The Evolution of Harley-Davidson Street 750: A Closer Look
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 has come a long way since its introduction in 2014. This entry-level motorcycle was a departure from the traditional Harley-Davidson image, with its smaller engine and more affordable price tag. However, over the years, the Street 750 has evolved into a formidable machine that has gained a loyal following.
One of the key aspects of the Street 750’s evolution is its improved performance. When it was first released, the bike was criticized for its lackluster power and sluggish acceleration. However, Harley-Davidson listened to customer feedback and made significant improvements to the engine and overall performance of the bike. The latest iteration of the Street 750 boasts a more powerful engine, delivering a smoother and more responsive ride. This improvement has made the Street 750 a more attractive option for riders who want a Harley-Davidson experience without breaking the bank.
Another area where the Street 750 has evolved is in its design. The original model had a somewhat generic look, lacking the distinctive Harley-Davidson styling that enthusiasts have come to expect. However, Harley-Davidson has made efforts to rectify this with each subsequent update. The latest version of the Street 750 features a more aggressive and muscular design, with a sleeker profile and bolder lines. This updated design has helped the Street 750 stand out in a crowded market and has garnered praise from both riders and critics alike.
In addition to its improved performance and design, the Street 750 has also seen advancements in its technology. The latest model comes equipped with a range of modern features, including a digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a USB charging port. These technological upgrades not only enhance the overall riding experience but also bring the Street 750 in line with its competitors in terms of features and functionality.
One of the most significant changes in the evolution of the Street 750 is its growing popularity among younger riders. Harley-Davidson has traditionally been associated with an older demographic, but the Street 750 has helped the brand appeal to a new generation of riders. Its affordable price point, combined with its urban-friendly design and performance, has made it a popular choice among younger riders who are looking for a stylish and accessible entry into the Harley-Davidson family.
Despite its evolution, the Street 750 still faces some criticism. Some riders argue that it lacks the raw power and iconic status of other Harley-Davidson models. While it may not have the same level of prestige as a Fat Boy or a Road King, the Street 750 offers a unique and accessible riding experience that appeals to a different set of riders. It may not be the bike for everyone, but it has certainly found its niche in the market.
In conclusion, the evolution of the Harley-Davidson Street 750 has been a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer feedback. From its humble beginnings as an entry-level motorcycle, the Street 750 has grown into a capable and stylish machine that appeals to a wide range of riders. With its improved performance, updated design, and modern technology, the Street 750 has firmly established itself as a worthy addition to the Harley-Davidson lineup.
Why Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the Perfect Bike for Urban Riders
Harley-Davidson is a brand that is synonymous with motorcycles. Known for their iconic designs and powerful engines, Harley-Davidson bikes have always been associated with the open road and the freedom of the great outdoors. However, with the rise of urban living and the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of transportation in cities, Harley-Davidson recognized the need for a bike that would cater specifically to urban riders. Enter the Harley-Davidson Street 750.
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the perfect bike for urban riders for several reasons. Firstly, its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly maneuverable in city traffic. Navigating through crowded streets and tight spaces is a breeze on the Street 750, allowing riders to effortlessly weave through traffic and reach their destination in no time. This is a crucial advantage for urban riders who often find themselves stuck in traffic jams and need a bike that can help them beat the congestion.
In addition to its agility, the Street 750 also offers a comfortable riding experience. The bike is equipped with a low seat height, making it easy for riders to plant their feet firmly on the ground at stops. This not only enhances stability but also instills confidence in riders, especially those who are new to motorcycling or have a shorter stature. Furthermore, the bike’s suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough city roads. This is particularly important for urban riders who may encounter potholes and uneven surfaces on their daily commute.
Another standout feature of the Street 750 is its fuel efficiency. With rising fuel prices and growing concerns about the environment, urban riders are increasingly looking for bikes that offer good mileage without compromising on performance. The Street 750 delivers on both fronts. Its liquid-cooled Revolution X engine provides ample power while also being fuel-efficient, allowing riders to go the distance without constantly worrying about refueling. This not only saves money but also reduces the bike’s carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly choice for urban riders.
Safety is always a top priority for any rider, and the Street 750 doesn’t disappoint in this aspect either. The bike comes equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, reducing the risk of accidents. This is particularly important in urban environments where unexpected obstacles and sudden stops are common. Additionally, the Street 750 features a bright LED headlight that ensures excellent visibility, even in low-light conditions. This enhances the rider’s safety by making them more visible to other road users.
Lastly, the Street 750 offers a stylish and modern design that appeals to urban riders. With its sleek lines and bold colors, the bike stands out in a crowd and exudes a sense of confidence and individuality. It is a bike that not only performs well but also looks good while doing so. This is an important factor for urban riders who want a bike that reflects their personal style and makes a statement on the city streets.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the perfect bike for urban riders. Its compact size, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, safety features, and stylish design make it an ideal choice for navigating the challenges of city living. Whether it’s beating traffic, enjoying a smooth ride, saving on fuel costs, prioritizing safety, or making a fashion statement, the Street 750 ticks all the boxes for urban riders. So, if you’re an urban dweller looking for a motorcycle that combines performance, practicality, and style, look no further than the Harley-Davidson Street 750.
Exploring the Performance Features of Harley-Davidson Street 750
Harley-Davidson is a name that is synonymous with power, performance, and the open road. For decades, this iconic motorcycle brand has been the go-to choice for riders who crave the thrill of the ride and the roar of the engine. One of the latest additions to the Harley-Davidson lineup is the Street 750, a bike that promises to deliver an exhilarating riding experience like no other.
When it comes to performance, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 does not disappoint. Equipped with a liquid-cooled, Revolution X V-Twin engine, this bike is capable of producing an impressive amount of power. With a displacement of 749cc, the Street 750 delivers a smooth and responsive ride, whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating through city streets.
One of the standout features of the Street 750 is its low-end torque. This bike is designed to provide maximum power at low RPMs, making it ideal for urban riding. Whether you’re accelerating from a stoplight or overtaking slower traffic, the Street 750 delivers a surge of power that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
In addition to its impressive power, the Street 750 also offers excellent handling and maneuverability. With a low seat height and a lightweight chassis, this bike is easy to control, even for novice riders. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or weaving through traffic, the Street 750 responds quickly and effortlessly, giving you the confidence to tackle any road or riding condition.
Another performance feature that sets the Street 750 apart from its competitors is its braking system. Equipped with dual disc brakes in the front and a single disc brake in the rear, this bike offers exceptional stopping power. Whether you need to make a sudden stop or slow down gradually, the Street 750’s brakes provide the confidence and control you need to ride safely.
When it comes to comfort, the Street 750 does not disappoint. With a comfortable seating position and a well-designed suspension system, this bike offers a smooth and enjoyable ride, even on long journeys. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or exploring winding country roads, the Street 750 provides a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a bike that delivers on its promise of performance. With its powerful engine, excellent handling, and comfortable ride, this bike is a true joy to ride. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Street 750 offers a thrilling and exhilarating experience that is sure to leave you wanting more. So, if you’re in the market for a bike that combines power, performance, and comfort, look no further than the Harley-Davidson Street 750.
The Iconic Design Elements of Harley-Davidson Street 750
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a motorcycle that is instantly recognizable due to its iconic design elements. These design elements not only contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bike but also serve a functional purpose. From the distinctive V-twin engine to the classic Harley-Davidson logo, each element has been carefully crafted to create a unique and timeless look.
One of the most striking design elements of the Street 750 is its V-twin engine. This engine is not only a powerful and reliable piece of machinery but also a visual statement. The V-twin configuration, with its two cylinders arranged in a V shape, is a signature feature of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It not only gives the bike a distinctive look but also provides a low center of gravity, which enhances stability and handling.
Another iconic design element of the Street 750 is its blacked-out styling. The bike features a matte black finish on various components, including the engine, exhaust pipes, and handlebars. This blacked-out look gives the bike a sleek and aggressive appearance, setting it apart from other motorcycles on the road. It also adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to the overall design.
The classic Harley-Davidson logo is yet another iconic design element that is prominently displayed on the Street 750. The logo, with its bold and stylized lettering, is instantly recognizable and evokes a sense of heritage and tradition. It serves as a symbol of the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship. The logo is typically placed on the fuel tank, ensuring that it is always in view and adding to the bike’s overall appeal.
In addition to these design elements, the Street 750 also features a low-slung profile and a minimalist approach to styling. The bike has a slim and streamlined silhouette, with clean lines and minimal clutter. This design choice not only enhances the bike’s aerodynamics but also gives it a timeless and understated look. It is a departure from the flashy and over-the-top designs often seen in the motorcycle industry, making the Street 750 stand out in a crowd.
Furthermore, the Street 750 incorporates modern technology seamlessly into its design. The bike features LED lighting, which not only improves visibility but also adds a contemporary touch to the overall aesthetic. It also comes equipped with a digital instrument cluster, providing riders with essential information in a clear and concise manner. These modern touches blend seamlessly with the classic design elements, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a motorcycle that embodies the iconic design elements that have made the brand famous. From the distinctive V-twin engine to the blacked-out styling and classic logo, each element contributes to the bike’s overall appeal. The low-slung profile and minimalist approach to styling add to its timeless and understated look. The incorporation of modern technology further enhances the bike’s functionality and aesthetic. Whether you are a Harley-Davidson enthusiast or simply appreciate well-designed motorcycles, the Street 750 is sure to catch your eye.
A Comprehensive Review of Harley-Davidson Street 750’s Handling and Comfort
Harley-Davidson is a brand that is synonymous with power, style, and the open road. When it comes to motorcycles, few names carry the same weight as Harley-Davidson. The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a bike that embodies the spirit of the brand, offering riders a unique blend of handling and comfort.
One of the standout features of the Street 750 is its handling. This bike is designed to be nimble and responsive, making it a joy to ride on both city streets and winding country roads. The low center of gravity and wide handlebars give the rider a sense of control and stability, allowing them to confidently navigate through traffic or take on tight corners.
The suspension on the Street 750 is also worth mentioning. The front forks and rear shocks are tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. This means that riders can enjoy long journeys without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable. The suspension also helps to absorb bumps and vibrations, further enhancing the overall riding experience.
In terms of comfort, the Street 750 does not disappoint. The seat is well-padded and offers ample support, allowing riders to stay comfortable even on long rides. The riding position is also well-designed, with the footpegs and handlebars positioned in a way that reduces strain on the rider’s body. This means that riders can spend hours on the bike without feeling any discomfort or fatigue.
Another aspect of the Street 750 that contributes to its comfort is the wind protection. The bike features a small windscreen that helps to deflect wind away from the rider, reducing fatigue caused by wind resistance. This is especially beneficial for riders who frequently travel at high speeds or on highways.
The Street 750 also comes equipped with a range of features that enhance the overall riding experience. The bike features a digital instrument cluster that provides riders with all the necessary information at a glance, including speed, fuel level, and gear position. This allows riders to stay focused on the road without having to divert their attention to multiple gauges.
In terms of safety, the Street 750 is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard. This feature helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, reducing the risk of accidents. ABS is especially useful in wet or slippery conditions, where maintaining control of the bike can be challenging.
Overall, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 offers a compelling combination of handling and comfort. Its nimble and responsive nature makes it a joy to ride, while its comfortable seating position and suspension ensure that riders can enjoy long journeys without feeling fatigued. The bike’s wind protection and safety features further enhance the overall riding experience, making it a great choice for riders who value both performance and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Street 750 is a bike that is sure to impress.
The Legacy of Harley-Davidson Street 750: From the Past to the Present
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a motorcycle that has a rich legacy, spanning from its inception to the present day. This iconic bike has become synonymous with the Harley-Davidson brand and has left an indelible mark on the motorcycle industry.
One of the key aspects of the Street 750’s legacy is its historical significance. The motorcycle was first introduced in 2014 as part of Harley-Davidson’s strategy to tap into the emerging markets, particularly in Asia. This move was seen as a departure from the company’s traditional focus on heavyweight motorcycles, and it was met with both excitement and skepticism.
However, the Street 750 quickly proved its worth, becoming one of the best-selling motorcycles in Harley-Davidson’s lineup. Its success can be attributed to its affordability and versatility, making it accessible to a wider range of riders. This marked a significant shift for the brand, as it expanded its customer base and reached out to a new generation of riders.
Another aspect of the Street 750’s legacy is its impact on the motorcycle industry. The bike’s introduction sparked a wave of competition among other manufacturers, who sought to replicate its success. This led to the emergence of a new category of motorcycles known as “middleweight cruisers,” which aimed to combine the performance and style of heavyweight bikes with the affordability and accessibility of smaller models.
The Street 750’s influence can also be seen in the design and engineering of other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Many of the features and technologies introduced in the Street 750, such as the liquid-cooled Revolution X engine and the improved suspension system, have been incorporated into other models in the brand’s lineup. This demonstrates the lasting impact of the Street 750 on the company’s product development and innovation.
Furthermore, the Street 750’s legacy extends beyond its impact on the motorcycle industry. It has also played a significant role in shaping the culture and community surrounding Harley-Davidson. The bike has become a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and individuality, attracting a diverse group of riders who share a passion for the open road.
The Street 750 has also been embraced by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciate its unique design and historical significance. It has become a sought-after model in the vintage motorcycle market, with collectors willing to pay a premium for well-preserved examples.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 has a rich and enduring legacy that spans from its introduction to the present day. Its historical significance, impact on the motorcycle industry, and role in shaping the Harley-Davidson culture have solidified its place in motorcycle history. Whether you’re a rider, collector, or simply an admirer of motorcycles, the Street 750 is a testament to the enduring appeal of Harley-Davidson and its commitment to innovation and excellence.
Customization Options for Harley-Davidson Street 750: Personalize Your Ride
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have always been synonymous with freedom, power, and individuality. With their iconic designs and roaring engines, these bikes have captured the hearts of riders around the world. One of the most popular models in the Harley-Davidson lineup is the Street 750, a bike that combines style, performance, and affordability. What sets the Street 750 apart from other motorcycles is its customization options, allowing riders to personalize their ride and make it truly their own.
When it comes to customization, Harley-Davidson has always been at the forefront. The Street 750 is no exception, offering a wide range of options for riders to choose from. From handlebars to exhaust systems, there are countless ways to make your Street 750 reflect your unique style and personality.
One of the most popular customization options for the Street 750 is the addition of aftermarket exhaust systems. These systems not only enhance the bike’s performance but also give it a distinct sound that is sure to turn heads. Whether you prefer a deep, rumbling growl or a high-pitched scream, there is an exhaust system out there that will suit your taste.
Another popular customization option for the Street 750 is the addition of new handlebars. The stock handlebars on the Street 750 are comfortable and easy to handle, but some riders prefer a different style or position. Whether you want ape hangers for that classic chopper look or drag bars for a more aggressive riding position, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
In addition to exhaust systems and handlebars, there are also a variety of options for customizing the appearance of your Street 750. From paint jobs to chrome accents, there are countless ways to make your bike stand out from the crowd. Whether you prefer a sleek, all-black look or a vibrant, eye-catching design, the possibilities are endless.
But customization isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about making your bike more comfortable and functional. One popular customization option for the Street 750 is the addition of a new seat. The stock seat on the Street 750 is comfortable enough for short rides, but if you plan on spending hours in the saddle, you may want to consider upgrading to a seat that offers more support and cushioning.
Another popular customization option for the Street 750 is the addition of saddlebags or a luggage rack. These accessories not only add storage space but also make it easier to carry your belongings on long rides. Whether you need to pack a change of clothes for a weekend trip or want to bring along some snacks for the road, saddlebags and luggage racks are a practical and stylish addition to any Street 750.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 offers a wide range of customization options that allow riders to personalize their ride and make it truly their own. From exhaust systems to handlebars, there are countless ways to enhance the performance and appearance of your Street 750. Whether you’re looking to turn heads with a custom paint job or improve comfort with a new seat, the possibilities are endless. So why settle for a stock bike when you can create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece? Personalize your ride with the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and make a statement wherever you go.
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 Community: Stories and Experiences
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 has gained a loyal and passionate community of riders who have shared their stories and experiences with this iconic motorcycle. From long road trips to daily commutes, the Street 750 has proven to be a reliable and versatile machine that brings people together.
One of the most common themes among Street 750 owners is the sense of camaraderie and community that comes with owning a Harley-Davidson. Many riders have formed close friendships and riding groups, organizing regular meetups and events to share their love for the brand. The Street 750 has become a symbol of unity and belonging, bringing people from all walks of life together.
The affordability of the Street 750 has also played a significant role in its popularity. As one of the more budget-friendly options in the Harley-Davidson lineup, it has opened the doors to a wider range of riders who may have previously thought owning a Harley was out of reach. This inclusivity has fostered a diverse and vibrant community, with riders of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared passion.
Another aspect that sets the Street 750 community apart is the willingness to help and support one another. Whether it’s sharing maintenance tips, recommending the best riding routes, or offering a helping hand in times of need, Street 750 owners have created a network of support that extends far beyond the motorcycle itself. This sense of community is a testament to the bond that forms when people share a common interest.
The Street 750 has also become a platform for personal growth and self-expression. Many riders have shared stories of how owning this motorcycle has empowered them and helped them overcome personal challenges. The freedom and independence that comes with riding a Harley-Davidson has been a catalyst for personal transformation, inspiring individuals to push their limits and embrace new experiences.
In addition to the personal stories, the Street 750 community has also been a source of valuable feedback for Harley-Davidson. Riders have provided insights and suggestions for improvements, helping the company refine and enhance the motorcycle over the years. This collaborative relationship between the brand and its community has resulted in a better product that meets the needs and desires of its riders.
While the Street 750 community is undoubtedly passionate about their motorcycles, it is important to note that it is not without its critics. Some riders have voiced concerns about the bike’s performance and handling, citing issues with its weight and suspension. However, these criticisms are often met with constructive discussions and a genuine desire to find solutions, further highlighting the community’s commitment to continuous improvement.
In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 has fostered a vibrant and supportive community of riders who share their stories and experiences. From the sense of camaraderie and inclusivity to the personal growth and self-expression it enables, this motorcycle has become more than just a mode of transportation. It has become a symbol of unity, a platform for personal transformation, and a catalyst for collaboration between the brand and its community. Despite its critics, the Street 750 community remains steadfast in their love for this iconic motorcycle, continuously working towards making it even better.


Photo by Matt Dunn
Chris Suspect is a street and documentary photographer from Washington, D.C. He specializes in capturing absurd and profound moments in the quotidian. His street photography work has been recognized internationally and has been exhibited in Miami, Tblisi, Germany and the United Kingdom. His documentary work on the underground music scene in Washington, D.C., was published as a book by Empty Stretch in 2014 and was a featured exhibit in the Leica Galerie at Photokina 2014 in Koln, Germany. The work is currently held in the Leica Galerie Archives.
In this past year, Suspect was named a finalist in the Urban Picnic Street Photography Awards (UK), a finalist in the Miami Street Photography Festival and was shortlisted for the International Street Photography Awards (UK). Locally, he was named the winner of the Washington City Paper’s 2014 Photography Contest. Previously, Suspect served as a judge for the Miami Street Photography festival during Miami Art Basel (2013), he won Photo District News’ “The Scene” contest for music photography (2013) and received an honorable mention in the Chicago Photographic Society’s first annual street photography contest (2013).
Suspect’s work has recently been featured in the Huffington Post, Photo District News and on the Leica Camera Blog. He also has published photographs in the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, National Public Radio (website), Scientific American, CNN, The Atlantic, Forbes and many other media outlets in the US, Germany, Canada and Brazil.


Black holes have long endured a reputation as an “unknowable mystery” that has been highly distorted and warped in the funhouse mirror of pop culture and science fiction. They have been depicted as everything from sources of infinite energy to doorways to other realms. Given the hysteria that surrounds them, their actual natures seem mundane by comparison - no small feat when their true nature is the physics bending result of a star’s highly energetic death!
Black hole animation credit: NASA
Black holes have recently come back into the public eye with the gravitational wave discovery known as GW150914. This result has been a hundred years in the making and confirmation of some of the most exciting ideas in physics. This discovery has not only opened up a new possibility for observing and understanding the Universe, but allowed us to perceive realms and events previously thought of as unobservable.
Most of the smaller (non-supermassive) black holes in the Universe are thought to have begun their existences as stars. The mass of a star at the beginning of its life determines much of the star’s eventual fate. While modest red dwarf stars start with very little hydrogen to power their internal furnaces, they use it slowly and efficiently with very little going un-utilized. Some of these stars are thought to take between ten billion and a hundred billion years or so to end their lives. Stars like our own Sun start with more material but lead faster paced lives - our Sun has been shining for five or so billion years and could shine for five billion more but when it does go out, there will be an envelope of unused hydrogen around it as it becomes a planetary nebula surrounding a glowing white dwarf. For the largest stars, like proverbial rock stars, they live fast and die young, leaving behind “attractive” corpses (gravitationally attractive, that is…). While their ten million year lifespan might seem ancient to us bipeds, it is shockingly brief for stars. It is jarring to imagine that, for stars like this, 6.6 generations have come and gone since the demise of the dinosaurs! These high mass stars also leave behind neutron stars or black holes as their remnant, depending on their initial mass.
The stars that gave their lives to produce the binary black holes that merged to cause the recent gravitational wave discovery are somewhat mysterious - characterizing a pair of stars from 130 million light-years away would be an astounding feat. What we do know from the result is the mass of the black holes that remained at the end of the star’s lives - . Based on the respective masses of 29 times the mass of the Sun and a whopping 36. We have stars firmly within the largest class of stars since much of their original mass would have been expended into energy over their brief lives, thought to be between 40-100 times the mass of the Sun at their formation ( Belczynski, 2016) - they would be considered very high mass stars. When the stars went supernova, (type II supernova, most likely) they left behind very massive black holes as a result of their dramatic ends; yet this is where our story really begins.
These two star-crossed stellar remnants met their mutual end 130 million years ago, but due to their tremendous distance from us here on Earth, we only learned of their merger in 2014. The two had likely been orbiting each other for a long time, slowly losing gravitational energy. As their binary orbit decayed, they moved in closer and closer to one another, orbiting faster and faster. The final stage of their merger is what created the distinctive rising “tone” that was detected clearly by the LIGO team; this was the ever accelerating ringdown phase where the rapidly orbiting stars entered a mutual Schwarzschild radius and became one. The signal of this merger spread outwards across the Universe, eventually reaching Earth and triggered both apparati. As the waves propagated outward, the ripples in spacetime became more diffuse and therefore more challenging to detect so when they reached and passed through LIGO’s detection facilities, the contraction of space that was observed was minute. The change in distance for the mirrors within the cavity was on the order of 1/1000 of the diameter of a proton which is quite a challenging distance to wrap one’s mind around. Several of the analysis compared the measurement to observing a change in distance equivalent to the thickness of a human hair over 4.24 light-years, the distance to Alpha Centauri. These nearly imperceptible fluctuations in spacetime could have come from any number of sources, meaning that the LIGO team had to painstakingly compare the received signal to a variety of scenarios to determine which one was the closest match and eventually (after months of calculation and deliberation) determined that the origin was a black hole merger.
What was actually observed? A laser ever so slightly ceased interfering with itself in a laboratory in Louisiana tiny fractions of a second after a duplicate apparatus experienced a similar ceasing of interference across the United States in Washington. The two facilities had set up long tube-like optical cavities, well shielded from the pervasive vibrations and noise of the outside world that were set at right angles to one another. Lasers were passed through a partially coated mirror called a beam-splitter and sent down these chambers to reflect off a mirror 4 kilometers away. The laser is then recombined and calibrated so that it interferes with itself, cancelling itself out when the system is “at rest” but when a gravity wave passes through the apparatus, it would contract or extend the distance the light travels through on one axis-arm, allowing the light to avoid canceling out whereupon it would be detected by a photometer sensitive to the laser’s wavelength.
The first recorded detection of gravity waves is a world-changing event, akin to the discovery of radio waves from space by Jansky in the 1930’s but perhaps even more fundamental and potentially more revealing. It was greeted warmly by the press but quickly overtaken by the next “big discovery” that made a social media splash and this is a crying shame. In attempting to share nearly every published result to garner support, scientific institution are creating a good deal of publication “noise” that can diminish the “signal” of truly groundbreaking discoveries. It falls to those who report on science and share it with the public to emphasize the good and contextualize the rest.
That being said, those who wrote on the discovery did an excellent job - one example of surprisingly good science journalism in an unexpected place was the Huffington Post, a publication best know for reviews of Starbuck beverages and celebrity gossip. The author of their article, an astrophysicist by the name of Jeffrey Bennett writes: “this discovery is that direct detection opens up an entirely new way of studying the universe.” (Bennett, 2016) Emphasizing that while the subjects observed (large and merging black holes) are certainly sensational, the lion’s share of the discovery is an entirely new way to study the Universe and directly observe phenomena that had been outside our abilities, historically.
In order to better understand the astronomical implications, more studious and academic sources might be required. Yet once again, things are not as they seem. The New York Times published a verbose piece (Overbye, 2016) that is constantly and confusingly expanding the analogy between the observation and audible sound. They do, however, share a graphic and a fair amount of column inches to the black holes themselves, illustrating the method by which they merged and how the merger expended a huge amount of energy, thereby explaining the missing mass/loss of energy as predicted by Einstein nearly a century ago.
Unsurprisingly, the Caltech/LIGO release (LIGO lab, 2016) is full of excellent detail and emphasizes the teammates who contributed to the discovery as well as detailing information and the instrumentation, but I feel there is something of a lack in reporting about the black holes themselves. They do reference a “mathematically accurate model” as being a major factor in confirming their detection but on the release itself there is not a lot of detail about the astronomy. While this is somewhat understandable given their institutional proximity to the apparatus and the science team, it does not seem to be the strongest response.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offered a factual review (Chu, 2016) of the celestial event as well as the detection - highlighting that this was detected shortly after LIGO was technically upgraded into Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravity-wave Observatory (or ALIGO) and that soon, it will be improved so that it will be able to achieve three times the current sensitivity and be able to detect farther and fainter signals. Given the nearly implausible precision of the system today, this is both hard to comprehend and really exciting!
Public Radio International, like MIT, gave due credence to both the discovery teams and their instrument, but was a bit scant on the nature of the black holes. What made their article noteworthy was their exploration of the principles of Einsteinian gravity. They had a very good explanation of the principles behind the gravity waves and how this discovery is simultaneously a confirmation of hundred year old physics and a wonderful “open window” into new astronomical realms. Using the Sun as a familiar “space-time distorter” and including a fun video on the subject is a great example of scaffolding the content for a layperson.
Science and research focused publications seem to be an obvious choice for a trustworthy and detailed write up and the well esteemed journal Nature did just that. Their examination of the result is measured, accurate, well sourced, and well explained. They share the nature and mechanism by which the energy is expended in the generation of the gravity waves and how the energy loss led to the orbital decay and increase in orbital frequency until the black holes themselves were orbiting at nearly half the speed of light for their final five rotations before merging into the single static black hole. Davide Castelvecchi (2016), the author of the Nature article also describes a plausible explanation for the oversize mass of the participant black holes, in that both are a little past the 30 solar mass limit for type II supernovae but that migrating through a rich cloud of material would have given the massive objects a chance to scoop up more material and become more massive. Overall, I would say that the Nature piece has had the best mixture of style and content.
Composing content that is both factual and engaging is a huge challenge, a balancing act of sorts. When this challenge is compounded by a monumental discovery, an amazing team of scientists, further vindication for one of our best loved theoreticians, and a whole new kind of astronomy that enables us to study black holes, this is like a balancing act while carrying the Queen Elizabeth 2’s anchor. It makes me glad to know that there are science communicators out there capable of rising to the challenge and sharing these wonderful new ideas with the world.
Bennett, Jeffrey. "What Are Gravitational Waves, and Why Should You Care?" The Huffington Post. February 18, 2016. Accessed April 23, 2017. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-bennett/what-are-gravitational-waves_b_9253680.html.
Castelvecchi, Davide. "The black-hole collision that reshaped physics." Nature 531, no. 7595 (2016): 428-31. doi:10.1038/531428a.
Daniel, Ari. "Listen to the collision of two black holes. Einstein was right." Public Radio International. February 11, 2016. Accessed April 27, 2017. https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-02-11/listen-collision-two-black-holes-einstein-was-right.
"Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction." LIGO Lab | Caltech. Accessed April 24, 2017. https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/news/ligo20160211.
Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office. "Scientists make first direct detection of gravitational waves." MIT News. February 11, 2016. Accessed April 26, 2017. https://news.mit.edu/2016/ligo-first-detection-gravitational-waves-0211.
Belczynski, Krzysztof, Holz, Daniel E., Bulik, Tomasz, O’Shaughnessy, Richard “The first gravitational-wave source from the isolated evolution of two stars in the 40–100 solar mass range”
Nature 534 no. 7608 (2016) 512-515 doi:10.1038/nature18322
Overbye, Dennis. "Gravitational Waves Detected, Confirming Einstein’s Theory." The New York Times. February 11, 2016. Accessed April 23, 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/science/ligo-gravitational-waves-black-holes-einstein.html.


In the wake of Ms. Berta Cáceres’s assassination, Rainforest Fund has written a letter to President Hernández with the intention of expressing our sadness but also our demand for justice and an end to senseless violence.
Dear President Hernández,
We write to you as Rainforest Fund, a non-profit organization that for twenty-seven years has supported indigenous peoples throughout the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their ancestral lands and fulfill their rights.
In the wake of Ms. Berta Cáceres’s assassination, we are deeply saddened and deeply disturbed as the peaceful fight for the protection of life, indigenous life, in Honduras and throughout the world, is perpetually met with violent resistances, attacks and murders.
Ms. Cáceres knew the risks of leading her Lenca people in the defense of their lands and resources historically threatened by illegal logging and most recently by the construction of a dam; but, cowardly threats to her life and livelihood did not derail her. She had a mission to improve the livelihoods of her people and implore the rest of the world to “wake up,” as she called for in her Goldman Environmental Award acceptance speech. Ms. Cáceres knew that if our nations cannot determine a way to live and operate in harmony that we will sow our own destruction. Her message was on behalf of the indigenous people, but is one that speaks to all people, throughout our lone world.
The brutal perpetrators who took Berta Cáceres’s life are likely part of the broader crisis throughout Latin America and other rainforest countries. This crisis – characterized by criminals seeking to exterminate indigenous and environmental activists who protest against extractive industry projects that destroy the environment – has resulted in over one thousand killings over the past fourteen years according to a report by Global Witness. Honduras is the deadliest country per capita for environmental activists. This violence can end but is possible only when governments, institutions, communities and corporations work together to ensure that all stakeholders involved in extractive resource projects are fairly represented, involved and respected.
Rainforest Fund appeals to you, President Hernández, to follow up on your promise to investigate this crime, as it is, as you say, one against Honduras itself. We beseech you to carry on Ms. Cáceres fight by upholding and implementing international law and custom regarding indigenous peoples and justice itself: to commit to policies that demand the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and to hold accountable those who violate these basic human rights.
We thank you for your time and offer our deepest condolences for the loss of this inspiring woman who brought strength to her people.
The Rainforest Fund
Franca Sciuto, Co-founder and Chair/Executive Director
Trudie Styler, Co-founder, Board Member
Sting, Co-founder, Board Member
JP Davidson, Board Member
Athos Gontijo, Financial Director
Madeleine Lesser, Program & Development Officer


Sexual assaulters are keenly aware, even smug, that their victims will not report them and if they do, the odds of the assaulter being convicted or suffering any long-standing consequences is extremely low. Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child sexual abuse are crimes that thrive on silence due to shame and fear. The courageous people who do come forward are abandoned by friends, families, schools, co-workers, and churches. They are revictimized by law enforcement, lawyers, the media, and trolls.
Why on earth would anyone voluntarily subject themselves to that additional pain and suffering when what they are going through is already unbearable. As someone who has been through it, I can tell you why I did and why my hope is that I can help others do the same – to save others. It is the most common reason most victims come forward. The second most common reason is to seek justice which validates their story and serves consequences to the assaulter.
The paradox victims face is that to save others and seek justice they must speak up and report what happened to them when that is the very last thing they want to do at the time. They want to pretend it didn’t happen, they don’t want people to know it happened, and they want to forget it happened. The problem is most states have a statute of limitations that requires victims to report in a timely manner.
It is very common for victims not to disclose what happened to anyone until much later in life after they have had time process only to find that they are too late to seek justice due to the statute of limitations.
When victims take 10, 20, or 30 years to come forward, as they did in the widely publicized cases of Bill Cosby and the Archdiocese in The Keepers docuseries, people who are not trauma-informed or educated in sexual assault question the validity of the claim. The victims are called liars and gold diggers.
More than 60 women have come forward accusing Bill Cosby of sexually violating them. Out of 60, only one was within the statute of limitations. This is a prime example of how drastically different the outcome could have been had the victims came forward sooner. Every victim that comes forward helps to validate the stories of the victims that come before or after them.
Quite often the District Attorney won’t even try a case if there is only one victim. This happened in my daughter’s case when she reported a predator who molested her. She was the only victim to have come forward so the DA did not press charges until a year later when another victim came forward. Had that girl not come forward, he could have gotten away with it. Turns out he had many victims over a period of seven years that could have reported to the authorities and stopped him before he got to my daughter. Who knows how many children could have been spared.
There was never any doubt in my mind that we were going to report. I knew it would be hard and stressful for my daughter and myself. I felt a strong civic duty to stop the predator from hurting others despite how hard it would be. It was harder than I expected and I would do it again.
I applaud Andrea Constand for being brave enough to fight this battle on her own and respect the Prosecutor willing to take the case to trial, especially against an adored celebrity like Bill Cosby. Had Constand come forward sooner it could have made a much stronger case. Had other victims came forward within the statute of limitations it would have made a very strong case and much longer sentence had Cosby been convicted. Each victim adds to the amount of prison time the criminal is sentenced to serve.
Many of us are fighting for eliminating or greatly extending statutes of limitations for these types of cases. The damage that is done to the victims has no time limits, therefore, there shouldn’t be any time limits to hold an assaulter accountable. However, changing the statute of limitations will not always change the juror’s questions as to why the victims didn’t come forward sooner. We are not going to be able to educate the entire public or every potential juror on the psychological and valid reasons why each victim comes forward only when they are ready.
To remedy this, we need to support and encourage victims to report sooner rather than later. We cannot guarantee justice will be served but the potential to save others remains. Research shows that the majority of sexual assaulters have multiple victims. Child molesters have an average of 117 victims and do not stop until the day they die. The outcome we can guarantee victims is their words and actions will impact others. The more we speak up and take action the more we encourage others to do the same. There is strength in numbers and every story matters. I encourage victims to tell their stories and report to authorities, you never know how many victims you spared.


With the NFL Draft in full swing for 2021, the league’s popularity is at an all-time high. Hundreds of young athletes will begin their NFL careers during the draught, which begins on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 and ends on Saturday, May 1st, 2021. These athletes, fresh out of college, will enter the NFL in the hopes of having successful athletic and financial careers. Though injuries and a lack of ability are the most common hurdles to success in the NFL, there is another factor that has wrecked a number of pro-football careers. The NFL’s drug policy has long been known for being stringent, with a number of players testing positive each season. Marijuana, primarily THC, is one of the most prevalent positive tests in the NFL. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the NFL’s marijuana testing policy will be dramatically revised in order to give its players more freedom.
The NFL’s Outdated Marijuana Policy Is Causing Problems
The NFL’s marijuana policy has long generated more issues than it has addressed for its players. Ricky Williams, the famous running back, is one of the most apparent stories that springs to mind. Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner who was selected fifth overall in the NFL draught, had his career cut short many times due to adverse THC testing. Williams chose to retire and study holistic medicine rather than pay a six-figure fine and serve a four-game suspension after his first positive test.
Though he was able to return to football, Williams was subjected to numerous further marijuana-related sanctions and was scapegoated throughout his career for his mostly therapeutic marijuana use. Williams would very certainly be in the Hall of Fame if not for marijuana-related career setbacks. His narrative is a perfect example of the harm caused by an erroneous and outdated perception about marijuana. Williams is now a proponent of medical marijuana and has even created his own business.
NFL Marijuana Policies Have Been Revised
Though the NFL’s drug standards have been exceedingly severe for years, the modifications introduced this year are a breath of fresh air. The in-season THC test threshold was previously set at 35 nanograms, but it will now be upped to 150 nanograms. Positive test penalties were once severe, ranging from a punishment of two game checks to a one-year suspension from the league. Instead of immediately imposing penalties, the league will now assess if treatment is required based on a player’s THC level. This player-centered strategy is the appropriate way to go, and NFL players will most certainly appreciate it.
The league’s random drug testing period usually starts on April 20th (no, it’s not a joke) and lasts until August 9th, when training camp begins. During this time, the NFL conducts drug testing on players for everything from cocaine to performance-enhancing substances. THC will no longer be tested for during this offseason time, which is one of the most significant modifications to the NFL’s marijuana testing policy.
The adjustments to the NFL’s marijuana testing policy will almost certainly be welcomed by the majority of the league’s players and team employees. The policies should no longer be aimed at preventing and punishing players who use marijuana. Instead, they will not lead to the demonization of players who use marijuana to cure the numerous injuries incurred as a result of spending the majority of their lives playing a violent game.


We’re busily working behind the scenes, creating graphics, writing policies, contacting bloggers, yarn and pattern companies and more. Soon we’ll be opening our Crochet News site to new daily content, showcasing the best of the online crochet world including:
- the latest free crochet pattern releases
- the best of the paid crochet patterns
- tips, tricks and tutorials from the experts
- all the latest crochet news and events
- crochet videos you’ll love
- special offers on classes, and class reviews
- exclusive discounts on your favorite online suppliers
- book reviews
- and lots, lots more.
In the meantime, we’d be so thrilled if you would sign up for our newsletter. Then you’ll be the first to know when our site goes live and you’ll never miss all the latest crochet excitement.
See you soon,
The Crochet News Team


SCHOLARS ON THE YARD
In collaboration with renowned Atlanta artist FRKO, we've curated a bespoke NC A&T homecoming graphic, a testament to our commitment to authenticity and creativity. This visual masterpiece captures the essence of tradition meeting modernity, echoing the spirit of our documentary series.
'Scholars on the Yard' isn't just a documentary; it's a vibrant mosaic of stories that redefine education, inspire creativity, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Join us in honoring the legacy of HBCUs, where passion meets purpose, and Maverick Minds shape a brighter tomorrow.


In June, the Pittsburgh Steelers created a lot of excitement among fans by introducing the “bumblebee” jersey, which has been worn occasionally since 2012. The black-and-gold horizontal-striped jersey with black-on-white number patches – which team president Art Rooney II once admitted looked like a prison uniform – is based on the 1930s then–Pittsburgh Pirates uniform and has became a favorite among jersey buyers. The “bumblebee” will debut this season on November 1 against the Bengals.
“We wanted to use a jersey that we wore early in our history as we celebrate our 80th season,” Rooney said in justifying his decision to launch the unique jersey in 2012. “We have never used those jerseys since the 1934 season and I think our fans will be excited to see our players wear them in action this year.”
For many, a team’s jersey is the most identifiable symbol of the team. As players spend the game masked and helmeted, the field uniform is the visible avatar of the team, carrying the fans’ passions and anguish on its sleeves. The jersey is a part of the brand, which represents the team’s successes, failures, rivalries, and accomplishments. It’s not so much that if the jersey is liked, the team will be liked; the jersey represents the team and as the team is successful, the jersey becomes more revered.
Sports Illustrated hit on this point in an analysis of the success of college football team the Oregon Ducks (University of Oregon). “[This] brand wasn’t built by the marketing department or by a consultant,” wrote Andy Staples for SI. “The staff at Nike, one of the best brand-building companies in America, had a hand in the process, but the people most responsible were the coaches and the players. Like anything else, a football team’s brand is mostly defined – for better or for worse – by the quality of the product. Coca-Cola could have actors sing about buying the world a Coke, but the world wouldn’t have bought many if those Cokes had tasted terrible.”
“In Oregon’s case, Nike’s uniform designs and technological advances are vital components. But so is the blur offense created by former coach Chip Kelly and refined by successor Mark Helfrich and coordinator Scott Frost. And the most important factor is a culture that has remained intact through three coaching changes over 20 years.”
In the case of the Steelers, the jersey has come to represent an 82-year history during which they transitioned from an also-ran team with the longest record for going without a championship pre-merger to the team with the most Super Bowl wins (6), most Super Bowl appearances (8), most conference championship appearances (15), most conference championship games hosted (11), and most AFC championships (8) post-merger. Arguably one of the most successful teams in the modern era, the black and gold represents years of toil, hardship, and long-due redemption for a team as hard as the reputation of its host city.
The History of the Steelers Jersey
1933: Sports promoter Art Rooney purchases an NFL franchise for $2,500 with the intentions of converting his semi-pro team, the Majestics, into a pro team. As was tradition at the time, Rooney changes the name of the team to the city’s baseball team name, the Pirates.
The 1933 jersey is engineered to give the ball carrier as much of an advantage as possible: The black vertical stripes on a gold background are actually raised felt, meant to cause friction against the ball when the carrier presses it to his body to reduce the possibility of fumbles. The original 1933 jersey also bears the coat of arms for the City of Pittsburgh on its chest as a way of getting the hometown crowd behind them.
The 1933 jersey is no longer thought to exist, and no high-definition photos or diagrams are available. When the Steelers sought to recreate the jersey for its NFL 75th Anniversary throwback in 1994, they were unable to make a faithful reproduction, as the exact design of the coat of arms is also lost to time. The throwback featured non-raised stripes and the current city crest.
Despite the jersey’s engineering, the ’33 team finishes 3-6-2. The team would not finish above .500 until 1942.
1934: The 1934 jersey features raised stripes running horizontally. Instead of the coat of arms, two black-framed black-on-white number panels appeared on the chest – a unique feature among NFL jerseys. It will be this jersey that will become the “bumblebee” throwback.
Uni-Watch investigated this jersey and found the team only wore it during one game in 1934, instead of the 1933 jersey. This game, based on photographic evidence from the University of Pittsburgh, was the November 12, 1933 game against the Brooklyn Dodgers, which the Pirates/Steelers won 32-0. For most of its games that year, the team wore either a solid yellow jersey with black chest numbers, a black jersey with gold sleeve bands and chest numbers, or a yellow jersey with wide black sleeve bands and black chest numbers. Many suspect that the team wore the city crest jersey for four games that year.
Nobody knows why the Pirates/Steelers cycled through so many jerseys that year.
1940: The Pirates change their name to the Steelers in reference to Pittsburgh’s steel industry. To help build morale, the White House asked the Steelers to continue playing – despite the fact that most of the team’s line-up has been drafted into World War II.
1943: To cope with the financial stresses, manpower shortages, and diminished market, the Steelers merge with Pennsylvania’s other NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the “Steagles.” The team plays in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and embraces the Eagles’ green and white: The new jersey features white chest numbers and vertical sleeve stripes on a seafoam green jersey. The merged team finishes the 1943 season with the Steelers’ second winning-season record (the first was the year prior).
1944: The Steelers merge with the Chicago Cardinals as a result of an uneven number of teams in the league, forming the “Card-Pitts.” This marks the Pittsburgh franchise’s only winless season. The experiment ends in 1945 when the Boston Yanks permanently merge with the now-defunct Brooklyn Tigers.
1954: The first “modern” Steelers uniform emerges – the black at-home jersey with gold horizontal sleeve bands and gold chest numbers. The helmet transitions from leather to plastic – although, facemasks will not become compulsory until the 1960s.
1960: The latest jersey debuts; it is similar to the 1954 jersey, except that it is tighter. It is unclear whether this was intentional, as logic suggests a looser jersey would afford more comfort and freedom of movement.
1963: This year marks not only the first use of the Steelers’ logo – which is based on U.S. Steel’s three-points logo – but also introduces a new away uniform. The jersey is white with yellow diamond-shaped number patches at the shoulder, black chest numbers, and black sleeve and collar cuffs. The logo is placed on the right side of the helmet only, allegedly because owner Art Rooney was on the fence about it. The right side–only helmet logo is now Steelers tradition.
1966: This year marks the debut of a new home uniform: a black jersey with a yellow diamond “yoke” at the shoulders and collar and white numbers at the chest and high on the sleeves. The Steelers are the only team to use anything other than a rectangular “yoke” on their jerseys. The “Caped Crusader” jersey – so named because it resembles Adam West’s Batman costume – was designed to stand out from other NFL jerseys and to draw attention to the Golden Triangle development in Pittsburgh. The players hated the jersey, and the triangle faded easily.
1974: From the team’s inception until 1971, the Steelers only had eight winning seasons. The ’70s change all this, starting with the 1974 season that nets the team its first league championship at Super Bowl IX. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw, defensive tackle “Mean Joe” Greene, defensive end L.C. Greenwood, defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, and defensive end Dwight White wear the white away jersey with gold horizontal stripes and black shoulders and chest numbers.
1975: A new home jersey follows the 1974 away jersey in design, with a black jersey with gold and white alternating stripes and white numbers on the shoulders and the chest. A white American Bicentennial patch appears on the jersey for Super Bowl X. Bradshaw and the “Steel Curtain” win the Super Bowl this year, as well as in 1978 and 1979.
1988: With minor alterations, the 1974 and 1975 jerseys are still used today. However, in 1988, the Steelers added an “AJR” patch to their jerseys to mark the passing of Rooney.
2000: The Steelers logo patch is permanently added to the jerseys at the left shoulder, and the NFL logo is introduced to the front of the collar – as it is for all NFL jerseys.
The Black, White, and Gold
In 2009, then-governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell and then-governor of Arizona Jan Brewer put an unorthodox twist on the traditional governors’ wager on championship games. Instead of daring each other to perform an asinine stunt, the bet dictated that the losing governor would have to treat the winner of an essay contest in the winning governor’s state to an all expense–paid vacation in the losing governor’s state. For Super Bowl XLIII, Rendell had Steelers fans explain why they loved the Steelers, in 250 words or less.
The winner, Cole Hughes, a Residence Inn manager, expressed what many Steelers fans feel about their home team in describing how he and his father dealt with having only one ticket to the 1972 AFC Championship: “My dad, who was a steelworker, somehow came up with one ticket,” Hughes wrote. “We went down to Three Rivers with the hope of getting another. Not one single ticket was even being scalped that day, so it didn’t happen.”
“He wanted me to use the ticket. I wanted him to use the ticket. We went back and forth for 15 minutes outside of Gate A, each insisting the other use the ticket. At 13, I knew enough to insist he use it as he had gone through many losing seasons with the Steelers. I reasoned that this was the beginning of something good and I would get to my share of AFC Championships.”
“I convinced him to use the ticket, which he did, and I took the bus home and listened to the game on the radio with my buddies. We always had a great memory of that day with that one ticket.”
The Steelers of today pale in comparison with the Steelers of the ’70s or even the Steelers of the last decade; but for a city as hard-nosed and hard-working as Pittsburgh, the Steelers are the ideal team. They didn’t see a championship for their first 38 years, they had to fight for respect and recognition, and they were regularly lost in the haze of Philadelphia’s and New York’s flashier teams. Yet the Steelers are still owned and run by a direct descendent of its founder, who never moved, and the team is still the fixture in Pittsburgh society it was more than 80 years ago.
The black, white, and gold have came to represent the tradition of the NFL’s most storied team, and, like the team, the history and evolution of the jersey represents a never-ending passion for what could be and what was.
Shop for a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey on Fanatics:


Astro Daily: April 5, 2023
Although tomorrow's Libra Full Moon is not an eclipse, it brings eclipse energy to the forefront, hinting at a new chapter to come with the Aries New Moon solar eclipse in two weeks. Our collective focus is getting ready to shift as we prioritize relationship.
We have a tendency to only think of romance and intimacy when we hear the word relationship. But Libra, as an archetype, encompasses all relationships. It helps us to socialize, to understand the perspective of others, to find consensus.
From July 2023 to January 2025, the Lunar Nodes will be in Aries-Libra, which is to say that the eclipses will be in Aries-Libra -- a bit of a change from the Taurus-Scorpio eclipses that have been dominating our experiences since November 2021. With the South Node going into Libra, we're going to be collectively working on our relationship with relationship into 2025.
Think of tomorrow's Libra Full Moon as our first glimpse at this new chapter. And if you are an Aries or a Libra, life is going to get a bit dynamic. The last time eclipses were in Aries-Libra was 2014 and 2015.
If you are in AUSTRALIA or NZ, this forecast applies approximately for April 6, 2023.


Excerpts from the score to An All Encompassing Light, directed by Chloe White.
A 20 minute documentary which details the experience of Lee, now in his 80s, when the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The film is told through Lee's eyes as he remembers where he was, and how it affected him afterwards. The film uses archive footage against modern day shots of Hiroshima to show how the city has changed, and recovered from it's brutal past. The film touches on themes of memory, and loss, and poses the question: how we can move forwards with our lives when we hold such painful memories?


|Posted on May 15, 2016 at 2:40 AM|
Hundreds of visitors, including YCHS students and their families, Board members, and friends of the school gathered on campus for a potluck dinner and Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Corcoran. Corcoran, the founding Principal and Director of YCHS, is completing five years of service at the school. He will leave this summer to begin a new assignment in the U.S.
In his homily at Mass, Father Mulreany (who arrived five years ago with Corcoran) compared how the disciples may have felt when they realized Jesus would be leaving them and how many at YCHS may feel about Corcoran's departure. "No one should be worried," Mulreany reassured the congregation. "Jesus told the disciples that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to remind them of all He taught them. The Holy Spirit, which gave birth to this school, will continue to remind us of all that Father Corcoran has taught us." Mulreany then mentioned three of the important lessons Corcoran brought to YCHS: 1. Be at school and on time every day. 2. Be a reader. 3. Do what's right, not what's easy. Mulreany finished by thanking Corcoran "for bringing out the best in all of us."
During his remarks after Mass, Corcoran thanked all those who have helped make YCHS a success. To view pictures of ther Mass and dinner, click on the Photo Gallery link above.


As part of our programming to uplift Minnesota founders and propel startup growth in the Twin Cities, we hosted another BETA Backers event on May 7!
Presented by Bremer Bank, Backers connects active investors with Minnesota’s newest emerging companies. We source and vet both investors and startups and make unique matches based on industry, investment thesis, and startup stage.
This time around, we were able to connect 28 startups with over 20 investors from around the country! Explore the experience below and get involved for the next invite-only BETA Backers by filling out our investor support form or submitting a startup application.
The Startup Experience
“The biggest part is building relationships,” said Mary Kay Ziniewicz, BETA alum and founder of Bus Stop Mamas. This was her second Backers event, and she described it as a learning experience each time.
“Each time I go in, what I know is different,” she said, explaining that as a startup founder, her knowledge base evolves along with the journey. This year, Ziniewicz went in for critical feedback and practice pitching after a year off.
She also noted having to re-angle her pitch on the fly as she met with multiple investors, which proved helpful and beneficial. “It got me fired up for getting my head around raising money now,” she added.
And Bus Stop Mamas has interest — Ziniewicz is following up with a few investors as a result of the event, and got interest from investors that she didn’t even meet with but heard of her company.
“I loved the opportunity to get in front of investors in a non-threatening way,” she said.
“All the front-end heavy lifting is done for us,” Eul, who met with four investors, said. “[It’s a] big win for me that it was all set up and coordinated,” he added, mentioning that it was very clear and appreciated that every investor had done their research.
As a company that works to make meaningful professional connections through office hours and coffee clubs, Eul mentioned really appreciating the back end work to the connection — because that’s exactly what they do.
“Usually there’s an uneven dynamic, but when a third party does it, it evens the playing field,” he said of networking and connecting with big players like investors.
Currently in the middle of a raise, Eul is in active conversation with two of the four investors he met with at Backers.
The BETA Backers experience was also great for Black Tech Talent, said founder and CEO Mike Jackson.
“It was an opportunity to meet with multiple investors in a scenario where we knew at minimum they were interested in learning about us if they weren't already familiar,” he said.
The team met with all four investors they were slotted with and are continuing conversations with three — one of them became a customer a few days after. “We also had an additional investor ask to be introduced to us after the event,” Jackson said, who also mentioned enjoying the format of the event on Gather.town.
The Investor Experience
In the role of a venture capitalist, there’s a lot of noise, said Ryan Broshar of Matchstick Ventures. What Backers helps do is tap into quality companies and foster those connections.
“It’s super helpful,” he said, mentioning that all the companies he met with were well prepared and matched well with the wheelhouse of Matchstick. “I could tell there was relevance in a lot of it.”
As a co-founder of BETA, he also mentioned how exciting it is to see the evolution of companies who go through programming like the Cohort and Backers. “The quality of the companies as a whole was great, there were some really awesome companies we were able to meet with,” he said.
Broshar emphasized the vibe of the program in that it’s not supposed to pressure startups and investors to fill out term sheets in 20 minutes — rather, it’s to foster connections, mentor young startups, and create opportunities.
“I thought it was a great use of time,” he said.
Peyton Green of Traction Capital, a newer hybrid private equity and venture capital firm in the Cities, agreed. “It held a lot of value for me,” he said.
Green attended Backers to get out and meet founders in the community, and explore businesses that might be potential investment opportunities in the future. He ended up meeting with 4 companies, following up with three, and reaching out to seven more listed on the program dossier.
“It was a really good resource for me and I had several really good conversations,” Green said, mentioning one of the companies he reached out and chatted with was Bus Stop Mamas.
“I’m definitely going to attend future events,” he said.
About BETA Backers
BETA Backers connects investors with Minnesota’s top emerging startups. The BETA team sources and vets both investors and startups, to make unique matches based on industry, investment thesis, and startup stage. During a 2-hour virtual event, investors and startups partake in multiple 20-minute conversations in an intimate setting that can lead to meaningful partnerships.
BETA is a 501(c)(3) organization that develops Minnesota’s next generation of business leaders by inspiring and educating first-time founders. The BETA Group nurtures startups and small businesses with great scalability potential, so that they can grow to become our next Fortune 100s. Learn more here.


A poet, a journalist, a sportsman, a publishing editor of India's premier newspaper, a photographer, a traveler, a film maker - all in one lifetime and still going strong. If this were a quiz question, one needn't require any options to choose from. The name that comes at the top of one's mind is that of Pritish Nandy. In this point blank chat with Aditya, Nandy gets candid on his colourful career so far - right from his schooling days where his poems would get him plaudits from accomplished writers and female fans to his stint as a successful producer of cult films like Hazaron Khwaishein aaisee...
Listen Online (64 kbps): 39 mins
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According to the AFL-CIO’s Executive PayWatch, Ohio S&P 500 CEOs are being paid about 290 times what the average rank-and-file worker makes. That’s an average of $10.9 million per year vs. $37,600 per year for production and non-supervisory workers.
When inflation is taken into account, worker’s wages have remained more or less the same for half a century.
“The income inequality crisis in our country continues unabated,” said Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO President. “Our economy continues to be rigged by those at the top and working people continue to pay a big price. These findings highlight the need for a greater emphasis on strong collective action to ensure that wages rise, rights get restored, and workers finally get the dignity and respect they’ve earned.”
According to Salary.com, GE Aviation CEO David Joyce made over $10 million in compensation in 2016.


New Westminster Cultural Crawl
This year marks the 15th annual New Westminster Cultural Crawl - a free two-day arts and cultural festival that puts the city’s abundant creative talent on display. The Crawl has come a long way from its origins in 2013 as a one-day art walk with only a few artists and less than 400 visitors to 2017 - with 4,200 people visiting over 150 artists in 37 venues across New Westminster.
From August 10th to 12th, don't miss out on an opportunity to see the variety of art and culture that New Westminster is proud of. Visit 100 Braid Studios, the Van Dop Gallery and Pineapple Cat Studios to see the working space of New West's most prolific artists. For a trip back in time, stop by The Original Bike Shop & Cap's Bicycle Museum to see bicycles all the way from 1860!
Wesgroup and The Brewery District are proud to sponsor an event that showcases the importance and abundance of New Westminster’s art and cultural scene. The Brewery District is right there in the Sapperton and Victory Heights Neighbourhood leg of The Crawl and is the perfect launching pad for your cultural explorations.
For more information on the New West Culture Crawl, visit newwestculturalcrawl.com


La Pedrera as a tourist icon and being one of the most crowded spaces in the city.
Arran, the youth organization linked to the CUP, has hung a banner in La Pedrera on Tuesday against tourism in the city: «Tourism kills the city». The group of activists denounce that it is an "unsustainable" model for both the population and the territory.
Arran Jovent has shared the action in his social networks. In his Twitter account, he argues that "We will continue to point out a tourist model designed to enrich a few and precarize many.", adding that "it is the first action, but not the last one".


Ayatollah Khomeni's Grandson Calls on Bush to 'Occupy' Iran
One might imagine that the grandson of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Al Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Revolution, would support the Iranian regime. But according to this article from Kuwait's Arabic-language Al-Seyassah, Hossein Khomeini is calling on President George W. Bush to invade and occupy Iran to liberate it from 'religious dictatorship.'
Translated By Nicolas Dagher
June 2, 2006
Kuwait - Al-Seyassah - Original Article
(Arabic, PDF Files, Pages 1 and 42)
Like grandfather, like grandson?
Nope. Hossein Khomeini (above),
the grandson of late Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini (below),
founder of the Islamic Revolution.
Hossein Khomeini , grandson of Ruhollah Al Khomeini, the founder of the Iranian Republic,
has said that his country is living under a religious dictatorship, governed by the mullahs. He also
defended his call for President Bush to invade Iran!
interview with the news Web site alarabiya.net, Hossein Khomeini called for the
liberation of Iran from religious rule and Al-Fakih [rule by the
most learned of Islam] and said that the revolution, which was led by his
grandfather against the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979, had devoured its
Note: Al-Faqih is the doctrine of The Guardianship of the Jurists, which means that
those most knowledgeable about Islamic law should assume a leading political
role in society. ].
a rare interview with Hossein Khomeini, who has avoided the media since touring
Iran three years ago and annoying the Iranian government with some of his comments. Khomeini said
that he knows that his contacts and movements are under surveillance.
of the heated confrontation between his country and the international community
over the nuclear issue, Khomeini said that Iran, "would be powerful if
freedom and a democratic society were being developed there, rather than weapons
and the bomb."
also said that he opposes the Al-Fakih rule and would never accept the
authority of a ruler under Al-Fakih. He added that if he came to power, the
first law that he would implement would make wearing of hijab [headscarf] a
personal decision for women.
Some color options for
women who wear the Hajib.
He said, "by
forcing women to wear the strictest, black-colored hajibs, instead of allowing those of different colors, the religious authorities in Iran are unduly restricting
women. Even though I personally support the wearing of some form of hijab, when
female students come out of schools and colleges covered in black, it just makes your heart sick. The hijab issue is a
personal matter. If a woman wants it she can wear it, and if she refuses it,
she doesn't have to. My grandfather Khomeini had lots of relatives that didn't wear
Hossein Khomeini observed that, "my grandfather's revolution devoured its sons and lost its way." He said that when the revolution took place it did not intend to install the Fakih rule, but that all this changed because of the religious thinking that was predominant in religious societies and schools.
He said that the revolution used to call for freedom and democracy, but instead it persecuted its leaders. People like Al Sayyid Al Talkani, who was often imprisoned during the Shah's regime. After the revolution he opposed the breaking of laws and suffered tremendously, having to go in hiding full of sadness over of his actions.
Like father, like son? In this
case, perhaps. Reza Cyrus
Pahlavi (above) and his father,
Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
He also condemned the revolutionary tribunals, which continue to practice persecution and beatings in an arbitrary and disorganized fashion. Al Talkani's family was also targeted.
It is well known that the most famous leaders of the Iranian revolution either opposed it afterwards, like Massoud Rajavi who was sentenced to death, or fled the country, like Bani Sadr, or mysteriously disappeared, like Montazeri, Rajaii and Bahchati.
About his call for U.S President George W. Bush to occupy Iran, Hossein Khomeini clarified: "freedom should be promoted in Iran in any way possible, and it is irrelevant whether this freedom comes as the result of domestic or foreign developments. If I were imprisoned, what does it matter? It is in my interests that someone come and break me out of that prison."
In regard to his meeting with the son of the deposed Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, Khomeini said it was an ordinary meeting between two people who share the suffering over a singular problem, which is tyranny, even though each of us comes at it from a different angle."
ALSO: Christopher Hitchens
Speaks to Hossein Khomeini.
VIDEO FROM IRAN: 'IMAM KHOMEINI SUPPORTED SEX CHANGE OPERATIONS'
AL-JAZEERA, iran: Excerpts from a story about sex change operations in Iran, June 2, 2005, 00:05:04, Via MEMRI
"The first to inspire fatwas on this matter was the Leader of the Revolution - Imam Khomeini. Four decades ago, before he came to power in Iran, Khomeini adopted this position, and became, as some claim, the first Muslim cleric to deal with sex change."
Finding sex-change relief in Iran


Chronic diseases have been rising in the USA for the last 40 years. Today, the numbers are staggering— six in ten adults have one chronic disease and four in ten have two or more. The chronic disease epidemic is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, costing $4.1T annually, and representing 90% of healthcare costs. Even more startling, chronic diseases are anticipated to further rise in the US and around the globe.
A key revelation from the Covid-19 pandemic was the susceptibility and vulnerability of the US population, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Americans suffered one of the highest rates of complications and death per capita with the worst outcomes among industrialized nations. In 2021, the US spent ~$12,914 per person on annual healthcare costs, the highest of all countries in the world. In contrast, Japan spent $4,666 and had one of the lowest Covid-19 death rates amongst wealthy nations.
The statistics paint a sobering picture. In the United States alone, more than 70% of adults carry the burden of being overweight or obese, and nearly 10% battle diabetes. Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country claims more than 600,000 lives each year. These numbers are indicative of a systemic problem. When the majority of the population has a chronic disease, it is no longer that “someone” needs to take better care of themselves. Rather, it’s an indication that the underlying “system” has failed.
The Case for Prioritizing Healthspan
In this article, we focus on lifestyle-driven chronic diseases which represent 80% of chronic diseases and offer a significant opportunity for meaningful intervention and prevention. We have for far too long over indexed on increasing “lifespan”; rather, it’s time to reevaluate our north star with a focus on extending “healthspan”.
Healthspan (n) — the amount of life spent in good health without disease
Healthspan represents the number of years an individual lives in good health, without suffering from chronic diseases or disabilities. Unlike lifespan, which measures the total length of an individual’s life, healthspan focuses on the quality of those years. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining functional abilities, cognitive health, and overall well-being throughout the entire lifespan. Healthspan prioritizes addressing the root cause of chronic diseases.
Introduction to the Healthspan Index
To navigate this transformative journey, we introduce the healthspan index — a powerful tool to quantitatively assess an individual’s overall health and well-being across their lifespan. By considering a multidimensional approach to health, this index provides a comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of an individual. It transcends the binary presence or absence of disease, enabling personalized interventions to enhance healthy aging and longevity.
The healthspan index encompasses five pivotal categories:
(2) Mental health
(3) Lifestyle behaviors
(4) Socioeconomic factors
(5) Health promotion and prevention
Through a series of carefully designed questions, individuals embark on a self-assessment journey.
To calculate a healthspan index score, different measures and indicators are used, such as self-reported health assessments, medical evaluations, functional capacity tests, quality of life surveys and biomarkers of aging. These assessments are often combined to generate a numerical score or index that represents an individual’s healthspan index score. Dr. Jennie Byrne who focuses on the Medicare population eloquently states that we need to find “ways to help human beings proactively manage their health and create resiliency in managing their illness.” In addition, Nicole Mason, who focuses on worklplace wellness says, focusing on healthspan may “help elevate and expand the availability mental health resources”.
A healthspan index score can lead to empowered discussions within our communities, families, employers, and with healthcare professionals as we reclaim agency of our health and drive change. Dr. Michelle Feng who specializes in mental health states “We need a healthcare system that incentivizes healthy living through an integrated system of disciplines”.
A Call to Action
By maximizing healthspan, we extend the years of vitality and functional ability, transforming the very fabric of our lives. But it goes beyond personal responsibility; it requires bold systemic changes. Governments must invest in public health initiatives, making healthy choices affordable and accessible to all. Corporations must prioritize employee well-being, fostering a culture of health. Communities must create environments that support and promote healthy living.
Introducing a healthspan index offers a powerful tool to understand the needs of our population and drive transformative actions. It is a comprehensive compass guiding us towards a society that values well-being as a fundamental pillar. This revolution is not limited to disease prevention; it is about enhancing the quality of life for every individual. Rashmi Rao, SVP of Philips Healthcare articulates that healthcare requires a “paradigm shift from caring about treating sickness to preventing sickness…. From seeing us as patients to seeing us as humans …”
The healthspan revolution demands a multi-pronged approach, combining individual empowerment, public health initiatives, and structural changes. Together, we can bridge health disparities, ensuring a more just and equitable society. It is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of health, unleashing the potential for a healthier and more resilient future.


TCA: Tom Hiddleston on Move from ‘Avengers’ to Shakespeare - Loki Is ‘Quite a Shakespearean Villain’
By Tim Molloy | The Wrap – 9 hours ago
As you sat through “Thor,” little did you know you were getting a dash of Shakespeare — courtesy of Tom Hiddleston.
The British actor stars in the new PBS series “The Hollow Crown,” an adaptation of the Bard’s Henriad: “King Richard II,” “King Henry IV, Part 1,” King Henry IV, Part 2,” and “King Henry V.”Hiddleston’s Prince Hal becomes King Henry V over the course of the plays.
Hiddleston said in a Television Critics Association panel on Monday that he saw similarities between Hal and Loki, the Norse God of Mischief he played in “Thor” and “The Avengers.” So did his “Thor” director, Shakespearean actor and director Kenneth Branagh.
"When I was building Loki as a character with Kenneth Branagh, all of my references — both of our references — were Shakespearean," said Hiddleston (pictured with “Crown” executive producer David Horn). “There’s a version of Loki in Branagh’s film that is sort of Prince Hal-like. He’s a prince wrestling with the authority of his father.
"And I was borrowing from Julius Caesar: ‘Cassius has a lean and hungry look.’ I was stealing from Iago and his capacity for strategy and tact. He’s an immaculate tactician who’s acting out of self interest. … I think he’s quite a Shakespearean villain, in many regards.”
“The Hollow Crown,” which Sam Mendes produced for BBC2 last year, will begin airing on PBS’s “Great Performances” beginning Friday, Sept. 20.


Raising Awareness- Why Women Stay in Abusive Relationships
The prevailing myth that persists about domestic violence, even in today’s society, is the notion which is implicit in the question “Well, why doesn’t she just leave him?” that the abused woman is to some extent responsible for her own misfortune.
Many people still hold on to the belief that men are only violent when they are provoked or encouraged in some way. It stands to reason, according to this argument, that women deserve to be abused. Others maintain that women who stay in violent relationships must enjoy being abused. Worse than promoting ideas like these, society is guilty of ignoring the subject of domestic violence altogether as “a private matter between man and wife.”
Violence Toward Men
Although male victimization is an important issue that needs to be addressed, it is of significance and worth remembering the disparity between male and female physical strength and the unequal power context in which domestic violence occurs. Evidence shows that the use of violence by men toward women is of a much more widespread and serious nature than violence used by women toward men, which renders the abuse of women a priority issue.
According to a study carried out by UNICEF, up to half the female population of the world is subject to domestic violence. Evidence points to the fact that the abuse of women is both a national and a worldwide crisis.
So… why do so many women put up with it?
Staying in an Abusive Relationship: Emotional and Practical Reasons
Emotional considerations, such as the shame and embarrassment of being an abused woman was one of the most significant reasons according to Live Science. In order to access help, a woman must expose the nature of her relationship and invite the criticism of others. Many women have also come to believe, erroneously, over the years that they are causing their partners’ violence and that it is a justified punishment. As such, self- blame stops them from recognising that they are the victims of crimes committed against them and seeking the help that they deserve.
Fear of her partner’s reaction often stops a woman from leaving an abusive relationship. Indeed, one study found that women are particularly at risk after they leave their husbands/partners and know that leaving doesn’t necessarily end the violence anyway. As McWilliams and McKiernan point out, “The reason why it is expected that a woman would leave the violence is simultaneously the reason why she does not.” She may have been threatened with being killed many times and, having seen all too often what her partner is capable of doing to her, she knows that these are no idle threats.
She may still have feelings for her partner and, having already invested considerable time and effort in the relationship, believes that with a little more effort on her part, she can make him change. Her fantasies may be fuelled by her partner’s promises and profuse apologies during the “honeymoon period” which she wants desperately to believe and which create the right psychological conditions for her to do this.
Practical concerns, especially when women are financially dependent on their partners, often mean that leaving a violent partner is tantamount to choosing a life of poverty. An abused woman may also have no one to turn to either because she is isolated geographically or, having left her partner many times before only to return to the relationship to try again, she finds that she no longer has the support of family and friends.
Battered Woman’s Syndrome
Very often, the abused woman, broken down by continual emotional wear and tear over the years, lacks the confidence required to lead an independent life and to put into practice all the changes that that would entail. She may be suffering from depression or, what Hilberman and Munson termed as “battered woman’s syndrome,” which is characterized by passivity, paralysis, numbness and a pervasive sense of helplessness and despair. Such feelings reflect not only the fear of another assault, but the constant struggle to control her own anger and aggressive impulses toward her partner which she is unable to express without fear of reprisal.
Women stay in abusive relationships for a variety of emotional, practical and even physiological considerations. Making the decision to leave or end an abusive relationship is, for most women, a long and difficult process. Often they will leave several times before they are able to end it altogether. It needs to be recognised that the decisions made by these women will change the course of their lives. Saying “Why don’t you just leave?” to an abused woman is not useful at all because it shows little regard for her concerns and fails to grasp the complexity of the situation that she finds herself in.
Stopping the Cycle of Violence
Domestic violence affects most people, if not directly, then indirectly. The impact that it has on children, who are frequently witness to these assaults, in terms of their sense of security and the normalisation of unacceptable behaviour, is a serious concern because of the potential that it will lead to the inter-generational transmission of violence.
In order to stop the cycle of violence, however, it is necessary to stop “blaming the victim,” reinforcing in the minds of abused women that it is their own fault that they are being abused, thoughtlessly branding them with the stigma that they are “weak,” “stupid,” “bad” or “unstable” in addition to the traumas that they endure. These women need support and encouragement and their reasons for remaining need better understanding if they are to find the courage to put an end to their violent relationships. More information about ways you can end domestic violence can be found here.


Global oil market fundamentals are looking particularly bullish, from the OPEC+ production cuts, to the constraints of exports in Nigeria and the U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuelan. While oil price volatility has increased thanks to financial analysts putting an emphasis on Trump’s apparent Twitter agreements with OPEC leaders, market fundamentals are still very bullish. Until the global market realizes that U.S. oil storage reports are not the be all and end all for oil prices, volatility will remain.
There is a new threat looming though as OPEC+ prepares to meet at its June 25-26thMinisterial Meeting in Vienna. The internal cohesion of OPEC is being called into question at present, as several major member countries are facing not only external sanctions but threats of a total internal implosion of their respective regimes. The removal of U.S. waivers for leading oil importers of Iranian oil and gas is putting the Tehran regime under severe pressure.
While Trump’s target of reducing Iranian production to zero is unrealistic, the impact of the sanctions is undeniable. No new oil contracts have been reported between Iran and its main clients, China and India, since the sanctions. It seems that the fear of indirect sanctions by the U.S. is already having its desired result, Iran’s hydrocarbon exports have been hit hard and seem to have no response.
Reports about Iran having trouble to pay not only its own bills, but also its proxies in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, also show that the regime is struggling.
At the same time, Iran’s staunchest supporter in OPEC, Venezuela appears to be on the brink. Confronted by U.S. sanctions and increased political support from Arab and European countries for opposition leader Guaido, Venezuela is a facing an economic meltdown as its hydrocarbon sectors come to a standstill. In recent days the situation here has worsened as the opposition, supported by parts of the Venezuelan armed forces and security services, has openly started a rebellion to remove current president Maduro. The latter remains in power, but mainly due to Russian, Chinese and Turkish support. Iran’s Latin American partner is heading for a possible civil conflict of unknown proportions.
Based on these two key OPEC producers, at least on paper, OPEC’s internal structure is fragmenting. The Saudi-led OPEC+ production cut strategy is still in place, but it is partly successful due to the negative repercussions of the sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. The high level of compliance with the agreement (128%) is based on the loss of these particular volumes.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia, are sticking to their roles, cutting as needed. Optimism about Iraq is based on uncertain assumptions, while Libya’s overall situation is highly volatilie.
In the coming weeks, as analysts focus on production figures, storage volumes and demand, OPEC will be focusing on defusing pressure to increase production, while at the same time the Saudi-led faction will likely confront the Tehran-Venezuela (and possibly Iraqi) axis. Iran has openly threatened to undermine OPEC’s stability if no support can be gathered before the June meeting.
In several statements to the press, Iran’s oil Minister has warned that OPEC is in danger of collapse. Tehran threatens at present to take all necessary measures to block oil and gas flows from OPEC members that are supporting the U.S. sanctions regime.
At the same time, Tehran has warned to take measures against countries trying to fill in the supply gap left by Iran. Zanganeh reiterated the latter during a meeting with OPEC secretary general Barkindo in Tehran. Barkindo reacted by saying that OPEC will do its utmost to depoliticize oil and gas policies of the organization.
OPEC’s SG statements however look very bleak in light of the growing heat in the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Zanganeh is counting on Iraq, Libya and Venezuela to keep the pressure on Riyadh an Abu Dhabi, not to fully support U.S. sanctions.
The meeting in June will be crucial. Geopolitical pressure, combined with an aggressive power projection of Iran in the Middle East (Iraq, Syria, Libya), leaves less room to maneuver for Arab countries than before. Tehran’s hope to keep Moscow on its side also seems to be backfiring as Russia openly is behind OPEC+ cuts, while backing Saudi-UAE’s efforts in Libya.