text:
Cantate Domino
It's almost certain that, in the Catholic world, December 30, 2010 will be remembered as the day Benedict XVI issued an executive order, called "Motu proprio," committing the Vatican to the fight against illegal activities in the financial and monetary sector.
Yet this was not the only significant event of the day. In fact, this was also the day 5 thousand "little singers," namely the boys and girls of the International Pueri Cantores Federation, lifted spirits in the Vatican with the pure notes of Christmas carols, delighting Pope Benedict XVI who in turn greeted them in eight languages in the Paul VI audience hall. And the brief speech was actually very significant in many respects, including the role of music in the Catholic liturgy—an issue that I am very interested in, as both a staunch advocate of Gregorian chant and one who firmly believes that real beauty—in music and in the arts in general—draws us back to the Creator, who is the very source and essence of beauty, back to the deep core of things. Here is what Pope Benedict said:
Dear young members of the Pueri Cantores Federation,
I am pleased to welcome you today as you celebrate your thirty-sixth International Congress here in Rome and I thank you for the commitment you have shown to the apostolate of choral singing in the liturgy. In Saint Augustine's words: "singing is an expression of joy and … love" (Sermo 34:1). As you use your talents and your faith to sing God's praises, you give voice to the natural desire of every human being to glorify him, with songs of love. It is hard to find words to convey the sheer joy of the soul's loving encounter with God, indeed the great mystics could only remain silent before the mystery. Yet beautiful music is able to express something of the mystery of God's love for us and ours for him, as we are reminded by the theme chosen for your Congress, Deus Caritas Est.
Always remember that your singing is a service. Firstly, it is a service to God, a way of giving him the praise that is due. It is also a service to your fellow worshippers, helping them to raise their hearts and minds to the Lord in prayer. And it is a service to the whole Church, offering a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy that is the goal of all true worship, when the choirs of angels and saints unite in one unending song of love and praise.
I greet especially the groups present today from the United States, Sweden, Ireland, Latvia and South Korea. I encourage you to persevere in your good work, I assure you of my prayers, and I gladly invoke upon you God's abundant blessings.
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 10:44 PM No comments: Link a questo post
Etichette: arts, music, religion
The Heritage Foundation's Top Tens
Time to take stock of the year! I guess all of you know The Heritage Foundation, a think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Well, here are three lists you might be interested in. From The Heritage Foundation's blog The Foundry:
Top Ten Morning Bells of 2010
Top Ten Heritage Charts of 2010
Top Ten Heritage Papers of 2010
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 2:57 PM 3 comments: Link a questo post
"Keynesian Government Spending Multipliers and Spillovers in the Euro Area"
Proponents of discretionary fiscal stimulus—most prominent among them Paul Krugman of Princeton University and The New York Times—emphasize the Keynesian multiplier effect that implies that additional government spending would induce an increase in private spending and therefore a greater than one-for-one effect on aggregate GDP. Yet, as shown in a recent ECB (European Central Bank) working paper by Tobias Cwik of Goethe University, Frankfurt, and Volker Wieland of the Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, this theory is, to say the least, not as good as its supporters claim. In fact, after investigating whether the spending package announced by Euro area governments for 2009 and 2010 is likely to have such a multiplicative effect on euro area GDP, Tobias Cwik and Volker Wieland came to a conclusion that … Read the full paper here (pdf).
Thanks: www.chicago-blog (in Italian).
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 12:57 PM 1 comment: Link a questo post
Etichette: economy, europa
Whether Literature Is A Waste of Time
"Suppose someone says that from reading Anna Karenina and Madame Bovary , he or she learned something useful which they then applied to their own marriage(s), […] whereas someone else professes to have had no help at all from reading assorted novels by Anne Tyler, George Eliot, William Maxwell and Anita Brookner […]. Supposing all this, or some variant of it—are we then to say that the second someone's reading has been a total waste of time?"
See here how Norman Geras—in response to this piece by Alain de Botton in The Wall Street Journal—answers the question.
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 10:41 PM 3 comments: Link a questo post
Etichette: books
Just about two years ago I referred to the wonderful story of Silent Night in a short post, which in the meanwhile has become one of the most visited on this blog—this makes me very, very happy... you have no idea how much i love that song! So this year same song, different singer and video (they are both wonderful), but above all, Merry Christmas!
Etichette: religion
In Memoriam: Enzo Bearzot
Enzo Bearzot, the legendary coach who led the Italian soccer team to its third World Cup victory in 1982, died yesterday at 83. I guess you don't need to be a soccer fanatic or even a fan to mourn him, being a normal Italian, or otherwise a non-Italian who loves soccer, would do just fine. He has certainly been one of the most beloved Italians of his time, and this, at least in my eyes, not just because of his success as a coach, but also, if not above all, because of his human qualities: his sobriety, fortitude, integrity, and courage.
In his essay "Courage," Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that there are three qualities which "conspicuously attract the wonder and reverence of mankind"–disinterestedness, "as shown in indifference to the ordinary bribes and influences of conduct—a purpose so sincere and generous that it cannot be tempted aside by any prospects of wealth or other private advantage," practical power, "one who, seeing the wishes of men, knows how to come at their end; whispers to this friend, argues down that adversary, moulds society to his purpose, and looks at all men as wax for his hands; takes command of them (…) as the man that knows more does of the man that knows less, and leads them in glad surprise to the very point where they would be," and courage, "the perfect will, which no terrors can shake, which is attracted by frowns or threats or hostile armies, nay, needs these to awake and fan its reserved energies into a pure flame, and is never quite itself until the hazard is extreme; then it is serene and fertile, and all its powers play well."
That's just how I'd describe Enzo Bearzot's character. And that's also how those who had the privilege of knowing him well are actually describing him in these sad hours of mourning (see here, here, here, and here).
The following recollection is only one of a number of examples of his philosophy of life:
Bearzot will be remembered for the undying belief he showed in his players and his tactics, qualities he admirably demonstrated in Spain.
Bearzot took tremendous flack for selecting out-of-form forward Paolo Rossi at the start of the 1982 tournament. The criticisms only grew louder as a lethargic Italy stumbled to draws against Poland, Peru and Cameroon in the first round, and only managed to qualify for the knockout stages by the skin of its teeth.
Rossi had failed to score in all three matches, and when he was substituted in Italy's next game against Argentina, again without scoring, Italian journalists were calling for the manager's head.
But Bearzot had faith in Rossi and he was duly rewarded. Rossi recorded a marvelous hat trick against Brazil in Italy's next match scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Poland in semifinals and netted the opener in a 3-1 win over West Germany in the final. With six goals, Rossi finished as the tournament's top scorer and was named the competition's MVP.
"Enzo Bearzot was one of Italy's greatest figures in the 20th century," Paolo Rossi told the Italian news agency ANSA. "He was like a father to me and without him I would never have achieved what I did."
As Jeff Powell, sports columnist who covered Bearzot during the '82 World Cup, writes in today's Daily Mail,
The morning after that triumph Bearzot walked into the press conference, poured champagne for all the journalists who had vilified him and invited them to join him in a toast: Forza Italia.
This product of the Italian FA coaching regime had inspired a new mentality which generated a subsequent World Cup victory in Germany 2006 and which injected ambition, energy and adventure into Serie A.
My friend Enzo - who died on Tuesday aged 83 - was pure class.
Rest in peace, dear old man, we will always miss you.
Etichette: italians, somewhere in italy, sport
Fra Angelico, Nativity, Convento di San Marco, Florence
It's really true that, as Pablo Picasso once said, with age, art and life become one and the same. I mean, as you grow older you learn to understand life a little better, but since art and life are inseparable, then if you understand one you understand the other, and therefore you become aware of how much of your life is … art! Ars vivendi, of course, and not only this, but also art per se, that is an endless search for beauty.
But what is beauty? Well, it's not an easy question to answer, so let's start more modestly with the meaning of the word itself. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term beauty indicates "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit." But, apart from the effects of beauty ("gives pleasure," etc.), what is beauty in itself? This is clearly a philosophical question, and a very wide one, indeed. A bit too wide for a blog post! So, let's just simplify and say that Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates were the first at attempting to define beauty. They thought of objects or nature as being inherently beautiful: beauty is inside us and all around us. In their attempt to define characteristics of a beautiful thing they focused on "simplicity" and "symmetry." Their concrete and simple concept of beauty was enlarged by Plotinus, according to which beauty cannot be described as just symmetry, but rather as a quality that "irradiates" and moves us. Let's also say that, in general, according to the traditional Western thought, beauty is a supreme value and a constitutive element of the cosmos, associated with order, harmony, truth, goodness, love, being, and the divine. Modern philosophy, in turn, shifted the study of beauty from ontology to the sphere of human faculties. Hence the "emancipation" of art from traditional religious and social bonds, namely from the constraints and the burden of demonstrating a moral truth or of bearing a moral message, as it was used in the Middle Ages, until just before the Renaissance. And finally the arts themselves were separated from the traditional concept of beauty (but in the Twentieth Century metaphysical discussions of beauty were revived by German philosophers Martin Heidegger and Hans-Georg Gadamer).
Yet, with all due respect for philosophy (and Aesthetics, which is the branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty), for us believers one thing is certain: there is no real beauty but that which God has bestowed around us and upon our lives. As it is written, "He hath made everything beautiful in its time" (Eccles. 3:11). That's why beauty draws us back to the Creator, who is the very source and essence of beauty, back to the deep core of things. This beauty emanates from the self-giving love of God, love that pours out of the heart of God into ordinary, everyday people and relationships and circumstances.
Unfortunately, in our time beauty has become reduced, both at the popular level and among elites, to being fit or young or rich and glamorous—not to mention other and far worse perversions and aberrations. Thus, beauty leads to lifestyles that are, in the best cases, vain, self-centered, wasteful, and personally destructive in the worst. Thus, art has sometimes become synonymous with corruption and artist with "decadent"—morbidity is a characteristic of the so-called Decadent movement... That's not the kind of art I was talking about at the beginning of this post. So, what is art for me? Well, art is for me one of the most straightforward and effective ways of worshipping God, showing our gratitude for His gifts, and at the same time of experiencing His presence.
That's why I have a predilection for the kind of art of which the following video is a precious example. This is also my way of reminding you that the Fourth Sunday of Advent is quickly approaching…
~ First written for The Metaphysical Peregrine ~
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 1:56 AM 5 comments: Link a questo post
Etichette: arts, music, philosophy, religion
Fewer Than Half of American Children Growing Up In Intact Families
The Family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) defines an intact family as "a biological mother and father who remain legally married to one another from the time of their child's birth." Well, according to a survey—the first annual Index of Belonging and Rejection—produced by the above mentioned institute and advocacy group, only 45 percent of American children have spent their childhood in an intact family. This means a majority of American teenagers' parents have rejected each other, either through divorce, separation or choosing not to marry.
Now, considering that providing children with intact families holds immeasurable benefits—including financial, educational, legislative, legal and judicial gains—for children, adults and society in general, we may conclude, along with Pat Fagan, director of the Marriage & Religion Research Institute, that "American society is dysfunctional, characterized by a faulty understanding of the male-female relationship," and that its culture "needs a compass correction, learning again how to belong to each other when we have begotten children together."
I must confess I'd be tempted to add that I feel sorry for America, but unfortunately I don't think Europe is in any better shape. [Via CnsNews.com]
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 7:43 PM 1 comment: Link a questo post
Not The Worst Nightmare
So yesterday Berlusconi narrowly won a confidence vote in the lower house of Parliament—his government received only three votes more than its opponents—soon after rather easily winning the vote in the Senate. To me (and many others) it was no great surprise, though. Of course, it's true that there was much uncertainty about the outcome of the vote in the Chamber of Deputies, unlike that in the Senate: everybody knew it would be a photo-finish. But in the end common sense prevailed, 314-311.
The no-confidence motion was put forward by opponents who argued that Berlusconi's scandal-ridden private life, his alleged attempts to head off investigations into his business dealings and the lackluster state of the economy made his continued tenure as prime minister impossible. And all of this is true to a degree, but this is only half of the truth, one of the two sides of the coin, the other of which is the nature itself of the opposition, made up of a jumble of left-wing, centrist and center-right political parties, without a clear leader and with little common ground other than the will to get rid of Berlusconi—enough to seriously undermine the government's ability to work effectively, too little to present themselves as a reliable, alternative government. And that's perhaps the real trouble with Italy, or, depending on your point of view, the greatest luck: with such an opposition, Berlusconi's only opponents are the formidable problems of the country. But the ideal would be a decent government and a decent opposition—and, if I don't expect too much, less severe problems for the country …
Be it as it may, the worst was avoided: a crisis without any foreseeable solutions. And now? Speaking at the presentation of a book in Rome, soon after winning the vote of confidence, Berlusconi said it was possible he might expand his parliamentary majority. He also said Italy did not need to have elections now but that he was sure his party would win them if they were held. And this is not an unlikely scenario, nor the worst nightmare. Yeah, there's always something worse, and in life, you need to know how to make do with what you have. After all, aren't we in the age of Kali Yuga?
Etichette: Italy's politics, somewhere in italy
It's the Political Correctness, Stupid!
Heidi Harris' version of the "12 Days of Christmas" (outstanding!) from The Heidi Harris Show, Las Vegas :
[Thanks: Rich Hilts]
Etichette: religion, US politics
Italy And The Euro Crisis
Giulio Tremonti and Mario Draghi
Olli Rehn, EU economic and monetary affairs commissioner, speaking at a press conference in Rome alongside Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti: Italy is "coping well" with the eurozone crisis and its financial position has deteriorated less than others thanks to its prudent fiscal policy and despite high levels of public sector debt. So sorry for the many international and (above all) domestic cassandras writing off the country's economy—but, if you want to see the glass half empty, it's also true that, as Rome-based national statistics agency Istat said last Friday, Italy's industrial production fell 0.1 percent in October after a 2.1 percent drop in September...
Italy's Central Bank governor, Mario Draghi, in an interview with the Financial Times (article and video): The euro is not in question, and "Europe is moving in the right direction of creating the rules and institutions to address future crisis in a systemic and comprehensive way." But the large-scale purchases of government bonds could threaten the ECB's freedom to act without political interference and break European Union rules.
Etichette: economy, Italy's politics, somewhere in italy
The Murderers of Christianity
In Baghdad and in other places in Iraq the killing of Christians continues: the last two, a married couple attacked in their home on the night of Sunday, December 5. What is worse—as the October 31 massacre in the Syriac Catholic cathedral in Baghdad demonstrates (the terrorists opened fire and threw grenades shouting, "You will all go to hell, but we to paradise. Allah is most great" …)—is that the attacks denote a hatred that is ever more distinctly religious, Islamist.
As a result, the exodus of Christians from Baghdad and Mosul to the safer Kurdistan, in the extreme north of the country, continues.
The situation in Egypt—where a few weeks ago two Coptic Christians were killed by the police and 50 were wounded during a demonstration calling for the construction of a church in the city of Giza—is not much better. Hence the Pope's call for the respect of human rights in Iraq and Egypt, as the video below shows. Meanwhile the international community continues to turn a blind eye to what is going on.
Etichette: religion, world
Ron Paul: "What We Need Is More WikiLeaks On The Federal Reserve"
One may not agree with Ron Paul on certain points (or many). Likewise, one may not disagree more with Julian Assange and what he stands for. But this is worth mentioning …
[Via Tea Party -- One Lump or Two?]
Etichette: economy, US politics
Please Help Free Liu Xiaob
Not that, to be honest, I am overly confident that this Call to Action will be crowned by success (and this for at least two quite obvious reasons I won't mention here), but I can't help doing my own little part to help support Tibetan and Chinese political prisoners in China, including Chinese literary critic, writer, professor, and human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China," and is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for "inciting subversion of state power." That's why I accept the call to action launched by the International Campaign for Tibet:
Liu Xiaobo, Chinese literary critic, writer, professor, activist and supporter of the Tibetan people, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China." Currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for "inciting subversion of state power," Liu Xiaobo is the first Chinese person to be awarded a Nobel Prize of any kind while residing in China.
Thousands of prisoners - Tibetan as well as Chinese - continue to be held behind bars, serving long sentences for speaking out and voicing their opinions. They include Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan film-maker; Migmar Dhondup, a Tibetan tour guide and writer ; Runggye Adak, a Tibetan nomad; and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Tibetan religious and community leader.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which the Chinese government is not allowing Liu or his family to attend, will be held on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Please add your voice before December 10, 2010 by sending a message to President Obama to urge him to stand up to press China for the release of all political prisoners detained for exercising their right to free expression, and to implement the political and human rights reforms that multitudes of Chinese and Tibetan advocates risk their lives to promote.
Take action and send your message now!
Etichette: tibet, US politics
A Couple of Questions About WikiLeaks and The New York Times
Is Wikileaks motivated by stopping deciet, lies, fraud and abuse of the power, or just the United States? Why did the New York Times ignore other things against the left?
When a newspaper allows its personal beliefs and agenda to color not only the news, but what it selects as the news, it becomes no better than the newsstand rag used to attract the illiterate and stupid at the supermarket checkout to look at the same blurred out alien baby picture for the 600th time.
WikiLeaks has shown a chink in its armor. WikiLeaks is simply concentrating on one "evil". This does not match up with its founders' "purpose" of defending everyone against abusers of power everywhere.
It is understandable if someone wants to reveal something as dastardly as the Abu Gharab situation or the incident with the helicopter, shooting what definitely appeared to be innocent people. But to release millions of documents because of a few abuses, the white knights of the world become the abusers and not the defenders of the abused.
Let's Be Inspired By Beauty!
The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child, by Sandro Botticelli, Edinburgh National Gallery of Scotland
Tired of bleak political news? Here is a more optimistic view of the world, made up of beauty and true joy of life : just put together Sandro Botticelli and J.S. Bach—The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 : Prelude And Fugue No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846 —and you're done… [Thanks: Riflessi d'acqua]
This is also meant to remind you (and me) that last Sunday was the First Advent in the Christian calendar—because Beauty and true Joy, a joy that is certainly different from the illusory feelings advertised through publicity…, both come from God's love, and "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). The Lord is coming—that's what Advent means! So, let's wait for Him in Joy and Hope, and let's be inspired by the Beauty He has surrounded us with!
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 11:00 AM 3 comments: Link a questo post
"Serious Questions about the Obama Administration's Incompetence in the Wikileaks Fiasco"
From Sarah Palin's Facebook page:
We all applaud the successful thwarting of the Christmas-Tree Bomber and hope our government continues to do all it can to keep us safe. However, the latest round of publications of leaked classified U.S. documents through the shady organization called Wikileaks raises serious questions about the Obama administration's incompetent handling of this whole fiasco.
First and foremost, what steps were taken to stop Wikileaks director Julian Assange from distributing this highly sensitive classified material especially after he had already published material not once but twice in the previous months? Assange is not a "journalist," any more than the "editor" of al Qaeda's new English-language magazine Inspire is a "journalist." He is an anti-American operative with blood on his hands. His past posting of classified documents revealed the identity of more than 100 Afghan sources to the Taliban. Why was he not pursued with the same urgency we pursue al Qaeda and Taliban leaders?
What if any diplomatic pressure was brought to bear on NATO, EU, and other allies to disrupt Wikileaks' technical infrastructure? Did we use all the cyber tools at our disposal to permanently dismantle Wikileaks? Were individuals working for Wikileaks on these document leaks investigated? Shouldn't they at least have had their financial assets frozen just as we do to individuals who provide material support for terrorist organizations?
Most importantly, serious questions must also be asked of the U.S. intelligence system. How was it possible that a 22-year-old Private First Class could get unrestricted access to so much highly sensitive information? And how was it possible that he could copy and distribute these files without anyone noticing that security was compromised?
The White House has now issued orders to federal departments and agencies asking them to take immediate steps to ensure that no more leaks like this happen again. It's of course important that we do all we can to prevent similar massive document leaks in the future. But why did the White House not publish these orders after the first leak back in July? What explains this strange lack of urgency on their part?
We are at war. American soldiers are in Afghanistan fighting to protect our freedoms. They are serious about keeping America safe. It would be great if they could count on their government being equally serious about that vital task.
- Sarah Palin
Unexceptionable.
Etichette: US politics, world
The True Source of Our Thanksgiving Holiday
~ "LETTERS FROM AMERICA" - by The Metaphysical Peregrine ~
Each year, on the forth Thursday of November, we celebrate and give thanks for all the good things we have. It's a truly pure holiday in that it's an expression of its original intent. No costumes to dress up in, no gifts to give, no Easter egg hunts and all the rest. Family and friends get together for one reason only, to participate in a feast to express love and gratitude for each other and the bounty provided to us in our country, and for some of us to thank God for his blessings and grace.
The story of the first Thanksgiving has been distilled and over simplified, the true story not told by revisionists. Like many things, what we're taught in school just ain't so. Thanksgiving is more of a celebration of an economic miracle and thanking God for abundance. The original charter for the colony in the early 1600's stated everyone should share all the fruits of their labor. No private property, no division of labor. The result of this economic structure was that half of the settlers died or went back to England. Disease killed many more because the low production of crops led to malnutrition and lowered immune systems. Some of the settlers were calling in sick, slacking in their work, and others stole food. Why put in the extra effort, if the results of that effort provided no more than what it got the low producer? After three years of starvation and illness, Governor Bradford decided to violate the charter and implement the principles they had set out in the Mayflower Compact and the principles for living set forth in the Bible.
Governor Bradford:
"'The experience that we had in this common course and condition tried sundry years...that by taking away property, and bringing community into a common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing – as if they were wiser than God."
By giving each family a parcel of land and to produce as much of whatever they wanted:
"'This had very good success,' for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been."
That bounty allowed for profits, and their debts to the charter companies were paid off. The families had savings and began to create personal wealth. Those things did not happen using socialist principles of the commune. Though the Indians did teach them how to grow corn and other vegetables and showed them how to fish, the success of the colony didn't result from that, but from rejecting socialist, communal principles. Bradford wrote the new system "…had very good success for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been. By this time harvest was come…the face of things was changed, to the rejoicing of the hearts of many."
What's identified as the first Thanksgiving was to rejoice in their success, that they wouldn't face starvation again. They applied the story of Joseph of reduced taxes and putting a percentage of crops produced away from the productive years to keep the people fed during lean years. What they did was thank God with a feast.
Governor Bradford's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation:
Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as he has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.
Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty
God for all His blessings.
--William Bradford
Ye Governor of Ye Colony
It was not the Indians and Communalism that saved the Pilgrims, it was capitalism and the Bible that did. For these we are grateful and thankful, and we praise God and thank Him for these things, on this day. The original proclamation for our national holiday was made by George Washington, October 3, 1789. Part which reads:
"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to"recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
posted by Steven Dexter a 6:48 PM 4 comments: Link a questo post
Etichette: letters from America, US politics
"The Plumber is Clearly Smarter Than The Ben Bernank" (Quantitative Easing Explained)
"So has the Fed ever been right about anything?"
"Let me see if I can think of anything....(long pause)....no, nothing."
"Who runs the Fed?"
"The Fed is run by the Ben Bernank."
"Does the Ben Bernank have a lot of business experience?"
"No. The Ben Bernank has no business experience."
"Does the Ben Bernank have a lot of policy experience?"
"No. The Ben Bernank has no policy experience."
"Has the Ben Bernank ever run in an election?"
"No. The Ben Bernank has never run in an election."
"So what qualifies him to run the Fed?"
"I don't know. Maybe the fact that he has a nice beard."
"But my plumber also has a nice beard and I would not trust him to play god with the economy."
"No, although when you call the plumber to fix something that is broken they usually fix it, not break it more."
"This is true, the plumber is clearly smarter than the Ben Bernank."
"Well, that is why he became a plumber and not an economist." [...]
More than two million views on YouTube in just a week! Is this the best explanation of Fed monetary policy (easy money policy of artificially low interest rates, etc.), as TMP thinks? Well, see if you can disagree with the flawless logic of this cartoon video... (there's a partial transcript here)
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 10:48 AM 10 comments: Link a questo post
Has the Fed Been a Failure?
In a working paper from the Cato Institute three American scholars assess whether the U.S. experiment with the Federal Reserve has been a success or a failure. In the light of a wide range of recent empirical research they found that
The Fed's full history (1914 to present) has been characterized by more rather than fewer symptoms of monetary and macroeconomic instability than the decades leading to the Fed's establishment.
While the Fed's performance has undoubtedly improved since World War II, even its postwar performance has not clearly surpassed that of its undoubtedly flawed predecessor, the National Banking system, before World War I.
Some proposed alternative arrangements might plausibly do better than the Fed as presently constituted. We conclude that the need for a systematic exploration of alternatives to the established monetary system is as pressing today as it was a century ago.
The scholars are George A. Selgin, professor at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, William D. Lastrapes, professor at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, and Lawrence H. White, professor at the Department of Economics at George Mason University.
Here is the full text of the working paper:
Has the Fed Been a Failure?, Cato Working Paper No. 2
" And when the end of the Yuga comes, the right hand will deceive the left; and the left, the right. And men with false reputation of learning will contract Truth and the old will betray the senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the dotage of the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and the brave will be cheerless like cowards. (…) And the inhabited regions of the earth will be afflicted with dearth and famine, and the highways will be filled with lustful men and women of evil repute. "
~ The Mahabharata, "Vana Parva," Section CLXXXIX, translated by Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Don't be deceived by the title, nor by the above quotation—this is just a political post about Italy…
But first of all, let's say that Kali Yuga (literally "Age of Darkness") is the last of the four stages of development (Yugas) that the world goes through as part of the cycle of eras, as described in Hindu scriptures. This age is characterized by degeneration, violence, ignorance, sorrow, materialism, waning religion, chaos and evil.
What has that to do with Italy? Well, apart from the fact that most interpreters believe that, unfortunately, earth—not just Italy—is currently in Kali Yuga, I think it may actually have more than something to do with today's Italian politics, if not with Italy tout court. And believe me, I'm not kidding at all, rather I sometimes suspect that someone else does—e.g., Italian politicians (most of them, at least). But then again, what's going on down here, seen from the inside, is more a nightmare, though a burlesque one, than anything else—please, see here, here, here, and here to learn more about the whole thing, I ask to be relieved from the task of reminding you (and me!) the not-so-uplifting series of events and situations that led to the current political crisis.
Gianfranco Fini
And there is no doubt that this is a very serious crisis. "This is an important moment, […] there's a sense that Berlusconi's reign is ending," said Giuliano Ferrara, editor of the conservative and pro-Berlusconi newspaper Il Foglio. Nor is there any doubt that, as Ferrara again put it, Berlusconi himself is the source of practically all of his troubles. But notwithstanding this, his fiercest rival Gianfranco Fini, the co-founder (with Berlusconi) of the center-right People of Liberty party (PDL), who in July split with the prime minister accusing him of running an anti-democratic party, is no less to blame. In fact, if Berlusconi made a terrible mistake when he expelled Fini from the party, his opponent, in turn, made an even worse mistake when he withdrew four members from the cabinet on Monday, deepening a political crisis that is expected to bring down the government in a matter of weeks and likely lead to early elections. This—apart from any consideration about Fini's concept of loyalty, honor and coherence (well, I must confess that I harbor few illusions on these matters, given the times—or the Yuga—we live in…)—is the most irresponsible action anyone could take in this period of economic and financial crisis. And nothing and nobody will ever convince me that he acted on behalf of the Country and without consideration of personal political ambitions.
That being said, however, Berlusconi's People of Liberty party has proved to be a huge failure and perhaps Fini isn't entirely wrong when he criticizes it for being "anti-democratic." As columnist Ernesto Galli della Loggia wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper,
the PDL, like Forza Italia before it, may or may not be made of plastic but it is not a real party. At best, it is a bunch of sightless, voiceless followers chosen irrevocably by the boss and at worst, it is a court of jesters, dwarfs, deal-makers, dancers and holders of miscellaneous offices. Of course, the PDL is also a party for which many highly respectable Italians voted, but we all know that those votes were actually for Silvio Berlusconi, not the PDL.
If that's the way things stand, he continues,
it means that the Berlusconi's epoch-making operation of legitimizing the Right within the Italian political system – it is epoch-making and the Left would do well to acknowledge the fact in deference to objectivity – is only half complete, and it is his fault. Mr Berlusconi has re-established the Right electorally and in government, but has failed to restore its social or cultural legitimacy. He has failed in the only way this is ever accomplished, by creating and establishing at grass roots a real party, organized and structured as such, a vehicle for demands, a hub for relations with various circles and people, a formulator of proposals and a collector of ideas. Above all, to some extent, an effective centre for decisions that are binding for all, even its leaders.
Mr Berlusconi has failed because of course he didn't want such a party. And he didn't want it for three reasons: fear that it would diminish his power; the knee-jerk reaction of a man who for decades ran a company, where "if I'm paying (and getting the votes), I call the shots"; and finally because of a lack, monumental in his case, of any genuine political culture.
But it is also to be said that nearly all of the issues that seem to be at stake here, if we credit what Berlusconi's fiercest opponents—led by his former ally Gianfranco Fini—claim, or pretend to claim, are not what is actually at stake. In fact, as another Corriere della Sera columnist, Piero Ostellino, wrote yesterday,
[a] social issue burns beneath the ashes. When the South discovers that under fiscal federalism, it will have to get by on its own, and then can't, it could become for Italy what Algeria was for France's Fourth Republic: the spark that lit the flame of crisis. If the North realizes that the federal solidarity equalization fund is merely the continuation of welfarism for the South, it will regress into secessionism, which will be compounded by the crisis-igniting spark of the South.
Needless to say Fini's new Future and Liberty party, as well as Pier Ferdinando Casini's Christian Democrat UDC party, has its electoral basis in the South. This explains almost everything you need to know about the real issue at stake. The rest is propaganda: particular interests masked as universal interests, national unity, public ethics, and "morality." That's politics, of course. Or, better still, that's politics in the present (Italian) Kali Yuga phase.
UPDATE: November 17, 2010, 9:00 am
"(Reuters) - Italy's parliament will decide the future of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's struggling center-right government on December 14 in two confidence votes that may trigger early elections, a political source said Tuesday." Read the rest.
Etichette: Italy's politics, quote of the day, somewhere in italy
"I Want To Listen To The People"
Aung San Suu Kyi's first interview (BBC) since being released.
Etichette: burma, world
A New Era For Franco-British Military Relations
Yeah, once upon a time such a title might have been astonishing. Right now, it's just a way (among others) to describe what happened in London a few days ago...
Read the article in the Financial Times online.
Etichette: europa, UK politics
Aung San Suu Kyi Set For Release
Breaking News — Reports are coming out of Burma saying the military authorities—after the election farce—have signed an order authorizing the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. But the Nobel laureate pro-democracy leader is not expected to accept a conditional release if it excludes her from political activity. (BBC)
Bjørn Lomborg's Movie. Alternative Ways To Protecting The Environment
Before becoming the "Skeptical Environmentalist" by antonomasia, Danish author Bjørn Lomborg was a pro-environmentalist and a Greenpeace supporter who began his research as an attempt to counter some of the most common anti-ecological arguments. But he was bound to change his mind very soon after starting to analyze the data. And that's how The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World came to be.
In his influential and controversial book—first published in Danish in 1998 and translated into English in 2001—Lomborg argues that claims on overpopulation, declining energy resources, deforestation, species loss, water shortages, certain aspects of global warming, and a variety of other global environmental issues are unsupported by analysis of the relevant data.
Now Lomborg's most recent book, Cool It (2007), has become a film-documentary. Directed by filmmaker Ondi Timoner, Cool It follows Lomborg on his mission to bring the smartest solutions to climate change, environmental pollution, and other major problems in the world. "Global warming is real, but it's not the scary, end-of-all-things that it's been made out to be in Al Gore's film," Lomborg told in an interview. "And in some way that's crucial, because that scare diminishes life quality. I mean, we talk to kids who think they're going to die because of global warming right now."
Here is the trailer of the movie:
Lomborg is the founder and director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, a globally respected think tank that brings together the world's leading economists to prioritize major global problems—among them malaria, the lack of potable water and HIV/AIDS—based upon a cost/benefit analysis of available solutions.
posted by S. R. Piccoli a 12:19 AM 1 comment: Link a questo post
Etichette: climate, science, world
The Aftermath of the Electoral Tsunami and Why It Happened
The elections last week reflected where US citizens are socio-politically, more than expressing any great sea change. Before and after the election, polls showed 22% of Americans consider themselves liberal, 34% consider themselves conservative, and 44% consider themselves moderate. That 44%, the "swing vote", when the internals are looked at, moderates measure themselves leaning more conservative.
Since Obama and the Democrats assumed power of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, the national debt has tripled and unemployment has doubled. They are seen as anti-business, as reflected in their recent attack on the US Chamber of Commerce, the most powerful business lobby in the US. They are also adamant about raising taxes on business.
In exit polls election day, 4 of 10 voters said they supported or were members of the TEA Party movement. Obama, the Democrats, other Leftists, and the lap dog media called all those people racists and stupid. It's gone on for about two years. That started a culture war beyond politics when elected officials began name calling and personally insulting their political opposition.
Addressing the racist issue, which the Statists throw out whenever they can because it's the only response they can come up with, here's some interesting information. Fourteen Blacks ran as Republicans and were supported by the TEA Party. Only two of them won. The "racist" Tea Party supported all the way to victory, not only those two black Republicans to congress, but a female Hispanic Governor (first in our history), a Native American Governor (who is also a Sikh), a black Lt. Governor, and a Cuban-America Senator. Look for the Dems and Jurassic Press point out the small number of Republican Blacks in Congress in the coming weeks and months, supporting their contention that Republicans are racists. What they won't report is how many non-whites and women Republicans at all levels of government were elected. What they don't and won't report is the Congressional Black Caucus refuses to let Republican Blacks join. This will be challenged by newly elected African American Allen West of Florida. The National Association of Colored People (NAACP) refused to endorse any Black Republican, also not noted in the Jurassic Press.
Then there's Obama's statement on a Hispanic radio station just before the election, referring to his political opposition, as "enemies that must be punished", once again attacking citizens of the US. He's also attacks citizens of the US, bringing in several foreign countries to help out, to sue the state of Arizona for passing legislation that enforces already exiting federal border and immigration law. Anyone that supports that law is of course, a racist, both for opposing the Justice Department lead by a racist black man Eric Holder, black man Obama, and for being anti-Hispanic. One only needs to read Obama's ego building self aggrandizing books to understand he's a racist too. The things he says about white people alone should have kept him out of the White House, but those statements were not reported by the Jurassic Press.
Beyond that, citizens don't like it when the Justice Department refuses to prosecute African Americans for crimes yet investigates white people. They don't like it when illegal immigrants vote and the Justice Department doesn't investigate. There was massive voter fraud by Democrats, unions and racist and illegal Hispanics reported this past election, and the Justice Department refuses to investigate. All that creates the perception this Administration and the Democrat Party is not interested in the rule of law. Americans are serious about law enforcement. Relating to Justice, the Judicial Branch frequently throws out legislation or propositions voted on by the public. The biggest recent example is a gay California Superior Court judge that tossed out a voter approved amendment to the California Constitution stating that marriage is defined by the union of a man and a woman. It passed by 7 million votes. One judge trumps 7 million votes. The citizens don't like that kind of thing, and it happens a lot all over the US.
Senior citizens also came out against Obama and the Democrats. The primary reason is that when the new health care legislation is peeled back, a lot of medical care for seasoned citizens is reduced or eliminated. In the last election, seniors (over 65 years old) pretty much split evenly. This election Republicans got a shift, and increase of 20% over Democrats. More seniors came to the polls too, up from 19% to 23%, and voted against the Democrats. A primary concern for them is the newly passed health care bill that cuts $500 billion from Medicare programs. A standard tactic of the Democrats is the charge Republicans are going to end Social Security. Seasoned citizens didn't buy it this time. They understand Republicans want only to give younger voters an opt out, or at least take a portion of their social security deductions and invest it in retirement funds. The Democrat scare tactic is being reinterpreted by seniors as insulting their intelligence, and demeans them. We're glad our seasoned citizens are catching on.
The young too are finally realizing Democrats and Obama don't have their best interests at heart. The health care bill requires all citizens to buy health insurance under penalty of imprisonment, fine, or both. That is coupled with three to four generations of debt that will have to be paid off, which means higher taxes and reduced income for them and their kids.
In the aftermath of all this, the Democrats and Obama are still blaming George Bush and the Republicans for all these economic woes. This is viewed as a lack of leadership. The budget of the US is created by Congress, controlled by the Democrats the past four years. Obama ran for office saying he would assume responsibility and do a better job. It hasn't happened and things are worse. There has't been such a huge political turnover since 1947, and no one on the Statist side will own up to it. Many of them are saying they didn't push their extreme Leftist agenda far enough, and that's why they lost. That could only make sense to a Liberal, 'we didn't pass enough Leftist legislation, so the citizens voted massively for racist right wing extremist Republicans'. Say what?
Ultimately voters saw a failed TARP, failed stimulus packages, bailouts of companies that should have been allowed to restructure after bankruptcies, payoffs to fat cats on Wall Street with taxpayer dollars, failure to enforce immigration law and protect the borders, failure to protect citizens, the Federal government suing its own citizens for policy disagreements, name calling and charges of racism. The promise Obama made was that he would create a "post partisan, post racial society". The opposite has occurred. We are divided more than any time, at least my lifetime (over half a century). They see more economic bad news coming down the pike with more money being printed to make it appear the deficit is being reduced. They see businesses not hiring or growing their businesses because the health care costs and taxes for doing so are unknown. The Democrat congress did not pass, as required by law, a budget this year, nor did they say if tax cuts passed early in the Bush administration were going to be extended, left to expire, or increased. They heard the president tell his political opposition to 'get in back and shut up' and they are enemies to be punished. The American people don't want to hear their president talking like that.
The next election in two years sees even more Democrat seats up for reelection. The results will be even more devastating to them. The people that are raising their kids, going to work, paying taxes and minding their own business have had enough of more government, more taxes, more regulation, more everything that violates their sensibilities of personal liberty, free markets and free minds.
posted by Steven Dexter a 10:10 PM 2 comments: Link a questo post
Why China May Not Matter Quite As Much As You Think
Ok, it's true that in China growth of 9.6%—recorded in the year to the third quarter—represents a slowdown and that, according to the IMF, China will account for almost a fifth of world growth this year (just over a quarter at purchasing-power parity).
Yet, when the Bank Credit Analyst, an independent research firm, asked what would happen if China suffered a "hard landing," its answer was far less apocalyptic than one would expect. In fact, as it pointed out, at the start of the 1990s Japan accounted for a bigger share of GDP than China does today, and notwithstanding this, when in the first half of the 1990s its growth slowed from about 5% to 1% it all happened without any discernible effect on global trends.
It is hard to exaggerate the Chinese economy's far-reaching impact on the world, but not impossible, after all... Read this October 28th Economist article to convince yourself (if you can).
Thanks: Nicola
Etichette: economy, world
The Sagrada Família. A Powerful Lesson For Today's World
While celebrating the Mass for the first time there, Benedict XVI consecrated a few hours ago in Barcelona the basilica of the Sagrada Família, the stunning masterpiece—that has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be complete until at least 2026—of Christian art designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. As Vaticanist Sandro Magister puts it,
It is impossible not to see a message in this act of the pope. The Sagrada Família is an exceptionally powerful lesson for the sacred art of today: the exact opposite of so many modern tendencies toward bare and empty geometry in which the Christian mystery is lost, instead of making itself seen and lived.
The Sagrada Família is a work so rich in symbols as to have generated an additional art, the one of its own interpretation, in which an Italian-Spanish Jesuit excels: Jean-Paul Hernández. He is the author of Antoni Gaudí. La parola nella pietra, the most beautiful book yet published on the symbols and spirit of the Sagrada Família, issued in 2007.
Some suggestions from the book—concerning the towers, the façade, the "portal of the passion," and the columns—are recalled on Magister's website. "They are small fragments of an immensely more vast account," Magister says, "between the divine and the human, destined to remain always open like the construction site that the visitors discover in Barcelona." Definitely worth reading and pondering.
On the occasion, since the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) is a monument to family, Benedict launched an attack on abortion and a defense of the love of a "man and a woman." Watch the video below for an overview of the event.
Etichette: arts, europa, religion
Some insightful (and common sense) comments.
1) The real loser
The real loser is Keynesianism: the idea that when businesses and individuals stop spending, government must. That idea will not rebound; it's over for this period in economic history. First Britain, and now the United States, are responding to the worst economic contraction in 75 years by contracting government, despite the fact that the world's best economists are screaming that it's exactly the wrong thing to do. (here)
2) Obama Post Election Press Conference
a) So far Obama's major nod to getting whooped last night is to speak slower and with a tinge of sorrow in his voice. Beyond that? Nope, not really.Big Takeaway...Obama rejects notion that his policies were rejected by voters last night. Says his policies are not moving the nation backwards, rejects notion that was message of last night. He's not going the Clinton way. It would have been much shorter and much more honest if he just said what he really wants to say, "Let me be clear, I'm still awesome. If you aren't smart enough to get that, it's on you not me." (here)
b) Less than 24 hours after he lost the golden mantle, President Obama went before an expectant nation with a White House press conference. He and his party had received an historic slap-down. The people had spoken directly and plainly.For the first two-thirds of the presser, the president spoke in Washington-speak. It was nuanced and hit notes that his aides would nod at approvingly. He was humbled and willing to reach out to the other side. If you were a Washington insider and you had a decoder ring, you could nod appreciatively that you understood the message.But as a political acknowledgement to an angry public, it has to be chalked up as another loss. In the language of the American people, it was not straight talk. It was babble, presented in cold language that only Professor Obama could deliver. (here)
What, If Not A Tsunami?
If not a tsunami, then what metaphor should we use to describe it? A hurricane? Yes, but a "meaningful" one.
What The Catholic Church Has Brought To The World
Here is a video which shows and explains the beautiful, historical and miraculous aspects of the Catholic Church. From Catholics Come Home, an independent, non-profit Catholic apostolate that creates effective and compassionate media messages and broadcasts them nationally and internationally, in order to inspire, educate and evangelize inactive Catholics and others, and invite them to live a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, in accord with the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.
Thanks: The Metaphysical Peregrine
A Tsunami Of An Election
Three things stand out in our Election coming up this Tuesday; Democrat voter fraud, possibly the largest turnover of politicians in US history, and the leadership of women in the Conservative movement.
In my own state of Nevada, early voters reported that some voting machines already had incumbent Senator Harry Reid selected. It turns out the voting machine technicians are members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU). SEIU has given 95% of their political donations to Democrats. A Nevada caller to a radio talk show called in saying he had voted that day, and while he was there a bus pulled up with filled with casino union workers wearing their union shirts with their booklet of union approved candidates. Campaigning at polling places is against Federal law, and this wasn't technically illegal, but the effect was the same. Reid's campaign also had voting parties where food and gift cards were passed out in violation of Federal voting laws. There will be no prosecution of course, since the current US Justice Department only prosecutes Christians, Conservatives and white people.
The evidence of this is the New Black Panther Party, a violent Black racist group of thugs that stood outside a polling place in paramilitary uniforms carrying nightsticks during the election of two years ago. This is in violation of Federal election law, but we have a racist Justice Department, and as the months go by, more stories are coming to light of laws being selectively enforced based on race, political, and religious views. Two assistant attorneys general have quit the department in protest. The Black Panthers said they will be out in force again this election doing the same.
I could make this whole post about Democrat voter fraud at the level any third world dictatorship would be proud of. Of course the Jurassic Press never sees it, and if it does doesn't' report it. One of our Circuit Courts has just ruled that proving citizenship to vote is unconstitutional. All Courts have ruled that showing an ID at the polling place is an unconstitutional requirement. It's so bad there's now a smart phone app to report voting place fraud.
The most disgusting and galling are three Democrat controlled states that have not sent absentee ballots to servicemen overseas, in violation of Federal election law. They are not being prosecuted by the Justice Department either. Traditionally military personnel vote Republican.
The turnover of political parties will be larger than even the historic 1994 election despite massive Democrat voter fraud. Then there was a 54 seat pick up by Republicans, and an 8 seat pick up in the Senate. Republicans need 39 seats to win control the House of Representatives, and 10 seats to win the Senate. Political strategists of both political parties predict Republicans will pick up 54 seats in the House and 5 for certain in the Senate. There are still 6 Senate seats in addition to the 5 that are too close to call, so it's possible the Republicans can control the Senate too.
Conservative women are the engine driving this political tsunami. The Left has been reduced to calling them whores and bitches. The National Organization of Women, a small Leftist group with no influence, but the darling of the Jurassic Press and Democrats, endorses this language. They even say dumb stuff like Conservative women aren't really women. This is of a piece with Black Democrats saying the conservative Blacks aren't really Black. The attack on these conservative women has been vicious, all of it personal, none of it on the issues.
A brief example is the attack on Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachman. She was recently attacked by Joy Behar (she's on the show "The View" and has her own CNN program) who said that Bachman is "against children". This is linked to Bachman opposing ObamaCare and lots of other legislation that mandates how parents raise their kids. Bachman is the mother of 5 and the foster parent of 23 kids. She's against children? Pages could be written about the lies, slander, slurs and meanness visited upon Sarah Palin. Leftists only support women that are Leftists. Independent women that have fulfilled the feminist ideal of success based on merit are the enemy. When we look at Sharron Angle (challenging Senator Harry Reid in Nevada), Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin, Christine O'Donnell (running for Senate in Delaware), Meg Whitman (running for Governor in California), and Carly Fiorina (running for Senate in California), we see women successful in their own right. Fiorina was CEO of Hewlett Packard, Meg Whitman was cofounder and CEO of EBay, Sarah Palin was a Governor.
Leftist political women? Hillary Clinton got where she is on the coat tails of her husband Bill, Nancy Pelosi got where she is using her husband's wealth and power, as did California Senator Barbara Boxer, and of course Michelle Obama who's accomplished nothing of merit and has labeled herself "mom in chief", tells us to eat our fruits and veggies while she goes out and eats mushy beef burgers, fries and ice cream.
At play too are several governorships and state assemblies. Even local elections will see a big turnover. Everything is in play from national to local.
This triad is a turnover of historic proportions. Strong independent women for leaders, Conservatives not only challenging entrenched Democrats but kicking out RINO's (Republican in Name Only), and Democrat Party fraud that has not been reported by the Jurassic Press in the past now being exposed by the New Media.
This is a perfect storm that will roll back, and rock, the Statist agenda. I'll be up late Tuesday night watching Liberty rise and Democrats cry.
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Rainbow String Game, hand dyed in USA.
Many parents carry string games along on trips, to restaurants, and visits with relatives as a way to pass the time and share tricks with their children.
These string figures have been proven to help in brain development.
We provide Beautiful and Free Gift Wrapping plus a Gift Card /Tag. Please write here any message you would like written on the card.


text:
I noduli di Heberden sono delle sporgenze ossee che compaiono sulla falange distale attorno ai 45-50 anni come manifestazione tipica dell'artrosi primaria.

Sono causati dalla deformazione del piatto articolare, quest'ultima è dovuta al rimaneggiamento osseo tipico dell'osteoartrosi. Nella maggioranza dei casi non provocano dolore, sebbene modifichino la forma delle dita, tra le quali le più colpite dalla malformazione sono l'indice e il mignolo.

Sono più comuni nelle donne, dato che sembra esserci una predisposizione determinata dagli ormoni.

Voci correlate
Artrosi
Noduli di Bouchard

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Segni clinici
Reumatologia
Artrosi

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Anthem sets the standard for excellence in apartment living. Imagine dry cleaning, laundry and tailoring, personal shopping, private catering, housekeeping, and more, all at your fingertips.
The rooftop garden at The Anthem combines stunning city views with the natural beauty of the outdoors. Enjoy shaded walking paths along lush landscaping and trellises.
A step outside The Anthem brings the city to your feet. Enjoy immediate access to the city's best shopping, dining, theater and more.
The Anthem provides 8,000 square feet of gym space to aid every health and fitness goal. Enjoy personal training, free weights, circuit training, and "cardio theater" (i.e. TVs on the treadmills).
Select units provide spectacular terrace views of Murray Hill, allowing you to take in all the beauty of your neighborhood from the tranquility of your home.
Bright southern expposures from a huge window wall in this well configured studio with three large closets and 10 foot ceilings.
Enjoy The Anthem's elegant residents' lounge, designed by Alexia Kondylis, with a fireplace, large screen TV, intimate sitting areas, coffee bar, and billiards table. This private room has seating for 10 with en-suite rest-room. Perfect for business meetings or poker night.


text:
Tag: xenomorphs
Mama I'm Comin' Home: NECA's Ripley and Alien Queen
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Alien Queen faces off against Ellen Ripley for a mother of a fight.
Ripley, Believe It Or Not…
According to recent news Fox's Alien franchise is poised to gear up again. This fifth installment will feature first Alien protagonist Ellen Louise Ripley as the lead character and apparently ignore the plot lines of Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection. It's a maneuver by director/writer Neill Blomkamp (Chappie, District 9) that will surely cause controversy in the fan communities for its wholesale revisionism. I personally hope it will finally give the Ripley character a definitive and satisfying third act. Most importantly, actress Sigourney Weaver has just verified taking the lead again. It's a role that has proven to define the female action hero for several decades and it's good to know it will be in the hands of its original creator.
NECA's P-5000 Power Loader becomes battle gear for Ripley action figure.
In tandem with this exciting news comes NECA's announced Alien Series 4 action figures. This wave includes Nostromo Captain Dallas (Tom Skerrit) and none other than Ripley herself, based on Weaver's likeness for the first time. It's something collectors have been clamoring for and worth the wait as the figure debuts in two different versions. One Ripley dons the distinctive Nostromo spacesuit – what I call the "samurai goalie" look – the other is garbed in her jumpsuit, armed with flame thrower. Spacesuit helmets can be removed, but beware those of ornery face huggers. There are even two versions of Jonesy the Cat, one calm and the other with his hackles up.
Fan favorite Ellen Ripley ready for action with flamethrower in hand.
NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) never fails to amaze with their New York Toy Fair sales booth displays. This year the highlight was a huge diorama with Ripley in the P-5000 Power Loader that NECA prevued last year. She's prepared to battle the monstrous xenomorph Queen Mother. Half of the android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) watches helplessly in the midst of a hatchling swarm of scurrying face huggers.
NECA's Massive Alien Queen closes in for the attack.
The queen is quite a showpiece. NECA has captured the sleek, angular, and wiry essence of the creature with its regal crest and slavering jaws. The deluxe figure has 30 points of articulation, stands over 15 inches tall and 30 inches long to the tip of its highly posable tail. A stand and two sets of inner jaws are included.
Tall Cool One…
NECA also displayed a prototype of their 1979 Alien. It's a quarter scale replica of the suit worn by 6′ 10″ Balaji Badejo for his sinuous and balletic performance. Born out of the late H. R. Giger's nightmarish artwork, this lone creature was plenty enough of a scare on his own in the original film. Even in its unpainted state it's clear NECA has a fine representation in the works. It's scheduled for a June release.
NECA's unpainted prototype for a 1/4 scale 1979 Alien.
I was fortunate to have viewed the original Alien in its first theater run, probably its first week. In 1979 there was no chance of internet spoilers, no speculation from decades old fan bases, just a pure experience that was quite a fright ride. Second and third viewings were equal fun, especially watching the popcorn fly in the midst of unsuspecting first timers. I only knocked the edges off the experience once I could run it on VHS at will. It is that kind of audience familiarity and the since proffered Prometheus backstory and Predator interpolations that Neill Blomkamp will have to overcome in his quest to make his new installment of a piece with the first two and offer that kind of impact.
Tags action figures, alien, alien queen, android commander bishop, captain dallas, ellen ripley, h. r. giger, jonesy the cat, lance henriksen, neca, neca toys, neck alien series 4, neil blomkamp, nostrum, predator, prometheus, quarter scale alien, sigourney weaver, tom skerrit, xenomorphs
Fire and (Cap)Stone: Dark Horse's "Prometheus" Finale
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Dark Horse's Fire and Stone Finale
Final Countdown…
Dark Horse Comics completes it's six month Prometheus series with the Fire and Stone "Omega" issue. The stand alone book ties up the multi-title storyline of Alien xenomorphs, Predators, cosmic Engineers, android "synthetics" and stranded Weyland-Yutani astronauts. All get their fair share of "screen time" in this 44 page finale written by Kelly Sue DeConnick. There's plenty of action and a little philosophy on the "human" condition, which are the polar nodes of director Ridley Scott's original shock-ride Alien (1976) versus his search for the meaning of our existence, Prometheus (2012). Kudos to Ms. DeConnick for an ending that, while event filled, avoids being a one dimensional "monster rally." Characters' thought provoking actions feel correct within the confines of the Prometheus universe, and maybe closer to what Scott had in mind, but didn't offer us, in the film.
Augustin Alessio's detailed and atmospheric art compliments the story with a balance of frenetic action and portrait panel exposition. His use of blurring to separate characters from backgrounds and accentuate action scenes adds a cinematic component to his pages. It's an interesting and successful technique found in several panels.
Giger Counter…
Appropriately, the bio accelerant driven mutations that proliferate the Dark Horse Prometheus books channel H.R. Giger's seminal visions as touchstones. Alessio does a particularly nice homage (think ELP's Brain Salad Surgery) to the late Swiss artist in the latter pages of this final issue.
Ridley Scott's next foray into the plot line,Prometheus 2, is not due until 2016. For most franchise fans films take too long to make and endless script rewrites and rethinks tend to foster missteps that muddle the final product. Whatever your feelings about the cinematic progression of these intertwined universes, Dark Horse's licensed graphic novels series (like this and the Buffy and Angel books) offer fans a fun expanded interaction with their favorite characters.
There's no lack of action in this final "Prometheus Fire and Stone" tale.
Tags alien, Augustin Alessio, dark horse comics, engineers, fire and stone, fire and stone omega, Kelly Sue DeConnick, predator, prometheus, ridley scott, xenomorphs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Last time I talked about the two qualities imperative to conquering the mountains in front of us and two women who have both the 'want to' and the 'show up'.
But what happens when one of those is missing?
Today we had 5 no shows; people who had appointments to see how we might help them on their journey as well as students who didn't come to class.
We've learned that is to be expected and aren't generally discouraged when potential students don't make their appointments. Showing up to that first interview is a litmus test of sorts. It indicates someone wants it enough to deal with inconvenience, discomfort or difficulty. If they show up we have hope they will go the distance.
But what happens when someone has a deep 'want to' but can't manage the 'show up'?
What if you have big dreams but your one chance to earn some money keeps you from going to GED classes or getting help from your homework coach?
What if you have the potential to not just get your GED but be the first one in your family to go to college yet your family can't or won't support your efforts?
What if you are surrounded by people who believe in you, cheer you on but your kid gets sick or you're too exhausted from working the minimum wage job that barely pays your rent to make it to class?
How do you not get discouraged? How do you not give up?


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Tech Companies / 25 Facts You Should Know about Intel
25 Facts You Should Know about Intel
Ericka Chickowski
| Posted 2010-08-31
Intel was founded in 1968 by a chemist, Robert Noyce, and a physicist, Gordon Moore, both of whom had already made waves in the nascent semiconductor industry.
A stalwart in the PC world, chip maker Intel has been making noises about getting a better foothold in the mobile market. Recent acquisitions show Intel's intent on competing strongly for wireless markets, just as it has done with semiconductors, processors and chipsets over the past four decades. It wouldn't be the first time that Intel changed its whole business around. Before it switched to making processors, Intel was founded to build memory chips. Processors were just a sideline. But executives at the company realized their original plan was failing, and the processors were the chips that were actually making money. So they refocused their efforts. Now, with Intel making its intentions known in the mobile space through two big acquisitions in the course of two weeks, Channel Insider takes a look at the chipmaker's pedigree of success and its vision into the future.


Any thoughts on the pros and cons of Filemaker vs. Access for large records.
a factor as to whether or not you will want to use FileMaker or Access.
database. Max size for Access, unless it's changed recently is 2GB.
objects and the pseudo-relational aspect of it *really* annoying.
FrontPage to create those for Access, and they work.
"Creating fields on the fly" - this is a sign of poor design, usually.
have to fix all those forms/layouts/webpages, which is a lot of work.
I think they can both handle it.
I don't know anything about Filemaker, so I won't comment on it.
filemaker fields can hold 64000 characters each.
want to use a separate form just for printing.
the field being added is not a calculation.
questions. It's great if you filemaker guys can answer them.
language? How does it compare to VBA?
- Can we write SQL and execute them (like queries in Access)?
Reports have, in general, dozens of events.
- Does Filemaker have user and group level security?
right on anything about payroll.
and managed in each file. Good news, bad news, eh?


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Pèirapuerc (italià Pietraporzio, piemontès Peiropurch) és un municipi italià, situat a la regió del Piemont. L'any 2007 tenia 94 habitants. Està situat a la Val d'Estura, dins de les Valls Occitanes. Limita amb els municipis de l'Argentiera, Chanuelhas, Sant Estève de Tinèa (Alps Marítims), Sambuco i Vinadio.

Administració

Municipis de Cuneo


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Molaris may refer to:
 Molaris (software), a software using the empirical valence bond approach to calculate free energies of enzymatic reactions
 Dens molaris, a Latin expression for designing the molar (tooth)
 Chomatodus molaris, a prehistoric fish in genus Chomatodus
Scopula molaris, a moth in the family Geomitridae


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Updated Dec 18, 2022 - Economy & Business
Musk reinstates Washington Post reporter on Twitter
Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Liesa Johannssen-Koppitz/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Elon Musk temporarily banned another journalist over the weekend — after he brought some reporters back to the platform after suspending their accounts, using a Twitter poll to decide their fate.
The latest: Taylor Lorenz, a technology and online culture columnist at the Washington Post, on Sunday appeared to have her Twitter account reinstated after it was suspended on Saturday.
Lorenz wrote in a tweet on Sunday that she believes Twitter's newest rule that bans accounts used to promote the accounts of other specific social media platforms is what led to her suspension.
Twitter said it would suspend accounts made specifically for the purpose of promoting Facebook, Instagram and Mastodon and other platforms.
Before being banned, Lorenz had a tweet that linked to her other social media platforms, including Instagram and Post, which are prohibited under Twitter's new rule.
Catch up quick: Lorenz and Drew Harwell, another Washington Post tech reporter, were researching an article involving Musk. In an attempt to contact him, Lorenz requested an interview via a tweet on Saturday, she wrote.
Later that day, when she went to check whether there was a response, she received a notification that her account was suspended.
The big picture: Musk has repeatedly said he supports free speech and intends to use Twitter to promote it, Axios' Sara Fischer writes. However, he has been inconsistent with content moderation decisions.
State of play: Musk asked Thursday night if the "accounts who doxxed my exact location in real-time" should be unsuspended from Twitter.
This was a reference to a number of prominent journalists, who were kicked off Twitter on Thursday night, Axios reports.
The poll, which had more than 3.6 million votes, showed the majority of voters (58.7%) wanted the accounts brought back "now."
"The people have spoken," Musk tweeted.
Flashback: Musk's comments on his location stemmed from the controversy earlier this week when the account that actively tracked Musk's private jet was suspended from the platform.
Driving the news: Musk on Saturday — after reinstating some journalists on the platform — bashed the "corporate media" on his account, writing: "They abandon even the pretense of noble principles in their zeal to keep their monopoly on information seen by the public."
Musk in a separate Twitter response also said: "They think they're better than everyone else."
Of note: A Twitter poll similarly helped Musk decide whether or not to bring former President Trump back to Twitter.
In late November, Musk reinstated Trump's Twitter account after a poll from Musk showed millions of accounts (52% of 15 million total votes) wanted him back on the platform, Axios reports.
Trump said he has no plans to return to Twitter, and will remain on his own social media platform, Truth Social.
More from Axios:
Elon Musk's Twitter suspends several journalists' accounts without notice
Twitter press suspensions become media flashpoint
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details and with a new headline.


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Home » News » NRA Country » Press Release » You are reading »
NRA Country names Lucas Hoge as Featured Artist for July
country June 30, 2017 News, NRA Country, Press Release No Comment
Rising country star and Nebraska native, Lucas Hoge, has been chosen as NRA Country's Featured Artist for July. As part of the promotion, fans can enter for a chance to win several prizes including: a Cabela's 25 QT Equalizer Cooler, Wrangler Jeans, Hero Outdoor Products, and other Lucas Hoge branded gear along with a VIP meet and greet pass. The contest will begin on July 5 at www.NRACountry.com.
Hoge has enjoyed success with singles such as "If I Only Could," which was featured on the hit television series "Smallville." His new single, "Dirty South" is currently impacting country radio and is available now on iTunes and Spotify. Hoge's latest album, DIRTY SOUTH, will be released on July 28th. He made his Ryman debut opening for the legendary George Jones, and he's shared the stage with superstars like Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Hank Williams Jr.
"My memories of hunting go back to when I was a kid, and dad was teaching us about respect for the outdoors and the animals that you are harvesting," said Hoge. "It's about taking advantage of the quality time we spent together when we would go hunting and appreciating what God has given to feed us, as well. I love being in the outdoors as much as possible."
Hoge also proudly serves as an official music ambassador for Cabela's, for whom he has hosted a popular online video series.
As an NRA Country Featured Artist, Lucas Hoge joins some of country music's biggest acts including Hank Williams Jr., Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Gretchen Wilson, Aaron Lewis, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Aaron Watson, Granger Smith and many more, in teaming up to celebrate their support of our brave men and women in uniform, appreciation for the great outdoors, and love of family.
For more information and a list of upcoming tour dates, visit http://www.lucashoge.com/.
Learn more and get NRA Country connected at www.NRACountry.com.
About NRA Country Respect. Honor. Freedom. It's a lifestyle and a bond between the best and brightest in country music and hard-working Americans. NRA Country is powered by pride, love of country, respect for the military, and our responsibility to protect our great American lifestyle. NRA Country celebrates these values with concerts and events benefiting military and veteran services organizations, first responders, conservation organizations, firearm safety programs, and local charities making a difference in their communities. Get NRA Country Connected at www.nracountry.com and get the latest artist info and exclusive events on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Lucas Hoge Rebel Engine artist Lucas Hoge rose to national fame as a star of Animal Planet's Last Chance Highway. Hoge's disarmingly charming personality made him a favorite with viewers and TV bookers, which led to appearances on NBC's Today show, Inside Edition and The Daily Buzz to name a few. As Music Ambassador for Cabela's, Hoge is in good company along with fellow Music Ambassadors Luke Bryan and Justin Moore. A passionate supporter of the U.S. military, Hoge has traveled the globe extensively performing for the troops visited numerous countries throughout the Middle East and beyond for the past 8 years as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. Hoge is also the Celebrity spokesperson for Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pet. His single "Boom Boom" spent an unprecedented seven weeks at #1 on the CMT Music 12-Pack Countdown. Hoge is currently visiting radio stations nationwide in support of his new single "Dirty South." Lucas' album DIRTY SOUTH will be released on July 28th.
https://www.countryschatter.com/2017/06/nra-country-names-lucas-hoge-as-featured-artist-for-july/ 2017-06-30T15:48:26-04:00 countryNewsNRA CountryPress ReleaseCabela's,dierks bentley,Dirty South,HankeWilliams Jr.,If I Only Could,Instagram,lucas hoge,NRA Country Featured Artist,rascal flatts,Smallville
Rising country star and Nebraska native, Lucas Hoge, has been chosen as NRA Country's Featured Artist for July. As part of the promotion, fans can enter for a chance to win several prizes including: a Cabela's 25 QT Equalizer Cooler, Wrangler Jeans, Hero Outdoor Products, and other Lucas Hoge...
Cabela'sdierks bentleyDirty SouthHankeWilliams Jr.If I Only CouldInstagramlucas hogeNRA Country Featured Artistrascal flattsSmallville
TUNE IN: Dustin Lynch dials up MacKenzie Porter for ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! – 11/9
William Michael Morgan getting us ready for Christmas
The Oak Ridge Boys Perform Music from Latest Album 'Front Porch Singin' on Huckabee
Johnny Lee's Christmas album 'Santa Claus Is Lookin' For Love' is available now for the first time on all digital platforms
Chris Young and Kane Brown's "Famous Friends" earns American Music Award nomination for Favorite Country Song
Wedding crashers, Rascal Flatts, show up to sing first-dance song to happy couple
Hunter Hayes And Zappos Pair Music With Charity For "Rescue"


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Northwest DC
Cathedral Heights
Sheridan-Kalorama
Northeast DC
Deanwood
Southeast DC
Congress Heights
Southwest DC
Lost Neighborhoods
Hell's Bottom
Murder Bay
Notable People & Places
Calvin Coolidge
Teddy Roosevelt
Officer Sprinkle
The Capitol Building
Dulles Airport
Ghosts of DC
Soviet Diplomat Testifies on the Hill
Vitaly Churkin
So here is a headline you certainly won't see every day, and you certainly wouldn't see something like this in the 1980s. In the Cold War edition of Ghosts of DC, here's a cool article that we came across in The Washington Post. This was the first time an official of the Soviet Union testified before a House committee, by Vitaliy Churkin, in an attempt to be transparent after the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
…the appearance of Churckin, a second secretary of the Soviet Embassy here, turned into a clash of political philosophies that revealed few new details of what is being called the world's worst nuclear disaster.
For more than an hour, the well-tailored diplomat, displaying an array of English slang and the Gorbachev emphasis on image, parried with members of the House energy, conservation and power subcommittee. He fended off the political barbs of one congressman as "mumbo jumbo" and advised the panel not to use such a "commanding tone" if it hoped to elicit cooperation from Moscow.
When subcommittee Chariman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) demanded to know why the Soviet government has failed to inform its own people of the accident, Churckin replied that "the citizens who were affected by the accident are very well taken care of, and if they have any medical problems they will not even have medical bills to pay."
Asked whether American farmers should prepared for an increased Soviet purchases of grain because of radioactive contamination in the Ukraine, the breadbasket of Russia, Churckin noted dryly, "I understand this question was not based entirely on humanitarian grounds."
"We are in a capitalist country right now," Markey shot back.
"I realize that very much," said the Russian.
The sometimes spirited repartee was reminiscent of past Hill hearings, with members of Congress grilling the witness and the witness artfully dodging the hard questions.
At one point, Rep. Norman F. Lent (R-N.Y.), noting that the subcommittee was addressing Churkin as it would a U.S. official, conceded that "perhaps we've been unfair" in demanding detailed scientific information.
"I'm glad you realize that," the diplomat replied, seemingly undaunted.
Churking, who appeared after the Markey staff extended an invitation to the embassy, noted the "unique experience" of a Soviet official testifying before a House panel. But he quickly established limits by reminding questioners that he was an embassy employe, not a nuclear scientist.
Asked repeatedly by panel members about the cause of the Chernobyl accident, Churkin, met the questions with a question of his own: "Can you tell me in certain terms why the Challenger accident happened?"
"We deal with our problems in the open," said Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). "That's what we'd like in the Soviet Union."
After his Hill experience, Churkin sat for an interview on the "MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour." Asked if the Soviet government had approved of his testimony, he replied, "I don't think we asked. We're very courageous fellows here."
Washington Post headline
- GHOSTS OF DC RECOMMENDATION -
Anti-Flirt Club: Don't Undress Me With Your Eyes
1891 Map of Street Sweeping
Unbuilt Ulysses Grant Bridge Today
Rayful Edmond: The Babe Ruth of Crack Dealing
The Capitol Dome Was Once Red
Attractive Chevy Chase Home at 4104 Harrison Street NW
Why Is It Named Maryland?
1870s Ford's Theatre Picture Tells a Story
Ad for National Cathedral School for Girls
Two Ladies, One Dude, and an Electric Car
Ghosts of Baltimore
Cool Old Photos
© Ghosts of Cities, LLC


Does Iris Apfel rings a bell for you? I am positive that most of you (if not all) are quite familiar with these two names, which means that you all have immediately started smiling thanks to her quirky, edgy, colourful and so vintage-orientated style.
"The more is more and less is a bore" attitude defensor always astonished me, not only because she is 96 years old and still rocks, but mainly because every time I look at her and hear her speaking, everything gets better and my spirit is filled with high hopes, not only when it comes to Humanity but as well, when it comes to my own future and dreams. Wait, I've just realized that I specifically mentioned her age, but I please ask you to don't hate (just yet, at least). Currently, and despite of being an old saying, age does not matter at all, but it sure can affect our predisposition to deal with such a deep and in constant mutation industry that is fashion. Iris, and although I don't drink wine and have so little to add in terms of wine knowledge and ability to appreciate it, I must say that she truly looks a good addition to any wine advertisement, mostly for the Porto wines. She truly exudes youth, brilliance and such a warm spirit that it is impossible to not feel a tiny bit jealous of her life and career.
Who many of you reading this have, indeed, a life plan? Well, I sure have one – which has failed me a couple a times, I should confess – but it is quite liberating to heard from this woman that she never (ever) had a plan in life and that she always believed that what was meant to be it would, eventually, be. This mindset completely collides to several perspectives on how to make your dreams come true, right? So, what happened to the "Go forward", to the "Fight for what you want has hard as you can" and to the one and only "Write down your goals and work on them tirelessly"? It seems that Iris is a rare case of calmness that proved to us that attitude is the best definition of style, that the best take on being successful in fashion is to truly own yourself.
Iris grew up in Queens and she was raided on a farm with her parents and grandparents, a huge influence on her vision and identity, absolutely. Although she admits to not having a plan since day one, she also admits that she was totally compelled to go to Manhattan every Thursday afternoon to explore shops all over town – back then, people were allowed to ride the entire subway system for a nickel. This experience, pretty much changed Iris' life, forever. From being a copy-editor on Women's Wear Daily to meeting his husband Carl Apfel in 1948 with whom she founded Old World Weavers, a company specialized in vintage furniture that served nine presidents at the White House, her experiences made her exactly who she is today.
We truly have to be thankful to the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Fashion Institute and to Harold Koda, the curator, for the wonderful exhibition of the selections from the Iris Apfel Collection, back in 2005, when she truly sprung. It spotlighted 40 objects that showcased the affinity between fashion and accessory designs and analyzed the power of dress and accessories to assert style above fashion, the individual above the collective.
The great freshness about Iris is the realness that lives in her. She hasn't even an e-mail account and the Instagram we all know about, well, is not even hers. On the matter Instagram, she is quite assertive when she refers to it as a sort of platform of copy-cats, advising Millennials and Generation-Z to bet on themselves rather on anyone else. "I think young people today need to learn to be themselves, to develop a sense of curiosity, and not to live vicariously through these characters with no personality who they follow on social media", she emphasized during an interview for Harper's Bazaar USA. For know, Iris is happily working on her book called (no coincidence here) "Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon" and on her window at Bernard Goodman in New York where you can find an exquisite selection curated by her that also includes (of course) her signature glasses.
For Iris, life can be summed up in three words: only one trip.


The research project WallViz sets out to use visualization on wall-sized multi-touch displays to improve collaborative decision-making based on massive collections of data.
Visit the improved CCC website!
Since the inauguration of CCC in November last year, the centre's website has taken form. First of all, you can now read about the research projects at the centre but also about the centre's background, mission and vision, partnerships, educational activities, upcoming events and more.
The Leeds Virtual Microscope is an interactive visualization system, capable of rendering gigapixel virtual slides onto high-resolution, wall-sized displays. Roy Ruddle, Leeds University, will describe the six years of research they have conducted developing the Microscope and evaluating its use for the diagnosis of cancer, the training of histopathology specialists, and the education of medical students.


How many remember back in the day when you called in to order and when you talked to the host, you were randomly picked to spin the wheel for cash? I wish they would bring that back!!!
12:03 Pacific…I can hear all the fools outside shooting off fireworks.
How long ago was that, Ronzoni?


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Jerzy Lau (ur. 28 października 1917 w rejonie Omska, zm. 10 marca 1970 w Warszawie) – polski poeta, krytyk literacki i teatralny, tłumacz.

Absolwent filologii polskiej na UJ. Aktor teatru "Cricot". Uczestnik kampanii wrześniowej, w czasie okupacji hitlerowskiej żołnierz Armii Krajowej. Aktywnie uczestniczył w konspiracyjnym życiu literackim i kulturalnym. Od roku 1949 był prezesem Klubu Młodych Artystów i Naukowców z siedzibą w Warszawie. Członek redakcji pisma "Po Prostu" odpowiedzialny za dział kulturalny. Tłumacz z bułgarskiego i rosyjskiego.

Został pochowany na Cmentarzu Wojskowym na Powązkach (kwatera B22-4-25).

Poezje i inne
 U płomienia (konspiracyjne wydanie podczas okupacji)
 1955 – Wiślane okna
 1958 – Rachunek goryczy
 1967 – Teatr Artystów "Cricot" (pamiętnik-kronika)

Przypisy

Bibliografia
 Juliusz Jerzy Malczewski Cmentarz Komunalny (dawniej Wojskowy) na Powązkach, KAW RSW "Prasa-Książka-Ruch" Warszawa 1975 s. 26

Polscy poeci
Polscy teoretycy kultury
Polscy krytycy teatralni
Polscy tłumacze literatury bułgarskiej
Absolwenci Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Żołnierze Armii Krajowej
Uczestnicy kampanii wrześniowej (strona polska)
Urodzeni w 1917
Zmarli w 1970
Pochowani na Powązkach-Cmentarzu Wojskowym w Warszawie
Polscy tłumacze literatury rosyjskojęzycznej


Momoko Hatano's hand formed sterling silver everyday hoops mark the designer at her truest. "In whatever work I do I'm always trying to create an aesthetic that is timeless with a twist," she explains. Encompassing solid gold and silver earrings coiled into seashell spirals, and pearls hidden in tiny sterling silver rockpools, Shinju is a surreal and alluring handmade collection that catapults Momoko Hatano into the league of serious, heavy-weight Australian designers.
After graduating from COFA with a major in drawing and painting, Momoko Hatano landed a job at Dinosaur Designs – despite having only dabbled in the medium at art school. She was hired on the back of her drawing talent, and eventually rose to become head of silver for the jewellery department. Momoko is now only working on her own project and is firmly in the spotlight, and her pieces are elegant and quietly fierce - sometimes simultaneously. So is she. Meet her in our journal.


BitMart Exchange, a premier global digital asset trading platform, recently announced the listing of USD Coin (USDC), a dollar-backed stablecoin that is issued by the cryptocurrency finance firm – Circle. By listing a safe and transparent tokenized fiat currency, BitMart is ready to embrace a more open crypto-powered financial system.
USDC is the first stablecoin supported by Coinbase; the underlying technology behind it was developed collaboratively between Coinbase and Circle. It is a blockchain-based digital dollar where each token is strictly pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. This means the coin can be easily programmed, sent and used in DApps, and seamlessly stored locally, in comparison to traditional bank account-based dollars.
Following the support of Gemini Dollar (GUSD) last week, this is the second stablecoin that BitMart has listed on its platform. Both GUSD and USDC are fiat-backed ERC20 tokens which allow investors to use Etherscan to search and track transactions, making a more trustworthy and transparent trading experience.
BitMart Exchange is a premier global digital asset trading platform in the cryptocurrency market with over 520,000 users worldwide and ranked among the top 10 crypto exchanges on CoinMarketCap. BitMart currently offers 123 trading pairs with one of the lowest trading fees in the market. BitMart has opened credit/debit card deposit options and will offer full fiat service by the end of 2018.
BitMart has also announced two promotions including Refer A Friend and Registration and Referral Sign-Up Bonus program, earn 20 BMX for registration now! To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, Twitter or join their Telegram.