Before the government reopened last week, the shutdown weighed heavily on scientists gathered in southern Wisconsin for the Comer Abrupt Climate Change Conference earlier this month. Now back at their labs, scientists say the temperary shutdown won't harm their long-term projects.
But short-term research delays lingered for some.
Glaciologist Brenda Hall of the University of Maine has traveled to Antarctica every year for the last 24 years. Hall’s research in there analyzes how the melting ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels.
Despite the temporary government shutdown this month, she is still scheduled to go with students to the continent during the last week in November, a trip she feared she would have to cancel if the shutdown lingered.
“It’s just a mess,” Hall said during the conference, held in the midst of the shutdown. “It’s just a mess.”
To her relief, her trip will go on as planned.
A lost research season can ripple through the research, leaving gaps in both data and funding, scientists said.
Hall teaches glaciology and ice age studies and said many of her students’ research has been placed on hold because of the shutdown. If the current research project in Antarctica is postponed this year and the fieldwork pushed to next year, the two-year project could run out of funding, she said.
The field season in Antarctica runs from November to February. Unfortunately, due to teaching schedules and coordinating with other scientists, she and her students cannot go there just any time during that period if she loses her November window of opportunity.
Many professors, students and researchers alike delayed activities such as fieldwork and applications for more funding from the National Science Foundation after the 16-day government shutdown took effect Oct. 1. Others, who already completed their fieldwork projects, worried about data waiting to be processed at places such as the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Jennifer Lennon, a master’s student at the University of Maine and an advisee of Hall's, does not work in Antarctica, but said her research has been delayed by the shutdown, though not for long. She had a host of beryllium-10 samples waiting to be assessed at Lawrence Livermore. Beryllium-10, like carbon-14, provides a dating tool. The finalization of her master’s thesis depends on that data.
Toby Koffman, a PhD student at the University of Maine,
was also waiting for data from Lawrence Livermore. He canceled a trip to the
California lab to collect data samples he needed to finish her dissertation, which
he plans to defend in the spring. Koffman conducts research on glaciation
in New Zealand.
“It’s an important facility, far beyond the scope of my work,” Koffman said.
Koffman’s dissertation is back
on schedule, he said. The total cost for
him, other than the worry that comes with delay, was $200 for a change of
Richard Alley, climate scientist and professor at Penn State University, emceed the conference. He said the shutdown made teaching very difficult because government websites, abundant with data and maps, were unavailable to his students who are not heading out on field excursions. Overall, he said, the shutdown hurts students, along with everyone else.
“The thirst for knowledge is being blocked because their [the government] house is not in order.”


Stanford men’s basketball (2-0, 0-0 Pac-12) left Maples Pavilion with a 91-73 win against Sacramento State (0-2, 0-0 Big Sky) on Friday evening. A game of incredible plays hinted at a potentially strong season for the team.
The Cardinal won tip-off to start, and their first make of the game — shot from the perimeter — came from none other than fifth-year forward Spencer Jones. After a rough performance at three against Cal State Northridge, Jones was back in his former stride as an elite perimeter shooter, shooting three of four from deep for the game.
Despite maintaining just a small lead over the Hornets through the half, the Cardinal showed how potent their offense could be.
Sac State attempted to close the gap, but a steal from sophomore guard Benny Gealer stole the crowd’s attention as he ran the court for a layup — the first fast-break points of the game.
Shots by Jones, freshman guard Andrej Stojaković, graduate student guard Jared Bynum and graduate student forward James Keefe kept the score in favor of the Cardinal.
With four minutes left in the half, the game saw its first dunk by senior forward Brandon Angel. The Card continued to stay ahead to the buzzer, and a dunk by junior forward Maxime Raynaud scored the final points for Stanford. The first half ended with a 47-39 lead for Stanford.
The second half saw stronger performance from Stanford, with 56.25% shooting from the field. Bynum continued dominating on the court, leading the team by initiating the offense.
“As a point guard, [I’m] always pushing the pace, always making the reads, always finding the right guys. The coaches give me a lot of confidence when I got the ball in my hands to play free and make the decisions.” Bynum said.
Early free throws by Jones continued the Card’s 100 percentage. The team maintained a double-digit lead over Sac State with shots by graduate student guard Michael Jones, Spencer Jones and Stojaković. A rebound from Gealer set up Keefe for the Cardinal’s third dunk of the game.
A steal by sophomore guard Ryan Agarwal and a layup with 7 minutes left in the game added another two to the Card’s lead. A dunk by Raynaud and a campaign of layups led by Angel shut down the Hornet’s attempts to close the gap. And at 88-73, with just seven seconds left in the game, senior forward Max Murrell drained a three-pointer to seal another win for Stanford: 91-73.
Overall, the team’s 55.7% from the field over Sac State’s 38.2% on a near-equal number of shot attempts is what led them to victory.
“We had 56 points in the paint … we were getting to the basket,” said coach Jerod Haase. “Our mindset was good.”
Stanford set the single game program record for assist to turnover ratio at 22:4, beating their previous best from 2013. Cardinal players also set a number of individual records against Sac State: Gealer had career bests of six assists, eight points and five rebounds, while Bynum met his career high with 10 assists and just one turnover.
Angel led the Card in scoring with 18 points, followed by Spencer Jones with 15 points and Raynaud’s 14. Stojakovic increased his contributions from game one, with 12 points on 55% from the field and 2-of-4 from the perimeter.
The Cardinal looks to end their final season in the Pac-12 strong. “It’s the last year of the conference and we want to finish the conference strong, but it’s one game at a time and that’s our goal,” Angel said.
Stanford men’s basketball looks to continue its win streak on Tuesday at a home game against Santa Clara. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT.


Title: The Most Inspiring Fiction Of 2017 With the year winding down, it’s about time for a bunch of lists counting up the “best of” and “worst of” in all kinds of categories from the year that was. It’s always a fun time on the internet, looking back on what people best remember from the year, and which stories, songs, films, etc. will ultimately stick out as representing a year in time. Here I’m not going to limit things to the “best of” in a single category, but rather look more broadly at some of the most inspiring works of fiction we saw throughout 2017, whether in film, on television, or in literature.
Exit West – Novel by Mohsin Hamid
This is an incredibly powerful and inventive novel from Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid. It actually made at least one list of the best fiction books of 2017, and with good reason. It’s something of a sad story about a couple in love fleeing a country thrown into civil war (the country is fictional, or at least remains unnamed). The two choose love over despair, but also have to wrestle with conflicting feelings about the family members and friends they left behind (by using a sort of magical door that transports them “West” in an instant). Again, there’s some sadness to it, but it is ultimately an inspiring tale of the bonds of family and love.
Game Of Thrones – HBO Television Show
Game Of Thrones is more about entertainment than anything else, but the seventh season that aired earlier this year definitely had its inspirational moments. More than anything else, the show continued its streak of female empowerment. Once criticized for using actresses as much for nudity (or even abusive scenes) as anything else, the show has gradually developed several of the strongest female characters on television. It became plainer than ever before during the seventh season that the women hold every bit as much power as the men in this fantasy drama, and that’s an inspiring message to see in a show like this.
Wonder Woman – Film by Warner Bros.
Who was Wonder Woman before 2017? For some she was simply a vintage comic book character, largely forgotten by comparison to some of her contemporaries. For others, she’s a video game personality. She appears in a slot arcade designed for fans of comic books and superheroes, as well as an online MMO for DC characters and the “Injustice” game series. That’s more or less all. But in 2017, this character became so much more. Director Patty Jenkins and lead actress Gal Gadot brought Wonder Woman to cinemas in a way that gave little girls all over the world their first major female superhero to admire. It was as inspired and inspiring an effort as anything we saw in fiction in 2017.
The Big Sick – Film by Amazon Studios
This is an autobiographical independent comedy that was put together by Pakistani comedian Kumail Nanjiani, best known for his role in the HBO tech culture spoof comedy Silicon Valley. It’s recently been making headlines again because it was snubbed at the Golden Globes (to which Nanjiani had a very amusing response). Despite this snub however, this was a heartwarming and uplifting film about young love in modern society and the difficulties of multicultural relationships. Nanjiani hilariously recounts his own real life love story in which he had to overcome the issues that face so many couples in which the people come from different cultural, racial, and/or religious backgrounds.


|Sept. 24, 2013|
|Run and Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness is Oct. 11|
|(Bismarck, N.D.)—Sanford Women’s Health Center will host the 17th annual Run and Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Friday, Oct. 11. The event includes an 8K competitive run and walk, a 4K non-competitive walk and an education forum featuring wellness screenings and information about breast cancer prevention and treatment. The registration fee is $25 per person by Oct. 9 and $30 after Oct. 9. Registration and the education forum begin at 5:30 p.m. Each participant receives a long-sleeve performance shirt and refreshments.
To register, visit bismarck.sanfordhealth.org/whc or call the Sanford Women’s Health Center at (701) 323-6376.


In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, OnePlus has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and design. With the release of the OnePlus 11 5G in its striking Titan Black variant, the company continues to push the boundaries of what a premium smartphone can offer. Boasting 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the OnePlus 11 5G promises a seamless and powerful user experience. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this cutting-edge device, from its design and display to its performance and camera capabilities, to help you decide if this is the right phone for you. Which is the best flagship phone in 2023?
Design and Build
OnePlus has always been celebrated for its attention to detail in design, and the OnePlus 11 5G in Titan Black is no exception. The phone exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication with its sleek and minimalistic design. The all-black finish, which OnePlus aptly calls Titan Black, gives the phone a premium and timeless look that’s sure to turn heads.
The device feels substantial in your hand, thanks to its glass front and back with an aluminum frame. This not only adds to the premium feel but also enhances the durability of the device. The placement of buttons and ports is intuitive, making the phone comfortable to use in one hand. The slim profile of the phone ensures it easily slips into your pocket.
Which is the Best Flagship Phone in 2023?
OnePlus has always excelled in the display department, and the OnePlus 11 5G continues this tradition. The device features a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution. The colors are vibrant, and the blacks are deep, thanks to the AMOLED technology. HDR10+ support enhances the viewing experience, making streaming content a joy.
The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature that makes everything on the screen appear smoother and more responsive. Scrolling through social media, playing games, or watching videos is a delight on this display. The display also gets bright enough to be easily visible in direct sunlight, which is a crucial feature for outdoor use.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 11 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM. This combination delivers exceptional performance. From multitasking to gaming, the phone handles everything with ease. Apps open quickly, and you can switch between them seamlessly without any lag. The OnePlus 11 5G runs on OxygenOS, which is known for its minimalistic and user-friendly interface. It’s based on Android 12 and offers a smooth and bloatware-free experience.
Gaming on this device is a joy, thanks to the Adreno 730 GPU. Whether you’re into casual gaming or more graphics-intensive titles, the OnePlus 11 5G is more than capable of handling it all. The high refresh rate display further enhances the gaming experience by ensuring smooth gameplay.
Storage and Battery
The OnePlus 11 5G comes with 128GB of non-expandable internal storage. While 128GB should suffice for most users, it’s worth considering your storage needs before making the purchase. If you’re a heavy user who stores a lot of media files, you might find yourself running out of space. It’s a minor drawback given the overall performance of the device, but some users might prefer the flexibility of expandable storage.
In terms of battery life, the OnePlus 11 5G sports a 4,500mAh battery, which is quite sufficient for all-day use. With moderate use, the phone easily lasts through a day, even with the high refresh rate display. The device supports Warp Charge 65T, which is incredibly fast. You can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes, ensuring you’re not tethered to a charger for long periods.
The OnePlus 11 5G features a triple-camera setup on the back, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera. While the camera system is not as extravagant as some of its competitors, it still delivers impressive results.
The primary camera captures sharp and vibrant photos with good dynamic range. The ultra-wide-angle lens is useful for capturing more in your frame, and it maintains decent image quality. OnePlus has also improved low-light photography, and the Nightscape mode does a commendable job of brightening up dark scenes.
The 16MP front camera captures crisp and detailed selfies, and it works well for video calls and social media uploads. Overall, the camera system on the OnePlus 11 5G is versatile and capable of delivering great shots in various conditions.
As the name suggests, the OnePlus 11 5G comes with 5G connectivity, which ensures fast and reliable internet speeds. With the rollout of 5G networks in many regions, having a 5G-compatible device like this can future-proof your smartphone for years to come. Whether you’re streaming content, video conferencing, or simply browsing the web, you’ll experience a significant boost in speed and connectivity.
Software and Updates
OnePlus has a reputation for providing regular software updates and security patches. The OnePlus 11 5G runs on OxygenOS, which not only offers a clean and intuitive user experience but also ensures that you’re among the first to receive the latest Android updates. OnePlus has committed to providing three years of software updates, which means your device will remain up-to-date and secure for an extended period.
In terms of security, the OnePlus 11 5G offers an in-display fingerprint sensor that is quick and accurate. Additionally, there is facial recognition for those who prefer a more seamless unlock experience. Both methods are secure and provide convenient ways to access your device.
Price and Competition
The OnePlus 11 5G in the Titan Black variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is competitively priced, making it a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers a great balance of design, performance, and features for its price range.
When it comes to competition, the OnePlus 11 5G faces rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 6, and Apple iPhone 13. Each of these devices has its own unique features and ecosystem advantages, so your choice will depend on your specific preferences and brand loyalty.
Which is the Best Flagship Phone in 2023?
The OnePlus 11 5G in Titan Black is another impressive addition to OnePlus’ lineup of flagship smartphones. With a premium design, a stunning display, powerful performance, and 5G connectivity, it caters to the needs of both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. The camera system, while not the most advanced, still delivers great results in various conditions. The combination of OxygenOS and regular software updates ensures a smooth and secure user experience.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded smartphone that offers value for your money and doesn’t compromise on performance, the OnePlus 11 5G in Titan Black is a compelling choice. Its striking design and flagship features make it a strong competitor in the premium smartphone market, continuing OnePlus’ tradition of delivering innovative and user-centric devices.


The newest season of Ellen has officially started! On Tuesday, September 5, Ellen kicked of season 15 (crazy!) of her daytime talk show with celebrity guests Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. The entire premier week is packed with more stars like Reese Witherspoon, P!nk, Miley Cyrus and Halle Berry, among others.
While we’re excited the show has returned, we’re even more excited about this season’s set! As most of you know by now, Ellen partnered with Thomasville to create the ED Ellen DeGeneres crafted by Thomasville furniture collection.
Of course, it seemed fitting the set would feature some fabulous pieces – and it does!
In the photo above, you’ll see Ellen on set with the Liberte Chairs* and the Villerie Cocktail Table. Throughout the season, depending on the number of guests she has on at a time, the guest Liberte Chair will be switched out for multiple chairs, the Liberte Sofa, or a custom Liberte Love Seat.
We’re so pleased to see this fabulous collection being featured on Ellen’s show! If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to visit our designer furniture showroom in Brookfield to discover the collection.
Our award-winning interior designers are always around to help as much or as little as you need. Who wouldn’t love to have the same chairs in their living room as Ellen has on her TV show set?!
*Due to the requirements of the show, the Liberte pieces for the set were all finished in a custom white vinyl upholstery. Visit our showroom to browse our wide selection of upholstery options.


During the opening ceremony at the Moscow Cinema in Yerevan, Ambassador Taguchi and the President of the "HIKARI" Center Ms. Piliposyan made their welcome speeches, and “Arar” chorus performed “Letter”, the theme song of one of the films.
Moscow Cinema, Yerevan
Film Festival in Ejmiatsin
This time the Film Festival was held in 4 halls of 3 cities and 7 films were screened. Approximately 1000 people came to watch the films. After screenings, a lot of applause and good opinions were heard in the hall. This Film Festival became a great opportunity to introduce Japan and Japanese culture to the Armenian people.


2016 Get Out The Vote poster
Oxide was delighted to participate in 2016’s Get Out The Vote, a nonpartisan campaign hosted by AIGA every four years to encourage graphic designers to use their talents to motivate the American public to get out there and vote. This year’s program is presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters‘ Vote 411 initiative.
While the larger campaign is open for all designers to participate, Oxide was invited to join a select group of design leaders, whose posters were exhibited in the cities hosting party national conventions: Cleveland for the Republican National Convention, and Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention. This special set of posters were also curated for an online Google Art Project.
Designed by the whole team, our poster concept presents one form of a metaphorical, ever-changing book chronicling the past, present, and future of the great democratic nation of the United States of America. The term of our 44th president is coming to a close, so the 2016 election represents our opportunity to “write the next chapter” with our vote. Through our vote, we literally have the power to create the future of our nation.
The GOTV campaign is headlined this year with “To Vote is to Exist,” a poster designed by the iconic Milton Glaser (the man behind the “I ♥ New York” branding). In at least one of the initial exhibitions, Oxide’s poster had the honor of being placed next to Glaser’s poster.
The full set of original posters, plus all the posters submitted by designers across the country, are available online for free download and display. Pick your favorites, print them out, and hang them up for everyone to see in these critical weeks leading up to the election.
And don’t forget to register (check your state’s deadline) and then vote on November 8!


If there were ever a year to celebrate, it is this one! With Covid-19 well on its way to the past, we have our chins held high and are looking forward to STAMPEDE 2021. If there is anything that Calgary excels at, it is having the Stampede Spirit!
In 2020, no one expected the Calgary Stampede to be cancelled for the first time in its history. But did you know that we STILL serviced over 50 locations around town with décor. We set up tiny little displays in front yards, a couple of Covid graduation parties, we decked out Steven Avenue and lots of 17th. We were beyond thrilled to have the support of you folks and will be eternally grateful.
This year, the Calgary Stampede will be going ahead. “Stampede 2021 might look different — but what’s important is how it makes you feel. We’re continuing to plan for the best and safest Stampede possible in 2021, of course, that means making sure there’s lots of flexibility so we can adapt our operations depending on the circumstances in July. Our planning includes the iconic aspects of Stampede — the animals, the music, the rides and the food.” communications manager Kristina Barnes said.
Sounds good to us 😊!! BUT…there is no way to look forward, without a glimpse of the past…..
The Calgary Stampede has drawn more than one million visitors to the city each year, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Over 120,000 people attend the Stampede per day, around 70 per cent of whom are from Calgary. This pumps $540 million into the provincial economy annually. The Stampede’s year-round events contribute about $110.9 million to Calgary’s GDP, the board says. Every $1.00 spent at the Calgary Stampede generates more than $2.70 city-wide on hotels, restaurants, shops, taxi’s and other expenditures of the type. Blazing Saddle distributes over 350 fire retardant bales across the stampede grounds each year and is an official supplier of the Calgary Stampede.
Stampede Park itself covers more than 200 acres of land. More than 7000 animals are hosted by the Stampede Park during the 10-day event including over 600 chuckwagon horses. More than 2 million mini-donuts are eaten every year at the Stampede and over 200,000 pancakes are served at community breakfasts throughout the city during the Stampede. 30,000 flowers are planted in Stampede Park each year. And did you know that every year more than 2200 people, a majority of whom are from Calgary, dedicate their personal time to volunteer at the show. Isn’t that amazing!?!? Blazing Saddle spends at least 2 full days at the grounds spreading the stampede spirit for a large group of vendors and every year we discover new areas of the grounds. It’s HUGE!
Big Four Building: The “Big Four” businessmen: A.J. MacLean, A.E. Cross, George Lane and Pat Burns made a crucial contribution of $100,000 towards the first ever Calgary Stampede in 1912. The very first Calgary Stampede lasted just 6 days until 1968 when they stretched it to 10 days. In 1939, admission to the grounds was just 25 cents. Today, it’s $18.00 for an adult ticket. The crew here at Blazing Saddle wants to vote to extend the Stampede to a full 14 days! Who’s with us??
The Parade: Approximately 400,000 people attend the Stampede Parade every year and over 2 million Canadians nationwide watch the Stampede Parade on television. Over 130 western themed entries join in on the parade fun, which lasts about 2 hours. Around 850 horses participate in the parade accompanied by approximately 2 tonnes of manure that is left behind by animals on the parade route (gross). During the parade, the Blazing Saddle Crews are at the ready, waiting to be let back into downtown again, to keep spreading the joy on DAY 1!
The Rodeo: The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is the WORLD’S largest outdoor rodeo that hosts 6 major rodeo events plus the Chuckwagon Races. It runs every day for 10 days and has the largest purse in outdoor rodeo — $2 million — up for grabs. We don’t get to see the Rodeo very often, as Stampede week for us is packed with events and we are all bombing around to every corner of the city, but when we do, its just awesome to see.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT STAMPEDE 2021 WILL BRING!
YAHOO CALGARY! SEE YOU SOON!


Natalie Zea will get to show her comedic side as she takes on the lead in the new Amazon dramedy The Outlaws. Produced by Ice Cube & Michael Strahan, the series centers on Julie Levine, the wife of a pro-football team owner (Zea), who now needs to run the flailing organization after her husband dies. She has to take on the challenges of being a young, widowed mother who finds herself being pulled in different directions – before ultimately deciding to trust her gut.
Zea also stars opposite Kevin Bacon as Claire Matthews in the hit FOX thriller The Following.
Best known to television audiences for her acclaimed role as Winona Hawkins on FX’s original series Justified, (which she continued to guest on while shooting The Following) Zea has also been seen in CBS’ Under The Dome, Showtime’s Californication and HBO’s Hung. Other television credits include The Shield and her popular role as Karen Darling in Dirty Sexy Money, among others.
Zea recently starred in the independent film SWEET TALK, written by award winning Peter Lefcourt, as a bored phone sex operator who forms a strong bond with one of her callers. In 2010, she was Will Ferrell’s hilarious psychotic ex-girlfriend in THE OTHER GUYS.
Zea also hones her creative juices by writing and is currently developing a comedy pilot for a major cable network. She begins shooting the feature film she wrote and will star in, IMAGINARY PLACE OF EAST, later this year.
Originally from Texas, Zea made her way to New York where she earned a scholarship to the prestigious American Music and Dramatic Academy. After completing the program in only two years, Zea landed a role as part of the original cast of Kimberly Peirce’s 1995 short BOYS DON’T CRY which later evolved into the Academy Award winning film by the same name.
Having never lost her love of theater, Zea helped develop Los Angeles’ reputable Lone Star Ensemble, a theatre company in which she serves on the Board of Directors. She’s newly engaged to her long-time partner, Travis Schuldt and lives with him and their two cats in Los Angeles.


I am sick of the “Bad Boy” trope. I am sick of the guy liner and the ripped jeans, the black shirts and the devilish smiles. I am sick of the sexual innuendoes and the gross comments, sick of the recklessness and the misogyny. I am sick of the good, kind, decent male characters constantly being pushed out of the picture to make way for the scowling, broody, sexist bad boys. And I am sick of the romanticization of the “Bad Boy” character, sick of the claims that bad boys just need to be loved, that they will change for the “right” woman, that all they need is the “love of a good woman”. Enough. We need to starting seeing bad boys for what they are - BAD boys.
I have dated bad boys before and believe me, there is nothing romantic or glamorous about dating a bad boy. They are nothing like their media portrayals. They are not secretly sensitive or sweet “once you get to know them” or “loving to a few” or broken souls who “need to be loved”. They are sexist and controlling and dangerous and unpredictable and (most importantly) they will not and can not be changed by the love of a good woman - and it’s not our job as women to change them. That’s not on us, and the idea that it should be is gross and damaging.
And I don’t say this without evidence. As I said, I have dated bad boys. Once upon a time, I was very attracted to bad boys. But these kind of guys are BAD NEWS. They are unhealthy and dangerous; at best, bad boys will demean and ignore you, at worst, they will abuse and control you. Unfortunately, the constant romanticization of the “Bad Boy” character in the media (from Damon Salvatore in TVD to Killian Jones in OUAT) completely glosses over these facts. The media is determined to make the bad boy trope the winning one, determined to eradicate the idea that a GOOD GUY is actually the better option.
And the worst part? WE BUY INTO IT. For some unfathomable reason we strong, amazing females EAT THIS SHIT UP WITH A SPOON. It is evident everywhere - from the adoration for the Spuffy relationship in BtVS, to the OUAT fandom’s obsession with the CS ship and their vilifying of Neal and SwanFire, to the TVD fandom’s infatuation with the Delena and Klaroline relationships (despite the dangerous and abusive elements in both ships).
There are far too many unhealthy and/or problematic relationships being portrayed on TV, far too many romanticized bad boys. We need to stop encouraging these portrayals and start showing girls the reality of dating a bad boy. People may say that I’m overreacting but the bottom line is that we learn from the media. We absorb the lessons and the messages presented in our shows and these messages help to shape our views on relationships and romance, and given that so many shows are glorifying the “bad boy” in some way or another, I think we all have reason to be concerned.
I have to ask one very important question here - what is wrong with the GOOD GUY? Why do we turn away from the decent, selfless, kind men, who treat their partners right and are danger-free? Because they’re so often viewed as “boring”? Believe me, I would take “boring” (but safe, loving and kind) over a bad boy any day. “Boring” is better than abusive, misogynistic, controlling, manipulative and stalkery, no matter how “sexy” and “entertaining” the bad boy is.
This trend of the bad boy winning, of the bad boy being so damn popular, is both alarming and disturbing. Instead of encouraging the female audience to embrace the good guy, to realise that the good guy is the better (safer and more stable) choice, we are hoisting bad boys up on pedestals and allowing/encouraging young girls to glorify them. In romanticizing the bad boy, in condoning problematic and unhealthy relationships, we are sending a god-awful message to those who watch these shows. We are allowing the audience (and the creators) to ignore and excuse all problematic aspects of the “bad boy” and any relationships he may have. And this needs to stop.


In the Press
While One Comes Home, Thousands Suffer, Says True North After Claudia Portillo Released From ICE Detention
Our network has witnessed the pain that a family experiences when a daughter, sister, mother, cousin, aunt and friend is jailed and separated from those who love her. Through our relationships with Claudia and her family, we empathize deeply with the pain of isolation and the cruelty of immigration detention. We opened our hearts and put our boots on the ground for Claudia, and this time we were able to help bring a loved one home. We need to do the same for other families who are being ripped apart by the broken immigration system and callous government officials.
While Claudia will likely be home with her family by the end of this week, thousands of children and parents will remain separated, alone and afraid. The whereabouts of their loved ones will remain unknown. As an organization dedicated to advancing immigrant rights, we will continue our fight for them. Now is the time for all people of goodwill and a thirst for justice in our North Coast Community to stand up and join us in this fight!
"Urueta said she believes the outpouring of community support shown during Portillo’s hearing Monday played an important role in Judge Patrick O’Brien’s decision to grant Portillo’s request to be released on bond."
North Coast Journal 06/20/2018
'“It’s not a question of why we should help, its why would we not help support an upstanding member of our community. Why would we not go to bat to keep families together?” Dennis Rael, who helped coordinate the free food for the protesters says. He explains that Los Bagels as a company stands with the community, and for human rights. But the donation was not about promoting the store, simply helping people who are fighting for what they believe is right."
Redwood News 06/19/2018
"Over the past week, a community fundraiser has raised more than $8,000 in online and in cash donations, and both individuals and community groups are arranging to cover the rest of the $12,000 cost of her release. Claudia may be home with her family this week."
North Coast News 06/19/2018
"Arcata resident Claudia Portillo, who was held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since November, could soon be freed following a decision by a San Francisco immigration Judge Patrick O’Brien on Monday afternoon. Avigail Portillo, who just graduated from high school this month, was part of a convoy of around two dozen people that went down to San Francisco for the immigration hearing Monday. “Honestly, I was happy to see her but I was more nervous,” Avigail Portillo said after Monday’s hearing. Avigail Portillo said she and her three younger sisters are all excited for their mother to return home to Arcata.
This morning, Judge Patrick O’Brien granted Portillo’s request to be released on $12,000 bond, though the Department of Homeland Security can appeal his ruling, which would delay Portillo’s release. Portillo has four daughters, one of whom graduated from Arcata High School last week.
A community fundraiser held over the past week raised more than $8,000 and community groups are currently working to raise the rest of the money needed for Portillo’s bond with the hopes she will be able to return home this week.
North Coast Journal 06/18/2018
"Claudia Portillo, asistió a una visita de revisión con inmigración en Bakersfield y fue detenida, pasaron más de siete meses para que un juez le asignará una fianza de 12,000 dólares para poder regresar a casa y estar con sus cuatro hijas."
Univision Television Group 06/18/2018
"Dozens drove from six hours away in Claudia's home of Arcata to San Francisco on Monday to see if she might receive bond. When the judge declared it at $12,000, more than twice what the group raised, things looked cloudy -- and then, magic.
"One of our neighbors was sitting next to me and she looks up and says, 'I inherited some money. I'm going to front it. I have a check in my pocket. I'm just going to pay it,'" said Leila Roberts, a community supporter with the True North group."
NBC Bay Area 06/18/2018
"Claudia Portillo, an undocumented Arcata resident and mother to four daughters, has been granted release on a $12,000 bond after seven months of immigration detention, and her community is arranging to pay for her release. The North Coast community has advocated for Ms. Portillo’s release both at home in Humboldt and Del Norte counties and in San Francisco with community events, online fundraisers and direct support to her family."
Lost Coast Outpost 06/18/2018
"A Humboldt County woman who has been detained by immigration officials since November is now set to be released and reunited with her family. The family says they are celebrating today. But, say with recent events they will continue their work fighting for immigrant families.
More than a dozen family members and supporters of Claudia Portillo journeyed down state from Humboldt County and rallied outside an immigration courthouse in San Francisco on Monday, hoping for her release."
KTVU Television 06/18/2018
'“My sister has been stuck in detention for seven months. She has missed her daughters’ birthdays and graduations waiting for a bond hearing.” Explained Ms. Portillo’s sister Jenny Ventura. “That hearing was just scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, June 18th in San Francisco. We have to make it count.”'
Lost Coast Outpost 06/13/2017
"Two convoys from Humboldt County will depart promptly at 6:30 am Monday, June 18th from in front of both the Arcata and Eureka locations of Los Bagels, a popular local bakery and cafe and donor of food for the journey. They will gather with clergy and allies at the San Francisco Immigration Court house at 12 noon that day, before filing into Ms. Portillo’s 1 pm hearing."
Redheaded Blackbelt 06/13/2018
"Since May 2017, True North leaders and staff have partnered with the Northern California chapter of the ACLU to build a Rapid Response Network to respond to heightened fears of ICE raids on the North Coast. So far, more than 50 local leaders comprise the Response Team, and have been trained to respond if unforeseen ICE activity is reported and verified in Humboldt County."
Lost Coast Outpost 01/22/2018
"When Claudia Portillo, 30, mother of four, left her north Arcata home three weeks ago, she was confident that her appointment at the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services office in San Francisco would go well. But Portillo didn’t come back, and what was supposed to be a yearly check-in became a fight to bring her home. Jenny Ventura, sister of Portillo and a leader within the True North Organizing Network, knows all too well that the current immigration system can be difficult to navigate for many undocumented people. “My sister had an appointment at the regional center on Tuesday, Nov. 14,” Ventura said. “She was very confident that she would just turn in her paperwork for her annual check-in. I was even going to go with her.”'
"Cuando Claudia Portillo, de 30 años y madre de cuatro hijos, dejó su hogar en el norte de Arcata hace tres semanas, confiaba en que su cita en la oficina del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos en San Francisco iría bien. Pero Portillo no regresó, y lo que se suponía ser un registración anual se convirtió a una pelea para llevarla a casa. Jenny Ventura, hermana de Portillo y un líder dentro de True North Organizing Network, sabe muy bien que el sistema de inmigración puede ser difícil de navegar para muchas personas indocumentadas. “Mi hermana tuvo una cita en el centro regional el martes 14 de noviembre,” dijo Ventura. “Ella estaba muy segura de que solo entregaría su documentación para su registro anual. Incluso iba a ir con ella.”'
El leñador 12/08/2017
Vigil for McKinleyville Woman Detained by ICE to Be Held Tonight; ‘Deportation Defense’ Online Fundraiser Launched
"32-year-old Claudia Portillo remains in a Bay Area detention center now two weeks after she was taken into custody by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. In response various local community organizing groups have planned a #No1StandsAlone vigil in Arcata for Tuesday night. Additionally a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for potential future legal costs Claudia’s family — which includes her fiancee and four children, all U.S. citizens who live her in Humboldt — may endure."
Lost Coast Outpost 11/28/2017
"Mike Thornton, a True North organizer researching local homelessness, asked legislators in the room for their suggestions regarding such issues. “It is going to have to be a combined effort,” Inscore said, noting meetings are ongoing to solve these problems. He said the city is working to be competitive in receiving money from the state’s No Place Like Home initiative."
Del Norte Triplicate 10/28/2017
"Cynthia Barcelo, immigration rights leader for True North Organizing Network, pointed out the parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, neighbors and best friends of Del Norte students who don’t qualify for DACA fear they may be taken away from their families. The fear that they will be taken away from their families make some undocumented immigrants physically and mentally ill, she said. “We worry that DACA immigrants will be supported at the expense of undocumented immigrants who are just as worthy as any human being of dignity and respect,” Barcelo said. “On behalf of the members of my community who feel frightened and are hiding in the shadows, I plead that you take a similar stand for them as well. They need elected leaders like you to stand with them.”
Felice Pace, a member of the Klamath Local Organizing Committee, which is affiliated with True North, noted many undocumented workers in Del Norte County do jobs that are difficult and dangerous and are poorly paid. “It is not that Americans don’t want to do those jobs,” he said. “It’s just that we’re not willing to work that hard for that little amount of money. I would hope that knowing those realities, that you would support all of the people that are part of our community and happen to be undocumented.”'
Del Norte Triplicate 09/30/2017
"Every pew in the small white United Methodist Church at the corner of Del Norte and F streets was filled on Monday evening, with people standing in the back aisles and sitting on plastic chairs in the overflow room. Many fanned themselves with programs. Spanish speakers wore headsets provided by the Humboldt Area Foundation, listening as an interpreter translated presentations by a variety of speakers, the culmination of many conversations between people in the immigrant community and leaders in the True North Organizing Network about how to best protect and serve undocumented people in the community.
North Coast Journal 09/16/2017
"During a community meeting on Aug. 24, Alejandro Dominguez, of Crescent City, spoke to a group that included the Humboldt Area Foundation, KHSU, True North and HSU President Lisa Rossbacher. Through a Spanish interpreter, Dominguez shared the necessity of bringing Radio Bilingüe further north. “We want to be involved with the whole community,” Dominguez said. “But we don’t know how. It’s important for us to be informed locally.” Beyond feeling included in the larger community, Dominguez spoke on the importance of sharing opportunities, improving public safety and disseminating information. “We want to know about food availability, ” Dominguez said. “We want to know where we can seek medical attention. We want to know about forums at city halls. We want to know if we’re in danger because of a forest fire.”'
El leñador 09/05/2017
"A local community organizing network has weighed in on the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia with a plea to the community to “refuse to allow neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and other avowed racists to spread messages of hate.”
True North Organizing Network condemned the use of violence by those participating in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville on Saturday and expressed its support for the victims of that violence, according to a press release Monday."
Del Norte Triplicate 08/17/2017
"On this episode of North Coast Update, Susan Andrews reports that True North Organizing Network and the Klamath Local Organizing Committee brought together community leaders to address the lack of recreational opportunities for Klamath youth. Questions remain, but concerns include youth having to play in the streets due to a lack of maintained facilities. Team sports were a focus of discussions , but other ideas included trails and a swimming pool."
"The lack of recreational opportunities for young people in Klamath has long been on the minds of members of the community. On Tuesday the Klamath Local Organizing Committee, a division of the True North Organizing Network, took a big step towards addressing that issue by bringing various leaders in the community together at Margaret Keating Elementary School to commit to working together to create a plan.
“This issue in particular, we have been talking about this in private since I moved back here in 2005,” said KLOC member Josh Norris. “Parents and community members have been talking about this for years. It has always sort of been at the top of our priority list, but we weren’t sure about a strategy because we have always been told there is no funding for this kind of project, and once we get the facilities who is going to run the programs?”'
Del Norte Triplicate 06/24/2017


The inaugural Annual General Meeting of the newly established Keir Hardie Society was held in Maryhill, Glasgow on Sunday (June 26th). The Society was launched at Summerlee – Museum of Scottish Industrial Life on the birthday of the first Labour leader, the 15th of August last year to promote a revival of interest in his life and work.
MP Cathy Jamieson was elected as Chairperson of the Society, Hugh Gaffney was elected as Treasurer and Richard Leonard was elected as Society Secretary.
Richard also a Society co-founder said:
“With Labour’s recent election defeats ringing in our ears we could do a lot worse than go back to the beginnings of the Scottish Labour Party and once again understand its purpose and recapture its sense of direction. Keir Hardie’s politics were founded on principle, vision and determination. We need more of that in the labour movement today.
“In the last year we have successfully established the Society and begun work on our goal of promoting the life and work of Keir Hardie. In April of this year East Ayrshire Council erected road signs which inform people that Cumnock is the home of James Keir Hardie, the Keir Hardie exhibition in the Baird Institute in the town has been revamped and we hope to get his writing back in circulation and a web site established.
“We chose the Maryhill Community Halls for Sunday’s meeting because it was in Maryhill that Keir Hardie’s funeral took place. Thousands lined the streets as his body made its way to the Maryhill Crematorium on Wednesday 29th September 1915.”
“As a society we recognise that many areas have their own connection with Keir Hardie and that is why we have now held events in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Glasgow. We will continue to make sure the society is as accessible as possible to all communities that have a link with Hardie.


2019 Campaign for Commutation !
Bring Jalil Home Now! Contact Gov. Cuomo ask him to let Jalil come home
Write to Jalil
Anthony J. Bottom #77A4283
Sullivan Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 116
Fallsburg, NY 12733-0116
2019 Clemency/ Parole Campaign
During the Months of July and August
Remember to tweet and/or email Governor Cuomo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and call and write the Governor every Tuesday and Thursday.
As many of you know, Jalil has been to the parole board ten times since 2002, when he first become parole eligible.
Jalil has been denied each time for a variety of reasons, all of which are tantamount to the nature of the crime—something that will never change.
After the last parole hearing and denial, pursuant to NYS Constitutional Article IV, Section 4, Jalil filed an Application to Commute the Sentence to Time Served with NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Governor Cuomo has the authority to grant the Application and order Jalil’s immediate release from NYS DOCCS custody.
Since the Application’s submission it has been revealed that the NYS Board of Parole had a “secret deal” with the NYC Police Benevolent Association (PBA), permitting them to submit opposition letters directly to the Board of Parole from their website. These opposition letters negatively influenced the decision-making process, ensuring Jalil would not receive a fair and impartial parole hearing. During Jalil’s 2014 parole hearing, he was told that “current and former members of law enforcement” were parole commissioners, many of whom decided to deny his release.
On December 4th & 5th, 2016, The New York Times published an extensive exposé entitled “The Scourge of Racial Bias in New York States Prisons” that informed: “The racism can be felt from the moment a black inmate enters New York’s upstate prisons.” This implacable racism has been institutionalized in the entire parole system, permitting subjective biases of parole commissioners to influence parole decisions.
Since the submission of the Application to Commute the Sentence to Time Served, Governor Cuomo has received many letters and communications urging him to grant Jalil’s Application. However, due to the revelation of political collusion between the Board of Parole and the PBA, and the PBA/media backlash and scrutiny of the Parole Board’s release of Jalil’s co-defendant, it has become necessary to launch this May Day Initiative in support of Jalil’s Application.
Jalil exceeds all requirements for release. His release on parole has been supported by activists, academics and community leaders from across the country and around the world, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the family of one of the victims. The political nature of his conviction has prevented parole commissioners from giving fair and impartial consideration to his release, despite the overwhelming community support.
During his 47+ years of his imprisonment, Jalil has accomplished the following: Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Certificate of Architectural Drafting, Certificate of Computer Literacy.
He has established many programs, such as the first Men’s Group for therapeutic training in the NY State prison system, an African/Black Studies program, a computer literacy class, a Sociology class and a poetry class. He has received two commendations for preventing prison riots. He has raised money for the children’s fund, was office manager of the computer lab and a teacher’s aide for GED classes.
Jalil is also the recipient of several certificates for rehabilitation programming, and is a published author, poet, educator and blogger.
As a human rights advocate, he had the first U.S. prisoners national petition heard and recorded by a Special Committee at the United Nations on U.S. prisons and the existence of U.S. political prisoners. He has litigated several civil rights complaints on behalf of prisoners. In 2000, Essence magazine featured an article on father-daughter relationships. The article, entitled “Daddy Says,” quoted Jalil stressing the importance of maintaining these relations even during incarceration.
We request that people do the following for Jalil throughout the month of May:
On May 1, 2019, May Day, we are requesting that Friends and Supporters call, tweet, email and write NYS Govenor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office and appeal to him to grant Jalil’s Application to Commute the Sentence to Time Served.
We also request that this May Initiative be widely posted on social media platforms, encouraging freedom loving people around the world to join in this initiative.
Since this will be ongoing throughout the month of May, we propose that people tweet and/or email Governor Cuomo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and call and write the Governor every Tuesday and Thursday.
Communications to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office must refer to Jalil as: ANTHONY JALIL BOTTOM, 77A4283, Sullivan Correctional Facility, P.O. Box 116, Fallsburg, New York 12733-0115.
Write the Governor:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of the State of New York
State Capital Building
Albany, New York 12224
Call the Governor: 1-518-474-8390
Tweet the Governor: @NYGovCuomo
Email the Governor: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Click here to download a pamphlet to distribute to
your family, friends, neighbors, faith group, etc.
Grant Release to Black Panther, Say Activists, Artists, Lawyers, Academics
The Center for Constitutional Rights . Learn more at ccrjustice.org.
Jalil Muntaqim, Jailed 48 Years, Has 12th Parole Hearing This Year
May 21, 2019, New York – Today, a group of prominent academics, lawyers, and activists published an open letter calling for the release of political prisoner Jalil Muntaqim (a/k/a Anthony Bottom), the only remaining Black Panther incarcerated in New York. He was arrested 48 years ago, when he was 19 years old, and is scheduled for his 11th parole hearing in September 2019. Signers include Professor Angela Davis of the University of California at Santa Cruz, Professor Cornel West of Harvard, actor and activist Danny Glover, musician and filmmaker Boots Riley, author Michelle Alexander, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Patrisse Cullors.
The letter reads:
We the undersigned offer our strongest support for the release of Jalil Muntaqim (aka Anthony Bottom) on parole. We also ask that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo commute his sentence to time served. Jalil was arrested in 1971 when he was only 19 years‐old and a member of the Black Panther Party. Forty‐eight years later he is the only Black Panther prisoner who remains incarcerated in New York State prisons. It is time for this father, grandfather and great grandfather to come home.
Over the decades, Jalil has consistently demonstrated his commitment to sustaining family relationships, pursuing educational advancement and providing service to the community, inside and outside of prison. He has served as a teacher, mentor and role model for hundreds of other incarcerated people. He stands as an example of the potential to reflect, change and grow despite the many challenges of the prison environment.
Jalil is scheduled for his twelfth parole hearing this coming September. One of his co‐defendants, Albert ‘Nuh” Washington, died in prison in 2000. The other, Herman Bell, was released in April 2018 after serving almost forty‐five years in prison. There is no justification for Jalil to be held in prison any longer. He should be released at his next parole hearing when he will be sixty‐eight years old. Jalil is scheduled for his twelfth parole hearing this coming September. One of his co‐defendants, Albert ‘Nuh” Washington, died in prison in 2000. The other, Herman Bell, was released in April 2018 after serving almost forty‐five years in prison. There is no justification for Jalil to be held in prison any longer. He should be released at his next parole hearing when he will be sixty‐eight years old.
We believe in the principles of restorative justice. While we understand the serious nature of the crimes for which Jalil has been convicted, a life sentence should not be a death sentence. Forty‐eight years is long enough. After all this time, Jalil Muntaqim belongs with his family and his community.
Muntaqim’s two codefendants are Herman Bell, who was released from prison in 2018 after serving almost 45 years in prison, and Albert “Nuh” Washington, who died in prison in 2000. Muntaquim will be 68 years old at his parole hearing.
’48 years is enough’: activists and celebrities call for release of ex-Black Panther
Seventy-five public figures sign letter to New York governor asking for release of Jalil Muntaqim after nearly five decades in prison
Leading civil rights activists, academics, actors and writers are calling on Andrew Cuomo to release Jalil Muntaqim, a former Black Panther who has been in prison for 48 years for one of the most high-profile killings of the 1970s black liberation struggle.
Seventy-five prominent public figures have signed a letter to the governor of New York state, headlined: “48 years is enough”. The letter asks Cuomo to commute Muntaqim’s sentence to time served. They include the writer and activist Angela Davis, who was herself put on trial for a 1970 courtroom kidnapping but later acquitted.
Among other signers are Cornel West of Harvard university, actor Danny Glover, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, film-maker Boots Riley and Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow.Advertisement
The authors write: “We believe in the principles of restorative justice. While we understand the serious nature of the crimes for which Jalil has been convicted, a life sentence should not be a death sentence. Forty-eight years is long enough. After all this time, Jalil Muntaqim belongs with his family and his community.”
The letter also emphasizes that he has had a clean prison record for decades. “He has served as a teacher, mentor and role model for hundreds of other incarcerated people and stands as an example of the potential to reflect, change and grow despite the many challenges of the prison environment.”
Muntaqim, whose birth name is Anthony Bottom, faces his 12th parole board in September, having been knocked back for release 11 times since he first became eligible in 2002 on a sentence of 25 years to life. He will be 68 at his next hearing.
He was arrested in 1971 at age 19 for the ambush and murder in Harlem of two police officers, Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones. Days after the shootings, the Black Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Black Panthers, claimed responsibility and three members were arrested.
Of his two co-defendants, Albert “Nuh” Washington died in prison in 2000 and Herman Bell was released on parole in April 2018.
The Guardian highlighted the struggle for release of Muntaqim in July 2018 as part of a series of articles on black power behind bars. At that time 19 black radicals were identified who were still imprisoned, in some cases almost 50 years after the crimes for which they were convicted.
Another former Black Panther profiled by the Guardian for the series, Mumia Abu Jamal, is among the signers of the new letter calling for Muntaqim’s release. Abu-Jamal remains behind bars in Pennsylvania as one of the 17 incarcerated black radicals, where he is serving a life sentence having been taken off death row in 2012.
Muntaqim’s battle for freedom after almost half a century in New York maximum-security prisons has been hampered by ongoing vociferous opposition from New York City police unions and from one of the widows of the two slain police officers. A further challenge has been Muntaqim’s unwillingness to denounce the black liberation struggle of which he was part.
Herman Bell secured his release in part upon his statement to the board in which he said of the 1971 incident: “There was nothing political about the act, as much as I thought at the time. It was murder and horribly wrong.”
Muntaqim is more resistant. Though he has admitted to committing the police killings, he continues to describe the 1970s black power movement as “noble”.
In an interview with the Guardian he said: “My engagement in the struggle was self-sacrifice because of my love of my people and humanity. Because of that I was targeted by the government and that indicates that my incarceration is of a political nature.”
Angela Davis told the Guardian that she believed black radicals in prison were being forced to denounce their politics before they could go free: “They have to denounce a party that was the forerunner of movements like Black Lives Matter today.”


Good food, great drinks, excellent atmosphere. If a restaurant can do all three well, you probably have a recipe for success. Sugarhall checks all three boxes, and then some. By Vanessa Tai
The first thing that strikes you when you step into Sugarhall is its lively vibe. With its muted lighting, earthy interiors, and energetic playlist of vintage Latin, Ska, and Jamaican reggae, it’s hard not to feel perked up instantly. Deborah and I were recently there for a media tasting on a Wednesday evening and at 6.30pm, the place was already filling up with office workers chasing down a good, stiff after-work drink. Well, with the bar being helmed by Jigger & Pony’s bar manager Aki Eguchi, you can be sure the cocktails at Sugarhall more than deliver.
The owners of Sugarhall are the same folks who brought you Jigger & Pony (which is actually right next door), and the husband-and-wife team are determined to continue delivering the same top-quality, edgy cocktails that gave Jigger & Pony its fame.
Deborah had the Especial Martini, which is a blend of Brugal Extra Dry Rum, Cocchi Americano, and a mezcal-washed pickled quail’s egg (yup, you read right!) It’s not as strange as it sounds, and actually washes down nicely with the drink. I had the Bumbo Old Fashioned – a mix of El Dorado 12 YO Rum, demerara sugar, nutmeg tincture, and cinnamon. Sounds more like a dessert, right? But don’t be fooled; the cocktails at Sugarhall are potent. Don’t worry about getting too intoxicated though. The owners have thoughtfully created a menu where each cocktail comes with “Hungry to Full” indicators so you can pick a drink according to your appetite. So, if you’re famished, you might want to order a lighter-bodied concoction versus a richer, full-bodied cocktail.
With Sugarhall, the owners have expanded their repertoire beyond just drinks by offering an extensive flame-grilled menu. The kitchen is headed up by Polo Seah, a former alumnus of W Hotel’s steakhouse SKIRT, and you can expect a selection of meats and seafood, all carefully grilled over a wooden fire. Here, they make use of two types of wood, one from Thailand (to cook the food) and another from Japan (to keep the fire going). They also use wood chips from USA, which lends the grilled meats an aromatic, smoky flavour.
While the meats were delicious in their own right, what truly impressed us were the selections “from the garden”. This is where the chef gets to flex his creative muscles and create side dishes that are fun and inventive. Our favourite was the Creamy Mushrooms; which, despite the generous serving of cream, wasn’t stodgy and actually lent a nice contrast of textures to the meats. Another side dish we enjoyed was the Grilled Cauliflower, which came with bacon, burnt butter, capers, and hazelnut. The medley of flavours wowed everyone at the table, including Deborah, who’s a bonafide carnivore … so that’s saying something.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, Sugarhall — with its laidback vibe, unpretentious food and kickass cocktails — comes highly recommended.
Sugarhall is located at 102 Amoy Street, Tel: 6222 9102, Website: www.sugarhall.sg
Material World was invited for a tasting at Sugarhall and was not paid for this review. All opinions are the author’s own.
About The Author: Vanessa Tai is a founder of Material World who has previously worked on magazines Simply Her and Cosmopolitan Singapore. Now a freelance writer and a full-time contributor to this website, the 27-year-old dreams of attending every single major music festival before she turns 30. Follow her on Twitter @VannTaiTweets.


Saskatchewan has an important choice to make this fall, with provincial and municipal elections running in strange and uncertain times.
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With provincial coverage led by long-time legislative columnist Murray Mandryk and reporters Arthur White-Crummey and Phil Tank, our “campaigniac” Saskatchewan Postmedia journalists are ready to ask the tough questions of leaders and candidates in order to fill in the blanks for voters.
Each Saturday, a comprehensive collection of provincial political news will land in your email inbox, keeping you updated on the events of the week. Our goal is that, by election day, you’ll feel fully informed and ready to participate in the democratic process.
Subscribe to Campaigniacs newsletter now to stay up to date on all the latest news from the campaign trail.
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Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, a critique of the preservation movement--and a bold vision for its future
Every day, millions of people enter old buildings, pass monuments, and gaze at landscapes unaware that these acts are possible only thanks to the preservation movement. As we approach the October 2016 anniversary of the United States National Historic Preservation Act, historian Max Page offers a thoughtful assessment of the movement's past and charts a path toward a more progressive future.
Page argues that if preservation is to play a central role in building more-just communities, it must transform itself to stand against gentrification, work more closely with the environmental sustainability movement, and challenge societies to confront their pasts. Touching on the history of the preservation movement in the United States and ranging the world, Page searches for inspiration on how to rejuvenate historic preservation for the next fifty years. This illuminating work will be widely read by urban planners, historians, and anyone with a stake in the past.
"Page . . . throws down the gauntlet in Why Preservation Matters, calling out members of a movement he finds elitist, in thrall to neoliberalism, and disconnected from its rightful aim of social justice."-- Architect Magazine
"The basic points we know: Old buildings can enrich neighborhoods and become regional attractions. They also make smart environmental sense more often than not. But on the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the author argues these points with detailed passion -- and also stresses that the cultures embodied in a building, even the scars of history, can be more important than architectural details."--John King, San Francisco Chronicle
"Max Page offers a powerful argument for making historic preservation about more than just saving buildings - using it as a tool to fashion a more sustainable, a more equitable society."--Inga Saffron, Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic
"Since coalescing into a national movement a half century ago, historic preservation has been notoriously un-self-critical. Max Page helps to rectify this problem in this thoughtful, provocative assessment of what has been accomplished and where preservationists need to direct their energies in the future. At this critical juncture the movement needs a catalytic call to action comparable to those written by Rachel Carson and Jane Jacobs. This could be that book."--Richard Longstreth, George Washington University
"Historic preservation has reached a moment of profound and provocative creative ferment and this book is a testament to that innovative thinking and the desire to contest long-standing norms. Max Page's eloquent and incisive volume is a worthy map to guide the future of preservation." - Stephanie K. Meeks, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Max Page succinctly and elegantly demonstrates how preservation transcends antiquarian aesthetics to embrace the most pressing questions of the day, from economic democracy to sustainability to reconciliation following state terrorism."--Lawrence Vale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology


DEATH LINE (1972)
Starring: Donald Pleasance, Norman Rossington, David Ladd
Writer: Ceri Jones
Director: Gary Sherman
When a government official goes missing after last being seen in Russell Square tube station, Inspector Calhoun (Donald Pleasence) of Scotland Yard sets about solving the case, aware of several other disappearances which have previously occurred in the same area. Calhoun hopes that a young couple (played by Sharon Gurney and David Ladd) who saw the man alive just before he vanished will provide the answers he needs but, as we get to know before he does, something far more tragic and gruesome is going on…
Having not seen this for several years but having remembered how much I enjoyed it back then, I’m delighted to confirm Death Line is a bonafide classic, not just because of its plentiful humour and well-placed gore but because of its assured film-making by Gary Sherman and a brilliant, biting script from Ceri Jones (from Sherman’s original story).
Astonishingly, given the craft on display and the general confidence of the piece, this was Sherman’s debut feature and he was only in his twenties at the time. There’s a care evident in every frame of this, not least a stunning tracking shot of over seven minutes in length which gives us a leisurely, not to mention queasy, tour of a nightmarish setting for human slaughter. The crisp cinematography is courtesy of Alex Thomson who was a camera operator for Nicolas Roeg before he became a fully-fledged DoP. He also lensed such films as Dr. Phibes Rises Again and deep-sea monster flick Leviathan.
Also, watch the scene in which Calhoun encounters his MI5 nemesis Stratton-Villiers, played by Christopher Lee (whose appearance apparently took up around half of the budget – money well spent, in my opinion). For one, it’s a joy to watch Pleasance and Lee play off each other but pay attention to how each character is shot as the dynamic shifts in their conversation.
Death Line was ahead of its time in terms of startlingly gory moments – it still packs a grisly punch now – and provides a stark contrast to the rather more chaste approach of, say, the Hammer output of the era. This was progressive horror in all senses of the word, taking its cues from the political landscape, class warfare and social injustices both modern and historic.
It’s arguable that the most sympathetic person in the entire movie is the killer himself. He cares more for those around him than anyone else in the story and he’s driven to kill by circumstance and a need to survive outside the norms of society. In Gurney’s Patricia, The Man – as he’s referred to in the credits – desperately tries to make himself understood but it’s the lack of understanding between both parties that ends in a terrifying act of violence, the one moment in the proceedings where empathy for this poor creature is substantially diminished.
As The Man, Hugh Armstrong is exceptional, somehow coming across as warm-hearted even though he’s been dining on commuters for who knows how long. Communicating through howls, grunts, whimpers and the one phrase of English he’s picked up (“Mind the doors!”) he’s still more principled and unselfish that those above ground and his innocence gives context to the dreadful things he’s forced to do. He’s also more loving than Patricia and Alex (Ladd), who live together but don’t seem to have much affection for each other at all.
Donald Pleasance and Norman Rossington (as Calhoun’s sidekick, Detective Sergeant Rogers) are brilliantly entertaining as Scotland Yard’s finest, Rossington playing the knowing straight man to Pleasance’s wisecracking Inspector. Calhoun’s dialogue is frequently hilarious, often revolving around where his next cup of tea is coming from, and it does seem that Pleasance is having an absolute ball here, There’s also a lovely gag involving a dartboard in Calhoun’s office that’s dealt with in such a wonderfully throwaway manner that you know the people behind this are not wanting to hammer home every little detail to their audience.
Death Line is a superb, offbeat horror/thriller made with heart and guts (literally, in a few scenes), refusing to resort to ticking off the usual shocker checklist and delivering a truly outstanding piece of work in which even the standard triumphal ending is replaced by something more sobering and thoughtful. As Calhoun says: “What a way to live”. And what a film this is. If you haven’t seen it, please seek it out. Seventies fashions aside, this is as fresh and vital as the day it was first released.


By Nathaniel Maandig Rickard of Picard, Kentz & Rowe, LLC
On June 1, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) released the agency’s annual Trade and Travel Report for fiscal year (“FY”) 2022. The report was published more than eight months after the September 30th close of the fiscal year, meaning that the Report was delayed considerably compared to reports issued for earlier fiscal years. In its Report, CBP notes that the number of antidumping (“AD”) and countervailing duty (“CVD”) orders enforced by the agency continues to grow and that CBP was enforcing 662 AD/CVD orders at the end of FY2022, more than double the number of orders enforced by the agency at the end of FY2016.
In FY2022, CBP reported that the agency had collected approximately $3.6 billion in AD/CVD deposits on imports worth $37.4 billion (“Type 3 imports”). As shown in the chart below, both the amount of AD/CVDs deposited and the value of imports subject to these trade remedies is unprecedented and reflects substantial growth in the use of these laws over the last eight years.
The total value of imports subject to AD/CVDs increased by 24 percent ($7 billion) over the total in FY2021, while the amount of AD/CVDs deposited with CBP increased by 50 percent ($1.2 billion) over the previous fiscal year.
Although the overall value of imports subject to AD/CVD orders reached a record level last year, the data released by CBP once again confirms that these trade remedies do not cause meaningful disruptions in the U.S market. For the $37.4 billion in goods imported during the last fiscal year that were subject to AD and/or CVD orders, just $3.6 billion in AD/CVDs was deposited with CBP, an amount equal to an average duty on these imports of 9.6 percent. As shown in the chart below, the effective AD/CVD deposit rate applied to the subset of imports subject to these trade remedies (Type 3 imports) has been less than ten percent for each of the last three fiscal years.
Moreover, CBP’s Report contextualizes the substantial increase in the coverage of AD/CVD orders as taking place simultaneous with a massive increase of imports into the United States. For FY2022, CBP reports that the agency processed $3.35 trillion in imports, an increase of roughly twenty percent from the previous year. As shown in the chart below, the amount of imports presented to CBP last year was well beyond the agency’s historical experience.
Accordingly, even with a growing number of AD/CVD orders in effect, just 1.1 percent of the total overall import value was subject to these trade remedies in FY2022.
Once again, the new data released by CBP confirm that AD/CVDs have become increasingly important to a broadening range of U.S. industries found to be injured by unfair trade. Nevertheless, at the same time, because the trade remedy laws are narrowly-tailored, the use of these laws has caused minimal disruptions to overall trade and has not discouraged imports of goods into the country in any meaningful respect.


The legalization of cannabis and some other recreational marijuana products in Colorado for the past 3 years has shown a marginal drop in opioid-related deaths across the state.
This is according to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) entitled “Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Opioid-Related Deaths in Colorado 2000-2015.”
The report analyzed data showing potential connections between the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014 and opioid-related deaths during that time period.
The report concluded that “Colorado’s legalization of recreational cannabis sales and use resulted in a 0.7 deaths per month reduction in opioid-related deaths.”
This is the first time such data has been collected and analyzed on the direct relation between recreational marijuana and opioid-related deaths.
Previous research has shown that marijuana’s effectiveness in controlling chronic pain persuades people to choose weed over heavily addicting opioids and other prescription painkillers.
The co-authors of the study, Melvin D. Livingston, Tracey E. Barnett, Chris Delcher and Alexander C. Wagenaar of the University of North Texas indicated that their research shows a first-time “reversal” from 14 years of increasing opioid-related deaths. Colorado, like much of the U.S., has seen dramatic increases in deaths stemming from morphine-like drugs including heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl.
“As policymakers continue to grapple with both the growing opioid crisis and the rapidly changing landscape of marijuana laws in the U.S., scientific evidence is needed to help inform policy decisions to combat this disturbing upward trend in opioid-related deaths,” Livingston said in a school press release.
The research team logged deaths from prescription opioid painkillers in Colorado from the start of 2000 through 2015, comparing those numbers to data from Nevada and Utah to monitor interstate trends. Their statistical model found a 6.5 percent decrease in monthly opioid deaths after legal recreational marijuana sales began in 2014.
Livingston cautions that while legalized marijuana appears positive in this case, its expansion can also lead to an increase in other public health concerns.
“As of 2016, eight states and Washington DC have legalized recreational marijuana. While we found an apparent public health benefit in short-term reduction of opioid-related deaths following Colorado’s legalization, it’s important to note that expanded, legalized marijuana can also be associated with significant potential harms,” Livingston added. “For policymakers to weigh decisions balancing potential beneficial and detrimental effects of these laws, researchers must continue to examine the full range of health outcomes through further study.”
Illegal and legally prescribed opioids today account for nearly 30,000 deaths a year in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. CDC data shows that both prescription and illegal opioid deaths have more than quadrupled since 1999.
Skeptics of this latest study include Robert Valuck, coordinator of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, and Dr. Larry Wolk of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, who told the Denver Post Monday that “the whole thing is convoluted” and the opioid, legal weed connection is dubious.
“[I]t’s virtually impossible to assign cause and effect or credit and blame to any one thing,” he told the Denver Post. “It just hasn’t been in place long enough,” Wolk said. “Anything that does get published at this point should be considered preliminary data.”
The study authors agree on the infancy of the research, noting that “these initial results clearly show that continuing research is warranted as data becomes available.”
Colorado Amendment 64 legalized recreational cannabis products for adults 21 and over and the measure was passed on Nov. 6, 2012. Commercial sale of marijuana products to the public commenced on Jan. 1, 2014.
Sale of marijuana in Colorado
Legal marijuana sales in Colorado hit $1 billion in a just eight months, according to data analysis from the Denver Post’s weed site, The Cannabist. This marks the second year in a row that the industry has made $1 billion in sales. Last year, the state took 10 months to hit the $1 billion mark in combined recreational and medical marijuana sales.


The incredible inside story of power, money, and baseball's last twenty years.
In the fall of 1992, America's National Pastime is in crisis and already on the path to the unthinkable: cancelling a World Series for the first time in history. The owners are at war with each other, their decades-long battle with the players has turned America against both sides, and the players' growing addiction to steroids will threaten the game's very foundation.
It is a tipping point for baseball, a crucial moment in the game's history that catalyzes a struggle for power by three strong-willed men: Commissioner Bud Selig, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, and union leader Don Fehr. It's their uneasy alliance at the end of decades of struggle that pulls the game back from the brink and turns it into a money-making powerhouse that enriches them all.
This is the real story of baseball, played out against a tableau of stunning athletic feats, high-stakes public battles, and backroom political deals--with a supporting cast that includes Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, Joe Torre and Derek Jeter, George Bush and George Mitchell, and many more.
Drawing from hundreds of extensive, exclusive interviews throughout baseball, The Game is a stunning achievement: a rigorously reported book and the must-read, fly-on-the-wall, definitive account of how an enormous struggle for power turns disaster into baseball's Golden Age.
About Jon Pessah
Jon Pessah was a founding editor of ESPN the Magazine. He has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, managed the sports departments for Newsday and the Hartford Courant, and edited, wrote, and ran the investigative team for ESPN the Magazine.
- New York Times: 3 Men Forged 2 Decades of Labor Peace
- ESPN The Magazine Special Report: Who Knew? An Inside Look at Steroids in Baseball.
Jon joins Baseball Essential to discuss The Game and Bud Selig's tenure as commissioner.


Update: This study was repeated in April, 2018. The new study includes response time expectations for Twitter and Facebook messages. You can read the latest results here.
There’s a new standard for email response time.
You can toss out the old school one business day standard. That's so 1999. Even 2014’s four hour response time standard is old news.
The Toister Performance Solutions 2015 email response time survey revealed that customers now expect businesses to respond to their emails in just one hour.
Over 1,000 adults in the U.S. ages 18+ participated in the survey.
Here’s the breakdown of the survey results along with an invitation to tune in to an exclusive interview with customer service writing expert Leslie O'Flahavan.
A Big Challenge for Business
This isn't good news for most companies.
A separate 2014 Toister Performance Solutions survey revealed that 66 percent of companies currently take 1 day or more to respond. (Take the survey yourself and see how you stack up.)
One business day is still favored by many customers, with 43.4 percent of survey respondents selecting this option. The problem with this standard is 43.9 percent of customers expect a faster response.
That means the one business day standard could be alienating nearly half of your customers.
The new one hour standard reflects the longest response time that will meet at least 80 percent of customers’ expectations.
The survey looked at response time expectations by age, but found no significant difference between generations. It seems we all want it now.
More bad news?
In 2014, just 4 percent of survey respondents said they expected businesses to respond within 15 minutes. That jumped up to 14.5 percent this year.
You can see where this is going.
High Expectations for Co-Workers
The survey also revealed that people expect their co-workers to respond quickly too.
The most popular selection on the survey was four hours, but nearly as many people responded “one hour” as did “one day.”
Using the 80 percent rule, the new expectation for co-worker response time is just one hour too.
This is really bad news for workplaces already beleaguered by email overload.
Learn How to Respond Faster
Check out my Google Hangout On Air interview with customer service writing expert Leslie O’Flahavan.
Leslie and I discussed ways that companies and customers service agents can respond faster without compromising quality.
Extra: Some Good News
The survey did reveal some good news.
We still give our friends a bit of leeway when it comes to response times. The standard is unchanged from 2014. It’s still one business day.


Fluxare Made it to the Top 100 in the NorCal Recruiting Challenge
He was then teamed with Sweaty Steve, who also made the cut, to create a video. They created a great one called “The Clock of Life – Motivation for all Creators/Influencers”. At the end of the Video they added the Tag line: “#Fluxing- It’s like flexing, but it’s not.”
Fluxare and Sweaty Steve made the cut to the top 50 in large part to the power of their video.
Sadly, 16 year old Fluxare passed away from stage 4 bone cancer before the next cut to the top 25. In his short time here Fluxare was building a commitment to reducing the levels of hate, anger and unnecessary ego in the online gaming community. He encouraged, complimented and inspired by always being positive and helpful even when someone might be coming at him with less than kind comments. You know the type of comments, we all do. So we are reaching out to you, with a challenge that has a reward. Every month we will award $100 to the submitted video that best captures the concept that meant so much to Fluxare: A cooler, kinder community.
Help us define what that means:
- Not meeting hate with hate.
- Not meeting ignorance with ignorance.
- Inspiring – being yourself, embrace yourself and others


Sherree Philips is a highly sought-after Australian Production Designer based in London. She works internationally across film, television and high-end commercials.
In 2019, Sherree designed Shannon Murphy’s critically acclaimed feature film Babyteeth, which had its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival where it was selected for Official Competition and nominated for the Golden Lion. Sherree was awarded a Best Production Design nomination at the 2020 AACTAs (Australian Academy Awards) and the film went onto win 9 AACTAs in total, including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Film.
In television, Sherree’s Production Design credits include Amazon’s flagship US drama series The Wilds (2022), created by Sarah Streicher and produced by Amy Harris and Lena Cordina for Amazon and ABC Studios.
Sherree has worked in New Zealand designing Samuel Van Grisven’s Went Up The Hill starring Vicky Krieps and Dacre Montgomery, produced by Pop Films and Causeway Films. Most recently, Sherree has been in Cardiff, Wales where she has been production designing a new TV series Dope Girls with Bad Wolf for BBC & Sony.
A graduate of the prestigious Australian Film, TV and Radio School (AFTRS), Sherree is represented by CAA in the US, Lux Artists in the UK & Europe, and Camerons Management for Australasia. She is the recipient of a Global Talent Visa, granting her freedom to live and work in the United Kingdom.View CV


President and General Secretary thank outgoing Council members for their dedication during difficult COVID times
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) outgoing Council met for the last time on 12 September, ahead of the opening of the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland, on the following day.
LWF President Dr Panti Filibus Musa thanked Council members for their “sacrifices, commitment and dedication” over the past six years since their election at the Twelfth Assembly in Namibia in 2017. “It has been a wonderful but challenging journey,” he said, “especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am grateful for God’s grace that has enabled us to carry out our responsibilities on behalf of the global communion of churches.”
On Saturday, 16 September, the Assembly will proceed with the election of a new LWF president and Council, drawing on a list of nominations from the communion’s 150 member churches.
For one week, the center of Lutheranism will be here in Poland.”
– Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary
General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt also expressed gratitude to the Council members, noting their willingness to find new ways of staying “connected and committed” to the work of the LWF. She urged them to remain closely connected to the LWF, serving as “ambassadors” by sharing the work of the global communion with local churches and partners, as well as within wider society.
Burghardt gave an update on the practical preparations for welcoming delegates and guests to the Krakow Assembly, which begins with opening worship on Wednesday morning. She noted the significance of this global gathering for the local Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland, a country with a predominantly Catholic population. Highlighting the fact that the Assembly’s opening worship will be streamed live on Polish national television, she said: “For one week, the center of Lutheranism will be here in Poland.”


Author: Carrie Fisher
Date of Publication: 18th October 2016
Synopsis: A recounting of, among other things, Fisher’s casting in Star Wars, the genesis of the famous Leia hairstyle and Fisher’s affair with Harrison Ford – as well as some of her diary entries during the period of filming episode four of the Star Wars series.
“I am always disappointed with someone who loves me – how perfect can he be if he can’t see through me?”
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this was already on my radar. However with the recent and tragic passing of Carrie Fisher, I instantly elevated it to my first read of 2017 – and what a read it was.
A warning here – often Fisher’s thoughts are disordered and chaotic; she was a rambler. If you don’t think you’d like that then perhaps this isn’t the book for you. However this is also painfully heartfelt in a way which makes you breathe that little bit harder and labour over each page – especially the diary entries themselves. Fisher’s insecurity and self consciousness radiates through in the forms of disjointed sentences and poetry. She is candid about her teenage years and the beginnings of her foray into the world of Star Wars and celebrity.
She also goes into some detail about her affair with Harrison Ford during the filming of episode four. This too is bittersweet – with Fisher clearly developing feelings which Ford doesn’t return. There’s nothing explicit or titillating about her account. Instead she reveals the emotional affair she felt she had (and the lack of one which Ford seemed to experience).
Carrie Fisher seemed like a witty, expressive, creative woman. For all her struggles she writes with a brutal and compelling honesty which captured me as a reader from the first page. Her loss is one the world is bereft by. This, her last work, is an absolute must read.


Clearly, being a yogawoman has a struck a chord with many of you, as I’ve gotten a lot of response – both male and female. Go see this film if you have the opportunity; if you don’t, create the opportunity for others and host a screening.
Creating opportunity is another aspect of this great documentary. A fair portion is spent highlighting yogini activists and causes. Some of the AMAZING projects shown included Off the Mat, Into the World, and the Africa Yoga Project.
Watching this film reminded me of all the women I know who have started non-profits, women who regularly volunteer, women who are true care-takers. I think this is because women have an easier path to Isvara Pranidhana, or surrender (most women I know have an innate maternal instinct, whether it means caring for their own children or caring for the people around them). Jaganeth Carrera describes surrender as “the voluntary letting go of limited, personal desires for the sake of a greater and more fulfilling experience. It often takes the form of dedicating the fruits of our actions to God or humanity.”
One of the highlighted causes in “Yogawoman” was the Art of Yoga Project – a non-profit serving at-risk teenage girls in the juvenile justice system in California. There is a particularly moving moment in the film where one of the teachers mentions that in each class she makes an announcement that a student can always opt out of adjustments or being touched at all. For many of the girls, survivors of sexual abuse, this was the most profound part of class – it was the first time in their lives they were given the option of being touched.
Here’s where part 1 and part 2 of this post bind together. Acknowledging body image is important for ourselves and the way we feel about our bodies. But it is even more important to acknowledge the ramifications that come from telling ourselves and our women that they are only valuable for one thing.
I live in a neighborhood where men who stand on the corner click or whistle at me – like I’m a dog – when I walk by. While I’ve always ignored them, it took the better part of several months to not get irritated. I’m not sure when my anatomy became up for public consumption, but I’m trying to let this feeling go, knowing that ultimately – no matter what happens to it – I am the owner, I am the director of my body. I have to remind myself that my male neighbors’ reactions are base, and they have nothing to do with who I really am.
There is a true connection between body image, media coverage, and violence against women around the world. Feeding into the media, perpetuating photoshopped images, we rob women of the autonomy that all beings deserve. It’s hard not to get discouraged. We are living in a world where women are still being used as currency. And a few weeks ago, Congress held a hearing on legislation that directly affects women’s health, and not a single woman was on the panel.
I get discouraged, and then I remember women like my friend Abby, who are strengthening the resolve of young women in places where they have long been oppressed – with the added challenge of remaining culturally respectful. Abby is living her yoga.
I do not know passive women. The women I know are talented, driven, intellectual bad-asses who are out to change the world. Whether they are producing their own rap albums, working for major law firms, raising incredible kids, or running their own dance companies, they are taking up space.
This above all is why women should keep practicing yoga. To be empowered. To be inspired. To be reminded that they are their perfect bodies, and to be reminded that they are more than a perfect body. Too often, women are not given the space they deserve. Yoga reminds us of that space, yoga reminds us to surrender to it, yoga let’s us take that space and shape it into something constructive and beautiful.
Ladies – and gentlemen, how are you living your yoga? How are you practicing Isvara Pranidhana?
PS Did you know that March is Women’s History Month?


Video storytelling has become the new buzzword. Chinese short video sharing platforms have gone through such a rapid growth in 2016 that it's hard to keep track of all the rising stars and investment stories anymore ...
But which player has emerged as the king of mobile short video sharing platforms?
Penetration Rate of Short Video Sharing Platforms on Mobile Devices (Dec 2016)
So far it looks like MiaoPai has come out the strongest. Its daily video views jumped from 340 million (2016Q1) to 2 billion (2016Q4). But how did it grow so fast?
MiaoPai and Weibo
MiaoPai's parent company, Yixia technology has formed a strategic partnership with Weibo. Only MiaoPai videos can be played on Weibo.
Through this partnership, MiaoPai has gained significant traction and Weibo has seen a rise in its daily usage rate.
In 2016 Q3, videos embedded within Weibo generated 1.8 billion views per day. In 2016 Q4, MiaoPai videos generated 2 billion views per day.
Variety and Content
MiaoPai covers over 40 different categories with 5000+ original content creators. There are over 3000 celebrities and Weibo influencers, 10,000+ media and PGC creators and 2000+ MCN companies, video production companies and internet celebrity agencies.
Between 2014 and 2016, YiXia Technology received a total of 750 million USD investment.
How popular can a short video star get?
Papi Jiang (22 million fans on Weibo; 23 million fans on MiaoPai) sold one of her advertising slots for 3.1 million USD in April 2016 .
Top 5 MiaoPai videos in 2016
Source: YiGuan 2017 Report on China's Short Video Market (Mobile Devices)