Yossarian...decided right then and there to go crazy.
"You're wasting your time," Doc Daneeka was forced to tell him.
"Can you ground someone who's crazy?"
"Oh, sure. I have to. There's a rule saying I have to ground anyone who's crazy."
"Then why don't you ground me? I'm crazy. Ask Clevinger."
"Clevinger? Where is Clevinger? You find Clevinger and I'll ask him."
"Then ask any of the others. They'll tell you how crazy I am."
"Then why don't you ground them?"
"Why don't they ask me to ground them?"
"Because they're crazy, that's why."
"Of course they're crazy," Doc Daneeka replied. "I just told you they're crazy, didn't I? And you can't let crazy people decide whether you're crazy or not, can you?"
Yossarian looked at him soberly and tried another approach. "Is Orr crazy?"
"He sure is," Doc Daneeka said.
"I sure can. But first he has to ask me to. That's part of the rule."
"Then why doesn't he ask you to?"
"Because he's crazy," Doc Daneeka said. "He has to be crazy to keep flying combat missions after all the close calls he's had. Sure, I can ground Orr. But first he has to ask me to."
"No. Then I can't ground him."
There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane then he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
When I first read this book at the age of 20, of course I found it hysterically funny. But a 20 year old foolishly believes that he has ultimate control over his destiny, and this delusion prevented me from understanding just how damned profound this book actually is. Now that I'm a world-weary, middle-aged cynic, I realize that there are Catch 22s at work around me all the time.
1) You have to keep consuming to keep the economy alive. But if you keep consuming you won't have any savings. If you have no savings, this will mean that you have no disposable income to spend. And, if you have no disposable income to spend, this will seriously hurt the economy.
2) Republicans and Democrats are both responsible for the mess we are in and both parties have sold out to special interests. We should, therefore, vote for politicians running on some other party line to break up the monopoly that these parties have on the political process. But, if you "waste" your vote on a third-party candidate, you are all but ensuring that a candidate you really hate--who by coincidence will either be a Republican or a Democrat--is certain to get elected.
3) It is wrong for the Chinese to adopt a way of life that will cause harm to the planet. But the Chinese are simply adopting the American way of life that we continually argue should be the norm for every country. So every country should do what we do, but, if it did, the planet would die.
4) Of course, the members of Occupy Wall Street have the right to protest. This is America, after all, and Americans are guaranteed the right to freedom of speech and assembly by the United States Constitution. However, if protests are effective, then they create a public nuisance, and therefore must be stopped at all costs.
5) If faculty member X would just stop criticizing the administration and do his own thing, he would no longer be the object of retaliation. But, if faculty member X stops criticizing the administration and does his own thing, he can't be living up to his contractual obligations as a faculty member, and, therefore, has to be "corrected" (i.e., retaliated against)....Ok, this one is a bit personal, but it does seem to fit the theme, doesn't it?
What Joseph Heller understood is that capricious autocrats don't simply want compliance from those they seek to control. They have to break their wills as well. And the best way to do this is to increasingly remove any sort of freedom that individuals have -- especially the freedom to protest or dissent. If no matter what a person does the are going to suffer for it, eventually you have a situation in which people become so neurotic and insecure that simply in order to survive they turn into mindless cogs in the machinery of the bureaucracies in which they serve.
I've always known that Catch 22 was a wonderfully written novel, but only now do I grasp that it also provides a template for understanding the human condition in the 21st century. If you haven't read this book, I'd urge you to pick it up immediately. It may not help you to escape from the Catch 22s at work in your own life, but it will definitely make you realize that to be considered insane in a totally insane world is actually quite an amazing achievement.


SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile is extending a state of emergency due to a frost that has badly damaged fruit and wine crops.
The government declared the agricultural state of emergency for two new regions Monday after announcing it last week for the central region that is Chile's top wine and fruit producer.
Agriculture Minister Luis Mayol said the measure seeks to focus more resources and money to help farmers. Chile's Fruit Producers Federation estimates the frost has caused $1 billion worth of damage to fruit crops.
The badly hit central region is home to vineyards owned by wine labels Concha y Toro, Misiones de Rengo and Santa Rita.
Chile's Wine Association estimates that the frost could reduce production of grapes for wine by up to 20 percent from last season.


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DIESEL TANKER EXPLODES IN VICTORIA ISLAND, INJURES RESIDENT
A fuel tanker yesterday caught fire and sent some parts of Victoria Island, Lagos State into panic.
According to newsmen reports, the fire was started when a fully-loaded fuel tanker, offloading diesel into a generating set for a block of apartments located towards the end of the street caught fire. A resident was said to have noticed a leak that had resulted in smoke.
The smoke however resulted into fire which eventually caused an explosion.
As the tanker caught fire at about 10:00am, the fire further spread to a parked car nearby at which point residents of the community were already trying to salvage the situation by rallying to get buckets of water to put out the fire.
An attempt by the resident to put out the resulting fire with a fire extinguisher worsened the situation as it blew up in his face and burnt part of him. The fire explosion grew so intense that it affected a truck coming behind the tanker, it also burnt a nearby transformer.
Despite efforts, the fire escalated to burn a nearby transformer as well as blacken the wall of some neighbouring buildings.
After emergency agencies arrived at the scene, residents were evacuated as officers of the Lagos State Fire Service battled to overpower the fire with four fire trucks. The fire was eventually extinguished at about 1:15p.m.
DOCUMENTS EVERY CAR OWNER MUST HAVE
AN ALL-NEW VF-18 FORMULA ONE CAR EMERGES
CAUSES OF A FAULTY SPEEDOMETER

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Palo Duro (Spanish for "hard wood"), known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas", is the second largest canyon in North America, and measures approximately 120 miles in length, up to 20 miles wide, and 600 to 800 feet in depth. It is bizarre, driving along in the plains, to come upon the canyon edge almost suddenly, with only a few small state park signs as a warning. The canyon was formed less than a million years ago when an ancient river first carved its way through the high plains. The erosion exposed a geologic story that began over 250 million years ago; layers upon layers of magnificent color and texture to explore. Archeologists have found evidence of human habitation that goes back over 12,000 years and suggests populations rising and waning as the climate varied from abundant rain to dreadfully severe drought. When we visited, there had not been notable rain since September of 2017.
The canyon was home to the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne for generations, until the 4th U.S. Calvary descended into the canyon and attacked their encampments at dawn on September 24, 1874. This raid was the final battle of the Red River War. The people fled up the canyon, and the cavalry pursued briefly, then returned to burn the encampments and winter food stores. Of the herd of 1400 native horses, the Colonel kept enough for his troops and ordered the remaining 1,100 healthy horses shot the next day. Facing the coming winter without food or horses meant sure starvation, so the tribes were forced on foot to reservations, destroying their traditional way of life forever. The U.S. government's current mistreatment of minorities is not at all new, sadly.
Following the Red River war, the land was opened to settlement. In 1876, Charles Goodnight and John Adair established the JA Ranch in the canyon, and in 1885 it reached its peak with 1,325,000 acres of land, and 100,000 head of cattle.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park now consists of 27,173 acres, and the original parkland was deeded by private owners in 1933. Deep in the depression, as part of Roosevelt's New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sent seven companies of young men and military veterans to develop road access into the canyon, and build the visitor center, cabins, shelters, bridges, trails and the park headquarters. Although the CCC force would remain for four more years to complete the work, the park opened to the public on July 4, 1934.
A visitor favorite, these magnificent longhorns inhabit a field near the park entrance. They are descended from longhorn cattle brought to the U.S. by Spaniards in the late 1500's when they came to what is now Texas. The State created an official state longhorn herd in 1941 to ensure the preservation of the species, and now several live in various state parks including Palo Duro.
We arrived by lunchtime and set up quickly in the Sagebrush Campground in order to get out on the hiking trail right away. Palo Duro Canyon State Park facilities include everything from the more primitive backpack or drive in tent camping, to equestrian camping, to RV sites with water and electric hookups, accommodating almost any size rig, and a handful of cabins on the rim or canyon floor.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself. The first hike we wanted to try was the Lighthouse Trail, the most popular trail in the park because it leads to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation, the symbol of Palo Duro. This trail was described as moderate, 2.72 miles each way, and there were warnings everywhere to carry lots of water due to the fact that most heat-related injuries and deaths occur on this trail! Wow! We each had full sun protection, 2 liters of water, and a pair of walking sticks, so off we went.
Once we got to the base of the rock formation, there was a mountain goat climb to reach the Lighthouse. We really appreciated our walking sticks on the climb up, and especially, coming back down. At this point, we realized we were at about 2600 feet in elevation on the canyon floor, and about 3000 feet at the Lighthouse…who knew?
After scrambling back down, we took a look back up at the Lighthouse (right) and its partner formation from the canyon floor. They look so small!
A few more views on the hike back included stunning layers of color and erosion-created hoodoos, silhouetted against a magnificent blue sky.
We wrapped up the hike after 2 1/2 hours and a total of 6 miles on the hiking app, tired but happy. We drove the canyon floor road and experienced a few more interesting sights before retiring to the coach. The "Big Cave", purple sage, and the sun setting in the canyon.
The next morning, we had a less definite plan for hiking but began with a trail called the Rock Garden, intending to just poke around the trail through an ancient landslide. It was listed as difficult but was one of only a few trails to take the hiker to the top of the canyon walls, so we started up. It was a steady climb, around and through giant scattered boulders, and at one mile we decided to go all the way up.
We enjoyed the views as we climbed, as well as a fairly brisk wind as we got closer to the canyon rim. Once at the rim, we connected with the Rylander Fortress Cliff trail and followed it to the first scenic overlook. The wind was mindblowing! We were busy corraling our hats, shirts, and backpacks as we rested on the edge but managed to get a few shots of the view. 🙂 We also took a video, but the noise of the wind proved deafening.
On the way back down, we encountered a mountain biker. We were impressed that he had tackled this fairly steep, rocky trail, and then we saw him on the rim, where he proceeded to take a major shortcut off the edge and catch up with us in no time! He did admit that it was tougher and looser than he thought! Ha!
Following lunch, we took a ride up to the canyon rim near the park entrance, toured the visitor's center, and took a few shots of the canyon from another perspective. Simply gorgeous!
The orange rock formations are known as Spanish Skirts, how perfect!
Wow, great post. Looks like a magnificent place. Good job on the description. The pics are amazing.
Thanks, Kathy! This visit could not be covered by IG or FB posts alone! Looks like you had a great girls trip to DC, fun!
Thanks, Lynn! It is a treasure that a lot of Texans don't even seem to know about!
What a beautiful area. Perfect for hiking. But such a sad history in what this country did to the Natives. It makes it a little bittersweet.
It was gorgeous Brandy, but you are right, learning what we did to the original inhabitants makes me sick each time I learn about it.


Every August all eyes turn to Monterey and Pebble Beach Week to celebrate and view the most exquisite automobiles from all over the globe. Nowhere else on earth can such an excellent collection of cars from every year and marque be seen. In the last few years, Pebble Beach has also become the favorite place for automakers to show off their latest work in electrified cars. What started off as a trickle a few years ago has become a torrent of a new EVs, new manufacturers and new technologies. PosicionamientoWebEngoogle.info was there the entire week, and here are the new BEVs and PHEVs we found at Pebble Beach EV Week.
the ICE motor and replaces it with dual electric motors coupled to either a seven-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic and rebrands the car as the Genovation GXE. With a 65 kWh battery good for 130 miles, the GXE has 800 hp, 700 lb.-ft. of torque, available from zero to redline for a top speed of 220 mph. The body is massaged aerodynamically with a new front and rear fascia, and well as underbody smoothing. The GXE is a real hairy-chested supercar in the American tradition, but 100 percent electric. A first-generation version of the GXE currently holds the world record for the top speed in an electric vehicle of 209 mph.
At Pebble Beach, Volkswagen showed off its next Atlas CUV, the Atlas Cross Sport. Based on The Volkswagen MQB architecture that has given us everything from the Golf and Tiguan to the three-row Atlas. The Atlas Cross Sport will be VWs first four-door PHEV/HEV crossover, borrowing the GTE PHEV technology from the Golf, but mating it with a 3.6-liter V6 FSI powerplant along with front and rear electric motors. The gas motor is good for 276 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, combined with the front electric motor producing 53 hp/162 lb.-ft. of torque and the rear making 113 hp/199 lb.-ft. of torque, a six-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. While the drivetrain is the same for the PHEV and the HEV, the PHEV adds an 18 kWh battery good for about 26 miles of electric-only driving, while the HEV version has only a 2 kWh battery good for just about 1.5 miles of range. Like the Golf GTE, there is a variety of driving modes. including performance, which utilizes the maximum power of all of the motors to produce a 0-60 mph at about five seconds. An "off-road" mode is also available.


Discovery Notes The soil sample that this phage was isolated from was collected from a depth of approximately 2.5 centimeters. The soil was collected from underneath of a hedgerow behind the Venable Hall dormitory on the Hampden-Sydney College campus.
Naming Notes This phage is named after the main character in the "Back to the Future" film series.


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Dean College News
Dean College Honored Among National Colleges of Distinction
Dean College has once again received national recognition as a College of Distinction. This is the fourth consecutive year that the College has earned this honor. Dean also received Colleges of Distinction badges for Business (third consecutive year) and Career Development.
Dean College earns its recognition for the excellence exhibited in the classroom, incorporating High-Impact Practices throughout every student's undergraduate education.
"We are so proud to see Dean College walking the walk," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Colleges of Distinction knows that a truly valuable education can't be measured by rank or reputation. Students learn and thrive best when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community. That's why it's so encouraging to find Dean College take such an innovative approach with its curriculum: its High-Impact Educational Practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique."
Colleges of Distinction's selection process consists of detailed interviews and research for each institution's first year experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.
"Colleges of Distinction doesn't rank schools, because we know that every student is different in what they need to best learn, grow and succeed," said Schritter. "Instead, we value schools that embrace those differences. Dean College puts the student experience first, providing all the tools and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners who are ready to take on any challenge in today's ever-evolving society."
Dean College is proud to be named a 2019-2020 College of Distinction.
Learn more about Colleges of Distinction.


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Fueling your body with the right foods will allow you to function with more energy & allow you to put maximum effort into your training sessions! Maximum effort = high fat burn! Say goodbye to feeling tired, frumpy & sluggish!


Kia Ceed review: finally a match for the VW Golf?
Kia Picanto X-Line review: can SUV-style looks raise the Korean city car above its rivals?
Kia Stinger 2.0 T-GDi first drive: more fun than a premium German saloon?
Kia Optima PHEV - long term test: how does this plug-in hybrid saloon fare in the real world?


In Calabria, more than in other places, traditions have survived through centuries of customs and rituals that are still repeated unchanged over time. Through villages and historic towns, it is possible to encounter one of the many sacred processions that still take place, often animated by very ancient rituals that transmit a powerful and magnetic charm. In a place full of historical influences such as Calabria and in particular in the villages of the hinterland, Catholic traditions and Orthodox rites coexist without conflict. A mixture of magnetism, that reveals to the world the beauty of contrasts. Besides the religious events it is possible to attend the festivities, often accompanied by spectacular pageants and food festivals of great culinary importance. From the sea to the mountains, the scenarios change but the spirit does not, it is reflected in the daily lives of those who are still capable of linking the past and present. In Calabria the past coexists with the present in order to preserve a millenary history.


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Tory MP John Carmichael Alleges NDP Has Long 'Anti-Israel History'
John Carmichael also alleged the NDP has a "long anti-Israel history."
Ryan Maloney The Huffington Post Canada
A Conservative MP has accused New Democrats of an "anti-Israel agenda" after the NDP's foreign affairs critic questioned why Canada helped thwart an international plan to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
John Carmichael, who represents the Toronto riding of Don Valley West, made the charge in statement in the House of Commons Wednesday that singled out the NDP's Paul Dewar.
In question period a day earlier, Dewar said Canada was "sitting on the sidelines" while the international community works to eliminate the threat of nukes. He said Conservatives "played the spoiler role" late last month by blocking consensus at United Nations nuclear non-proliferation treaty talks.
"Why is the government not working with our allies constructively to free the world from nuclear weapons?" Dewar asked.
Canada joined the United States and Britain in opposing a document urging the UN to hold a disarmament conference on the Middle East by 2016. Some saw the plan as an attempt to embarrass Israel, as such a conference could have forced the Jewish state to publicly acknowledge for the first time that it is a nuclear power.
Canada's decision, which ultimately helped stymie weeks of negotiations, sparked international disappointment. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for the stand.
And though Dewar's question this week did not make any mention of Israel, it was enough for Carmichael to conclude a "veil" had been lifted.
The Tory backbencher said that, like the U.S. and U.K., Canada won't support policies that serve to isolate and humiliate Israel.
Carmichael also alleged the NDP has a "long anti-Israel history," highlighting how Vancouver East MP Libby Davies called the Jewish state "the longest occupation in the world" at a 2010 protest.
"Unlike the NDP, this Conservative government not only recognizes Israel's right to exist but its inherent right to defend itself by itself," he concluded.
Citizenship Minister Chris Alexander Also Weighs In
Later in question period, Tory MP Mark Adler suggested Dewar revealed the "true colour of the NDP's foreign policy." He then lobbed a softball question at Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, asking him to update the House on the government's position on the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Alexander said the government remains committed to strengthening the treaty but will only back a "legitimate" conference process in the Middle East addressing the concerns of all countries, including Israel.
"Unlike the NDP, which pursues policies that isolate Israel in the Middle East, Canada and this government will continue to stand with our friend and ally for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law," he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson is visiting Israel this week for the first time since he took on the portfolio in February. He expressed Canada's "unwavering support" for the Jewish state in a meeting with Netanyahu Wednesday.
"We understand that Israel's neighbourhood is as dangerous as Canada's is peaceful," Nicholson said.
Photo gallery Stephen Harper's Middle East Trip See Gallery
Stephen Harper's Middle East Trip
MORE: chris alexander israel conservative party israel israel John Carmichael john carmichael conservative john carmichael israel john carmichael paul dewar libby davies israel mark adler israel ndp israel paul dewar israel Politics united nations israel video


13 watt rated Osram Compact Fluorescent Lamp from their Dulux-T/E PLUS range. GX24q-1 capped with a 20000 hour life span and a Cool White coloured glow. With its' small dimensions and excellent quality of light this lamp has a wide variety of different applications such as in Shop, Industry or Commercial lighting.


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Outside by choice
It's certainly disappointing that Pat Stogran has chosen to drop out of the NDP's leadership race - particularly by leaving taking shots at the party which made sure he had a place on its stage.
That said, Stogran's campaign ultimately seems to have been defined by an unwillingness to learn about the political process in which he wanted to participate, combined with an inclination to blame others for that weakness. And while he never had a strong chance of winning the NDP's leadership, his quick and bitter exit can't be taken to have done much other than throw away any chance of contributing to change for the better.
Labels: leadership 2017, ndp, pat stogran
- Meagan Gilmore examines how an increased minimum wage is good for business.
- Hannah Aldridge offers some suggestions to keep a poverty reduction strategy on target. And Make Poverty History notes that Brian Pallister is offering a textbook example of how not to do it by ignoring his government's responsibility to update Manitoba's existing plan.
- The CP reports that Canada's cities are trying to push Justin Trudeau's Libs to stop stalling on funding for social housing. But Jordan Press and Andy Blatchford note that instead of tackling important social problems, Trudeau is focused on an infrastructure banks scheme designed to privatize profits while leaving risks in public hands.
- Laura Stone discusses how the Libs' supposed response to public outcry over cash-for-access fund-raising falls short of the mark. And Karen Howlett points out how disclosure of doctors' ties to pharmaceutical funding could have gone a long way toward preventing today's opioid epidemic.
- Finally, Joe Castaldo explains why people are so easily persuaded that financial bubbles are the new normal - while noting that Toronto and Vancouver's real estate markets look to have fooled far too many in recent years.
Labels: big pharma, brian pallister, cash-for-access, financialization, housing, infrastructure, justin trudeau, minimum wage, poverty, privatization
Tame Impala - The Less I Know The Better
Friday Morning Links
- Don Pittis discusses the growing price everybody pays for more extreme weather events caused by climate change. And Adrienne Lafrance offers a grim look at what's in store if we can't curb greenhouse gas emissions in a hurry.
- Seth Klein and Shannon Daub write that British Columbia's Green-supported NDP government represents a historic opportunity for lasting progressive change, while Derrick O'Keefe comments on the prospect of a regular progressive majority to give effect to what most B.C. voters want. Maxwell Cameron recognizes the importance of a successful cooperate government in pursuing that end. Paul Willcocks declares citizens to be the big winner in B.C.'s election. And Nick Fillmore points out reasons for optimism for progressives from across Canada.
- Stefania Seccia highlights four principles which can end chronic homelessness - though they can largely be boiled down to treating people as mattering rather than being unworthy of help. And Matthew Yglesias comments on the importance of defending and improving the social safety net which already exists, rather than relying solely on a basic income to address poverty and inequality.
- But Steve Inskeep talks to Richard Reeves about the U.S.' privileged class which is hoarding opportunities which should be available to everybody. Patricia Cohen weighs in on the personal precarity created by uncertain incomes.
- Finally, Alberta Treasury Branches charts the rise of inequality in Alberta over a period of decades.
Labels: b.c. greens, b.c. ndp, basic income, climate change, cooperation, homelessness, inequality, precarity, progressivism, social programs
Here, on how several other provinces are setting new (and necessary standards) for worker protections while Saskatchewan falls further behind.
For further reading...
- Ontario's Changing Workplaces Review is here (in full), and here (in summary form). CBC reports on Kathleen Wynne's subsequent minimum wage announcement, while Sheila Block crunches the numbers on how it will reduce inequality. And Thomas Walkom points out how even Ontario's plan falls short of the mark in protecting people stuck in precarious work and allowing for labour to organize.
- Alberta's summary of its planned Labour Relations Code amendments is here.
- The governance agreement between the B.C. NDP and Greens is here (PDF), featuring the terms on labour and employment issues at 2(d) and (e).
- Finally, in contrast to all those current plans, the last substantial review of Saskatchewan's general labour and employment law took place in 2012, and resulted in this largely anti-worker set of provisions.
Labels: alberta ndp, b.c. ndp, brad wall, columns, john horgan, kathleen wynne, labour, minimum wage, ontario libs, precarity, rachel notley, sask party, wages
Wednesday Evening Links
- Diane Cardwell points out how carbon politics are threatening renewable energy just at the point where it would win a fair fight against fossil fuels. And J. David Hughes finds that any case for Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline falls apart in the face of realistic assumptions about oil prices.
- Meanwhile, Emma Gilchrist digs into the many environmental positives of the B.C. governance agreement signed between the NDP and the Greens.
- Laurie Monsebraaten reports on the sale of a large chain of child care centres to a foreign parent which figures to result in lobbying for lowered standards and higher profits. And CBC News reveals that KPMG-linked foreign entities saw fit to destroy the evidence which could have allowed the Canada Revenue Agency to track down tax cheats.
- Taylor Bendig discusses the end of the line for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company, while Erin Weir highlights the fact that Brad Wall's desire to shut down province-wide public transportation had nothing to do with funding and everything to do with ideology - as evidenced by his refusal to see whether federal funding could help to maintain services.
- Murray Mandryk writes about Wall's complete lack of accountability surrounding the Global Transportation Hub fiasco.
- Finally, Nancy Merrill argues that sufficient legal aid funding is an essential part of a just society.
Labels: b.c. 2017, b.c. greens, b.c. ndp, brad wall, child care, corporatism, erin weir, fossil fuels, gth, kinder morgan, kpmg, legal aid, murray mandryk, renewable energy, stc, taylor bendig, transportation
Sociable cats.
Tuesday Morning Links
This and that for your Tuesday reading.
- Annette Alstadsæter, Niels Johannesen and Gabriel Zucman examine (PDF) the size and distribution of tax evasion and (not surprisingly) find it clustered at the top - with the wealthiest .01% dodging 30% of its obligation to society at large. And Marco Chown Oved reports that the Canada Revenue Agency is finally pursuing criminal investigations into offshore tax evasion.
- Meanwhile, Paul Buchheit rightly questions why any government would want to hand tax cuts to businesses who are already refusing to pay their fair share.
- Angela Rayner writes about UK Labour's plan for a truly universal child care system. And Max Shanly and Ronan Burtenshaw highlight the drastic change for the better on offer from Labour's policy platform - along with the strong public support for improved redistribution of wealth:
But it wasn't just the manifesto that was popular, it was also the kind of politics that has been used to communicate its ideas. For months, Corbynism has tried to build a radical politics from the halls of Westminster, playing a game of high politics at which its enemies are more adept. In this campaign, Corbyn's team have thrown off the shackles of that environment — holding large rallies around the country, sharing the stage with campaigners from a wide range of social causes, taking socialist politics to the people who are its concern. This dynamic, grassroots campaign has helped to transform public opinion of Corbyn and engage thousands in his project of social transformation.
None of this could have happened if the battle had remained confined to the stage-managed theater of Westminster, with scripts written by the mainstream press and an ill-fitting costume of respectability draped around Corbyn's shoulders. It is with mass politics that the Left can win — and the same will be true for this manifesto.
No significant program of redistributing wealth and power can be achieved through parliament alone. Even if Labour was to win on June 8, its manifesto would face significant opposition — from the right-wing of the Labour Party, the press empires, elite civil servants, and the business class. The only way to see it implemented would be to organize for it outside of parliament, through social movements that demand its proposals, trade unions that fight for them in the workplace, and a revitalized Labour Party that becomes a vehicle for popular power at a local as well as national level.
In the more likely circumstance that Labour is defeated in the election, the party's right will immediately argue that it was because its leadership was too left wing. But we now know this is not true. The vast majority of the country supports left-wing policies — it is the Labour right and their allies in the political, business, and media elite who are in the minority. The next battle will be to defend the manifesto from their attacks.
- CBC reports on the progress made as a result of Ontario's workplace review (and the public pressure which caused it to happen), with a $15 minimum wage and improved protections for part-time and precarious workers among the gains.
- Finally, the Star's editorial board asks what it will take for the federal government to live up to its obligation not to discriminate against Indigenous children - though the obvious answer is a party in power which actually cares about substantive change enough to dedicate resources to it, rather than seeing photo ops and empty announcements as accomplishments.
Labels: canada revenue agency, child care, corporatism, first nations, inequality, jeremy corbyn, labour, ontario, revenue, star, strategy, tax havens, uk labour
Monday Morning Links
Assorted content to start your week.
- Rhys Kesselman challenges the Fraser Institute's grossly distorted conception of "tax competitiveness":
Even with lower overall tax burdens, many Americans bear much heavier non-tax burdens than their Canadian counterparts. These costs can be so large as to swamp any tax-rate differentials between the countries. Private health insurance in the U.S. can cost a family US$15,000 or more per year. Inferior public schools in parts of the U.S. can impel families who can afford it to expend large sums on private schooling.
When provided by U.S. employers, health insurance constitutes a heavy cost burden to business that their Canadian counterparts don't bear. Those costs are covered by public health care in B.C., which accounts for much of our higher tax rates, but overall doesn't detract from our tax competitiveness.
The authors further ignore the impact of B.C.'s astronomical housing costs on the health of the economy. B.C. businesses must offer higher pay to attract and retain employees or limit their hiring and expansion. Both the B.C. Greens and NDP have taxation-based proposals to reduce home prices — aimed at foreign and speculative buyers — which would assist local business hiring while augmenting public funds.
In short, "tax competitiveness" is a catchphrase with limited meaning unless one delves more deeply. Warnings that NDP and Green tax initiatives would endanger the B.C. economy are alarmism. Rather, the added revenues could support public programs shortchanged for years by the provincial government's dogged quest to be "tax-competitive."
- Meanwhile, Wendy Bach examines the difference between the lucrative and effort-free tax giveaways available for the wealthy in the U.S., and the miserly and punitive benefit system for people who actually need public assistance.
- Josh Keefe and David Sirota discuss the obvious corporatist bent of Donald Trump's infrastructure scheme - including his plan to hand free money to the corporations taking over what's already been built with public funds. And Bill Curry reports on the obvious vulnerability of the Libs' planned infrastructure bank to political interference.
- Finally, Michael Harris writes that the Cons' thoroughly uninspiring leadership race has left the door wide open for the NDP to make the most compelling offer of change for the better in the next federal election campaign.
Labels: cons, corporatism, donald trump, fair taxes, inequality, infrastructure, justin trudeau, michael harris, ndp, revenue, rhys kesselman
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading.
- Nick Saul reminds us of the need for strong and consistent public pressure to end poverty. And the Economist points out how punitive criminal justice policies coupled with a lack of rehabilitation strand people in poverty rather than allowing for a path toward contributing to society.
- Thomas Walkom comments on Ontario's relatively unambitious workplace review - and worries that even its modest suggestions won't end up becoming (or being enforced as) law. And Angella MacEwen examines the state of federally-regulated workplaces and finds plenty of precarity which needs to be addressed.
- Meanwhile, Lana Payne highlights the need to keep counting gender iniquities as long as they persist.
- Laurie Monsebraaten reports on the role a basic income can play in encouraging social entrepreneurship.
- Finally, Justin Ling writes that the Libs' attempt to normalize a less-accountable and more-disruptive surveillance state was met with ample public pushback - though it remains to be seen whether they'll bother to make good on their promise of any change whatsoever to the Cons' C-51.
Labels: angella macewen, basic income, c-51, criminal justice, gender issues, justin ling, labour, lana payne, poverty, precarity, prisons, surveillance, thomas walkom
On changing opposition
While there will be plenty more to discuss about how the Conservatives' choice of Andrew Scheer as their new leader, I'll offer a few preliminary thoughts now - starting with a warning about knee-jerk reactions.
We shouldn't presume that Scheer's apparent lack of current definition will last long: the Libs are obviously wasting no time in trying to define him, while the fruits of the Cons' fund-raising machine will surely kick in quickly in response.
But nor should we presume that his being young means that he'll have multiple election campaigns to grow into the position.
While the standard take seems to be that Scheer is the new version of Stephen Harper, I'd think the better comparison and cautionary tale for Scheer is Joe Clark: a young and little-known compromise candidate whose missteps as a leader will be amplified by the lack of many people particularly committed to him within his own party.
On the balance, Scheer's election looks to be relatively good news compared to the alternatives - not because of his merits as a candidate, but due to the greater electoral and policy risks posed by the alternative.
I'd considered Bernier the most dangerous of the Cons' potential leaders, being comparatively more likely to assemble a winning coalition in a near-term federal election (particularly by being able to win votes as a native son in Quebec), to make reckless policy choices if he managed to take power, and to be the main focus of the next federal election in a way that causes the race to polarize between the Libs and Cons.
In contrast, Scheer's starting point involves a distinct lack of meaningful policy priorities or avenues to build support beyond the Cons' base.
That doesn't mean he can't change matters with time. After all, Harper managed at various times to win seats with appeals to Quebec voters and immigrant communities who were far outside his initial core of supporters.
But for now, Scheer is essentially a blank sheet of stationery with Reform Party letterhead. And it remains to be seen whether there's anything he can write on the page to be seen as a viable candidate for power.
Labels: andrew scheer, canada 2019, cons, maxime bernier, stephen harper


text:
Treatment for periodic paralysis
Valeria Sansone, G. Meola, T. P. Links, M. Panzeri, M. R. Rose
IRCCS Policlinico San Donato
Background: Primary periodic paralyses are rare inherited muscle diseases characterised by episodes of flaccid weakness affecting one or more limbs, lasting several hours to several days, caused by mutations in skeletal muscle channel genes. Objectives: The objective of this review was to systematically review treatment of periodic paralyses. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE (from January 1966 to July 2007), and EMBASE (from January 1980 to July 2007) and any other available international medical library sources from the University of Milan for randomised trials. Selection criteria: We included randomised (including cross-over studies) and quasi-randomised trials in participants with primary periodic paralyses, in which any form of treatment, including physical therapy and alternative therapies, was compared to placebo or another treatment. Data collection and analysis: Our primary outcome measure was the change in attack severity or frequency by eight weeks from the start of treatment. Our secondary outcome measures were: change in muscle strength and mass; change in Quality of Life, using Short Form 36 (SF36) or similar; preference of treatment strategy; adverse effects at eight weeks. Main results: Three studies met our inclusion criteria. In one study dichlorphenamide (DCP) vs placebo was tested in two groups of participants: 42 with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and 31 with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), based on clinical criteria. Thirty-four of 42 participants with hypokalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases. For the 34 participants having attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.02) and severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.01) on DCP relative to placebo were statistically significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, three placebo and six their baseline medication. Twenty-four of 31 participants with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases: for the 16 participants who had attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.006) and in severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.02) on DCP relative to placebo were significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, one placebo and five their baseline medication. Acetazolamide proved to improve muscle strength in eight participants with HypoPP in one other study and pinacidil, a potassium channel opener, also improved muscle strength in 2/4 participants with HypoPP in a third study. Authors' conclusions: The largest included study that met our inclusion criteria suggested that DCP was effective in the prevention of episodic weakness in both hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralyses. The other two studies provide some evidence that either acetazolamide or pinacidil may improve muscle strength. However we still lack sufficient evidence to provide full guidelines for the treatment of people with periodic paralysis.
CD005045
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2
Dive into the research topics of 'Treatment for periodic paralysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Dichlorphenamide Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Paralysis Medicine & Life Sciences 88%
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Medicine & Life Sciences 66%
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Medicine & Life Sciences 43%
Placebos Medicine & Life Sciences 34%
Muscle Strength Medicine & Life Sciences 34%
Pinacidil Medicine & Life Sciences 25%
Acetazolamide Medicine & Life Sciences 21%
Sansone, V., Meola, G., Links, T. P., Panzeri, M., & Rose, M. R. (2008). Treatment for periodic paralysis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (1), [CD005045]. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2
Treatment for periodic paralysis. / Sansone, Valeria; Meola, G.; Links, T. P. et al.
In: The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, No. 1, CD005045, 2008.
Sansone, V, Meola, G, Links, TP, Panzeri, M & Rose, MR 2008, 'Treatment for periodic paralysis', The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, no. 1, CD005045. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2
Sansone V, Meola G, Links TP, Panzeri M, Rose MR. Treatment for periodic paralysis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2008;(1):CD005045. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2
Sansone, Valeria ; Meola, G. ; Links, T. P. et al. / Treatment for periodic paralysis. In: The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2008 ; No. 1.
@article{379f5389137a4200b562e5afdb08c07d,
title = "Treatment for periodic paralysis",
abstract = "Background: Primary periodic paralyses are rare inherited muscle diseases characterised by episodes of flaccid weakness affecting one or more limbs, lasting several hours to several days, caused by mutations in skeletal muscle channel genes. Objectives: The objective of this review was to systematically review treatment of periodic paralyses. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE (from January 1966 to July 2007), and EMBASE (from January 1980 to July 2007) and any other available international medical library sources from the University of Milan for randomised trials. Selection criteria: We included randomised (including cross-over studies) and quasi-randomised trials in participants with primary periodic paralyses, in which any form of treatment, including physical therapy and alternative therapies, was compared to placebo or another treatment. Data collection and analysis: Our primary outcome measure was the change in attack severity or frequency by eight weeks from the start of treatment. Our secondary outcome measures were: change in muscle strength and mass; change in Quality of Life, using Short Form 36 (SF36) or similar; preference of treatment strategy; adverse effects at eight weeks. Main results: Three studies met our inclusion criteria. In one study dichlorphenamide (DCP) vs placebo was tested in two groups of participants: 42 with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and 31 with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), based on clinical criteria. Thirty-four of 42 participants with hypokalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases. For the 34 participants having attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.02) and severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.01) on DCP relative to placebo were statistically significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, three placebo and six their baseline medication. Twenty-four of 31 participants with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases: for the 16 participants who had attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.006) and in severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.02) on DCP relative to placebo were significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, one placebo and five their baseline medication. Acetazolamide proved to improve muscle strength in eight participants with HypoPP in one other study and pinacidil, a potassium channel opener, also improved muscle strength in 2/4 participants with HypoPP in a third study. Authors' conclusions: The largest included study that met our inclusion criteria suggested that DCP was effective in the prevention of episodic weakness in both hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralyses. The other two studies provide some evidence that either acetazolamide or pinacidil may improve muscle strength. However we still lack sufficient evidence to provide full guidelines for the treatment of people with periodic paralysis.",
author = "Valeria Sansone and G. Meola and Links, {T. P.} and M. Panzeri and Rose, {M. R.}",
doi = "10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2",
T1 - Treatment for periodic paralysis
AU - Sansone, Valeria
AU - Meola, G.
AU - Links, T. P.
AU - Panzeri, M.
AU - Rose, M. R.
N2 - Background: Primary periodic paralyses are rare inherited muscle diseases characterised by episodes of flaccid weakness affecting one or more limbs, lasting several hours to several days, caused by mutations in skeletal muscle channel genes. Objectives: The objective of this review was to systematically review treatment of periodic paralyses. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE (from January 1966 to July 2007), and EMBASE (from January 1980 to July 2007) and any other available international medical library sources from the University of Milan for randomised trials. Selection criteria: We included randomised (including cross-over studies) and quasi-randomised trials in participants with primary periodic paralyses, in which any form of treatment, including physical therapy and alternative therapies, was compared to placebo or another treatment. Data collection and analysis: Our primary outcome measure was the change in attack severity or frequency by eight weeks from the start of treatment. Our secondary outcome measures were: change in muscle strength and mass; change in Quality of Life, using Short Form 36 (SF36) or similar; preference of treatment strategy; adverse effects at eight weeks. Main results: Three studies met our inclusion criteria. In one study dichlorphenamide (DCP) vs placebo was tested in two groups of participants: 42 with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and 31 with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), based on clinical criteria. Thirty-four of 42 participants with hypokalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases. For the 34 participants having attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.02) and severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.01) on DCP relative to placebo were statistically significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, three placebo and six their baseline medication. Twenty-four of 31 participants with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases: for the 16 participants who had attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.006) and in severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.02) on DCP relative to placebo were significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, one placebo and five their baseline medication. Acetazolamide proved to improve muscle strength in eight participants with HypoPP in one other study and pinacidil, a potassium channel opener, also improved muscle strength in 2/4 participants with HypoPP in a third study. Authors' conclusions: The largest included study that met our inclusion criteria suggested that DCP was effective in the prevention of episodic weakness in both hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralyses. The other two studies provide some evidence that either acetazolamide or pinacidil may improve muscle strength. However we still lack sufficient evidence to provide full guidelines for the treatment of people with periodic paralysis.
AB - Background: Primary periodic paralyses are rare inherited muscle diseases characterised by episodes of flaccid weakness affecting one or more limbs, lasting several hours to several days, caused by mutations in skeletal muscle channel genes. Objectives: The objective of this review was to systematically review treatment of periodic paralyses. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE (from January 1966 to July 2007), and EMBASE (from January 1980 to July 2007) and any other available international medical library sources from the University of Milan for randomised trials. Selection criteria: We included randomised (including cross-over studies) and quasi-randomised trials in participants with primary periodic paralyses, in which any form of treatment, including physical therapy and alternative therapies, was compared to placebo or another treatment. Data collection and analysis: Our primary outcome measure was the change in attack severity or frequency by eight weeks from the start of treatment. Our secondary outcome measures were: change in muscle strength and mass; change in Quality of Life, using Short Form 36 (SF36) or similar; preference of treatment strategy; adverse effects at eight weeks. Main results: Three studies met our inclusion criteria. In one study dichlorphenamide (DCP) vs placebo was tested in two groups of participants: 42 with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and 31 with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), based on clinical criteria. Thirty-four of 42 participants with hypokalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases. For the 34 participants having attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.02) and severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.01) on DCP relative to placebo were statistically significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, three placebo and six their baseline medication. Twenty-four of 31 participants with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis completed both treatment phases: for the 16 participants who had attack rate data for both treatment phases, the mean improvement in attack rate (P = 0.006) and in severity-weighted attack rate (P = 0.02) on DCP relative to placebo were significant. Fifteen preferred DCP, one placebo and five their baseline medication. Acetazolamide proved to improve muscle strength in eight participants with HypoPP in one other study and pinacidil, a potassium channel opener, also improved muscle strength in 2/4 participants with HypoPP in a third study. Authors' conclusions: The largest included study that met our inclusion criteria suggested that DCP was effective in the prevention of episodic weakness in both hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralyses. The other two studies provide some evidence that either acetazolamide or pinacidil may improve muscle strength. However we still lack sufficient evidence to provide full guidelines for the treatment of people with periodic paralysis.
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DO - 10.1002/14651858.CD005045.pub2
M1 - CD005045


Gorgeous New home located in Rancho Murieta North! Enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in a gated community with a private Club House, Golf course and tennis. Offers two amazing parks with great scenery for walking the dogs, riding bikes, and hiking. Enjoy summer BBQ's and fishing down by 1 of the 5 lakes located within the communities secured boundaries.
Directions - East down highway 16 from Sacramento, Turn left in North Rancho Murieta gate. At the first stop sign make a right onto Alameda parkway. Make your first right onto retreats trail ct.


text:
Craig Finn – "Screenwriters School" (Stereogum Premiere)
News February 29, 2016 11:46 AM By Sadie Bell
Craig Finn released a five-track EP titled Newmyer's Roof in June of last year via PledgeMusic. This Friday the EP will become available for digital purchase with two new tracks, and it will be sold on cassette at Finn's upcoming tour dates with Titus Andronicus. "Screenwriters School," one of the additional songs, is a somber, bass-heavy ballad rich in Finn's classic storytelling. The song tells the narrative of an adolescent art-school experience tainted by a horrific instance on campus — "There's an officer down at the screen writer's school." Finn's literary lyrics shine as usual through the clever poeticism of lyrics like "Came here to make movies, not to shoot something blue." As the music becomes faint and is haunted by the distant sound of a saxophone, Finn's words leave you in a reflective, melancholy state. And speaking of Finn's words, here's his statement about the song:
"Screenwriters School" was a song that we had a lot of fun creating while recording Faith In The Future. It changed a lot while we worked on it, and it ended up somewhat different in tone that rest of the record. When we had to make choices about what would make the record track list, this song got cut because it seemed more like a stand alone track. I really love it and I'm excited people are hearing it now. Stuart Bogie's sax playing at the end is especially great.
Listen below and check out the new extended EP tracklist.
01 "Newmyer's Roof"
02 "Three Drinks"
03 "They Know Where I Live"
04 "Extras"
05 "Dennis & Billy"
06 "Screenwriters School"
07 "Sometimes She Doesn't Call Back"
Newmyer's Roof is out 3/4 via Partisan Records.
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