caulker. Whenever the beach reclamation was done here in San Pedro a new beach reclamation was done in Caye Caulker, when we were building the polyclinic here in San Pedro, Caye Caulker Health Centre was being built. And all of this was not done not only through the village council but also with the locals of Caye Caulker. Well I definitely believe that partnering together with the village council is the key to Caye Caulker. During our administration, before, before that, the liquor license was allowed to be collected for the village council, then during our administration this time, they’re collecting the fees for all vehicle. So this administration have really given more autonomy to the village council and we are hoping that probably trade license and those things will be able to be collected in Caye Caulker. It’s about autonomy also, even though your representatives try to get as much progress as possible, but make sure that you allow the chairman to be the one to implement these things. It is the representative that should lobby to Central Government, but then have the village council do the projects. They are the ones to supervise it. They are the ones who know the island better than I do or better of us in front over here now. So it is our job to make sure that we lobby for them and for them to be able to do the work themselves. Thank you very much. All of the village councils have a problem with funds, it happens all over the country. There are some other funding options available for the villages through the various pieces of legislation we have, for example the various hotels that develop in Caye Caulker, should be paying some sort of development fee to the village council, it helps take up some of the slack and I believe that through the various associations Caye Caulker can identify some new sources of funding. Thank you. What is your opinion on the answers given? Do you agree/disagree with what was said? How do you feel about Caye Caulker being neglected? Give us your opinions and let’s here what you think… Also we invite everyone to take part in our poll to find out who you think answered each of these questions the best. San Pedro Councilor and Mayoral Candidates Debate Plans Finalized Heredia re-elected as Belize Rural South Area Rep. Thousands to go to the polls in double elections Countrywide Countdown to Elections 2012 Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Campaigning Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Education Belize Rural South Standard Bearers square off in first ever debate Follow The San Pedro Sun News on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook. Stay updated via RSS More on Politics and Government Electorates to vote in People’s Referendum on offshore oil drilling in Belize 9th Constitutional Amendment Bill in consultation phase André Perez endorsed as PUP standard bearer for Belize Rural South Comments are closed on this post. ComPol says police will not pay entire six-figure San Pedro hotel bill; “others might have to help” Recycle San Pedro Belize launches glass pulverizing project on Ambergris Caye Doctor Love: Going Crazy Home invasion in north Ambergris Caye leaves one person in critical condition after being shot to the head Belizeans shocked over child abuse case that left a toddler dead Launched decades ago, the remains of a Soviet Union spacecraft wash ashore on Ambergris Caye New direct international flights announced for Belize Boat collision near Caye Caulker claims the life Orange Walk resident Oscar Cornel Armed thieves in northern Ambergris Caye rob tourists and a Belizean of items valued over $30,000 Belizean fighters excel in first Island Fight Championships MMA tournament About San Pedro About The San Pedro Sun Newspaper The San Pedro SunNews Network Copyright © 2020 The San Pedro Sun. All rights reserved.

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Report: N. Korea”s Kim has pancreatic cancer By Associated Press | PUBLISHED: July 13, 2009 at 12:00 am | UPDATED: September 14, 2018 at 12:00 am SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer, a news report said Monday, days after new images of him looking gaunt spurred speculation that his health might be worsening following a reported stroke last year. The 67-year-old Kim was diagnosed with the cancer around the time he was felled by a stroke last summer, Seoul”s YTN television reported, citing unidentified intelligence officials in South Korea and China. The report cited the officials saying the disease is “threatening” Kim”s life. Pancreatic cancer is usually found in its final stage, and considering Kim”s age, he is expected to live no more than five years, the report said. South Korea”s spy agency said it could not confirm the report. Kim”s health is a focus of intense media speculation due to concerns about instability and a power struggle if he were to die without naming a successor. His third and youngest son, Kim Jong Un, has widely been reported as being groomed as heir, but the regime has made no announcement to the outside world. Monday”s report came after Kim last week made a rare public appearance, in an annual memorial for his late father and North Korea”s founder, Kim Il Sung. Television footage showed him markedly thinner and with less hair — only the second state event he has attended in person since the reported stroke. He also limped slightly, and the sides of his tightlipped mouth looked imbalanced in what were believed to be the effects of a stroke. The images touched off speculation that he could have other health problems. South Korea”s spy agency has long suspected that Kim has diabetes and heart disease. Medical doctor and professor Min Yang-ki of Seoul”s Hallym University Medical Center has said diabetes usually leads to weight loss. The neurologist also said Kim”s limping appears to be a result of a stroke. However, he said, overall it appeared Kim has recovered from that reported illness. Kim walked on his own into a Pyongyang auditorium for last week”s memorial at a normal pace and bowed while standing during a moment of silence. North Korea experts said the latest images of Kim show he is still fit enough to rule. The totalitarian leader, whose rule is buttressed by an intense cult of personality, knew that the people of North Korea would pay great attention to the memorial, and his appearance there is a message that he is in charge, Yang Moo-jin, a professor at Seoul”s University of North Korean Studies, said last week. Kim Jong Il took over North Korea after his father died in 1994 of heart failure at age 82, though he did not take on his father”s title of president. He runs the North from his post as chairman of the National Defense Commission. In early April, he presided over a parliamentary meeting where he was re-elected as leader.

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Eighty Million Eyes Dick Hill # of Units: Rent ItFrom $19.98/month Book Rating: 3.5/5 Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz A comedian dies on national television in front of forty million viewers, and the detectives of the 87th Precinct must solve the puzzle of how he made someone mad enough to murder. "Imagine your favorite Law & Order cast solving fresh mysteries into infinity, with no re-runs, and you have some sense of McBain's grand, ongoing accomplishment." - Entertainment Weekly "McBain has the ability to make every character believable - which few writers these days can do." - Associated Press "Ed McBain was the first American to receive the Diamond Dagger, the British Crime Writers Association's highest award. He also holds the Mystery Writers of America's coveted Grand Master Award, and received an Edgar Award nomination for his novel Money, Money, Money. His books have sold more than one hundred million copies, ranging from the more than fifty titles in his outstanding 87th Precinct series to the bestselling novels The Blackboard Jungle and Criminal Conversation, written under his own name, Evan Hunter. Writing as both Ed McBain and Evan Hunter, he broke new ground with Candyland, a novel in two parts. His most recent Evan Hunter novel, The Moment She Was Gone, was published by Simon & Schuster in July 2002. He is also the author of the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Dragica. "

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Smart Business Dealmakers Pittsburgh - March 5, 2020 - Register now NEP Group buys Swedish company HDR Group By Jayne Gest on June 25, 2019 Pittsburgh Local Deals Subscribe to Smart Business Dealmakers NEP Group, a provider of outsourced teleproduction services for major events around the world, has agreed to buy HDR Group, a full-service production partner in Stockholm, Sweden. This deal expands Pittsburgh-based NEP’s broadcast and media solutions capabilities in Europe. The deal is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of this year, conditional upon the approval of the Swedish Competition Authority. Prior to closing, NEP and HDR will continue to operate as separate and independent companies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. HDR, founded in 2007, has more than 100 employees who support clients in the live sports, entertainment and broadcast markets in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The addition of HDR increases NEP’s ability to serve its clients in the Nordic region and worldwide. After a brief transition period following closing, HDR will become part of NEP and will go to market as NEP. NEP’s more than 4,000 employees have supported productions in 87 countries on all seven continents, and the company has operations in 24 countries. Smart Business Dealmakers Pittsburgh 835 Sharon Drive, Suite 200 © 2020 Smart Business Dealmakers. All rights reserved.

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Shift’s Business Learning Program is carefully crafted to support companies that are serious about walking the talk to respect human rights. AB InBev joined our Business Learning Program in 2019. Our joint efforts initially included helping internal stakeholders understand what it means to respect human rights in the banking context and enhancing the bank’s human rights disclosure, as well as engagements with select clients and other stakeholders. Our work now focuses on helping ABN AMRO strengthen its human rights due diligence processes in relation to its corporate clients and has involved capacity-building sessions for client relationship managers in higher risk markets. Our work together has explored the practical application of a human rights lens to BHP’s climate change adaptation strategy, in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles. Other areas of work include supporting the company on developing its human rights training for employees, developing a human rights policy statement and on enhancing the company’s work on the rights of indigenous peoples. Chanel joined the Business Learning Program in 2019. Equinor A significant part of our initial collaboration focused on supporting the development of the company’s first stand-alone human rights policy and the development of related policies and processes. This was followed by conducting a gap analysis to feed into recommendations for enhancing the company’s human right strategy. Shift is now supporting Equinor with capacity-building for key functions as the company moves further on its journey as a full-spectrum energy company. Ericsson has been a member of Shift's Business Learning Program since 2019 Our first engagement with H&M was to help the company analyze how it could be connected to potential human rights impacts in specific cases, and to define appropriate actions in response. Since then, we have also worked with H&M to align its reporting with the UNGP Reporting Framework, and have supported the company in producing a streamlined approach to identify and prioritize salient human rights issues in key sourcing markets Our collaboration began with a gap analysis of the company’s policies and practices against the UN Guiding Principles and support on the identification of salient issues, both informed by workshops to assess and prioritize human rights impacts in own operations and the value chain of three operating companies in different regions. That work helped HEINEKEN to develop a new human rights program and a new Human Rights Policy, which is being implemented across the organization, including further human rights workshops, organized jointly in 11 countries. Shift’s support includes helping those operating countries understand how salient issues manifest at ground level and how to respond accordingly. We are also working together on the development of an approach, including operational guidance, for doing business in high risk contexts, with an initial focus on Africa. Furthermore, we gave input and feedback to the company´s new Supplier Code and the underlying process, HEINEKEN’s brand promoters policy and to implementation guidelines for their Human Rights Policy. Given the size and complexity of its business, we have explored a number of approaches to embed respect for human rights throughout the Hitachi Group Companies, including the development of a due diligence guide to operationalize the company’s commitment to human rights. More recently, we have focused on building the capacity of specific functions - including human resources and procurement - to conduct human rights due diligence at the global level and to participate effectively in cross-functional processes at the company level. Shift has also supported Hitachi in developing stakeholder relationships. Inditex joined the Business Learning Program in 2018 in line with our aim of incorporating and sharing best practice in social and environmental sustainability. We initially conducted a workshop to further identify and prioritize salient human rights issues. Subsequent work has helped us to hone in on these issues in key sourcing markets and to strengthen the human rights due diligence process throughout all areas of our business beyond the supply chain. Johnson & Johnson has been a member of Shift's Business Learning Program since 2020 Our work with NEXT has ranged from building capacity and understanding around the UNGPs, to introducing a salience-based approach to risk assessment in their supply chains. We have also provided guidance on addressing human rights risks in specific business areas. We have worked closely with PepsiCo to help focus the company’s efforts to implement the UN Guiding Principles. For over three years, we have supported the company in identifying and prioritizing its salient human rights issues and developing mitigation actions for responding to those issues. We have also strengthened the capacity of key individuals within various departments on human rights and have provided coaching and advice on the application of the UNGPs to a number of different scenarios. Furthermore, Shift assists the company in aligning its human rights disclosures with the UNGP Reporting Framework, and will focus with the company on strengthening its stakeholder engagement approach in the coming year. In 2016, Shift supported Sime Darby Plantation (SDP) on a Human Rights Due Diligence Pilot Project to deepen the assessment of Sime Darby Plantation’s policies and practices against the UN Guiding Principles. The process assisted SDP to subsequently strengthen its Human Rights Due Diligence and Impact Assessment processes through a series of interviews, focus groups and stakeholder meetings at the plantation, mill and refinery levels and proposed forward-looking mitigation measures for Sime Darby Plantation’s operations in Malaysia. This pilot involved the Human Rights Task Force in order to equip internal leaders to conduct similar processes for other parts of Sime Darby Plantation’s operations. More recently, Shift has supported the company to deepen its assessment of potential human rights risks in its Indonesian operations. Shift has supported Unilever in the publication of two standalone human rights reports by facilitating cross-functional workshops and engaging stakeholders to help identify and prioritize salient human rights issues across the value chain and by providing guidance on the alignment with the UNGP Reporting Framework. Shift has also helped develop a guide to integrate human rights considerations into Unilever’s M&A processes and more recently has supported on a series of in-country engagements in different regions to help deepen Unilever’s assessment of risks to people across its value chain. Shift has helped UPM develop and analyze self-assessment questionnaires for their various sites across the globe and facilitated the roll-out of a new human rights approach for all HR staff. Following a workshop to help identify salient human rights issues at corporate level, Shift helped UPM undertake due diligence at a specific facility in Uruguay to help the management team address potential human rights issues connected to the site. This process also informed the site management’s understanding of these issues with the perspectives of affected stakeholders, built the capacity of UPM staff and equipped them with the methodology to undertake interviews for qualitative research elsewhere. Learn more about our work with UPM on their website. A unique opportunity for companies that are truly committed to human rights Rather than doing the work for them, we help businesses build the internal capacity they need to successfully fulfill their responsibility to respect human rights. We do so because we believe that true commitment to human rights means being willing to do the heavy lifting to transform processes, structures and mindsets. It requires stepping out of the office, and engaging with those who are affected the most. And it means going beyond cosmetic changes, and off-the-shelf fixes, to put in place coherent, in-depth strategies, and sustainable, collaborative solutions. That is why we’ve designed a unique approach that focuses on supporting companies as they work to identify their most pressing human rights issues, prioritize those where people may be most at risk, and put in place enduring solutions to prevent and mitigate harm, as well as to provide meaningful remedy where needed. Participants at our 2019 Business Learning Workshop, at Harvard We are purposely selective about who we work with We like to think of our Business Learning Program as a two-way street. On the one hand, we support companies as they build the capacity and systems that they need. On the other, each engagement that we have is an opportunity to expand our own knowledge and understanding of how the UNGPs are put into action. That is why, as a mission-driven, nonprofit organization, we take pride in choosing to work with those companies that we can learn most from and with which we can have the greatest impact. So, we are not looking for companies with a ‘clean slate’. Some come to us as leaders in the field, seeking to do better in a specific area of their human rights work; others are a few steps behind, and some have only recently acknowledged that they need help. Regardless of what stage they are at, we base our decision to admit companies into our Business Learning Program on four criteria: Learn more about our board-approved criteria If they make the commitment, companies are in for a frank, nuts-and-bolts, roll-up-your-sleeves journey Companies that become participants of the Business Learning Program, enjoy: Tailored strategic advice, coaching and capacity-building support on agreed priorities for implementing the UN Guiding Principles. Participation in a unique, cross-industry network, where companies can safely engage in discussions and shared learning on the challenges they face when implementing the corporate responsibility to respect. Access to a series of peer-learning opportunities, including our two flagship business learning workshops every year: one in the Spring, co-hosted with the Corporate Responsibility Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School, and one in the Fall, in London, UK. Is your company up for the challenge? If you believe your company meets all four criteria, and it is ready to take the next step to embed respect for human rights in how business gets done, we’d love to hear from you. Participants discuss effective stakeholder engagement at the 2018 Business Learning workshop See all activities and content related to this program Human Rights Due Diligence in High Risk Circumstances March 2015 | Shift This resource focuses on how to do human rights due diligence in high risk circumstances – and how to identify those circumstances in the first place. Remediation, Grievance Mechanisms and the Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights May 2014 | Shift This resource reviews what companies are expected to do to provide remedy when human rights impacts have already occurred, whether in their own operations or in their value chains, in line with the Guiding Principles. Using Leverage in Business Relationships to Reduce Human Rights Risks November 2013 | Shift This resource walks readers through how a company can systematically and strategically influence the behavior of others, including in its value chain, when seeking to prevent or address human rights risks. Bringing a Human Rights Lens to Stakeholder Engagement August 2013 | Shift This resource helps companies understand what the Guiding Principles expect when they use the term “meaningful stakeholder engagement" and summarizes particular aspects of stakeholder engagement that are critical for implementing the Guiding Principles. Respecting Human Rights Through Global Supply Chains This resource examines how companies can implement the Guiding Principles throughout their supply chains, including identifying and prioritizing risks, using their leverage, understanding the role of auditing and supporting grievance mechanisms.

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Capt Eero Lehtovaara appointed ONE SEA chairman as ship autonomy climbs agenda ONE SEA, the industry alliance which aims to lead the way towards an operating autonomous maritime ecosystem by 2025, has appointed Capt Eero Lehtovaara as its new Chairman. Eero, a Master Mariner and Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, is Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at ABB Marine & Ports. He brings a wealth of experience to the rapidly expanding ONE SEA alliance where he has been a Board member for two years, as well as Vice Chairman. His past experience at sea provides a unique understanding of the challenges set by new regulations, human resource management and technological developments, including the accelerating pace of shipboard automation. Previously head of ABB Marine & Ports’ Design House, Eero sits on ABS and Lloyd’s Register technical committees, is Chairman of CIMAC’s working group on azimuthing propulsion standards and is ABB’s delegate at the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, International Maritime Organization alliance. “I am delighted to be heading the ONE SEA alliance at this time of digital transformation. My mission is to develop the alliance into the most influential think tank relating to autonomous and intelligent shipboard systems and operation,” Eero said, following his appointment. “ONE SEA is a very exciting set-up in which member companies are fierce competitors on the one hand, but also appreciate that establishing new guidelines and regulations for autonomy in shipping requires a carefully coordinated and collaborative effort.” Continuation of the collaborative approach is confirmed by the appointment of Wärtsilä Vice President, Digital Portfolio Management Mikko Tepponen as new ONE SEA vice chairman. Lehtovaara said the relationship between technological advance and regulation had been a key focus over recent times. “We are entering new times as connectivity allows ships to become part of integrated systems with an element of control now possible from shore,” he said. “However, the legal requirements associated with intelligent systems and their impact on the shipping industry will require a partner for the regulatory bodies which are establishing the necessary new standards. Our members must be confident that a suitably robust legal framework exists for them to design, manufacture and market the autonomous systems of tomorrow. Their involvement is therefore essential, and the ONE SEA alliance will provide them with a coordinated voice.” DIMECC (Digital, Internet, Materials & Engineering Co-creation) Ltd. is the platform company for digital technology development across industry which leads ONE SEA alliance. DIMECC’s CEO, Harri Kulmala, added: “We welcome Eero as Chairman of the ONE SEA alliance which will have an essential role to play as a new legal framework on intelligent and autonomous shipping is drawn up. Eero’s knowledge and experience will prove invaluable in driving forward future collaborative digital innovation.” The ONE SEA alliance membership continues to expand and diversify. Its latest new member is Helsinki-based NAPA, a specialist in software, services and data analysis. With particular expertise in ship design, operational efficiency and IT, NAPA has global reach and works with shipyards and designers, shipowners and operators, research bodies, maritime authorities and consultancies.

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Car Transport from Colorado to Maryland About maryland One of the original Thirteen Colonies, Maryland is considered to be the birthplace of religious freedom in America, when it was formed by George Calvert in the early 17th century as an intended refuge for persecuted Catholics from England. George Calvert was the first Lord of Baltimore and the first English proprietor of the then-Maryland colonial grant. Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution, and played a pivotal role in the founding of Washington, D.C., which was established on land donated by the state.

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By Janne April 15, 2013 Read More → Benz Patent Motor Car (1886) The Benz Patent Motor Car is regarded as the world’s first automobile. It completed its maiden journey in public on Mannheim’s Ringstraße on 3 July 1886. The event represented for designer Carl Benz the fulfilment of his dream to build a motorised road-going vehicle. His design, which included chassis and engine, was a fundamentally new innovation. Just a few weeks later, a second automotive pioneer, Gottlieb Daimler, installed an internal combustion engine in a carriage and in so doing marked the beginning of his dream to motorise all vehicles and appliances with his high-speed engine. The vehicle frame of the Benz Patent Motor Car was shaped and welded together from tubular steel. The conventional drawbar steering system used with carriages was not an option since this was a rear-wheel drive vehicle. So for the sake of simplicity, Benz initially opted for a single steered front wheel, thus creating a three-wheeled vehicle. The front wheel was mounted in an unsprung fork and was turned using a lever attached to a toothed rack. Not until several years later, in 1893, did Benz invent axle-pivot steering for two steered front wheels, one of the most significant milestones in automotive design. Benz produced the three wire spoke wheels with solid rubber tyres himself, buying in only the rims. As was typical of bicycle designs of the day, the front wheel was mounted on a ball bearing, the rear wheels in white alloy bushings. The car was driven at the rear wheels by two chains to the right and left of the throughdrive countershaft; the rear wheels were attached to the frame via a rigid axle and fully elliptic springs. It was not by chance that the Patent Motor Car bore certain similarities to the bicycle. Not only was the bicycle considered state-of-the-art, it also gave Benz inspiration for a vehicle that was both stable and lightweight. The world’s first car had just one speed on the countershaft in the form of a fixed drive disc with integrated differential and adjacent idler disc; no transmission therefore with two or more speeds and no reverse gear. Thanks to the idler disc, the flat belt linking the engine and the countershaft simultaneously served as a clutch. To slip the vehicle into gear in preparation for moving off, the belt was simply shifted from the idler disc to the fixed drive disc. Driving speed was regulated by means of the sleeve valve located beneath the driver’s seat. The reservoir for cooling water was located above the engine. The vehicle was braked using a hand lever that acted on the countershaft belt disc. The foot brake had not yet been invented. The leather-upholstered seat bench was attached directly to the frame and mounted on elegantly contoured springs. A low, leather-bound rail at the back and sides provided additional support. Benz Patent Motor Car was powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a displacement of 0.954 litres. The unit developed a peak output of 0.55 kW at 400/min. Preparation of the fuel-air mixture was handled by the surface or evaporative carburettor, which also doubled as a 4.5 litre fuel reservoir. The vehicle required around 10 litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres travelled. The fact that fuel capacity was inadequate for longer distances was not initially a major concern. First and foremost, the purpose of the Benz Patent Motor Car was to demonstrate that the overall design was fit for purpose. The engine was started with a hearty swing of the flywheel. For reasons of secrecy, preliminary short test drives were held at the factory premises in 1885. The first outing on the open road was staged at night and lasted only a few minutes, since the car came to a standstill after a hundred metres. But before long, one hundred metres turned into one thousand, and with each test the distance got bigger. In his memoirs Benz recalled: “I probably reached a speed of 16 kilometres per hour with the car. My confidence grew with each outing, but on each occasion I also grew to recognise new characteristics of the engine; on the other hand, every journey showed me new improvement possibilities, so that by January 1886 I was ready to apply for a patent for the car.” Carl Benz applied for a patent for his Motor Car on 29 January 1886. The German Patent No. 37435 is considered the birth certificate of the automobile. The Benz Patent Motor Car No. I model demonstrated that Carl Benz’s idea was viable. Benz used this experience to build a number of other models in quick succession; although these did not differ fundamentally from the original, they featured a number of minor improvements. The No. II model, the engine of which developed 1.1 kW, was also designed originally as a three-wheeler and subsequently converted experimentally to a four-wheeled vehicle. This car, which also featured a prototype axle pivot steering system, represented a further step towards the modern car. It is thought only one example was ever built. The No. III model was improved sufficiently to be sold in small numbers – around 25 units in total. Depending on the variant, each was equipped with an engine with an output of up to 2.21 kW. In addition, the No. III model featured wooden spoke wheels, a small petrol reservoir and a leather-clad, hand-operated block brake that acted directly on the rear wheels. There were also two forward gears, achieved by means of an idler disc and a two-stage fixed drive disc. Benz Patent Motor Car No. I model, 1886 Technical Specifications single-cylinder mounted at the rear 0.55 kW at 400/min approx. 10 litres per 100 kilometres engaged by shifting the drive belt from the idler disc to the fixed drive disc tubular steel frame front wheel suspension on unsprung steering fork real wheel suspension on rigid axle with fully-elliptic springs no footbrake hand brake acting on countershaft belt disc three wire spoke wheels diameter front 730 mm diameter rear 1125 mm solid rubber tyres Track width Carl Benz's single-cylinder engine Carl Benz Category: Classic Cars Tags: Carl Benz

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Languages English 日本語 简体中文 Deutsch Through our portfolio of services, we help you make informed decisions about the leadership you need to build an organization that outperforms, inspires and grows. CEO Succession Planning Digital Leadership Education, Nonprofit & Government Functional Roles Legal, Compliance & Regulatory View all Functions We help you find and develop outstanding leaders, improve team and board performance, and align culture with your strategy. Explore our insights on leadership, board and governance issues, organizational culture and more. View our latest insights How can you foster more effective top teams, make more informed choices about leadership and improve the odds of merger success? Read more. We have 60 years’ experience in leadership consulting. We've built a reputation for delivering real impact for our clients — from the world’s largest companies to startups to nonprofits. Roles at Spencer Stuart Elevate Your Career We are committed to building relationships with exceptional leaders who may qualify as candidates, now or in the future. To maximize your visibility, we encourage you to register with both Spencer Stuart and BlueSteps. Expand Search Bar Close Search Bar Run Global Search Jason C.W. Hancock Jason C. W. Hancock leads Spencer Stuart’s global technology sector for the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice as well as the firm’s Boston office. He is adept at working through challenging board dynamics and succession projects and with troubled companies, and has a depth of experience working with established public companies and private equity-backed businesses. Over the last 20 years, Jason has developed a successful track record helping clients expand into international markets by conducting searches for senior leaders throughout Europe and Asia. Extensive technology expertise Jason has conducted C-level and board director searches for many of the technology industry’s leading publicly traded and private equity- backed companies, including Akamai, Blackbaud, Blackberry, Blackboard, Business Objects, Campus Management, Cognizant, CompuCom, Compuware, Comverse, Digital Globe, Digital River, Epicor, GTNexus, Hewlett-Packard, Language Line, Lawson, Leidos, Monster, Nuance, OpenText, ORCC, Progress Software, ReachLocal, RiskMetrics, Teradata, TravelCLICK, Travelport and Unisys. Jason was also a recipient of the prestigious Lou Rieger Award for quality of work on behalf of clients. Before joining Spencer Stuart, Jason was a senior partner and director of another leading executive search firm. Initially joining in the San Francisco office, he was responsible for founding and managing the Seattle office, as well as managing the Los Angeles office for the firm. Prior to his career in executive search, Jason was general sales manager at Newbury Data, where he was responsible for the supplies division based in England. Previously, he was a director of a publicly traded technology consulting firm based in San Francisco, where he was responsible for offices in Europe and the U.S. A native of England, Jason has been engaged as a speaker at conferences in Europe and the U.S. on subjects relating to the recruiting and retention of employees. He also has been widely published on the areas of leadership, career success and corporate governance in Asia, Europe and the U.S. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in business studies from the University of Sunderland and his master’s of business administration from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. T: +1 617.531.5731 Growing Fast and Staying True Six takeaways from conversations with technology leaders about shaping corporate culture as companies grow. A Conversation with Keith Block, Co-CEO of Salesforce Keith Block, co-CEO of Salesforce, discusses how he’s quadrupled the company’s growth in five years and the crucial role culture plays. Spencer Stuart Home Terms & Conditions Privacy & Cookies Policy Contact Us © 2020 Spencer Stuart

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Beat Girl to receive multi-media platform release on May 10 By Ian Sandwell2013-03-26T13:06:00+00:00 Maírtin de Barra’s coming-of-age feature was produced by beActive. Independent British feature Beat Girl is to receive a multi-media platform release on May 10 in the UK. Maírtin de Barra’s coming-of-age feature was produced by beActive and created by Emmy-nominated writer-producer Nuno Bernardo. Alongside the UK cinema and VoD release on May 10, there will be a Beat Girl game available to download via iphone and android, a book available on Amazon and a webseries on YouTube. Beat Girl will be released in Portugal on May 9 and in the US via Hulu on May 29.

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The Problem in Translating the Noble Quran saeedalimi saveSave The Problem in Translating the Noble Quran For Later Literary Ijaaz (Yaasir Qadhi) 1) the Placement of a Particular Theories of E Nida in translation Translating the Holy Quran An Introductory English Grammar by N. C. Stageberg 30772708 Arabic English Translation of Islamic Text Assessing English Translations of the Quran Amazing Facts About Holy Quran Evaluation of english Quran Translation Rethinking Islamic Education in Facing the Challenges of the Twenty First Century Q114_01Fatiha Translations of the Quran - Dr. Jamal Badawi Quran Boy Problems in Translating Collocations in Religious Texts From Arabic Into English English Translations of Quran Translating Islamic Friday Sermons: A Case Study Details of Different Translations of Quran in 50 Languages A Stylistic Study of Morpho-semantic Shifts in Some Selected English Translations of the Glorious Qur'an.pdf Robinson - Islamic Historiography Sayyid on Rituals Ideals and Reading the Quran http://www.ahl-alquran.com/English/show_article.php?main_id=733 In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Once my dear brother, Fawzi Farraj, in one of his comments said that the translation will make the meaning weaker and sometimes it changes it no matter how much the translator was faithful and efficient. The Bible is a good example, as Jesus (PBUH) used to speak in Aramaic with the people of Israel but the first known translation of the Bible was in Greek. Hence no matter how much the Greek translators of the Bible were faithful, the meaning should have been interpreted in wrong manner in many aspects. Also that was followed by different translations which appeared with man-made modifications on it. All of that happened with the disappearance of the original Aramaic Bible so we can’t determine the efficiency of the translations (meaning that the original scripture of the Bible was lost). For the noble Quran the case is different as the Arabic language ,in which the Quran was sent down to Mohammed (PBUH), still exists and I will not be exaggerating if I say that the Quran itself helped the Arabic language to survive against the call for its division into different (public) languages (meaning that we will see Shami language, Egyptian language, Khaliji (Gulf) language, Moroccan language…….etc and the original Arabic language will be lost). Hence the believers’ belief has increased more and more on the fact that the promise of GOD is the truth: ((WE have sent down the message and WE are protecting it (from corruption) )) The noble Quran, Chapter 15, Verse 9 All that is supported by the existence of the first written Quran till now. Hence the Quran survived against the attempts to remove some verses from it or to remove some chapters and keep some others………………..etc and I am sure that these attempts are well known to everyone. As for the translation of the Quran, there is no fear because the original scripture of the Quran exists (and will always exist) but the translation of the Quran can not be considered as the Quran itself. It is better to call it the interpretation of the Quran from the translator’s point of view. Hence the translator is expected to commit mistakes whether he had a good intention or (a bad intention) as the Quran has the following specifications: ((And no one knows its interpretation other than GOD)) The noble Quran, Chapter 3, Verse 7 ((for each revealed thing (in the Quran) there is a time for its fulfillment and you will come to know (when that time comes).)) The noble Quran, Chapter 6, Verse 67 One of the translations of the noble Quran which I want to discuss in this article is the English translation of the noble Quran by Mohammed M. Pickthall. Using that translation, the enemies of the Quran accuse us of following a book which is violent and self-contradicting. I don’t want to dispraise Mohammed M. Pickthall as he surely had a good intention and he will have a reward (by the will of GOD) for all the effort he made for translating the Quran but his translation should be discussed. From my point of view, I think that the way he translated the Repentance chapter gave an impression that it is a very violent chapter which is permitting Muslims to be violent for all the times and places. For example the verse 5 in the Repentance chapter (in Arabic) says: ((5 ‫صٍد(( التوبة الية‬ َ ‫صُروُهْم َواْقعُُدوْا َلُهمْ ُكّل َمْر‬ ُ ‫ح‬ ْ ‫خُذوُهْم َوا‬ ُ ‫جدّتُموُهْم َو‬ َ ‫ث َو‬ ُ ‫حْي‬ َ ‫ن‬ َ ‫شِرِكي‬ ْ ‫َفاْقُتُلوْا اْلُم‬ ((faktoloo almoshrikeena haitho wagattomohom wa khothohom wa ehsoroohom wa ake’do lahom kolla marsad)) The repentance, Verse 5 You can refer the article named (The Repentance chapter) to know the reason of these verses and what is meant from them. Anyways the translation of Mohammed M. Pickthall was as follows: ((slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush)) Quran 9:5 Pickthall This did not specify the Meccian soldiers. It is easily known (to us) that the idolaters meant in this verse are the Meccian soldiers and not all idolaters for all times, but this fact will not be known for a (non- Muslim) who is reading the translation of the Quran for the first time. So from my point of view it was better to be translated as follows: ((slay the pagan Meccian soldiers wherever you find them, take them captives, besiege them and prepare for them each ambush)) The noble Quran, Chapter 9, Verse 5 So the one who is quoting this verse from the translation of the Quran will understand that it a story and not an order for all the times and places. Another problem in Pickthall’s translation of the Quran is his translation of the following noble verse: ))61 ‫جعل الرض قرارا (( النمل الية‬ ((Ga’l Al-arda karara)) The ants, Verse 61 Hetranslated it as follows: ((Is not He (best) Who made the earth a fixed abode)) Quran 27:61 So the enemies of the Quran accused us on believing a book that says that the earth is fixed and does not move. From my point of view the noble verse should be translated as follows: ((HE made the earth a resting-place)) The noble Quran, Chapter 27, Another problem was his translation of the story of Zul-Qarnain (the man with two Horns). He translated it in a way that gives an impression that the Quran says that the earth is flat and that Zul-Qarnain reached the extreme west of earth. It also gives an impression that the Quran says that the sun-setting place in the universe is a hot water!!!!!! There are so many other examples, but it will be so long to mention all of it. Suggestion:- Why don’t we put a section in (Ahl-Alquran) website for reading the noble Quran? We can also put an English translation of the Quran which reflects the views of the people of the Quran. We can consider that as a big project which requires the participation of a lot of brothers and sisters from this website to discuss the meaning of some words and verses. What do you think as I am ready to participate in the translation of the Quran (by the help of GOD almighty)? Such a project will make the participants read further and further and more thoroughly in the Quran. The views and opinions of authors whose articles and comments are posted on this site do not necessarily reflect the views of IQC. ments ( 2 ) Comment By Hossam Mansour - 2006-12-25 Very important point Here is the dilemma with this problem: Translation is finding the equation between the wording and the meaning. So it is not just to find the accurate meaning that is identical to the original language in strength, beauty, and depth, but it is also to word this meaning in the closest lingual form in the new language. The problem with translating the Quraan then can be divided into translating the lingual form and the meaning. The form is doable, I think. The meaning is the biggest problem because the Quraan is not just another book; it is a book that is always understood differently by the readers. The Differences we talk about here are huge, that is the reason why we, the Quranic, exist. The problem is which vision of the Quraan to translate? The translation here gets more subjective than any where else. Shadi suggests it should be called an explanation not a translation. I think it should be called a vision of the Quaran because the Quraan does not need explantion. So instead of translating the Quraan, we will word how we see the Quraan in English. We have to clearly say that this is just our vision of Islam, because although we believe that our vision is right, we can not say that this is the authentic vision of Islam Comment By Shadi EL-Farran - 2006-12-26 Translating The Untranslatable http://www.4islam.com/translations.shtml Translations of the Qur'an are regarded as interpretations in languages other than Arabic. Eventhough translating the Qur'an has been a difficult concept, both theologically and linguistically, The Qur'an has been translated into most languages. In Islam, The Qur'an is a revelation specifically in Arabic, and so it should only be recited in the Arabic language. Translations into other languages are the work of humans and so no longer possess the uniquely sacred character of the Arabic original. Since these translations subtly change the meaning, they are often called "interpretations." For instance, Pickthall called his translation The Meaning of the Glorious Koran rather than simply The Koran. Please read more on the topic below: Translating the Untranslatable: A Survey of English Translations of by A.R. Kidwai Despite the historical fact that the early Muslim community's stand on the translation of the Arabic text of the Quran was ambivalent, as indeed, the general Muslim attitude remains so to this day, the act of translation may be logically viewed as a natural part of the Muslim exegetical effort. However, whereas the idea of interpreting the Quran has not been so controversial, the emotional motives behind rendering the Quranic text into languages other than Arabic have always been looked upon with suspicion. This is obvious as the need for translating the Quran arose in those historic circumstances when a large number of non-Arabic speaking people had embraced Islam, and giving new linguistic orientations to the contents of the revelation - as, for instance, happened in the case of the 'New Testament' - could have led to unforeseeable, and undesirable, developments within the body of the Islamic religion itself. (For a brief, though highly useful, survey of the Muslim attitudes towards the permissibility of translating the text of the revelation to non-Arabic tongues, see M. Ayoub, 'Translating the Meaning of the Quran: Traditional Opinions and Modern Debates', in Afkar Inquiry, Vol. 3, No. 5 (Ramadan 1406/May 1986), pp.34 9). The Muslim need for translating the Quran into English arose mainly out of the desire to combat the missionary effort. Following a long polemical tradition, part of whose goal was also the production of a - usually erroneous and confounding - European version of the Muslim scripture, Christian missionaries started their offensive against a politically humiliated Islam in the eighteenth century by advancing their own translations of the Quran. Obviously, Muslims could not allow the missionary effort - invariably confounding the authenticity of the text with a hostile commentary of its own - to go unopposed and unchecked. Hence, the Muslim decision to present a faithful translation of the Quranic text as well as an authentic summary of its teaching to the European world. Later, the Muslim translations were meant to serve even those Muslims whose only access to the Quranic revelation was through the medium of the European languages. Naturally, English was deemed the most important language for the Muslim purpose, not least because of the existence of the British Empire which after the Ottomans had the largest number of Muslim subjects. The same rationale, however, applies to sectarian movements within Islam or even to renegade groups outside the fold of Islam, such as the Qadiyanis. Their considerable translational activities are motivated by the urge to proclaim their ideological uniqueness. Although there is a spate of volumes on the multi-faceted dimensions of the Quran, no substantial work has so far been done to critically examine the mass of existing English translations of the Quran. Even bibliographical material on this subject was quite scant before the fairly recent appearance of World Bibliography of the Translations of the Meanings of the Holy Quran (Istanbul, OIC Research Centre, 1986), which provides authoritative publication details of the translations of the Quran in sixty-five languages. Some highly useful work in this field had been done earlier by Dr. Hamidullah of Paris. Appended to the Cambridge History of Arabic Literature Volume 1, Arabic Literature to the End of the Umayyad Period (Cambridge university Press, 1983) is a bibliography of the Quran translations into European languages, prepared by J.D. Pearson, as is the latter's article in the Encyclopaedia of Islam. It is, however, of not much use to the Muslim. Since none of the above-mentioned works is annotated, the reader gets no idea about the translator's mental make-up, his dogmatic presuppositions and his approach to the Quran as well as the quality of the translation. Similarly the small chapter entitled 'The Qur'an and Occidental Scholarship' in Bell and Watt's Introduction to the Qur'an (Edinburgh, 1970, pp. 173-86), although useful in providing background information to Orientalists' efforts in Quranic studies, and translations, more or less for the same reasons, is of little value to general Muslim readers. Thus, studies which focus on those aspects of each translation of the Quran are urgently needed lest Western scholars misguide the unsuspecting non-Arabic speaking readers of the Quran. An effort has been made in this survey to bring out the hallmarks and shortcomings of the major complete translations of the Quran. The early English translations of the Quran by Muslims stemmed mainly from the pious enthusiasm on their part to refute the allegations leveled by the Christian missionaries against Islam in general and the Quran in particular. Illustrative of this trend are the following translations: (i) Mohammad Abdul Hakim Khan, The Holy Qur'an:'with short notes based on the Holy Qur'an or the authentic traditions of the Prophet, or and New Testaments or scientific truth. All fictitious romance, questionable history and disputed theories have been carefully avoided' (Patiala, 1905); (ii) Hairat Dehlawi, The Koran Prepared, by various Oriental learned scholars and edited by Mirza Hairat Dehlawi. Intended as 'a complete and exhaustive reply to the manifold criticisms of the Koran by various Christian authors such as Drs. Sale, Rodwell, Palmer and Sir W. Muir' (Delhi, 1912); and (iii) Mirzal Abu'l Fadl, Qur'an, Arabic Text and English Translation Arranged Chronologically with an Abstract (Allahabad, 1912). Since none of these early translations was by a reputed Islamic scholar, both the quality of the translation and level of scholarship are not very high and these works are of mere historical interest. Later works, however, reflect a more mature and scholarly effort. Muhammad Marmaduke William Pickthall, an English man of letters who embraced Islam, holds the distinction of bringing out a first-rate rendering of the Qur'an in English, The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an (London, 1930). It keeps scrupulously close to the original in elegant, though now somewhat archaic, English. However, although it is one of the most widely used English translations, it provides scant explanatory notes and background information. This obviously restricts its usefulness for an uninitiated reader of the Qur'an. Abdullah Yusuf Ali's The Holy Qur'an: Translation and Commentary (Lahore, 1934 37), perhaps the most popular translation, stands as another major achievement in this field. A civil servant by vocation, Yusuf Ali was not a scholar in the classical Muslim tradition. Small wonder, then, that some of his copious notes, particularly on hell and heaven, angels, jinn and polygamy, etc. are informed with the pseudo-rationalist spirit of his times, as for instance in the works of S. Ahmad and S. Ameer Ali. His overemphasis on things spiritual also distorts the Qur'anic worldview. Against this is the fact that Yusuf Ali doubtless was one of the few Muslims who enjoyed an excellent command over the English language. It is fully reflected in his translation. Though his is more of a paraphrase than a literal translation, yet it faithfully represents the sense of the original. Abdul Majid Daryabadi's The Holy Qur'an: with English Translation and Commentary (Lahore, 1941 - 57) is, however, fully cognate with the traditional Muslim viewpoint. Like PIckthall's earlier attempt, it is a faithful rendering, supplemented with useful notes on historical, geographical and eschatological issues, particularly the illuminating discussions on comparative religion. Though the notes are not always very exhaustive, they help to dispel the doubts in the minds of Westernized readers. However, it too contains inadequate background information about the Suras (chapters of the Quran) and some of his notes need updating. The Meaning of the Qur'an (Lahore, 1967), the English version of Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdud'i's magnum opus, the Urdu Tafhim al-Quran is an interpretative rendering of the Qur'an which remarkably succeeds in recapturing some of the majesty of the original. Since Mawdudi, a great thinker, enjoyed rare mastery over both classical and modern scholarship, his work helps one develop an understanding of the Qur'an as a source of guidance. Apart from setting the verses/Suras in the circumstances of its time, the author constantly relates, though exhaustive notes, the universal message of the Qur'an to his own time and its specific problems. His logical line of argument, generous sensibility, judicious use of classical Muslim scholarship and practical solutions to the problems of the day combine to show Islam as a complete way of life and as the Right Path for the whole of mankind. Since the translation of this invaluable work done by Muhammad Akbar is pitiably poor and uninspiring, the much-needed new English translation of the entire work is in progress under the auspices of the Islamic Foundation, Leicester. The Message of the Quran by Muhammad Asad (Gibraltar, 1980) represents a notable addition to the body of English translations couched in chaste English. This work is nonetheless vitiated by deviation from the viewpoint of the Muslim orthodoxy on many counts. Averse to take some Qur'anic statements literally, Asad denies the occurrence of such events as the throwing of Abraham into the fire, Jesus speaking in the cradle, etc. He also regards Luqman, Khizr and Zulqarnain as 'mythical figures' and holds unorthodox views on the abrogation of verses. These blemishes apart, this highly readable translation contains useful, though sometimes unreliable background information about the Qur'anic Suras and even provides exhaustive notes on various Qur'anic The fairly recent The Qur'an: The First American Version (Vermont, 1985) by another native Muslim speaker of English, T.B. Irving, marks the appearance of the latest major English translation. Apart from the obnoxious title, the work is bereft of textual and explanatory notes. Using his own arbitrary judgment, Irving has assigned themes to each Qur'anic Ruku' (section). Although modern and forceful English has been used, it is not altogether free of instances of mistranslation and loose expressions. With American readers in mind, particularly the youth, Irving has employed many American English idioms, which, in places, are not befitting of the dignity of the Qur'anic diction and style. In addition to the above, there are also a number of other English translations by Muslims, which, however, do not rank as significant ventures in this field. They may be listed as: 1. Al-Hajj Hafiz Ghulam Sarwar, Translation of the Holy Qur'an (Singapore, 2. Ali Ahmad Khan Jullundri, Translation of the Glorious Holy Qur'an with commentary (Lahore, 1962) 3. Abdur Rahman Tariq and Ziauddin Gilani, The Holy Qur'an Rendered into English (Lahore, 1966) 4. Syed Abdul Latif, Al-Qur'an: Rendered into English (Hyderabad, 1969) 5. Hashim Amir Ali, The Message of the Qur'an Presented in Perspective (Tokyo, 1974) 6. Taqui al-Din al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Explanatory English Translation of the Holy Qur'an: A Summarized Version of Ibn Kathir Supplemented by At-Tabari with Comments from Sahih al-Bukhari (Chicago, 7. Muhammad Ahmad Mofassir, The Koran: The First Tafsir in English (London, 8. Mahmud Y. Zayid, The Qur'an: An English Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an (checked and revised in collaboration with a committee of Muslim scholars) (Beirut, 1980) 9. S.M. Sarwar, The Holy Qur'an: Arab Text and English Translation (Elmhurst, 10. Ahmed Ali, Al-Qur'an: A Contemporary Translation (Karachi, 1984). (In view of the blasphemous statements contained in Rashad Khalifa's The Qur'an: The Final Scripture (Authorized English Version) (Tucson, 1978), it has not been included in the translations by Muslims). Even amongst the Muslim translations, some are representative of the strong sectarian biases of their translators. For example, the Shia doctrines are fully reflected in accompanying commentaries of the following books: S.V. Mir Ahmad Ali, The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary, according to the version of the Holy Ahlul Bait includes 'special notes from Hujjatul Islam Ayatullah Haji Mirza Mahdi Pooya Yazdi on the philosophical aspects of the verses' (Karachi, 1964); M.H. Shakir, Holy Qur'an (New York, 1982); Syed Muhammad Hussain at-Tabatabai, al-Mizan: An Exegesis of the Qur'an, translated from Persian into English by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi (Tehran, 198~). So far five volumes of this work have been published. Illustrative of the Barelvi sectarian stance is Holy Qur'an, the English version of Ahmad Raza Khan Brailai's Urdu translation, by Hanif Akhtar Fatmi (Lahore, n.d.). As pointed out earlier, the Qadiyanis, though having abandoned Islam, have been actively engaged in translating the Qur'an, Apart from English, their translations are available in several European and African languages. Muhammad Ali's The Holy Qur'an: English Translation (Lahore, 1917) marks the beginning of this effort. This Qadiyani translator is guilty of misinterpreting several Qur'anic verses, particularly those related to the Promised Messiah, his miracles and the Qur'anic angelology. Similar distortions mar another Qadiyani translation by Sher Ali, The Holy Qur'an: Arabic Text with English Translation (Rabwah, 1955).Published under the auspices of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, second successor of the "Promised Messiah" and head of the Ahmadiyyas, this oft-reprinted work represents the official Qadiyani version of the Qur'an. Unapologizingly, Sher Sher Ali refers to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the "Promised Messiah" and mistranslates and misinterprets a number of Qur'anic verses. Zafarullah Khan's The Qur'an: Arabic Text and English Translation (London, 1970) ranks as another notable Qadiyani venture in this field. Like other Qadiyanis, Zafarullah too twists the Qur'anic verses to opine that the door of prophethood was not closed with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The obtrusion of similar obnoxious views upon the Qur'anic text is found in the following Qadiyani translations, too: (i) Kamaluddin and Nazir Ahmad, A Running Commentary of the Holy Qur'an (London, 1948) (ii) Salahuddin Peer, The Wonderful Koran (Lahore, 1960) (iii) Malik Ghulam Farid, The Holy Qur'an (Rabwah, 1962) (iv) Khadim Rahman Nuri, The Running Commentary of the Holy Qur'an with under-bracket comments (Shillong, 1964) (v) Firozuddin Ruhi, The Qur'an (Karachi, 1965) Apart from the Qadiyanis, Christian missionaries have been the most active non-Muslim translators of the Qur'an. As already noted, origins of this inglorious tradition may be traced back to the anti-Islamic motives of the missionaries. Small wonder, then that these ventures are far from being a just translation, replete as they are with frequent transpositions, omissions, unaccountable liberties and unpardonable faults. A very crude specimen of the Orientalist-missionary approach to the Qur'an is found in Alexander Ross's The Alcoran of Mahomet translated out of Arabique into French, by the Sieur Du Ryer...And newly Englished, for the satisfaction for all that desire to look into the Turkish vanities (London, 1649). In translating the Qur'an, the intention of Ross, a chaplain of King Charles I, was: 'I thought good to bring it to their colours, that so viewing thine enemies in their full body, thou must the better prepare to encounter...his Alcoran.' In the same rabidly anti-Islamic vein are the two appendices in the work entitled as (a) 'A Needful Caveat or Admonition, for them who desire to know what use may be made of or if there be danger in reading the Alcoran' (pp. 406 20) and 'The Life and Death of Mahomet: the Prophet of the Turks and author of the Alcoran' (pp. 395-405). George Sale, a lawyer brought out his The Koran, commonly called The Al Koran of Mohammed (London, 1734), which has been the most popular English translation. Sale's exhaustive 'Preliminary Discourse', dealing mainly with Sira and the Qur'an, betrays his deep hostility towards Islam and his missionary intent in that he suggests the rules to be observed for 'the conversion of Mohammedans' (q.v.). As to the translation itself, it abounds in numerous instances of omission, distortion and interpolations. Dissatisfied with Sale's work, J.M. Rodwell, Rector of St. Ethelberga, London, produced his translation entitled The Koran (London, 1861). Apart from hurling all sorts of wild and nasty allegations against the Prophet and the Qur'an in the Preface, Rodwell is guilty of having invented the so-called chronological Sura order of the Qur'an. Nor is his translation free from grave mistakes of translation and his own fanciful interpretations in the notes. E.H. Palmer, a Cambridge scholar, was entrusted with the preparation of a new translation of the Qur'an for Max Muller's Sacred Books of the East series. Accordingly, his translation, The Qur'an, appeared in London in 1880. As to the worth of Palmer's translation, reference may be made to A. R. Nykl's article, 'Notes on E.H. Palmer's The Qur'an', published in the Journal of the American Oriental Society, 56 (1936) pp. 77-84 in which no less than 65 instances of omission and mistranslation in Palmer's work have been pointed out. Richard Bell, Reader of Arabic, University of Edinburgh, and an acknowledged Orientalist produced a translation of the Qur'an with special reference to its Sura order, as is evident from the title of his work, The Qur'an translated with a critical rearrangement of the Surahs (Edinburgh, 1937-39). In addition to describing the Prophet as the author of the Qur'an, Bell also believes that the Qur'an in its present form was 'actually written by Muhammad himself' (p. vi). In rearranging the Sura order of the Qur'an, Bell, in fact, makes a thorough mess of the traditional arrangement and tries to point out 'alterations substitutions and derangements in the text. A.J. Arberry, a renowned Orientalist and Professor of Arabic at the Universities of London and Cambridge, has been, so far, the latest non-Muslim translator of the Qur'an. Arberry's The Koran Interpreted (London, 1957) no doubt stands out above the other English renderings by non-Muslims in terms of both its approach and quality. Nonetheless, it is not altogether free from mistakes of omission and mistranslation, such as in Al' Imran 111:43, Nisa' IV: 72, 147 and 157, Ma'ida V: 55 and 71, An'am VI: 20, 105, A'raf VII: 157, 158 and 199, Anfal VIII: 17, 29, 41, 59, Yunus X: 88, Hud XI: 30 and 46 and Yusuf XII: 61. N.J. Dawood is perhaps the only Jew to have translated the Qur'an into English. Available in the Penguin edition, Dawood's translation, The Koran (London, 1956) is perhaps the most widely circulated non-Muslim English translation of the Qur'an. The author's bias against Islam is readily observable in the Introduction. Apart form adopting an unusual Sura order in his translation, Dawood is guilty also of having mistranslated the Qur'an in places such as Baqara II:9 and A'raf VII:31, etc. No doubt, the peculiar circumstances of history which brought the Qur'an into contact with the English language have left their imprint on the non-Muslim as well as the Muslim bid to translate it. The results and achievements of their efforts leave a lot to be desired. Unlike, for instance, major Muslim languages such as Persian, Turkish and Urdu, which have thoroughly exhausted indigenous linguistic and literary resources to meet the scholarly and emotional demands of the task, the prolific resources of the universal medium of English have not been fully employed in the service of the Qur'an. The Muslim Scripture is yet to find a dignified and faithful expression in the English language that matches the majesty and grandeur of the original. The currents of history, however, seem to be in favour of such a development. Even English is acquiring a native Muslim character and it is only a matter of time before we have a worthy translation of the Qur'an in that tongue. Till them, the Muslim student should judiciously make use of Pickthall, A. Yusuf Ali, Asad and Irving, Even Arberry's stylistic qualities must not be ignored. Ultimately, of course, the Muslim should try to discover the original and not allow himself to be lost in a maze of translations and interpretations. (Originally printed in The Muslim World Book Review, Vol. 7, No. 4 Summer Qur'an Translation - Difficulties of Qur'an Translation Difficulties of Translation By Huda, About.com Guide http://islam.about.com/od/qurantranslations/a/qurantranslate.htm While the text of the original Arabic Qur'an is identical and unchanged since its revelation, you will find various translations and interpretations. Anytime a translation is done into another language, the translator (who is only human) has to interpret the meaning and render it in the new language. It is, by nature, an approximation of the meaning, since words and ideas cannot be expressed identically in different languages. Arabic is a very rich language, and words have many shades of meaning. Thus in many languages it often requires more wordiness to get the meaning across, which detracts from the beautiful simplicity of the Qur'anic message. Arabic idioms, and the weight of the words, are difficult to understand and translate. While Arabic is a living language, the classical Arabic of the Qur'an requires more study in order to fully appreciate and understand the depths of Another concern is the translator's familiarity with the target language. Some translations are done by individuals who are very knowledgeable in Arabic, but they are not able to render the intended meaning because they are not familiar with the nuances of the other language. In the end, the dilemma is to find a translation that is linguistically and spiritually as accurate as possible, yet is readable and flowing. In English, such a translation is difficult to find, though many have tried. Many of the early translations of the Qur'an into English were done by Christian missionaries. Not surprisingly, they are not known for their accuracy or faithfulness to the intended message. Currently, translations are available from Hilali and Khan, Ali, Shakir, Pickthall, and others. Read below for a review of the various translations currently on the market. Translating the Untranslatable: A Survey of English Translations of the Quran http://www.soundvision.com/Info/quran/english.asp Despite the historical fact that the early Muslim community's stand on the translation of the Arabic text of the Quran was ambivalent, as indeed, the general Muslim attitude remains so to this day, the act of translation may be logically viewed as a natural part of the Muslim exegetical effort. However, whereas the idea of interpreting the Quran has not been so controversial, the emotional motives behind rendering the Quranic text into languages other than Arabic have always been looked upon with suspicion. This is obvious as the need for translating the Quran arose in those historic circumstances when a large number of non-Arabic speaking people had embraced Islam, and giving new linguistic orientations to the contents of the revelation - as, for instance, happened in the case of the 'New Testament' - could have led to unforeseeable, and undesirable, developments within the body of the Islamic religion itself. (For a brief, though highly useful, survey of the Muslim attitudes towards the permissibility of translating the text of the revelation to non-Arabic tongues, see M. Ayoub, 'Translating the Meaning of the Quran: Traditional Opinions and Modern Debates', in Afkar Inquiry, Vol. 3, No. 5 (Ramadan 1406/May 1986), pp.34 9). The Muslim need for translating the Quran into English arose mainly out of the desire to combat the missionary effort. Following a long polemical tradition, part of whose goal was also the production of a - usually erroneous and confounding - European version of the Muslim scripture, Christian missionaries started their offensive against a politically humiliated Islam in the eighteenth century by advancing their own translations of the Quran. Obviously, Muslims could not allow the missionary effort - invariably confounding the authenticity of the text with a hostile commentary of its own - to go unopposed and unchecked. Hence, the Muslim decision to present a faithful translation of the Quranic text as well as an authentic summary of its teaching to the European world. Later, the Muslim translations were meant to serve even those Muslims whose only access to the Quranic revelation was through the medium of the European languages. Naturally, English was deemed the most important language for the Muslim purpose, not least because of the existence of the British Empire which after the Ottomans had the largest number of Muslim subjects. The same rationale, however, applies to sectarian movements within Islam or even to renegade groups outside the fold of Islam, such as the Qadiyanis. Their considerable translational activities are motivated by the urge to proclaim their ideological uniqueness. Although there is a spate of volumes on the multi-faceted dimensions of the Quran, no substantial work has so far been done to critically examine the mass of existing English translations of the Quran. Even bibliographical material on this subject was quite scant before the fairly recent appearance of World Bibliography of the Translations of the Meanings of the Holy Quran (Istanbul, OIC Research Centre, 1986), which provides authoritative publication details of the translations of the Quran in sixty-five languages. Some highly useful work in this field had been done earlier by Dr. Hamidullah of Paris. Appended to the Cambridge History of Arabic Literature Volume 1, Arabic Literature to the End of the Umayyad Period (Cambridge university Press, 1983) is a bibliography of the Quran translations into European languages, prepared by J.D. Pearson, as is the latter's article in the Encyclopaedia of Islam. It is, however, of not much use to the Muslim. Since none of the above-mentioned works is annotated, the reader gets no idea about the translator's mental make-up, his dogmatic presuppositions and his approach to the Quran as well as the quality of the translation. Similarly the small chapter entitled 'The Qur'an and Occidental Scholarship' in Bell and Watt's Introduction to the Qur'an (Edinburgh, 1970, pp. 173-86), although useful in providing background information to Orientalists' efforts in Quranic studies, and translations, more or less for the same reasons, is of little value to general Muslim readers. Thus, studies which focus on those aspects of each translation of the Quran are urgently needed lest Western scholars misguide the unsuspecting non-Arabic speaking readers of the Quran. An effort has been made in this survey to bring out the hallmarks and shortcomings of the major complete translations of the Quran. The early English translations of the Quran by Muslims stemmed mainly from the pious enthusiasm on their part to refute the allegations leveled by the Christian missionaries against Islam in general and the Quran in particular. (i) Mohammad Abdul Hakim Khan, The Holy Qur'an:'with short notes based on the Holy Qur'an or the authentic traditions of the Prophet, or and New Testaments or scientific truth. All fictitious romance, questionable history and disputed theories have been carefully avoided' (Patiala, 1905); (ii) Hairat Dehlawi, The Koran Prepared, by various Oriental learned scholars and edited by Mirza Hairat Dehlawi. Intended as 'a complete and exhaustive reply to the manifold criticisms of the Koran by various Christian authors such as Drs. Sale, Rodwell, Palmer and Sir W. Muir' (Delhi, 1912); (iii) Mirzal Abu'l Fadl, Qur'an, Arabic Text and English Translation Arranged Chronologically with an Abstract (Allahabad, 1912). Since none of these early translations was by a reputed Islamic scholar, both the quality of the translation and level of scholarship are not very high and these works are of mere historical Muhammad Marmaduke William Pickthall, an English man of letters who embraced Islam, holds the distinction of bringing out a first-rate rendering of the Qur'an in English, The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an (London, 1930). It keeps scrupulously close to the original in elegant, though now somewhat archaic, English. However, although it is one of the most widely used English translations, it provides scant explanatory notes and background information. This obviously restricts its usefulness for an uninitiated reader of the Qur'an. Abdullah Yusuf Ali's The Holy Qur'an: Translation and Commentary (Lahore, 1934 37), perhaps the most popular translation, stands as another major achievement in this field. A civil servant by vocation, Yusuf Ali was not a scholar in the classical Muslim tradition. Small wonder, then, that some of his copious notes, particularly on hell and heaven, angels, jinn and polygamy, etc. are informed with the pseudo-rationalist spirit of his times, as for instance in the works of S. Ahmad and S. Ameer Ali. His overemphasis on things spiritual also distorts the Qur'anic worldview. Against this is the fact that Yusuf Ali doubtless was one of the few Muslims who enjoyed an excellent command over the English language. It is fully reflected in his translation. Though his is more of a paraphrase than a literal translation, yet it faithfully represents the sense of the original. Abdul Majid Daryabadi's The Holy Qur'an: with English Translation and Commentary (Lahore, 1941 - 57) is, however, fully cognate with the traditional Muslim viewpoint. Like PIckthall's earlier attempt, it is a faithful rendering, supplemented with useful notes on historical, geographical and eschatological issues, particularly the illuminating discussions on comparative religion. Though the notes are not always very exhaustive, they help to dispel the doubts in the minds of Westernized readers. However, it too contains inadequate background information about the Suras (chapters of the Quran) and some of his notes need updating. The Meaning of the Qur'an (Lahore, 1967), the English version of Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdud'i's magnum opus, the Urdu Tafhim al-Quran is an interpretative rendering of the Qur'an which remarkably succeeds in recapturing some of the majesty of the original. Since Mawdudi, a great thinker, enjoyed rare mastery over both classical and modern scholarship, his work helps one develop an understanding of the Qur'an as a source of guidance. Apart from setting the verses/Suras in the circumstances of its time, the author constantly relates, though exhaustive notes, the universal message of the Qur'an to his own time and its specific problems. His logical line of argument, generous sensibility, judicious use of classical Muslim scholarship and practical solutions to the problems of the day combine to show Islam as a complete way of life and as the Right Path for the whole of mankind. Since the translation of this invaluable work done by Muhammad Akbar is pitiably poor and uninspiring, the much-needed new English translation of the entire work is in progress under the auspices of the Islamic Foundation, Leicester. The Message of the Quran by Muhammad Asad (Gibraltar, 1980) represents a notable addition to the body of English translations couched in chaste English. This work is nonetheless vitiated by deviation from the viewpoint of the Muslim orthodoxy on many counts. Averse to take some Qur'anic statements literally, Asad denies the occurrence of such events as the throwing of Abraham into the fire, Jesus speaking in the cradle, etc. He also regards Luqman, Khizr and Zulqarnain as 'mythical figures' and holds unorthodox views on the abrogation of verses. These blemishes apart, this highly readable translation contains useful, though sometimes unreliable background information about the Qur'anic Suras and even provides exhaustive notes on various Qur'anic themes. The fairly recent The Qur'an: The First American Version (Vermont, 1985) by another native Muslim speaker of English, T.B. Irving, marks the appearance of the latest major English translation. Apart from the obnoxious title, the work is bereft of textual and explanatory notes. Using his own arbitrary judgment, Irving has assigned themes to each Qur'anic Ruku' (section). Although modern and forceful English has been used, it is not altogether free of instances of mistranslation and loose expressions. With American readers in mind, particularly the youth, Irving has employed many American English idioms, which, in places, are not befitting of the dignity of In addition to the above, there are also a number of other English translations by Muslims, which, however, do not rank as significant ventures in this field. 1. Al-Hajj Hafiz Ghulam Sarwar, Translation of the Holy Qur'an (Singapore, 1920) 2. Ali Ahmad Khan Jullundri, Translation of the Glorious Holy Qur'an with commentary (Lahore, 3. Abdur Rahman Tariq and Ziauddin Gilani, The Holy Qur'an Rendered into English (Lahore, 1966) 5. Hashim Amir Ali, The Message of the Qur'an Presented in Perspective (Tokyo, 1974) 6. Taqui al-Din al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Explanatory English Translation of the Holy Qur'an: A Summarized Version of Ibn Kathir Supplemented by At-Tabari with Comments from Sahih al-Bukhari (Chicago, 1977) 7. Muhammad Ahmad Mofassir, The Koran: The First Tafsir in English (London, 1979) 8. Mahmud Y. Zayid, The Qur'an: An English Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an (checked and revised in collaboration with a committee of Muslim scholars) (Beirut, 1980) 9. S.M. Sarwar, The Holy Qur'an: Arab Text and English Translation (Elmhurst, 1981) (In view of the blasphemous statements contained in Rashad Khalifa's The Qur'an: The Final Scripture (Authorized English Version) (Tucson, 1978), it has not been included in the translations by Muslims). Even amongst the Muslim translations, some are representative of the strong sectarian biases of their translators. For example, the Shia doctrines are fully reflected in accompanying commentaries of the following books: S.V. Mir Ahmad Ali, The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary, according to the version of the Holy Ahlul Bait includes 'special notes from Hujjatul Islam Ayatullah Haji Mirza Mahdi Pooya Yazdi on the philosophical aspects of the verses' (Karachi, 1964); M.H. Shakir, Holy Qur'an (New York, 1982); Syed Muhammad Hussain at-Tabatabai, al-Mizan: An Exegesis of the Qur'an, translated from Persian into English by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi (Tehran, 198~). So far five volumes of this work have been published. Illustrative of the Barelvi sectarian stance is Holy Qur'an, the English version of Ahmad Raza Khan Brailai's Urdu translation, by Hanif Akhtar Fatmi (Lahore, n.d.). As pointed out earlier, the Qadiyanis, though having abandoned Islam, have been actively engaged in translating the Qur'an, Apart from English, their translations are available in several European and African languages. Muhammad Ali's The Holy Qur'an: English Translation (Lahore, 1917) marks the beginning of this effort. This Qadiyani translator is guilty of misinterpreting several Qur'anic verses, particularly those related to the Promised Messiah, his miracles and the Qur'anic angelology. Similar distortions mar another Qadiyani translation by Sher Ali, The Holy Qur'an: Arabic Text with English Translation (Rabwah, 1955).Published under the auspices of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, second successor of the "Promised Messiah" and head of the Ahmadiyyas, this oft-reprinted work represents the official Qadiyani version of the Qur'an. Unapologizingly, Sher Sher Ali refers to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the "Promised Messiah" and mistranslates and misinterprets a number of Qur'anic verses. Zafarullah Khan's The Qur'an: Arabic Text and English Translation (London, 1970) ranks as another notable Qadiyani venture in this field. Like other Qadiyanis, Zafarullah too twists the Qur'anic verses to opine that the door of prophethood was not closed with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The obtrusion of similar obnoxious views upon the Qur'anic text is found in the following Qadiyani translations, too: (i) Kamaluddin and Nazir Ahmad, A Running Commentary of the Holy Qur'an (London, 1948) (iv) Khadim Rahman Nuri, The Running Commentary of the Holy Qur'an with under-bracket comments (Shillong, 1964) Apart from the Qadiyanis, Christian missionaries have been the most active non-Muslim translators of the Qur'an. As already noted, origins of this inglorious tradition may be traced back to the anti- Islamic motives of the missionaries. Small wonder, then that these ventures are far from being a just translation, replete as they are with frequent transpositions, omissions, unaccountable liberties and unpardonable faults. A very crude specimen of the Orientalist-missionary approach to the Qur'an is found in Alexander Ross's The Alcoran of Mahomet translated out of Arabique into French, by the Sieur Du Ryer...And newly Englished, for the satisfaction for all that desire to look into the Turkish vanities (London, In translating the Qur'an, the intention of Ross, a chaplain of King Charles I, was: 'I thought good to bring it to their colours, that so viewing thine enemies in their full body, thou must the better prepare to encounter...his Alcoran.' In the same rabidly anti-Islamic vein are the two appendices in the work entitled as (a) 'A Needful Caveat or Admonition, for them who desire to know what use may be made of or if there be danger in reading the Alcoran' (pp. 406 20) and 'The Life and Death of Mahomet: the Prophet of the Turks and author of the Alcoran' (pp. 395-405). George Sale, a lawyer brought out his The Koran, commonly called The Al Koran of Mohammed (London, 1734), which has been the most popular English translation. Sale's exhaustive 'Preliminary Discourse', dealing mainly with Sira and the Qur'an, betrays his deep hostility towards Islam and his missionary intent in that he suggests the rules to be observed for 'the conversion of Mohammedans' (q.v.). As to the translation itself, it abounds in numerous instances of omission, distortion and interpolations. Dissatisfied with Sale's work, J.M. Rodwell, Rector of St. Ethelberga, London, produced his translation entitled The Koran (London, 1861). Apart from hurling all sorts of wild and nasty allegations against the Prophet and the Qur'an in the Preface, Rodwell is guilty of having invented the so-called chronological Sura order of the Qur'an. Nor is his translation free from grave mistakes of translation and his own fanciful interpretations in the notes. E.H. Palmer, a Cambridge scholar, was entrusted with the preparation of a new translation of the Qur'an for Max Muller's Sacred Books of the East series. Accordingly, his translation, The Qur'an, appeared in London in 1880. As to the worth of Palmer's translation, reference may be made to A. R. Nykl's article, 'Notes on E.H. Palmer's The Qur'an', published in the Journal of the American Oriental Society, 56 (1936) pp. 77-84 in which no less than 65 instances of omission and mistranslation in Palmer's work have been pointed out. Richard Bell, Reader of Arabic, University of Edinburgh, and an acknowledged Orientalist produced a translation of the Qur'an with special reference to its Sura order, as is evident from the title of his work, The Qur'an translated with a critical rearrangement of the Surahs (Edinburgh, 1937-39). In addition to describing the Prophet as the author of the Qur'an, Bell also believes that the Qur'an in its present form was 'actually written by Muhammad himself' (p. vi). In rearranging the Sura order of the Qur'an, Bell, in fact, makes a thorough mess of the traditional arrangement and tries to point out 'alterations substitutions and derangements in the text. A.J. Arberry, a renowned Orientalist and Professor of Arabic at the Universities of London and Cambridge, has been, so far, the latest non-Muslim translator of the Qur'an. Arberry's The Koran Interpreted (London, 1957) no doubt stands out above the other English renderings by non-Muslims in terms of both its approach and quality. Nonetheless, it is not altogether free from mistakes of omission and mistranslation, such as in Al' Imran 111:43, Nisa' IV: 72, 147 and 157, Ma'ida V: 55 and 71, An'am VI: 20, 105, A'raf VII: 157, 158 and 199, Anfal VIII: 17, 29, 41, 59, Yunus X: 88, Hud XI: 30 and 46 and Yusuf XII: 61. N.J. Dawood is perhaps the only Jew to have translated the Qur'an into English. Available in the Penguin edition, Dawood's translation, The Koran (London, 1956) is perhaps the most widely circulated non-Muslim English translation of the Qur'an. The author's bias against Islam is readily observable in the Introduction. Apart form adopting an unusual Sura order in his translation, Dawood is guilty also of having mistranslated the Qur'an in places such as Baqara II:9 and A'raf VII:31, etc. No doubt, the peculiar circumstances of history which brought the Qur'an into contact with the English language have left their imprint on the non-Muslim as well as the Muslim bid to translate it. The results and achievements of their efforts leave a lot to be desired. Unlike, for instance, major Muslim languages such as Persian, Turkish and Urdu, which have thoroughly exhausted indigenous linguistic and literary resources to meet the scholarly and emotional demands of the task, the prolific resources of the universal medium of English have not been fully employed in the service of the Qur'an. The Muslim Scripture is yet to find a dignified and faithful expression in the English language that matches the majesty and grandeur of the original. The currents of history, however, seem to be in favour of such a development. Even English is acquiring a native Muslim character and it is only a matter of time before we have a worthy translation of the Qur'an in that tongue. Till them, the Muslim student should judiciously make use of Pickthall, A. Yusuf Ali, Asad and Irving, Even Arberry's stylistic qualities must not be ignored. Ultimately, of course, the Muslim should try to discover the original and not allow himself to be lost in a maze of translations and interpretations. (Originally printed in The Muslim World Book Review, Vol. 7, No. 4 Summer 1987) Lost in translation. Most English-language editions of the Qur'an have contained numerous errors, omissions and distortions. Hardly surprising, writes Ziauddin Sardar, when one of their purposes was to denigrate not just the Holy Book, but the entire Islamic faith Published 09 August 2004 http://www.newstatesman.com/200408090035 The Qur'an Translated by M A S Abdel Haleem Oxford University Press, 464pp, £14.99 ISBN Translations of the Qur'an have long been a battleground. Ostensibly, the purpose of translating the most sacred text of Islam is to make it accessible to those without Arabic - Muslims and non- Muslims alike. But English translations of the Qur'an have frequently been used to subvert the text as well as its real message. The most obvious point to be made about any translation of the Qur'an (and the correct spelling is Qur'an, not Koran) is that, strictly speaking, it is not the Qur'an. Literally, "qur'an" means "reading", or that which should be read. It is an epic poetic text, meant to be read aloud, whose true import can be communicated only in the original. A translation is not that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men and women to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to give the barest suggestion of the meaning of the Qur'an. This is why both classical and contemporary Muslim scholars and jurists agree that translations of the Qur'an cannot be read during daily prayers. Indeed, some scholars go so far as to argue that the Qur'an cannot be written down in letters other than the original Arabic characters. It is not just the heightened language and poetic nature of the Qur'an that creates problems for translators. The Qur'an is not a book like any other. It cannot, for example, be compared with the Torah or the Bible, simply because it is not a book of narrative records of ancient peoples - although it does contain some stories of prophets and earlier nations. It is not a "linear" text with a chronological order or a "logical" beginning, middle and end. Its chapters can be very short or very long. It repeats stories in different chapters, often skips from one subject to another, and offers instruction on the same subject in different places. It has a specific lattice structure that connects every word and every verse with every other word and verse by rhythm, rhyme and meaning. European thinkers have frequently used the special structure of the Qur'an to denigrate the Holy Book. The otherwise sensible Thomas Carlyle found the "Koran" to be "a wearisome confused jumble", and declared that only "a sense of duty could carry any European through the Koran". The 18th-century French philo-sopher and historian Constantin Volney described the Qur'an as "a tissue of vague, contradictory declamations, of ridiculous, dangerous precepts". Given that most European translators have seen the Qur'an in this way, it is not surprising that their translations have left a great deal to be desired. Some have even gone so far as to say that the Qur'an lacks the necessary structure, logic and rationality to be thought of as a book at all. The first direct translation of the Qur'an into English was by George Sale, in 1734; this, Sale said, provided clear evidence that the Qur'an was the work of several authors. Subsequent translators thought that the only way to make any sense of the Qur'an was to rearrange it into some sort of chronological order. The first translation to do so - by J M Rodwell, rector of St Ethelburga, London - was published in 1861. A more thorough rearrangement was attempted by Richard Bell, a noted Scottish orientalist, whose translation, published in Edinburgh in four editions between 1937 and 1939, was entitled The Qur'an, Translated, With a Critical Rearrangement of the Surahs. Playing havoc with the structure of the Qur'an, however, was not enough. Translators also used omission, distortion and mistranslation to subvert the message and meaning of the Holy Book. Consider, for example, the most widely available translation in English, by N J Dawood, the first edition of which was published by Penguin in 1956. This translation subverts the original in several ways. Often a single word is mistranslated in a verse to give it totally the opposite meaning. In 2:217, for example, we read: "idolatry is worse than carnage". The word translated as "idolatry" is "fitna", which actually means persecution or oppression. Dawood's translation conveys an impression that the Qur'an will put up with carnage but not idolatry. In fact, the Qur'an is making persecution and oppression a crime greater than murder. The extract should read: "oppression is more awesome than killing". At other times, Dawood uses subtle mistranslation to give an undertow of violence to the language of the Qur'an. This is evident even in his translations of chapter titles. "Az-Zumar", which simply means "crowd", is translated as "The Hordes"; "As-Saff", which means "the ranks", is translated as "Battle Array". "Al-Alaq", which literally means "that which clings", and refers to the embryo as it attaches to the wall of the uterus, is translated as "Clots of Blood". Most Muslim translators simply call the chapter "The Clot". What is intended to convey the idea of birth, Dawood projects as the notion of death. Like previous orientalist translators, he also goes out of his way to suggest that the Qur'an is a sexist text. The Qur'an demands that humanity serve God; in Dawood's translation, this injunction applies only to men. Spouses become virgins. Conjuring witches appear from nowhere. Thus, readers of Dawood's version - and most other popular translations of the Qur'an - have come away with the impression that the Holy Book sanctions violence or sexual oppression. For those interested in getting to the heart of the holy text, the good news is that there is now a much more accurate translation available. Muhammad A S Abdel Haleem, professor of Islamic studies at London's School of Oriental and African Studies, has set out not only to translate the text faithfully, but also to make it accessible to ordinary English readers. He achieves this by offering a purely linguistic reading of the Qur'an. He transforms the Holy Book's complex grammar and structure into smooth, contemporary English mercifully free from archaisms, anachronisms and incoherence. The result is both accessible and compelling. Abdel Haleem makes use of a simple but ingenious device to solve two critical problems. The Qur'an often addresses different parties - for example, the Prophet, or the Community of Believers, or the hostile Meccan tribe of the Quraysh - and switches from one to another in the same verse. Abdel Haleem inserts parentheses to make it clear who is speaking or whom is being addressed. He uses the same device to provide context: for example, when the Qur'an says "those who believed and emigrated", Abdel Haleem adds "[to Medina]". He also includes brief summaries at the beginning of each chapter, as well as judicious footnotes explaining geographical, historical and personal allusions. Abdel Haleem's emphasis on context - the way that each verse connects with many others, and how the different parts of the Holy Book explain each other - makes this translation a remarkable achievement. For the first time, readers of the Qur'an in translation are able to see that it is a commentary on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. It spans a period of 23 years; and to understand what is going on in any particular verse, you need to appreciate what is happening in the Prophet's life at the moment the verse was revealed. Moreover, to understand what the Qur'an says about a particular subject in one particular verse, you have to know what the Qur'an says about the same topic in different places. This is why, as Abdel Haleem points out in the introduction, you cannot lift a single verse out of context and use it to argue a point or to show what the Qur'an has to say about something. To illustrate the point, he refers to the oft-quoted verse "Slay them wherever you find them" (2:191). This was taken out of context by Dawood, Haleem argues, and thus used to justify the claim that the Qur'an sanctions violence against non-Muslims; and, after 9/11, to rationalise the actions of extremists. In fact, the only situation in which the Qur'an sanctions violence is in self-defence. This particular verse has a context: the Muslims, performing pilgrimage in the sacred precinct in Mecca, were under attack and did not know whether they were permitted to retaliate. The verse permits them to fight back on this - but not necessarily any other - occasion. Yet even a translation as good as this has limitations. Despite its originality, it is very much an orthodox reading of the Qur'an. The explanatory footnotes rely heavily on classical commentaries, particularly that of the late 12th-century scholar and theologian Fakhr al-Din al-Razi. And it does not inspire a sense of poetic beauty. But then, in a translation of a text as rich and complex as the Qur'an, you can't expect to have everything. Ziauddin Sardar's Desperately Seeking Paradise: journeys of a sceptical Muslim is published by Assessing English Translations of the Qur'an by Khaleel Mohammed Middle East Quarterly Spring 2005, pp. 58-71 http://www.meforum.org/717/assessing-english-translations-of-the-quran Multiple English translations of the Qur'an, Islam's scripture, line shelves at book stores. Amazon.com sells more than a dozen. Because of the growing Muslim communities in English-speaking countries, as well as greater academic interest in Islam, there has been a blossoming in recent years of English translations. Muslims view the Qur'an as God's direct words revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad (d. 632).[1] Because the Qur'an stresses its Arabic nature, Muslim scholars believe that any translation cannot be more than an approximate interpretation, intended only as a tool for the study and understanding of the original Arabic text. [2] Since fewer than 20 percent of Muslims speak Arabic, this means that most Muslims study the text only in translation. So how accurate are the Qur'an's renderings into English? The record is mixed. Some are simply poor translations. Others adopt sectarian biases, and those that are funded by Saudi Arabia often insert political annotation. Since translators seek to convey not only text but also meaning, many rely on the interpretation (tafsir) of medieval scholars in order to conform to an "orthodox" reading. Contextualizing the Qur'an No serious researcher denies that Muhammad came to a milieu that was highly influenced by Judeo-Christian ideas. Indeed, the Qur'an presupposes familiarity with Judeo-Christian ideas to the extent that it often does not give the full version of a narrative; there is no need to identify what is supposed to be common knowledge.[3] A typical example is in the verse that was only partially cited by Muslims commenting on news programs in the wake of the 9-11 terror attacks: "Whoever has killed a single human without just cause, it is as if he has killed the entire humankind."[4] In fact, the full verse is: "And for this reason, we ordained for the children of Israel that whoever has killed a single human without just cause, it is as if he has killed the entire humankind." Significantly, the complete verse refers to a divine edict not found in the Torah, but rather in the Mishnah, part of the Jewish oral tradition.[5] Evidence of Muhammad's familiarity with Judaism is present in the Qur'an. One verse suggests that his contemporaries accused him of having a Jewish teacher.[6] When some Arabs challenged Muhammad's claim to be a prophet based on his mortality, he suggested that they consult Jewish scholars about history.[7] Early Muslims resorted to Jewish lore so heavily that they produced a genre of literature: the Isra'iliyat, loosely translated as the Judaic traditions.[8] An oral tradition was even attributed to Muhammad wherein he supposedly said, "Relate from the people of Israel, and there is no objection,"[9] thereby enabling Islamic scholars to cite precedents from Jewish scholarship.[10] By the ninth century, this began to change. Muslim jurists, increasingly opposed to reliance upon Jewish lore, created new sayings from the Prophet and his companions that contradicted the original allowances. In one of these apocryphal traditions, Muhammad's face changes color when he sees his follower Umar reading the Torah. Muhammad declares that had Moses been their contemporary, he, too, would have followed the Muslim prophet.[11] An alternate version claims that the Prophet asked Umar, "Do you wish to rush to perdition as did the Jews and Christians? I have brought you white and clean hadiths [oral traditions]."[12] Despite the unreliability of this hadith, it has evolved into a position that any Muslim who questions it could be accused of Since Muslims could no longer seek support from Jewish sources, successive generations of scholars lost understanding of Qur'anic references.[13] From the tenth century on, the result has been that voices of the medieval scholars have trumped the vox-dei. Without a serious reexamination, it is uncertain whether Muslims will be able to get to the essence of their religion's main document. The inaccuracies and artifices of medieval biases remain, unfortunately, pervasively present in English translations by Muslim scholars. Early Translations The first translations to English were not undertaken by Muslims but by Christians who sought to debunk Islam and aid in the conversion of Muslims to Christianity. Alexander Ross, chaplain to Charles I (r. 1625-49) and the first to embark on the translation process, subtitled his 1649 work as "newly Englished for the satisfaction for all that desire to look into the Turkish vanities."[14] Interestingly, Ross did not speak Arabic and relied on secondarily translating from the French, a language in which he was not well-schooled. He, therefore, based his interpretation on a problematic rendition by Andrew Du Ryer. According to George Sale (1697-1736), "[Du Ryer's] performance … is far from being a just translation; there being mistakes in every page, besides frequent transpositions, omissions and additions, faults."[15] Most eighteenth and nineteenth century translations were undertaken by authors without strong background in Islam. As they were goaded by the urge to answer Christian polemic, their forgettable works do not reflect any intellectual depth; as such, copies are extremely rare. Among the best known, albeit pejorative, English- language analyses of Islam during this time were those by Christian authors such as George Sale, John Rodwell (1808-1900), Edward Palmer (1840-1882), and Sir William Muir (1819-1905).[16] Of these, Sale was probably the most important because he wrote a detailed critique about earlier translations.[17] His work became the standard reference for all English readers until almost the end of the nineteenth century.[18] However, his work was limited by his lack of access to public libraries forcing him to rely only upon material in his personal collection.[19] While Sale gave the impression that he based his translation on the Arabic text, others have suggested that he relied on an earlier Latin translation.[20] Sale did not insert verse numbers into his work, nor did he insert footnotes or other explanations. The result, therefore, is a work that is extremely difficult to comprehend. Indian Muslims were the first from within the faith to translate the Qur'an to English according to Abdur Rahim Kidwai, professor of English at Aligarh University, India. All wrote at a time of British colonialism and intense missionary activity. Kidwai noted works by Mohammad Abdul Hakim Khan (Patiala, 1905), Mirza Hairat Dehlawi (Delhi, 1912), and Mirza Abu'l Fazl (Allahabad, 1912).[21] Dehlawi was motivated consciously by a desire to give "a complete and exhaustive reply to the manifold criticisms of the Koran by various Christian authors such as Drs. Sale, Rodwell, Palmer, and Sir W. Muir." The early twentieth century reaction spurred a lasting translation trend. There have been successive new English translations, ranging from mediocre to reservedly commendable. Western university presses have undertaken publication of renditions: Princeton has published Ahmed 'Ali's rendition, and Oxford University Press has published the work of M.A.S. Abdel-Haleem. These productions are among the most widespread translations that are analyzed below. Twentieth Century Classics The Holy Qur'an. By Muhammad 'Ali. In 1917, an Ahmadi[22] scholar, Muhammad 'Ali (1875-1951), who later would become the leader of the Lahori subgroup, published his translation.[23] He constantly updated his work and had published four revisions by his death in 1951. Contemporary reviewers praised Muhammad 'Ali both for his excellent English and explanatory notes.[24] Importantly, the Muhammad 'Ali translation became the version adopted by the Nation of Islam, both under the stewardship of Elijah Muhammad and current leader Louis Farrakhan. Muhammad 'Ali's biases show through, however. Consistent with his Lahori-Ahmadi creed, Muhammad 'Ali sought to eschew any reference to miracles. He sometimes departed from a faithful rendering of the original Arabic, as in the second chapter[25] in which the Qur'an replicates the Biblical story of Moses striking the rock for water,[26] and states "idrib bi asaka al-hajr," literally, "strike the rock with your staff." Muhammad 'Ali, however, changed the text to "March on to the rock with your staff," an interpretation for which the Arabic construction does not allow. Both Muhammad 'Ali's disbelief in the miraculous and his disdain for Judaism and Christianity undercut his work in other ways. The Qur'an makes frequent mention of jinn (spirits), from which the English word "genie" is derived. Muhammad 'Ali, curiously, argues that the Qur'an equates jinn with Jews and Christians.[27] While the Qur'an supports the story of Jesus' virgin birth,[28] Muhammad 'Ali denies it, providing a footnote to deny that the Qur'an was referring to anything miraculous.[29] Despite its blatant sectarian warp, Muhammad 'Ali's translation—now in its seventh edition[30]—has formed the basis for many later works, even if the majority of both Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims avoid directly acknowledging or using an Ahmadi translation. Nevertheless, among the Lahori Ahmadis, many of whom live in the United States, Muhammad 'Ali's work remains the definitive translation. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. By Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall. Marmaduke Pickthall (1875-1936) was the son of an Anglican clergyman who traveled to the East and acquired fluency in Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu. He was a novelist, traveler, and educator who converted to Islam in 1917. In 1920, he traveled to India and became a journalist for Muslim newspapers as well as headmaster of a Muslim boys' school.[31] While teaching in Hyderabad, Pickthall took a two-year sabbatical to complete his translation[32] and was aided by several notables, among them, Mustafa al-Maraghi, then-rector of Al-Azhar, one of Sunni Islam's top institutions of Islamic studies, and the nizam[33] of Hyderabad to whom the work is dedicated. Pickthall was aware of the problems of the Christian missionaries' translations and sought to remedy the defects since "some of the translations include commentation offensive to Muslims, and almost all employ a style of language which Muslims at once recognize as unworthy."[34] He first endorsed the position of Muslim scholars that the Qur'an was untranslatable but maintained that the general meaning of the text could still be conveyed to English speakers. Aware that heavily annotated works detracted from focus on the actual text, Pickthall provided few explanatory notes and tried to let the text speak for itself. As much as Pickthall strove to maintain the spirit of the Qur'an, he was, nonetheless, heavily influenced by Muhammad 'Ali, whom he had met in London. He adopted Muhammad 'Ali's bias against descriptions of miracles and argued, for example, that the Qur'anic description of Muhammad's night voyage to the heavens[35] was just a vision,[36] even though most Muslim theologians argue that it should be taken literally. While Pickthall's work was popular in the first half of the twentieth century and, therefore, historically important, its current demand is limited by its archaic prose and lack of annotation. Perhaps the death knell for the Pickthall translation's use has been the Saudi government's decision to distribute other translations free of charge. The Koran Interpreted. By Arthur Arberry. The 1955 translation of Arthur Arberry (1905-69) was the first English translation by a bona fide scholar of Arabic and Islam. A Cambridge University graduate, he spent several years in the Middle East perfecting his Arabic and Persian language skills. For a short while, he served as professor of classics at Cairo University; in 1946, he was professor of Persian at University of London, and the next year transferred to Cambridge to become professor of Arabic, serving there until his death in 1969. His title, The Koran Interpreted, acknowledged the orthodox Muslim view that the Qu'ran cannot be translated, but only interpreted.[37] He rendered the Qur'an into understandable English and separated text from tradition. The translation is without prejudice and is probably the best around. The Arberry version has earned the admiration of intellectuals worldwide, and having been reprinted several times, remains the reference of choice for most academics. It seems destined to maintain that position for the foreseeable future. Saudi-endorsed Translations The Holy Qur'an: Translation and Commentary. By Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali. Among those Qur'an translations which found Saudi favor and, therefore, wide distribution, was the Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali (1872-1952) rendition[38] that, from its first appearance in 1934 until very recently, was the most popular English version among Muslims. While not an Islamic scholar in any formal sense, Yusuf 'Ali, an Indian civil servant, had studied classics at Cambridge University, graduated as a lawyer from Lincoln's Inn in London, and was gifted with an eloquent, vivid writing style. He sought to convey the music and richness of the Arabic with poetic English versification. While his rendering of the text is not bad, there are serious problems in his copious footnotes; in many cases, he reproduces the exegetical material from medieval texts without making any effort at contextualization. Writing at a time both of growing Arab animosity toward Zionism and in a milieu that condoned anti-Semitism, Yusuf 'Ali constructed his oeuvre as a polemic against Jews. Several Muslim scholars have built upon the Yusuf 'Ali translation.[39] In 1989, Saudi Arabia's Ar-Rajhi banking company financed the U.S.-based Amana Corporation's project to revise the translation to reflect an interpretation more in conjunction with the line of Islamic thought followed in Saudi Arabia. Ar-Rahji offered the resulting version for free to mosques, schools, and libraries throughout the world. The footnoted commentary about Jews remained so egregious that, in April 2002, the Los Angeles school district banned its use at local schools.[40] While the Yusuf 'Ali translation still remains in publication, it has lost influence because of its dated language and the appearance of more recent works whose publication and distribution the Saudi government has also sought to subsidize. The Noble Qur'an in the English Language. By Muhammad Taqi al-Din al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Now the most widely disseminated Qur'an in most Islamic bookstores and Sunni mosques throughout the English-speaking world, this new translation[41] is meant to replace the Yusuf 'Ali edition and comes with a seal of approval from both the University of Medina and the Saudi Dar al-Ifta.[42] Whereas most other translators have tried to render the Qur'an applicable to a modern readership, this Saudi-financed venture tries to impose the commentaries of Tabari (d. 923 C.E.), Qurtubi (d. 1273 C.E.), and Ibn Kathir (d. 1372 C.E.), medievalists who knew nothing of modern concepts of pluralism. The numerous interpolations make this translation particularly problematic, especially for American Muslims who, in the aftermath of 9-11, are struggling to show that Islam is a religion of tolerance. From the beginning, the Hilali and Muhsin Khan translation reads more like a supremacist Muslim, anti- Semitic, anti-Christian polemic than a rendition of the Islamic scripture. In the first sura, for example, verses which are universally accepted as, "Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom You have favored, not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray"[43] become, "Guide us to the Straight Way, the way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who have earned Your anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians)."[44] What is particularly egregious about this interpolation is that it is followed by an extremely long footnote to justify its hate based on traditions from medieval texts. Contemporary political disputes also pollute the translation, marring what should be a reflection of timeless religion. Whereas the Qur'an reports Moses's address to the Israelites as "O my people! Enter the Holy Land that God has assigned unto you,"[45] this Saudi version twists the verse with modern politics, writing, "O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine)." The appendix includes a polemical comparison of Jesus and Muhammad, reporting that the former had no claim to divinity.[46] From a Muslim perspective, what Jesus did or did not do should be drawn from the Qur'anic text, not an appendix, and certainly not by Muslim readings of the gospels. In fact, while the Qur'an does take issue with the Christian claims of divinity for Jesus, it views him, along with his mother Mary, as being truly blessed and peaceful, much in concordance with the general Christian belief.[47] Although this Saudi- sponsored effort, undertaken before 9-11, is a serious liability for American Muslims in particular, it still remains present in Sunni mosques, probably because of its free distribution by the Saudi government. Bucking the Saudi Orthodoxy The Message of the Qur'an. By Muhammad Asad. Not every translation preaches the Saudi line. Muhammad Asad, for example, presents a rendering that is simple and straightforward.[48] A Jewish convert to Islam, the former Leopold Weiss (1900-1992) sought to depart from the traditional exegetic approaches and reflect independent thought. Asad, an Austrian journalist, was well-versed in the Jewish and Christian scriptures and brought this knowledge to bear in the form of erudite footnotes. Strangely, though, he chose to interpolate material in his translation of chapter 37 to show that the sacrificial son was Ishmael and not Isaac.[49] This is rather unusual, for while most contemporary Muslims opine that Ishmael was the sacrificial son, early exegetes differed on his identity, and as is well known, the Bible clearly states that it was Isaac (Genesis 22:9).[50] Indicative of the desire and drive of Saudi Arabia to impose a Salafi[51] interpretation upon the Muslim world, the kingdom has banned Muhammad's work over some creedal issues. Because the Saudi government subsidizes the publication and distribution of so many translations, the ban has in effect made Asad's translation both expensive and difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, it remains one of the best translations available, both in terms of its comprehensible English and generally knowledgeable annotations. Al-Qur'an, A Contemporary Translation. By Ahmed 'Ali. Other translations have bucked the Saudi orthodoxy. Ahmad 'Ali, noted Pakistani poet and diplomat, has put aside the sometimes archaic prose of Yusuf 'Ali and Marmaduke Pickthall in order to present the Qur'an in contemporary English.[52] While 'Ali writes that he seeks to present "a translation, not an interpretation, theological or otherwise,"[53] he, like Muhammad 'Ali, seeks to downplay any report that may seem far- fetched, and in so doing, denies certain Biblical, Midrashic, and Talmudic antecedents. In dealing, for example, with the Qur'anic version of Moses's anger at the Jews for worshipping the golden calf, he translates the 'aqtulu anfusakum[54] as "kill your pride"[55] rather than the literal "kill yourselves" which is how it also appears in Exodus 32:27. The Qur'anic retelling and reliance on the Biblical narrative to demonstrate the seriousness of idol worship is thus lost. 'Ali also seeks to downplay Christian parallels within the Qur'an. He translates Jesus's speech in 3:49 as, "I will fashion the state of destiny out of mire for you, and breathe (a new spirit) into it, and (you) will rise by the will of God." The literal translation is, "I will fashion from you, from clay, the likeness of a bird, and will breathe unto it; and by God's will it will fly." 'Ali's footnote does not acknowledge that the Qur'anic view parallels the Gospel of Thomas. These departures from the literal portrayal of events from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament are important because they might lead lay readers to miss the Qur'anic imperative to seek the history of the prophets from the earlier scriptures.[56] The influence of its flaws may be short-lived, though. Despite its accessibility to non-Muslim and academic readers due to its recent Princeton University Press publication, many Muslim scholars have criticized the translation because of the liberties it takes with the text.[57] Future editions are unlikely. The Qur'an: The First American Version. By Thomas B. Irving. Just as Ahmad 'Ali sought to produce a contemporary translation, so did Thomas Irving, an American convert to Islam who changed his name to Ta'lim 'Ali. While Irving provides a useful introduction to the Qur'an, its language, and previous translation history, his own translation is fundamentally flawed.[58] While seeking to stick to linguistic accuracy, Irving makes some basic linguistic errors. Arabic words are built from three-letter roots to which are added prefixes, infixes, suffixes, and vowels, and their context can lead to a wide range of meanings. For example, Irving translated ahl ad-dhikr both as "people of the reminder" and "people of long memories" instead of "people of remembrance."[59] In the latter example, he misses the fact that the Qur'an is referring to Jewish scholars who, based on the Biblical command of zakhor (to remember) were at the time of Muhammad referred to as "the people of remembrance."[60] Many Muslims reject the subtitle, "The First American Version," because it sounds too much as if the Qur'an is being put into a paradigm of the various versions of the Bible—an idea not welcome to Muslim scholars who feel that multiple versions lead to corruption of the text. The translation has never been in great demand, and since Irving's death in 2002, there can be no revision; so, it is likely that, without the interest and subsidy from Islamic institutions, the version will simply be another forgettable effort. Sectarian Translations The Holy Qur'an. By Syed V. Mir Ahmed 'Ali. While the Saudis may seek to monopolize Qur'anic interpretation among the Sunni community, many Shi'ites reject their annotation. Syed V. Mir Ahmed 'Ali, an Indian scholar of Arabic and Persian, has produced a translation that has become the standard Shi'ite translation.[61] The copious instructions on Shi'ite doctrine and ritual observances ensure that the audience remains almost exclusively Shi'ite. Mir Ahmed 'Ali's translation relies strongly on the commentary of his spiritual advisor, Ayatollah Mirza Mahdi Pooya Yazdi, an Iranian scholar noted for his focus on mysticism. While the latest 2002 version is marred by typographical errors, more serious for the general reader is its heavy sectarian bias and its disparagement of several figures that are revered by Sunni Muslims. Yazdi states in his introduction, for example, that neither of the first two caliphs was an authority on the Qur'an and that there are "authentic evidences of their ignorance of it."[62] The ayatollah also makes the dubious claim that Zaid bin Thabit, deemed by many to be Muhammad's scribe, had no "academic" qualifications for the compiling of the Quran.[63] Stylistically, too, the most recent edition is unwieldy for the general reader. The translation is published in Arabic reading style, so that the pages are arranged from right to left; the first page therefore appears as the last page. This peculiarity, combined with the ungainliness and heaviness of the large tome, makes Mir Ahmed 'Ali's work more suited for mosque ritual reading than scholarly consultation. Yet, the translation carries gravitas that the previous Shi'ite rendition[64] did not have, since it is written, as the term 'Syed' (or sayyid) indicates, by a descendant of Muhammad and because it includes commentary by one of the highest-ranking authorities in contemporary Shi'ism. A paperback edition, printed in the more conventional left-right format, is widely found in Shi'ite institutions in North America.[65] The Noble Qur'an: A New Rendering of Its Meaning in English. By Abdalhaqq Bewley and Aisha Bewley. The Shi'ites have their translation, and so, too, do the Sufis.[66] The creedal bias of the Abdalhaqq and Aisha Bewleys' Sufi-inspired work is evident in the translators' preface: "Acknowledging the complete impossibility of adequately conveying the meanings of the Qur'an in English or indeed in any other language, Allah, may He be exalted, chose pure, classical Arabic as the linguistic vehicle for His final Revelation to mankind because of its unique capacity of retaining and conveying great depth of meaning in a multi-faceted way which is beyond the scope of any other language, particularly in the debased form which they have arrived in at the time in which we live."[67] This creedal statement is not supported by the Qur'an, which holds that the revelation was in Arabic simply because, had it been in another language, the Arabs would have questioned why Muhammad, who was Arab, was issuing them a revelation in a foreign tongue.[68] For all this obvious bias on the part of the translators, the work is in excellent, readable English, rendered in a manner that is neither flowery nor prosaic. The translators seem to have fulfilled their "main objective in presenting this new rendering: to allow the meaning of the original, as far as possible, to come straight through."[69] The lack of footnotes allows the reader to see the text as it is, and despite the creedal issue mentioned at the beginning of this analysis, there is little evidence of sectarian bias in the actual translation. Because of their Sufi leanings, the translators are not likely to be endorsed by the mainstream Islamic religious trusts and most definitely not by the Saudi religious foundations. The result is that an excellent work will most probably remain expensive and unavailable at most libraries and mosques. Falling Short An Interpretation of the Qur'an. By Majid Fakhry. Many new translations seek to improve upon past translations. Sometimes they fall short. This is the case with Majid Fakhry's translation.[70] A professor emeritus of philosophy at the American University of Beirut, Fakhry seeks to present the Qur'an in comprehensible English, correcting "the errors or lapses" of previous translations.[71] For someone versed in Islamic philosophy, and therefore presumably aware of the focus on the linguistic uniqueness of the Qur'an, Fakhry's prosaic rendition never comes close to communicating to the reader the powerful rhetoric of Islam's main document. His inattention to verb structure results, as noted by one reviewer in an academic journal, in the "tendency to translate an active Arabic verb into an English passive and vice versa. This undercuts both theological clarity and rhetorical effectiveness."[72] While the publisher claimed that Al-Azhar University had approved the translation, the facsimile Arabic document included with the book simply notes that "there is nothing in the translation that goes counter to the Islamic Faith, and that there is no objection to its printing and distribution."[73] This is an appropriate formula for any book containing Qur'anic verse and does not confer special status. Since this work does not contribute in any specific way to what is already available in a crowded market, Fakhry's work will lack staying power. Its absence in mosques indicates its lack of status among Muslims. The unflattering academic reviews[74] also indicate that, although produced by a Western university press, it is likely to be overlooked by the academic world as well. The Qur'an, A New Translation. By M.A.S. Abdel-Haleem. The most recent mass-market attempt to publish an English translation of the Qur'an is the result of a seven- year effort by a University of London professor.[75] Consistent with his traditional Egyptian training, M.A.S. Abdel-Haleem has memorized the Qur'an. As a believer, he writes an introduction to his work that reflects the age-old Muslim tradition, and therefore, simply reports the Muslim stories without any question as to their reliability. He feels that Gabriel instructed Muhammad on how to design the final corpus and that there are indeed "records" to show that there were twenty-two scribes for writing the text of the document.[76] Considering that the translator is a professor of Islamic studies at a secular university and ought to be aware of the haziness of early Islamic history, he should have adopted a more cautious approach to presenting such information as fact. Revisionist theories advanced by John Wansbrough, Patricia Crone, Michael Cook, and others would not have commanded scholarly attention if the reports that Abdel-Haleem seeks to pass as reliable were indeed so.[77] He does provide an excellent analysis of the context of certain verses and points out a fact that is still unknown to many scholars: that the terms Islam and Muslim in the Qur'an refer not to the reified constructs of later Islam but to devotion to God, and that as such, earlier prophets are described as Muslim.[78] The translator makes it clear that he intends to "go further than previous works in accuracy, clarity, flow, and currency of language."[79] The preciseness of English is certainly commendable, but there are problems that show that Abdel-Haleem has incorporated his doctrinal bias into his translation. As Fazlur Rahman, former professor of Islamic Studies at University of Chicago, has shown, the Qur'an contains no evidence of the corpus-soul dualism of later Islam, and so the word nafs as used in the Qur'an is not representative of "soul" as understood in Greek philosophy, Christianity, or post-Biblical Judaism.[80] Yet, Abdel-Haleem translates nafs as "soul" throughout his work.[81] By comparison, the Bewleys render the word in the more linguistically correct "self."[82] Footnotes and commentary are kept to an absolute minimum, supplied only when there is absolute need. An excellent example is where in rendering the word ummi as "unlettered," Abdel-Haleem provides a note to show that it could also be translated as "gentile."[83] This allowance for difference of opinion is particularly noteworthy since most traditional Muslim approaches do not wish to consider the "gentile" interpretation, although in the context of the entire Qur'an, that certainly seems the more correct version. The Abdel-Haleem translation comes without accompanying Arabic text. This can actually be a positive factor since it allows Muslims to take this version anywhere without having to worry about ritual protections for a sacred document that the Arabic version would mandate. The lack of footnotes and commentary promote research and a reading of the actual text. Noteworthy also is the fact that throughout, the translator renders the Arabic Allah as God, an astute choice, since the question of why many Muslims refuse to use the word God as a functional translation has created the misconception for many that Muslims worship a different deity than the Judeo-Christian creator. Abdel-Haleem has done a good job. If any Qur'anic English-language translation might stand to compete with the Saudi- financed translations, this Oxford University Press version is it. Nevertheless, the field remains open for future attempts to reflect the true meaning of the Qur'an because this mandates not only translation but also a better understanding of context. The revisionist works of scholars such as John Wansbrough, Michael Cook, Patricia Crone, Christoph Luxenberg, Gerd-Rudiger Puin, and Andrew Rippin, while opposed by many, indicate that there is much that is unclear about the early history and interpretation of the Qur'an. Their theories about such key elements as the influence of contemporary politics should be addressed in any work seeking to elucidate Islam's main document.[84] Even for native Arabic speakers, the Qur'an is a difficult document. Its archaic language and verse structure are difficult hurdles to cross. Translation only accentuates the complexity. The fact that translators and theologians have, over time, lost much of the Judeo-Christian cultural references rife in the Qur'an is just one more impediment. Medieval Muslim scholars sought to abandon consideration of the Jewish and Christian testaments as sources of understanding the Qur'an; they largely succeeded. Most religious authorities in Islamic countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iran, oppose any attempt to reinterpret the Qur'an without relying on medieval scholarship. For most Muslims unaware of the evolution of Islamic scholarship, the Qur'an is immutable and uncreated, even though the Qur'an never makes such a proclamation, and theologians reached such a conclusion only after much debate. Immutability means that the seventh century values of some Qur'anic verses, rather than being placed in their seventh century Arabian context, are portrayed as the eternal divine mandate, giving rise, for example, to an argument that females must inherit half as much as males. The failure of Muslim scholars to place the Qur'an into historical or spatial context has lead to generalizations that have harmed Islam, a trend accentuated by the fact that most Quranic translators are now Muslims. Such a failure facilitates the use of the Qur'an by governments that support chauvinism and incite hate and by terrorists such as those who brought down the World Trade Centers. In order to make itself acceptable to a world torn by Islamist terrorism, Islam faces more than just the hurdle of a proper English translation of its main document. Until Muslims learn to question the reliability of the Muslim oral traditions, or divorce themselves from medieval exegetical constructs, they will be living in a world much apart from the Judeo-Christian entity that has known reformation and enlightenment. Perhaps this is the reason why, for most academics, the translation of choice still seems to be that of Arthur Arberry. The urge among many translators—especially now that many adhere to the religion itself—is to produce a functional and relatively accurate English rendition. Many of these believers fail to take an academic approach to the history and the Judeo-Christian references in Islam's main document. Polished English prose should not substitute for poor scholarship. In addition, sectarian differences within Islam have undercut any Muslim consensus on a translated version. Increasingly, it looks like the quest for the perfect rendition will be endless. Khaleel Mohammed is an assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State [1] This is based several verses of the Qur'an, among them, Qur. 15:9, 26:195, 97:1. [2] Mahmoud Ayoub, The Awesome News (Hiawatha, Iowa: Cedar Graphics, 1997), p. xi. [3] Bernard Lewis, The Crisis of Islam (New York: Random House, 2004), p. 5. [4] Qur. 5:33. [5] Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin, 37a. [6] Qur. 16:103: "We know well that they say, 'A mortal teaches him.' But the language of the one to whom they allude is foreign, and this is the clear Arabic tongue." Abrahamian teachings could come only from Christianity or Judaism. Because the local Christian community spoke Arabic and the local Jewish community Judeo-Arabic, then contemporary context would suggest a teacher with a foreign tongue to be Jewish. [7] Qur. 16:43, 21:7; Khaleel Mohammed, "The Identity of the Qur'an's Ahl al-Dhikr," in Andrew Rippin and Khaleel Mohammed, eds., Coming to Terms with the Qur'an (Montreal: McGill University Press, forthcoming), [8] See Gordon Newby, "Tafsir Israiliyaat," Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Dec. 1980, pp. 685- [9] See M.J Kister, "Haddithu 'an Bani Israil wa la Haraja: A Study of an Early Tradition," Israel Oriental Studies, 2 (1972): 215-39. [11] Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 194, Alim CD, English Translation. Hadith refers to oral reports attributed to Muhammad. [12] Ignaz Goldziher, Muslim Studies (London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1971), pp. 2, 131. [13] Closing the door on Jewish sources did not prevent adaptation of Christian traditions. [14] Abdur Rahim Kidwai, "Translating the Untranslatable: A Survey of English Translations of the Qur'an," Muslim World Book Review, Summer 1987, pp. 66-71. [15] George Sale, The Koran Commonly Called the Al-Koran of Mohammed (New York: W. L. Allison Co, 1880), p. x. [16] Ibid.; John Rodwell, The Koran—Translated from the Arabic (London: J.M. Dent & Co., 1909); Edward Palmer, The Qur'an (Clarendon: Oxford Press, 1880); Sir William Muir, The Coran (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1878). [17] Sale, The Koran Commonly Called the Al-Koran of Mohammed, pp. vii-xii. [18] Arthur Arberry, The Koran Interpreted (New York: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1955), p. 11. [19] Sale, The Koran Commonly Called the Al-Koran of Mohammed, p. xi. [20] Thomas B. Irving, The Qur'an: First American Version (Battleboro, Vt.: Amana Books, 1985) p. xxii. [21] Kidwai, "Translating the Untranslatable," pp. 66-71. [22] A follower of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (d. 1908), who claimed to be the reviver of Islam. Mainstream Islam opposed his beliefs, and his sect bifurcated into the Qadiani and Lahori subgroups after his death. His followers are severely persecuted in Pakistan, which has declared them as non-Muslims. [23] Muhammad 'Ali, The Holy Qur'an (Columbus: Ahmadiyyah Anjuman Isha'at Islam Lahore Inc, 1991). [24] For example, "Reviews of the English Translation of the Holy Quran with Commentary," Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam Lahore Inc. U.S.A., accessed Feb. 17, 2005. [25] Qur. 2:60. [26] Exodus 17:1-6. [27] Muhammad 'Ali, The Holy Qur'an, sura 72:1. [29] Muhammad 'Ali, The Holy Qur'an, sura 3. [30] Dublin, Ohio: Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam Lahore Inc. U.S.A., 2002, redesigned, with expanded [31] Encyclopedia of Islam (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1995), s.v. "Pickthall." [32] Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (Hyderabad: Hyderabad Government Press, 1930). [33] An honorific title given to the ruler of Hyderabad in British India. [34] Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, p. vii. [35] Qur. 17: 60. [36] Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, p. 208. [37] Arberry, The Koran Interpreted, p. 24. [38] Yusuf 'Ali, The Holy Qur'an: Translation and Commentary (Lahore: 1934-37). [39] A.R. Kidwai, "Abdullah Yusuf Ali's Views on the Qur'anic Eschatology," Muslim World League Journal, Feb. 1985, pp. 14-7. [40] "L.A. Schools Review Donated Korans, Citing Derogatory Commentary," Magazine of the American Library Association, Feb. 11, 2002. [41] Muhammad Taqi al-Din al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan, The Noble Qur'an in the English Language: A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Kathir with Comments from Sahih al- Bukhari (Riyadh: Darussalam Publishers, 1996). [42] Ibid., pp. 5-6; Steven Schwartz presents a scathing review, "Rewriting the Koran," Weekly Standard, Sept. [43] Qur. 1: 7; Hilali and Khan, The Noble Qur'an in the English Language, p. 10. [44] Hilali and Khan, The Noble Qur'an in the English Language, p. 10. [46] Hilali and Khan, The Noble Qur'an in the English Language, p. 1181. [47] Qur. 3:42-57; 19:16-36. [48] Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur'an (Gibraltar: Andalus Press, 1980). [49] Qur. 37:100; Asad, The Message of the Qur'an, p. 688. [50] The change from Isaac to Ishmael was not due to Qur'anic directive but rather the efforts of later interpretations. See, Reuven Firestone, "Abraham's Son as the Intended Sacrifice: Issues in Qur'anic Exegesis," Journal of Semitic Studies, 1(1989): 95-132. [51] A term meaning "predecessors" and applied to the ideology that seeks to recreate a lifestyle and world based on the practice of the earliest Muslims. [52] Ahmed 'Ali, The Qur'an: A Contemporary Translation (Karachi: Akrash Printing, 1984). [53] Ibid, p. 8. [55] Ahmed 'Ali, The Qur'an: A Contemporary Translation, p. 17. [56] Qur. 10:94, 16:43, 21:7. [57] See, for example, Kidwai, "English Translations of the Qur'an," Anti-Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Oct. [58] Irving, The Qur'an: The First American Version (Battleboro, Vt.: Amana Books, 1985). [59] Qur. 16:43, 21:7; ibid., pp. 140, 171. [60] Mohammed, "The Identity of the Qur'an's Ahl al-Dhikr," pp. 39-54. [61] Syed V. Mir Ahmed 'Ali, The Holy Qur'an, Arabic Text with English Translation and Commentary. Special Notes from Ayatullah Mahdi Pooya Yazdi (New York: Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Inc., 1988). [62] Ibid., p. 30a-b. [64] Muhammad Shakir, Holy Qur'an (New York: Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an Inc., 1987). This translation draws heavily—and without acknowledgement—on the work of Marmaduke Pickthall. [65] New York: Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an Inc., 1988. [66] AbdalHaqq Bewley and Aisha Bewley, The Noble Qur'an: A New Rendering of Its Meaning in English (Norwich: Bookwork, 1999). [67] Bewley and Bewley, The Noble Qur'an, p. v. [68] Qur. 41:44. [69] Bewley and Bewley, The Noble Qur'an, p. iii. [70] Majid Fakhry, An Interpretation of the Qur'an (New York: New York University Press, 2002). [72] A.H. Johns, "Review of an Interpretation of the Qur'an," Middle East Studies Association Bulletin, June 2004, pp. 83-4. [74] Ibid. See also Andrew Rippin, "Review of Two Translations of the Qu'ran," H-Mideast-Medieval, Dec. [75] M.A.S. Abdel-Haleem, The Qur'an, A New Translation (New York: Oxford University Press 2004). [76] Ibid., pp. xvi-xvii. [77] John Wansbrough, The Sectarian Milieu (Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 1978); Patricia Crone and Michael Cook, Hagarism: The Making of the Islamic World (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976); Michael Cook, The Koran: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000). [78] Abdel-Haleem, The Qur'an, A New Translation, p. xxiv. [79] Ibid., p. xxix. [80] Fazlur Rahman, Major Themes of the Qur'an (Minneapolis: Bibliotheca Islamica, 1994), p. 112. [81] Abdel-Haleem, The Qur'an, A New Translation, p. 50. [82] Bewley and Bewley, The Noble Qur'an, p. 68. [83] Abdel-Haleem, The Qur'an, A New Translation, p. 105, note a. [84] Christoph Luxenberg, Die Syro-aramaishe Lesart des Koran (Berlin: Das Arabische Buch, 2000); Andrew Rippin, ed. Approaches to the History of the Interpretation of the Qur'an (Oxford and New York: Clarendon and Oxford University Presses, 1988). For Puin's views and findings, see Toby Lester, "What Is Koran?" Atlantic Monthly, Jan 1999, pp. 43-56. author, date, place of publication, and original URL. 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Home » ONVIF Celebrates Global Adoption, 10th Anniversary Integration & Network SolutionsSDM NewswireInsider News & BusinessStandards, Regulations & Legislation ONVIF Celebrates Global Adoption, 10th Anniversary KEYWORDS security industry / security standards / security technology ONVIF, a global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, capping off a decade of growth and rising influence as a provider of interoperability standards to the physical security market, the organization described. Beginning with a small group of competitive manufacturers who joined forces in 2008 and growing to 500 ONVIF member companies, ONVIF continues to refine and promote its specifications for interoperability between security technology devices and beyond. “We are so proud that what began as just a common mindset 10 years ago has transformed into everything ONVIF has become — a dynamic, member-driven organization dedicated to enabling interoperability and end user freedom of choice to select products from a variety of different security technology vendors,” said Per Björkdahl, chairman, ONVIF Steering Committee. “Our official recognition and global adoption by the international standardization community, our crowning achievement, is a testament to the work of our volunteer leaders and supporting member companies and a reflection of our prominence as the leading interoperability standard within physical security today.” ONVIF was founded as a technical alliance by Axis Communications, Sony and Bosch Security and Safety Systems and today has nearly 10,000 conformant products and a member base spanning six continents and 39 countries. ONVIF specifications have been adopted by such global standards bodies as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Cenelec and are becoming increasingly applicable in growing security and connectivity environments such as Safe City initiatives, IoT applications and intelligent building automation. The alliance’s six profiles cover the fundamental features in use in IP-based video surveillance and IP-based access control systems, as well as a growing list of more sophisticated functionalities in demand by the market. Profile S, for video streaming and configuration, as well as PTZ control, audio, multicasting and relay outputs for supporting conformant devices and clients, was the first ONVIF profile released and remains the most widely used profile on the market today, ONVIF reported. In all, ONVIF has released six profiles, which include: Profile S for video streaming, released in 2011; Profile C for IP-based basic access control, released in 2013; Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, released in 2014; Profile Q for quick installation, released in 2016; Profile A for broader access control configuration, released in 2017; and Profile T (Release Candidate), for advanced video streaming, to be finalized July 2018. From its start in 2008, the ONVIF organization grew rapidly, attracting some 300 members and 1,000 conformant products by 2011. While the original focus was interoperability between components of an IP-based video surveillance system, the organization announced in 2010 it would expand its scope to IP-based physical access control. With a new breadth of product choice in place, the increased membership and conformant product levels showcased the expanding reach of ONVIF in the market. By 2015, ONVIF had grown to more than 5,000 conformant products and, between 2016 and 2017, the organization saw its largest increase in membership in a two-year span. This year, ONVIF is preparing to exceed 10,000 products that conform to its Profiles. “The demand for connectivity between IP-based devices will continue to skyrocket, as industries begin to realize the efficiencies and actionable data produced by connecting IP devices within their organization,” Björkdahl said. “This aligns well with the vision of ONVIF, that all security systems will one day share a single interface, and we are eager to help the industry realize this vision within our next decade.” Further information about ONVIF conformant products, including the vendors and the conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website: www.onvif.org. Global Standards Group IEC Adopts ONVIF Specification for New Access Control Standard ONVIF Reflects on 2018 Activities in 10th Annual Meeting Enrollment Open for Mission 500’s 10th Anniversary Security 5k/2k Fundraiser at ISC West

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أين الموقع الذي تريد ‎زيارته في لوس أنجلوس تشغيل‏ أضف إلى الرحلة الاختيار الخاص بك تخطيط الرحلة المسرح الصيني "تي سي إل" ساعة واحدة الوقت المقدر TCL Chinese Theatre is a movie palace on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, California. Originally named and still commonly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, it was renamed Mann's Chinese Theatre in 1973; the name lasted until 2001, after which it reverted to its original name. On January 11, 2013, Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL Corporation purchased the facility's naming rights, under which it is officially known as TCL Chinese Theatre.The original Chinese Theatre was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1922. Both are in Exotic Revival style architecture. Built by a partnership headed by Sid Grauman over 18 months starting in January 1926, the theater opened May 18, 1927, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's The King of Kings. It has since been home to many premieres, including the 1977 launch of George Lucas' Star Wars, as well as birthday parties, corporate junkets, and three Academy Awards ceremonies. Among the theatre's most distinctive features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular motion picture personalities from the 1920s to the present day. In 2013, the Chinese Theatre partnered with IMAX Corporation to convert the house into a custom-designed IMAX theater. The newly renovated theater seats 932 people and features one of the largest movie screens in North America. http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/ nada m منذ ٣ أعوام Vincent Duvall منذ عامين Dances with Films hosted by TCL Chinese. Such a unique and great indie Festival in a great venue. There's a full bar great snacks beautiful visuals impeccable sound centrally located. Plus everything in the Hollywood Highland complex. Parking was simple and easy and reasonable. Tons of great films to choose from. The only drawback is that the water fountain doesn't work and the bottles of water are $6 Interesting experience. Directly next to the famous theatre, it's on the 3rd floor. Eclectic mix of people who are attending movies here. Typical prices for tickets and concessions, no weird things because of the location. Theatres are not terrible but not top of the line. JW Gator If you are a tourist you owe it to yourself to go inside and have a look. Even better, go see a movie showing here. I saw the new Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom the day before it released. The theater was awesome. The sound is up there with any other modern theater/cinema and this place has been going since 1929 Jon Pruett If you are in the LA area, the Chinese theater is a great stop. For only the price of parking you can walk around for hours being entertained by all the people and sights. The area does get crowded but its Hollywood so that is to be expected. The souvenir shops are fun and you can find some great deals. Just be respectful of the talent and the thousands of other people. You might even see a celebrity.

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2018’s Top 5 Hottest Rising Chinese Actors That You Need To Know by blacksesame88 It’s already the end of 2018 and it has been quite a whirlwind year in the world of Chinese dramas, producing many great hits: “Like a Flowing River,” “Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin,” “Suddenly This Summer,” “Ruyi’s Royal Love In the Palace,” and “Ever Night.” With great dramas, it also leads to a prominence of new rising actors and this year has no shortage of them. Here’s our list of 2018’s top five rising Chinese actors that you need to know! Liu Hao Ran Liu Hao Ran is considered one of the fastest rising young actors in China. He is a graduate of the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy and currently a student at Central Academy of Drama, ranked as one of the top three film schools in China. He’s most noted for achieving the highest score on his entrance exam in the school’s acting department. He made his debut in the 2014 film “Beijing Love Story,” which earned him a nomination for Best New Actor at the Beijing College Student Film Festival. Liu Hao Ran is well known for his supporting roles in the critically acclaimed films “The Legend of the Demon Cat” and “The Founding of an Army” as well as his titular lead role of Qin Feng in the “Detective Chinatown” film series. International fans may not be as be as familiar with Liu Hao Ran, as he is primarily a film actor. However, he became more well known after starring in the popular dramas “Nirvana in Fire 2” and “With You.” Liu Hao Ran has achieved much recognition for his acting and has been nominated for various acting awards. He has a reputation of being a serious young actor, mainly acting in high quality productions. Liu Hao Ran’s acting style is described as mature and beyond his age, as he places extreme thought and care into his performance and roles. Fans of Liu Hao Ran love the combination of his youthful spirit and quiet confidence, as he’s very independent, self aware, grounded, and mature for his age. To sum it all up, he is basically the adorable boy-next-door who excels in everything he does. You can catch him in his next drama “Novoland: Eagle Flag” set to air sometime in 2019. Start watching him in “Nirvana In Fire 2”: Zheng Ye Cheng You probably know our next rising actor as Mu Le, the hottest servant during the Tang Empire in the historical fantasy drama “An Oriental Odyssey.” He is Zheng Ye Cheng, a graduate of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, a school that specializes in Beijing Opera. He debuted as an actor in 2014 and starred in a string of various supporting roles. It wasn’t until 2016 that his supporting role of Hao Mei in the hit drama “Love O2O” helped him gain recognition and popularity. Since “Love O2O,” Zheng Ye Cheng’s career has been steadily climbing upwards. In 2017, he landed a leading male role in the quirky historical fantasy drama “Let’s Shake It” and viewers quickly fell in love with his character Tang Qing Feng. This year he starred in “Let’s Shake It 2” the sequel and in the popular epic fantasy drama “An Oriental Odyssey.” Zheng Ye Cheng really shines in historical dramas as he can showcase the manly yet charmingly sweet side of his characters along with great a comedic twist. Cast and crew who have worked with Zheng Ye Cheng would all praise him as being very hard-working, as he treats every film scene with a professional attitude. When a drama has completed filming, he is always seen sincerely thanking all the staff and crew members. He recently wrapped up filming for the historical drama “Royal Nirvana.” Besides acting, Zheng Ye Cheng is highly skilled in Wushu (Chinese martial arts). At the age of seven, he started training in Wushu, around the same time he fell in love with Beijing Opera. He is a triple threat: he can act, sing, and protect you! Check out Zheng Ye Cheng demonstrating his amazing Wushu skills on the popular Chinese variety show “Happy Camp” Start watching him in “An Oriental Odyssey”: Chen Zhe Yuan Baby-faced cutie Chen Zhe Yuan is another fresh face who has joined the drama landscape. As a graduate from Shenzhen University with a major in Performing Arts, he is super new. In fact, he just debuted in his first drama “All About Secrets” in 2017 as the popular but troubled teen Duan Bo Wen. Chen Zhe Yuan as a rookie actor can be described as having a natural raw acting ability with tremendous potential and growth. After “All About Secrets,” Chen Zhe Yuan has gone on to star in the time-travel romantic comedy drama “Hello Dear Ancestors” and the historical romance “The Legend of Zu 2” (the sequel and prequel to “The Legend of Zu“). 2018 continues to be a great year for Chen Zhe Yuan as he has recently completed filming for the drama remake of “Handsome Siblings,” playing the mischievous sibling Xiao Yu Er from the 1966 classic novel by Gu Long. He is currently filming the historical drama “Renascence” based on a novel about rebirth and revenge. Prior to acting, Chen Zhe Yuan had a brief stint in the Chinese boyband MR.BIO that was formed through IQiYi’s survival reality show “King of Pop.” The group made their debut in 2015 with their only digital single “Jackpot.” Many fans of the new actor will say he looks like a combination of Luhan and EXO’s Chanyeol when they first see him appear on screen. Start watching him in “Hello Dear Ancestors”: Chen Fei Yu There’s no denying that Chen Fei Yu (Arthur Chen) is one of the big breakout actors of 2018 due to his role of Ning Que in the epic fantasy drama “Ever Night.” He is the son of the famous Chinese film director Chen Kaige and actress Chen Hong. Chen Fei Yu made his debut as a child actor in the 2010 film “Sacrifice,” but it wasn’t until 2017 that he starred in a lead role in the film “Secret Fruit.” He also worked alongside his father Chen Kaige as a director’s assistant on the award-winning film “Legend of the Demon Cat.” Standing at 188 centimeters tall with a natural charismatic on-screen presence and handsome looks, it’s hard not to like him. Viewers were impressed and quickly fell in love with his portrayal of the coldblooded and arrogant Ning Que in “Ever Night” as he fully embodies the character from the original novel. And as a new young actor, he’s doing quite well for himself and definitely has a bright future ahead of him, with massive potential to be in the next generation of top leading actors. He is currently filming his next upcoming historical drama “Legend of Awakening.” Besides acting, Chen Fei Yu also has an affinity for music and cooking. On his personal Weibo account and Chen Fei Yu Studio account, he is often seen posting videos and photos of him playing guitar and cooking various dishes in the kitchen. Did you know he’s also fluent in English? That’s because he studied in Massachusetts at Tabor Academy in the States. In addition, Chen Fei Yu has been a spokesmodel for Dior since 2017. Start watching “Ever Night”: Neo Hou Our next rising actor is Neo Hou! He’s a former member of the Chinese boyband that debuted in 2014 called Fresh极客少年团. The group disbanded in 2016, as all the members wanted to focus on their solo careers. It is also interesting to note that Neo is a former SM Entertainment trainee from 2012 for approximately two years. Neo became well-known after his standout performances in the drama “Cambrian Period” and in the film “The Devotion of Suspect X.” Ever since his debut, Neo has captivated millions of fans through his warm and cheerful personality. Prior to his debut, Neo has always quietly provided financial aid to disadvantaged children, both in their livelihood and education. Neo is the full package with his killer visuals, beautiful crystal clear singing voice, superb dancing skills, and solid acting skills. With his incredible star quality and talents, he will surely make it far in the Chinese entertainment world. He is currently stealing hearts as the sweet and dependable Hua Biao in the new youth drama “When We Were Young 2018.” Check out Neo Hou’s amazing cover of the classic song Time Waits For No One (岁月不待人): Hey Soompiers, who is your favorite hottest rising Chinese actor? Any favorites who weren’t mentioned in the article? Let me know in the comments below! blacksesame88 is a long-time Asian drama and entertainment addict. She enjoys discussing her favorite dramas, and sharing her knowledge of Asian entertainment. When she’s not watching dramas, she’s busy snapping aesthetic photos of delicious food on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter and join her for recaps of the current dramas she’s watching, also feel free to say Hi and have a chat! Currently watching: “Ever Night” “Hello Dear Ancestors“ When We Were Young 2018” “My Strange Hero” All-time favorite dramas: “Nirvana In Fire,” “Queen In Hyun’s Man,” “A Witch’s Romance” Looking forward to: “One and Another Him” Soompi Spotlight

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EXO’s Chen To Sing OST For tvN’s Upcoming Drama “Touch Your Heart” by D. S.kim EXO’s Chen will be lending his sweet voice to the upcoming drama “Touch Your Heart”! On February 7, the first OST for tvN’s new Wednesday-Thursday drama “Touch Your Heart” will be released through various music streaming sites. The song is titled “Make It Count,” and EXO’s Chen gladly offered to lend his sweet voice for the track. EXO’s Chen has sung in various OSTs in the past including ones for “It’s Okay, That’s Love” and “100 Days My Prince.” He is known for his sweet and sentimental tone, which will go well with the upcoming romance between Yoo In Na and Lee Dong Wook in “Touch Your Heart.” “Touch Your Heart” is a romantic comedy that tells the story about a perfectionist lawyer Kwon Jung Rok (Lee Dong Wook) and Korea’s top actress Oh Yoon Seo (Yoo In Na) who fakes her position to work at a law firm. The drama will premiere on February 6 at 9:30 pm. KST, and it will also be available on Viki! Check out a teaser below:

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› Washington, D.C. › Spotlight on Contemporary Spanish Theater: Women Dramatists This new series presents works by contemporary Spanish female playwrights Paloma Pedrero, Laila Ripoll and Yolanda García. Spanish theater is a reflection of the land where it is created: culturally rich, and diverse. Rooted in a strong tradition of theater coming from the XVI century, contemporary Spanish theater is a blend of voices and styles exploring the issues of our time. Spotlight on Contemporary Spanish Theater is a new initiative organized by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain, in collaboration with Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays and AENY – Spanish Artists in New York to provide a platform for unheard stories to D.C. audiences. Without question, among the most visible signs of change and diversity in Spanish theater today is the growing phenomenon called dramaturgas or “women dramatists” within a genre traditionally dominated by male dramatists, critics, and producers. This new chapter in Spain’s history of drama is founded on the collective experience of more than fifty years of artistic production by four generations of women in theater with leading roles as playwrights, directors, producers, etc. Their work appears on stages throughout Spain, and the translations of their plays in over 27 languages can be found in independent or commercial theaters around the globe. Never in recent memory has there been such a dynamic and creative exchange among past, present and future Thespians of this gender. Their collective contribution to the dramatic arts not only reclaims but also gives recognition to the long-anticipated female perspective on history, myth, and present-day society. In celebration of the countless contributions made by dramaturgas to Spanish theater, the 2019 Lecture Series will feature three plays by three of the most critically acclaimed women dramatists of Spain: Paloma Pedrero, Yolanda García Serrano, and Laila Ripoll. —Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays In the Other Room (En la otra habitación] On Monday, September 30 at 7 pm. By Paloma Pedrero. Directed by Allison Arkell Stockman. In English. Free, RSVP required. In the Other Room (2011), translated by Iride Lamartina-Lens (Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays, vol.36, 2013), was a Finalist in the Best Play category of the 2012 Valle-Inclán Prize. This intimate, two-character play highlights the complexities of the ever-evolving mother/daughter relationship faced with the daunting challenges of the present time. It is a current story of an undocumented phenomenon still unfolding among today’s generation of mothers and daughters as they strive to integrate change into their relationship without forfeiting their sacred bond of solidarity and love. It rises out of the depths of feminine experience and insight as it dares to expose some of the darker aspects of the new-age mother/daughter relationship that is often threatened by rivalry, narcissism, and unrealistic expectations of one another. Paloma Pedrero is recognized as one of Spain’s leading playwrights and directors. Author of more than thirty plays, spanning four decades of continuous production, her theater has been nationally and internationally acclaimed, translated into more than twenty languages, widely staged in major cities around the world, and published by top publishing houses like Cátedra. Over the years, Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays has dedicated four volumes to her theater (volumes 6, 19, 30 and 36), thus distinguishing Pedrero as one of the most prominent and requested authors in the series. The Border (La frontera) & The Lost Children (Los niños perdidos) On Monday, October 28 at 7 pm. By Laila Ripoll. Directed by Michael Windsor. The Border (2004), translated by Karen Leahy (Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays, vol.34, 2011), is a haunting two-character play that puts the spotlight on the intergenerational conflicts between two exiles –the ghost of a Spanish Republican grandfather exiled in Mexico, and his rebellious grandson itching to cross the southern border into the USA without documentation. It is a clash of memory/tradition versus economic hardship and individual autonomy. The Lost Children (2005), translated by Karen Leahy (Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays, vol. 34, 2011), takes place in an abandoned and dilapidated Catholic orphanage in Spain. Through a poignant combination of realism, fantasy, black humor, and a heavy dose of the macabre, this four-character tragicomedy weaves in and out of a painful present, and an even darker past. It reveals the hidden abuses suffered by the most vulnerable victims of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and the Franco dictatorship –the young children of Republican families. Laila Ripoll, winner of the Premio Nacional de Literatura Dramática 2015 for El triángulo azul, has been a constant presence on the Spanish stage for over two decades. She has committed both to the recovery of historical memory of a post-Civil War Spain, and to the respect for human rights, especially those of women. On Monday, November 18 at 7 pm. By Yolanda García Serrano. Directed by Jason King Jones. Iceberg (2016), translated by Julio Perillán (Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays, vol.40, 2017), is a raucous and humorous, four-character play that takes place on the last night of the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic. It is a comedy of errors, full of hilarious plot and character twists, that intertwines mischief, shady business, indulgence, and deceit. Yolanda García Serrano, winner of the Premio Nacional de Literatura Dramática 2018 for Corre, is a well-established playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director. Her works offer a humorous perspective on sex, romantic relationships, gender roles, and sexual stereotypes. SPAIN arts & culture aims to promote Spanish culture in the U.S. through fruitful cultural exchanges among institutions and artists, fostering positive bilateral relations between our two countries. Among its objectives, the program enhances shared knowledge on the cultural and creative industries and facilitates professional opportunities for artists, drawing on our common Hispanic heritage. Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays, co-edited by Iride Lamartina-Lens and Susan Berardini, is a non-profit literary press that publishes stage-worthy English translations of some of the best and most current plays from Spain. Since its inception in 1992, this annual series comprised of 42 volumes has been committed to showcasing dramatic works representing a plurality of voices, perspectives and artistic visions of more than fifty dramatists. AENY – Spanish Artists in New York is a non-profit organization that promotes interdisciplinary artistic collaborations and intends to build a cultural bridge between Spain and the United States. AENY fosters a multidisciplinary collective of Spanish artists, joined by a common heritage and a mission to produce cutting-edge contemporary work that reflects the needs, longings, and uncertainty of the cross-cultural society in which we live. Mon, September 30 — Mon, November 18, 2019 Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, 2801 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Presented by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in collaboration with Estreno Contemporary Spanish Plays and AENY – Spanish Artists in New York. Image courtesy of AENY-Spanish Artists in New York Also in Washington, D.C. 5 Spanish Cinema Now+ 2020 Shedding new light on Hispanic Heritage with Carrie Gibson Shedding new light on Hispanic Heritage with Robert Goodwin Also in Performing arts 1 Entre Tú y Yo by Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca © 2011–2020 Embassy of Spain – Cultural Office | 2801 16th Street NW | Washington, D.C. 20009

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Computer Science Image Processing Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science Mathematics for Computer Graphics Authors: Vince, John Covers a broad range of relevant mathematical topics, from algebra to calculus Includes over 320 colour illustrations and scores of worked examples Takes the reader from humble introductory ideas through to some advanced concepts One of the few student texts on introductory mathematics including a chapter on geometric algebra John Vince explains a wide range of mathematical techniques and problem-solving strategies associated with computer games, computer animation, virtual reality, CAD and other areas of computer graphics in this completely revised and expanded fifth edition. The first five chapters cover a general introduction, number sets, algebra, trigonometry and coordinate systems, which are employed in the following chapters on vectors, matrix algebra, transforms, interpolation, curves and patches, analytic geometry and barycentric coordinates. Following this, the reader is introduced to the relatively new topic of geometric algebra, followed by two chapters that introduce differential and integral calculus. Finally, there is a chapter on worked examples. Mathematics for Computer Graphics covers all of the key areas of the subject, including: · Number sets · Algebra · Trigonometry · Coordinate systems · Determinants · Vectors · Quaternions · Matrix algebra · Geometric transforms · Interpolation · Curves and surfaces · Analytic geometry · Barycentric coordinates · Geometric algebra · Differential calculus · Integral calculus This fifth edition contains over 120 worked examples and over 320 colour illustrations, which are central to the author’s descriptive writing style. Mathematics for Computer Graphics provides a sound understanding of the mathematics required for computer graphics, giving a fascinating insight into the design of computer graphics software and setting the scene for further reading of more advanced books and technical research papers. Professor John Vince began working in computer graphics at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1968. His research activities centered on computer animation software and resulted in the PICASO and PRISM animation systems. Whilst at Middlesex, he designed the UK’s first MSc course in Computer Graphics and developed a popular program of short courses in computer animation for television designers. In 1986 he joined Rediffusion Simulation as a Research Consultant and worked on the development of real-time computer systems for commercial flight simulators. In 1992 he was appointed Chief Scientist of Thomson Training Simulation Ltd. In 1995 he was appointed Professor of Digital Media at the National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University and in 1999 he was made Head of Academic Group for Computer Animation. He was awarded a DSc by Brunel University in recognition of his work in computer graphics. He has written and edited over 40 books on computer graphics, computer animation and virtual reality, including the following Springer titles: • Mathematics for Computer Graphics (2014) • Calculus for Computer Graphics (2013) • Matrix Transforms for Computer Games and Animation (2012) • Expanding the Frontiers of Visual Analytics and Visualization (2012) • Quaternions for Computer Graphics (2011) • Rotation Transforms for Computer Graphics (2011 “A broad range of mathematical topics is covered in the 18 chapters of this book. … I think this is a very useful book and I highly recommend it as a reference for those who are studying or working in computer-graphics-related fields.” (Zhaoqiang Lai, Computing Reviews, April, 2018)​ “The book’s target audience is computer graphics students and professionals in this area. … the information is presented in a minimalist fashion and is very easy to digest. Highly recommended for its crispness and the quality of the material.” (Naga Narayanaswamy, Computing Reviews, July, 2018) Vince, Professor Emeritus John, M.Tech, Ph.D., D.Sc. Geometric Transforms Curves and Patches Analytic Geometry Barycentric Coordinates Geometric Algebra Calculus: Derivatives Calculus: Integration Worked Examples Download Table of contents PDF (573 KB) Download Product Flyer Request Instructor Sample on Partner Site macmillanihe.com Download High-Resolution Cover John Vince Springer-Verlag London Ltd. XIX, 505

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Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers 2016, by gender Published by Statista Research Department, Sep 3, 2019 This statistic shows the important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender. During the survey, 17 percent of female respondents named amino acids as an important energy drink ingredient. Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender Consume energy drinks at least every few months Margin of error +/- 2.6 percent The original question was phrased as follows: Which ingredients do you look for when buying energy drinks? Multiple answers were possible. Energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by gender Energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by age Energy drink brands consumed in the U.S. 2016, by age Reasons for consuming energy drinks in the U.S. 2016 Statistics on "Energy drinks in the United States (Statista Survey)" Energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016 Weekly energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016 Weekly energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by age Modes of energy drink consumption in the U.S. 2016 Modes of energy drink consumption in the U.S. 2016, by age Modes of energy drink consumption in the U.S. 2016, by gender Days on which energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016 Days on which energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by age Days on which energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by gender Times of day when energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016 Energy drink brands consumed in the U.S. 2016 Energy drink brands consumed in the U.S. 2016, by gender Reasons for consuming energy drinks in the U.S. 2016, by age Reasons for consuming energy drinks in the U.S. 2016, by gender Channels where energy drinks are purchased in the U.S. 2016 Channels where energy drinks are purchased in the U.S. 2016, by age Channels where energy drinks are purchased in the U.S. 2016, by gender U.S. consumer attitudes toward energy drink consumption 2016 U.S. consumer attitudes toward energy drink consumption 2016, by age U.S. consumer attitudes toward energy drink consumption 2016, by gender Important factors U.S. consumers consider when purchasing energy drinks 2016 Important energy drink attributes according to U.S. consumers 2016 Important energy drink attributes according to U.S. consumers 2016, by gender Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers 2016 Health concerns about energy drinks among U.S. consumers 2016 Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers 2016, by ethnicity Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers 2016, by age Important energy drink attributes according to U.S. consumers 2016, by race/ethnicity Important energy drink attributes according to U.S. consumers 2016, by age Channels where energy drinks are purchased in the U.S. 2016, by race/ethnicity Factors U.S. consumers consider when purchasing energy drinks 2016, by gender Days on which energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by race/ethnicity Weekly energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by race/ethnicity Weekly energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by gender Times of day when energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by race/ethnicity Energy drink consumption frequency in the U.S. 2016, by race/ethnicity Preferred energy drink brands among U.S. consumers 2016, by age Factors U.S. consumers consider when purchasing energy drinks 2016, by race/ethnicity Important factors U.S. consumers consider when purchasing energy drinks 2016, by age U.S. consumer attitudes toward energy drink consumption 2016, by race/ethnicity Places and situations in energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by age Times of day when energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by age Places and situations in energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by ethnicity Places and situations in energy drinks are consumed in the U.S. 2016, by gender Sports & exercise: reasons for consuming energy drinks in the U.S. 2016, by age Sugar tax and soft drinks in the United Kingdom (UK) Non-alcoholic Beverages and Soft Drinks Sugar Industry Statista Survey. (September 27, 2016). Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/623493/important-energy-drink-ingredients-according-to-us-consumers-by-gender/ Statista Survey. "Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender." Chart. September 27, 2016. Statista. Accessed January 20, 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/623493/important-energy-drink-ingredients-according-to-us-consumers-by-gender/ Statista Survey. (2016). Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 20, 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/623493/important-energy-drink-ingredients-according-to-us-consumers-by-gender/ Statista Survey. "Important Energy Drink Ingredients According to U.S. Consumers in 2016, by Gender." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Sep 2016, https://www.statista.com/statistics/623493/important-energy-drink-ingredients-according-to-us-consumers-by-gender/ Statista Survey, Important energy drink ingredients according to U.S. consumers in 2016, by gender Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/623493/important-energy-drink-ingredients-according-to-us-consumers-by-gender/ (last visited January 20, 2020)

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The Ronn Owens Report Ronn Owens has had the top-rated program with KGO 810 for over 35 years. In that time he has had thousands of guests in the hot seat, including President Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Steve Martin, Condoleezza Rice, Benjamin Netanyahu, John McCain, Eliot Spitzer, Joe Montana, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Carter, Willie Mays, Secretaries of State, CIA Directors and community leaders. As a versatile talk host and author, Ronn covers everything from politics to pop culture, and his show has been called the "ultimate town hall meeting." Similar to KGO's listenership, Ronn is unpredictable and has long been the voice of reason in the Bay Area, balancing issues so that listeners can make up their own minds. As Ronn says, "I'm just like everybody else - I look at the world around me and comment on it." Over the years, Ronn has won numerous awards and was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in December 2007 and Chicago's National Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. The National Association of Broadcasters presented him with the prestigious Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year Award in 2003 and again in 2010. Talkers Magazine named Ronn one of the Top 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time, ranking him 13th and the top local personality in the country. His first book, Voice of Reason: Why the Left and Right are Wrong, was published in 2004. Ronn is married to former KCBS anchor Jan Black. They have two daughters, Sarah and Laura, and live in San Francisco.Read more » Ronn Owens has had the top-rated program with KGO 810 for over 35 years. In that time he has had thousands of guests in the hot seat, including President Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Steve Martin, Condoleezza Rice, Benjamin Netanyahu, John McCain, Eliot Spitzer, Joe Montana, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Carter, Willie Mays, Secretaries of State, CIA Directors and community leaders. As a versatile talk host and author, Ronn covers everything from politics to pop culture, and his show has been called the "ultimate town hall meeting." Similar to KGO's listenership, Ronn is unpredictable and has long been the voice of reason in the Bay Area, balancing issues so that listeners can make up their own minds. As Ronn says, "I'm just like everybody else - I look at the world around me and comment on it." Over the years, Ronn has won numerous awards and was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in December 2007 and Chicago's National Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. The National Association of Broadcasters presented him with the prestigious Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year Award in 2003 and again in 2010. Talkers Magazine named Ronn one of the Top 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time, ranking him 13th and the top local personality in the country. His first book, Voice of Reason: Why the Left and Right are Wrong, was published in 2004. Ronn is married to former KCBS anchor Jan Black. They have two daughters, Sarah and Laura, and live in San Francisco. January 20 2020: Ronn Owens Report: Ronn chatted with centenarian, Jeanne Bobbitt about the Golden Gate Kennel Club 3 days ago · 4 minutes Ronn always enjoys talking with dog expert Jeanne Bobbitt about the Golden Gate Kennel Club's Pan-Pacific Classic. She draws on almost 100 years of experience. You can listen to the Ronn Owens Report weekdays at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm on KGO810 or just go to www.kgoradio.com/ronnowens/ for today's and most of the previous segments. January 17 2020: Ronn Owens Report: Ronn chatted with good friend and former 49er General Manager, Carmen Policy about the team's upcoming game with the Packers 5 minutes | · 3 days ago January 16 2020: Ronn Owens Report: Ronn spoke with CNN's John Avlon about the Democratic Debate fall out January 15 2020: Ronn Owens Report: Ronn talked with KGO political analyst, Gary Dietrich about last night's Democratic Debate Ronn Owens Report: Tonight's Debate with California Democratic Party Chairman Bill Press

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Historical Development of Catholicate in India In India St.Thomas founded the church and appointed prelates to continue apostolic ministry in the church. It is believed that the prelates were appointed from four ancient families namely, Pakalomattom, Sankarapuri, Kalli, and Kaliankal. Gradually the Pakalomattom family gained prominence in the ministry and chief prelates of the community where hailed from that family.During the reign of Marthoma VIII, the metropolitan of the community in the early 19th century, the Madras government once asked him a review of the history of the Malankara church and gave him seventeen questions to answer. On the 20th of April 1812 he gave written answer to all the questions. The last question was about the position and authority of the Malankara Metropolitan in the church. In his answer, he said, that from 335 AD for 1308 years ie. Till the coonan cress oath, the church was ruled by the Archdeacons of Pakalomattom family. He also said that after the coming of the Portuguese the church had, besides him six Metrans and one metropolitan. The Metran or Malankara Metropolitan of the community was the continuation of the apostolic authority in the Malankara Church. Our historical evidences say that in the early time, the title of the head of the community was Arch deacon. Sometimes the title was known as the Arch deacon of whole Indian. The native language it was usually called Jathikku Karthavyan. The Arch deacon of the community was the unquestioned social and political leader and he got even local soldiers under his command to protect himself and protect the interest of the community. The Arch deacon was the unquestioned leader of the community when the Portuguese arrived Malabar in the 16th century. The Portuguese tried to bring the Archdeacon under their control. Through the Synod of Udayamperur (1599) they tried their level best to control the Archdeacon and for a short period they brought him under the authority of the Roman Arch bishop. The community revolted against this through the coonan cross oath of 1653. The Archdeacon as Bishop After the coonan cross oath the Church ordained the Arch deacon as a bishop with the name Mar Thoma I. This ordination of the archdeacon as a bishop was a very important turning point in the history of the development of authority in the Malankara Church. All the powers of the century old arch deacon with some more spiritual authority was given to the Archdeacon when he was elevated to the position of a bishop. The Marthoma Metrans continued in succession till the early 19th century with the names Mar Thoma I,II,etc. till Mar Thoma VIII. and they ruled the church from 1653 to 1816. The third stage started when the archdeacon was elevated to the position of a Bishop by the community with the name Marthoma I in 1653. The spiritual as well as the administrative authority of the community were vested on the Mar Thoma Metrans during this period. Malankara Metropolitan In 1816 Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dioysius became a bishop and he got an approval letter known as the Royal Proclamation from the Travancore government to function as the Metropolitan of the community. Now on wards the head of the Church came to be known as Malankara Metropolitan. The position of the Malanakara Metropolitan in the 19th century is a growth from the position of the Marthoma Metrans. The power and authority of the Malanakara Metropolitan got more recognition than the power and authority of the Archdeacons and Marthoma Metrans because of some political changes in the country through the establishment of British rule. From 1816, DionysiusII, DionysiusIII, DionysiusIV, Mar Athanasios and DionysiusV were the Malanakara Metropolitans in the 19th century. Among these Mar Athanasios and Mar Dionysius V exercised enormous spiritual as well as temporal powers inside and outside the community. Mar Dionysius V was the Malankara Metropolitan at the time of the Synod of Mulanthuruthy (1876). During the later half of the 19th century there occurred a split in the community because of the works of the CMS missionaries and the reformation supported by them. This invited a closer interference of the Patriarch of Antioch. To get over the difficulties caused by the reformation and to support Mar Dionysius V against the reformers the Church invited the Patriarch to come over to India. The Patriarch Peter III of Antioch came here in 1875. Instead of healing the division in the community the Patriarch tried to make use of the situation to establish his authority in the church by suppressing the authority of the Malanakra Metropolitan. He strongly stood with Mar Dionysius and called the Synod of Mulanthuruthy. The Patriarch presided over the synod and directed its proceedings and took some decisions justifying the actions of the Patriarch in the Malankara Church. After the Synod he divided the church into seven dioceses and consecrated six new bishops to rule each diocese. By these actions the Patriarch was trying to reduce the authorities of the Malankara Metropolitan. The way to Catholicate After the synod of Mulanthuruthy the Church became more conscious about establishing a Catholicate (Maphrianate) in the Malanakra Church mainly to avoid unnecessary interference of the Patriarch of Antioch in the internal affairs of the Church. The patriarch himself directed the Synod of Mulanthuruthy and attained more powers through its decisions. He claimed as the spiritual and temporal head of the Church. The Malankara Church which was in dare need of the Patriarch to fight against the reformers yielded to all the demands of the Patriarch. The legal fights against the reformers ended up in the final judgment of the Travencore Royal court in 1889. The Royal Court judgment was a success to both the Patriarch and Mar Dionysius V in various aspects. The court declared that the Patriarch got spiritual supervisory powers over the Malanakara Church. But it also declared that the Patriarch does not have any temporal authority in the Church. The Patriarch was not satisfied about this decision. The Patriarch used all his ways and means to establish his spiritual and temporal authority in the Church. Mar Dionysius V died in 1909 and Mar Dionysius VI became the Malankara Metropolitan. When Mar Dionysius VI became the Malankara Metropolitan, the Patriarch demanded a registered deed from Mar Dionysius declaring perfect allegiance to the patriarch. Mar Dionysius strongly refused to yield to the demands of the Patriarch. The Patriarch excommunicated Mar DionysiusVI on 31st May 1911.The excommunication of Mar Dionysius created lots of confusions and divisions in the Malanakara Church. Most of the influential lay leaders and many clergy in the Church supported Mar Dionysius and stood firm with him. The Malankara Metropolitan was the supreme authority in the Church throughout the past years and the Patriarchs were always trying with all their means to exterminate that position from the Church. The Church clearly understood the intention of the Patriarch when he excommunicated Mar DionysisVI. The consecration of the Catholicose When the Patriarch excommunicated mar Dionysius VI, there were two Patriarchs of Antioch; one was Abdulla who had powers according to the legal documents knows as Firman of the Turkish government and the other was Abdedmassiah who was senior and at the same time inactive at Turkey since the government withdrew his firman. Abdulla was the one who excommunicated the Malanakara Metropolitan Mar Dionysius. The Malankara Church contacted Abdedmassiah and invited him to Malankara. The patriarch came and presided over the meetings of the Episcopal Synod of the Malankara church that decided to consecrate a Catholicose for the Malankara Church. Mar Ivanios Metropolitan of the Kandanadu Diocese was unanimously proposed to the post of Catholicose. On 15th September 1912, at St. Marys Church founded by St.Thomas in Niranam, Mar Ivanios Metropolitan was consecrated with the name Mar Baselios Paulose First as the first Catholicose of Malankara Church. The chief celebrant of the consecration ceremony was the Patriarch Mar Abdedmassiah himself. After the consecration the Patriarch issued two Kalpanas declaring the importance, privileges, powers and functions of the Catholicose. All the authorities and privileges enjoyed by the Patriarch in the Church as its head was given to the Catholicose also. By the consecration of the Catholicose the Indian Church asserted and declared its full autonomy and became a full autocephalous (having its own head) Church. After the demise of the Catholicose Baselicose Paulose I, the Bishops in Malankara together with Mar Dionysius VI consecrated Mar Philoxenos of Vakathanam as the second Catholicos with the name Baselius Geevarghese I. When he died in 1928, Mar Gregorios was elected as his successor. He was consecrated by the Indian Bishops in February 13, 1929 with the title Baselius Geevarghese II . The Patriarchal group questioned the validity of the Catholicate in law courts and the litigation went on up to the Supreme court. In September 12, 1958, the constitutional bench of the supreme court of India recognized the validity of the Catholicate and unanimously declared that the Patriarch of Antioch does not have any authority over the Malankara church and that the Indian church is completely free under the Catholicos of the East. Without doubt the judgment stated that all the parishes and properties of the Malankara church are under the authority of the Catholicos. Moved by the final judgment of the Supreme Court of India, the Patriarch's group unanimously recommended to the Patriarch Ignatius Yacob III to accept the Catholicos as the head of the Indian church. In December 1958, the Patriarch and the Catholicos subjected to the constitution of the Malankara church and accepted each other by exchanging letters. The peace in the Indian Orthodox church which started with the mutual acceptance of the Catholicos and the Patriarch continued without much problem till the demise of the Catholicose Geevarghese II in 1964. The Malankara Association (representative body for the church) elected Mar Augen Thimothios as the next Catholicose, According to the constitution of the church, the Syrian Patriarch who was on friendly terms with the Malankara church, was also invited officially to participate in the consecration of the Catholicose. The Patriarch accepted the invitation of the Malankara church and came down to India and co-operated with the Malankara synod to consecrate the Catholicose. Conclusion In all the Churches the position of the Patriarch or the Catholicose was a development of authority in their history. In Rome, Alexandria, Antioch and Constantinople and in the Persian Church it achieved almost full development and recognition in the 4th century itself. Jerusalem became a Patriarchate at the council of Chalcedone in 451. The Georgian and Armenian Catholicose were also developed in the same period. The Patriarchate was developed in Russian Orthodox Church between 1448 and 1589. In Rumenia it was established in 1885. The Serbian Patriarcahte was established in 1879 and the Bulgarian patriarchate was established in 1883. The patriarchate of Ethiopea was established in 1958 only. It happened in the Malankara Orthodox Church in 1912. The Catholicate in India was a growth and development through centuries within the Malankara Church. Of course the developments in other churches like Persia, Antioch Rome and external interferences has influenced the growth in different stages. It should always be considered as a symbol of Apostolic origin, authority and heritage as well as nationality and independence of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Throughout centuries the Metropolitan heads of the Thomas Christians were known as the apostolic successors of St.Thomas, the founder of the Indian church. The Vatican Syriac codex 22 written in 1301 at Kodungalloor refers to the Metropolitan of the church as “The Metropolitan Bishop of the See of St. Thomas, and of the whole church of Christians in India”. The church always asserted that St. Thomas had his apostolic throne in India as St. Peter had it in Rome or Antioch. When the Catholicate was established the catholicose as the head of the Malankara church, took the title “The successor of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas”.

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Magee Named Heartland Pitcher of the Week – Again Home » News » Magee Named Heartland Pitcher of the Week – Again San Antonio – St. Mary’s University pitcher Malissa Magee was named Heartland Conference softball pitcher of the week for the sixth time this season for her play last week against the University of the Incarnate Word and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, it was announced by the league office on Thursday. Magee (Jr., Houston) had a near perfect week, going 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA and three shutouts. She allowed just six hits and six walks, while striking out 39 in 21.0 innings of work. Against Incarnate Word on Wednesday she allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out nine. She followed that up with back-to-back one-hitters against Texas-Permian Basin. In the opener she allowed one hit and two walks, while striking out 13. In the final game of the series she allowed just one hit and two walks, while striking out a school-record 17 batters. The one-hitter was her sixth of the season and the shutout was her 14th, just one off the school record. She has now won eight of her last nine starts. For the season she is 23-8 overall with a 0.67 ERA, 23 complete games and 14 shutouts. She has pitched 199.0 innings, allowing just 103 hits and 32 walks, while striking out 227 batters. Opposing batters are hitting just .151 against her. It was the sixth time in 10 weeks that the conference has named a pitcher of the week that Magee has earned the award. Jennifer Bishop (twice) and Courtney Francis of St. Edward’s University are the only other two pitchers to earn the award this season. Magee and St. Mary’s (37-16 overall, 10-3 Heartland Conference) will return to action on Saturday when they travel cross-town to play a Heartland Conference doubleheader against the University of the Incarnate Word at 1 p.m. Engineering alumna helps create a new college in West Africa

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10% less waste discarded by large shopping malls last year than five years ago Since 2014, operators of large shopping malls have been tracking and submitting waste data and waste reduction plans to NEA.PHOTO: ST FILE Sep 24, 2019, 3:28 pm SGT https://str.sg/JoFx Vanessa Liu liuxyv@sph.com.sg SINGAPORE - Large shopping malls in Singapore generated 10 per cent less waste last year compared to five years ago, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Tuesday (Sept 24). The total waste generation for malls with a net lettable area of more than 4,600 sq m fell from 52kg/m2 in 2014 to 47kg/m2 last year, the agency added in a statement. Meanwhile, the average recycling rate for large shopping malls increased from about 7 per cent, or 3.5kg/m2 in 2014, to about 11 per cent, or 5.1kg/m2 last year. Since 2014, operators of large shopping malls have been tracking and submitting waste data and waste reduction plans to NEA. These figures were announced by Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor at NEA's 3R Awards for Shopping Malls event on Tuesday. Now in its second edition, the awards are an initiative by the agency to encourage and recognise the 3R - reduce, reuse, recycle - efforts of shopping malls and mall retail tenants. Dr Khor noted that shopping malls, which account for high footfall, generate large amounts of packaging and food waste. Last year, large shopping malls collectively disposed of 219,000 tonnes of waste, or about 7 per cent of the total waste discarded in Singapore. Can you tell what can and cannot be recycled? ST tests 2 readers as they sort through a week's worth of trash Newater makes every drop count. Now, do it with waste Singapore aims to send one-third less waste to Semakau Landfill by 2030: Amy Khor She added: "From a business perspective, there are many benefits to gain in generating new value from waste that would have otherwise been discarded. "Besides cost-savings in the long run, the growth of new industries could be catalysed, if we scale up the extraction of resources from waste." She pointed out that an increasing number of malls and building owners have also installed on-site food waste treatment systems that can convert food waste into non-potable water, compost or fertiliser. NEA's 3R fund also supported 24 premises in putting in place these systems. Dr Khor said that following consultation with NEA, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is considering some incentives for building owners to install such food waste digesters on their premises. Building owners can submit their proposals to URA for consideration and approval is given on a case-by-case basis. A total of 14 malls and one mall tenant were awarded by NEA on Tuesday for their efforts to minimise waste by implementing measures to reduce, reuse and recycle on their premises. Three of the malls received the Distinction Award: second-time winners 313 @ Somerset and Jem, as well as first-time participant Tanglin Mall. The other 11 malls and one mall tenant were given the Merit Award. New zero-waste law to compel big firms to take greater action Good Samaritan laws may help reduce food waste There were six winners at the inaugural event in 2017. According to NEA, the malls were evaluated based on four criteria: solid waste management policies; practices to reduce, reuse and recycle; waste disposal and recycling tonnage reports; and engagement with shoppers, tenants and staff on 3R practices. NEA's chief executive Tan Meng Dui said it was encouraging to see that the number of winners this year has more than doubled. "It clearly shows a greater awareness and sensitivity to the issues of waste and sustainability among both our corporates and consumers," he said. Come 2035, Singapore's only landfill, on Semakau Island, is projected to run out of space. Under the Zero Waste Masterplan, the Republic aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by 30 per cent by 2030, in order to extend its lifespan. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

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Úvodní stránka » RECORDS » Vampire Weekend — Modern Vampires Of The City Vampire Weekend —•— Modern Vampires Of The City (2013) Vampire Weekend —•— Modern Vampires Of The City Location: New York City, New York Album release: May 14, 2013 Recorded: 2011 — 2013 Record Label: XL Recordings 01. Obvious Bicycle (4:11) 02. Unbelievers (3:23) 03. Step (4:12) 04. Diane Young (2:40) 05. Don't Lie (3:33) 06. Hannah Hunt (3:58) 07. Everlasting Arms (3:03) 08. Finger Back (3:26) 09. Worship You (3:21) 10. Ya Hey (5:13) 11. Hudson (4:15) 12. Young Lion (1:45) • Ezra Koenig (born: April 8, 1984) — lead vocals, guitar, lyrics/Notable instruments: Epiphone Sheraton II, Rickenbacker 330 • Rostam Batmanglij (born: November 28, 1983) — keyboards, guitar, backing vocals, lyrics/songwriter, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist • Chris Tomson (born: March 6, 1984) — drums, percussion • Chris Baio* (born: October 29, 1984) — bass guitar, backing vocals/Equipment: Baio's primary bass is an old hollow-body Kustom brand bass guitar in teal. He also is frequently seen using a Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar and an Epiphone Jack Casady bass guitar Website: http://www.vampireweekend.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend Amazon description: ∫ "Modern Vampires of the City is Vampire Weekend's third album, and it is a bustling world of voices and visions from the death of Henry Hudson to the Orthodox girl falling in love at an uptown falafel shop, from Hannah Hunt tearing up the New York Times on a distant beach to the lethal chandelier of "Everlasting Arms," from the ardent yearning of "Don't Lie" to the harmonized voice of hope in "Young Lion". Modern Vampires of the City has a grandeur and romanticism evocative of the city where it was conceived." In french: ∫ Une pop toujours élégante et inventive. Un bel album. by Marc Burrows (Editor rating: 9/10) ∫ Let’s get some things out of the way upfront 1) the new record by Vampire Weekend is the best alternative pop album you will hear this year. Unselfconscious, technically brilliant in a way that crucially you will never actually notice, shimmering with beautiful, strange melodies and just a small smidge of actual bonkers. 2) Beyond this sentence, this review will not feature any of the following words or phrases: 'preppy', 'posh', 'college', 'Paul Simon', 'monied', 'Afro-' anything, 'fraternity', 'smug', 'button downed' or 'bafflingly sockless hipsters' (although in the latter case that’s a hard one to resist). We’re jettisoning those words because Vampire Weekend have stepped smartly away from all of them — they no longer apply as critical statements, not even as descriptions. Modern Vampires Of The City (bloomin’ marvelous title, FYI) overshadows such petty concerns by simply being immaculate, beautifully balanced and enthralling pop music. ∫ Take lead single ‘Diane Young’, if only because it’s the one you’ve already heard. We know Vampire Weekend do great singles, we’ve clocked ‘Oxford Comma’, ‘A-Punk’ and ‘Cousins’, indie floor-fillers one and all. Small fry, dear reader. ‘Diane Young’ ascends into the post-millennial seven-inch-super-league, it’s within touching of distance of ‘Hey Ya!’, ‘Seven Nation Army’ and ‘Crazy In Love’, it’s dizzy with the exhaust fumes of ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’. Ezra Koenig and co-producer Rostam Batmanglij blend jugfulls of disparate musical ideas into a wonderfully refreshing pop smoothie, squelchy at the bottom, sweet and fruity at the top and all weird and fizzy in the middle. It doesn’t sound like any of the bands’ textbook influences or any of their imaginary ‘Brooklyn Scene’ contemporaries, it doesn’t sound of the past– it sounds how twenty-first-century pop should sound: completely of its time - released 20 years ago it would have been utterly baffling. The confidence here is staggering. Do you know how much confidence it takes for a hip indie band to use ”Baby, baby, baby, baby” as a hook? Unironic ”babies” are the property of Elvis, of Motown, of Madonna, of Prince, or Jacko, R Kelly and Mrs Carter, not guitar-toting NYC skinny boys, but that ”Baby, baby, baby, baby” warps, twists and pitch shifts its way through the 'alternative' pop record of the summer, and it works beautifully. ∫ And that’s not even the best bit of the album. There’s ‘Ya Hey’s depiction of shattered faith, which we shan’t attempt to pick apart here because DiS’s Robert Leedham did it so beautifully in his singles column earlier this week (go and read that now. Finished? Good.), musically it’s a sumptuous thing though, echoing its bewildered themes with queasy keys that sit beneath the skittish percussion and wobbling bass that VW do so well, and which they utilise here only occasionally. ∫ Then there’s ‘Step’, elegant chamber pop that manages to sound sophisticated, layered and sparse all at once- no mean feat, and one Vampires... achieves throughout its’ bakers’ dozen tracks. Like our own Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend have the knack for sounding rich and complex with relatively spare arrangements. ‘Hudson’ is beautiful, a sombre, strange tale that’s as much choral piece as it is a scattery indie ballard. ∫ The centrepiece of the record is ‘Hannah Hunt’, which feels like another elegant, piano-and-gentle-drum-plodder until its last third when it opens like a flower, it sounds passionate and organic, and completely joyful. Like a tiny pocket symphony version of the best part of Belle and Sebastian’s ‘Lazy Line Painter Jane’ It lasts just over a minute, at the very centre of the record, a soaring, swelling moment of complete balance and joy. If that 80 seconds was all there was of this whole album it would be still be one of the records of the year. Marvelous. Fortaken: http://drownedinsound.com By Nathan Brackett; May 7, 2013 (Editor rating: ****½) ∫ It's official: Vampire Weekend really don't give a fuck about an Oxford comma. On their third album, Ezra Koenig and the band have rid themselves, once and for all, of the precious post-collegiate references that used to be their calling card: The girls of Wellfleet have scattered, and apparently that second horchata didn't go down as smooth as the first. Koenig is now an old 29; adulthood is inescapable; a clock is ticking in his head. "Wisdom's a gift/But you'd trade it for youth," he sings broodingly, dropping dark nuggets that wouldn't go over too well in a Tommy Hilfiger commercial: "There's a headstone right in front of you/And everyone I know." In "Obvious Bicycle," he sings to a jobless friend who doesn't have a reason to shave: "You ought to spare your face the razor/Because no one's gonna spare their time for you." ∫ All of this might sound like a band in a third-album funk, except that Vampire Weekend have gotten better at just about everything they do. The grooves — always the thing that made the band's twee side work — are more self-assured. "Finger Back" has all the energy of the group's best uptempo tracks ("A–Punk," "Cousins") but flips it with a killer stutter–step beat by drummer Chris Tomson and bassist Chris Baio. Koenig has become a more mature lyricist, editing out some of the hyperliteracy without dumbing down. For the first time, Vampire Weekend evoke the spirit of their old influence Paul Simon — making music with precise craft and soul that speaks to the heart of city life — without sounding anything like Graceland. The hymnlike harmonies of "Bicycle" are as pretty as anything they've ever written. "Unbelievers" has an easy hook that recalls another rocker they've looked up to, Tom Petty. "Hannah Hunt" lifts a simple story about an ambivalent couple driving across the country into something almost religious, with a crescendo that opens up like the coast of Santa Barbara, where our heroes end up, bickering. ∫ God, of all people, looms large: He is a foil on "Unbelievers," where Koenig sings about the fundamentalist half of the world wanting to throw him and his lady under the tracks of the train. The sweet "Everlasting Arms" is partly inspired by a 19th-century church song; "Worship You" references Paradise Lost (and Nick Cave). "Ya Hey" (rhymes with "Yahweh" – get it?) retells the Old Testament story of the burning bush, over a dubby groove. (It's not the first reggae touch: Vampires takes its title from Jamaican singer Junior Reid's 1990 track "One Blood.") ∫ The flip side of "Ya Hey" is "Diane Young," a psychotically Auto-Tuned, twisted rockabilly song that's a play on "dyin' young." Koenig sings about a well-lubricated Irish girl with the "luck of a Kennedy" (uh-oh) who ends up torching a Saab. Koenig doesn't judge her, but he sure as hell doesn't get in the car – it's almost like he's torching that whole Cape Cod thing, once and for all, saying goodbye to young adulthood as his band is pushing into awesome new directions. The gloves are off, the wisdom teeth are out. But the kids stand a chance. Fortaken: http://www.rollingstone.com ∫ American Songwriter: **** ∫ Billboard: 88/100 ∫ Clash: 9/10 ∫ Entertainment Weekly: A- ∫ The Guardian: **** ∫ The Line of Best Fit: ******* ∫ Paste: 8.7/10 ∫ This Is Fake DIY: 9/10 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Notes *: Baio released his debut solo EP, "Sunburn," under his DJ name, Baio on May 21, 2012. Rolling Stone said, " A three–track set of undulating dance grooves that capture a vibe the bassist describes as 'hopeful melancholy,' it's the culmination of a hobby Baio took up half a decade ago as a student at Columbia University in New York." Baio drew a lot of inspiration from electronic and dance music and spent much of the past year on DJ'ing due to Vampire Weekend's light tour schedule, and he said, "I'd lock myself in my little office in my apartment with CDJs and a mixer and just practice mixing all day. I did that quite a bit while we were touring the last record and realized when we finished touring that I really wanted to pursue it." His first completed track was "Sunburn Modern," which was inspired by a "nasty, modern art" — looking sunburn he got from a trip to Mexico with his girlfriend. Interview by Camille Dodero with Chris Baio: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2007/12/everett_true_vampire_weekend.php?page=1

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Eichel's end-to-end rush sparks Buffalo's 4-2 win over Vegas By JOHN WAWROW , AP Hockey Writer, Associated Press Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday, ... Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Buffalo Sabres Forward Sam Reinhart (23) and Vegas Golden Knights Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) collide during the first period of an NHL hockey game ... Buffalo Sabres Forward Sam Reinhart (23) and Vegas Golden Knights Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) collide during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller (33) and Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves (75) colllide behind the net during the second period of an N... Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller (33) and Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves (75) colllide behind the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Buffalo Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark (35) watches the puck go in the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knight... Buffalo Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark (35) watches the puck go in the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) slides across the crease during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, ... Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) slides across the crease during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Buffalo Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark (35) brings down Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin (21) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesd... Buffalo Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark (35) brings down Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin (21) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Jack Eichel scored the go-ahead goal on an end-to-end rush 7:57 into the third period in the Buffalo Sabres' 4-2 win over the slumping Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night. The goal was Eichel's career-high-matching 28th of the season and came in a game in which he added an assist to become Buffalo's first player in 27 years to reach the 60-point mark in 46 or fewer games. Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists, and Kyle Okposo and Curtis Lazar, with an empty-netter, also scored. Linus Ullmark stopped 23 shots, and the Sabres improved to 4-2 in their past six. Reilly Smith and Tomas Nosek scored for the Golden Knights, who have lost four straight to match their longest streak without a point in their three-year franchise history. Vegas lost four in a row during an 0-4-1 skid from Nov. 7-16. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 22 shots, while missing a chance to earn his 458th career win and move into a tie for fifth on the NHL list with New York Rangers Henrik Lundqvist. Eichel scored after both teams traded one-goal leads in the second period. With Vegas caught in the Buffalo end, Eichel built up a full head of steam driving up the middle through the neutral zone to create a two-on-one break. Cutting to the left wing, Eichel burst past defenseman Shea Theodore, cut to the net and shifted from his backhand to forehand to flip the puck over Fleury's glove. It was Eichel's sixth game-winning goal of the season. Only six players began the day with six or more, including St. Louis' David Perron with a league-leading eight. Eichel upped his season total to 28 goals and 33 assists in 46 games. The last Buffalo players to reach the 60-point mark in fewer games were Alex Mogilny, who did it in 33 games in 1992-93, and Pat LaFontaine, in 34 the same season. Eichel's goal regained Buffalo's momentum after Smith tied the game at 2 with a power-play goal 1:43 into the third period. Smith snapped a shot in from the right circle to beat Ullmark seven seconds after Buffalo defenseman Colin Miller was issued a double-minor for tripping and unsportsmanlike conduct. Miller, facing his former team for the first time since being traded to Buffalo in July, first tripped up Nosek, then shoved him to the ice before shoving Nicolas Hague. The Golden Knights opened the scoring 1:55 into the second period when Chandler Stephenson broke up the right wing and had his centering pass deflect first off Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour and then go off the skate of Nosek before dribbling in. Buffalo responded with two power-play goals. Okposo tied it at 6:32 when he was set up in the left circle by Reinhart. Conor Sheary started the play by stripping the puck from William Karlsson, who was attempting to skate out of the zone. Reinhart then converted a tic-tac-toe passing play by scoring the go-ahead goal with 19 seconds left in the period, and 26 seconds after the Golden Knights were penalized for too many men. The Sabres converted their first two power-play opportunities and improved to converting 6 of 13 over their past five games. That's a significant turnaround after going 2 of 29 in their previous 12. NOTES: C Jonathan Marchessault, one of four Golden Knights with 15 or more goals, returned after missing five games with a lower-body injury. ... Sabres C Tage Thompson will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery Tuesday to repair a right shoulder he injured in November. ... Vegas opened a stretch of playing eight straight on the road, spanning the NHL All-Star break, and won't be back home until Feb. 8, against Carolina. ... The Sabres close this week with two road games before entering their bye week off and the All-Star break. Their next game at Buffalo isn't until Jan. 28, against Ottawa. Golden Knights: At Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Sabres: At Dallas Stars on Thursday.

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The World's Oldest Tattoo Parlor Fights For its Life By Charlie ConnellTattoo Artists Tattoo Ole has been a fixture in Copenhagen for 133 years but may soon lose its lease. Learn about the shop and what you can do to save it. Setting up and running a successful business is an incredibly difficult task, even if you have a killer idea and a dedicated and talented staff. Every week brings new challenges and only the select few are able to say that their business has been around for years, even fewer can say decades. This is even more true in the tattoo industry where new shops pop up only to disappear a few months later all the time. So when we found out that Tattoo Ole in Copenhagen, Denmark, had been open for 133 years our collective jaw hit the floor. Yet, business can be savage, and even the status that comes along with being the oldest tattoo parlor in the world can’t buy stability. The owners of Tattoo Ole’s lease at Nyhavn 17 want to use the space to expand their restaurant’s kitchen and the shop is scrambling to show that they have the support of the community and maybe, just maybe, they’ll be able to stay put. The perfect sign for a shop in a port city like Copenhagen. Majbritt Petersen, better known to the world as Lille Ole, hard at work tattooing. From its humble beginnings sharing the space with a bar, to tattooing members of the Danish royal family, the spot at Nyhavn 17 has seen it all. Majbritt Petersen, better known to the world as Lille Ole, is the current owner and leading the fight to keep Tattoo Ole in its home.“It is a living institution of art and believed to be the oldest parlor in the world still remaining at its original location,” Petersen says. “In the beginning it was a table in the far corner, and as far as we know, there was always a tattoo artist working there.” As one of the busiest shipping ports in Europe, Copenhagen has a strong seafaring culture. And where there are sailors there tend to be tattoos. The port district of the city, Nyhavn, was the center of Scandinavian tattooing, and Nyhavn 17 is the beating heart that drives it all. Looking at the roster of artists who have spent time at the shop feels like walking the halls of a tattoo artist Hall of Fame — Hans Hansen, Tato Jack/Helmuth Mikaelsen, Ole Valdemar Hansen (Tatovør Ole), Henning Jørgensen and even Mike “Rollo Banks” Malone. Since the shop isn’t owned by some mystical tattooer who hasn’t aged in 133 years, it’s been quite a chore to make sure that the shop has been passed down to the right people. As Peterson found out 10 years ago when she first came to the shop, there is a method to the madness. “When I got to the store, it was a requirement that I should be put into all the old hands,” she explains. “All the shop owners have worked and known each other, so I have a very close relationship with the store. It's a very big responsibility, it's not just a shop you take over but also a family and tradition to be transported and cared for.” The designs on this flash sheet show what an international clientele Tattoo Ole has had over the years. Just some of the many memories crammed into the small space. Lille Ole and the Tattoodo crew outside the historic shop. Now, in order to keep that tradition alive, Peterson will be going to court in an effort to prevent the landlord from turning this vital piece of tattoo history into a kitchen. As members of the tattoo community, Peterson is calling on you to raise your voice and help. “We are going to court very soon, I hope we will be allowed to stay but my little shop may have seen its last days,” Peterson says. “We have made a signature collection that you can share and sign, so we can show how much our story and store mean to us. I hope with all my heart that you will support my fight.” One hundred and thirty-three years is a long time to be doing something as historically subversive as tattooing, it would be a damn shame to see the shop shutter its doors during a period when tattoos are more socially acceptable than ever before. Please, click on this link and help the artists at Tattoo Ole keep the dream alive. Let’s keep this thing going another 133 years, at least. Updated at July 10, 2018 1:37 pm First published at September 06, 2017 8:13 pm

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The office is located at 560 High St. (next to Fuller Field), (978) 365-4140. Martha�s Vineyard: Aug. 5, $119 per person; sightseeing and lunch. Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore in Baltimore: Aug. 14 to 16, starts at $399 per person; three days, two nights, two games. �Jersey Boys�: Aug. 25, $169 orchestra seating for 2 p.m. performance and buffet luncheon. Cape Cod Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sept. 8, $99 per person. Adirondack Balloon Festival and Lake George: Sept. 21 to 23, starts at $479 per person. Scallop Fest on Cape Cod: Sept. 22, $79 per person; includes cruise on Cape Cod Canal. New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills in Buffalo: Sept. 28 to 30, starts at $399 per person; hotel on Canadian side and sightseeing at Niagara-on-the-lake. Valid passport required. Phone registration is accepted, (978) 365-4140, but payment must be made in two working days. The Parks and Recreation Office is located at 560 High St. All registrations made on a first-come, first-served basis. No refunds unless program is canceled. Deerfield River Float Trip, Saturday, Aug. 4, the cost is $129 per person. New York City Shopping, Saturday, Aug. 11, the cost is $69 per person. Tanglewood 75, Sunday, Aug. 12, the cost is $139. Jersey Boys at Providence Arts Center: Aug. 25, buffet lunch at Davenport is included in the cost. Cost is $169 per person. Summer Band Concerts At Memorial Park, from 6 to 8 p.m.: The Nowheremen, Monday, July 30 Worcester County Bluegrass All-Stars, Wednesday, Aug. 1 Quintessential Brass, Monday, Aug. 6 Jazz Voyage, Wednesday, Aug. 8 South Central, Monday, Aug. 13 Jumpin� Juba, Monday, Aug. 20 The Blue Flames, Monday, Aug. 29 Recreation Highlights For more information and to download a registration form, visit: www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA Recreation/fitness#top, or call the Recreation Department at (978) 422-3041. Morning Yoga on the Beach: Through Aug. 14, for ages 14 to adult, the cost is $12 for drop-in. Studio Art: for ages 4 to 5, Session 2: Aug. 13 to 17 at the 1835 Town Hall, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a fee of $100. Kids Zumba Yoga: for grades 1 to 8, Mondays, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. The cost is $35 per month and begins the first Monday of each month. A Culinary Experience: July 30 to Aug. 3, for grades 5 to 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Chocksett kitchen. Just Swim Lessons: July 30 to Aug. 9, for grades 1 to 8, from 9 to 11:40 a.m., the cost is $65, at Sholan Beach. Summer Lake Session: July 30 to Aug.10, for grades 1 to 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the cost is $110, (family cap of $300), at Sholan Park. Counselor in Training: July 30 to Aug. 10, for grades 9 and over, from 8:15 to noon, the cost is $25, at Sholan Beach. Zumba: Aug. 2 to Sept. 13, for ages 13 to adult, Thursday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the cost is $80, at the 1835 Town Hall. Tennis Camp: Aug.6 to 9, for ages 7 to 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, the cost is $100, at the West Sterling Tennis Courts. Polly Wog Session: Aug. 6 to 10, for children entering kindergarten, the cost is $70 at the Sholan Beach. U.S. Sports: Aug. 6 to 10, multi-sport for ages 7 to 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the cost is $149; from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $179. U.S. Sports: Aug. 6 to 10, beginner golf for ages 6 to 11, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., the cost is $99; for ages 3 to 5 from 4 to 4:45 p.m., $69. Studio Art: Aug. 13 to 17, for ages 4 and 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the cost is $100, at the 1835 Town Hall. U.S. Sports: Aug. 20 to 24, for ages 3 and 4, soccer, from 3 to 4 p.m., the cost is $79; for ages 4 and 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., $99. U.S. Sports: Aug. 20 to 24, for ages 6 to 12, world cup soccer, from 8:30 to noon, $149. Summer Programs and Activities Registration: Registration for all summer activities has begun. All program descriptions and registration forms will be on the website. Town Beach: is open to Sterling residents Monday through Friday after noon, once the summer program begins on June 25. Lifeguards are present from noon to dusk each day. A sticker is required and can be obtained at the DPW during office hours. Gentle Yoga: for all levels, Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the 1835 Town Hall. The cost is $70 for seven weeks, or drop-in fee of $13. Yoga: Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $70 for seven weeks, or $13 drop-in anytime fee.

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North Korea’s 'world-class' beach resort nears completion - but will the tourists come? North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the construction site of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area Credit: Reuters Julian Ryall, in Tokyo 17 January 2019 • 6:00am Julian Ryall North Korea has made dramatic strides in its development of the port of Wonsan into the “world-class” tourist resort that Kim Jong-un has demanded, with hotels, game arcades, a marina, theatres and funfairs sprouting along several miles of the city’s beach. Analysts suggest, however, that international sanctions and high-profile cases involving foreign tourists are likely to limit the number of people willing to holiday in North Korea, rendering the Wonsan development a white elephant. An examination of satellite images by experts and posted on the 38 North website, operated by The Stimson Center think tank, underlines the rapid pace of development at the east coast city in recent months. The North Korean government announced as far back as 2013 that Wonsan would become the nation’s primary summer destination for tourists, although progress was slow until the summer of 2017. The pace of work has picked up dramatically in the last 18 months, however, and particularly since Kim visited the site last summer and expressed “disappointment” in the project. The latest satellite images show the construction of at least a dozen multi-storey hotels overlooking the beach, a new marina for pleasure boats with a breakwater and six piers, the outline of a water park - complete with a large water slide - and a row of beach-front cottages. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects the construction site of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area Credit: AFP Kim, who spent his childhood summers in Wonsan and has a fortified compound on the bay, has reportedly set October as the date for the opening of the resort. “The North sees this as an easy way to earn hard currency as it does not require technology transfers and they are able to mobilise a large pool of labourers for these colossal construction projects”, said Daniel Pinkston, a professor of international relations at the Seoul campus of Troy University. The aim will be to attract Chinese and South Korean tourists, along with adventurous travellers from other parts of the world, Mr Pinkston said, with transactions conducted almost entirely in cash due to sanctions on the North’s banking system. If hotel rooms remain unoccupied then the regime could offer them to workers who have demonstrated loyalty or surpassed production targets, he added, although that would generate no income for the state. The risk would be that the latest of Kim’s “vanity projects” would end up being an expensive flop. In 2013, the North Korean dictator ordered his military to construct a “world-class” ski resort to rival the facilities being built in South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. The Masik Pass Skiing Ground has more than 68 miles of routes, hotels, cable cars and a heliport, but few visitors. Kim also ordered that Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium, the largest sporting arena in the world, be spruced up and the construction of the Munsu Water Park on the banks of the Taedong River in the capital. Work was also reportedly completed in 2014 on the Mirim Riding Club in Pyongyang, where 60 horses are stabled for the use of the regime’s elite. In July 2008, a South Korean tourist visiting Mount Kumgang was shot dead by a North Korean soldier while Otto Warmbier, an American student visiting Pyongyang, died shortly after being repatriated to the US in June 2017. He had been arrested in January 2016 for stealing a poster and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour but lapsed into a coma while in detention. Comment: Think Boris Johnson’s plan for the Lords is mad? Just wait till you hear what their lordships think Michael Deacon US and Britain to 'reduce troops' in Iraq under plan to defuse regional tensions

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Christian Aid should drop the climate rubbish 29 December 2019 • 11:00am National Interagency Fire Center shows a dramatic fall in the acreage burned annually by wildfires in the US - in the worst year (1930), 52.3 million acres burned, but last year, it was just 8.8 million acres Credit: Darren Pateman/AAP In the past year climate-related disasters have cost over £100 billion in damage. Or maybe it was 82 pence. Okay, I made up the latter figure, but it will be no worse a guess than the former, which is implied in a report “Counting the Cost. 2019: a year of climate breakdown” published by Christian Aid. The charity has compiled estimates for damage caused by 15 severe weather incidents last year and blamed everything on climate change – disregarding the fact that we have always had storms, floods and wildfires. Even if rising global temperatures and sea levels do exacerbate heatwaves and add to sea flooding it would be ludicrous to bung the whole bill for every adverse weather event on climate change. And what about the other side of the ledger: the damage that would have been done by snow and freezing temperatures but hasn’t been done as a result of a slightly warmer Earth? I don’t expect a lot else from Christian Aid, a left-leaning charity which seemingly likes to paint a pictures of climatic Armageddon to obscure the significant success of global capitalism, combined with emergency aid, in reducing the number of hungry people in the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation it has fallen from 1 million in 1990 to 800,000 today, in spite of an extra 1.9 billion people in the world. But what really bothers me is how ‘grey’ literature like Christian Aid’s hyperbole gets reported more than genuine science. The report attributes Hurricane Dorian to man-made climate change. Yet an analysis by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published last August concluded that it was ‘premature’ to make such an attribution. While its models project that rising temperatures will, by the late 21st century, slightly increase the intensity of hurricanes it also predicts that there will be fewer such storms. Christian Aid blames wildfires in California on climate change. Yet long-term data by National Interagency Fire Center shows a dramatic fall in the acreage burned annually by wildfires in the US. In the worst year, 1930, 52.3 million acres burned. Last year, it was 8.8 million acres. Although the methodology changed in 1983, and so the two figures might not be directly comparable, the data shows a dramatic fall in the 1940s and 1950s as fire services became better at fighting fires. Indeed, that is now the problem: the natural cycle of burning followed by regeneration has been broken, leading to a build-up of dead wood and to bigger fires when they do occur. Globally, Nasa satellite data shows that the amount of land burned in wildfires fell by a quarter between 1998 and 2015 – not that you would know from hysterical reporting and the lazy assertion, made by Greta Thunberg and others, that the “Earth is on fire”. There are, of course, financial implications associated with climate change. Rising sea levels mean we will need to rethink sea defences, possibly eventually relocating some low-lying cities. But it serves no one to exaggerate and blame everything on man-made climate change as if we never used to have storms, floods and fires. We did, all the time, and they have always cost us a fortune in damage.

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Modern & Contemporary Art Sale Preview Tennants Auctioneers’ Modern & Contemporary Art Sale on 22nd June is set to include a strong offering of Modern British Art, from the likes of Mary Fedden, Sir Kyffin Williams, Edward Ardizzone, and Edith Lawrence. One of the top lots of the sale is ‘Gwastadnant’ by Sir Kyffin Williams, R.A. (Estimate: £5,000-8,000 plus buyer’s premium). One of several paintings of the hamlet in Caernarfonshire by the Welsh artist, it was exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1993. Williams is celebrated for his depictions of the Welsh landscape, which he captured using bold strokes in a subdued colour palette of black, greys, browns and olive greens. Kyffin Williams 'Gwastadnant' Norman Cornish 'Street Scene with Tanky Engine' Mary Fedden 'Fruit' Edith Lawrence 'Cricket' Dorrit Black 'Quartette' Edward Ardizzone 'Holiday makers on the Front' ‘Fruit’ by Mary Fedden, a later work by the artist of 2009, is entered with an estimate of £4,000-6,000 (plus buyer’s premium). Fedden gained considerable recognition for her simple, emblematic still lives after the death of her husband and fellow artist Julian Trevelyan. A group of five watercolour and ink drawings by Edward Ardizzone (1900-1979) are entered with estimates ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 (plus buyer’s premium). One of the finest illustrators of the 20th Century, Ardizzone is known for his charming paintings, book illustrations and his work as a war artist from 1940-45. His work is warm, witty and based on observations of the everyday life that surrounded him. Indeed, even his war work was praised for showing a more human side; he captured scenes of quiet heroics, and everyday life in wartime. Ardizzone populated his pictures with instantly recognisable and relatable figures, and he had a keen eye for human interactions which he translated to paper with great humour. Northern Art has a strong presence in the sale, with an important oil painting by mining artist Norman Cornish. ‘Street Scene with Tanky Engine’ depicts children playing in the snow in Bishops’ Close Street, Spennymoor – the street in which Cornish grew up and started his married life. Estimated at £10,000-15,000 (plus buyer’s premium), the painting comes with provenance from the artist’s family. A group of Grosvenor School lino prints are also on offer, with provenance from the Estate of Edith Lawrence. Capturing the vitality and rapid mechanisation of life between the wars, the vibrant and graphic works of the Grosvenor School have become much in demand in recent years. Of note is ‘Cricket’ by Edith Lawrence, on offer with an estimate of £2,500-4,000 (plus buyer’s premium), and ‘The Quartette’ by the rare and collectable Australian artist Dorrit Black (estimate: £3,000-5,000 plus buyer’s premium). Also included in the sale are works by Terry Frost, Sydney Harpley, Peter Brook, Sally Arnup, Brian ‘Braaq’ Shields, Geoffrey Key, Edgar Hubert, Michael Craig-Martin, Pamela J Crook and Leon Morocco. View Sale Details Jewellery, Watches & Silver Start Year S… The January Country House Sale: Results A Strong Start for the Inaugural Sportin…

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Attacks on the Dallas DA Signal Trouble for the Criminal Justice Reform Movement Big-city prosecutors are now driving the conversation around mass incarceration, and some lawmakers and law enforcement officials just can’t abide that. https://www.texasmonthly.com/politics/attacks-on-the-dallas-da-signal-trouble-for-the-criminal-justice-reform-movement/ Dallas County District Attorney, John Creuzot, photographed in downtown Dallas outside the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Allison V. Smith Until fairly recently, the politics of criminal justice was a simple matter. Put criminals in jail, as many as possible. Both Democrats and Republicans ran for office on a tough-on-crime platform. But as crime rates plummeted and the toll of mass incarceration became apparent to all but the most hardened lawmakers and prosecutors, political space opened up for criminal justice reform and for more compassionate, evidence-based approaches. In the last few years, there’s been a new development—a strong push from the left to elect reform-minded prosecutors to change the system from inside. Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot was elected in 2018 as part of that push. In the 1980s he worked under the legendarily tough Dallas DA Henry Wade, who was responsible for the prosecutorial culture featured in the famed Errol Morris documentary The Thin Blue Line. In the late 1990s, Creuzot, by then a district court judge, met then-lieutenant governor Rick Perry’s staff at a convention in Washington, D.C., and helped pitch Perry on the value of drug courts. Under Perry, Texas made sweeping changes to its criminal justice system, closing prisons and diverting nonviolent drug offenders to treatment programs. Many conservatives in Texas supported the reforms, taking the position that overhauling the criminal justice system was both fiscally sound and in line with a Christian sense of equity. Perry “was our best advocate for reforming criminal justice,” Creuzot said in a 2014 video, and Perry’s push to introduce and expand drug courts “is one of the best things that has happened in the United States.” Creuzot no longer has a friend in the Governor’s Mansion, as Governor Greg Abbott made abundantly clear last week. On April 11, Creuzot produced an open letter detailing changes he planned to make to how his office handled cases. The list included proposed changes to the bail system and a promise to decline prosecution for certain small-time drug offenses and other petty criminal matters that often involve the poor, mentally ill, and homeless, like misdemeanor criminal trespass charges that don’t involve “a physical intrusion into property.” Those are standard agenda items for reformist DAs. Tucked in the middle, however, was a declaration that drew outsize attention. Creuzot wrote briefly that when “we convict people for non-violent crimes committed out of necessity, we only prevent that person from gaining the stability necessary to lead a law-abiding life.” As such, he wrote, his office would no longer prosecute cases of theft of “personal items” of less than $750 “unless the evidence shows that the alleged theft was for personal gain.” Call it the Jean Valjean rule. A firestorm erupted: The Dallas DA, according to his critics, Abbott foremost among them, had legalized theft! Dallas police groups held a press conference to argue that the change was irresponsible and would be harmful to Dallas businesses, and the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas even called for Creuzot’s removal. George Aranda of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization said the Dallas DA “had opened up many windows to allow the common criminal to feast on the business retail community.” Governor Greg Abbott tweeted that the change amounted to “wealth redistribution by theft” and “socialism.” “If someone is hungry they can just steal some food. If cold, steal a coat. Where does it end?” Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton sent Creuzot an open letter to warn that “reforming’ state law is the province of the Legislature,” adding that “we hope that you reconsider your position,” in what seems like a clear promise to get more involved if Creuzot fails to do so. Even some Democrats in the Legislature opined that the policy had gone too far. Creuzot rushed to say that he had been misunderstood. At a town hall last Thursday at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, Creuzot told the audience that his open letter “was not worded as well as it should have been.” The change in instructions only applied to “a person [who] is poor and hungry and is stealing to eat, to sustain themselves.” Arresting needy people for petty theft puts them in a position “where it’s harder to get a job, harder to get a normal life,” and that increases the likelihood they commit more crime, he said. All other thieves—those who steal for fun or to resell goods—would still be eligible for prosecution. The sometimes rowdy town hall was held by the Texas Organizing Project, a grassroots community organizing group that helped elect Creuzot. Dozens of people lined up to ask questions, which ranged from inquiries about the policy change to accusations—from people who had been sentenced in Creuzot’s old court—that he had railroaded them. Not long ago, this kind of town hall would have been unthinkable; prosecutors cared a lot more about the support of the police union than the general public. The town hall was part of a campaign to show the DA he had support to deliver on reforms, explained TOP deputy director Brianna Brown. But in truth, the policy change seems unlikely to be nearly as consequential as the outrage would suggest. Petty theft is a huge problem for retailers, but not one that typically involves prosecutors. According to an article last year in the Columbia Law Review, major retailers have largely privatized their response. Rather than calling the cops, chains like Walmart have started handing offenders to controversial private companies that offer to keep the police out of the matter if the accused pays a fee. What’s more, though information about shoplifters is hard to come by, research suggests that two-thirds of shoplifters are under the age of 15, and one study found that those with a college education were more likely to shoplift than those in poverty, which would seem to indicate that a small percentage of offenders are likely to meet Creuzot’s criteria for non-prosecution. It’s also not clear whether prosecutors, who have heavy workloads, were ever zealously prosecuting these kind of steal-to-eat cases. Some critics say Creuzot shouldn’t announce that he won’t prosecute certain crimes at all, on the theory that doing so invites criminals to do more crime. A prosecutor, the thinking goes, should act like Inspector Javert even if he isn’t. Regardless, the reaction to Creuzot’s reforms seems out of proportion to what he was proposing. The true significance of this fight may be as a sign of how the politics of criminal justice are changing yet again, at least in Texas. The conservative “right on crime” coalition that drove reform over the last decade pushed for policies that had bipartisan appeal, and as a Republican in good standing, Perry had the ability to go “soft” on crime without taking political heat for it. (Some members of that coalition have offered support for Creuzot, while others have been quiet.) But the efforts to enact reform through DAs is taking place in the state’s blue cities, where activists are pushing to end mass incarceration. Those new prosecutors, like Mark Gonzalez in Nueces County and Kim Ogg in Harris County, have struggled to figure out how far they can go and how fast, with some playing offense and others defense. As it happens, messing with blue cities and their elected officials is political catnip for Texas Republicans, and crime is a powerful wedge issue. Ogg was elected with help from George Soros, and Dallas County has long been a source of anxiety for the state GOP. If Creuzot didn’t expect this backlash, he now knows there are a lot of people waiting for him to trip up. Perry’s not around anymore. Sign up for the Armadillo Weekly dispatches from the middle of the road of Texas politics. The Armadillo (Weekly) Texas politics from the middle of the road Tags: Criminal Justice, Law, News, Politics, Criminal Justice, Dallas, Greg Abbott, John Creuzot LAMONT D’MARCUS SVENSON Theft of necessary items of need? I need that Prosecutor’s TV and whatever car he currently drives. This is the way that Society breaks down, not by taking a hard line on crime, but by taking no line on crime and bye violating the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in order to benefit criminals. We have billions of dollars of entitlement spending every year, and billions of dollars worth of private charitable donations for people in need. You must uphold the rule of law or you have no Society. Theft is wrong, plain and simple. Doesn’t mean someone should have the rest of their life destroyed for stealing diapers, but you can’t just ignore the crime either. Maybe reform what jail and prison is? Not saying it’s a simple fix, but letting petty theft happen creates victims. Exactly. Work within the law to provide opportunities if you want to make a difference. Do not excuse the willful committing of criminal acts, particularly theft. Again, this is how society breaks down. Broken windows are a real thing. Petty crime degrades communities. You can provide training and job opportunities, you can alter the penalties, but you cannot allow crime to simply go unpunished. Donald Baker This guy needs to go. His hug a thug policies will leave citizens with no alternative but to use lethal force to protect themselves from criminals. This idiot will cause a mass migration of criminals to Dallas. spunkmaker johnson Rule of. 3o8 Greg Abbott’s Rejection of Refugees is Baffling—and Boneheaded The White Settlement Shooting and When It’s Okay to Politicize a Tragedy “Angel of Death” Nurse Pleads Guilty to a New Murder By Peter Elkind Texas Should Be the First Primary State, Obviously Bull Session: Texas Republicans Rally Around Ricky Gervais and Enrique Iglesias Dances to the Tune of $485,000 What Democrats Lose With the End of Julián Castro’s Campaign By Carlos Sanchez Miss Me When I’m Gone: Now That His Campaign Is Over, Julián Castro Is Extremely Popular

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Does Paul Ryan Think White Supremacist Hate Is a ‘Hoax’? The former speaker of the House is on the Fox Corporation board—does he share the view, as stated on Fox News, that white supremacy is “actually not a real problem in America”? Paul Ryan speaks after a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House in December, 2018. (Reuters / Jim Young) Paul Ryan made a lot of money as speaker of the House: $223,500 annually. Pretty good compensation for serving as Donald Trump’s rubber stamp. But he’s making even easier money now, as a member of the Fox Corporation board of directors. In that position, the former Republican representative from Wisconsin and 2012 vice presidential nominee gets at least $335,000 annually to keep an eye on the Fox News Channel. Working with Trump gave Ryan some preparation for working with the Fox folks. Trump said outrageous things, and Ryan covered for him. But the Fox folks are even more extreme than Trump. So where does Ryan draw the line? Is there anything that’s too extreme, too bigoted, too vile for Paul Ryan? Is the claim that white supremacist hate is a “hoax” too much? After a Texas man shot and killed 22 people in El Paso on August 3, a “manifesto” surfaced that appeared to mimic Trump’s visceral hate speech regarding immigrants. Trump knew he had a problem. So he tried to distance himself from the worst of it. “The shooter in El Paso posted a manifesto online consumed by racist hate. In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry, and white supremacy,” he announced. “These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America. Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart, and devours the soul. We have asked the FBI to identify all further resources they need to investigate and disrupt hate crimes and domestic terrorism—whatever they need.” Trump took no personal responsibility. And he didn’t get anywhere near an adequate response to the issue of gun violence. But he at least tried to take the issue of white supremacist hatred seriously. Not so Fox host Tucker Carlson, who dismissed concerns about white supremacist violence by declaring on his show: “It’s actually not a real problem in America.” “This is a hoax, just like the Russia hoax,” Carlson told his millions of viewers. “It’s a conspiracy theory used to divide the country and keep a hold on power.” Actually, white supremacy is a real problem in America. The Southern Poverty Law Center this year identified 148 hate groups that espouse white supremacist bigotry, and said the numbers were up 50 percent from five years earlier. And where is the white supremacy soapbox? On Fox. “It’s undeniably one of the core tenets of the opinion-mongers at Fox News—and of some portion of its supposedly straight news coverage, too.” writes The Washington Post’s Margaret Sullivan. “Carlson’s nightly show does a great deal to portray nonwhites as the dangerous ‘other,’ a force to be beaten back to save America. His denials and rhetoric must be called out for the lies that they are.” Some major sponsors have done so by announcing that they will no longer advertise on Carlson’s show, and Fox host Shepard Smith has fact-checked Carlson’s false premises. But what of the Fox Corporation board? So far, it’s been silent. This raises some vital questions for the board’s most prominent member: Will Paul Ryan call Tucker Carlson out? Will Ryan reject all of Fox’s nods to white supremacist extremism? No one is better positioned to do so. With his name recognition, his conservative credentials, and his Fox title, he would be heard. An objection from the former speaker would have to be taken seriously. So will Paul Ryan speak up? All that’s required is that he put moral duty and common decency ahead of that $335,000 paycheck.

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Commission says no-deal Brexit is 'not desirable' ahead of emergency summit Written by Martin Banks on 10 April 2019 in News The European Commission has repeated its warning that the UK leaving the EU with a ‘no-deal’ will "cause disruption and is not desirable" but has insisted that the EU is “fully prepared for it.” Photo credit: Adobe Stock The message comes just ahead of a meeting between UK Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders at a specially convened summit in Brussels on Wednesday. It is expected that May will ask for a short delay to Brexit at the emergency summit, probably until the end of June, although this is not favoured by many EU leaders, including European Council President Donald Tusk, who are thought to be pressing for a longer, “flexible”, delay until the end of this year. Earlier on Wednesday, the Commission issued a statement on the possible ‘no-deal' scenario if the UK - as still could happen - leaves the EU this Friday "or at a later date." Theresa May in Brussels to plead for further Brexit extension Commission says it will protect EU and UK citizens amid Brexit uncertainty UK requests further Brexit extension until June 30 Tempers flare in European Parliament debate over Brexit Juncker: No-deal Brexit on 12 April ‘very likely scenario’ Donald Tusk: UK ‘betraying the increasing majority’ pushing to abandon Brexit It says it has taken stock of the European Union’s “intense” ‘no-deal’ preparations and has issued practical guidance to Member States in 5 areas: citizens’ residence and social security entitlements, data protection, medicine and medical devices, police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and fisheries. The statement says that in the event of a no deal "the UK will become a third country without any transitional arrangements." All EU primary and secondary law will cease to apply to the UK from that moment onwards and there will be no transition period, as provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement. The Commission said, "This will obviously cause significant disruption for citizens and businesses." "UK citizens will no longer be citizens of the European Union. They will be subject to additional checks when crossing borders into the EU. Again, Member States have made considerable preparations at ports and airports to ensure that these checks are done as efficiently as possible, but they may nevertheless cause delays" European Commission In such a scenario, the UK's relations with the EU would be governed by public international law, including World Trade Organisation rules. The EU, warns the executive, will be required to immediately apply its rules and tariffs at its borders with the UK, including checks and controls for customs, sanitary and phytosanitary standards and "verification of compliance with EU norms." "Despite the considerable preparations of the Member States' customs authorities," it says, "these controls could cause significant delays at the borders." UK entities would also cease to be eligible to receive EU grants and to participate in EU procurement procedures under current terms. "UK citizens will no longer be citizens of the European Union. They will be subject to additional checks when crossing borders into the EU. Again, Member States have made considerable preparations at ports and airports to ensure that these checks are done as efficiently as possible, but they may nevertheless cause delays." The Commission also says that while the impact of a ‘no-deal' scenario will be felt throughout the EU, "it is clear" that some regions and economic sectors will be affected more directly. The Commission has explored how current EU funds and programmes could be mobilised in case of a ‘no-deal' and in the case the UK fails to pay what is envisaged under the contingency EU budget regulation. Meanwhile, Parliament's political group leaders and the Brexit steering group have issued a statement, saying, "when Prime Minister May comes to the European Council today she cannot come empty handed." "We expect the Prime Minister to indicate what are the prospects of the cross-party talks between the Government and the Labour Party and their anticipated results and whether a solid parliamentary majority in support of such an agreement exists." "If not, she should indicate clearly the way forward, be it a referendum, a general election, or a revocation. In this context, the European Council would be advised to provide the UK with an extension which should be appropriately framed to respect the principle of sincere cooperation and under no circumstance allow the Withdrawal Agreement to be reopened or negotiations on the future relations initiated." Justice and Rights Public order, justice and rights Different faiths can promote unity and coexistence Interfaith dialogue unlocks moderation, mutual respect and understanding The (not so) beautiful game Qatar’s blatant disregard for worker wellbeing is a stain on the football world, argues Willy Fautré. 1. EU “putting its money where its mouth is” with Green Deal financing 2. Von der Leyen urges Croatian presidency to focus on four "key" areas Building new partnership is in UK and EU’s ‘mutual interest’, says von der Leyen European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she hopes the new partnership is “one that will be enabling us to defend and strengthen our interests, both from an economic and a security...

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Petition: Stop Abuse Of Endangered Primates For Tourist Entertainment. These endangered primates are being captured from the wild and forced to endure heartbreaking cruelty for the sake of the tourism industry. Add your name if you want to end this abuse once and for all! "Wild animals are increasingly exploited for entertainment and photo opportunities," reported Science Daily. They went on to say: "Barbary macaques, the only primate species endemic to Morocco and Algeria, have been categorized as 'endangered to extinction' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2008. It is prohibited to sell or keep them as pets. "Despite the restrictions, Barbary macaques are used as photo props for tourists, principally in Marrakesh's famous Jemaa el-Fna square, and reportedly in other major Moroccan cities, and Algeria. "An infant macaque might act as a photo prop 18 times per hour, costing visitors as much as 100 Dirhams (~£20). This practice could earn their handlers the equivalent of an average monthly Moroccan household income in just 3-4 working days." Researcher Kristina Stazaker said: "Barbary macaque numbers have plummeted by more than 50% since the 1980s, due to habitat loss and juveniles being sold illegally as pets." Meanwhile, these helpless creatures are often subjected to torture by their handlers. Many are kept in tiny cages for long periods of time, often in extreme temperatures in the North African sun, and are only released long enough to pose for pictures with tourists. Morocco, the principal country where this exploitation takes place, is one of the few nations in the world that still has a monarch. That's why we're calling on King Mohammed VI of Morocco to do the right thing and end this absurd cruelty to endangered macaques in his realm, once and for all. Don't you want to protect the few remaining wild Barbary macaques left in the world from being captured and sold into the pet trade, or a wretched fate in the markets of Marrakesh, where they will be abused as tourist photo props? Then add your name to ask King Mohammed VI of Morocco to levy severe punishment against the cruel people who exploit these endangered macaques for the tourism industry!

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Home Inside Elizabeth Warren's Plan To Address The Opioid Epidemic Inside Elizabeth Warren's Plan To Address The Opioid Epidemic Written by Craig Rogers, Posted on May 9, 2019 The Opioid Crisis in America Every year millions of Americans use opioids to manage pain. Doctor-prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, but they just mask the pain—and reliance on opioids has led to the worst drug crisis in American history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Physicians, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have issued guidelines and reports urging health care providers to pursue safe nondrug alternatives, including physical therapy, for most non–cancer-related pain treatment. Physical therapists (PTs) treat pain through movement, hands-on care, and patient education—and by increasing physical activity you can also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases. A recent study published in Health Services Research found that patients who saw a PT before trying other treatments for low back pain were 89% less likely to need an opioid prescription. Statistics from the CDC, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the United States (US) Department of Health and Human Services reveal the gravity of the problem. 1. In 2016, health care providers across the US wrote more than 214 million prescriptions for opioid pain medication—a rate of 66.5 prescriptions per 100 people. 2. As many as 1 in 5 people receive prescription opioids long-term for noncancer pain in primary care settings. 3. More than 11 million people abused prescription opioids in 2016. 4. Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids. 5. More than 40% of all US opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved a prescription opioid. 6. Drug overdoses claimed the lives of nearly 64,000 Americans in 2016. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths (66%) involved a prescription or illicit opioid. 7. The CDC estimates the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the US is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of health care, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. If you know someone in pain, encourage them to talk to their physician or PT about safe ways to manage pain. The American Physical Therapy Association’s #ChoosePT campaign is raising awareness about the dangers of prescription opioids, and encourages consumers and prescribers to choose safer alternatives like physical therapy for most chronic pain management. As more names are being thrown into the hat for the 2020 presidential race, only one has spoken up about her plans to address the opioid epidemic. Elizabeth Warren has made some strides to combat the opioid crisis during her time as a U.S. Senator, according to Vox, and plans to continue to do so during her run for the presidency. In her time in Congress, she has made a push for additional research into alternatives to opioids. She has also voiced her opinions about President Donald Trump’s response to the epidemic, calling it “pathetic.” In 2018, Warren and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) introduced the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act to Congress. 'They Can't Do It Alone' If put into play, the bill would spread $100 billion to various states and organizations to fight the crisis over a 10-year period. “Our communities are on the front lines of the epidemic, and they’re working hard to fight back,” Warren tells Vox. “But they can’t do it alone. They can’t keep nibbling around the edges.” is one of the few 2020 presidential candidates to have discussed a plan to confront the opioid epidemic. This could be because her state of Massachusetts has been hit particularly hard by the crisis with its drug overdose deaths at 31.8 per 100,000 in 2017, compared to the national average of 21.7. The CARE Act, according to some experts, is one of the only plans presented with the potential to make a difference in the epidemic. Keith Humphreys, a drug policy expert at Stanford University, tells Vox that Warren’s bill “is the only one that really grasps the nettle of how big the problem is.” “Whatever else people might say about it, this is the first thing that really recognizes that [the opioid crisis] is a massive public health problem, like AIDS, and is not going to be solved by a tweak here, a tweak there,” he adds. The $100 billion involved in the CARE Act would be used in various ways, according to Vox. Some would be given to local government and nonprofits and some would be spread to numerous states, territories and tribal governments. This could be determined by overdose levels in certain areas, but some funding would also be given through a competitive grant process. The remaining funding would be dedicated to treatment, research, training and more access to overdose antidote naloxone. Despite the support of some experts, Warren and Cumming’s bill has not made great progress in Congress. In the House, according to Vox, it received only 81 cosponsors, and in the Senate, it got none. Still, the two plan to reintroduce the bill in the coming months. Warren hasn’t hesitated to point out President Trump’s failure to deliver on his promises. In 2016, Trump said he would “spend the money” to confront the opioid epidemic. “The Trump administration has treated this crisis like a photo op,” Warren tells Vox. “They talk a good game and produce nothing. Although the CARE Act likely would not be able to address the entire epidemic on its own. Resources make a difference,” she continued, “Not strong words. Not photo ops. But real money. Without real resources, the opioid crisis will continue to grow.” Author: Craig Rogers Craig Rogers has been a leader in the behavioral health industry for 20 plus years. Craig Rogers is an enthusiastic author and blogger, writing and publishing 2,000 articles related to the "therapeutic intervention of troubled... Read more Latest by Craig Rogers Craig Rogers, Inside Elizabeth Warren's Plan To Address... Fed Up Vermont: 'Hub and spoke' a... Marijuana Won Big in The 2016 Elections. But... Adolescents Attitudes Towards E-cigarette Use:... Parenting On Purpose The Importance of Fathers in the Child's... Marijuana And The Teen Brain The Zombie Drug That Kills 10 Ways You Know You're With the Right Person 10. You Don’t Have to Look Perfect For Each Other All of The Time Dressing up for the other is nice and keeps the romance alive. However, you should be free t.. 10. You Don’t Have to Look Perfect For Each Other All of The Time Dressing up for the other is nice and keeps the romance alive... 6 Tips Sex Experts Wish They Knew Earlier Sex Education is a tricky thing to talk about. It involves many sensitive topics that can be hard for teens to fully understand and process with very little to no re.. Sex Education is a tricky thing to talk about. It involves many sensitive topics that can be hard for teens to fully understand and pro.. What Is Actually Worth Worrying About? If you're going through life like most people, then you're probably constantly juggling various worries and concerns while trying to manage the stress they bring int.. If you're going through life like most people, then you're probably constantly juggling various worries and concerns while trying to ma..

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Canada’s top judge says Supreme Court should provide leadership at a time when fundamental values are being undermined in the world By Tonda MacCharlesOttawa Bureau Fri., June 22, 2018timer5 min. read OTTAWA—Chief Justice Richard Wagner said he sees the country’s top court as the most progressive in the world with a leadership role to play to promote democracy, the rule of law and “moral values” at home and abroad. Wagner said the Supreme Court of Canada’s main job is to decide cases brought before it, and declined comment on contentious issues he could soon face, like pot legalization, pipelines or the limits on provincial environmental jurisdiction. But he slammed the high imprisonment rates of Indigenous people as “terrible” and “a serious problem,” and said the Supreme Court “has a role to play” in the national project of reconciliation with Indigenous people. He pointed to Ewert vs. the Correctional Service of Canada, a June 13 ruling he wrote in which the court denounced the discriminatory way the federal prison system assessed Indigenous inmates and the likelihood they would re-offend. “We are in a process of reconciliation,” Wagner said in a wide-ranging news conference, his first since being named in December to replace former chief justice Beverley McLachlin. “It is going to be a long process. It has to be done. It has to be done the right way, and it involves many stakeholders,” he said, listing the government, various services, and the court. “We are committed to do it within our own jurisdiction.” In contrast to his predecessor’s unwillingness to be drawn into discussions that could touch on political subjects, Wagner’s decision to engage with reporters for 45 minutes on a range of questions signalled he is prepared to be a bold, more open and more assertive chief justice. Wagner said the high court and its top judge should provide leadership through its rulings, “presence” and judicial speeches at a time when fundamental democratic and “moral values” are being undermined in the world because there are “people outside the country that are looking to us to get our support because they need our support.” Supreme Court chief justice says system to deal with judge misconduct is ‘outmoded, slow and opaque’ Beverley McLachlin hangs up justice robes, picks up pen with courtroom thriller Richard Wagner sworn in as chief justice of the Supreme Court Without naming any leader or country, or specifying if he was referring to dictatorships or wobbly democracies, Wagner said: “Right now we see outside Canada that some of our basic values, fundamental values and moral values, are seriously attacked by other countries or leaders of other countries, who pretend to be democratic,” he said in English. (In French, Wagner’s first language, prétend means “claim.”) “And in those circumstances, I believe that Canada … Canadian institutions have a role to play, not only inside Canada, but also outside the country. “We are not a superpower, economically speaking. We’re not a superpower in military terms. But we are a power in terms of the rule of law, in terms of the moral values.” In a series of revealing answers to questions about his approach to judicial lawmaking, judicial misconduct, and the need to be accountable to the public, Wagner said he has pressed the federal Liberal government to move more quickly on reforms to speed up judicial discipline. He called the government’s failure to act on a February recommendation by the Canadian Judicial Council to fire a Quebec judge in the Abitibi region — which now has only one sitting judge — “not satisfactory.” Whereas McLachlin is widely seen as a chief justice who sought and valued consensus judgments, Wagner said he believes robust dissent on a court in a democracy is “more transparent,” and “as long as the dissent is made and is released in order to explain, with civility, a legal position, I think it’s a good thing.” He underlined his belief that the Canadian constitution is “a living tree” and its interpretation not limited to the original meaning of its text. Rather, Wagner said, it must be interpreted in the context of societal, technological, and other changes, while incorporating factors such as unwritten legal or constitutional principles — a matter of debate among legal scholars. Wagner pointed to the high court’s decision in the assisted suicide case, known as Carter, which overturned its own precedent set 20 years earlier in the case of Sue Rodriguez, a patient with ALS. It forced the federal government to pass a new law to decriminalize medical assistance for certain dying patients. While that ruling was the result of some different facts, Wagner said, “it also depended on the evolution of society, the evolution of technology, evolution of medicine, evolution equally of the moral values that link most Canadians.” Asked if he agreed with Vancouver defence lawyer Joe Arvay’s characterization of the Supreme Court of Canada as “the most progressive in the world,” due to rulings like Carter (which Arvay litigated and won), Wagner said: “I would say so, yeah, and I must say I’m very proud of that.” Wagner said the Canadian high court is “unique” as a bilingual institution, that encompasses Canada’s civil and common law jurisdictions, and has managed to “somehow” carve out a constitutional jurisprudence with its ability to interpret text and evolve with the times, and so has become a beacon for other international courts on health issues, the environment, democracy, rule of law and respect for institutions. “I think that Canada and the courts will play a (very) important role on the international scene and for the benefit of all Canadians I would say.” Wagner vowed to bring more openness and transparency to the workings of the court via news conferences, which he promised he would conduct annually, via simplified plain-language summaries of court rulings, more public outreach through traditional and social media, and by taking the Supreme Court of Canada on the road. The high court’s nine-member bench will travel in 2019 to Winnipeg to meet with other appeal court judges from across the country, but Wagner would like to see the court hold hearings outside Ottawa — something some scholars speculated could require a statutory change as the court is based in Ottawa, and its judges are obliged to live here. Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star. Sign up for our newsletters to get today's top stories, your favourite columnists and lots more in your inbox No formal proposal for a travelling Supreme Court is under consideration but Wagner said afterward his idea could mean, for example, hearing a land claims appeal on Indigenous territory. Wagner defended the court’s recent agreement with the Library of Canada and National Archives to retain judicial notes and papers for a 50-year period before they are disclosed to the public, saying in fact it was a step toward more openness and accountability because it guaranteed that notes and documents held by judges would be retained and eventually released. He said the 50-year period respects the secrecy around free-flowing judicial deliberations, which he said is in the public interest. Until now, he pointed out, a judge could destroy any of his or her documents. “Now we’ll keep a record.” For all his willingness to discuss the court’s work, Wagner declined a request to respond to critics who said the court’s Trinity Western ruling denying accreditation to a Christian law school favoured the rights of LGBTQ people over religious freedom. “That’s one interpretation and I respect it,” he said. The court majority was “comfortable” with its reasons, and it was up to Canadians to consider, he said.

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Story Plant hardcover ISBN: 978--1-61188-232-2 Fiction Studio Books e-book “Baron does a wonderful job with characterization in The Journey Home, and in his other book I read, Crossing the Bridge. I felt the desires of each character, their pains and needs for making it to the place where they were going. I also love how Baron makes the interactions and actions of his characters seem so natural and realistic…. I loved the way Baron tied everything up at the end. The ending of this book made me feel at peace, content with the way things ended up for everyone in the story. That's a nice feeling to have when you put down a book for the last time.” – My Book Retreat Warren hasn't fully acknowledged it, but he's in reinvention mode. His marriage is over, his job is over, and his mother is disappearing before his eyes. It's a good thing that Warren doesn't have any interest in feeling sorry for himself. Antoinette has known profound happiness in her life. She's also suffered the deep wounds of loss. When the world around her becomes too confusing, she chooses the world she loves instead. Joseph isn't a particularly romantic man, but he's been driven by love his entire life. Even though he's lost his memory, his desire to find his wife and find his home provide him with a beacon. Joseph, a man in his late thirties, awakens disoriented and uneasy in a place he doesn't recognize. He doesn't know where he is and he has no way to contact his wife. He sets out on a journey to find his home with no sense of where he's going and only the precious, indelible vision of the woman he loves to guide him. Antoinette is an elderly woman in an assisted living facility. In recent months, her friends seem different to her and the world seems increasingly confusing. So she retreats inside her head. There, her body and mind haven’t betrayed her. There, she’s a young newlywed with a husband who dotes on her and an entire life of dreams to live. There, she is truly home. Warren, Antoinette’s son, is a man in his early forties going through the toughest year of his life. His marriage ended, he lost his job, and in the past few months, his mother has gone from hale to increasingly hazy. With far too much time on his hands, he decides to try to recreate his memories of home by attempting to cook his mother’s greatest dishes and eat them with her. Joseph, Antoinette, and Warren are three people on different searches for home. How they find it, and how they connect with each another at this critical stage in their lives, is the foundation for the kind of profound and deeply moving story we’ve come to expect from Michael Baron. “I was unprepared for the talent and depth that Michael writes from. His writing is absolutely amazing! I was hooked from the beginning. This book has two story lines, and the way in which he joins them makes for a surprise and touching ending. This is a book that you do not want to put down.” – Romance Writers Reviews “I loved the story. If you are interested in emotional relationships and love, this book is for you.” – Books with a Cup of Coffee “A story that is real and will touch you in many different facets. Michael Baron has a gift. He has penned such an emotional and memorable tale that will stay with you long after the last page. Simply beautiful.” – Minding Spot “The Journey Home is a beautiful, well written, story of love, family, and the ties that bind. Nicholas Sparks fans will love this heartwarming read. Joseph, Antoinette, and Warren are all looking for home. They come together in a beautiful, amazing connection that took me by surprise, and left me with a feeling of hope and faith in the unseen. The Journey Home is a story that will stay with you after you finish the last page.” – Book Loons “A poignant love story tying three separate characters together in an unimaginable way, The Journey Home will pull readers in from the beginning and captivate them throughout. With endearing and sensitive writing, beautifully crafted characters and stunning plot lines, Baron has created another romantic masterpiece…. This is a romance to pick up, a story to engage in, and a plot to remember.” – A Good Addiction “Michael Baron has a way with families – though this book is only 176 pages, the characters danced in my head and the story jumped off the page and into my soul. The Journey Home is a main dish of love, with a side of laughter, a pinch of kindness, and a dash of hope. It left me reliving moments in my life I had long since forgotten about, revealing a love story that I witnessed while growing up, a love story I had forgotten, and for that, Michael Baron has my sincere thanks!” – Book Crazy “Mr. Baron treks the reader through an unforgettable contemporary romance. Hauntingly poignant and beautifully moving, this well-written piece takes the reader on their own journey. This is a touchingly tender story full of emotions that I will definitely recommend to family and friends.” – Coffee Time Romance “This is a great family drama with a delightful spiritual twist. Readers will want to join the cast on aptly title Journey Home to learn how the diverse subplots connect the dots.” – Genre Go Round Reviews A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lou Aronica is known for the uncommon depth of emotion to his stories and the vivid realism of his characters. New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips called The Forever Year “pure pleasure from beginning to end, beautifully written and emotionally rich” and Blogcritics said that Blue was “like experiencing a lucid dream with depth and detail that play on all five senses.”

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In Suggested Reading Top Concerns of Boards of Directors and Leaders in 2019 By: Saul Winsten, Esq. The Winsten Group.Trusted Counsel LLC Each year we compile a short list of top concerns for Boards and Executive Leaders of businesses and non-profit organizations. Below are 11 current Top Concerns of Boards and Leaders with whom we work and consult: 2019 Top Concerns Short List: ●Governance Processes and Excellence ●Risk Mitigation & Oversight ●Disruptive Technology ●Cybersecurity and Privacy ●Geo-Political Risks ●Changing Consumer, Shareholder Expectations ●Regulatory Requirements, Changes ●Diversity ●Increased Board Responsibilities, Liability ●Board and CEO Succession ●Board Member Acumen The Winsten Group.Trusted Counsel LLC, is a leading legal, strategic, and business services firm.Helping successful Boards, businesses, non-profits, and leaders achieve their objectives, improve effectiveness, overcome challenges, and prepare for and resolve crises. Providing experienced, knowledgeable and collaborative independent Board members, Board leaders, problem solvers, and trusted advisors. Copyright The Winsten Group.Trusted Counsel LLCJuly 4 2019. All rights reserved. Five Tips for Protecting Your Company’s Trade Secrets by David Barron/ CozenO’Connor Protecting your trade secrets and proprietary information is a vital part of your business. Every company needs to have policies and agreements in place to prevent employees from stealing property, and wrongfully soliciting your employees and customers when they leave to work for a competitor. Equally important, you must ensure that newly hired employees understand their own obligations to past employers and do not take actions that may unwittingly expose your company to liability. When hiring a new employee (especially in management or sales), consider including language in the offer letter affirming that the employee has disclosed any restrictive covenants in effect from prior employers, and acknowledging that he/she will not bring any confidential documents, data, or information from previous employers to the company. Such language may protect the company from being sued if a new employee fails to disclose a restrictive covenant, or otherwise engages in a breach of duties owed to a prior employer. If you are considering hiring a group of employees from a competitor, negotiate with each one separately wherever possible. In many states, employees (especially managers) owe a duty of loyalty to their employer. Acting as a go between or actively soliciting for a competitor while still employed with the prior company could raise legal issues. If you are looking to hire a team or group, it is best to hire the point person first, then once aboard that person can set out to recruit the remaining employees to come to your company (assuming that employee has no contractual restrictions on solicitation). Develop a protocol for ensuring that high level departing employees do not download or otherwise misappropriate proprietary information. When notified of a resignation: (1) Conduct a review of work email for transmittal of information to personal email accounts; (2) Identify any suspicious use of removable USB devices; and (3) Conduct an exit interview that consists of asking the employee to affirm that all property has been returned, including all electronic devices and passwords. Handbook policies on confidentiality and the return of company property are appropriate, but a breach of a policy is not actionable, and does not entitle the company to injunctive relief (i.e. an order requiring compliance). Consider requiring a confidentiality agreement for any employees who have access to important company data or property that could be harmful if disclosed to a competitor, and you may want back if not returned. For key personnel, you may need more than a confidentiality agreement to protect the company’s interests. In those cases, consider the use of a non-compete and/or non-solicitation agreement (which can be coupled with the confidentiality portion into one document). A non-compete provision restricts the employee from working for a competitor for a certain period of time in a defined geographic area. Such covenants must be reasonable, and narrowly tailored to protect the client’s interests. A non-solicitation provision does not restrict the employee from working for a competitor, but restricts certain activities for that competitor, usually soliciting company customers or employees for a period of time. Like a non-compete provision, a non-solicitation covenant must be reasonable. For example, the restriction should only apply to customers with whom the employee actually had contact or access to confidential information, as opposed to a restriction from contacting all of the company’s customers. Non-compete litigation is state specific and the laws can vary widely from state to state. For example, Texas allows reasonable restraints on competition, while California (and recently Massachusetts) outlaw such agreements. It is advisable to have any agreements reviewed for enforceability in the states where such agreements are likely to be enforced. Employee Non-Disclosure Agreements and Enforcement. In Confidentiality & Trade Secrets, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Protection, Privacy and Data Policy, Suggested Reading, Uncategorized Drafting and enforcing NDAs requires considerable thought, care, continual maintenance and a skilled legal advisor. It is an area rife with risks and traps; and employers who believe they can “gag” their employees, by simply requiring them to sign a broadly worded agreement with heavy penalties, may be in for a rude shock. How Weak Are Employee “Nondisclosure Agreements”? The Answer May Make You Gag Gregory W. McClune POSTED BY GREGORY W. MCCLUNE ON 30 MAY 2017 POSTED IN NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS, Foley and Lardner We live in a world of “leaking” and threats of dire consequences for the leakers. Does an employer have the legal means to prevent disclosure of information acquired during employment? Likewise, can an employer seek legal redress for such disclosures? In late 2016, the Virginia-based political journalism company, Politico, published an article revealing that the Trump Transition team had required all its “members” (presumably including its employees) to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” (NDA) “to make certain they keep all of their work confidential.” According to the article, such agreements were standard in the Trump organization. The article stated that the NDA prohibited an employee or volunteer from “disclosing info about major portions of the transition work, like policy briefings, personnel material, donor info, fundraising goals, budgets, contracts, or any draft research papers. It also demands that if anyone on the team suspects a colleague of leaking material, he or she must tell transition team leadership. And it gives the Trump team grounds to [fire] those who run afoul of the rules.” (A mandatory “snitch” clause?) Would such an agreement be enforceable against an employee or volunteer? We will answer that question at the end of this article. The problems are many. First, this is an area that is primarily enforced by state law, and the states are far from uniform in viewing the enforceability of NDAs. Thus, a non-disclosure provision enforceable in one state may be struck down in another. Employers who operate in multiple states will have to ensure it is compliant with the laws of all those jurisdictions. Most jurisdictions will decline to enforce an overbroad definition of “confidential information.” To that end, an Illinois court refused to enforce an NDA that sought to protect against the disclosure of information concerning “any methods and manners by which Employer leases, rents, sells, finances, or deals with its products and its customers.” (Trailer Leasing Co. v. Associates Commercial Corp., 1996 WL 392135, at *1 (N.D.Ill. July 10, 1996)). Similarly, an employer’s attempt to seal an employee’s lips forever will find little sympathy in the courts. A Virginia court invalidated an NDA on two grounds. It found that the employer had attempted to preclude an employee from disclosing any information concerning the business of the employer to any person. Thus, the prohibition was “not narrowly tailored to protect the legitimate business interests” of the employer. The court explained that the provision was so overbroad that, as written, it prohibited the employee from telling a neighbor anything about the employer – including information that was not proprietary in nature or worthy of confidence – for the rest of her life. (Lasership, Inc. v. Belinda Watson and Midnite Air Corp., d/b/a Midnite Express, 79 Va. Cir. 205 (1979)). Some state courts (e.g., Georgia, New York, and Illinois) may “blue pencil” a defective agreement; that is, excise the offending provisions and allow the remainder of the agreement to be enforced. But even if an employer finds itself in one of those jurisdictions, there is no guarantee the judge will undertake that exercise as he/she may find the offending portion key to the whole agreement and, therefore, strike the entire NDA. Recently a court in North Carolina invalidated an NDA on a different basis that, if followed by other courts, could have far-reaching consequences. The court invalidated the entire NDA because there was no additional “consideration” (i.e. the employee gave up his/her rights but received no additional compensation or other item of value). (Roundpoint Mortgage Co. v. Florez, 2016 NCBC 17 (Feb. 18, 2016)). There are yet other traps for the unwary. This year a federal appeals court struck down a “confidentiality agreement” that sought to preclude an employee from sharing “private employee information (such as salaries, disciplinary action, etc.)“ because the restriction unlawfully impinged on the employees’ rights, under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, to discuss such matters. (Banner Health System v. N.L.R.B., 2017 WL 1101104 (D.C. Cir. 2017)). Finally, even if an employer crafts a compliant NDA it will lose its power to enforce the NDA if it is lax in the treatment of confidential information. A written agreement does not supplant the need for sound business practices which safeguard such secrets and prevent disclosure. Moreover, an employer will enhance its chance of enforcing an NDA by periodically reinforcing the need for confidentiality, conducting regular training on the proper handling of confidential information, etc. So, back to the Trump transition team and its NDA; would that have been enforceable? We have not had access to the full agreement so we are not in a position to be definitive. However, we are mindful of that old story about a physician coming across a victim lying on a public sidewalk. When asked by a bystander in the gathering crowd how the victim was doing, the physician, after a brief examination, responded: “Well, only two of the wounds are fatal; the others aren’t so bad.” BOARD OVERSIGHT OF CORPORATION COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS: RECENT DOJ GUIDANCE AND WHAT TO DO NOW In Boards, Boards and Governance, CyberSecurity, Officers and Governance, Privacy and Data Policy, Suggested Reading By Holly J. Gregory* and Rebecca Grapsas* Boards should consider assessing the effectiveness of their compliance programs now in light of the DOJ’s recent guidance on evaluating compliance programs — whether or not the company currently has any compliance issues. Each company should, at a minimum, have a basic effective compliance program in place. A program that exists “on paper” but is not effective is not sufficient. As well as making good business sense for a range of reasons, having an effective compliance program can influence a federal prosecutor’s decision on whether to charge a company for the bad acts of its employees or officers and the extent to which the company may receive credit for cooperation in a settlement. Having an effective compliance program can also help mitigate penalties if corporate wrongdoing is found Oversight of a company’s “tone at the top” and its compliance program designed to establish and maintain that tone and detect problems is an important board responsibility.As fiduciaries, directors are required to assess the company’s compliance program in light of the legal and regulatory compliance framework and ensure that the company has appropriate compliance-related reporting and information systems and internal controls in place. It is a business judgment for the board to determine what compliance program best suits the company’s needs and the level of compliance risk it is willing to take. Each company should, at a minimum, have a basic effective compliance program in place. A program that exists “on paper” but is not effective is not sufficient As well as making good business sense for a range of reasons, having an effective compliance program can influence a federal prosecutor’s decision on whether to charge a company for the bad acts of its employees or of cers and the extent to which the company may receive credit for cooperation in a settlement. Having an effective compliance program can also help mitigate penalties if corporate wrongdoing is found The standard for effectiveness in compliance program design is set forth in Chapter 8 of the United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which provides that a company must: Establish standards and procedures to prevent and detect criminal conduct Ensure board oversight of the compliance program Appoint a high-level individual (such as a chief compliance of cer) who has overall responsibility for the compliance program Exercise due diligence to exclude unethical individuals from positions of authority Communicate information about the compliance program to employees and directors Monitor the compliance program’s effectiveness Promote and consistently enforce the compliance program Respond to violations and make necessary modi cations to the compliance program (US Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual §§ 8B21(b), 8C25(f)) The Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations in the US Attorneys’ Manual provide that prosecutors should consider specific factors (known as the “Filip Factors”) in conducting corporate investigations, determining whether to bring charges and negotiating plea or other agreements. These factors include “the existence and effectiveness of the corporation’s pre-existing compliance program” and the corporation’s remedial efforts “to implement an effective corporate compliance program or to improve an existing one.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasizes that critical factors in evaluating a compliance program are “whether the program is adequately designed for maximum effectiveness in preventing and detecting wrongdoing by employees and whether corporate management is enforcing the program or is tacitly encouraging or pressuring employees to engage in misconduct to achieve business objectives” US Attorneys’ Manual § 9-28.300, General Principle; § 9-28.800, Comment (2015) In February 2017, the Fraud Section of the DOJ issued a resource entitled Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs. The document provides more speci c examples of how federal prosecutors will evaluate a company’s compliance program in the process of The DOJ’s recent guidance for evaluating corporate compliance programs is also discussed in the most recent issue of Sidley’s Anti-Corruption Quarterly. investigating and resolving an enforcement matter. The document emphasizes that “the Fraud Section does not use any rigid formula to assess the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs.” The document is the latest communication forming part of the Fraud Section’s Compliance Initiative, which began with the Fraud Section’s hiring of Hui Chen as full-time compliance counsel in November 2015. The document contains probing questions regarding the following eleven “sample” topics: 1. Analysis and remediation of underlying misconduct (including root cause analysis and prior indications) 2. Senior and middle management (including conduct at the top, shared commitment and oversight) 3. Autonomy and resources (including compliance function stature, experience, quali cations, empowerment, funding and outsourcing) 4. Policies and procedures (including design, applicability, gatekeepers, accessibility, operational integration, controls and vendor management) 5. Risk assessment (including methodology, information gathering and analysis, and manifested risks) 6. Training and communications (including form, content and effectiveness, communications about misconduct and availability of guidance) 7. Confidential reporting and investigation (including reporting mechanism effectiveness, investigation scope and response to investigations) 8. Incentives and disciplinary measures (including accountability, process and consistency) 9. Continuous improvement, periodic testing and review (including internal audit, control testing, interviews and evolving updates) 10. Third-party management (including risk-based and integrated processes, controls, relationship management and misconduct consequences) 11. Mergers and acquisitions (including due diligence process, integration in the M&A process and process connecting due diligence to implementation) The questions are designed to look behind a company’s compliance program “on paper” and evaluate how the program has been implemented, updated and enforced in practice. Although some of the questions focus on the effectiveness of a company’s compliance program in the context of specific misconduct (for example, what caused the misconduct, whether there were prior indications of the misconduct and which controls failed), many of the questions focus on the compliance program more broadly, including, for example, whether compliance personnel report directly to the board, what methodology the company uses to identify, analyze and address the risks it faces, and how the company incentivizes compliance and ethical behavior. Compliance program assessment is a key element of the board’s oversight of compliance programs. Boards should conduct such assessments periodically to identify areas for improvement in light of the company’s evolving risks and regulatory preferences with respect to compliance structures and practices. Periodic assessment of the compliance program, in a process overseen by the board or a board committee, helps ensure that the program continues to be “ for the purpose” by identifying areas for improvement, while also creating evidence of the company’s commitment to compliance for use in any future regulatory enforcement actions. Assessments should be risk-based to re ect the company’s changing risk environment and to help ensure that limited compliance resources are prioritized to focus on the most signi cant risks. The assessment criteria should be based on the elements of an effective compliance program as described in DOJ guidance discussed above, including specific guidance from regulators regarding the company’s industry. The assessment criteria should also reflect trends in settlement agreements, developing notions of recommended practices (both generally and within the company’s specific industry), and the practices of peer companies, to the extent that benchmarking data is available. In conducting its assessment, the board should evaluate the following and consider how it would answer the specific questions set forth in the DOJ’s recent guidance: ■ The board’s level of oversight including availability of compliance expertise, private sessions with compliance personnel and information ■ Reporting lines and related structures ■ Experience, qualifications and performance of the chief compliance officer and compliance function ■ Compliance function responsibilities, budget and budget allocation (including employees, outside advisors and other resources), staff turnover rate and outsourcing ■ Written corporate policies and procedures regarding ethics and compliance (including legal and regulatory risks), and the process for designing, reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of policies and procedures ■ Internal controls to reduce the likelihood of improper conduct and compliance violations ■ Ongoing monitoring, control testing and auditing processes to assess the effectiveness of the program and any improper conduct ■ Role of compliance in strategic and operational decisions ■ Key compliance risks, risk assessment processes and risk mitigation ■ Senior management conduct and commitment to compliance, and how the company monitors this ■ Communication efforts by the board, CEO, other senior executives, and middle management regarding expectations and tone ■ Education and training regarding compliance generally and the company’s program, policies and procedures at all levels ■ Understanding of corporate commitment to compliance at all levels ■ Awareness and use of mechanisms to seek guidance and/or to report possible compliance violations, and fear of retaliation ■ Specific problems that have arisen, why they arose and how they were identified and resolved ■ Investigation protocols and experiences ■ Performance incentives, accountability, disciplinary measures and enforcement ■ Remediation and efforts to apply lessons learned The DOJ’s recent guidance should help boards determine the assessment process that is appropriate for the company, evaluate whether the company’s program continues to be effective and t for purpose, and consider appropriate modi cations to the program. Sidley Perspectives | JUNE 2017 • 4 *Holly J. Gregory is a partner in Sidley’s New York of ce and a co-leader of the rm’s global Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation practice. Rebecca Grapsas is counsel in Sidley’s Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation practice who works from both the rm’s New York and Sydney of ces. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the views of the rm. Corporate Governance and Change In Boards, Boards and Governance, CyberSecurity, Family Offices, Leadership, Officers and Governance, Privately and Family Owned Businesses, Uncategorized A Quick Review Of Basics By: Saul Winsten,General Counsel The Winsten Group.Trusted Counsel LLC. A national Legal, Business, and Corporate Affairs firm thewinstengroup.com What is “Governance”? Governance has been defined in different ways. For our purposes, corporate governance may be understood to mean the system, processes and relationships by which a corporation is controlled and directed. Boards of Directors are responsible ultimately for governance, the control and direction of the corporation they serve. For brevity our discussion will focus on this topic as applied to closely-held and family-owned business corporations. With ever increasing market competition, and pace and magnitude of technological change, the challenges encountered by closely-held and family-owned businesses and their Boards have grown. The traditional or legacy structures for governance, or legacy leadership may no longer be appropriate. New governance structure, processes, and leaders may be called for. Questions concerning governance often include questions concerning the role and responsibilities of the Board, and how governance may be evolving in response to change. Below is a quick review of basic principles, and of some increasingly common business adaptations to change. Basic Principles: The Role and Responsibilities of Boards Board responsibilities are separate from those of management. Boards are not to manage the business; executive management has that responsibility. The Board’s role and its responsibilities include: 1.To advise and consult with management on corporate strategy, operational performance & effectiveness, key performance metrics, executive performance and compensation, risk management, and growth and change matters 2.To provide oversight of and approve corporate strategy and strategic plans, major acquisitions and divestitures, management and business performance, strategic matters, company resource planning and needs, legal compliance, protection of assets, budget and significant financing, mergers, and corporate reorganizations 3.To plan for executive and Board succession, select new executives, and recommend new Board members Board Requirements Boards and Board members must act solely in and for the interest of the corporation. Board members should be qualified to carry out Board responsibilities, be informed and knowledgeable of matters that may come before the Board, exercise prudent business judgement, and act free from conflicts of interest that compromise such action and judgement. Boards of Directors and individual Board Members have “Fiduciary Duties”, to act prudently, in and for the interest of the business and shareholders, with care, honesty, prudence, and in good faith. The primary fiduciary duties have been referred to as “Duty of Care”, and “Duty of Loyalty”. Some courts and securities regulation also refer to a “Duty of Candor” or “Duty of Disclosure”. Various courts have identified and discussed specific aspects of these duties. The “Duty of Care” requires Board members act with knowledge of the pertinent facts and circumstances, with care, after due consideration of all relevant information. The “Duty of Loyalty” requires Board members act in the best interests of the corporation and shareholders, and to ensure that actions are taken in good faith. “Good Faith” has been defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as requiring Board members act with “(1) honesty in belief or purpose, (2) faithfulness to one’s duty or obligation, (3) observance of reasonable commercial standards of fair dealing in a given trade or business, (4) absence of intent to defraud or to seek unconscionable advantage”. Liability for Breach of Fiduciary Duties Boards and individual Directors have been found liable for breach of their fiduciary duties. Defense to Claim of Breach of Fiduciary Duties A defense to an action against a Board for Board action is sometimes called “the business judgement rule”. Under that rule, a court generally will not “second guess” a Board decision if the Board: (i) followed a reasonable and informed process; (ii) took into account all relevant facts and circumstances; and (iii) made its decision” in good faith”. Adaptations to Change These include but are not limited to: Enhanced Board “on-boarding” and education To properly prepare new Board members for joining the Board and carrying out Board responsibilities, businesses and organizations are paying increasing attention to proper orientation, introduction and education of Board members. The need for such action increases with the size of the organization, complexity of the organization and its activities, demands of shareholders and stakeholders, and the nature and complexity of risks to which the organization is subject. Use of Board Committees: As the quantity and complexity of matters that Boards are to act upon have increased, the use of committees and the need for enhanced committee and Board expertise has increased. Some matters, particularly complex matters requiring special expertise, are increasingly delegated to committees of the Board, which in turn make recommendations for Board deliberation and action. Committees such as Compensation, Audit, Governance, and Nominating, among others, are common. Many Boards have an Executive Committee of corporate officers, who are tasked with developing recommendations on policy and other matters for Board action. Matters requiring special expertise may be delegated to a committee which includes members with that special expertise. An example of a committee tasked with matters requiring special expertise is the Audit Committee. This committee is charged with developing recommendations concerning matters concerning accounting policies, financial reporting, and other audit related matters. It is responsible for oversight of the independent auditor, internal financial control policies, financial risk management policies, and the performance of the internal audit function. Another example is the Nominating and/or Governance Committee where identification of desired qualified candidates for Board service, selection of nominees for Board positions, governance standards and processes, Board and CEO evaluation may be discussed and recommendations made. Other committees requiring specialized knowledge may be used by a business’ Board. These include Cybersecurity, Technology, Legal, Finance, Strategic Planning, M&A, HR, Ethics/Corporate Responsibility, and Environmental Committees, for example. Addition of Independent and Specially Qualified Directors: Another response increasingly used by Boards of closely held businesses, including family-owned or managed businesses, is the addition “Independent Directors” to their Boards. These Independent Directors assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities by bringing independent thought, needed specialized expertise, and special perspective to those Boards. Examples of the knowledge and expertise sought and retained for Independent Directors include proven industry and outside business leadership, legal, finance, technology, cybersecurity, and other specialized expertise. Some courts, notably Delaware, have addressed the issue of what makes a Board member “independent”. Use of Board Counsel Some larger businesses and organizations have retained special Board Counsel to provide independent advice and guidance on Board and governance matters of special concern. Board Counsel have been found especially useful where perspective, guidance, and advice independent of Board or executive leadership relationships, is desired. Governance changes are driven by a number of factors. Growth, market competition, disruptive technology, regulatory requirements, and succession generated dynamics for example, may compel a company to change the way it does business, manages risk, and the way it is governed. Businesses and organizations that will succeed are those prepared for change. NB: Privacy, Data and Cookies Policy, Protects Facebook from Litigation In Privacy and Data Policy, Suggested Reading, Technology-Driven Disruptive Change JUNE 7, 2017 CLIENT ALERT Privacy Policy Rescues Facebook from Costly Litigation From Michael Best & Friedrich. We have all gone to a website and, in accessing the website’s services, have agreed to terms and conditions that include a litany of policies, including privacy policies governing how the company maintaining the website will use our information obtained while accessing the website. One such specific website that most, if not all, of us have used is Facebook. While we may not pay very close attention to privacy policies such as data and cookie policies, those policies explain that Facebook uses cookies or browser fingerprinting to identify users and track what third-party websites users browse. Such privacy policies serve an important function for any company, including Facebook, to help protect against potential liability for use of a consumer’s information. Indeed, Facebook’s privacy policy just carried the day in getting a case dismissed against it in which the Plaintiffs alleged a litany of causes of action against Facebook, including violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California Invasion of Privacy Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and other common law claims. In Smith v. Facebook, Inc., Case no. 16-cv-1282, the Northern District of California dismissed the claims against Facebook, with prejudice, based upon Facebook’s user agreement. There, the Plaintiffs argued that Facebook violated numerous federal and state statutes, as well as common law, by tracking and collecting its users’ web browsing activity, including sensitive information from various healthcare websites. In dismissing the case, the Court found that Plaintiffs had consented to Facebook’s tracking and marketing activity when they agreed to Facebook’s “data policy” and “cookie policy” when opening a Facebook account. The Court further found that while the applicable policy provisions were broad, they were not vague and provided adequate notice of the tracking activity in which Facebook engaged. For example, a portion of Facebook’s “cookie policy” explained that “[t]hings like Cookies and similar technologies (such as information about your device or a pixel on a website) are used to understand and deliver ads, make them more relevant to you, and analyze products and services and the use of those products and services . . . we use cookies so we, or our affiliates and partners, can serve you ads that may be interesting to you on Facebook Services or other websites and mobile applications.” Simply put, Facebook’s privacy policy, which Plaintiffs had agreed to when they signed up for Facebook, was adequately clear to permit Facebook to track and collect Plaintiffs’ web browsing activity, including browsing of healthcare related information. In so finding, the Court rejected Plaintiff’s arguments that the policies were buried and overbroad. Facebook’s recent victory is a good reminder of the importance of having a thorough and clear privacy policy. Any company that collects or uses consumers’ information should aim to have a transparent and broad privacy policy to help guard against liability. Albert Bianchi, Jr. abianchi@michaelbest.com T.608.283.4425 Michelle L. Dama mdama@michaelbest.com Heads Up: Board of Directors, Resignation from the Board, Duty of Loyalty. In Boards, Boards and Governance, Leadership, Officers and Governance, Privately and Family Owned Businesses, Suggested Reading, Uncategorized When a venture capital fund invests in an emerging growth company, it typically seeks to protect its investment by obtaining the right to designate a member of the Board of Directors. While many of these individual designees are experts in their field and have vast networks of valuable relationships at their disposal, a newly designated director may be unfamiliar with the duties imposed on him should he want to resign. Paul Hastings Client Alert March 2017 Follow @Paul_Hastings Resigning From a Board of Directors:Considerations for VC Fund Designees By Samuel A. Waxman, Jordan L. Goldman & Brooke Schachner When a venture capital fund invests in an emerging growth company, it typically seeks to protect its investment by obtaining the right to designate a member of the Board of Directors. While many of these individual designees are experts in their field and have vast networks of valuable relationships at their disposal, a newly designated director may be unfamiliar with the duties imposed on him should he want to resign. Delaware law generally gives the Board of Directors broad authority to manage the business affairs of a corporation. Although this level of discretion is generally extended to the ability to resign, there are various factors that should be considered when weighing the value of keeping a seat against the potential turmoil and liability associated with resignation. Designated directors often reflexively consider resignation when the company has run out of money or is heading into the so-called “zone of insolvency” out of fear of personal liability. Resigning at this point, however, may actually give rise to the very liability the director was seeking to avoid. As a result, it is important for a director to know when he can resign versus when he should resign. I. The Benefits of Sitting on a Board: A Seat at the Table The best way for a venture capital fund to remain informed and maintain influence on a company’s decision-making is to hold a seat on the Board. Directors have the power to vote on matters mandated by Delaware law, the certificate of incorporation, or the investment documents that affect material aspects of the business and its stakeholders. For example, Board approval may be necessary for: amendments to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws; equity grants or transfers (whether stock, options, or warrants); distributions to stockholders; borrowing or lending money; adopting an annual budget; hiring or terminating members of senior management (or amending their terms of employment); adopting employee benefit plans; a sale of material assets of the company; adissolution of the company; and/or entering into agreements and transactions of material importance to the company (intellectual property licenses, mergers, or IPOs). This remains true even if the investment has gone sour. Directors will continue to have say over bridge financings, the direction of DIP loan packages, and other key decisions that need to be made by a company in distress. II. Should I Stay or Should I Go? Under Delaware law, a director generally may resign at any time, unless the certificate of incorporation or bylaws require otherwise. Notably, however, a director may not resign when doing so would constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty. A. Duty of Loyalty Directors have a duty to act in the best interests of the shareholders—personal benefit is secondary, even if management is making questionable choices. For example, simply resigning upon discovery of flagrant crimes committed by corporate insiders, without attempting to rectify the issue, may constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty. In In re Puda Coal Shareholders’ Litigation, a CEO was accused of theft through unauthorized transfers which went unnoticed for 18 months. A third party brought the suspected criminality to the attention of the independent directors, but the directors were “stonewalled” by management when they attempted to bring suit. So, the independent directors resigned from the Board. The Delaware court was critical of the directors’ decision to resign rather than cause the company to join a related derivative suit, stating that simply resigning at that point (while the company was in hot water) might be a breach of the duty of loyalty. Similarly, in Rich v. Chong, another Delaware case, the court determined that ignoring numerous red flags and resigning from the Board may have constituted an abdication of the directors’ duties. In this case, the company completed its public offering in 2009. In 2010, it revealed discrepancies in its financial statements, and in 2011, auditors discovered a $130 million cash transfer to third parties in China. A 2010 stockholder suit urged the company’s audit committee to investigate, but the investigation was abandoned in 2012 due to management’s failure to pay the fees incurred by the audit company’s advisors. The company also failed to hold an annual stockholder meeting for several years despite a 2012 court order to do so. The independent directors subsequently resigned. Chiding the directors, the court stated that “the conscious failure to act, in the face of a known duty, is a breach of the duty of loyalty.” Directors of companies with foreign operations, moreover, are subject to a heightened fiduciary duty. Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Strine’s view on local companies with foreign operations is that a director’s required engagement is even more strenuous (e.g., traveling to that foreign country, having language skills, and knowing the culture). B. Reasons for Resignation A director may want to resign from his position on the Board for several reasons. If the company breaks the law or materially breaches its bylaws or shareholder agreements, without immediate rectification, a director may consider resignation. In addition, a director may deem it necessary to resign over disagreements among the Board members. Deadlocks and discord can severely impede progress—a particular concern for growth companies. While discussion and debate is healthy for an effective Board, intractable differences of opinion about the company’s future can stall innovation and stifle success. Similarly, a fundamental opposition to some of the company’s major practices could be reason enough to step away. Designees are often selected for board seats because of their expertise in a particular field and their vast network of connections. However, a conflict of interest may arise as a result. If conflicts of interest persist and become irreconcilable, a director’s exit might be best for all parties involved. Still, a director’s fiduciary duties to the corporation and its shareholders must be at the forefront of one’s concerns, and if an exit may constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty, directors must think twice about resignation. In addition, while the director himself may not have a personal conflict, a designated director might wish to resign if the fund they represent is going to engage in certain debt financing transactions with the company. Additionally, a director may want to resign if he is unable to obtain adequate protection against personal liability. A director should ensure that the company has a sufficient director and officer (“D&O”) insurance policy and an indemnification agreement in place that protects individual directors. It is important to make sure D&O policies have a proper tail so that directors are still covered even after they leave the Board. A director is often best served staying on the Board as long as possible to make sure that the D&O insurance is kept in place at the expected levels and/or to best negotiate a tail on his exit. Without appropriate D&O insurance, directors may face liability for certain claims against the corporation. Notably, a recently enacted California law includes directors in the group of individuals that may be held personally liable for unpaid final wages. While a director may be covered by insurance or indemnification in this instance, it is important to be aware of state laws that may subject corporate agents to additional liability. Finally, evidence that management is not acting in the best interests of the shareholders may be cause for a director’s resignation. But again, a director has to be sure that his exit does not unduly harm the company or breach a fiduciary duty owed to the shareholders. III. Practice Tips for the Director Pondering Resignation When considering resignation, a director must act in the best interests of the company. Current or potential directors should research whether there are any unusual restrictions on resignation in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or unusual internal procedures and policies. Moreover, a director should take specific steps upon the discovery of illegality or malfeasance, namely: 1. A director’s first duty is to take reasonable steps to stop any ongoing legal or ethical violations. 2. If met with stonewalling, the director should seek independent legal counsel. 3. A director who decides to resign may want to submit a written statement to the chairman for circulation to the Board and possibly to the shareholders. Following these general steps will ensure that a director can leave a Board while guarding against potential liability. The decision to resign from a Board must not be made flippantly. Facts and circumstances will rule the day; regardless, a director must always mind his fiduciary duties to the company and its shareholders. 

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FBI launches campaign to return haul of Native and South American works Thousands of illegally removed items—including human bones—were discovered on collector’s farm Gabriella Angeleti 10th April 2019 21:46 GMT Officials confiscated around 8,000 pieces from a trove of more than 40,000 objects from various cultures, with around a third of the collection comprising Native American art works and human bones Courtesy of the FBI The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) art crime team is seeking help to return thousands of objects, works of art and Native American human remains that it seized in 2014 in Waldron, Indiana, from the property of the late ethnographic collector Don Miller. Officials confiscated around 8,000 pieces from a trove of more than 40,000 objects from various cultures, with around a third of the collection comprising Native American art works and human bones. “The sheer size of the collection and human remains was shocking”, says FBI special agent Tim Carpenter. “It’s unfortunate, but not uncommon, to find some human remains in these types of seizures, but we were certainly not prepared for what we found”. Since the case surfaced, the department has repatriated around 12% of the collection, including sending objects back to China, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, Peru, Cambodia and Iraq. But returning the illegally removed Native American materials has proved more challenging because “there’s simply no single expert on all these objects”, Carpenter says. The FBI has been consulting with scholars and museums, but any debate over the origin of specific pieces can slow the process. The sheer size of the collection and human remains was shocking A notice was issued through the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) last year regarding a female skull from Miller’s collection which was removed from, or near, an area on the Missouri River known to have been populated by several tribal nations. But because NAGPRA is primarily intended to deal with museum collections rather than serve law enforcement, and because the origin of various items remain unclear, the FBI chose to forego filing further notices through the NAGPRA system. Instead, the FBI has launched an invitation-only website containing images and known information about the seized objects. Each section has access controls that limit who can view what objects, out of respect for the cultures that may hold those works as sacred. “Native American leaders get access to a portion of the website that contains Native American and unknown materials and vice versa for other cultures, because it’s not useful or respectful to give, for example, a Romanian archaeologist access to sensitive Native American objects,” Carpenter says. Images of the recovered bones will only be shared on a case-by-case basis with tribal representatives. The seized items are now held in a temperature-, light- and humidity-controlled facility near Indianapolis, where they are being safeguarded and prepared for their return by museology and anthropology graduate students of the Indiana University-Purdue University. Miller, a former member of the army reserve who reportedly worked on the Manhattan Project (the US-led effort to develop nuclear weapons during the Second World War), was also a world-travelling Christian missionary. As a hobby, he spent his spare time on amateur archaeological digs, which “sometimes crossed the line into illegality and outright looting”, according to the FBI. Miller made no secret of his collection and often agreed to interviews. An article published by a local newspaper in 1998 describes his basement as “a museum with lighted-glass showcases lining the walls on three sides, with printed notes on where the objects were found and their age”, although most of the collection was not labelled. It notes that Miller had dinosaur eggs unearthed in China, an Amazonian dugout canoe, a Tibetan cowbell and hundreds of Native American arrowheads. Miller was not arrested or charged after the FBI raid on his Indiana farm, and he died nearly a year later in March 2015, aged 91. His collection included Italian mosaics, pre-Columbian art, and artefacts from Russia, China and New Guinea. Last year, two mammoth tusks from Miller’s collection were returned to Canada and, at the end of February, the FBI sent 361 artefacts back to China at a ceremony at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, marking the largest ever return of Chinese objects from the US. Returning materials to Native American tribal governments will be a slower process, although there has been an rise in responses since the FBI put out a public call for information. “Part of our initial goal was to generate awareness around the case so that communities can come forward and engage with us because this kind of effort can’t exist in a vacuum,” Carpenter says. “I’ve signed up several dozen people to the website and I think that’s a very positive sign.” The FBI needs your help Do you recognise any of the objects below? They are some of the items the FBI is seeking to identify before they can be returned. Representatives of Native American tribes and South American cultural specialists with information can email artifacts@fbi.gov. Around a third of Don Miller’s collection is comprised of unidentified Native American and South American objects Images courtesy of the FBI Appeared in The Art Newspaper, 311 April 2019 More NewsTopicsNewsArt crimeSouth AmericaNative American

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Where Are the Global Anti-Corruption Leaders? Ben W. Heineman Jr. The continuing scourge of international bribery--and the continuing lack of senior international anti-corruption leadership--were reflected in last week's settlement of a massive bribery case against a major international company, British Aerospace (BAE). The story is depressingly familiar. BAE denies allegations of widespread international bribery indignantly and self-righteously. In 2006, Prime Minister Blair and others effectively pressure an "independent" U.K. anti-fraud office to stop a major investigation into bribes to Saudi Arabia, allegedly to grease a multi-billion dollar sale of BAE fighter planes to the Kingdom. The ostensible reason: a threat by the Saudis to stop sharing information on terrorists with the U.K.. An underlying reason: the investigation's threat to U.K. trade and jobs. The U.S. Justice Department starts its own investigation. Then (surprise, surprise), after years of stonewalling and denials, BAE agreed last week to settle international corruption cases, with a $400 million payment to the U.S. and a $50 million payment to the U.K. The actual offenses were somewhat technical: an intentional accounting misstatement in the U.K. involving Tanzania (not Saudi Arabia), and a "false statement" in the U.S. (BAE claimed in submissions to the U.S. government that it had a serious anti-bribery compliance program which, in fact, was only a Potemkin Village.) But it is clear that widespread improper payments were at the core of the case. BAE would not pay $450 million for technical offenses. And the court papers filed by the Justice Department lay out, in some detail, BAE's use of shadowy consultants in Eastern Europe and Saudi Arabia (who were given hundreds of millions of dollars to pay to officials in purchasing governments) and its failure to properly account for these transactions. By settling on these technical offenses, BAE avoids the threat of being debarred from government contracts in both the U.S. and the U.K., as both governments announce the case is over for the company (the U.S., but not the U.K., is still investigating individuals). Critics in the U.K. blasted the technical settlement, claiming that the full extent of BAE's questionable past practices will not come to light, including the potentially huge sums relating to the Saudi fighter sale and the possible role of the U.K. defense ministry in encouraging payments. The "resolution" of the BAE case comes a little more than a year after settlement of a massive bribery case involving Siemens, the German industrial company. In December 2008, Siemens paid $1.3 billion to German and U.S. authorities for accounting and conspiracy offenses arising from allegations that the Munich-based company paid more than $1.4 billion to secure orders around the world. This was accompanied by payment of more than $300 million in other penalties; restatements of more than $500 million for expenses disallowed as improper payments; and outlays of more than $850 million for lawyers and forensic accountants used in the company's internal inquiry. U.S. authorities said Siemens improper payments were "unprecedented in scale and geographic reach" as well as "systematic" and "standard operating procedure." Top leadership at both BAE and Siemens resigned. Both companies have had serious assessments by outside experts of steps necessary to change the culture and the behavior. After the companies' near death experiences, new management is committed to effecting real change and implementing a meaningful anti-corruption program. The DOJ commended Siemens' new leaders for its "extraordinary" efforts in this regard. The BAE and Siemens cases are symbols of pervasive corruption across the globe and lack of senior leadership making anti-corruption an international imperative. Bribery and extortion in public sector activities--especially in the developing world--distorts competition, erodes legitimacy and rule of law, impedes economic growth, thwarts building of institutional infrastructure, injures the poor and supports criminals and terrorists who pose a threat to world order. Corruption thus directly and seriously implicates foreign policy, national security, economic, developmental and humanitarian concerns. The pernicious effects of corruption--and its relationship to other core global issues--has now secured its place on the global agenda. Officials in some nations, at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), at the UN, at the G-8, at the G-20, in the Council of Europe, at the group for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), in the multi-lateral development banks (like the World Bank)--all pay lip service to anti-corruption efforts, all put the issue somewhere in the various communiques which issue after various meetings, and all engage in some operational efforts to address the problems. Developed countries must stop foreign bribery by their national champions; developing nations must make anti-corruption central to economic development; developed and developing nations must cooperate to make a new UN convention against bribery a reality; the multilateral development banks and national development agencies must help create rule of law and anti-corruption capacity in emerging nations and must have strong internal disciplines to ensure that the billions of dollars in aid given each year are used for their intended purposes and not diverted for corrupt uses. But, these various anti-corruption initiatives are still often a technocratic effort, not a political crusade against abuse of power. There are not major global officials--or major private sector leaders--who have made corruption their issue and who attract world attention. (Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the OECD, speaks out forcefully on the subject but does not make front page news or have decisive influence on OECD member states.) And the problems of countering corruption are so difficult that such potential leaders are needed to create a movement that holds other leaders, in both the public and private sectors, responsible and accountable and that energizes disparate citizens, who feel the crushing impact of corruption, to make their voices heard. Such leadership is a necessary, but not sufficient condition, if any meaningful progress is to be made on the anti-corruption agenda. The BAE and Siemens settlements are cases in point. If these iconic developed world companies had such widespread issues, it is reasonable to think that they are hardly alone. Although both Germany and the U.K. have had laws prohibiting foreign bribery by their multinational corporations since at least 1999, there had been little national enforcement prior to these cases. In both BAE and Siemens, the U.S. (which has a history of strong enforcing laws against foreign bribery) was deeply involved and helped push the companies to a major resolution because of their dependence on the U.S. market. Germany's enforcement efforts have picked up, but are driven by state, not national authorities (and there is still ambivalence in Germany about the subject among some officials and exporters). Despite the recent (weak) resolution of the BEA matter, the U.K.'s law and enforcement efforts have been virtually non-existent for years. U.K. critics, including a law reform commission, have called for strengthening U.K. law to make it much easier to bring cases and to hold companies responsible, but that law is still awaiting parliamentary action. More importantly, a 2009 report by Transparency International, evaluated the enforcement activities of 36 nations which had signed the 1997 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and enacted national laws giving it effect. (Disclosure: I am on the board of Transparency International-USA.) That report concluded that only 4 out of 36 countries evaluated are actively enforcing the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, with moderate enforcement in 11 other countries and little to no enforcement in 21 or more than half. Among the obstacles noted by the report were: antiquated bribery laws, outright political obstruction of investigations, lack of adequate funding for prosecutors or curtailing the powers of investigative magistrates. This problem is in the developed world (!!), not in the developing world ,where anti-corruption efforts are infinitely more complex given the varying histories and cultures of individual nations. Although some developed world corporations will affirmatively implement anti-corruption programs because of affirmative benefits inside the company, in the marketplace and in broader global society, many others will only do so if there is a real threat of negative impact--of national prosecutions causing catastrophic problems like those which beset Siemens and BEA. Advantages of strong enforcement regimes are that they cause companies truly to change their cultures and become advocates (as Siemens has done) of "leveling the field up" around the world in order to reduce unfair competition from bribing companies. But, even on this issue of bribery by companies in the developed world, there is not global leadership. Despite the United State's lead position, and despite the need for the U.S. to put pressure on other G-20 and G-8 nations to enforce anti-bribery laws in a meaningful way, this has not become an issue identified with the Attorney General or the Secretary of State--nor an issue of any other political leader in the developed world. When the scope of anti-corruption efforts becomes wider to encompass development assistance and efforts in individual developing nations, one can scan the horizon without finding a leader of a major institution like the World Bank or of an emerging market who has become the voice for the anti-corruption movement. Concerned technocrats and active NGOs are not enough. Obviously, the world's second oldest profession--bribing or extorting for money and power--is deeply entrenched and will require different strategies appropriate to different contexts. But, without a global public leader, the U.S. Secretary of State, or the head of the World Bank, to give the issue dramatic voice and make it a broader movement, the all too familiar stories of BEA and Siemens, and of bribery and extortion by local interests in the developing world, will, continue to repeat themselves as they have in years past ,despite anti-corruption rhetoric and earnest communiqués. Ben Heineman Jr. is is a senior fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, in Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and at the Harvard Law School's Program on Corporate Governance. He is the author of High Performance With High Integrity.

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The Next Church Seamless multimedia worship, round-the-clock niches of work and service, spiritual guidance, and a place to belong: in communities around the country the old order gives way to the new Charles Trueheart NO spires. No crosses. No robes. No clerical collars. No hard pews. No kneelers. No biblical gobbledygook. No prayerly rote. No fire, no brimstone. No pipe organs. No dreary eighteenth-century hymns. No forced solemnity. No Sunday finery. No collection plates. The list has asterisks and exceptions, but its meaning is clear. Centuries of European tradition and Christian habit are deliberately being abandoned, clearing the way for new, contemporary forms of worship and belonging. The Next Church, as the independent and entrepreneurial congregations that are adopting these new forms might collectively be called, is drawing lots of people, including many Americans with patchy or blank histories of churchgoing. It constitutes, its champions believe, a distinctly American reformation of church life, one that transcends denominations and the bounds of traditional churchly behavior. As such, it represents something more: a reconfiguration of secular communities, not just sacred ones. Social institutions that once held civic life together--schools, families, governments, companies, neighborhoods, and even old-style churches--are not what they used to be (if ever they were what we imagined). The new congregations are reorganizing religious life to fill that void. The Next Church in its fully realized state can be the clearest approximation of community, and perhaps the most important civic structure, that a whole generation is likely to have known or likely to find anywhere in an impersonal, transient nation. The churches are remarkable chiefly for their size. Many of these (mostly Protestant) congregations count thousands of people in attendance on a weekend--in some cases more than 10,000. For their hugeness they are often known, and often chagrined to be known, as megachurches. Among the other labels one hears are full-service churches, seven-day-a-week churches, pastoral churches, apostolic churches, "new tribe" churches, new paradigm churches, seeker-sensitive churches, shopping-mall churches. No two of these terms mean quite the same thing, but together, like the blind men with the elephant, they describe the beast rather well. These very large and dynamic congregations may at the moment number no more than 400, but they are the fastest-growing ones in the country. Half of all churchgoing Americans, to cite a figure treasured in the Next Church community, are attending only 12 percent of the nation's 400,000 churches. To look at it another way, half of American Protestant churches have fewer than seventy-five congregants. Big congregations endow a church with critical mass, which makes possible sizable budgets and economic efficiencies (such as very low staffing ratios) and formidable volunteer pools, and thus the capacity to diversify almost infinitely in order to develop new "product lines" that meet the congregation's needs and involve members in unpaid service. Still, to understand what the Next Church means, one cannot ignore hundreds more churches that are small to middling but willing and determined (or desperate) to think big--to be "intentional" about growing, to use an adjective commonly heard in their midst. For these churches this is not an abstract decision. The mainline denominations are bleeding. Their churches have more pew than flock, and unless they change, they have more history than future. Little congregations of fewer than a hundred at worship, in rural communities and inner cities, are shutting their doors at the rate of fifty a week, by one estimate. The Next Church movement makes many traditional church leaders, and many active Christians, nervous, because it implies a rejection of the tried and the once-true and the somehow holy; it also suggests to many people an unseemly market-driven approach to building the Kingdom of Heaven. But its obvious success in building congregations and communities alike is making many believers out of skeptics. For the past year I've been visiting these churches and talking to their pastors and members to understand what makes them work. AN ISLAND IN THE I APPROACHED Mariners Church, on a gentle hill above Newport Beach, California, through its parking lot. At the entrances to the asphalt expanse men and women in reflective orange jackets waved on a procession of hundreds of cars entering by twos the acres of parking places being vacated by the outflow from the earlier service. Mercifully, confusion did not reign. The new architecture of faith is inconspicuous. The seven-year-old sanctuary of Mariners is an understated horizontal brick pile with barely a peak in its auditorium roof, let alone anything suggesting a spire. Walking from my car, I realized that no door to the church building was visible--a mischievous design considering that Mariners, like other churches of this ilk, has figurative doors that are uncountable. And on the side away from the parking lot are real glass ones constantly admitting people--these days 3,500 at four services every weekend, and many hundreds more during the week. The Next Church rarely sleeps. The doors of Mariners open onto a tree-lined semicircular courtyard that was packed that Sunday morning with hundreds of people standing and talking together in the sunshine. A few, wearing name tags, approached and shook hands with everyone arriving; in the case of a stranger they gave a simple friendly greeting and no more. An orchestra played upbeat soft rock somewhere within, wafting melody and song to the outside. The dress was California casual. Children scurried everywhere. A cappuccino cart with parasol stood to one side, dispensing the secular sacrament. And along the periphery of the courtyard one shaded table after another announced the church's various "ministries," support groups, and fellowship opportunities--each a point of entry into the Mariners community. To name a few open for inspection and inquiry that morning: a seminar on effective single parenting; twelve-step recovery meetings by category (alcohol, drugs, abuse) and freeway coordinates; a parents-of-adolescents meeting; a class for premarital couples; another for "homebuilders"; something called Bunko Night ("Tired of shopping? Low on funds?"); a "women in the workplace" brunch; a "fellowshippers" (seniors) meeting; a men's retreat ("Anchoring Deep"); women's Bible studies; a baseball league; a passel of Generation X activities; "grief support ministries"; worship music, drama, and dance; "discovering divorce dynamics"; a "belong class" for new members; and "life development" ("You will learn to know yourself and begin to see where God has a place of service for you. This is a can't miss class"). Needless to say, Mariners is also the home seven days a week of kid-oriented activity--a lot of it. Wandering away from this bazaar, I climbed a few steps to another part of the grounds and happened upon a clutch of men and women, mostly in their twenties and thirties, standing together in shorts and T-shirts around a baptismal pool--actually a turquoise hot tub. A pastor in shirtsleeves called them one by one, and they came forward and declared to their attending friends and families, seated in folding chairs before them, "My name is ------, and I accept Jesus Christ as my savior" or "my personal savior." Then, one arm gripped by the pastor, each stepped down and into what, it became clear from their looks of surprise, was a very cold bath. Just as the baptist gave their heads a final push to total immersion, they would grab their noses. When they came up shivering and born again, their friends and family were applauding. I made my way with hundreds of others to the sanctuary and found a seat along a carpeted aisle. I was in a handsome and dramatically sloped modern amphitheater. After some energetic songs of celebration, led by a sextet of male and female singers and a twelve-piece orchestra of saxophones, synthesizers, guitars, and drums (none of the songs composed before 1990, and all of them of club quality), the people of Mariners heard from a few of their number. A tall and smartly dressed woman shared a little about her Bible-study experience, and the help she got from the Bible in accepting her husband instead of trying to change him. A couple talked about the new-members' class they had just completed. The wife explained that she had gone from saying "I go to Mariners Church" to "I belong to Mariners Church." The husband was asked how he and his wife had made "a small place out of this big place"--a fair and worrisome question that many newcomers wonder about. He spoke of finding "a sense of connectedness" in the small-group activities he had joined and a "new purpose in serving God in several ministries." Then we heard from the forty-one-year-old senior pastor of Mariners, Kenton Beshore, who spoke discursively and often wittily on "Enclaves and Community." One riff caught my attention. It drew on the Scriptures: "I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not stand against it." Beshore explained to his flock, "Hell wants to build walls all around this church, and every church in our community, so the world doesn't see. It doesn't see our love and fellowship . . . it doesn't see our unity." "Hell," he went on, "is about building gates. Hell," he said again, pausing a beat, "is a gated community." The laughter rose slowly from the crowd. "No, no, no," Beshore said abashedly, after letting the mirth coalesce. "If you live in a gated community, I'm not saying that." But he was, in a way. "Not only does Hell want to build walls around a church, but it wants to build walls around you . . . because if you become a little private gated community . . . you're not going to be generous; you're going to live in fear." Jesus, he told them, "tears down walls between you and between you and the community." The jest about gated communities must have hit home with hundreds of people there who do, at various levels of middle-class attainment, live in secure communities widely decried as an emblem of modern isolation and of class and racial mistrust. A church like Mariners--indeed, any church--is inevitably a gathering of like-minded people who may also be demographically alike. That makes for insiders and outsiders. Beshore's discussion of walls suggested both the appeal of the Next Church and its constant challenge. These busy and tight-knit congregations of thousands, inside and outside traditional Protestant denominations, have become sanctuaries from the world ("islands in the stream," to use a phrase often heard in these parts), and as such they are proving themselves to be breeding grounds for personal renewal and human connectedness. Yet they stay alive and purposeful--and true to God's will, as they see it--only by growing: by remaining vigilantly open and aggressively attractive to the world. Following Saint Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, they seek to be "all things to all men"--not forgetting the rest of the sentence, "that some might be saved." By taking on roles as various as those of the Welcome Wagon, the USO, the Rotary, the quilting bee, the book club, the coffee shop, and the mixer--and, of course, the traditional family and school--they have become much more than the traditional churches that many Americans grew up in and have long since lost. Belonging to Mariners or any other large church conveys membership in a community, with its benefits of friends and solace and purpose and the deep satisfaction of service to others. When we were talking in his office one day, Beshore described the Next Church strategy as succinctly as I was to hear it. "We give them what they want," he said, "and we give them what they didn't know they wanted--a life change." One recently returned churchgoer at Mariners, Bonnie Leetmaa, described the phenomenon this way: "Our government has let us down. Our workplace is not secure. Our communities are falling apart. Churches and synagogues are serving the community." She added, "It's been the best-kept secret of the last couple of decades." "WHO IS OUR CUSTOMER?" BOB Buford, a Texas businessman and author who became one of my guides in the world of the Next Church, showed me a handsome framed woodcut on the wall of his study, in Dallas's exclusive Turtle Creek district, one day. It read, "What is our business? Who is our customer? What does the customer consider value?" The words come from Peter Drucker, the high priest of management theory, who has recognized the pastoral-church phenomenon as one of the signal events of the late twentieth century--part of a sweeping and spontaneous reorganization of social structures and relationships. "What is our business?" That would be FDFX. I saw this mysterious acronym on a T-shirt, and eventually figured out what it meant. It comes from a chronically invoked Next Church mission statement: turning irreligious or unchurched people into Fully Devoted Followers of Christ. "Who is our customer?" That would be Baby Boomers, mostly. This is not exactly niche marketing. The postwar birth cohort, after all, is the biggest and currently the most powerful one out there, the flushest and the most fecund. Boomers are a needy and a motivated bunch--with lots of experience in shopping for spiritual comfort. Many of today's new churchgoers trafficked in heightened awareness in the 1960s, gravitated to gurus and self-actualization movements in the 1970s, and dabbled in New Age nostrums in the 1980s. Members of the same generation that cleaved to Robert Bly's "Iron John" and embraced Bill Moyers's Joseph Campbell now read James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy and have taken a fancy to angels. Might God have a market opportunity here? Churches like Mariners are drawing a flock of previously unchurched or unhappily churched people by being relentlessly creative about developing forms of worship--most symbolically and definingly, music--that are contemporary, accessible, "authentic." Next Church services are multimedia affairs. Overhead projectors allow the preacher to sketch his point the way a teacher would on a chalkboard, or to illustrate his message with a cartoon, an apt quotation, or a video clip. Lyle E. Schaller, an independent scholar and the author of dozens of books on the large-church movement, suggests that these are the descendants of the stained-glass window, another nonverbal storytelling device. (Overhead projectors are also used instead of hymnals and prayer books, and to project the Scriptures of the day.)A personal testimonial, or a two- or three-person dramatic sketch, illustrates with true-life vignettes the point the pastor is making in his message (it's almost never called a sermon). In congregations of this size communion at the altar can be impractical; the communion services I saw were special rather than regular occasions, and because kneeling sequentially in such numbers is logistically tricky, the sacraments are administered standing up at strategic locations in the amphitheater. A leading pastor in this movement, Leith Anderson, of Wooddale Church, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, likes to talk about "reading the culture" and "translating the culture." The culture is suspicious of old-church "European" atmospherics, ritual, and language--suspicious of old institutions in general. Some of these churches "are dramatizing a truth that missionaries have known for decades," the church scholar George Hunter writes in his new book, Church for the Unchurched. "To reach nonChristian populations, it is necessary for a church to become culturally indigenous to its `mission field'"--whether that is Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Exurbia. "When the church's communication forms are alien to the host population, they may never perceive that Christianity's God is for people like them." Christian denominations in America are among the few institutional expressions of European culture still left standing, and their bulwarks of belief and tradition are mighty. The Anglican liturgy and music that I grew up with, for instance, and that I still savor on Sunday mornings for their grandeur and familiarity, seem to me to have the air of eternity. But they are, after all, a fairly recent expression of the faith. Anderson, in his recent book A Church for the 21st Century, put this in perspective. While the New Testament speaks often about churches, it is surprisingly silent about many matters that we associate with church structure and life. There is no mention of architecture, pulpits, lengths of typical sermons, or rules for having a Sunday school. Little is said about style of music, order of worship, or times of church gatherings. There were no Bibles, denominations, camps, pastors' conferences, or board meeting minutes. Those who strive to be New Testament churches must seek to live its principles and absolutes, not reproduce the details. We don't know many of the details, and if we reproduced the ones we do know, we would end up with synagogues, speaking Greek, and the divisive sins of the Corinthians. Hunter points out that Martin Luther translated the Scriptures into German vernacular, and the Lutheran Church adapted then-contemporary folk music, including drinking songs. The Methodists under the Wesley brothers "agreed to become more vile" to reach the common people--preaching in fields and town squares. They coached their adherents to speak "in the most obvious, easy, common words, wherein our meaning can be conveyed." General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, memorably said, "Why should the Devil have all the good tunes?" To illustrate what he sees as the absurdity of institutional resistance to new forms of worship and service, Schaller recalled for me some earlier controversies that divided churches: "Should we have a telephone in the church building? Should we have indoor plumbing? You don't want them doing that in God's house!" This is not ancient history. I met the young pastor of a Church of Christ congregation who was lamenting that his denomination still forbids the use of any musical instruments in its worship services. In fact it is music, more than any other issue or symbol, that divides congregations on the cusp of growth. The pipe organ, the old hymnal, and the robed choir are emblems of continuity and cohesion to those who uphold tradition, of encrustation and exclusion to those who don't. Whether a church uses contemporary music or not defines which kind of people it wants. When it uses contemporary music, it's saying it wants unchurched people--particularly those of childbearing and child-rearing age. Proponents of culturally "authentic" church music can be blunt. Howard Clark, the pastor of the Northwest Bible Church, in Dallas, remembers a young staff member saying to him, "I don't have an organ. None of my friends has an organ. Why should I listen to an organ on Sunday?" Chuck Fromm, who is the chairman of Maranatha! Music, a company that supplies churches with contemporary praise and worship music, told me, "We better think about our sound and how we are reaching our community, or we will be the Amish of the twenty-first century." THE WAGES OF SUCCESS ONE young woman who recently joined Mariners Church after shopping around for a few years remarked to me that when she first saw "all the Beemers and Jaguars in the parking lot, I wondered, How could these people love God?" Mariners (now Mariners Southcoast Church, since its merger with a neighboring megachurch) draws from one of the wealthiest and most Republican precincts in America--southern Orange County, California. "They're the new rich," Kenton Beshore told me. "Many in our church run companies, and are high-paid guys who went to Princeton or Harvard or Stanford. They're executives and entrepreneurs." He was not (just) boasting. He was making a point: "They got the world they wanted. But it wasn't the world they wanted." Many of his parishioners have tried everything else--money especially, and maybe booze or drugs or infidelity or overeating. "The Alcoholics Anonymous definition of insanity,"he said, "is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Bill Hybels, the pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, in South Barrington, Illinois, the country's ultimate megachurch, described this as "success panic," and he doesn't restrict the syndrome to the affluent. One Sunday morning at Willow Creek, I heard a message from a breezy, funny speaker named John Ortberg. Quoting Ecclesiastes 6:7, he said, "All human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied." He told the congregation of 2,400, "Your cravings, if you could get to the heart of them, are for the eternal." Bonnie Leetmaa, the returned churchgoer at Mariners, remembers how her brother brought the question down to earth: "As soon as people realize they're going to die, they go back to church." That reckoning often follows from parenthood. Children have brought many unchurched people or lapsed Christians back to churches they felt they had no need for without progeny. The story and the ritual and even the community of church remind parents and children of eternal continuities and provide them with a fairly well tested cheat sheet of moral precepts. Rules are in vogue, and we are enjoying a tonic renaissance of belief in sin and virtue. (The source of wisdom cited most frequently in my conversations, after God, was William Bennett.) Even the most stubbornly traditional churches, if they have any critical mass at all, are putting children's education, child care, and teen activities up there with music as essential ingredients to attract Boomer families and, in the years ahead, the following generation, usually called Busters (for the post-Boom baby "bust," born after 1964). The new churches understand something about their demographic target market which Wade Clark Roof, a sociologist at the University of California at Santa Barbara, describes in his excellent study of Boomer spirituality, A Generation of Seekers. [Their] concern is to experience life directly, to have an encounter with God or the divine, or simply with nature and other people, without the intervention of inherited beliefs, ideas, and concepts. Such striving is understandable, not simply because secondhand religion can be empty of meaning, but because only personal experience is in some sense authentic and empowering. Its means may be market-driven, culturally sensitive, and cutting-edge, but this does not make the Next Church "progressive" or "liberal" on the fundamentals. What the new churches are is expressed well by the Fellowship of Las Colinas, in Irving, Texas, in its official statement of purpose:"We exist to reach up--which is worship (expressing love to God); to reach out--which is evangelism (or sharing Christ with others); and to reach in--which is discipleship (becoming fully devoted followers of Christ)." Although not usually fundamentalist in the sense so poorly received in liberal churchgoing and secular America, these churches are proudly evangelical--that is, they are devoted to missions and conversion--and take the Bible very seriously if not always literally. God's word is the only thing about these churches that is considered sacred, and yet their people invoke Jesus as often and as familiarly as other people talk about their friends. These are not television ministries; they are cohesive congregations. Their adherents are not the people who faint in revival tents, who knock on one's door with pamphlets, or who demonstrate at abortion clinics. The average megachurch person, no matter how intense his or her love of God, is a more buttoned-up, socially inhibited person--an average American, that is. A woman I met at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, in suburban Minneapolis, told me, "We don't throw up our hands and act crazy. We're Lutherans, after all." A CHURCH OF OPTIONS BOOMERS as customers are accustomed to eclecticism, which is the embodiment of choice. In spontaneous imitation of that other late-century cathedral, the mall, the megachurch offers a panoply of choices under one roof--from worship styles to boutique ministries, plus plenty of parking, clean bathrooms, and the likelihood that you'll find something you want and come back again. This is what the customer considers value. I saw written up in the local paper a smallish Episcopal church in Orange County that every Sunday morning offers a traditional service, a contemporary service, and a charismatic service. Another minister I met, Stanley Copeland, of Pollard United Methodist Church, in Tyler, Texas, referred to his own worship menu as "chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry." He told me, "We do not want to be a church just for people who are already Christian. We are not a church of the Way. We are a church of options." I saw lots of options in my travels. Ed Young, the dynamic young pastor of the Fellowship of Las Colinas, has a particular zest for marketing his business through direct-mail drops touting Las Colinas's popular Saturday-evening service and messages ("A Succsexful Marriage") to targeted ZIP codes in his area. More than 3,000 people worship at one of Las Colinas's four weekend services, owing at least in part to enormous mailings such as the 92,000-piece mail drop on Young's Easter series "The Future of the Family." Sports are a big deal at Las Colinas. The church organizes a thirty-eight-team basketball league, starting with children of both sexes in grades one through six. It has sponsored a baseball clinic led by the New York Yankees. To anticipate the objections of just about every male Texan, services conclude in time for watching parties for the Dallas Cowboys football games--which are on view on a big screen outside the sanctuary for church attendees to take in as part of their post-worship fellowship. For those for whom Sundays are truly sacred, Las Colinas offers the Saturday-night service. People may drive forty-five minutes to an hour to get to a church like this--but then, as normal Americans, they're in the habit. Bob Buford explains, "People don't work in their neighborhoods. People don't shop in their neighborhoods. People don't go to the movies in their neighborhoods. So why should anyone expect them to go to church in their neighborhoods? They'll drive right by small churches in their neighborhood to get to attend a larger one that offers more in the way of services or programs." He shook his head at the contrast between Ed Young's operation and the "stone church on the corner where the guy is preaching on the Hittites." "The program offerings are overwhelming" at Las Colinas, he said. "The sound systems are state-of-the-art; the message is relevant and well communicated. People will demand from their church all the Willow Creek stuff, and if they don't get it, they'll go to Willow Creek. It's Wal-Mart versus the corner grocery. It ain't a fair fight." Probably the most spiritually energized and musically charged service I attended was in Minneapolis, at the Church of the Open Door. David Johnson's congregation of several thousand meets three times a weekend in a somewhat blighted former high school in the northwestern blue-collar reaches of the city. It was eight o'clock one rainy winter morning when I drove there, parked in a muddy lot, and hustled inside down grim tiled corridors lined with rusty lockers. Upstairs, through a room with dozens of (by now familiar) booths advertising the activities and help that the church offers during the week, I found my way into a cavernous gymnasium arrayed with folding chairs down the center and basketball bleachers along either side. The congregation, unlike many of the Dockers-clad Volvo drivers of more-prosperous megachurches, was mostly in jeans and wool shirts. For all its simplicity, the Church of the Open Door used overhead projectors for Scripture and song lyrics. This may seem a luxury, but it is cheaper than buying 2,000 hymnals and 2,000 prayer books. It's also smarter: for one thing, projecting words and lyrics on a screen means no mass page-flipping by parishioners with their heads bowed. I don't think it's an accident that the singing I heard in all these churches was booming and enthusiastic--partly because of the simplicity and almost childish repetitiveness of the music, but also because the people had their chins up and their hands free. Thus the spontaneous clapping and swaying of hips and, occasionally, the single hand outstretched to God. At the Church of the Open Door that morning there was singing for forty minutes straight. It was indescribably uplifting, sore legs notwithstanding, and a programmatic mark of this kind of church--sustained celebration in song. The outstanding lead vocalist carried the energy of her praise to the limits of modesty. Exhausted from her song, she whispered into her microphone to a hushed auditorium, "Thank you, Lord, for the victory." Johnson then appeared and presented one in a series of messages on money, in which he explored all the barriers to giving to the church and what he took to be the cause: his parishioners' ongoing "struggle with financial bondage." Unlike many big-church orators, who have a cool, crisp, Lettermanesque manner, Johnson was animated and often shouting--Jimmy Swaggart without the sweat and tears. But his manner was Next Church in its heavy dose of comic attitude. Roaming the stage histrionically around his clear-plastic lectern, Johnson spoke, like Jesus, in tongues the people before him could understand--indeed, in an array of over-the-top voices: I could hear the motivational speakers of late-night television, along with Joe Pesci and Robin Williams. Johnson interrupted himself, the way stand-up comics do, to introduce another deep-voiced character who said, "Gee, Dave--this doesn't sound very spiritual." Johnson as Johnson answered, "Somebody better talk about this stuff. This is God stuff. It's not a money thing. It's not a sex thing. It's a character thing. A spiritual thing. A God thing." The membership of most of the churches I visited was predominantly white, although in almost every one I could see a sprinkling of black and brown and Asian families. Most pastors plead that they attract the people who happen to live in their communities (defined as an agglomeration of ZIP codes). But they don't look happy about it. Lyle Schaller, the church scholar, told me that race and ethnicity are "still a very significant line of demarcation" in most of American church life (except for very large, multicultural, charismatic congregations). The same impulse that drives people to worship with their own social kind, or to make the choice of a church a statement about the way they see themselves in the world, keeps them racially unmixed. In this sense the gated community lives. One way these churches address the problem and meet the need is to plant their own minority-specific churches. The rise of Afrocentric thinking has found powerful expression in hundreds of newer and larger black churches in America. At Concord Missionary Baptist Church, in South Dallas, the Reverend E. K. Bailey is content to be a magnet for what he calls "buppies"--black upwardly mobile professionals. They need the specialized ministry that an African-American church like Concord can deliver, he says. "They're often one of a kind in a white organization. They're all stressed-out in that culture. Here they can be who they are, feel they have something to add as much as anyone else." Concord's worship rituals don't look exactly like those at the typical large churches, but that reflects the fact that the black church in America long ago tapped its culture, and developed a form of worship and a gospel-music tradition that now seem almost as timeless as the King James Version. In Next Church circles there is a keen interest in creating churches, or services within churches, that minister to Americans in their twenties. I heard more than one exegesis of the differences in tastes and expectations, spiritual and otherwise, between Boomers and Busters. Carol Childress, who has studied generational preferences, says that Busters as churchgoers tend to be skeptical of the megachurch excesses and seek "authenticity"above all else. Other differences in tastes and expectations, I suspect, are merely those between twenty-five-year-olds and forty-five-year-olds at any point in time. But I did glimpse something of the Buster style in Chris Seay, the pastor of the University Baptist Church, in Waco, Texas, who is mellow as only a twenty-four-year-old can be. Seay ministers to a flock of twentysomethings and younger people that has grown to 1,200 in just twelve months of meeting in an old downtown movie theater. When we met, in Dallas last year, Seay told me about a couple of attractions that University Church is known for. He said it offered the best rock music by the best rock musicians in Waco. He talked about their "sound"--"a cross between Pearl Jam and Hootie and the Blowfish." His church also offers small groups, or "cells," called together, say, to watch the television program Friends and then discuss it among themselves, before Bible study. (In Boomer congregations the program of choice is Cheers, in reruns, with its theme song of connectedness in a world of anomie:"where everybody knows your name . . .") At University Church on Sundays the seamlessness of the Boomer church gives way to something like spontaneity. Seay says of his worship services, "We don't know what's going to happen next--or we make it seem like we don't know what's going to happen next." Seay, a third-generation pastor, says this about Busters: "It's not that we don't trust God; it's that we don't trust the institutions. They've let us down. But I don't think Busters have rejected Christ." His mission is to "communicate to seekers in a safe place," he says. "They need a place where it's safe to say, `I don't believe this whole God thing. I think it's a lot of malarkey.'" Like the mainline denominations, though perhaps with more success, new, large, independent churches attempt to live with intense divisions among their flock over abortion and homosexuality. Some, like Michael Foss, the pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, in suburban Minneapolis, are fiercely agnostic. "I'm convinced you can be a Christian on either side of those issues," Foss told me when we talked last fall. "One of the tragedies of the culture is the tendency to draw lines where they needn't be drawn. Christians ought to quit throwing rocks at Christians. We don't have to agree on everything. And these are side issues. What we're about is spiritual renewal." Such dangerously free thinking is not always apparent among the Next Church pastors I spoke to. Like politicians, they put varying degrees of emphasis on teaching people the biblical injunctions on these matters, and in their hands Scripture stacks up pretty heavily against people who terminate viable pregnancies or enjoy nonprocreative sexual relations of any type. But it seemed to me also that their conclusion was always that compassion was necessary--vigilance against the sin, forgiveness for the sinner. This is a matter of common sense to many of the Next Church pastors I met. Randy Frazee, the pastor of Pantego Bible Church, in Arlington, Texas, told me, "I think we've got to redefine church. There are a whole lot of people out there with a major failure in their lives--and they never find themselves acceptable in church again. They're spiritually hungry, but they feel like second-class citizens." Many of them, he said, grew up in the Catholic Church; indeed, lapsed or renounced Catholics contribute mightily to the ranks in Protestant megachurches. Many of Frazee's congregation were living out of wedlock, and "I was willing to accept them for who they are. The church is not for those that are perfect." VACUUM-CLEANER MINISTRY? WHEN I asked Ed Young, the pastor of Las Colinas, if his church could keep getting bigger and bigger, he answered, "As long as we keep getting smaller and smaller." The riddle is worth pondering. Growing churches and congregations, like growing businesses, have a reflexive thirst for market share. They tend to equate rising numbers with self-worth and bricks and mortar with godliness. But growth is also an expression of the evangelical mission. When I marveled to Bill Hybels, of Willow Creek, about his church's phenomenal growth and size--more than 15,000 attend a worship service every weekend--he frowned. "There are two million people within a one-hour drive of this place," he said. "In business parlance, we've got two percent of market share. We've got a long way to go." Not only self-styled evangelicals are growth-minded. Bill Tully, the rector of St. Bartholomew's, a distinguished old mainline Episcopal church in New York City, is watching the large-church "restoration acts" across the country with an appreciation of the inherent tensions of growth. "People come to church to be touched, to belong," he told me in an E-mail message one day. "We form local congregations as if they were clubs. And then we behave as if they were clubs. But clubs are anti-growth." Tully added, "Working to keep a church at a comfortable number is almost always self-defeating. Organically, that's stasis, and it spells death eventually. A church that consciously grows will learn to ask of everything that it pursues, Does this help us grow? or does this keep us the way we are?" It is not accidental that the latest generation of large churches, with their huge auditoriums and balconied atriums, some with food courts and fountains, resemble secular gathering places. (Banks and colleges used to build their buildings to look like Gothic cathedrals.) Walking into a church like Mariners, or Willow Creek, one can easily imagine oneself in a corporate headquarters or a convention hotel. By adopting nonthreatening architecture, the large churches are finding another way to lower psychological barriers against the church edifice. The multi-use church facilities, often the biggest and finest in their communities (Willow Creek has the largest auditorium in metropolitan Chicago), open their doors to every kind of community group for meetings. Once people get used to hanging around a nice building, the theory goes, they may take a flyer on something deeper. Big congregations, far from being a deterrent, are a marketing asset: they lend the anonymity that allows newcomers, shoppers, the curious ("seekers," in the parlance), to feel comfortable checking out a new church. (When, last March, I walked into a little country church in Virginia just before the service started, every head turned to see who had come in.) The rule is that newcomers do not wish to be singled out for attention--until such time, of course, as they do. Experience has taught these churches that after the initial exposure, size can soon alienate the potential new member. At Willow Creek a while ago word came back that some newcomers felt overwhelmed by the size of the church, and even some members who were trying hard and sounded cheerful actually despaired of ever finding a place in its vast and impersonal honeycomb of God-driven busyness. As it sought to address this problem, Willow Creek found echoes of the solution in the secular world. Lee Strobel, a Willow Creek leader who wrote one of the best-selling books in megachurch literature, Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary, likes to illustrate the concept by referring to an ad for the Continental Bank of Chicago (now BankAmerica)that confronted popular mistrust of huge, impersonal institutions. Continental, the campaign said, was "the big bank with the little bank inside." The small-group system that Willow Creek gave its own expression to, which has itself been widely adopted by even not-so-mega churches, encourages every new member to join a cell of usually no more than ten people, led by a lay person. Such a cell, says Willow Creek's small-groups czar, Jim Mellado, "is the basic unit of church life." Some 10,500 of the more than 15,000 worshippers at Willow Creek, and comparable proportions at other churches, belong to small groups--some for singles, some for couples, some by sex and age, many by location. The old men who push Willow Creek's fleet of fifty industrial vacuum cleaners down the miles of halls every night are part of hall-vacuuming small groups. Whatever its affinity, every small group includes some Bible study and God talk--which are, after all, the point of the exercise. The perfume of these groups may be Christian, but their integument is social. Ideally if not always practically, your cellmates are the ones who are there for you when your parent dies, or when you're lugging your stuff to a new apartment, or when you have to go to the doctor all of a sudden and you need someone to pick up the kids after school. Relationships, that is. Neighbors. Family, when so many people seem not to have a family anymore. What used to happen naturally, at least in the small-town America we mythologize, today needs a little more deliberateness. "We have to work at keeping the village," a small-group enthusiast at a church in Minneapolis told me. These churches' need to shore up smallness in the tide of bigness echoes such management nostrums as creative teams at ad agencies and quality circles on assembly lines, and such marketing conceits as designer boutiques within department stores and editors' imprints within publishing behemoths. Whether the churches maintain formal ties to their denominations or never had any to begin with, they reflect the impulse to customize, to bring institutions closer to their clientele, and to design them on a scale that will be not only approachable but ultimately irresistible. A THIRD FORCE WHAT may at first go unremarked when one beholds all the small-grouping and service being provided for people who come to these churches is the service being provided by all those people who are already there. Teaching Sunday school and arranging flowers and passing the plate have long been the formal obligations of any Protestant congregation's core. But the degree and intensity of participation in the Next Church is on a wholly different scale. The churches, even the ones with enormous paid staffs (Willow Creek has nearly 200 full-time paid employees), can truly be said to be led and staffed by their laity. The overwhelming reality is that the bulk of the people who make the church function are volunteers. Some of these churches have adopted the pitch, "At ------ you won't have to sign anything, sing anything, say anything, or give anything"(until you are ready to, that is). But once people have learned the secret handshake, as it were, they are expected and asked to play an active role--and many of them are eager to be put to work. (To the list of reasons that send Boomers to church from the wasteland of their unchurched life I would add: gratitude.) Just as significant as the existence of 1,400 small groups of seven to ten people each at Willow Creek is the work of 1,400 small-group leaders, each one responsible to team leaders and on up the line to the pastoral staff. One of the basic elements of large-church management is identifying the "gifts" of people in order to fit them to the church's various ministries. The larger the church population, the more ambitious the church mission, the more customized the service, the more rewarding the ministry. Willow Creek, for example, is famous for its active car-repair ministry, in which weekend grease jockeys fix up the cars of fellow parishioners who can't afford professional service or restore clunkers to life and donate them to the poor. Service is its own reward. Hybels remarked to me, "There isn't a personality charismatic enough to get a volunteer to vacuum the floors of the church at night. Something has to be going on in his heart." What brings people to their gift of service is a desire to do something that--perhaps unlike their day job, perhaps unlike their evenings--matters. Among the things that they didn't realize they wanted when they came back to church, in the view of many people I met, was not just a changed life but the chance to change the lives of others. Peter Drucker has written approvingly of what he calls the pastoral churches as yeasty new sources of nonprofit-sector volunteerism. In the view of Drucker and some of his disciples, Bob Buford among them, these churches are an integral part of a potent and largely unseen "third force" of volunteer productivity and philanthropy that is picking up what the private sector has forsaken and the public sector has squandered. The potential may be dazzling, but the current base line is impressive too: giving to religious institutions in 1993 made up 61 percent of all household charitable giving; the average contribution from households where no one volunteered was $425, and from households where someone did, $1,193. Collection plates may have been replaced in many large churches by less threatening buckets at the door for exiting churchgoers. But the preponderance of the giving that supports these big institutions--and churches in general--is not so spontaneous. Well-organized stewardship ministries promote the virtues of tithing and orchestrate high levels of donor participation and dollar contributions. The giving makes possible such imposing places as Saddleback Valley Community Church, in Mission Viejo, California, whose seventy-nine-acre campus, now under construction, will eventually include a 10,000-seat auditorium, a fellowship hall, a day-care center, and office quarters. The price, borne by the more than 11,000 worshippers at Saddleback, is likely to exceed $50 million. Drucker says that Americans today go to church for reasons very different from those of two generations ago. Then attendance was steered by heritage, habit, and social status. "Now," he told me recently, "it is an act of commitment, and therefore meaningful. It is no longer an act of conformity, and therefore meaningless. People need community, yes, and they need a spiritual identity, yes, but they also need responsibility. They need the feeling that they contribute." Reminding me that "this is not a church story, it's a volunteer story," Drucker told me about a woman he knew who was a senior vice-president in a Fortune 500 company and left her job to run a social-service agency for two years. When he asked her why, she said, "Look. The company pays me very well. I enjoy it. But I'm Goddamned if I know what the company is trying to do. At the agency it took me two years to straighten it out, and I can see the results." GO FORTH AND WILLOW Creek Community Church, the Fellowship of Las Colinas, Saddleback Valley Community Church, Mariners Church, Wooddale Church, Calvary Chapel, the Church of the Open Door, the Community of Joy, House of Hope, Gateway Cathedral, New Life Fellowship . . . these places have something in common:they whisper no word of a denomination. In some cases that's because the church belongs to none. The Next Church is sui generis, a house built of local materials and independent pluck and zeal. In other cases the church would just as soon not mention that it owes allegiance to any remote earthly institution. In a few cases the church doesn't even call itself a church. At Wooddale Church the "Baptist" is silent. When I visited him there, Leith Anderson showed me the results of a focus group he mined some years ago. A randomly selected group of local residents was asked to react to a list of names that Wooddale Baptist Church was considering in conjunction with its move to spacious (and now already overcrowded) new acreage. He found, as have others across the country, that putting "Baptist" in a name is to the unchurched about the surest turnoff there is. Though many congregations in the Next Church retain nominal membership in mainline or evangelical denominations, and some are thriving as parts of a greater ecclesiastical whole, what they are concealing in the names they have chosen is at the heart of the great convulsion going on in American church life: the challenge to denominations. Unaffiliated churches have led the way in acting independently, creatively, aggressively, competitively, intentionally, to build huge communities of people whose lives orbit the church seven days a week. In most cases they have had no help from denominations--no staffing, liturgy, financing, or brand recognition. Indeed, a few dozen of these churches are big and influential enough to constitute denominations in everything but name: they train pastors and lay leaders, they "plant" and counsel churches, they publish their vision, and they seek new followers. One midwestern Episcopal rector I met, who later asked for anonymity, took the long view. "Denominations as we know them are a historical anomaly," he said to me recently. "The very large churches are becoming the new dioceses--and they don't take a big cut of your income to do it." Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, in California, one of the granddaddies of the large-church movement (it began as the home of the "Jesus people," sometimes called "Jesus freaks," of the 1960s), has spawned some 700 other Calvary Chapels across the United States and abroad. About forty of them have congregations numbering in the thousands. Calvary Chapels would be a small denomination if it wanted to call itself one. Willow Creek is a more contemporary example of the new proto-denomination. As it grew and its renown spread in the church world, Willow Creek soon felt overwhelmed --not just by the numbers of people flocking to its worship and other ministries but also by the numbers of pastors and church elders from around the world who wanted to hear the story, learn the lessons, and receive the wisdom. To handle these professional seekers, Willow Creek created a kind of parachurch organization called the Willow Creek Association, a group of churches from more than sixty denominations (or none), whose membership now numbers 1,700. Their leaders, clergy and lay, come to Willow Creek by the thousands for seminars, and receive continuing education and advice from newsletters, books, audiotapes and videotapes, and specialized consulting from Hybels and his staff. The clientele can pick and choose from a cafeteria of concepts and strategies and materials that Willow Creek has developed, from using short dramatic sketches in worship services to organizing small groups to reaching the unchurched and developing FDFX. This is no Vatican. The big "teaching churches" like Willow Creek, Saddleback, Wooddale, and a few dozen others emphasize to their pupils the need to customize an approach to the market. Hybels is quick to say that he does not wish to create many little Willow Creeks, and several other pastors, unprompted, ticked off lists of differences between the way they do things and the way Willow Creek does things. (It's not always fun being the big boy on the block: when Hybels gave an interview to Christianity Today, the cover line accompanying his photo was "Selling Out the House of God?") The teaching churches also share strategies and lessons among themselves, and across denominational lines, through such organizations as Teaching Church Network, founded by Leith Anderson, and Leadership Network, established by Bob Buford. One of the tools Leadership Network uses is NetFax, a series of one-page briefings, pointers, lists, and quotable quotes from the likes of Peter Drucker, Ken Blanchard, Lyle Schaller, and Alvin Toffler, which regularly reaches 3,800 pastors and others. "The fact is, these large churches have more in common with each other than with other churches in their denomination," Buford told me, as we drove down the freeway to our third worship service of the morning one Sunday last summer. Just as significant for the next generation of these large churches, and for the established Protestant denominations, is that they are training their pastoral staffs themselves. They would rather identify their own best pastors and create a priesthood (another word they don't use) in their own image than take whichever stranger the bishop wants to send their way every five years. Next Church pastors may go outside for some limited academic seminary training, but their real education began the day they joined the church and started growing in its midst. The most fully developed follower of Christ, in the prevailing theologies of these places, is one who becomes a minister himself or herself, forsaking all other occupations for the ultimate mid-career change and act of faith. Willow Creek is led by such as Greg Hawkins, who left a career trajectory that included a Stanford M.B.A. and a position at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, and Lee Strobel, probably the only reporter and editor on a major U.S. daily paper (The Chicago Tribune) to switch careers and become a religious leader. Drucker would consider such trajectories a large-church archetype. These new pastors may join the staff of the church or lead a church plant--be it geographic, to serve a new community, or ethnic, to serve a growing minority, or demographic, to serve a new generation. Before podding off from Wooddale Church, Leith Anderson told me, the designated pastor is given a "hunting license" to scout the parent congregation for a core group with all the essential knowledge and skills to form the new church. He and other church leaders at Wooddale are currently planning the first church plant into another denomination. "We are not in the business of building denominations," Anderson told me over dinner one evening in St. Paul with his wife, Charleen. "We are in the business of building the kingdom of God." GETTING INTENTIONAL I HAD a telephone conversation last spring with Loren Mead, a pioneering church consultant and the founder of The Alban Institute, an ecumenical think tank, in Bethesda, Maryland. Mead described his years of attendance at an Episcopal church in Washington that in the 1960s and 1970s was famous for breaking ground with its contemporary worship services. A Washingtonian and an Episcopalian, I remembered it too, as a place with guitars for sound and five-grain bread for the host and a fearless crusader against injustice for a priest. I told Mead that in that era, when I was a student at Phillips Exeter Academy, my friends and I had been involved in creating and leading experimental worship services in the old school church. Our challenge from Edward Stone Gleason, the school minister, was to reach our fellow students, newly unshackled from Exeter's nearly 200-year-old church-attendance requirement and, as adolescents in the late sixties, in no frame of mind to worship voluntarily. As "deacons" of the church, we tried to break through to them in worship services by singing Beatles songs and performing scenes from Samuel Beckett and slipping in as much Holy Scripture as we could. We built it, and they did come--some of them. Yet Mead and I--and Gleason, too--have long since returned to traditional, old-fashioned churches with eighteenth-century hymns and stained-glass windows and beautiful prayers we can recite without even thinking. Mead and I traded notes on the phone about the contemporary music we'd heard in the megachurches we'd visited. "I could like it," he said, "but I have a feeling I couldn't like it long. It's like the Top Forty." He is comfortable now in the traditional church he has returned to in Washington. He said, "I like the familiarity. When I go to church, I'm going home in a way." As an old-fashioned Episcopalian who has seen and admired examples of the Next Church across the country, I returned from my reporting feeling more impatient with the creaky, lazy, obscure, complacent, and sometimes forbidding dimensions of my familiar church. I also came away with a new appreciation for the interior logic of evangelism. Evangelicals are about the business of growing the flock, broadening God's market share, spawning new Christians and leading them to a mature faith and a life of service. The Next Church leaders and their congregations are willing to say so, and to act accordingly, in ways that would scare many of the people in my church out of their wits. For old-church people like me, the church provides safety from those who believe other than we do, and safety from pressure to act on our supposed convictions and faith by seeking out others to share them. A gated community, in other words. In familiar and safe surroundings, I understand, we take comfort and draw closer to God. But might we be missing something--something as important as giving as good as we're getting? I'm not a natural mark for megachurch membership. Along with the crankiest old codgers I bemoaned the mild changes made to the Book of Common Prayer in 1979 to render it more intelligible and more inclusive in its language. I attend a beautiful, traditional old stone church with the finest organ, choir, and music director in my city. I look to few things as warmly as singing great lungfuls of old hymns on Sunday morning and kneeling for that transcendent moment of grace at the communion rail. But I also wonder whether, as Mead put it, "we're speaking a foreign language to younger people," and whether my church is not in danger of withering away. And whether it doesn't deserve that fate if it doesn't get intentional, and soon. Illustrations by Tom Garrett The Atlantic Monthly; August 1996; The Next Church; Volume 278, No. 2; pages 37-58.

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Women’s Equality Gets a National Monument The designation doubles the total number of U.S. monuments specifically commemorating women’s history: Now there are two. Marina Koren Members of the National Woman's Party are seen in this photo taken between 1920 and 1921. Library of Congress Two years after the National Woman’s Party moved into 144 Constitution Avenue Northeast, a three-story, red-brick building steps from the U.S. Capitol, Alva Belmont, the benefactor of the women’s suffrage group, declared: “May it stand for years and years to come, telling of the work that the women of the United States have accomplished; the example we have given foreign nations; and our determination that they shall be—as ourselves—free citizens, recognized as the equals of men.” The building, today known as the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, was designated a national monument on Tuesday. “The house tells the story of a century of courageous activism by American women,” President Obama wrote in a presidential proclamation. “I want young girls and boys to come here—10, 20, 100 years from now—to know that women fought for equality, it was not just given to them,” Obama said in a speech at the house late Tuesday morning. “I want them to come here and be astonished that there was ever a time that women could not vote. I want them to be astonished that there was ever a time when women earned less than men for doing the same work.” The Sewall-Belmont House & Museum will be renamed as the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, in honor of Belmont and Alice Paul, who founded the National Women’s Party in 1917 and would become the key strategist of the campaign for the women’s vote in the 1910s. As a young woman, Paul studied in England, where she joined the Woman’s Social and Political Union, the original suffragettes organized by Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst. Paul returned to the United States in 1910 and began using the tactics she learned abroad to organize rallies, parades, and petitions. In 1917, during World War I, members of the National Women’s Party began picketing outside the White House, holding signs that read, “How long must women wait for liberty?” The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified three years later. Paul would go on to write what is known today as the Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing equal rights for women, from the party’s Constitution Avenue headquarters; introduced in 1923, it passed Congress in 1972 but was not ratified by the states. “When you put your hand to the plow, you can’t put it down until you get to the end of the row,” she once said. Paul worked for the women’s-rights movement until her death in 1977. The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is the second national monument that specifically commemorates women’s history. The first, the Harriet Tubman National Monument in Cambridge, Maryland, was designated by President Obama in 2013. Counting the new addition, just nine out of 411 U.S. national-park sites honor women’s history, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. The designation occurred on Equal Pay Day, a date recognized by women’s and civil-rights organizations as symbolic of how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous calendar year. Obama designated April 12 National Equal Pay Day on Tuesday. In the United States, women earn 79 cents for every dollar men earn. The wage gap is greater among minorities; black women are paid 60 cents and Latinas are paid 55 cents for every dollar paid to white men. The Sewall-Belmont House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999, the house was one of the first four recipients of funding under the Save America’s Treasures legislation, introduced by former President Bill Clinton and designed to preserve historical sites and works. The other three were the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Star-Spangled Banner. Last summer, Senator Barbara Mikulski, a Democrat from Maryland, introduced a bill that would add the Sewall-Belmont House to the national-park system. The legislation was supported by 13 of 20 women then serving in the Senate. “Not a single one of us would be here without Alice Paul and the National Woman’s Party,” Mikulski said at the time. Marina Koren is a staff writer at The Atlantic.

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