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Click here for Overview of the year
POM. You said you had just come off an all-night session. This is with regard to the constitutional negotiations. What particular aspect of the constitution were you working at all night and was an agreement hammered out or is it still one of the outstanding issues?
PDL. I was part of the committee dealing with competencies, the national executive powers of the President, the various schedules of competencies, concurrent powers and quite a number of issues. We have been able to at least agree on the composition of the new Council of Provinces, their powers and functions. We did quite a bit of work. The only few issues outstanding for us is that we now have to look at the competencies for local government, the competencies for provincial government and see which ones will be concurrent powers and that we will do sometime next week but we have agreed on most of the issues.
POM. In this whole process, the PAC is one of the smaller parties in parliament, in what way do you think you have been able to shape or mould the debate on the constitution and have an influence on what the final product will be?
PDL. Well we, like all other parties, have made our submissions, we made our proposals and try and put up a voice for those particular proposals. In the process of public submissions as we were looking and going through over two million public submissions a lot of our proposals ...
POM. Two million public submissions?
PDL. Yes, yes. It was a difficult process but at least the administration was well organised so as to filter and separate issues for us and as we went on with the process for the past 18 months now, as submissions came from the public, we found in between them also other groupings who were supporting our views and we were then able to say that, look, our view is supported by this group and by that group and so on. That's just the dynamics of the process. Whether we've been able to influence it will depend on the final product that we are going to come up with. As you know there are still some outstanding issues like the property clause for instance, the issue of the lock out and a few issues on the Bill of Rights, socio-economic rights, enforceability and things like that, and it is still going on. Finally at the end of the day we will be able to compare what we expected from the constitution to what it actually achieved, to make that assessment at the end.
POM. In that regard what have been the most important questions? What have been the most important issues to the PAC?
PDL. Well to us it was to ensure that we don't lose sight of the historical contacts of our struggle, to ensure that we have quite a strong central control of power which we believe will ensure that you then effectively correct the imbalances of the past and not have a situation where you give too much power to the various provinces who might then just distort that imbalance. We felt strongly that power must be devolved but it must not be at the expense of saying that the people want power further down at local and provincial level knowing that even if they do get the power they will not know how to apply that to correct the imbalances of the past. So we were looking out for issues like that.
POM. So you would be siding more with the ANC on the issue of a strong, central government vis-à-vis federalism, regionalism or whatever you want to call it?
PDL. That's correct.
POM. Where would you have disagreed with the ANC on an issue? Where would your stand have been strongest?
PDL. Well the ANC came around to our position because we were the only party right from the beginning who questioned the role and the function of the Senate, the way it's composed now and what functions it was supposed to perform. We have argued that the Senate is not representing provincial interests but rather party interests and should we have another body like that that body should be representative of the views of the provinces and not of the political parties per se. We were not convinced in the beginning that the Senate - we have said that the Senate was merely a duplication, a mirror image of the National Assembly. Towards the end many parties came that way and that gave the birth of the Council of Provinces and to such an extent that the Council of Provinces will come in almost immediately at the end of May to make way for that kind of representativity and views from provincial structures.
POM. So you would say this is the PAC's particular contribution to the constitution, is the Council of Provinces?
PDL. Not the name per se, but the concept, although what we would love to see also in the Council of Provinces was the inclusion and some role for traditional leaders, traditional authorities in the Council of Provinces.
POM. Now here you are, you're coming off a national congress that was very divisive, that pointed out the weaknesses in the leadership structure of the party, it's financial disarray, it's policy disarray. In fact you name it, it's disarray on virtually every aspect of what makes for cohesion within a political party. Top that up with your performance in the local elections of last year and you have a party on the verge of extinction. What emerged out of that congress that gives you hope that the future of the party can be salvaged or is there a real possibility that the future of the party can't be salvaged, that it has become so marginal that the best thing it could do would be to go out of business and let its individual members go their separate ways?
PDL. I don't think you're correct in saying it was divisive. What has happened there, to my mind, is actually long overdue. What has emerged is a kind of membership who felt that we are not meeting the demands placed on us. As far as I am concerned what has come over rather than divisive, it's more a matured membership who were able to feel and to see that we are not totally fitting into the new political dispensation, that we were slow in transforming the organisation, we were slow in adjusting to the new transitional dispensation that we find ourselves in. And you know how fluid and volatile politics in South Africa is. We have not been able to respond or to be pro-active but we have rather been seen to be reacting to what was happening in the country. And they were saying, what are you doing about it? Although some of the members wanted to reduce all the problems that we are facing to only leadership problems that is not so. You can put a new set of leadership there tomorrow but it will not solve all the problems of the PAC. And all these things were aired and they were discussed and debated and obviously tempers were high, it was very emotional because people felt that some way or the other the organisation is slipping out of their hands. And positively what came out of it was that we have agreed on a time frame, we have agreed on the way forward and the way forward will be to have a convention which convention will invite and bring in all Pan-Africanists, all PAC members who are not active in the party, supporters of the PAC, intellectuals, academics, bring them together and look objectively as to the role of the PAC and is there a role for the PAC. They will look at new policies, new strategies and it's only once you have a proper plan of action that you then say, OK there is still a role for the PAC, who is going to implement this, who is going to see that this vision is carried forward, that you then elect leadership that can have the commitment to implement such a programme. So I think, like all other organisations in the country, they are all transforming, they are all changing, they are all restructuring, the PAC is going through exactly the same process. I think what is different this time around is that because we also subscribe to accountability, we subscribe to transparency and democracy within the organisation, we are talking about it openly, we are not making a secret of the problems we are up against.
POM. Now there has been one allegation made by this one former leader of the party that many of the problems of the PAC stem from the fact of divisions between the Nguni speaking and non-Nguni speaking elements in the party, that the Nguni speaking people ...
PDL. Who are the Nguni now?
POM. They would be the Zulu and Xhosa speaking people.
PDL. No. I mean I've been in the PAC for a long time and I am not aware about Nguni and Xhosa and all of that. If that is happening it's definitely not to my knowledge. As far as I am concerned we've always had all kinds of leaders in the PAC, there is not one so-called ethnic group dominating the leadership of the PAC, not at all.
POM. This is an article I'm looking at by a man named Newton Kanhema, he writes for The Saturday Star. This would be an interview he had done with the previous Secretary General, with Maxwell, where he says : -
. "The recent resignation of PAC General Secretary Maxwell is the result of latent struggles between the Nguni and non-Nguni speaking people as well as the exiles and the internal leadership. The Nguni compromise Xhosa and Zulu speaking South Africans while the non-Ngunis are predominantly Sotho speaking."
PDL. That's far from it. I'm in neither one of the categories and I play a key role in the party leadership and I'm not aware of it. Definitely that's not correct. I am sure people have got the right to speculate and to make conclusions from what they see as the problems in the PAC but I don't think it can be reduced to that. Maxwell left, we never had a mass resignation out of the PAC in top leadership categories. We had three, four people leaving but definitely not for reasons as you are stating it there.
POM. How about those who say that the PAC has failed to provide an alternative vision for blacks, that in a way most of your best policies over the years, your best ideas over the years have been simply co-opted by the ANC and that you are left without a vision that is substantially different from what the ANC vision would be for South Africa?
PDL. No.
POM. How does your vision differ from their vision?
PDL. I think if you want to talk about the vision you might also equate it with objectives. The objectives in the ANC and the PAC are the same, no doubt about it. We differ as to how to achieve those objectives. You know the composition of the ANC, ANC/COSATU/SA Communist Party aligned vision, we have always had a more purist type of Pan Africanist vision. I think where we have failed is that within the framework of that vision to develop relevant strategies and policies that will achieve that vision or that will take you to that vision. It's still too early a stage in a very young fragile democracy to say that in fact the vision of the ANC is even the correct vision. Vision is different from promises that were made in the elections. We have not seen that the ANC has had the capacity to actually fulfil those promises which will then take them to their vision. So it's very young, it's a very young democracy and I think you have to, in a period of five to ten years, be able to see the various lines emerging which will then show even maybe two different visions or different directions. But it's not as simple as that.
POM. How would you say that your vision is different from that of the ANC?
PDL. Our vision might even be the same and the vision is a general thing that we would all like to see at the end of the day that we attend to the needs of the majority who have been historically deprived. It's the same constituency we're talking about, the same African constituency that the ANC, 99% of the ANC's membership comes from the same constituency. Why it's important for the PAC to remain within the political scene is to give that constituency, which is the majority in the country, the option and the choice of having to have one or two political parties. There is no way that the Democratic Party or the National Party or any of the old white-based constituency parties, it would take a longer time for them to get entrenched in that community. We and the ANC are entrenched there and as being the most vocal and most known within the country and therefore it's important for the PAC to remain there.
POM. Could you give me one reason why I as a resident of a township or whatever should vote for the PAC rather than the ANC?
PDL. Even when it comes to voting today, again, and I answer your question now, again it is that one electoral base that you have and the electorate will really vote for the party who attends to their day-to-day issues. If the PAC is not there to attend to or raise the day-to-day issues, bread and butter issues of the people it's obvious people will not vote for them and that is what we have recognised, that we have failed to be there at the time when the people, the grassroots, the poor people need the PAC because we did not have an effective mass political programme. And this is also one of the issues that we are going to address now because you can't be sitting back and hoping and praying that people will vote for you. You actually have to illustrate to the people that you can help and this is what the ANC has done. The ANC through various mechanisms, through various ANC aligned NGOs, community based organisations were there and they are still there to attend to the problems of the communities. The PAC must do the same and it is only then that the voter will then have a choice. Right now they don't have a choice.
POM. Right now you get roughly 1% of the vote and the ANC gets 66% of the vote. How long will it take before you become a viable alternative to the ANC, where do you get the resources to become that viable alternative and what kind of policies do you develop that are different from the policies advocated by the ANC?
PDL. This is what we are going to do now in June. We've started a process where we are going to call this convention together, where we are going to analyse and debate and discuss where do we find ourselves now, what is the reality and where do we want to go to, how do we get there and for whom are we designing these policies. Those are the issues that we are now going to address head on for the first time in the PAC, since the unbanning. When we were unbanned we still ran on the old outdated PAC polices and principles without adjusting to the new dispensation and that's why we have these problems today.
POM. Would you say that the PAC as a political organisation has in many respects been too much under the thumb of its military wing, under APLA, that APLA has exercised a degree of influence out of proportion to its importance?
PDL. Yes I would say that we misread the input of the armed struggle. The PAC used to say that the armed struggle is the principal form of struggle and were hoping that you can get a takeover in this country through the armed struggle. When it became clear many years ago that that's virtually impossible because you were up against one of the best armies in the continent and what the PAC should have done at a much, much earlier stage was to try and re-adjust its methods so that the armed struggle was not seen as the principal form of the struggle but rather mass mobilisation and mass political programmes. So it was misread, yes.
POM. Does APLA still have a residual influence that's still there, that's out of proportion to the realities of politics in present day South Africa?
PDL. When you say residual what do you mean?
POM. Is there still an excessive militaristic influence in the party that believes that the struggle isn't over, that the struggle must still be pursued?
PDL. No, no, they have also come to accept - one positive thing that came out of this conference was that for the first time it was now, in the PAC's decision making structure a decision was taken anonymously that the slogan "One settler one bullet" must be stopped, that the PAC has stopped the armed struggle on 16th January 1994, that is not an option any longer and therefore more concentration must be given and that looks at demilitarising the militants that we've had in the PAC.
POM. If tomorrow morning you were to join - if you were in the ANC rather than the PAC, what difference would it make to your political belief system or the goals you are pursuing or the things you are trying to achieve?
PDL. Well you know, Patrick, I'm a different type of politician. To me it is not really what a political party - I've got my own personal commitment. Whether I'm in the ANC or the PAC I will still like to do what I am doing today. What I see is happening not only in the ANC but in other political parties is that politicians in South Africa today, because of the transition that we find ourselves in, they don't have that free conscience, that free mandate. They can't vote the way they want to vote, they can't say what they want to say because they are bound by this clause in the constitution, 43B, and I think it makes it difficult for any politician to operate under such circumstances.
POM. That is the clause that says you can't cross the floor?
PDL. You can't cross the floor and if you do then you are out of politics, that type of thing. There are lot of other influences.
POM. That's gone in the new constitution I would assume?
PDL. Yes it will be going. You still see a lot of shift. I think once that clause is out there will be a lot of shifting from one party to the other, most probably some new alignments and so on. But to me it will make no difference whether I'm in the ANC or the PAC. I think in the PAC I still have the leeway to say what I want to say and to do what I want to do. I am not certain whether if I had to be a member of the ANC tomorrow I will still be allowed to do the same, to say what I want to say because my conscience tells me to say so. I don't think that the PAC will disappear completely. I think there is a concerted effort now more than ever before that we should pull it together, at least as far as I am concerned it's the last chance. If you don't do it now then if you ask me the same questions four years down the line and we're still discussing the same problems I will definitely say to you there is no hope.
POM. To go back to the constitution for a moment, do you see the constitution that's emerging now as being significantly different from the interim constitution or merely being kind of a fine tuning of it?
PDL. No, no, I think it's definitely better than the interim constitution if you just look at the language for instance, if you look at a lot of the issues that were dropped. The interim constitution had just about everything in it. It's a far more streamlined constitution but it's important that this one will have more legitimacy because it's being written by elected representatives, the public had an opportunity to make their input and I think in comparison to the interim one this one will be better.
POM. You say it will have far more legitimacy but it won't have legitimacy insofar as the IFP will say they will accept it but they will not regard it as being a legitimate constitution. On this issue, why do you think it is, everyone agrees that Mandela, Buthelezi and De Klerk signed an agreement on the 19th April 1994, everyone agrees that they set out on a piece of paper the things that were the issues that were the outstanding issues that would be put to international mediation and yet here is Mr Mandela, regarded as being the ultimate man of his word, who on this particular occasion won't keep his word. Why not call in a mediator and he may sit the three of them around a table, listen to them for an hour and say, "There's nothing to mediate, I'm going home", in which case Mandela can say, "I've kept my word". Why is he balking so much at this one?
PDL. Just without looking at the content of the agreement it's a matter of principle too. In this particular case it's a matter of principle that you must honour your agreements and there I can say many of us are disappointed that the President did not honour, or doesn't want to honour that agreement. The other one, the agreement that was reached was more sort of a tactical one to get the IFP to participate. I think the ANC knew quite well then that they were not going to honour this but it was merely a way of getting them into the elections. It is disturbing and if that agreement can be honoured and it will mean it will bring peace to strife torn KwaZulu/Natal. I really have serious problems that it can't be done because mediation in any case is not binding. Mediation is a way of trying to bring parties closer together. If the mediation failed the parties have the option to revert back to their original positions and I don't know why the difficulty, whether it is just politicking, whether it's just grandstanding, what really is behind it I don't know. It puzzles me like many other people are puzzled in the country.
POM. But no other, as far as I know and this could be incorrect, there has been no concerted effort on the part of the other parties to stand up and say to the ANC, "You're wrong on this one."
PDL. Oh no, we've been doing so consistently, most parties. You know the Shell House debate, the debate just recently about when it came to the traditional leaders in KwaZulu/Natal, I think many people and many academics, many institutions have said that. It seems to be falling on deaf ears.
POM. Just on Shell House, again Mr Mandela stood up in parliament and said, "Listen, I take responsibility for Shell House. I ordered the ANC to protect Shell House, to shoot if necessary", which they did. He prevented the police from having access to the building after the incident, which many construe as obstruction of justice. Do you think that under the terms of the Truth & Reconciliation Act that he should have to go before the Truth Commission and apply for amnesty like other people who have ordered murders?
PDL. I don't think he has ordered murder. If he has issued the instruction that they should protect the ANC headquarters at whatever cost, as a leader you are entitled to do that. If it then further leads to murders, which you can say it was planned murders, I think it's difficult just to give a one line answer to it. You have to have more facts at your disposal. I can remember the last briefing we had with Madiba where he informed us that in fact they now have information that those Inkatha people were taken there by the police and it was the police who allowed them to go through and so on. So I think maybe if it gets to a court of law where the actual facts are on the table, even though he had ordered that they should protect, I just personally feel that it might come out that he wasn't wrong. But it remains to be seen what the facts will bring up. Whether he should go to the Truth Commission? Most probably if some of the Inkatha supporters who were injured there or lost families they go to the Truth Commission then and he will be asked to respond, I am sure he will do so.
POM. Do you think the Truth Commission is going to work?
PDL. That's another one that we have to see how time goes. Just from what I've read in the press the past few days it looks to me that many people have now found a platform where they can speak about their problems.
POM. Just two last questions. Sorry, can you just finish what you were saying?
PDL. On what now?
POM. We were talking about the Truth Commission.
PDL. Yes. I just get the impression that it's given a platform to people, to victims, to share their trauma and their experience and somebody is listening to them and many of them are saying that they don't want revenge, they merely want to know what happened to their children, to their husbands and fathers. And again we are just at the telling stage. I think that once we arrive where it comes to, after people have said their say and they now want compensation and the compensation is not favourable to the victim, the victim might say it was not worth the while. So I think we have to watch, monitor this process and see how it's going to evolve.
POM. Just two other things. One is, what if General Malan and the other generals are all found innocent? What kind of reaction do you think that would provoke in the black community? Would people just accept it? You know that in the United States a couple of years back there was a man named Rodney King, a black man who was beaten up by police, it was on video and everyone could see it but when the police were tried they were acquitted and the black community erupted in anger and burned down half of Los Angeles. What would be the impact, do you think, on blacks here?
PDL. The blacks have always been very tolerant people in some way. It remains to be seen what will happen then. I can't honestly, Patrick, I don't want to be a prophet, but I can't think that there will be that kind of excessive anger that will lead to something like what happened in Los Angeles. And also the Malan trial, unlike the Los Angeles one where it was daily, right through the day in your newspapers, your television and that, I don't think the Malan trial is getting that much exposure so the people can follow it.
POM. And last, you have this increasingly acrimonious relationship between what would be called the ANC and white liberals that degenerated into the so-called debate on television between Dennis Davies and Barney Pityana. What's at the root of the hostility?
PDL. I think in the case of Barney and Dennis ...
POM. I'm using that as an illustration, but there's a tendency to say ...
PDL. Yes, but it's just not that. Anyone for that matter, whether you are a liberal or a black or an academic or an institution you're just not allowed to criticise in this country any more. I myself have been called a racist by the MEC for Health in KwaZulu/Natal, Mkhize, and said I don't care about black people dying, on this whole Sarafina thing. My simple response was that democracy, accountability and transparency knows no colour, but there is an increasing intolerance and arrogance being displayed by ANC leaders which I think is not doing them good. I think what should really be done in this country is that black people must also learn to play and to operate within the rules so that you don't open yourself to unnecessary attacks. But if you think that because you are in power you don't need to go by the rules or perceive standards and you can just do what you want, you open yourself up for attack and I think this is exactly what we are experiencing now. Yes, as far as the white liberals are concerned maybe we've not heard enough during the apartheid years about some of these characters who are surfacing now who all of a sudden now become the people who pretend to have been in the front line of liberating this country. There are a lot of characters who are surfacing, not Dennis Davies, Dennis Davies we all know him for many years. He's not a racist. We know what Dennis went through himself because he put his head out as a white person during those years. There are more and more of these characters surfacing and saying, supposedly want to know what is wrong and what is right and it's a worrying thing because it's affecting everybody. You just don't know whether you can criticise, even if you criticise constructively.
POM. Do you think in that sense there has been a slight drift towards South Africa become more of an autocracy where the ANC is not establishing a one-party state but has leanings in that direction where it is intolerant of opposition, the more it entrenches it's own power?
PDL. I think they suffer from an inferiority complex even though they are in power, even though they are there, there is some complex here. People should move away from those racist connotations and actually pander to the view that, yes, look blacks can't govern this country. I think if that view is held by these white liberals what the ANC should do, the ANC should prove them wrong and just take up the challenge rather than feeling that there is this complex that we're not doing things right. It will have to be thought through but I think it's also just another development but a very key development that you can't just ignore because depending on how we handle the situation now, how it will influence the future of this country because if you want to silence everybody and say that because I am a black person I can't do anything wrong, that's basically what it's saying now, it's not acceptable.
. My view is that all of us must say in this country that, yes we are in this mess together, we are all learning, the one should complement the other but then also accepting that there are these tendencies who claim to know all. But then of course the other reason why this is surfacing is because most of the government departments are run by white consultants. Last year we paid over five billion rand to each who use the same white consultant intellectual liberal to run your department for you, and then another white liberal outside criticises. There's also something wrong there. You must then be consistent because it's the same white liberal consultants who were running the departments for ministers and were earning a lot of money. I tell you, black consultants just don't get work from government. They can't even get an appointment never mind work from government.
POM. Have you tabled questions in parliament about this?
PDL. Yes, yes, and also from the Democratic Party. They spend a lot of money on consultants. That's besides that each and every minister is allowed to employ two advisors. Each one of them earns R28,800 per month, each and every minister has got two advisors, and you must look at some of the advisors that some of these ministers have. If you look at, for instance, the Department of Transport, the previous Director General was a Mr Scheepers and this Mr Scheepers then was replaced by an Indian guy called Mr Khetso Gordhan as the new DG, and then this Scheepers was employed as a special advisor to the minister. So he got his golden handshake and he still comes and earns that money. There should be a more proper arrangement of transfer of skills. You see those who have the skills also don't want to transfer it, they actually want to sell it. They are making money with the skills that they have, which they acquired during the apartheid years. So I think the shift should be to employ people who can impart skills that can also empower the black people.
PDL. Patrick, I have to run now. Anything more?
POM. Of course I do, but - thank you.


Joe: I grew up in Geelong, but I was actually born in Holland and spent my first three years there before we came to Australia.
Q: What is the one best thing for you about living in the Ballarat region?
Joe: It feels comfortable here. I like the semi-country feel, yet it's close to the conveniences of the big city. We have been here for 27 years now, and asked a local whether I yet qualify as a local and he suggested that I was about halfway there [laughs].
Q: Tell me about your involvement in BREAZE and the main activities you have been involved in over the years?
Joe: I got hooked into it right at the start. I did the Walk against Warming around the Lake in 2006 and found Nick Lanyon at a table at the end of the walk taking names, so I signed up. A few weeks later we had a meeting, formed a committee and it went from there. I was the treasurer for the first 5-6 years, but once we got into big projects to install solar panels and hot water services, it got beyond me and so we got a proper accountant. I was involved in setting up the Smart Living Centre in Lydiard Street and then when it moved to the library I agreed to make sure it kept going. Now it is running well with regular presentations and has got momentum, after the first year of so much promotion. The library are really supportive. It is very community oriented. I also coordinated Sustainable House Day for five years.
Q: To what place or country would you most like to travel and why?
Joe: I do like Europe. We've been a few times, and once spent a whole summer in The Hague, to get back to my roots. It is a continent I would like to experience more.
Q: Do you have a favourite city in the world and why is it this one?
Joe: I don't think I am travelled enough, but next year in July we are going to spend three weeks in Prague over the summer. It is a city that has enormous history and a richness of culture and it is pretty well the geographic centre of Europe - the centre of historic trade routes, it is an amalgam of cultures.
Q: What have been your hobbies or interests over the years and what are the main ones now?
Joe: I like building, I built my own house and I like making things out of wood and wire. I'll make something out of wood and then use the wire to join or to hang or make a hinge or whatever. I don't see myself as an artist, but I do like to make things that work. If they look good, it's a bonus. I used to do a lot of bush walking, and would like to get back to that. I'm also one of the Ballarat Bellringers and enjoy "art house" movies with the Ballarat Film Society.
Q: Have you got a bucket list and can you share one of the things?
Joe: I don't have a bucket list. I have purposely not made one. I figure I will do things as they come along.
Q: What environmental issue do you feel most passionate about?
Joe: Climate change. It worries me, not so much for myself, as I am in a country and in a position and at an age where I don't think it is going to be a major change for me. But I am worried about my kids and I now have two grandkids and I think they are going to suffer the consequences of what we are doing now. Environment change is the issue - losing species, losing habitats like the Barrier Reef, abusing fisheries, etc. I purposely say 'our environment'. I don't like it when people say 'the environment' because it sounds like something separate from us. Our environment is where we live; we are part of the ecosystem. When we start destroying habitats we are actually destroying part of our own home.
Q: What is most rewarding thing about volunteering for you?
Joe: Communicating with people, particularly in terms of what sustainability means. They can see the value of what we are promoting. For example housing: they can see it is about making the house more comfortable and cheaper to run and sustainable. And once you talk to people about it they understand it is really for everybody's benefit and it makes common sense. It's frustrating that many people still can't see the benefit of sustainability and that really annoys me, particularly people who hold positions like on Council or in Government. Narrow thinking promotes fossil fuels and works against renewables.
Q: Finally, if you could have ultimate say about the future of Australia, what one action would you make happen?
Joe: We have to seriously work towards 100% renewable energy - it is a short term cost and a long-term benefit. Instead of wasting money on "clean" coal research (a furphy), I would encourage implementation of renewable energy projects. I support BZE (Beyond Zero Emissions), a group who are showing that we have the engineering capability to achieve Zero Carbon and that the economics stack up. I think it is criminal that our Government are not showing us the way, instead of pandering to outdated, self-serving industries. Nobody said it's simple, but to ignore the future is beyond stupid.


gearing up for tonight's hip hop yoga par-tay (ok, a yoga 2 class to fun hip hop tunes but par-tay sounds more exotic) with a little legs up the wall. today has been filled with good cheer as the city seems filled with joy about spring. i skipped taking class tonight (due to a sore body and my plan to get my yoga on tomorrow morning) to get a pedi. sheer delight. my poor toes needed some TLC. as i walked out of the nail salon with spacers between my toes, i headed straight for the chocolate shoppe across the street. i was on a mission for "tranquility" - the lavender-infused milk chocolate bar from new tree. it claims that 1 bar = 3 cups of lime blossom tea and the packing says "a little r & r in a chocolate bar." what's not to love? as i sashayed home dining on my chocolate bar with my newly painted french pedi in spacers, i had to laugh. i was having a truly decadent moment. yay for spring! off to hip hop . . .
i am happy you got your pedi and chocolate. you deserve it.
Kimberly, that is too funny. I went by Biagio before the yoga class for afterwards. I love that place.
yay! i am about to indulge in a mani/pedi myself. see you in a week!


text:
50+ Scholarships to Study in the UK for Nigerian Students 2020
List of ScholarshipsNewsletterScholarship for Nigerians
By After School Africa Last updated Dec 1, 2019
Looking for scholarship to study in UK for Nigerian students?
According to study by UNESCO, UK is the number one destination for Nigerian students studying abroad. And Nigerians make up 13% of the total UK University population. As a result, a number of universities, local and international organizations support Nigerian students to study on scholarship in UK. Below is a comprehensive list of scholarships in UK for Nigerian students to study for undergraduate, masters and PhD.
Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference and updates.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Each year, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) opens application for Nigerian students to apply for Masters and PhD scholarships. Following are available Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarship for Developing Countries – Masters and PhD. See UK universities that have part funding agreements with the CSC.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme set up by the Department for International Development (DFID) in 1986, represent a unique partnership between the United Kingdom government and UK universities and the candidates country (in this case Nigeria). Webpage
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships – PhD in UK and Nigerian Universities webpage
Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for Commonwealth Developing Countries to support mid-career professionals to spend a period of time with a UK host organization working in their field for a programme of professional development. Webpage
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, at UK Universities cover overseas tuition fees at Master's degree-level and are open to candidates who are citizens of a developing Commonwealth country.
PTDF Scholarship
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources offers undergraduate, masters & PhD scholarships for students to study in Nigerian and Overseas universities, including UK.
University of Reading Masters and PhD Scholarships
Under the prestigious Felix Scholarships scheme, one Felix Scholarships will be available to well qualified students to pursue postgraduate study (Masters) at the University, starting their programme in September 2019.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office established the Chevening Scholarship programme in 1983 and is now an internationally prestigious scheme with over 41,000 alumni including Nigerian students. Chevening awards enable Scholars to study a one-year postgraduate Master's course in any discipline at any UK university. Applications for the 2016/2017 Chevening Awards open in August 2015. – www.chevening.org/nigeria/
University of Portsmouth Masters Scholarship for Ghanaian and Nigerian Students (2.2 and above)
The scholarships will be in the form of a 20% fee reduction from any tuition fee but please note, it cannot be taken in conjunction with any other fee reduction or bursary offered by the University. The scholarship is a one-off award towards a one year Masters fees and is non-renewable and only valid for study on the courses listed in the link above
Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowship for Masters and Professional Programs
Each year, Rotary selects up to 100 individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of its peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Shell Niger Delta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
Each year the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) offers Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerian Students from Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States to study in UK for Engineering and petroleum related Science courses at selected universities in UK. The selected UK universities are Imperial College London, University College London and the University of Leeds.
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Fellowship for Ghana and Nigeria
To achieve their objectives, the AIG will fund scholarships and Fellowships for outstanding Nigerians and Ghanaians to undertake intensive post-graduate world-class training in governance and public policy at the The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford.
NITDA Scholarships in Information Technology for (Masters and PhD)
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with its mandate of transforming Nigeria into an IT driven economy for global competitiveness and the dire need to bridge the digital divide, has since 2010 established a Scholarship Scheme for Masters (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) Degrees in relevant areas of Information Technology (IT) obtainable in Nigeria or Foreign / Overseas Universities.
NDDC Foreign Scholarships Program for Postgraduate (not offered last year)
As part of its Human Resource Development initiatives, NDDC embarks on Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme. The goal is to equip Niger Deltans with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Local Content programme of the current Administration as well as compete globally in various professional fields.
Nigeria: University of Birmingham Outstanding Achievement Scholarships for Nigerian Students
To reward outstanding achievement and to help ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective international students from considering study in the UK, the University of Birmingham is pleased to offer a number of prestigious international scholarships.
The Standard Bank Derek Cooper Africa Scholarships at LSE Fully-funded for Masters Students – UK
The Standard Bank Derek Cooper Africa Scholarships offer an exciting opportunity of funding for students who are ordinarily resident in one of Standard Bank's African presence countries, with a preference for residents of South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and South Sudan.
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships form a selective programme designed to identify and prepare outstanding African leaders by providing them with critical experience at the highest levels of multilateral organizations.
University of Oxford Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate
Oxford is home of a number of prestigious scholarship schemes.
Over 900 fully-funded scholarships were available for new graduate students in 2018-19. The majority of scholarships do not require you to make an additional application; all applicants who apply to the University by the relevant deadline will be considered automatically. Webpage
Reach Oxford Scholarships are offered to undergraduate students from developing countries.
Eni Scholarship: St Antony's College Oxford in partnership with the international integrated energy company Eni, offers students from African universities in Angola, Ghana & Nigeria, the opportunity of fully funded scholarships, including fees and living expenses, for Master's degree at the University of Oxford UK.
See list of scholarships at University of Oxford
University of Cambridge Scholarships (Masters & PhD)
The university of Cambridge offer a variety of scholarships that Nigerian students can participate in.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive full-cost scholarships. They are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate masters and PhD degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
University of Cambridge offer Scholarship for MPhil Programme in Conservation Leadership to Support Students from Less Developed and Developing Countries.
The Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme – CISS is a prestigious scheme of approximately 80 full scholarships for international students. It was founded in 2009, and is funded by the assistance from the University of Cambridge, from external funding partners, and from Departments and Colleges that have agreed to contribute to these awards.
The Microsoft Research PhD Scholarship Programme in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) was launched in 2004 and has so far supported more than 200 PhD students across the region. Each year by September, PhD supervisors from academic institutions in EMEA submit their proposals for collaborative research projects with Microsoft Research Cambridge.
African Regional Busary at Cambridge University Judge Business School: A bursary worth up to £18,000 will be awarded to a successful African candidate. The School believes that Africa will be an increasingly important region, both economically and politically and is committed to developing the African talent pool.
Undergraduate & Masters scholarships at University of Westminster
Each year, the University of Westminster offers a wide range of scholarships for students from Africa and developing countries to study for undergraduate and masters' degree at the university.
See list of Scholarships at University of Westminster
Loughborough University Graduate School Development Trust Africa Scholarships
Loughborough University offers full-fee scholarships for international full-time taught postgraduate students who are currently domiciled (permanently living) in Africa. The scholarship covers 100% of the course fees for your chosen postgraduate taught course for one year.
Loughborough University Postgraduate International Scholarships
Over 100 scholarships are available to new self-financing full-time international students who are permanently resident in a country outside the European Union (EU). Available in a range of subject areas these scholarships will be to the value of 25% of the programme tuition fee and that value will be credited to the student's tuition fee account.
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa Scholarship for Women in Liberia, Nigeria and Ghana – University of Dundee
The candidate should be aware that this scholarship is the University's investment in the sustained growth of an individual and the betterment of a community at large. The candidate should indicate how she will use the studying abroad experience and the postgraduate qualification to locally or globally promote holistic transformation, facilitate equal access to opportunities for all, and encourage a peaceful, reconciled and empowered population in her home country.
Cranfield Sub-Saharan Africa Merit Scholarships for Masters Students – UK
Applicants must be graduates with a first class honours or upper second-class honours undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
University of Sussex Masters Scholarship for African students in Economics
The Economics Department at the University of Sussex is offering a Masters scholarship for suitably qualified candidates from selected sub-Saharan African countries on either the Development Economics MSc or Economics MSc.
Study in UK: University of Sussex Masters Scholarships for Nigerian Students
As part of a wider initiative to invest in excellence, the University of Sussex is delighted to offer scholarships to overseas fee paying students from Nigeria admitted to start an eligible Masters course in September 2018.
University of Dundee Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship for Nigerian Students
University of Dundee in Scotland is offering the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) postgraduate Scholarship to Nigerian students.
University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship (Law) for Nigerian Students
PwC Nigeria Graduate Recruitment 2020 for Young Nigerians
The University of Dundee is offering Global Excellence postgraduate Scholarships in Law to outstanding a limited number of Nigerian students for the January 2018 academic session.
University of Dundee Energy Industry Scholarship (LL.M) for Nigerian Students
Energy has enhanced our lives: we have never been more connected and, today, more people have better opportunities, better health and better living conditions. This progress has been dependent on reliable, accessible energy. Given the vital role of the energy sector, the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) in partnership with the energy industry is offering a fully funded postgraduate scholarship leading to the degree Mineral Law and Policy LLM.
Various University of Dundee Postgraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The University of Dundee is offering 3 different Postgraduate Scholarships to Nigerian students wishing to undertake degree programmes at the University.
University of Dundee Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The University of Dundee is offering Masters Scholarships to international students wishing to undertake degree programs at the University.
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Masters Scholarships for African Students at University of Oxford
The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships Programme is targeted at graduates between the ages of 25 and 35, some of whom may have work experience.
Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a number of undergraduate scholarships for international students that are open for Nigerian students.
Postgraduate Edinburgh Global Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for international students that are open for Nigerian students.
Scholarships at University of East Anglia
The university offers several scholarships for students from developing countries including Nigeria.
School of International Development Masters Scholarship: for international students towards a Masters Degree program
University of East Anglia Undergraduate Scholarships: for undergraduate students wishing to study at UEA.
Cardiff University Undergraduate International Scholarships in UK
Cardiff University offers undergraduate international scholarships. Students must be confirmed as an Overseas Student for fee paying purposes.
Cardiff University Postgraduate Taught International Scholarships
The Cardiff University Postgraduate Taught International Scholarships is offered by the university to international students. These scholarships are only available to self-funded students.
Newcastle University Nigeria Scholarships
The Newcastle University Nigeria Scholarship (NU Nigeria Scholarship) awards are available for high achieving Nigerian students applying for entry onto postgraduate Master's degree programmes, commencing in September.
Developing Solutions Scholarships
Founded in 2001, Developing Solutions is The University of Nottingham's flagship international scholarship programme for postgraduate masters courses. The University of Nottingham UK offers up to 105 masters scholarships for a global future for students from Africa.
Eira Davies Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarship for African Women in Sciences
The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship, which shall be awarded from time to time by the Senate of Swansea University on the basis of academic merit and/or financial need and which shall contribute to tuition fees, shall be tenable for such period as determined by the Senate and shall be subject to satisfactory academic progress and to such other terms and conditions as the University shall stipulate.
Desmond Tutu Scholarships for undergraduate degree at King's College London UK
The Desmond Tutu Scholarship is one of King's Scholarships which will directly benefit students entering higher education.
University of Sheffield Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Sheffield offers a range of undergraduate (BA, BSc, BEng, MEng) scholarships to students from Nigeria who show exceptional academic potential and are starting their studies at the University of Sheffield in September.
University of Sheffield Nigeria Merit Postgraduate Scholarships
The University of Sheffield offers the Nigeria Merit Postgraduate Scholarships for students who show exceptional academic potential starting a postgraduate taught master's programme at the University in September.
Nigeria Undergraduate & Masters Excellence Scholarships at Swansea University
The International Development Office at Swansea University UK offer Nigeria undergraduate and postgraduate excellence scholarships.
NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship for Nigerian Students to Study Abroad – Masters & PhD
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) offers Masters and PhD Scholarships for Nigerian students from the Niger Delta to study abroad.
Bristol University Think Big Scholarships for Undergraduate and Postgraduate International Students
26 Think Big Undergraduate scholarships and 26 Think Big Postgraduate scholarships are available for courses starting in 2018.
University College, London scholarships
African Graduate Scholarship for Students from Africa: The University College London has opened applications for its African Graduate Scholarship, open to African nationals currently residing in an African nation.
IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships: Candidates should be citizens and residents of a low or lower-middle income country.
IOE Centenary Doctoral Scholarships: Candidates should be citizens and residents of a low or lower-middle income country.
University College London (UCL) Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Awards are for taught Master's programmes only, subjects must be related to the economic, social and technological development of a candidate's country.
MBA Emerging Economies Leader for Social Change Scholarship at University of Stirling
This scholarship will be awarded to an exceptional International student who has the potential to be an ambassador for their course, to contribute to the academic community and to effect change in their home country.
GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders in sub-Saharan Africa
Three scholarships are offered to support the training and development of the next generation of leaders in global health, and strengthen the capacity of health systems and health-related research in Africa.
Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium (CEHC) Scholarships for Masters Students
The course provides eye health professionals with the public health knowledge and skills required to reduce blindness and visual disability in their population.
Leeds University Business School Scholarships for Kenya, Nigeria, India and Vietnam
The award this year will be offered to all nationals of Kenya, Nigeria, India and Vietnam and will be used to aid select students in the payment of tuition.
Leventis Fellowship for Nigerian Academics at SOAS, University of London
The Centre of African Studies of the University of London UK invites applications from Nigerian academics to take part in a scheme of collaborative research funded by the Leventis Foundation.
University of Birmingham/UKEAS Nigeria Outstanding Achievement Scholarships for Undergraduate Nigerian Students
The University of Birmingham UK is offering a joint award with UKEAS for Nigerian students to apply for Outstanding Achievement Scholarships to pursue undergraduate studies
University of Essex Masters Scholarship for Select Countries – Nigeria, Ghana Included
The scholarship is awarded as a partial tuition fee waiver and is available for students on postgraduate taught Masters courses (excluding MBA).
Coventry University Nigeria Development Fund (Undergraduate and Masters Scholarship to study in the UK)
The Coventry University UK is offering Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for Fee-paying Nigerian students applying for full-time courses.
15 Inspiring Lessons from 5 African Billionaires for Young People
Commonwealth ScholarshipsScholarships for Nigerian StudentsUK Scholarships for Nigeria
After School Africa
After School Africa is the go-to source for young and ambitious people looking to explore opportunities for education, development and relevance.
Yale University 2020 ISTF Leadership Award in Forestry (Funded to Conference at Yale University, USA)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Masters in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) 2020/2022
o-onekonceptz says 9 years ago
you are really doing a 9ice job.
erinfolami daniel says 8 years ago
please these sites have passed. i wish you can update me on the current ones. this can be sent to my afore-mentioned email. thanks
Onah Charles Chinweuba says 7 years ago
tthhis is very.
This is a very good opprtunity for most nigerian acdemics that are interested in imparting musical knowlegde on themselve to ensure continuty in a conitent that has given so so much to musical growth in the world.
Daniel says 7 years ago
This is very informative.Thank you for providing this information for me,i have been looking for this for a long time
Oyekwelu Blessing says 4 months ago
I want to study for a bachelor's degree in nursing. I need a scholarship and would want to know the requirements please
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Request not being sent during logout procedure I have simplistic Angular2 app, where if user clicks on the
Log out

logout menu item, the AuthenticationServices's logout() method executes
logout() {
  alert('loging out');
  this.authHttp.post(this.endpoint_url + '/auth/logout','').map(res => {
    if(res.status == 204)  alert('logout successful');
    else alert('logout failed');
  });

  this.currentUser = null;
  localStorage.removeItem('token');
}

the problem is the part
  this.authHttp.post(this.endpoint_url + '/auth/logout','').map(res => {
    if(res.status == 204)  alert('logout successful');
    else alert('logout failed');
  });

does not seem to be ever executed. Accessing protected API with authHttp(angular2-jwt) works in other parts of application without any problems.
The first alert "loging out" pops, users is logged out and redirected to "/welcome" and can no longer access private parts of API. However, there is no request to "/auth/logout" in browser nor in server logs.

There is also AuthGuard service that redirects any non-logged users:
canActivate() {
//loggedIn() {!(this.currentUser == null);}
if (!this.auth.loggedIn()) {
  this.router.navigate(['/welcome']);
  return false;
}
return true;
}

A: You need to subscribe to observables in order to "fire" them.
this.authHttp.post(this.endpoint_url + '/auth/logout','').subscribe((res)=>{
    if(res.status == 204){
     alert('logout successful');
     this.currentUser = null;
     localStorage.removeItem('token');
   }else {alert('logout failed');}
});

And if you need to remove the token after the logout is successfull you need to do this inside the functions callback (subscribe).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Home / PlayStation Games / PlayStation 4 / Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster (PlayStation 4)
Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster (PlayStation 4)
Square Enix, Inc.
Square Co., Ltd., Square Enix Co., Ltd.
SKU: 276 Categories: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Games Tag: Preowned
Square Enix brings back two of the most popular RPGs of all time with this bundle of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X, both remastered in glorious HD!
Final Fantasy X follows the exploits of the Summoner Yuna and her guardians as they battle an evil immortal enemy known as Sin. This beloved entry in the franchise includes side-quests such as the underwater sport of Blitzball and a monster battle arena, as well as a redesigned fighting system that mixes classic Final Fantasy elements with a "Sphere Grid" system.
Final Fantasy X-2 is the first true sequel in the popular RPG series, and picks the story up two years later. The world has entered into a period known as the "Eternal Calm". During this moment of change, the people of Spira have shunned the once-sacred teachings of Yevon, and embraced the use of the formerly forbidden machina. While many of Spira's inhabitants are enjoying this time of peace, evidence of the High Summoner Yuna's lost love Tidus surfaces, prompting her to begin a new quest to find him.
Battlefield 1 (PlayStation 4)
Driveclub (VR) (PlayStation 4)
Driveclub (PlayStation 4)


The school district for Temecula, California educates approximately 30,000 students in 31 schools. In many years since the turn of the century, certain individual schools in Temecula have been "California Distinguished School" award recipients.
Each year, the California State Board of Education gives its "California Distinguished School" award to only about five-percent of the public schools in the state that have demonstrated an ability to provide exemplary educational programs. The rigorous selection process considers criteria such as the Academic Performance Index (API), the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and the No Child Left Behind Program.


text:
Home » About DPHHS » News » 2020 » Bolster Food Security
Bolster Food Security
Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936
Governor Bullock to Bolster Food Security for Montana Families During Statewide COVID-19 Emergency
Actions will extend federal food assistance for more than 100,000 Montanans, increase food supply at food banks and streamline nutrition assistance for new mothers and children
MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced that in the coming days and weeks, he will extend federal food assistance to more than 100,000 Montanans, increase food supplies at emergency food pantries and food banks, and streamline nutrition assistance for new mothers and children. All of these changes are made available through flexibility and funding provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will be implemented by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
"Montana families are already doing everything they can to make ends meet," Governor Bullock said. "But hardworking Montana families have been forced to take on even greater challenges during the COVID-19 public health emergency. As we continue to do everything possible to protect Montanans from the spread of this virus, making sure children and families in our state don't go hungry is a crucial priority."
The state will double its supply of food commodities from the federal government that will be provided at no cost to people in need of short-term hunger relief through food pantries, food banks, soup kitchens, tribal partners, and senior centers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes commodity foods available to states for distribution to low-income people through emergency food providers.
Governor Bullock is also using new flexibility through the CARES Act to allow SNAP participants in Montana to continue receiving assistance for 12 months and to waive the three-month time-limit that applies to certain SNAP recipients. Families will not have to reapply during the emergency – their benefits will be automatically renewed. Additionally, Governor Bullock is requesting from the USDA the maximum food assistance available for families eligible for SNAP in April and May. These changes are expected to help more than 100,000 Montanans.
Montanans who receive food assistance from SNAP can check their balance online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by opening an account at apply.mt.gov. Clients can also check their benefits by calling 1-866-850-1556.
Finally, the state is making it easier for new mothers and those caring for young children to access the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) by providing services over the phone, and more flexibility in purchasing WIC foods at the store. Local clinics can be found through an easy search at www.signupwic.com. More information may be found at www.wic.mt.gov or by calling 1-800-433-4298.
Current WIC recipients can easily check their benefits by using the WICShopper application, calling the number on the back of their card, or asking their clinic staff or store staff to provide them a benefit balance.


This artichoke dip is rich and cheesy, blended with roasted garlic and kale. It's a scrumptious treat to pass around and plunge your favorite chips and crisps into!
Whenever my hubby Michael and I go out on a little "date night" dinner together, and we're feeling in the mood to throw all caution to the wind calorically speaking, we'll usually opt for a hot and bubbly artichoke dip when it's on the menu.
With some crispy tortilla chips or pita crisps served alongside, each bite is wonderfully savory and delicious. Little bits of artichoke, chopped spinach and tons of creamy cheese make it one of our favorites.
It's such a tasty appetizer that I really appreciate being able to whip up my own version in the comfort of my kitchen any time we have a hankering for it. That way, I can even customize it according to our personal tastes.
For instance, we're huge fans of the flavor of roasted garlic; so for my scrumptious artichoke dip recipe, I add in a good amount of mashed roasted garlic cloves.
Because we also love a touch of something green and leafy yet a bit hearty, I add in some finely chopped, blanched kale (in place of spinach), which is loaded with extra nutrients.
I also like a little touch of tang to balance out the creaminess and the cheese, so I reach for some sour cream along with a hint of mayonnaise for my version, and even a tiny squeeze of lemon.
The result is a delicious and decadent dip that's unlike any other run-of-the-mill artichoke dip, loaded with lots of flavor and perfect to pass around and share!
A classic artichoke dip preparation is really nothing more than adding all of the ingredients into a bowl, combining everything until well-blended, and then baking until hot, golden and bubbly.
And that's exactly what my version calls for, only there are a couple of added steps because we're talking about an ultra flavorful dip here!
I begin by roasting my garlic heads (about 40-45 minutes at 400 degrees).
While the garlic roasts, I quickly blanch some kale in some salted boiling water for about 30-45 seconds, then shock in an ice bath, dry, and chop.
I chop my artichoke hearts and also have those ready.
Once the garlic is roasted, I take it out of the oven and allow it to cool enough to handle; then, I squeeze the cloves from the papers and mash them.
Finally, I add my other ingredients into a large bowl, fold everything together until well blended, and turn things out into a baking dish.
I bake the artichoke dip until hot, bubbly and golden, and serve with chips or crisps!
Frozen artichoke hearts for convenience: Using frozen artichoke hearts is a great shortcut. You'll simply allow them to thaw, and then finely chop them into small pieces. You can also use marinated artichoke hearts (or quarters) for extra flavor, just pat them dry of excess oil/marinade.
Getting crazy with the cheese: The flavor combination of provolone, asiago, parmesan and mozzarella is out of this world (I use TJ's "Quattro Formaggio"), but you can use your favorite variety of cheeses. Other good cheese options are gruyere, jack, pepper jack, or even cheddar—just make sure to look for something meltable.
Herb-a-licious: The flavor of fresh parsley is nice and subtle in this artichoke dip, but you can sprinkle in some thyme, or chives, or even green onion.
Roasted garlic: Roasted garlic cloves provide a sweet and savory flavor to this dip, and a little hint of earthy-ness; and even though the recipe calls for 2 whole heads, don't worry! Roasted garlic is far less pungent than fresh, so it will not overpower. I Promise!
Prep ahead for an easy artichoke dip: You can very easily prepare this dip so that it's ready to come to room temp and bake off for your special snacking occasion. Simply prep and then fold all of the ingredients together, add to your baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Then, remove from fridge a few hours before you want to bake and serve.
Hot and bubbly, this artichoke dip is loaded with roasted garlic, chopped kale and five cheeses—it's the perfect savory and shareable appetizer!
-Preheat your oven to 400°, and lightly mist a small/medium-sized baking dish (about a quart size) with cooking spray (this will be for your dip), and set aside for a moment.
-To roast the heads of garlic, cut the tops off of each, exposing the cloves; drizzle each head with a little olive oil, wrap each tightly in a small piece of foil, and place directly onto the rack (or onto a small baking sheet) into the oven to roast for 40-45 minutes.
-While the garlic is roasting, place a medium-large pot of salted water over high heat; once it comes to the boil, turn the heat off and add the kale in, pushing it down into the water with a pair of tongs; allow the kale to very briefly blanch (about 30-45 seconds).
-Drain the kale and immediately plunge it into an ice water bath to shock it and cool it down for a few seconds; drain the kale very well and squeeze out any excess water, and pat dry with a paper towel; next, very finely chop the kale, and remove any bigger, tough "rib" pieces, or chop those up very finely; set the kale aside for a moment.
-Once the garlic is roasted and soft, remove from foil and allow the heads to slightly cool so they can be handled; then, squeeze the garlic out of the cloves, and using a fork or the side of your knife, mash the roasted cloves into a paste; set aside for a moment, and turn the oven up to 450°.
-Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-large bowl, and to it add the sour cream and the mayonnaise; mix these ingredients well with a spatula, until they are blended and fairly smooth; next, add in the chopped artichoke hearts, the chopped kale and the roasted garlic paste, along with 1/4 cup of the shredded four cheese blend, and mix together.
-Add in the parsley, salt, pepper and lemon juice, and incorporate those in, blending the mixture thoroughly.
-To bake, turn the mixture out into the prepared baking dish, and smooth the top with a spoon; sprinkle over the remaining 1 cup of shredded four cheese blend, and place into the oven to bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly and golden on top; serve with /crisps/chips for dipping.
Hungry for more hot dips? Check out this Mexican Corn Dip, this Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Dip, and this Broccoli and Cheddar Dip!
I agree 100%-If you are going to splurge, then eat what you enjoy.
I like this twist using kale on this traditional artichoke dip.
Sounds delicious! Thanks very much and have a great day!
Love that attitude..eat now, think about it later! This one is outrageously cheesy and looks extremely delicious. I could eat the whole bowlful!
I love the addition of kale in this! I definitely could eat the entire dish in one sitting.
Hi Bessie! What's nice is the kale gives this dip a little extra texture – a bit more than spinach does – so that's a nice thing when enjoying a hot, creamy dip like this. Thank you for stopping by!
Your dip looks so delicious. That's how I like my vegetables – covered in cheese!
This sounds sooooo good! Such a great appetizer!!
this looks delicious. I am going to use low fat sour cream, mayo and cream cheese. They don't taste any different the the regular stuff to me, esp when its all together and baked with cheese. Still a splurge, but not as much and with the same taste!
Hi Katie! That's great – when I'm looking to cut back on the calories, I also like to sub out the lower fat versions; and it still tastes delicious! Hope you enjoy this!
Just made this yesterday. Used artichokes in oil (think it might have made it a bit heavy on the artichoke) and wished I had been able to find Fontina. It was a extremely tasty Sunday lunch (and then midnight snack)! I actually had frozen kale courtesy of my mom, and did a quick garlic roast in the microwave—I did mine for a grand total of 4 minutes—the first time I did 6 they burnt horribly. Thanks so much for the recipe!
That's great, Christina! So glad you enjoyed this!
Lexi, I'm so excited to read that! I'm honored to have had one of my recipes prepared for your "ladies night", and this is the perfect pick. So glad it was enjoyed, and thank you for sharing that with me!
Hi Christina, so glad you enjoyed! Perfect substitutions!


text:
Not All About Leap Day
By Gary Johnston February 29, 2020 Category: UncategorizedTags: leap day
"How many Leap Days does it take to change a light bulb?"
"Just one, but it does it once four years."
Leap Day walked into a bar and the bartender said, "What will it be?"
And Leap Day said, "Time. I want more time. One day, every four years, is not enough."
"I'm sorry," said the bartender, "but we don't serve time here."
"I know that," said the Leap Day. "This is a bar and not a jail."
"Then why did you ask?" said the bartender.
And Leap Day said, "I was setting up the punchline."
"What is a February 29th's favorite food?"
"Dates."
"What is dysfunctional, and meets once every 4 years?"
"The activist group, Leap Days Against Jumping."
February 1st to 28th got together to say goodbye to February 29th. "We will miss you," they said.
And February 29th said, "Why, are you all bad shots?"
"What is spare time to Leap Day?"
"Three years."
"Why does Leap Day have a rock collection?"
"Because it likes music."
"Is this supposed to be funny?"
"Why did February 29th cross the road?"
"It was time to March on."
I am Minnie and Chic's son.


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Three more arrested in connection with Boston bombing case
Boston: Three additional suspects have been taken into custody in connection with last month's deadly Boston Marathon bombings, US police announced on Wednesday.
The Boston police stressed that there is no threat to public safety.
"Please be advised that there is not threat to public safety. Three additional suspects have been taken into custody in connection to the attack on the Boston Marathon," the Boston police department said in a statement uploaded on twitter.
Aside from the aforementioned, there is no additional info to release at this time, it said.
Authorities suspect the bombing was carried out by two Chechen-origin brothers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Tamerlan was killed in a shootout with police days after the attack and Dzhokhar was injured and later taken into custody. Three people were killed and over 250 injured in the April 15 dual bombing near the finish line at the Boston marathon.
CBC News reported that federal charges are expected to be announced later today against the three suspects. It said that those arrested were "friends of younger brother Dzhokhar".
Two of the new suspects will be charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements, it said.
The third will be charged with making false statements.
Sources told NBC News the three are college roommates or suitemates of Dzokhar and are suspected of removing items from his dorm at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.
There was no indication they had any prior knowledge of the bombing.
Sources said the FBI had been investigating them for about 10 days.
News of the additional suspects comes after authorities said they had expanded their investigation and were reportedly interested in learning more about nearly a dozen persons of interest.
KGF Yash Has Changed A Lot, Says Wife Radhika Pandit


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Electro-pneumatic lumbar support
Air cushions are attached to the seat rear suspension. By filling and emptying these air cushions, the curvature can be varied to the front. By varied filling of the upper or lower air cushion, this curvature is shifted up or down.
Side bolster adjustments
Through air cushions in the side bolsters of the seat back or the seat cushion, the width of the backrest or the seat width can be adjusted depending on the body type providing safe support. Side bolsters mainly support sporty and serpentine driving.
Multi-contour seats
Backrest, seat cushion contour and surface hardness can be regulated according to the wishes of the driver/passenger. The adjustment on the individual seating needs are improved. A fatigue of the back muscles is counteracted. The multi-contour seat combines all contour adjustments into one system.
Contour adaptation
People are different. Therefore, seat comfort systems must respond to different body sizes and body weights. Today with new technologies, it is possible to provide even more individual comfort in which ergonomic and thus health aspects can also be considered.
With the lumbar support, the iliac crest or the lumbar spine are supported counteracting the resulting deformity of the spine when sitting. In car seats, but also in aircraft seats and office chairs, there are different variants of lumbar support which increase the comfort of the seat. The electro-pneumatic version used nowadays were developed based on the mechanical and later the electro-mechanical variants.
Thus, lumbar support can effectively influence the sitting posture:
- Support of the pelvis (prevents rotation of the pelvis to the back) and the lumbar vertebrae
- Vertical support of the upper body
- Reduction of adverse muscle activation, the tensing of the ligaments and the pressure on the intervertebral discs.
Side bolster adjustment
Through air cushions in the side bolsters of the seat back or the seat cushion, the width of the backrest or the seat width can be adjusted depending on the body type providing safe support. The air cushions sit under the seat cushion or seat cushion foam and are supported on the seat structure through a wedge or a support plate. When filling the air cushions, the curve of the seat cushion is moved to the middle of the seat. Side bolsters mainly support sporty and serpentine driving.
Multi-contour seat
Multi-contour means that the shape of the seat can be adapted to the anatomy or the personal comfort needs of the person. This is made possible by up to 18 air cushions with inflatable air chambers under the seat cushions, including three air chambers for the lumbar region and two chambers for the shoulder area.


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Find out more about SUNY at Albany
Home Online Schools SUNY at Albany
Address: 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
The University at Albany has a rich history dating back more than 170 years. In 1844, a "normal school" was founded in Albany to train teachers for a rapidly growing population. For nearly 50 years, the Normal School provided a two-year education to students from across the state. By 1890, the evolving school system in New York required a new approach to teacher training. The Normal School gradually made changes: a four-year program, new curricula, new faculty, and new standards for student enrollment. By 1962, the college had earned national distinction. In that same year, the college joined the State University of New York system of higher education and became a broad-based public research institution.
SUNY Albany offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates from the following schools and colleges:
School of Criminal Justice
College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
School of Social Welfare
The University at Albany offers more than a dozen complete online degree and certificate programs.
Check Program Availability
Program of Interest Doctor of Philosophy in LiteracyGraduate Certificate in Computing EducationGraduate Certificate in International Education ManagementMaster of Science in Childhood EducationMaster of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional TechnologyMaster of Science in Early Childhood EducationMaster of Science in Reading Graduate Certificate in Global HealthGraduate Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals & PrinciplesGraduate Certificate in Public Health Surveillance & PreparednessMaster of Public Health / Public Health Practice
Highest Academic AchievementGEDHigh School DiplomaSome College (1-30 credits or up to 1 year)Some College (31-60 credits or up to 2 years)Some College (61 credits or 2 years)Associate's DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDoctorate - PhD or Progressional Degree
Accreditation & Licensing
Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy Graduate Certificate in Computing Education Graduate Certificate in International Education Management Master of Science in Childhood Education Master of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology Master of Science in Early Childhood Education Master of Science in Reading
Graduate Certificate in Global Health Graduate Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals & Principles Graduate Certificate in Public Health Surveillance & Preparedness Master of Public Health / Public Health Practice


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In a Balinese temple architecture,  a Bhoma is a carved or formed grotesque which decorates certain parts in the Balinese temple complex. The statue is similar to the Javanese Kala, and was intended to protect the temple complex from malevolent spirits.

Mythology

In Balinese mythology, Bhoma is the son of Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Pertiwi, the god of rain and the goddess of earth. One day, when Wisnu was digging the earth in the form of Varaha, his avatar in the form of a wild boar, he encountered a beautiful earth goddess named Dewi Pertiwi. The encounter leads to a union between Wisnu and Pertiwi, which produce a terrifying son named Bhoma.

The story of Wisnu as a wild boar digging up to the bottom of the earth to meet Pertiwi symbolizes torrents of stormy rainwater entering the earth. The figure of Bhoma that was produced by this union is seen as the growth of vegetation or forest (Vanaspati) as a result of the earth receiving the (rain) water. In Javanese and Balinese culture, Vanaspati is the king of the plant, not different with the European Green Man. The word Bhoma came from the Sanskrit word bhaumá, which means something that grows or is born from earth or something related to the earth.

Architecture

Bhoma is basically the Balinese kirtimukha. In Balinese temple architecture, Bhoma has the same function as the Javanese Kala which act as a guardian spirit of the temple complex. The head of Bhoma can be found carved at the temple gate which marks the entrance to the holiest part of the shrine (paduraksa) and at the base of the padmasana, the holiest and most central shrine in the Balinese temple.

The Padmasana is the holiest shrine in a Balinese temple complex. The padmasana is attributed to the Supreme God, the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa). Like many religious constructions in Indonesia, the shrine padmasana is divided into three sections, from the base to the top, the bhur (world of demons), bhuwah (world of men), and swah (world of gods). The head figure of Bhoma normally added the base of the padmasana, together with other monstrous figures e.g. the Bedawang Nala, the world-supporting turtle, and the two snakes, Anantaboga, and Basuki, a symbol of man's earthly needs. In this context, the head of Bhoma at the base of the padmasana symbolizes the forest which surrounds the foot of a mountain (batur pepalihan).

In some Balinese houses, the doorway to some enclosed pavilion (e.g. the bale meten) is decorated with ornaments to form ventilation grill which is sometimes paneled. This is usually topped with a decorative frieze, which is sometimes carved in the form of the Bhoma's head.

The head of Bhoma is also seen in the Balinese cremation towers.

See also

Kirtimukha
Batara Kala

References

Cited works

Demons
Dragons
Folklore
Grotesques
Supernatural legends
Mythological monsters
Architectural history
Architecture in Indonesia
Balinese culture

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Browse Books: Social Science / Anthropology
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (Paperback)
By Jared Diamond, Ph.D.
Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution (Paperback)
By Terence McKenna
On Trails: An Exploration (Paperback)
By Robert Moor
The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America (Hardcover)
By Adam Serwer
The Making of Asian America: A History (Paperback)
By Erika Lee
On Looking: A Walker's Guide to the Art of Observation (Paperback)
By Alexandra Horowitz
The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name (Hardcover)
By Brian C. Muraresku, Graham Hancock (Contributions by), Graham Hancock (Foreword by)
Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life (Hardcover)
By Gillian Tett
Mom Genes: Inside the New Science of Our Ancient Maternal Instinct (Hardcover)
By Abigail Tucker
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed: Revised Edition (Paperback)
By Jared Diamond
How to Be Animal: A New History of What It Means to Be Human (Paperback)
By Melanie Challenger
The Age of Wood: Our Most Useful Material and the Construction of Civilization (Paperback)
By Roland Ennos
Social Science / Anthropology
Cultural & Social


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Big Shout-Out to SFTT's Crowd-Funders for Getting Eric to Pocatello for "Treatment of Ten"
Posted by: sfttadmin
by Ben Richards
"Why isn't everyone getting this?" was the first question he asked me. Eric and I were talking about his experience going through Stand for the Troop's (SFTT) "Treatment of Ten" program.
Eric served our Nation for more than two decades, through multiple combat deployments and like so many America's Combat Veterans, he struggled to live through the painful and disabling consequences of multiple traumatic brain injuries, combat trauma, and prolonged exposure to the environmental toxins that proliferate throughout war zones.But, thanks to the generosity of SFTT's sponsors and donors, Eric is feeling like he's winning his personal post-war battle for the first time since first being injured in 2006. "I walked out of there a changed person," he told me.Eric recently completed a treatment program designed and funded by SFTT called "Treatment of Ten." He underwent 40 sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT, a medical treatment in which a patient spends an hour each session breathing pure oxygen inside a chamber pressurized to 1.5 times normal atmospheric pressure. The combination of increased pressure and usable oxygen in the blood stream produce a series of biological effects that enhance brain function, regenerates damaged brain tissue, and significantly improves symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).By his third week of treatment, Eric told me that his wife and friends had noticed a substantial change in his condition. "I was calmer, brighter, I slept better."
Eric's personal experience with HBOT is typical. The other Combat Veterans who have gone through the "Treatment of Ten" program have reported similar outcomes. The authors of a recently-published Department of Defense-funded clinical trial of HBOT for TBI and PTSD in Combat Veterans reported it was more effective than any other treatment currently in use. (Weaver, et al., p.152).
In addition to HBOT, Combat Veterans in the "Treatment of Ten" program also receive neurofeedback therapy, which helps correct abnormal brain wave patterns measured byQuantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), and Low-Level Light Therapy or Photobiomodulation, which enhances the metabolism and function of cells in the brain. SFTT also provides travel, lodging, and meals for each veteran.
Eric shared with me that he was grateful not only for what SFTT did for him, but for the way in which the organization did it. At the time SFTT offered Eric the opportunity to participate in the "Treatment of Ten" program, he was extremely frustrated with promises made by other Veteran-serving non-profits to help, but that "help" typically came in the form of a referral to another non-profit which in turn would refer him to another non-profit. "SFTT is the first organization I have gone to that did exactly what they told me they would do for me. I appreciate that."
Stand For The Troops reached out to concerned citizens via crowdfunding to provide proven treatments not presently available to them through the VA to 10 Combat Veterans struggling with TBI & PTSD. While many people donated to the "Treatment of Ten" program, SFTT seeks additional funding to ensure participants receive the full 10 treatments outlined in the protocol. Please consider donating to "Treatment of Ten" so SFTT can help more Combat Veterans like Eric win their battles against the invisible wounds of war.


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Gottlieb Duttweiler Prize for human-machine collaboration
On 7 May 2019, at a ceremony attended by top international representatives from the worlds of business, research and politics, the 13th Gottlieb Duttweiler Prize was awarded to the AI platform Watson – and accepted on its behalf by John E. Kelly III, IBM Executive Vice President.
This was the first time the prize has gone to an artificial, rather than human, intelligence, said Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) CEO David Bosshart in his welcome address. He characterised Watson as a pioneering creation, a roadmap for the future.
The prize was presented by Sarah Kreienbühl, chair of the Im Grüene Foundation Board of Trustees. In her speech, she emphasised that the prize is awarded neither to companies nor to short-lived "business opportunities". Rather, it honours outstanding achievements for the collective good, something that has characterised all the previous recipients. These include former Czechoslovakian president Václav Havel, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web.
The prize is a reflection of its time, said Kreienbühl. Today, we live in a fully networked, post-heroic era, and the myth of the lone wolf achieving success is fading away. How we continue to develop will be determined by collective intelligence and the carefully calibrated interplay of human and machine. "We will not be able to solve our most pressing problems without the help of artificial intelligence. Famine, climate change, energy provision, global movement of goods, migration and epidemics are all based on mutual dependencies." Watson is therefore nothing less than the prototype of a new species of artefacts capable of acting autonomously – a species with which we will collaborate increasingly closely and effectively in future.
Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who famously lost a match to a predecessor of Watson, concurred with Kreienbühl in his speech and underlined the importance of human-machine collaboration.
John E. Kelly III, who, as Executive Vice President, is part of IBM's top level of management, explained in his acceptance speech that we have arrived at a turning point: "We find ourselves in a new era, moving towards technologies that learn independently and computers that no longer need to be programmed." According to Kelly, it is now data that delivers competitive advantages. However, this data still needs to be processed – which is exactly what artificial intelligence does.
"The people writing the code determine the rules," Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr reminded us. Thurnherr, who congratulated Kelly on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council, therefore called attention to the importance of smart regulation. "Artificial intelligence is fascinating, but also opaque and unpredictable." He added that we need to weigh up two different dangers: that of missing opportunities by banning technologies too early, and that of causing damage by banning technologies too late.
Pictures of the award ceremony


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Gonzalez, Gustin help No. 19 BYU women top Montana St. 89-67
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP)Shaylee Gonzalez scored 21 points, Lauren Gustin added 15 points and 18 rebounds to help No. 19 BYU beat Montana State 89-67 on Tuesday night.
Gonzalez mad 9 of 17 from the field and finished with five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Teagan Graham added 10 points and four assists for BYU (9-1).
Katelynn Limardo made back-to-back 3-pointers to spark an 11-3 run that gave Montana State a 15-14 lead after Gabby Mocchi hit another 3 to cap the spurt with 3:38 to play in the first quarter. Gustin sandwiched two layups around two free throws by Kaylee Smiler before Gonzalez stole a pass and made a layup to make it 22-15 and BYU lead the rest of the way.
Darian White had 13 points, 10 rebounds and three steals to lead Montana State (7-6) but made just 5 of 18 from the field. Taylor Janssen scored 11 points and Kola Bad Bear added 10.
Bad Bear hit a 3-pointer early in the second quarter to pull the Bobcats within a point early in the second quarter. BYU then scored 15 of the next 19 points to take a 41-26 lead with 2:26 left in the half and the Cougars led by double figures the rest of the way.
More AP women's basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports