text:
DOH eyes to make HIV testing mandatory
As Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Enrique Ona is supposedly eyeing to make HIV testing mandatory in the Philippines, activists express discontent with the government agency's leadership's "obstinate and incomprehensible obsession with archaic and stigmatizing proposals," as the Network to Stop AIDS (NSAP) states.
Patrick King Pascual
As the Department of Health (DOH) issued the latest data on the number of HIV and AIDS cases in the Philippines, DOH Assistant Sec. Eric Tayag said in an interview by ANC that the government agency is working out details for making HIV tests compulsory.
This is because although, in recent months the number of people who have been responsibly taking the test to know their status have increased, there reportedly remains a great number of people at risk who are not making the effort to know their status.
"(DOH Sec. Enrique) Ona would want to shift from voluntary testing to something that's compulsory. We're working out the details, how this is possible, and all. We want health providers to screen adults who may have a risk for HIV, so that they can be properly counseled on what to do next," Tayag said.
As per DOH data, in March 2014, there were 498 new HIV cases recorded, a 35% rise from the same month last year. Specifically, 381 of the 498 cases were men who have sex with men (MSM), 54 were because of drug use (through injecting), 63 were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who had unprotected sexual relations, and one case was from a mother-to-child transmission. Since January 2014, there were already 1,432 cases that have been recorded; 146 of which developed to full blown AIDS, and 434 resulted in death.
"We have been reminding everyone since last year to be more careful and conscious about their health. It won't be long until we reach the all-time high of 500 new cases," Tayag said. "We're also appealing to those who are at risk to get themselves tested, and that's just the tip of the iceberg."
He added that the numbers may continue to rise in the coming months, since not everyone at risk are that "responsible enough" to get themselves tested. Also, based on their projections, "there are still many who are still undetected."
Making HIV testing compulsory is actually a violation of the existing law concerning HIV and AIDS in the Philippines.
Section 3: Declaration of Policies of the Republic Act No. 8504 (or "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998") specifically states that "compulsory HIV testing shall be considered unlawful".
In a statement, the Network to Stop AIDS (NSAP) lambasted the DOH proposal to enforce mandatory HIV testing, saying that it "demonstrates that among those involved in addressing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, the health agency is by far the most backward and the most out-of-tune."
Added NSAP: "The current legal framework allows for various modes of HIV testing, but they have to be voluntary and confidential. This is clearly rights-based, but this is also premised on existing evidence that coercive modes of HIV testing actually result in a decrease in the coverage of testing – those who need to get tested fear discrimination and abuse, so they hide underground once authorities require HIV testing. This fear is not unfounded, as HIV-related stigma and discrimination remain unaddressed in the Philippines. Imposing compulsory testing is operationally problematic (also unnecessarily costly) and it encourages human rights abuses."
This was seconded by Michael David C. Tan, editor of Outrage Magazine, the only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) publication in the Philippines, which also conducts HIV-related projects. He stated that forcing people to get tested will not deal with the spread of HIV, and could – in fact – only worsen the situation. "'Witch hunt' easily comes to mind," he said, "particularly since the idea of having compulsory testing will specifically target populations that are deemed at higher risk for HIV infection. By saying 'compulsory', we actually only aim at making specific groups of people get tested; as such, we're abetting in the unnecessary stigmatization of members of these groups."
Members of the LGBTQ community (particularly men who have sex with men, including gay and bisexual men), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and those working in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry should be wary, said Tan, because they are "only some of the people who have been stigmatized to be at higher risk for HIV infection at certain points in time. Their plights could only worsen with making HIV testing mandatory."
NSAP also added: "Even DOH possesses evidence that show the complexity of Filipino sexual behavior. In a concentrated epidemic among MSM and transgenders, who do you actually require to get tested? This population does not conveniently fit whatever stereotypical images that Sec. Ona may have about the community. By definition, this sexual behavior includes any man who engaged or engages in sexual acts with other men – the heterosexual partners of transgender people; those who do not consider themselves as gay but engages in sex with other men; even the heterosexual ex-congressman whose life story was featured in a TV show a few years ago where he admitted to engage in transactional sex with a 'bakla' to support his schooling. Would DOH require all of them to get tested? The agency is also in possession of data that shows that a significant portion of men who have sex with men and transgender people have female sexual partners – would they be required to get tested, too?"
BETTER RESPONSES
Tan believes that the current responses of the government remains lacking, which – in turn – affects the continuing fear of HIV.
"In (HIV) advocacy, we say that no one should die from HIV anymore at this time and age because treatment is available, and the disease can already be managed," he said. "But working at the grassroots, among HIV-related issues we've come across include the shortage of the antiretroviral (ARV) medicines in the Philippines, employment-related discrimination encountered by people living with HIV (PLHIV), and cases when PLHIV are kicked out of their homes after family members find out their HIV-positive status. You can't even ensure that PLHIV live just as good a life as non-reactive people, and you expect them not to be fearful?"
Tan added that "if services are bettered, then no forcing needs to be done. HIV, after all, is not just a health concern, but a complex social issue. Deal with the connecting issues, too. That's the only way for people to know for sure that there is nothing to fear."
The DOH is supposedly also exploring the possibility of making the testing process faster by acquiring rapid HIV test kits.
"The only problem we see with this rapid testing is that anyone can have it, just like the pregnancy test kits in the drug stores, (and) we cannot properly monitor the numbers. The people who will buy these kits will not be counseled by peer educators before they take tests, just like what the hospitals are doing, and HIV/AIDS counseling is essential so you'll know what to do," Tayag said.
He added that "in the Philippines, HIV testing is not done like how they're doing it in other countries, (so) only few people get themselves tested. The only way it can be done is when it is being offered, especially to people who are at risk. But if the person still refuses to take the test after it was offered, it will not be forced to them."
Tayag said that the DOH is already working with local governments to address high HIV cases in several areas in the Philippines, including in the National Capital Region, Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao, to double their efforts to lessen the continuous growth of the people who get infected.
"The only sure way to protect yourself from getting HIV is abstinence, but who can really abstain for so long? So the next effective way to protect yourself is to use condoms. Sec. Ona wants to push for more efforts when it comes to HIV, and we have to do our part so we can ensure the success of the plans," Tayag said.
For NSAP, there are alternatives to compulsory testing, including community-led HIV testing. In fact, in the last years, collaboration between community groups and government-run HIV testing facilities has intensified, accounting for the increase in the uptake on HIV testing.
"A recently conducted review by international and local HIV experts of existing HIV interventions being implemented in the Philippines has cited this model as an effective approach in a concentrated epidemic. Incidentally, the same review, which was already accepted by the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) that Sec. Ona himself chairs, has already warned authorities against coercive HIV measures, including mandatory testing," NSAP stated. "Yet Sec. Ona seems to be blind to what the situation is, what the evidence says, and what needs to be done. It's not a question of knowledge or awareness – he has had several interactions and dialogues with community groups where various issues were discussed, from stigma to gaps in testing and other services. But he refuses to listen."
Outrage Magazine's Tan calls for the government to "focus, really focus on your services – what you should be doing to better what are currently being offered," Tan said. "Because the continuing worsening situation only highlights that the existing efforts are currently wanting. We need long-term human rights-based solutions to a huge problem that will just continue to worsen right under our noses if we continue having only kneejerk reactions."
Related Topics:AIDS PhilippinesARVarv philippinesasec. eric tayagDepartment of HealthHIV PhilippinesHIV preventionLGBT AsiaLGBT Philippinesmen who have sex with menmsmsNetwork to Stop AIDSNSAPphilhealthpozsec. enrique ona
On respecting human diversity
Network to Stop AIDS: Compulsory testing is illegal, ineffective, and dangerous
Living life a day at a time – and writing about it, is what Patrick King believes in. A media man, he does not only write (for print) and produce (for a credible show of a local giant network), but – on occasion – goes behind the camera for pride-worthy shots (hey, he helped make Bahaghari Center's "I dare to care about equality" campaign happen!). He is the senior associate editor of OutrageMag, with his column, "Suspension of Disbelief", covering anything and everything. Whoever said business and pleasure couldn't mix (that is, partying and working) has yet to meet Patrick King, that's for sure! Patrick.King.Pascual@outragemag.com
City of Manila showcases rainbow pedestrian lane
LGBTQIA people in GBV/IPV/FV ought to know that their situation can be managed; they just need to – first – not fear seeking for help.
Mikee dela Cruz
Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels.com
Never be silent.
In Quezon City, a 13-year-old transgender girl was repeatedly abused by her father, leading to the involvement of the barangay, which has a worker trained by OutRight International and EnGendeRights, Inc. on gender-based violence (GBV)/intimate partner violence (IPV)/family violence (FV).
Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, who helms EnGendeRights, Inc., recalled that – when they helped remove the transgender girl from the abusive situation – they initially encountered some roadblocks, such as finding alternative housing.
But then "we (found out) that her lolo at lola (grandfather and grandmother) were willing to take custody", thereby allowing for her to be "removed from (the) abusive situation," Padilla recalled.
And so for Padilla, LGBTQIA people in GBV/IPV/FV ought to know that their situation can be managed; they just need to – first – not fear seeking for help.
This was Padilla's message at OutTalks, a webinar series helmed by Ging Cristobal of OutRight International.
Posted by Ging Cristobal on Thursday, November 26, 2020
DEALING WITH ABUSE
As it is, Padilla said there are actually already existing remedies for LGBTQI persons. Included here is seeking help from – first – the barangay, or if the case needs to be elevated, then the police and/or even prosecutor's office/court.
At least in her experience dealing with related cases, Padilla said that decision of complainants on whether to file cases or not vary.
At times, victims want to deal with repeat offenders. Others assess the importance of seeking redress (e.g. empowerment, becoming a survivor from being a victim, prosecution of abuser, holding abusers accountable). And at times, people's decisions are affected by existing support mechanisms (e.g. family members, government agencies).
No matter the decision, though, Padilla said the country already has some laws that could be useful to victims.
Photo by Joanne Adela Low from Pexels.com
LAWS OF USE
RA 7610, for instance, deals with child abuse. Padilla said that even in the absence of social workers, the Department of Social Worker and Development, police and barangay can actually already "take children into protective custody to remove them from abusive situations."
RA 9262 (Anti-VAWC or violence against women and children) can also be used by lesbian and bisexual women. The law is, however, limited. For one, it does not benefit abused gay and bisexual men; and whether it can be used by transgender women has yet to be tested.
The Revised Penal Code also sanctions physical injury, unjust vexation, slander by deed, acts of lasciviousness, and rape (e.g. incest, conspiracy, intimate partner violence, date rape).
RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) mentions harassment in public spaces based on actual or perceived SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics).
RA 10175 (Cybercrime Law) also eyes to provide safe space online.
And then there are anti-discrimination ordinances (ADOs). This is obviously not encompassing, considering that many local government units still do not have ADOs (and the country still does not have a law protecting the human rights of LGBTQIA people).
PROACTIVE STANCE
In the end, Padilla said, "huwag mahiyang dumulog (do not be embarrassed to ask for help)."
She said that the number of service providers continue to increase, and so "idulog nyo sa amin at hanapan natin ng solution para maka-seek kayo ng justice (inform us about your issue so we can find solutions as you seek justice)."
To contact EnGendeRights, Inc., call (02) 83762578 or (02) 86645696.
The City of Manila finally has an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO) to protect the human rights of LGBTQI Filipinos. Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso signed City Ordinance 8695, sponsored by councilor Joel Villanueva, which prohibits "any and all forms of discrimination on the basis of SOGIE".
The rainbow rises in the City of Manila… finally.
"No harm will come to you while I'm mayor of Manila. Lahat kayo pantay pantay sa mata ng pamahalaang lokal," Domagoso said before signing ADO.
We just signed the Manila anti-discrimination ordinance!
(Ord No 8695. An Ordinance for the protection of the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, Queers and Intersex in the City of Manila against any and all forms of discrimination solely on the basis of SOGIE) pic.twitter.com/UUlJZo60Yb
— Isko Moreno Domagoso (@IskoMoreno) October 29, 2020
Called Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020, the ADO prohibits:
Denying or limiting access to employees the promotion, transfer, training and schooling if these are otherwise granted to others;
Refusing employment based on actual or perceived SOGIE;
Denying access to medical/health programs and services based on actual or perceived SOGIE;
Denying admission, getting expelled or dismissed, or preventing a student from graduating or getting clearance based on actual or perceived SOGIE;
Revoking accreditation or LGBTQI organizations in schools and workplaces;
Subjecting any person to verbal or written insult including on any social media platforms;
Refusing services based on SOGIE (e.g. accommodations, renting dwelling, malls, etc); and
Organizing groups and activities that promote/incite discrimination of LGBTQI people.
The ADO also mandates the creation of the Gender Sensitivity and Development Council, which will be tasked to synchronize the city's programs for the LGBTQI community. This council is also tasked to facilitate and assist victims of stigma and discrimination so that they get legal representation and psychological assistance.
With the ADO, every barangay is mandated to establish LGBTQI assistance desks to receive complaints related to the ADO.
By 2023, it is expected that gender-neutral toilets will be established in all venues in the City of Manila. This will be made a condition precedent to the renewal of business permits of establishments.
Violation of the ADO will be penalized with a fine of PhP1,000 and/or imprisonment of six months for the first offense; increasing to a PhP3,000 fine and/or imprisonment up to a year for the third offense.
The ADO will be funded by 5% of the appropriation to finance the city's Gender and Development programs.
According to Naomi Fontanos of GANDA Filipinas, which helped push for the passage of this ADO: "Based on experience, we know that a law won't end LGBTQI discrimination and violence but can enable access to justice for people who seek redress. The fight isn't over."
And since the ADO has no IRR yet, it also "needs to be monitored for proper implementation."
Since this also comes on the heels of Zamboanga City passing its own ADO on October 14, Fontanos said that credit should be given to the work of LGBTQI advocates and allies in and outside LGUs tirelessly pushing for structural change.
All the same, "the struggle to pass a national anti-discrimination law also continues and our work to hold those in power to account remains," Fontanos ended.
*This article was amended on October 30, 11.21AM to include the statements of Naomi Fontanos of GANDA Filipinas
Welcome to the alter world, where people tweet and retweet their or other people's sexual engagements. Though often maligned, it actually also highlights formation of friendships, info sharing, emotional support, and even provision of a 'safe space' for those who wish to express their sexuality.
Some time back, Kurt (a.k.a. @MoanerBottom) opened a Twitter account as a form of revenge. "I found out that my ex had an 'alter' account and he was fooling around with different people," he recalled. And so "I wanted to prove to him that I can also do the same thing."
Little did Kurt know at that time that he would become a mainstay in the alter world/community. A few months since opening his own alter account, he garnered over 130,000 followers, all of them craving – and even waiting – for what he would post, usually dominated by sexual encounters ("kalat videos," he calls them) with mostly students, including a basketball varsitarian "who likes to penetrate deeply", a Blue Eagle who allowed for his orgasm to be videoed, a Tamaraw who also allowed himself to be videoed as he orgasmed, and bending for a Red Lion.
"I must admit that I am a shy person in real life," Kurt said. But "here in Twitter, it is like I have less shame and more courage to do kalat (contextually: shameless) posts and videos."
Kurt is, obviously, only one of the people – not just Filipinos – with alter accounts, which many like him, say is similar to a "pseudonym — like Batman to Bruce Wayne, or Superman to Clark Kent; where people can have a separate account from their primary accounts, usually used to express themselves more 'wildly' yet more 'discreetly'/anonymously."
And so welcome to the alter world, where people tweet and retweet their or other people's sexual "collaborations", hookups, fetishes, fantasies and social engagements, with the audiences often never really knowing the content generators/producers/distributors.
Getting noticed
That the alter world is often dominated by sexual content is a given.
Onin (a.k.a. @Onin_NuezPH), for example, sees his alter account "as an avenue for me to express myself and my sexuality. I am able to let everyone know within the community about my sexual desires without the fear of being judged."
Looking back, it was actually "a friend who is an alter too introduced me in this alter community," Onin said.
One of the early instances Onin trended was when some of his nude photos circulated on Twitter. Many got curious, asking the person who previously reacted or shared the photos if there were more.
It whetted Onin's interest; and so he started posting more photos and short videos. His followers quickly increased, reaching more than 145,000.
Taking pride that he is one of the more talked about alters out there, Onin has produced content that may seem trivial… but these have been keeping the alter community and lurkers interested, from balancing a shampoo bottle on top of his erect penis, sharing a photo of his endowment while asking his followers if they want to kneel in front him, a comparison of the length of a deodorant spray with his penis, wearing a see-through underwear, and teasing his latest sexual collaboration.
Standing out in a platform where hundreds (even thousands) of alters saturate news feeds is a challenge. After all, it is not an easy feat to attract someone's attention — what more to make them like, share, or follow an account.
For FUCKER Daddy (a.k.a. @ako_daddy), therefore, it all comes down to the type of content being posted, not just being well-endowed, willing to perform bareback sex, or how often the face is shown.
A licensed professional who has a son, FUCKER Daddy started as a "lurker' (i.e. one who lurks, or just consumes content/views profiles) on Twitter. At that time, he wrote "my real-life sex stories, hoping it will pick up from there," he recalled. "Unfortunately, alter peeps seem to be more into live action."
And so FUCKER Daddy met someone from Telegram, without realizing that the person was "sort of (a) big (personality) on Twitter." This guy discretely took a short clip of their sexual encounter, and then posted it on his alter account. "It was hit. (And) the rest is history."
By August 2019, FUCKER Daddy said his inbox started receiving direct messages from different users – e.g. asking for more, congratulating him, wanting to collaborate, and so on.
He actually now has several sex videos in his cam. But he still doesn't make recording the primary thing when engaging in sex "as my goal is to have hookups; videos are only secondary."
Besides, he said that "I do not want to spoil the moment for sex and think only of it as merely for Twitter."
But every time FUCKER Daddy posts a video, he said his over 95,000 followers respond to them "with enthusiasm, getting more curious and intrigued."
The concept of alter, however, isn't set in stone.
For one, there are actually alter accounts whose owners prefer to use their real names and show their faces (like Onin), mixing their personal and private lives along the way. Following the Batman/Bruce Wayne and Superman/Clark Kent analogy, there are also people who follow the Tony Stark/Iron Man mantra, i.e. openly announcing that they are one and the same.
Secondly, monetizing is actually possible.
Also, one may be part of the alter community without knowing it – i.e. one engages in alter activities without recognizing it as such.
The likes of John (a.k.a. @johnnephelim on Twitter and Instagram), who has over 130,000 followers, comes to mind, using Twitter as a platform "to promote a job."
"I do not even know that I am involved in the world of alter," John said, adding that he did not even know what the term meant until it was presented to him. Instead, his account is used to "promote my RentMen and OnlyFans accounts", just as he also promotes his availability for "personal appointment to people."
John actually used to work as a brand ambassador, but because of this change in his work, he "can no longer work (in) that (field) because I am doing porn."
He admitted that "this type of thing is double-edged." On the one hand, "you can earn a great amount of money," he said, "but there will be sacrifices."
He noted, for instance, that the perception of people about me changed; most people judge you right away because of what you do, and not because of who you are as a person."
But he ignores the naysayers; "I do not mind because this job gives more than what I expected!"
Like John, Onin also promotes his JustFor.Fans (JFF) account on Twitter to respond to the requests of his followers.
"They (my followers) want to see me in action and they are willing to subscribe too," Onin said, with his exclusive content including: he and his partner having sex, and collaborations with other alters. "You will not earn that much, but pretty enough to compensate for the contents that we are posting."
Not all alters think alike, obviously. FUCKER Daddy, for instance, won't monetize his content, saying: "I value sex as it was created. I never sell any (videos) because I think it is something that is worth free. I simply treated it as making memories while those (who) watch put up the numbers."
Behind the handles
The world of alter has actually already caught the attention of researchers.
For instance, in a study by Samuel Piamonte of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Mark Quintos of De La Salle University Manila, and Minami Iwayama of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, it was found that the alter community may seem overtly sexual, but there is more to it than that.
"The sexual aspect of alter is the core of alter, but it has been enriched by more complex social benefits to users such as including formation of new friendships, sharing of information and advocacies, reciprocations of emotional support, and provision of a 'safe space' for those who wish to express their sexuality but find that doing so outside of the alter community could be met with stigma from their peers and family."
Kurt sees his alter account as an avenue for him to tap his inner self and show the Twitter universe his kalat. Onin uses his alter account to broadcast his sexual side (together with his partner). And FUCKER Daddy uses his alter account as "a constant source of info, hookups, convo… and to learn social demographics as well."
The evolution, indeed, continues.
Hate from within the community
Yes, yes, yes… with increasing numbers of followers, multiple likes and shares, and the creation of alter "celebrities", this has not been spared from criticisms.
And sadly, said Kurt, at least in the Philippine setting, the prejudice against alters comes from within the community. "Kapuwa LGBT ang nagsisiraan at nagpapataasan sa isa't-isa," he said. "I know… that I cannot please everyone (but) for me it is okay, as long as I know that I am not doing anything wrong."
Perhaps a "surprise" is the audience's inability to "appreciate" the free content given them, with Kurt noting that there are times when "they are also pissed off with the things I post."
This seems to contradict the findings of Piamonte, Quintos and Iwayama, since – here – the alter community can become a fearful place, too.
John, like Kurt, noted how people resort to demeaning others when they do not fit preconceived notions. But he just laughs this off, saying: "Do not hate me because I look good and make money (from) it. Life is too short to be a bitter person. If you do not like what we do, then shut the fuck up."
The Pandora's box, so to speak has been opened; and lessons learned along the way can just "make you stronger and bring out the best in you," said Onin, who like many alters, "just focus on my goals." And it is exactly because of the existence of this interchange – the content creation, and the love-hate reaction to what's created – that alter is not going to disappear anytime soon (or at all).
Details and photos of sexual encounters were lifted from the Twitter accounts of the interviewees.
Zamboanga joins the growing number of local government units that now has an anti-discrimination ordinance.
Kiki Tan
The rainbow rises in Zamboanga City.
The 1st class highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga Peninsula of the Philippines, Zamboanga, joins the growing number of local government units (LGUs) that now has an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO).
As helmed by Hon. Lilibeth Macrohon Nuño, the ADO passed the third and final reading at the Sangguniang Panglunsod of the City of Zamboanga on October 6.
The ADO is actually not only specific to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Instead, it is a more comprehensive ADO that also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, civil and social status, language, religion, national or social origin, culture and ethnicity, property, birth or age, disability and health status, creed and ideological beliefs, and physical appearance.
The ADO now goes to the desk of Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for signing.
As the sixth most populous and third largest city by land area in the Philippines, Zamboanga has a population of 861,799 people (as of 2015). The ADO was pushed by local LGBTQIA organization, Mujer-LGBT Organization Inc.
MUJER-LGBT Organization: Confronting LGBT-related stigma and discrimination in Zamboanga
A proposed "Comprehensive (sic) Anti-Discrimination Act" is being considered in the House of Representatives (HOR), though the bill eliminates LGBTQIA people among those in need of protection. According to Rep. Geraldine Roman, by eliminating SOGIE in the CADB, it contradicts the very claim that it's CADB. "By eliminating us, you are discriminating against us."
A not-so-comprehensive anti-discrimination bill after all.
A proposed "Comprehensive (sic) Anti-Discrimination Act" is being considered in the House of Representatives (HOR), though the bill eliminates LGBTQIA people among those in need of protection.
In a virtual meeting of the technical working group of the Committee on Human Rights of HOR, Rep. Jesus Suntay presented "An act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender, language, disability, HIV status, educational attainment and other forms of discrimination".
"If you eliminate SOGIE, you can't call it 'Comprehensive ADB'. It's an oxymoron."
Rep. Geraldine Roman
Another proposed bill, the SOGIE Equality Bill, is getting criticized because it is supposed to be limited to a specific class of people – i.e. LGBTQIA people. And so there is a proposal for it to be included, instead, in the more and supposedly comprehensive anti-discrimination bill (CADB).
Those opposing SOGIE Equality Bill claim to be 'pro-human rights'… but not for LGBTQIA people
According to Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., himself a pastor cum politician: "We are trying to avoid approving any bill that would be classified as class legislation… This is why it is CADB."
Abante – nonetheless – believes in the inclusion of sexual orientation in the CADB, just not gender identity and expression.
However, the move to exclude "discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression" from the CADB is a win for anti-LGBTQIA people by eliminating SOGIE Equality Bill and then excluding LGBTQIA people from the CADB.
According to Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender congressperson in the Philippines: "If you eliminate SOGIE, you can't call it 'Comprehensive ADB'. It's an oxymoron."
The proposed bill also removes SOGIE in Sec. 2: Declaration of Policy, and in the definition of terms.
Defending the erasure of SOGIE in the bill he presented, Suntay said that there are already 15 SOGIE-related bills filed with the Committee on Women. For him, if SOGIE is also included in the CADB, it "may be deemed also as SOGIE Equality Bill."
But Roman does not agree with this.
That argument, she said, "is totally irrelevant… By eliminating SOGIE (in the CADB), it contradicts the very claim that it's CADB. By eliminating us, you are discriminating against us."
Roman added: "We have to be brave enough and recognize that there is discrimination happening against people like me who has a gender identity that is considered as different from what's considered as conventional."
Suntay noted that an anti-discrimination bill has been passed since the 13th Congress; and he hopes to eventually "steer this to success", apparently even with LGBTQIA exclusion.
WRITE TO, OR CONTACT THE OFFICE OF REP. JESUS SUNTAY. INFORM HIM OF THE NEED TO KEEP SOGIE IN THE COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BILL.
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/congsuntay/
Email provided in FB: congressmansuntay@gmail.com
Mobile no.: 09190847873
Parties opposing the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill frame themselves – and their arguments – as "for equality" and "for human rights for all", but stress all the same that they do not support granting LGBTQIA people human rights.
Different parties opposing the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill frame themselves – and their arguments – as "for equality" and "for human rights for all", but stress all the same that they do not support granting LGBTQIA people human rights because any anti-discrimination law will grant LGBTQIA people "special rights".
This – along with the imposition of religious beliefs – was repeatedly stressed during the August 28 virtual hearing on the SOGIE Equality Bill of the Committee on Women & Gender Equality of the House of Representatives.
SOGIE Equality Bill filed anew in 18th Congress
Rep. Benny Abante of Manila's 6th district, for one, stated that "the LGBTI are human beings like all of us… I might not agree with their lifestyle (sic), but I will defend their rights to express themselves."
But while he stated that "nobody in this country is a second-class citizen," he reiterated his "refusal to be included as a co-author (of the SOGIE Equality Bill) does not speak of opposition" to it. Instead, it is to uphold what's in the bible.
Abante also misgendered Rep. Geraldine Roman of Bataan's First District, referring to the first transgender woman to win a seat in Congress as "congressman" and using the male pronoun "him". Roman is a co-chair of the Committee on Women & Gender Equality.
Abante's position was similar to many others who spoke at the virtual hearing.
Stanley Clyde Flores of Jesus is Lord (JIL) religious group stated: "Hindi kami bulag sa katotohanan na maraming miyembro (ng LGBTQIA community) ang nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon." But JIL does not support the SOGIE Equality Bill because "it rids others of their rights."
In fact, JIL believes that "God gave gender", and the fringe religious group believes that members of the LGBTQIA community who want to "welcome God and change their gender" should do so.
JIL's anti-LGBTQIA position was established by its founder turned politician, Rep. Eddie Villanueva, his position itself a slight on the concept of the separation of Church and State.
Jesus Is Lord Church founder cum politician claims SOGIE Equality Bill will only promote 'special' rights
Presbyterian Sec. Gen. Nelson Dangan similarly stated the church's supposed support for non-discrimination. But Dangan stressed that the anti-discrimination bill "supports approval of homosexual behavior", assaults the truth of Biblical sexuality, does not focus on procreation as human's key reason for existence, and is "anti-God because God opposes homosexuality."
Dangan also refuted the existence of intersex people because the word does not exist in his bible.
"Philippines will be like Sodom and Gomorrah if we pass (this bill)," he said, also insinuating that Covid-19 is a wrath of God and that passing a law for the human rights of LGBTQIA people will further anger this God. "We respect all people created by God… but we oppose this bill… because we violate the will of God and invite the wrath of God."
GOD'S NAME IN VAIN?
Bishop Leo Alconga, the national president of the Philippines For Jesus Movement, similarly stated that they stand "against any form of discrimination", but that God does not agree with this, quoting an antiquated Catholic perspective that homosexuality is "an act of great depravity".
Alconga similarly linked the SOGIE Equality Bill with marriage equality, which is not at all part of the bill.
For Bro. Ramon Orosa of Philippines For Jesus Movement, one of the most notorious sins in the scripture is homosexuality and lesbianism. And for him, "the question is not whether they exist, but not giving in to them." Using the punitive Old Testament God, he said that "God is not tolerant of any sin."
Orosa also said that "this is being imposed on everybody else" and that "we will be discriminated upon if we disagree."
For Iglesia ni Cristo's Edwil Zabala, everyone is entitled to all human rights. But for him, SOGIE is "not a fundamental right" and does not even exist. Like the others, he said that laws should not be made to favor select/special beneficiaries.
HATE FROM GOV'T BODIES?
But church people were not the only parties opposing the SOGIE Equality Bill.
From the side of the government, for instance, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. RJ Echiverri echoed the right-wing religious perspective. After claiming he, too, is against discrimination and the provision of equal opportunity for everybody, he questioned if the proposed law will give special rights to others.
Echiverri also had issues with trans women joining competitions for those assigned female at birth; as well as the "blurring of identities".
Meanwhile, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) resource person stated that while AFP – as a government institution – does not discriminate, it also "does not support protection of special groups at the expense of others."
HATE HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR THE LAW
But other parties also expressed their support for the passage of a law that has been pending in Congress for 20 years now.
Philippine National Police (PNP) head of PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), Colonel Alessandro Abella, for instance said that they support upholding the rights of all people irrespective of SOGIESC. However, the PNP position that Abella read at the hearing, which is contrary to AFP's, has yet to be officially vetted by his higher ups.
Still, he said, PNP is lobbying to rename WCPC to "Women, Children and Gender Rights Protection" as it's more generic and will cover all forms of gender-based violence.
PNP's recruitment process at present is already SOGIESC-sensitive, focusing on "merit and fitness", he said, so "PNP supports this."
Clarifications given on SOGIE Equality Bill; focus on 'facts over fake news' pushed
Other government officials who also expressed support were Esmeralda Amora-Ladra from Commission on Elections; Sandy Montano of the Philippine Commission on Women; Elizabeth Angsioco of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; and Paul Moreno of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
For Prof. Evelyn "Leo" Batad of UP GLLP, this is a long overdue law that "recognizes the long-standing struggle of people due to their SOGIESC."
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, in fact, stipulates the value the dignity of all human persons. But the country does not have executory laws for this; and so "a legislation providing for the protection of people with diverse SOGIESC is overdue."
Batad added that "religion is not meant to support specific beliefs", and that "morality referred to in law is public and secular, not religious." The Supreme Court already stated that if the government relies on religious beliefs in the making of laws, then this will require conformity in particular religious programs and the concept of morality of those managing them. This – by itself – becomes an imposition, which violates the very concept of freedom of religious affiliation by making some more dominant than others.
"We cannot impose religious beliefs on others," Batad said. "Religious belief is distinct from what is spiritual."
LGBTQIA PEOPLE EXIST
Rep. Roman, for her part, said that "you cannot treat the Bible like a science book." For instance, the intersex condition is a biological fact; so citing the bible to question the existence of intersex bible is erroneous.
"As St. Agustine said: If you want to convince other people, you cannot ignore empirical data," she said.
Roman helped push the SOGIE Equality Bill's passage in 2017, when the bill got the nod of 198 congresspeople, with none opposing it.
SOGIE Equality Bill passes House of Representatives
"Despite the promise of equality, vulnerable groups are still discriminated," said Rainbow Rights Project Inc.'s Atty. Jazz Tamayo. "Must we undergo discrimination before we (are able to) access the law? The State needs to (deal with) this."
For her part, Lagablab Network's Atty. Claire de Leon said that "discrimination still persists", with LGBTQIA students refused entry to schools, LGBTQIA people excluded from social support, and the prevalence of workplace discrimination due to people's SOGIESC, among others. "LGBTQIA people remain vulnerable," and this ought to push for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill that has been wallowing "for over 20 years now."
Health & Wellness9 hours ago
NEWSMAKERS9 hours ago


text:
Q: to deal with matters related with insurance a. We have an accountant in our company to deal with matters related to insurance.
b. In our company, we have an accountant to deal with matters related to insurance.
c. We have an accountant to deal with matters related to insurance in our company.
==========================================
Do any of these imply that we have only one accountant in our company?
Do any of them imply that the accountant in question only deals with matters related to insurance?
Could that accountant handle all our accounting work and deal with matters related to insurance?
Many thanks.

A: I'd rather say
We have an accountant in our company who deals with insurance issues/matters

*

*which could be one or many accountants

*it doesn't imply that the accountant in question only deals with insurance issues/matters

which then answers your questions:
Do any of these imply that we have only one accountant in our company?
NO
Do any of them imply that the accountant in question only deals with matters related to insurance?
NO
Could that accountant handle all our accounting work and deal with matters related to insurance?
MAYBE - if the accountant is qualified to do so

A: a. We have an accountant in our company to deal with matters related to insurance.
b. In our company, we have an accountant to deal with matters related to insurance.
These both suggests s/he deals only with matters related to insurance. They might suggest you have only one accountant.
c. We have an accountant to deal with matters related to insurance in our company.
This says s/he deals only with matters related to insurance. You may have other accountants. Perhaps more importantly, the words "insurance in our company" might be understood as "insurance within our company". If the insurance concerns other companies or individuals, c is misleading.
To make it clear that you have more than one accountant, you could say:
d. Matters related to insurance are dealt with by one of our accountants.
or:
e. Insurance matters are dealt with by one of our company accountants.
Btw, you might consider saying, "...one of our in-house accountants."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Okay, the title of this piece is a bit of a joke—Rob Schwalb needs no introduction. He's been working full time in the RPG field for more than 12 years, designing and developing almost two hundred gaming books for companies like Wizards of the Coast, Green Ronin Publishing, Black Industries, Fantasy Flight Games, and more. Some of his best-known titles include the Dark Sun Campaign Setting, Player's Handbook 3, A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying, Grimm, and Tome of Corruption. Rob was one of the principle designers of the new, upcoming edition of Dungeons & Dragons (a project he worked on with MCG's Bruce Cordell and well, me).
We're ecstatic to have Rob on board for products such as Sir Arthour's Guide to the Numenera, The Strange Bestiary, and the Ninth World Guidebook. But Rob's first contributions to MCG were in the just-released Numenera Character Options book, and so to celebrate that book's release, Rob wrote a brand new Glimmer–an adventure he calls Beyond All Worlds.
Some of my personal favorites from Rob over the years have included the really dark stuff from Green Ronin like the Book of Fiends or from Wizards like Exemplars of Evil and Elder Evils… not to mention the 4E Book of Vile Darkness, which gives Rob and I an additional connection, as I wrote the 3E version of that book and thus we both apparently got mentioned in the credits of the D&D film of the same name (or so I'm told–I still haven't seen it).
So the fact that Beyond All Worlds is dark and gruesome in the Rob Schwalb tradition makes me very happy. It's a weird and grim adventure, but one that is very true to Numenera and includes a great many strange discoveries, new challenges, and brand new creatures that you can use in your game.
Most of all, though, I'm just happy to have Rob in our corner as a freelance designer. He does great work, and he's a great friend.
Numenera on Bundle of Holding!
Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You: The Strange!


Mulled Wine is the loveliest Christmastime drink. Red wine is steeped on the stove with sugar, fruits and spices reminiscent of the holidays. Served warm, its spiced flavors fill every sip as well as your entire home.
Every year when I come home for Christmas, my mom makes a big pot of mulled wine. It's our little tradition.
A bold red wine steeped with sugar, fruits and spices makes the house smell warm and welcoming. One mugful and I know I'm home for the holidays.
I asked my mom if I could share her mulled wine recipe with you, because I really think everyone should enjoy it this holiday. To make mulled wine, you'll start with a bottle of a full-bodied red wine, like a cabernet or merlot.
If you're making a lot, you might buy two or three bottles, depending on how many guests you will have. One 750-ml bottle of wine has about six glasses in it.
Most guests will drink two glasses of wine per hour. Math is not my forté, but I suggest you do some before you make mulled wine, and perhaps double, triple or quadruple the recipe! How awful would it be to run out?!
The alcohol in this mulled wine will mostly cook out as you simmer the wine, so it won't be as potent as a regular glass of wine. The longer you cook it, the less alcohol there will be.
Regardless, it will keep its distinct wine flavor, coupled with the flavors you steep in it. In this recipe, we use brown sugar, orange juice and lemon juice, plus cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
My mom always sticks cloves into the skin of a whole orange for added flavor. Plus, it's just plain pretty.
Wash and dry the oranges. Slice one of the oranges into 1/4-inch slices. Into the rind of the second orange, insert the cloves 1 inch apart. Do this until the orange is evenly covered in cloves.
In a large pot over medium heat, stir together wine, sugar, water and juices. Add the clove-studded orange, half of the orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. Do not boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat.
When ready to serve, warm on low heat. Serve in mugs or insulated glasses. Garnish with an orange wedge and/or a cinnamon stick. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Hi Susannah – Thank you for sharing your Red Wine 101 guide. Super useful! Happy Holidays!
You're welcome, Jeff! So glad you enjoyed that!
Homemade mulled wine is the best. Nothing beats cosying up with a hot cup of freshly made mulled wine. Your mother's recipe is very similar to how I make it, I just use more water and less orange juice. I will try it your way next time, great!
Totally agree, Kristina! I'll have to try your way too!


As my first project at Full Fat I was responsible for all the characters including running back Marshawn Lynch.
Some parts of the model were modified from a base sculpt done by the talented Paul Foster, so some of his accessories might still be part of the original sculpt.
Exhilarating gameplay and ultra-realistic action, starring NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, in a larger-than-life football arcade game with over the top special effects and stunning console quality graphics.


In patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer higher likelihoods of complete response or down-staging associated with a chemotherapeutic combination called ddMVAC. The results, are published online by JAMA Oncology.
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 81,000 people diagnosed annually.
Treatment guidelines from a number of organizations including the American Urological Association recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) as standard treatment for MIBC. Yet the adoption of these guidelines in practice has been modest. Clinicians may choose among several chemotherapy regimens with varying associated toxicities. However to date, few studies exist comparing cancer control and survival outcomes for these NAC regimens.
A team of Moffitt researchers led by Scott Gilbert, M.D., M.S., associate member of both the Genitourinary Oncology and Health Outcomes & Behavior Programs, analyzed records of 1,113 Moffitt patients who underwent cystectomies for bladder cancer from 2007 to 2017. A cohort of 824 patients had been diagnosed with invasive or advanced cancers, of whom 332 received chemotherapy prior to surgery. Most (204) received combined gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC), the standard NAC for bladder cancer. A total of 46 patients received methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin delivered on a dose-dense accelerated schedule (ddMVAC). The remainder received other agents and/or combinations.
"We observed a complete response rate of 41 percent for patients who received just over 3 cycles of ddMVAC on average," said Gilbert. "This was significantly higher than the rate of 25 percent for those who received the standard GC therapy. Patients treated with ddMVAC also had higher survival rates than those treated with other regimens, although those findings did not reach statistical significance. Larger comparative studies are needed to definitively answer questions regarding survival."
The team's analysis also indicated that another common NAC regimen, gemcitabine and carboplatin, appears essentially ineffective, with predictors of complete pathological response no different than those achieved with surgical bladder removal alone.
Simple blood test can help identify bladder cancer patients who may not benefit from immunotherapy.


Mixologist "Dr. Joey" Gottesman at work on cocktails for the Azure "Beggars Banquet" cocktail dinner, Feb. 23, Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
It's the kitchen teaming up with the "liquid kitchen" at the bar.
Azure chef Jon Matsubara and master mixologist "Dr. Joey" Gottesman are at work on a cocktail pairing dinner, inspired by the Rolling Stones and titled "Beggars Banquet," Feb. 23, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, $99.
"Give Jon a creative theme like this and he'll come up with some pretty great food," says Gottesman. "Then the pressure's on me, to work with the thousands of ingredients possible in a cocktail to get the right flavors, finishes and mouth feel to match the dish."
For the first course, "Start Me Up," Matsubara is roasting Kona lobster with Hamakua Springs tomato, tarragon and fresh Mozzarella. Gottesman came up with a Sage and Honey cocktail (those are accents only, he says). The heart of the cocktail combines the acidity of lemon juice and the botanicals of Bombay Sapphire.
The comes "Casino Boogie" from Exile on Main Street, that is, Matsubara's oysters casino. This dish is so rich with smoked pork belly, sake braised spinach, and béarnaise sauce, that Gottesman came up with a lighter drink of sochu and chili-peppered yuzu, with accents of shiso leaves he picks out of his garden.
Matsubara pulled out all the stops for his main course. He was inspired by "Little Red Rooster" from The Rolling Stones Now and "Get Off of My Cloud" from December's Children. He's turned that inspiration into a dish he's already master of, coq au vin, chicken with foie gras, red wine and brandy. He supplements it with a "cloud" of Yukon gold potatoes with Italian black truffle.
"That dish is so intense, I don't mess with it," says Gottesman. "I just try to come up with something that will stand up to it." He's flash infusing Gentleman Jack bourbon with Fuji apples smoked over kiawe fire. He combines the infused bourbon with sweet vermouth and bitters, and finishes the drink with a puff of smoke garnish—a technique he stole from Matsubara in the first place.
Matsubara serves his kiawe-grilled ribs in Azure in a glass bell. Lift it and you get a puff of smoke he's introduced with his tiny kitchen smoke gun. "Joey kept borrowing my smoke gun, so I finally told him to get one of his own. Of course, I ended up paying for it," says Matsubara.
Matsubara has yet to tell Gottesman what his "Sticky Fingers" dessert will be. "I'll probably have to come up with something on the spot," says Gottesman. "Iron Chef style. I love doing that."
Told Gottesman I was disappointed that they weren't doing a course called "Let It Bleed." Beef tartar maybe, with a Bloody Mary. "Done," said Gottesman. "Tell you what, when the guests arrive, I'll present them with a "Let It Bleed" Bloody Mary shooter."
The Rolling Stones (pictured here in the promo poster from English photographer Michael Josephs' legendary 1968 "Beggars Banquet" shoot) won't be attending, of course. But one hopes they will be there in spirit(s).


text:
/*
 * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 * You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
 * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 * limitations under the License.
 */
package com.byktol.jcr.qb.criteria.builder.impl;

import com.byktol.jcr.qb.criteria.Order;
import com.byktol.jcr.qb.criteria.Restrictions;

/**
 * This can class be considered the builder in the builder design pattern. There
 * are two ways of implementing this design pattern: first by making the
 * component classes build themselves, and second by creating a builder that
 * knows how to build every component classes. I've chosen the latter as a way
 * to keep the builder code closer together instead of the former, were I'd have
 * to change the source code of each and every component class. So, for example,
 * if you want to add a JCR-SQL query builder, you'll have to inherit this class
 * and implement the (abstract) builder methods.
 *
 * @author Victor Alvarez
 */
public abstract class AbstractBuilder
{

  /**
   * Builds the query based on {@link Restrictions} and {@link Order}.
   *
   * @return the query built for the specific implementation
   */
  public abstract String buildQuery();

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This is the thickest, clearest, water-based fluid available. Aqua Gel can be styled into rivulets and drops. It applies easily to beverage containers to give a natural, refreshing look. Aqua Gel is also easily dyed with food dyes. Consistency is similar to maple syrup, but thicker.


text:
Marouane Fellaini Signing For Manchester United Was The Beginning Of Their Problems
Ryan Sidle
Published 13:13, 02 September 2019 BST
| Last updated 14:49, 02 September 2019 BST
Happy Anniversary Manchester United fans. Six years ago today the club signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton, in ia move that signified the beginning of the downward spiral that they're still fighting against.
In May 2013 Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager of United and was replaced soon after by David Moyes. Since then it's pretty much been all downhill for the Red Devils, with some out of place highlights, but the signing of Fellaini is where things really started to go badly.
Whilst you could argue the Moyes decision made things bad in the first place it really was the signing of Fellaini from Everton that was the moment that should be pointed to before everything unravelled.
Since 2013 United have failed to win the league, having won the title in Fergie's last year, and the closest they've come is being second by 19 points to Manchester City in the 2017/18 season.
Four times in the last six years the Red Devils have failed to finish in the Premier League's top four, having never previously finished lower than third, and little so far this season suggests they'll be in the Champions League places in May.
And there's been countless millions wasted on players, including the likes of Angel di Maria and Alexis Sanchez who's form fell off a cliff after signing.
Moyes' tenure lasted less than a year, but his contract only 'expired' in July. Image: PA Images
The summer Fergie left the club lost David Gill as their chief transfer negotiator and replaced him with Ed Woodward and the transfer window didn't reap the rewards fans, or Moyes, would have been hoping for.
As well as missing out on Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, the club made a midfielder a top priority and went after Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, Thiago Alcantara and Ander Herrera, whilst the new manager also hoped to be reunited with Fellaini at Old Trafford.
The Everton player was available for £23.5 million at the beginning of the summer thanks to a release clause in his contract but as United tried to negotiate deal for other targets the clause expired.
Instead the then Premier League champions had to pay £27.5 million on Fellaini on deadline day, whilst they also failed to sign Leighton Baines in a double swoop, and the Belgian became their only signing of the summer.
The moment it all went wrong. Image: PA Images
Further embarrassment came on the same day as Fellaini's move with three lawyers turning up at the offices of the Spanish league claiming to represent United and were there to complete a deal for Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.
The club claimed that they had no knowledge of the men involved and that they had no intention of paying the full £30.4 million for the midfielder, despite already missing out on Fabregas, Thiago and Kroos, with the latter two moving to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Herrera would join the next summer but the Red Devils, despite signing Paul Pogba in 2016, have yet to fix midfield issues that have plagued them since before Fergie's retirement.
Fellaini's best position was arguably never in central midfield and was as a number 10 there to win headers but it was never the United way to launch long balls at a forward.
Ander Herrera #mufc have ditched those "fake lawyers" and getting the deal done themselves this time. Wonder what Moyes is thinking?
- Warren Haughton (@WarrenHaughton) June 24, 2014
In the intervening years between Fellaini signing and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team failing to beat Southampton the midfielder was often solid, and sometimes even the hero for United, but he was a beacon of everything wrong with the team.
A decent player but not of the level that United had been used to and unable to get rid of him or replace him with better quality, the former Standard Liege player stayed at Old Trafford until February when he left for Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.
Before his move to the Far east the 31-year-old got just two league assists in 119 appearances, a figure he's already matched in China, for United whilst his goal scoring record isn't much better, bagging 12 times.
Solskjaer has finally started getting rid of the deadwood in the squad, which has included Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian, but ironically the failure to bring in a midfielder this summer means the squad would be stronger with Fellaini right now.
Fellaini on the bench with Paul Pogba in Jose Mourinho's last game in charge. Image: PA Images
There was a scene at the end of series two of BBC comedy League of Gentleman where Benjamin Denton finally escapes his uncle and aunties house and comes across the 'Local Shop' and he blames his demise at the door of the shop.
Of course it went wrong before he landed at the 'local shop' and the shop itself had issues before he arrived but also epitomises where everything unravelled for him and he ended up a hostage.
That's Fellaini for United, he isn't at fault for all the ills and some issues existed before he signed for the Red Devils but he symbolises everything that has become wrong with a team that used to win everything.
Happy Anniversary everyone!
Topics: Paul Pogba, Football News, ed woodward, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini, Premier League, Everton, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David Moyes
Man United vs Liverpool: How the last five United managers got on in their first clash with the Reds
Paul Pogba revealed a photograph sent by Jose Mourinho was the beginning of the end of their relationship
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'has re-watched all 168 games he was in charge of Man United for'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer And Daughter Karna Become The First Father And Daughter Duo To Play For Manchester United

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Ricardo Morán may refer to:
Ricardo Morán (actor) (1941–2015), Argentine actor
Ricardo Morán (director) (born 1974), Peruvian director

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Track PremiereVideo Premiere
Sara Noelle shares new single / video, "Blooming Yucca"
By Force FieldAugust 31, 2022No Comments
Produced by Dan Duszynski of Loma
VIDEO: "Blooming Yucca" –
YouTube / Streaming Services
"I wrote this song after a long desert drive in the summer — where the temperature and the endless road almost warps your perception of the landscape and of your own mind — the sky changes sometimes rapidly from dust clouds in the distance to bright sun to heavy rain. The one constant were the hundreds of yuccas, many in bloom, that lined the road, seen as dots in the expanse past my window."
Sara Noelle's latest single, "Blooming Yucca," is a surrealistic on-the-road song that winds its way through the dusty Southwest. The song was produced by Dan Duszynski in Dripping Springs, Texas. The animated, psychedelic "Blooming Yucca" video was created by Kelsey Boncato. Noelle, a singer-songwriter who creates indie folk and ambient-inspired music, is readying her third full-length LP, recorded and produced by Duszynski.
Her 2020 LP, Cover the Blue, featuring "Clouds" and "Run Sun Run," was written at the piano and envisioned as a wandering hike between the haze of uncertainty and clarity. Noelle's 2016 debut album, Morning Moon, plots an introspective drive up the Pacific coast, and fits somewhere between Alternative and New Age.
Her annual holiday originals have drawn notice, including "Like Snow (Slowly Falling)" and "Christmas at Sea," which was named by the A.V. Club as part of its "Best New Holiday Music in 2020." She also edits the literary journal Lyrics as Poetry, which is planning its fourth print edition in 2022.
Sara Noelle
"Blooming Yucca"
(Self-Released)
Street Date: Aug. 29, 2022
SARA NOELLE LINKS:


The number of browsing of music video of BTS' DOPE exceeded 300 million view. The music video of BTS' mini album 'Young Forever pt.1' tracked 'DOPE' exceeded 300 million clicks on April 29th.
This is the click count of the 'DOPE' music video posted on 1 theK's YouTube account. If comparing with the number of music video inquiries of the Big Hit Entertainment's Official YouTube account, it corresponds to a record of more than 300,070,000 records. With BTS' 'DNA' and 'FIRE', BTS holds three of 300 million view music videos for the first time of the k pop group.
'DOPE' was made with intense electronic hip-hop sound. This song incorporates autobiographical content of BTS members who are struggling to music regardless of day and night.
In addition to three 300 million view music videos, BTS has more than 100 million viewing music videos including 'Blood Sweat & Tears', 'Not Today', 'Save ME', 'MIC Drop' remix, 'Boy In Luv', 'Spring Day', 'Danger', 'I NEED U', 'War of Hormone', etc.
BTS will release the regular 3 LOVE YOURSELF 轉 'Tear' next month. On May 20th, BTS will perform comeback performance for the first time at '2018, Billboard Music Awards' held in Las Vegas, USA.


to introduce ourselves and our tree services.
the greater Portland metropolitan, and surrounding, areas.
City Wide Tree Service covers the greater Portland Metro area, as well as Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal.
City Wide Tree Service, Inc.
We are growing, and we are seeking hardworking, dependable, and experienced individuals to perform pruning of large mature trees and complicated removals. Requirements include 2-3 years of climbing, pruning, and removal work. Arborist certification and CDL License are favored. Pay depends on experience and credentials. Great working conditions with year-round work. If interested please call 503-653-6873.


text:
package net.imagej.ops.stats.median;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.Iterator;
import java.util.List;

import net.imagej.ops.AbstractComputerOp;
import net.imagej.ops.Ops;
import net.imglib2.type.numeric.RealType;

import org.scijava.Priority;
import org.scijava.plugin.Plugin;

@Plugin(type = Ops.Stats.Median.class, name = Ops.Stats.Median.NAME,
	priority = Priority.LOW_PRIORITY)
public class MedianRealType<T extends RealType<T>> extends
	AbstractComputerOp<Iterable<T>, T> implements MedianOp<Iterable<T>, T>
{

	@Override
	public void compute(final Iterable<T> input, final T output) {
		final ArrayList<Double> statistics = new ArrayList<Double>();

		final Iterator<T> it = input.iterator();
		while (it.hasNext()) {
			statistics.add(it.next().getRealDouble());
		}

		output.setReal(select(statistics, 0, statistics.size() - 1, statistics
			.size() / 2));
	}

	/**
	 * Returns the value of the kth lowest element. Do note that for nth lowest
	 * element, k = n - 1.
	 */
	private double select(final ArrayList<Double> array, int left, int right,
		final int k)
	{

		while (true) {

			if (right <= left + 1) {

				if (right == left + 1 && array.get(right) < array.get(left)) {
					swap(array, left, right);
				}

				return array.get(k);

			}
			final int middle = (left + right) >>> 1;
			swap(array, middle, left + 1);

			if (array.get(left) > array.get(right)) {
				swap(array, left, right);
			}

			if (array.get(left + 1) > array.get(right)) {
				swap(array, left + 1, right);
			}

			if (array.get(left) > array.get(left + 1)) {
				swap(array, left, left + 1);
			}

			int i = left + 1;
			int j = right;
			final double pivot = array.get(left + 1);

			while (true) {
				do
					++i;
				while (array.get(i) < pivot);
				do
					--j;
				while (array.get(j) > pivot);

				if (j < i) {
					break;
				}

				swap(array, i, j);
			}

			array.set(left + 1, array.get(j));
			array.set(j, pivot);

			if (j >= k) {
				right = j - 1;
			}

			if (j <= k) {
				left = i;
			}
		}
	}

	/** Helper method for swapping array entries */
	private void swap(final List<Double> array, final int a, final int b) {
		final double temp = array.get(a);
		array.set(a, array.get(b));
		array.set(b, temp);
	}
}


text:
PNC.com
- Text here -
Strategic Market Insights
PNC's advisory and specialty businesses offer valuable insights and perspective on this quarter's market trends.
3Q 2020 Trends & Outlook
M&A Market Executive Summary
During recent economic disruptions, M&A volume had already started to decrease in advance of the downturn, driven in part by late-cycle market dynamics — yet it recovered quickly when economic conditions improved (see figure below).
Real GDP Growth vs. No. of U.S. M&A Transactions
Sources: Refinitiv, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, WallStreet Research / View Accessible Version of this chart.
The small and mid-sized end of the M&A market has generally shown lower volatility during economic disruptions than the mega-deal segment.
Between 2008 and 2009, closed transactions tended to involve large corporate buyers and readily attained synergies, buyers able to adjust financial structures, highly targeted sales processes, and smaller deals involving founder-owned businesses, tuck-ins and spin-offs.
Generally speaking, deals that closed in 2010 tended to involve private equity-to-private equity sales of well-run businesses, assets key to the core goals of large corporate buyers, family businesses seeking exit, companies successful at predictable growth, and thinly traded small and mid-cap public companies. We expect similar trends and patterns to occur during the recovery from the current recession.
For more details, please review Looking Back to Go Forward: What Past Economic Cycles Can Teach Us About M&A in 2020 and Beyond.
Read More Insights from Harris Williams »
Explore Recent Transactions »
IPO & Follow-On Executive Summary
The S&P 500 dropped 33% in 1Q in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, this was followed by a sharp 40% 2Q rise, marking the biggest quarterly gain since 1998 and the largest 100-day rally since 1933 (though still leaving the market down 4% YTD). The rapid recovery from the March bottom was largely driven by unprecedented Fed liquidity measures and hopes of an economic rebound.
Indexed Market Performance Amidst Recent Notable Dislocations
View Accessible Version of this chart.
In the face of COVID-19, 2Q witnessed a market re-opening characterized by creativity, large scale capital raises and the eventual re-emergence of monetizations and strong IPO activity. Equity issuance commenced in early April led by convertible offerings and marketed follow-ons for companies in need of capital, followed by issuance of secondary shares and then the return of strong IPO activity in June, resulting in an astounding +88% year-over-year increase in overall equity proceeds.
Select sectors have shown signs of optimism about the opportunities that lie on the other side of COVID-19, but a great deal of volatility is expected as long as COVID-19's duration and impact remain unknown and corporate earnings visibility is lacking. Institutional investors have been anxious to consider new businesses in this environment, but are quick to expose any weaknesses in the business model given an uncertain outlook.
Traditional ECM playbooks have evolved in light of recent events with analyst days and roadshows moving entirely to a virtual setting along with condensed marketing processes and an increasing import on "testing the waters" activities. The first wave of IPOs to come to market have been hand-selected and have found terrific success. As a more diverse set of companies attempt to come to the IPO market, it is not yet clear whether the innovative tactics that were well-suited for the initial group of IPO issuers will be as effective as the universe of issuers begins to expand.
View Accessible Version of this graphic.
The second half of the 2020 calendar is likely to get crowded with the upcoming presidential election, which may add a layer of volatility and uncertainty as election-year rhetoric contributes to investor angst leading into the November election.
Annual IPO and Follow-On Issuance
Sources: Dealogic and Factset / View Accessible Version of this chart.
Debt Capital Markets Executive Summary
Investment Grade Loans: During the worst of the COVID-19 market disruption, loan spreads gapped out 50-75 bps from pre-COVID-19 levels of L+75-150, and tenors shrunk to within three years, over 90% of which were 364 day liquidity facilities. More recently, spreads have begun to tighten and are trending back to L+100-175; LIBOR floors continue to be a point of discussion; and while floors remain conventional in the market, the levels of the floors have reduced and certain deals have cleared at 0%. Upfront fees are at a premium, particularly on 5 year deals, currently ranging from 3-7 bps per year of tenor.
Borrowers Looked to Banks for Liquidity: COVID-19-Related Liquidity Financings
Investment Grade Bonds: Despite record first half volume of $1.2 trillion (~107% of all 2019), market conditions remain favorable for issuers heading into the second half of the year. Although most issuers have fulfilled their current financing needs, we expect borrowers to opportunistically tap the market to manage upcoming maturities given the attractive all-in yield environment and continued support from the Fed. Deal execution has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels with negligible new-issue concessions and strong order book subscriptions.
Record Bond Volume: IG Volume in 1H20 Surpassed 2019 Total
Middle Market: Market receptivity is open and growing, driven by banks' declining loan balances and an anemic supply of new deal opportunities. The key focus for banks continues to be returns, and the second half of the year will see lenders scrutinizing ancillary business in parallel with capital commitments. Lenders are trying to hold onto LIBOR floors when possible, which range from 0 to 50-75 bps on a case-by-case basis, down from as much as 100 bps.
Asset-Based Lending: The asset-based loan market continues to be an attractive source of capital during the COVID-19 pandemic for companies that are looking for structural flexibility, specifically as it relates to potential leverage covenant concerns in existing cash flow facilities. Spreads widened 50-75 bps from pre-COVID-19 levels but seem to have settled in at that range. LIBOR floors of 50 bps are the norm. While deal flow from M&A and refinances are down, investor demand is robust, and a number of borrowers in the retail industry launched transactions.
Leveraged Pro Rata: For Revolver / Term Loan A facilities, new deals are 100-150 bps wide of pre-COVID-19 levels of L+150-250 and have limited deal flow. Opportunistic refinances at competitive pricing are still off the table at present. Maturity-extension transactions may see an upfront fee with no or modest change to the pricing grid. However, a brand new deal may have to price higher depending on the construct of the bank group, particularly if new relationship banks will be needed to complete the syndication.
Institutional Loans / High Yield: The Leveraged Loan Index saw TLBs trade at ~76% of par at the March low before recovering to approximately ~90% of par in June. While the risk of further fundamental, default, credit downgrade and pandemic disruptions weigh on investors' minds, loan market technicals actually lean bullish: The new-issue forward calendar sits at less than $20 billion versus $30 billion to $60 billion pre-COVID-19, limiting supply, and CLOs have begun to price new transactions, creating new buying demand. At the right spread and OID, even some double B and single B borrowers in harder-hit industries are able to raise capital. In high yield, after a hard sell-off in March, the Fed's significant and unprecedented support caused prices to rally and spreads to compress. June and May set the #1 and #2 monthly volume records of all-time. Looking forward, the market is re-opened to issuers.
Sources: PNC Capital Markets LLC, S&P Capital IQ LCD, Thomson Reuters Refinitiv, Informa Global Markets, Credit Flow Research
{"tabview":"tab2034","accordionview":""}
Harris Williams
Solebury Capital
PNC Debt Capital Markets
Harris Williams recently advised H.I.G. Capital's investment affiliate, H.I.G. Advantage, on its acquisition of Supply Source Enterprises, Inc. (SSE) from Genuine Parts Company. SSE is a leading manufacturer of branded and private label personal protective equipment and janitorial, safety, hygiene and sanitation products.
Harris Williams advised The Retina Group of Washington (RGW) on its transaction with PRISM Vision Group, a portfolio company of Quad-C. RGW is a leading provider of retinal and macular care in the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region and, as part of the PRISM network, will be the platform practice for building a vertically integrated eye care network in the region.
Harris Williams recently advised ATP, a premier global provider of information services and software solutions within the aviation industry, on its acquisition of Flightdocs. Flightdocs is a leading provider of aircraft maintenance tracking and inventory management solutions within business aviation.
Harris Williams advised Capital plc, a consulting, transformation and digital services business, on the sale of Eclipse Legal Systems (Eclipse) to The Access Group. Eclipse is a leading mid-market case, matter and practice management software provider operating primarily in the U.K. legal market.
IPO/Block Trade Advisory
In the first half of 2020, Solebury advised on a large and diverse set of transactions, totaling $30.6 billion in proceeds:
Through a weekend wall-cross and a two-day marketing campaign, Solebury Capital advised on the $14.4 billion follow-on of Blackrock (inclusive of a $1.1 billion repurchase), the largest follow-on offering since 2012. For context, over the last 20 years, this transaction represents the second largest 100% secondary follow-on, fourth largest follow-on and seventh largest equity offering.
Solebury Capital advised on the $1,075 million IPO for ZoomInfo, a go-to-market intelligence platform for sales and marketing teams, offering a cloud-based platform. The transaction represented the largest software IPO in the last decade and the second most highly valued software IPO in history.
Solebury Capital advised on the $656 million IPO for SelectQuote, a leading technology-enabled distribution platform that provides consumers with a convenient venue to shop for complex senior health, life and auto and home insurance policies. The transaction represented the first non-biotech IPO during the COVID-19 pandemic and went on to trade up 35% on the first day of trading and finished up 28% above offer 30 days post-IPO.
Read more about how Solebury has been at the forefront of reopening the markets post-COVID-19.
American Electric Power: PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC") acted as Administrative Agent and PNC Capital Markets LLC ("PNCCM") as Joint Lead Arranger on AEP's new $1 billion Term Loan used for general corporate purposes.
Wabtec: PNC acted as Administrative Agent and PNCCM as Joint Lead Arranger on Wabtec's $600 million of facilities, split between a $456 million 364-Day Term Loan and $144 million 364-Day Revolver utilized for general corporate purposes.
PPG: PNCCM served as Lead Left and PNC as Administrative Agent on PPG's $1.5 billion 364-Day Term Loan Facility primarily used for general corporate purposes.
Piedmont Natural Gas Co. & Duke Energy Ohio: PNCCM served as Global Coordinator and Active Bookrunner on two tranches of Duke Energy's $400 million issuance of first-mortgage bonds and Piedmont's $400 million issuance of senior unsecured notes for general corporate purposes.
Accessible Versions of the Charts
Values U.S. No. of M&A Transactions % Y/Y Change U.S. GDP % Y/Y Change
1999-Q4 -1.4% 4.8%
2002-Q4 -.2% 2.1%
2003-Q4 4.2% 4.3%
2007-Q4 0.8%
2008-Q4 -6.5% -2.7%
2020-Q4 -2.5%
Days Post-Peak Sept. 11 Attacks Iraq/SARS Financial Crisis COVID-19
5 0% -2% -3% -4%
10 -4% -4% -3% -15%
25 -5% -8% -11% -19%
50 -6% -12% -7% -11%
60 -6% -15% -10% -9%
65 -10% -17% -9% -6%
What is Working Well?
Virtual Marketing Meetings
Abbreviated Roadshow
Expanded Testing-the-Waters
Hybrid Block Bidding
Wall Crossing
Structured Private Placements
Cornerstone / Pre-IPO Investors
Number of IPOs per Year
Year Deals
Total Follow-On Proceeds Per Year ($bn)
Year Proceeds
2000 $169.1
2002 $71.6
Number of Follow-Ons per Year
Total IPO Proceeds per Year ($bn)
Volume Deal Count
Mar $81 48
Apr $126 111
May $61 87
Jun $14 14
Investment grade corporate bond volume YTD Total
2007 $372 $353 $726
2013 $495 $512 $1,006
YTD 2020 $1,167 $1,167
*Data as of June 30, 2020
1. Includes U.S. IPOs, follow-ons and block trades greater than $50mm since 2000. Excludes BDCs, SPACs, ADRs, MLPs, IDSes, CEFs and Chinese issuers.
2. Follow-ons include block trades and marketed offerings.
The materials or video that you are going to view were prepared for general information purposes only and are not intended as legal, tax or accounting advice or as recommendations to engage in any specific transaction, including with respect to any securities of PNC, and do not purport to be comprehensive. Under no circumstances should any information contained in those materials or video be used or considered as an offer or commitment, or a solicitation of an offer or commitment to participate in any particular transaction or strategy. Any reliance upon any such information is solely and exclusively at your own risk. Please consult your own counsel, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation. Any opinions expressed in those materials or videos are subject to change without notice.
PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ("PNC").


text:
Home / Collections / Country Style Rockery Running Waterfall Waterscape Ornament
Country Style Rockery Running Waterfall Waterscape Ornament
Information: The pastoral landscape fountain waterfall is a type of fountain that is designed to evoke a sense of peaceful, rural beauty. These fountains often feature cascading water and natural elements such as rocks and plants, creating a serene and harmonious environment. They are often used in gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces as a way to add visual interest and a sense of tranquility.
The fountain that typically consists of a series of artificial rock formations arranged to create a natural look. These elements help to create a sense of harmony and connection to the natural world, which can be especially appealing in an urban environment. The flow of the water also plays a key role in creating a sense of peace and relaxation, as the sound of the water cascading down the rocks can be soothing and calming.
When designing a pastoral landscape fountain waterfall, it is important to consider the size and scale of the fountain, as well as the materials that will be used to create it. It is also important to choose a location that is visible and accessible, as the fountain will be a central feature of the outdoor space. Proper maintenance of the fountain, including cleaning the rocks and water regularly and making any necessary repairs, is also important to ensure that the fountain remains in good condition.
Overall, a pastoral landscape fountain waterfall can be a beautiful and serene addition to any outdoor space. Whether used for its aesthetic value or practical purposes, these fountains can provide a sense of peace and tranquility in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Made In: Resin + Stone Powder.
Size: Length 158 cm, Wide 78 cm, Height 153 cm.
Weight: About 155 kg.


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Government House takes food from the yard to the table
Government House volunteers have created a garden at the back of the mansion – producing food for the lieutenant governor and his guests
Volunteer gardener Penny Tennenhouse delivers fresh vegetables to Christophe Letard
Standing in Government House's gleaming steel kitchen, volunteer Penny Tennenhouse holds up a handful of purple Japanese beets, grinning.
"The beets are the showgirls today," she says.
Tennenhouse laughs with chef Christophe Letard and volunteer Bill McKechnie as they admire the day's pickings from the property's new vegetable garden.
"We make enough to supply a lot of produce. If we were market gardening, we would make a few thousand a year," says McKechnie, who came up with the idea to grow food three years ago.
While planting began last year, this is the first season the garden has been in full production.
This is as local as it gets for Letard, who takes the best of the harvest for the dishes he makes for Lt.-Gov. Steven Point, his wife, Gwendolyn, and their guests.
He says since the Points have such hectic schedules, they want fresh, healthy food when they come home.
"I keep it simple. I'm going to give them nutritious meals to help them cope with whatever they're about to do," Letard says.
The garden can support small receptions of up to 25 people.
Letard still has to get many ingredients from other local growers, but McKechnie says they're developing a planting schedule to supply him with more produce at peak times like September, when Government House is bustling with visitors.
The remainder of the veggies go to the seven volunteers, who keep up the garden through donations.
Friends of Government House has been looking after the grounds since 1992, after Prince Charles visited the gardens and said they needed upkeep.
When McKechnie first started the garden, he was planting alone in a small concrete box. Last year, the Friends of Government House gave him a $500 startup grant and he has since been joined by seven volunteers.
In the main part of the garden grow winter vegetables and lettuce. Old brick structures house berries, artichokes, tomatoes and herbs.
McKechnie says Rideau Hall in Ottawa is the only other similar institution that has a garden.
"We're the envy of government houses across the country."
Local author up for Booker prize
Politicos call on feds for LRT cash


text:
The pope and the volcano
Every W'International student has his or her own special memory of their trip overseas. It could be something as simple as taking a long-haul flight for the first time or as mind-blowing as seeing Angkor Wat or the Taj Mahal.
For Altheia Poston Cross '87, meeting the pope was her signature W'International moment.
In 1983-84, Cross and her W'International group, led by their advisor, Dr. Robert Doak, visited Italy. Part of the experience was having "a special audience with the pope," John Paul II.
It wasn't quite as intimate as they expected.
"We thought it was going to be great," Doak says with a laugh. "There were about fifteen hundred people in there."
The pope made a speech – seven times, in as many different languages – and then slowly moved through the crowd, speaking with people who were crowding toward the ends of the aisles in hopes of have some interaction with him.
He spoke in Swahili to a group from Africa. Next to that group stood Cross, an African-American.
"He shook my hand and he started speaking in Swahili or something," Cross says. "I guess he thought I was African. I went, 'No. No. I speak English.' Somebody snapped a picture. My face was like, 'What is he talking about?'
"That was my highlight."
Tina Pagan Day '87 was in the same group. She remembers the visit to Vatican City – as well as a return visit for another speech by the pope – but says it was just one in a number of remarkable moments during that 10 days.
"Every single day that we were there, something amazing happened," she says. "It gives me chills right now thinking about it."
First of all, the group left later than most, on New Year's Eve, so they celebrated New Year's just after the plane took off and again in the air over international waters when the clock struck midnight.
Once in Rome, they visited Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town buried by the same Vesuvian outburst that doomed Pompeii. They also took a trip up Mount Vesuvius to see the culprit close-up.
"That was crazy – no guard rails, flying around the mountain," Day says. "That was exciting."
Day, who attended Catholic Church services until she was a teen, when she became a Baptist, was especially moved by the group's visits to Vatican City. A couple of days after their audience with the pope, a few group members returned to the Vatican for an Epiphany speech by John Paul II. For the first time in years, it was snowing in Rome.
"The whole Vatican Square was full of people," she says. "I couldn't understand a word he was saying, but I was just crying because it was so emotional and impactful."
Cross and other Bulldogs even met the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was in Europe on a humanitarian mission.
"It was just wonderful," she says. "It was a great experience. I tell everyone to go to Wingate and take advantage of W'international."


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