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Category: Current Events
Current Events Family Youth Issues
Post date 21 Sep 2018
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What a week to be the mother of a 17-year-old boy. At dinner a few nights ago, my son asked me if I would talk with him about Anita Hill. His AP Government class is studying the episode and he wanted to know what I remembered about it. When my teen asks me questions beyond, "What's for dinner?" my policy is to drop everything and engage. We talked for almost two hours.
He was interested in all of it. Where I was living: seven blocks behind the Capitol. How engaged I was in the coverage: I watched every minute I could and read every news article. I told him about how electrified I was by the photograph featured here of the seven women who marched from the House to the Senate and demanded that the allegations be investigated. How I desperately wished I could go to the hearings myself.
Then, I told him what I remembered of Professor Hill. How she spoke clearly, without malice, with great dignity, how she introduced her parents to the committee, how she simply told the truth over and over. I told him how, until that time, I had liked Arlen Specter, the senator from Pennsylvania. But after his relentless attempts to embarrass Professor Hill I hated him. I remembered that the senator from Alabama, whose name escapes me, asked her in his slow southern drawl if she was, "a woman scorned" or if she wanted to "write a book." And then I told him how every man on that committee, including Joe Biden, cowered in response to Clarence Thomas' opening punch accusing them of a "high tech lynching."
And then I told him what twenty-something me took away from watching Anita Hill, although I could not have articulated it then. I learned that, as a woman, it did not matter that you were smart, well-spoken, modest, church going, high achieving, or from a hard-working family. You could be a "good woman" or one with a more complicated past. But, if you told the truth about how men treat women, you would be over-ruled even if those men knew, in their heart of hearts, you were telling the truth. I told him about my own experiences of harassment and assault, even though they are mild in comparison to others. I told him that if something had happened to me in high school like what Professor Ford says happened to her, I would not have even had language to describe it, much less think it was illegal. Like her, I would have thought it was my fault or at least that there was nothing to be done about it. I too would've been quiet. Indeed, about most violations that have happened in my life, I have been silent or made them into a joke.
We talked again last night after I insisted on listening together to this extraordinary podcast in which Caitlyn Flanagan and Michael Barbaro talk about an attempted 'date rape' in Flanagan's high school past*. Embodied in their talk is the essence of atonement, a demonstration of what miracles are wrought by thorough and sincere apologies. It is a lesson in empathy, forgiveness, and redemption. Judge Kavanaugh should listen to it. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/podcasts/the-daily/kavanaugh-christine-blasey-ford-caitlin-flanagan-sexual-assault.html.
As we listened and then talked, I realized that this oldest and most complicated son of mine has grown up a lot in the last three years. He spoke with great empathy about what he is learning now that he has more female friends that tell him about how they live and move in the world. He cried as he listened to Ms. Flanagan describe her suicide attempt following the attack. He is recognizing the privileged place he occupies and how little the culture asks him to think about his safety or worth. He seems to be reckoning with the responsibility that comes with the unearned privilege he has as he makes choices about the adult he wants to be.
What will happen in the current circumstance is anybody's guess. The values central to the situation – truth, honor, justice, or even mercy – are being completely ignored, ironic given the goal of filling a seat on our highest court. My son told me he thinks his generation of young men is different. I nodded in agreement, but in truth I doubt it. Unless they are extraordinary, young men will do what older men in their orbits do and what their culture tells them they can. As the Kavanaugh confirmation continues to unfold, we will learn more about what our culture believes about women today. Silence does not serve us, and as the podcast points out, it does not serve our young men either.
*She wrote about this experience a few days ago in the Atlantic magazine. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/09/me-too/570520/
Photo Credit: PAUL HOSEFROS/THE NEW YORK TIMES/
Current Events Family race
The Confederates in My Attic
Post date 9 Sep 2018
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Saturday afternoon on my screened porch in Chapel Hill: You might think I'd hear birdsong and insects as the sticky summer weather lingers in early September. Instead, I hear sirens and helicopters. Once again white supremacist groups from neighboring counties are coming to stand guard at the confederate stump that once held the statue on our campus known as "Silent Sam." The last time they visited, we walked up to take a look. Draped in the stars and bars, the group carried well-printed signs about monuments and heritage preservation that told little about their lives or motivations. We stayed for a bit and then headed home shaken and wondering how this conflict would resolve.
As our campus has been grappling with our confederate past, I have been learning about the confederates in my own family attic. Their stories are complex and in some ways mysterious. Although I've known they existed for along time, only recently have I learned some of the details of their stories.
My father is fast approaching 98. He grew up living with his paternal grandfather, a confederate veteran who lost his arm in a civil war battle near Helena, Arkansas. My injured great grandfather John was saved by his brother who dragged him behind a church then left to continue the fight. Union soldiers then captured John, completed the amputation of his arm, and paroled him to a nearby plantation for the remainder of the war. Family lore has it that after his arm healed, those same Union soldiers allowed John to fish the rivers of his childhood and sell those fish to Union troops. The money he earned bought the Missouri farm I roamed during my childhood summer visits. Because John lost his arm, he had to re-learn to write with the opposite hand, was elected county tax assessor, and became a peacemaker in his divided community of northern and southern sympathizers. Think Missouri compromise if you want to know why these two groups were living in such close proximity.
He is not the only confederate in my attic. His father before him, one Coleman Chapman, joined the confederate army to flee the Jay Hawks of Kansas. Great, great, grandfather Coleman was a minister and wheelwright, moving west from Tennessee to make wagon-wheels for the gold rush. He married Annie, the daughter of a slave-holding family. As my father tells it, even though Coleman and Annie did not enslave people themselves, they were not allowed to settle in certain states because of Annie's family's actions. They believed they were unfairly persecuted as "southern people," and my father points out that to his knowledge no one on the Chapman side ever enslaved someone. He is wrong. This summer I found a will in which an ancestor in the 1700's in South Carolina willed a young girl as a piece of property to one of his descendants. Probably the tip of the iceberg. When I read that will, I felt as if I had been punched in the stomach. Nothing compared to what that young girl must have endured.
Then there is the Union soldier in my attic known as Uncle Lem. As my father tells it the divided state of Missouri was populated by what were essentially gangs – much like those described in the novel Cold Mountain. Young men had to join for basic safety and Lem, like Coleman who joined a confederate aligned group to escape the Jayhawks, joined up with a Union aligned militia. He was sent west to a Union garrison in what would become Montana where he was likely involved in "subduing" native populations. He came back to the same Missouri community as his confederate brothers, ran the local store, and made sure my dad had lunch every day through the Great Depression.
To my father, each of these people is a hero in their own way. They are brothers who saved one another's lives. They are men who persevered after losing a limb so that they could feed their families and contribute to their community. Among these civil war veterans are individuals as real to him as he is to me, who created safety and sustenance for him through bleak days. When I tell him about the confederate statue coming down, he dislikes the idea, believes it dishonors people, long dead, but that he loves still. I try not to talk about it too much.
But I think about these long gone ancestors as our campus struggles to find a path forward. Should they be honored, and if so, for what? History is a harsh judge; the simple version might make all of them villains. Even Uncle Lem, supposedly on the historically right side, was involved or at least a witness to crimes against native populations. Villain? Victim? Victor? Vanquished?
What I honor in their stories is not what they did or did not do during the civil war. For each of them, their choices may have been as much about survival as conviction. What I honor in these passed down stories are their choices after this conflict, particularly Great Grandfather John. Blessed are the peacemakers and he became one settling Hatfield and McCoy type feuds between northern and southern sympathizers and knitting his town back together through his church and government service. Peacemaking is something to which I can aspire, admire, and honor. Does any confederate statue do that?
As I've written previously on this blog, to read the speech that was given at the statue's dedication in 1913 erases all doubt about the immoral ideals it celebrates. https://exhibits.lib.unc.edu/files/original/c1160e4341b86794b7e842cb042fb414.pdf Its presence is an insult to my colleagues of color and taints the good work done daily at UNC. In the easy version of the story, we'd leave the statue in his undisclosed location and erect something that honors our common work, work that bridges divides, finds solutions to vexing problems, celebrates knowledge, and promotes creation of life-changing art and scholarship. But this story is not easy. Like my own confederate history, there is a lot we don't know or have not acknowledged. For our campus, this moment is a reckoning, a time to face the difficult realities that echo through our buildings, bubble up on our quadrangles, and that have remained hidden for far too long. Once we, as a community, stand together and face the truth that enslaved people were housed in the basement of South Building, that our beautiful campus was built with slave labor, that it was 1966 before we had an African- American faculty member, https://museum.unc.edu/exhibits/show/integration/roberta-and-blyden-jackson, and all the rest of our yet unspoken history, then we will have peace. I like to think, although it may be wishful thinking, that Great Grandfather John, the peacemaker, the one who befriended his Union captors, the one who brought North and South back together in his community, would agree.
Acknowledgement: Title adapted from the Tony Horowitz book, "Confederates in the Attic."
There is no excuse.
Post date 19 Jun 2018
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How long do we have to listen to our leaders defend the indefensible practice of separating children from their parents on our southern border? How long do these children have to cry in their tents, wonder what will happen to them, and wonder what has become of their parents? How long do we have to listen to competing stories of when and why this horrific policy/practice of separating children from their parents at the border started? How long do we have to listen to leaders pass the buck and defend the horror they are perpetuating?
Everyday I wake up thinking that someone with the power to do so will stop this barbarity. Indeed, candidates are leading marches; former first ladies are speaking out; doctors, social workers, and other professionals are writing strong position statements; citizens are calling agencies and representatives; some clergy are speaking out, while others are stunningly silent. But here it is another Tuesday morning with kids still suffering and no end in sight. I'm beginning to believe that the only people who can stop this are the border patrol agents themselves. They need to stand down and say they will not participate in this cruelty. Nothing else is getting our leaders' attention and action. Maybe border agents standing up will.
There are facts about this situation that have been well documented. You can read them here. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2018/06/19/the-facts-about-trumps-policy-of-separating-families-at-the-border/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0a010c6d9569 Perhaps there are policy questions to debate. Fine. Debate them, later! Right now, we must stop this practice. Years ago, I was in positions where I had to be a part of separating children from families because of child abuse. Even in those circumstances, in which separation was the only option and desperately needed, the act of witnessing the child's fear and the parent's grief was one of the worst experiences of a professional life in which I've born witness to many horrific situations. Separating children and parents when it is not necessary to protect someone's life is unconscionable. There can be no equivocation and no excuse. Every person who excuses, negates, minimizes, or ignores this horror is complicit. We have to all do what we can, no matter, how small and keep doing it. Each drop raises the whole sea. We have to drown this practice out.
Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiRzePx59_bAhULIqwKHdHtCB0Qjhx6BAgBEAM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2F2018%2F6%2F11%2F17443198%2Fchildren-immigrant-families-separated-parents&psig=AOvVaw0Qpqw84-c9hL788ALTHDI5&ust=1529500566981972
Bend the Arc
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After Parkland, I told my oldest son I thought something different was in the air. The Parkland students were demanding change. The idea was thrilling. Somehow out of their passion in the truest sense of the word, we might realize progress on gun violence and school shootings. The arc of history was bending.
Yet, here we are again and I am pondering what encouragement to offer my 17-year-old. How must it feel to be a teenager right now? Take your AP exams. Write the college essay. Wonder if your school is going to be safe tomorrow? They must believe they are on their own when adults do nothing to keep them safe. When I was growing up, we routinely had bomb scares at my school. The assumption was that someone wanted to get out of an English test. We'd be relocated to a lower part of the school campus; someone would turn on a car radio, and we'd dance in the parking lot or eat donuts until we got the all clear. No one ever thought there might really be a bomb or a shooter… even in south Texas where gun culture is strong, true violence at school never entered our minds.
For my kids and yours, times are different. They have active shooter drills that are so realistic, at first I worried that the drills would be as traumatizing as an actual event. But what's the alternative? Being prepared saved lives in Parkland and perhaps in Santa Fe too. Schools drill for all sorts of situations, yes? Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, acts of God, unusual events over which we have no control. Drills for active shooters are drills for acts of men, acts we might prevent, if we so chose.
After the last shooting, I asked my son to tell me about the conversations were like in school. He told me something like, "Not much. What is there to say? These shootings just happen over and over, like lynchings at the beginning of the 20thcentury. Just random. Everyone knew about it. Everyone knew it was wrong. But no one would do anything about it. So people had to live walking around knowing this could happen to them. It's the same." I was stunned as much by the parallel as his matter-of-fact tone. But I knew his stance was a mask. His statements weren't practicality, nonchalance, or realism. They were the voice of trauma: the collective numbing, powerlessness, hopelessness that we are inflicting on our young people because we will not demand that our representatives act. Soon he and others his age will be able to use their franchise to make change but it almost certainly will not be soon enough to avoid the next shooting or the one after that.
As a culture we will wade through the grueling, yet predictable days ahead. We will learn the names of the treasured young people shot in their art class. We will learn about a shooter, a troubled young man, like troubled young men the world over, except that he had access to weapons. We will learn about a town that never believed it could happen there. We will try to believe that it will never happen to us. Like me, you may trick yourself by thinking things like, "He just has one more year. Then, he'll be safe," as I try to forget Orlando or Las Vegas or Virginia Tech…the list goes on.
So here is what I can offer my son and others of his generation. We can never be safe from everything. But we are now safe from Polio because we used our knowledge to find a vaccine and created laws to require that most people get it. Many fewer people die from drunk driving because Mothers Against Drunk Driving stood up for tougher laws in the 1980's. Traffic fatalities are down because we have laws requiring people to wear seat belts. Indeed, most safety measures that we now take for granted were initially described as "impossible, impractical, meaningless, too intrusive, unconstitutional, or unenforceable." Research, advocacy, loud voices, and some compromise brought us laws that make our society safer. Not always quickly, not easily, and not soon enough for many. Still those arcs of history bent because people bent them. Think of how many problems we have solved when we collectively put our minds and hearts in it. Stand up. Vote for people who are not hamstrung by the NRA or any other organization. Your representatives should work for you and not anyone else. They should be willing to compromise with others to get things done. When you find those candidates, work for their campaigns. Talk with neighbors who worry about limiting gun restrictions. Find common ground, points of agreement that allow for progress and compromise. Advocate to fund research on gun violence so that we have strong science to help us know what works and what doesn't. But in dark hours let leaders of another era echo in your mind. Don't give up. Never, never, never give up.
Current Events race
No More Silence on Sam
Post date 30 Aug 2017
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So many colleges and universities have them. A monument that has been on the campus as long as anyone can remember, located in a prominent place that people pass by each day, and often with a silly, if somewhat offensive legend surrounding them. "General ABC will get off his horse the day a virgin graduates from XYZ University." Or in the case of the monument currently under scrutiny at UNC Chapel Hill, "Silent Sam will fire his gun the day a virgin graduates from UNC." For years, these legends were all I could tell you about these monuments on the campuses where I've been a student or faculty member. I've been around such monuments all my life; many have their roots in the confederacy.
Several years ago, having worked at UNC for quite awhile, my views on monuments began to change. Students and others on our campus were calling for the statue known as Silent Sam to come down. They asserted that it was a symbol of white supremacy and an object of oppression. At first, it was hard for me to muster strong feelings either way. I had no big stake in the statue staying up. I did not feel it was an important representation of my values or "southern heritage." It was a big statue with a stupid legend attached to it that was passed down from first year class to first year class. Statue up, statue down, whatever – not my issue. Such is white privilege. Nothing in the culture forced me to think about what Silent Sam might mean to people of color in my institution. I had the choice to think about it or not, take a stand or not because the confederacy and what it stood for, a state's right to enslave black Americans, never felt threatening to me. The confederacy was something for the history books, a question on test, something people I knew romanticized, but not a threat to my very humanity.
However, the student voices were loud. My colleagues were having conversations. There were articles in the newspaper, op-eds, letters to the editor. Those voices pushed me to engage, asked that I listen: listen to how shocked colleagues from other parts of the country were to come to UNC and find a monument to the confederacy at the symbolic "front door" of the University, to listen to how students of color felt walking past Silent Sam every day. For them, Sam was not a statue with a silly legend attached. He was a visceral symbol of hatred and exclusion, something that undermined their ability to trust the institution where they worked and studied. Finally, I learned the Silent Sam's history. The plaque attached to him described him as a memorial to UNC students who died during the civil war. However he was not erected until 1913 – nearly fifty years after the civil war. The confederate dead had done fine without him until that point. Why was he needed then?
The answer is in the dedication speech made by one Julian Shakespeare Carr, a local businessman of the time. Here's a link to the dedication speech. Look at pages 9B and 10 in particular. https://exhibits.lib.unc.edu/files/original/c1160e4341b86794b7e842cb042fb414.pdf. This speech is evidence that demands a verdict. The speech references saving the "Anglo-Saxon race." The speaker proudly describes himself "horse-whipping" another human being of African descent and sleeping well afterwards. Though couched in tributes to young men who died in battle for a "glorious cause" and some "all's well that ends well" language regarding the civil war's outcome, the violence and values described in the speech churn the stomach. As part of a wider white supremacy movement that was active in the early 1900's, Sam's installation sent a hateful message that is and was antithetical to the Lux/Libertas, (light and liberty) creed that UNC holds dear. Sam's message echoes even if many of us don't have ears to hear it. He should come down, not because his time has passed, but because he never should have been there to begin with.
All views stated here are my own.
The Papal Visit and the Road to Jericho
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As the President and his family have traveled abroad this week, as much focus has been on the women travelling with him, the first lady and daughter, as on affairs of state. From the moment the group de-planed in Riyadh, reporters discussed Melania and Ivanka's hair covering choices and what Melania's outfits might be trying to convey. Then, on Tuesday, a Washington Post columnist wrote that Melania and Ivanka were setting examples for the world about powerful women. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/melania-and-ivanka-trump-show-the-world-what-feminine-power-looks-like/2017/05/23/60205088-3fec-11e7-8c25-44d09ff5a4a8_story.html?utm_term=.608219a49eef
What was that definition of female power exactly? As I interpreted it, the message was be beautiful, dress exquisitely, and…be silent. Then you will be admired much like beautiful objects are everywhere. Unless you are an art historian who knows better, beautiful objects have no messy pasts, no complicated presents, no opinions or expertise, and a future in which time stands still. Not so powerful after all.
Then, there were the hand slap moments in which The First Lady appeared to rebuff her husband's hand holding offers. Whether this was real or clever video editing, I have no idea. Perhaps the strong internet reaction was in part because she appeared to be an actor versus an object in her life…
Even as I tracked these gendered aspects of the trip, I was waiting hopefully for the main event: the President's audience with Pope Francis. What would their conversation be like? Could the Pope influence this President in ways town halls, intelligence advisors, and the Congressional Budget Office have not? I was holding my breath.
Pope Francis loves the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25 – 37), a Bible story that has captivated me since childhood. This parable is the Pope's answer to questions that vex. What should our attitude be to our immigrant neighbors? How do we treat our enemies? What do we do when we are scared of someone who is different than we are? Five years old or fifty, peasant or president, Christian or not, the parable provides clear and powerful guidance.
First, we notice suffering without judging the sufferer.
Next, we change our plans so that we can help.
We bind the sufferer's wounds as best we can, even when we think the sufferer is our enemy.
We use our resources to make sure they are safe.
We act with compassion even on dangerous roads.
We act with love, even when, indeed particularly when, we are afraid.
Pope Francis follows this example. He washes the feet of refugees and prisoners. Surely an audience with such a person could transform anyone.
But I was watching for the wrong thing, a transformation. I was forgetting that the Samaritan never knew what became of the person he helped on the Jericho road. The Samaritan's actions were important because they transformed him, not because they transformed the injured man. The Pope gave the President art that featured an olive branch, a symbol of peace, forgiveness, perhaps even an offer of friendship. He gave the President his point of view in the form of an encyclical, using the logic and language of the spirit to discuss climate change. And then he spoke to the First Lady, engaging in what was reported as a cute joke or a light interchange, asking whether she was feeding the President too much dessert. Specifically, the Pope asked if she was feeding him too much "potica," a rich cake served on special occasions in Slovenia, her home country.
Remember, this Pope is from Argentina. Perhaps potica is a regular dessert served at the Vatican. But my guess is he took some time to think of how he might acknowledge the First Lady and treat her as a person versus the object that she is to the rest of the world. In that small moment, by referencing her home culture and language, he acknowledged so much that her beauty and style cover up: a complicated a past, a different heritage, a present that is not easy to manage, an uncertain future. He gave her the tools that he has to help her on her journey: a rosary and a blessing. He was the Samaritan.
Two days ago, I sat with colleagues from multiple disciplines talking about ways to adapt and enhance some training modules we are working on for the helping professions. We observed that trainees want a cookbook: "What do I do if x,y,z happens in a clinical encounter? What do I say if the patient says, 'abc?' Such questions skirt the central one: "Who am I when I encounter someone who suffers?" Pope Francis answers in words and in example. Be the Samaritan. Notice. Avoid judgment. Stop to help even if you're afraid. Use your tools for good. Embed your actions in compassion. Act with love.
Pope Francis says it best. Watch him here.
Current Events Family
Speaking of Health Care
Post date 15 Mar 2017
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Spring break has not turned out exactly as I had planned. The bliss of a week without teaching or meetings, the chance to runaway with my husband for one night to a "dress-up party" in Washington, D.C., the ability to feel thoroughly prepared for next week's onslaught…all out the window because of the flu.
On Saturday afternoon, I was chatting with our college friend who was to be our overnight babysitter. As the conversation ended, my younger son walked in coughing. By bedtime his fever was 104. We gave him some medicine hoping to affect a good night's rest. At 4 a.m. I found myself changing vomit-soaked sheets. By 10 a.m. we were in the pediatrician's office receiving a flu diagnosis and prescriptions for anti-viral and anti-nausea drugs. By noon, the healing had begun. We were no worse for wear save a few sleepless nights and the stupor that comes from watching too much TV.
Through the coughing, the fever, and the vomit, I did not think twice about getting us to the doctor's office ASAP. I did not think, "Can I afford the co-pay? How much will the medicine cost? What if I don't get the medicine; how long will he be sick? How much work will I have to miss? Will I lose my job? What will happen if I miss that meeting or have to take a sick day I don't have? What happens if my older son gets sick? Or my husband? Or me? Can we afford prescriptions and co-pays for all of us? Should I pay for this and skip my preventive dentist appointment scheduled this week? It will cost about $100 too." I also did not think, "Darn it. I should not have bought new shoes for my teenager yesterday. I should've been thriftier at the grocery store because you never know when someone is going to get sick." I didn't think of any of this. Instead I thought, "If I can get him the Tamiflu, he won't be so uncomfortable. He'll be able to sleep. He'll be able to get back to the things he enjoys sooner. And, let's be honest, I also thought, "Maybe he'll be well in time for that overnight get-a-way." I could be selfish for him and for me and that is a privilege.
Like every member of Congress, my husband and I receive affordable health care coverage as part of compensation for our work. Indeed, right now, as of 5:05 EST on March 14th, it is a privilege many working families and poor families in the U.S. have too. That is because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. But it won't be 5:05 EST forever and members of congress, who like me, don't think twice about going to the doctor are considering repealing the ACA and replacing it with a GOP sponsored plan that will repeal the Affordable Care Act and end health insurance for 24 million of our fellow citizens according to the just released estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/115th-congress-2017-2018/costestimate/americanhealthcareact_0.pdf ).
The new plan seeks legitimacy through the language of choice. People without coverage will be uncovered because they will "choose" to be uncovered. But as we all know, there are "choices" that are not necessarily choices at all. Premiums and co-pays that are unaffordable, plans that don't cover you or your family because of health conditions you already have, caps that keep you from receiving the mental health coverage you need, which incidentally, helps people manage their chronic physical health conditions in ways that bring down health care costs. The Affordable Care Act is not perfect. Because of choices not to expand Medicaid by 19 states, the program does not work the way it should in those states. People there are experiencing premiums that are too high. But this is an easy fix. Accept the Federal government's offer to expand Medicaid. We are finally talking about this in North Carolina but it may be too little too late. There are also other parts of the law that should be strengthened. But in spite of whatever flaw you choose to point to, under Affordable Care Act, more American citizens are covered than at any time in history. That is a success. Any logical approach would fix the things that are not working in the Affordable Care Act, not scrap it.
But it's not about logic. It's about money. And money is about values. Under the proposed repeal plan there are big winners and they are people who are winners already. (http://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/house-republicans-aca-repeal-plan-would-mean-big-tax-cuts-for-wealthy-insurers ). A small group of U.S. citizens will win because they will get huge tax breaks if the money that funds the ACA is shifted away from covering all Americans back to their bank accounts. Who else wins? Insurance companies. They will be back in the business of charging whatever to whomever for whatever. How will my family fare if the repeal and replace plan is enacted? I'm not sure. But I am sure that many of my fellow citizens will suffer. How do I know? Because, as a country, we've tried this before. We've tried letting people choose whether they should buy coverage or not. We've tried more limited regulation on insurance companies. We've tried Medicaid caps and various waiver programs to see if the states can be "creative and efficient." (Guess what? They are very creative and efficient at covering fewer people!)
So as we listen to competing narratives on the Affordable Care Act and the new GOP plan, perhaps we should think about our values more than we think about how much any one of us might dislike the particular president associated with each plan. What choices do you want to make for your family? What feels like a choice to you and what does not? Would you want for all what you want for yourself?
As I snuggled on the couch with my sick son yesterday watching the Wizard of Oz, I was struck when the wizard said to Dorothy, "Let us return to the land of E Pluribus Unum." Out of many, one. Yes, please. Let's do return to that. What is it that we want for ourselves? And can we find it in our hearts to want it for all? I want everyone to be able to do what we did this weekend. Seek healthcare when you believe you need it without a second thought.
Arts and Scholarship Current Events Teaching
"Always listen to the Art."
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The whole culture tells you to hurry while the art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art. -Junot Diaz
Several weeks ago I was at UNC's Ackland Art museum guest lecturing for a class. The photograph that accompanies this post is by Layla Essaydi and was the starting point for our conversation. It was shown to me by a museum educator colleague a number of years ago. I've back to it again and again. http://www.unc.edu/ackland/collection/?action=details&object_link_id=2006.14
When you see it in the museum, it is about 5 feet tall and draws your attention immediately no matter what else is in on display. My first reaction upon first viewing was a kind of alarm and discomfort. Without encouragement to keep looking, I might have frowned and looked away, eager to move on to something I could easily understand or find less threatening. Instead, I've been learning to wait. When students come with me to the museum, my goal is for them to begin learn to do the same.
As you can see in the photograph, veiling or covering is central. Each figure in the image is veiled to varying degrees. For many of us in the U.S., the age progression the photograph implies makes us uncomfortable. A child is carefree and uncovered. Covering engulfs the adult. We assume these women – somehow everyone assumes each figure here is female –are oppressed. Alternatively, maybe they represent a "veiled terrorist threat" that we do not understand and against which we are powerless to defend. We are nervous, we are frightened, we are angry. We are ready to either reject or rescue the picture's inhabitants.
My museum colleagues are expert at slow looking, a practice that often translates to sitting with discomfort and noticing details. As I and my students practice staying engaged, our initial associations give way to curiosity. What is on all of their skin, their coverings, and the walls behind them? It looks like Arabic script. The Koran? Something else? Are they all women? Where are they? Who is taking their picture? Why did they agree to pose for it? Why are they looking directly at us with stares that give away so little?
When the curiosity begins, so does the learning. We learn that the artist created the photograph soon after 9-11 in response to the growing prejudice toward Muslims in the aftermath of that terrible day. We learn that she is Moroccan by birth and American too; that she splits her time between the U.S. and her homeland. We learn that those depicted in the image are her friends gathered for a party in a place where women, in days past, were sent when they "misbehaved." The writing is Arabic script inscribed in henna, a celebratory material. It is used in this work to symbolize women claiming the skill of writing that was denied them in times past.
These bits and pieces generate more questions. What about that gaze? Why so direct? Why no smile? Why does the border look like part of a dark room photographer's contact sheet? Why, when I ask what magazine this photograph might be in, does everyone say, almost without a breath, "National Geographic?" We are back to new layers of association to sort through. As we progress through them, we gradually learn what this photograph and its inhabitants, with their challenging gazes, are asking of us, even as we are asking questions of them.
They ask us to acknowledge our fears, confront our assumptions, move beyond them to learn more, and to revisit the image instead of walking past it. What we practice becomes part of who we are. Immediate outrage, speaking based on what we think we know versus what we've verified, considering the "other's" point of view. Ideas that seem so basic, so urgent, and in such short supply.
Post date 12 Feb 2017
No Comments on Rules of Engagement
This morning I read a powerful article in the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/opinion/sunday/what-were-fighting-for.html?ref=opinion&_r=0 The author, Phil Kay, is a young marine writing about the complicated world of war, moral choice, and how we as Americans treat our "enemies" in context of combat. He writes about America as an idea as much as a place and argues that how we engage with the enemy is all the more important when the big, beautiful, audacious idea that is America is at stake versus a nation/state alone. His writing is luminous and my purpose here is neither to re-write his piece nor to talk about the ethics of military battle. But in our current cultural moment, I feel under siege in a way that I never have before and vacilate between the desire to retreat and imperative to engage.
For instance, last week, I found myself curious about a university position in New Zealand, entranced by the idea of moving to Portugal, and wondering how to focus on my day to day work as the world seems to be unraveling. Yet, this weekend I was strategizing about how allies could band together to make ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) road blocks obsolete while feeling guilty that I opted out of the latest protest march. To date, I've loved the Saturday Night Live political skits. But two out of the three skits I watched today seemed closer to cruelty than satire. I'm on a seesaw and I want to get off. Phil Kay's article helped me by talking about engaging honorably in a difficult fight. Focusing on honor has given me a benchmark by which to gauge the choices I am making each day.
So as of this morning, I've made some decisions that I'll share here.
1. First, I will not disengage. It is tempting to say that things have gotten too negative. Let's all talk about something else, post pictures of the soccer game instead of information related to policy or politics. I don't disagree that it is good to focus on things that unite us. But too much is at stake, particularly for those who do not enjoy the power and privilege that I do. For me to disengage would be to say that my comfort is more important than others safety. It is not. To disengage is dishonorable.
2. Second, I will be judicious in the sources of information I quote, share, post, etc. Until I have seen it reported in one of the following sources, I will not talk about it, post it or recommend it for your consideration. It is dishonorable to share information that has not been well-vetted, well-sourced, or taken out of context. My go-to sources will be:
– The New Yorker
– The Atlantic
– PBS
If it is real, it will show up in these journalistic venues that have stood the test of time. They provide context and have the highest journalistic standards.
3. I will not share memes, inflammatory videos, or the like. Some are funny and some hit the nail straight on the head. But they provide no real information, no context, and they alienate people. Belittling others, no matter how wittily it is done, is dishonorable.
4. My focus will be immigrants, refugees, and health care. My work in these areas is long-standing and has been recognized and honored by others. Focusing on what I really know something about means I can make real contributions. I care about the environment, foreign policy, education, and many other issues. But others of you are better equipped to carry those batons. You lead I will follow.
5. I will be at protest marches but not every one. They are important tools in the democratic arsenal. So is less visible and dramatic engagement. It is important to keep steadfastly doing work that is out front and behind the scenes. Both are honorable.
Thank you to Phil Kay for your writing that has helped me focus on what it means to live honorably right now.
These are my rules of engagement. What are yours?


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Eritrea's New Specimen Fossils Expected to Announce the Progressive Evolution of Homo Heidelbergenesis Part II
Tsegay Medin Holding a Cranial Find
The most recent discovery of human cranium (in November 2011) is uniquely important for it signals the availability of a historically decisive development in the study of human evolution. Tsegay Medin, who earned his MA Degree as Paleontologist in Spain, found a very ancient cranium in Mulhuli-Amo near the Buya Site- where a one-Million year old human skull was discovered more than a decade ago.
The scientists, who have been working in Eritrea strongly believe such a worthy discovery that ages more than a million year is a milestone for the reconstruction of the progressive human evolution from that of the home-ergaster to homo-erectus and thereby to the homo-heidelbergensis and to the development of that of today's human anatomy.
Ancient relics that have been discovered in the Buya and Mulhuli-Amo areas are perfect epitomes that are highly essential for those who are regularly in search of a new finding. Tsegay, an aspiring Eritrean researcher, who has been working in the basins of the aforementioned areas for a number of years, describes the findings as incredibly important for everybody like him who engages in researching and discovering of new fossils.
Tsegay said that fossils are densely available in the new site of Mulhuli-Amo which is not far from Buya, where every kind of fossil from each type of species is available and to which he confidently reiterates as a complete eco-system. The fauna remains that exist in the area indicate the connection and association of early ancestors with that of today's humans.
As a new finding leads to a new researching activity, Tsegay along his colleagues from the National Museum and partners from the universities of France and Italy are still expecting to do further studies. According to Mr. Tsegay, based on the discoveries, the studies would focus on how those earlier humans used to disarticulate the faunal bones.
The study of evolution is somehow very complicated which seeks extra cautiousness to finally reach a reliable conclusion which could not be done by studying every single deposit of remnants. "We do a systematic study in a particular small area which could hopefully represent the overall area." Mr. Tsegay said "Some previous studies show that these newly found species were the last representative species, mainly in East Africa as well as is also very important for the hypothesis that extends out of Africa. This basin is very important in terms of chronology, and in terms of the potential of the poorly represented earlier documentation system."
To a visitor, the human remains that have been preserved at the National Museum may seem a trivial collection of the past. Even though a smaller portion of a much extended period of time, such collections have a profound meaning for the country's archeological development and most importantly for international scientists who have been working in such studies.
Alfredo Coppa, Professor of Physical Anthropology at the University of Rome "Lasapienza", is of the idea that the few remains that have been preserved to date are just epitomes of a slight portion of the huge deposits that would be discovered in the future. Pointing to the archeological findings in the National Museum, "You see here on the table, human remains in a very small room, but you need to keep in mind that behind this there are huge amount of people doing scientific works." Prof. Alfedo Coppa said "We are not only archaeologists, anthropologist, geologists, sedimentologists, paleontologists working on the found remains." He further reinforces the importance of the Buya site in the future studies for it would enable them to have a very good reconstruction of the evolutional phases that is not confined to the anatomy but also for a broader study of ancestral behaviors in general and this particular kind of people who lived in Eritrea around one Million years ago. So, he said "What we are beginning now is the firm basis to reconstruct, with the data frame we have, what they were and what they did and how they behaved."
According to Dr. Yosief Lobsekal, Director General of the National Museum, prior to the findings, the research activity was mainly concentrated on the relatively recent period which is the Holocene period that dates for around ten thousand years which would lead them to more systematic researches. The continued findings of a very ancient period, however, indicated the country is abundantly rich in terms of the earliest human fossils. In this regard, Dr. Yosief, who is a historical archeologist and coordinator of the Eritrean-Italian Buya Research project said "Generally it could be said that Eritrea is a new country but old in history. And this good discovery will have a great role in reconstructing its ancient history."
The potentials of studying Eritrea's ancient history are very huge more than ever. But to do this, "We need to stretch our hands for further explorations and excavations of these ancient human remains." Dr. Yosief said "There is a good potential laid before us especially in this basin to fill this very wide historical gap that extends to about one Million years of age."
The very finding of ancient fossils in the Buya area has led to a consecutive exploration. Since young researchers like Tsegay have been involved in these researching activities, the prospects to explore and discover yet uncovered findings is just secured before hand for a large area of the country has been identified for its enormous deposits. Dr. Yosief describes the clues to find much ancient fossils as great motive for the young Eritrean researchers to exert endeavors to that end.
What could be the reason for conducting continuous research activity in the area around Buya? Dr. Yosief said that the Geological discovery in Buya has announced the very potential of the surrounding area that is characterized by its abundant contents which is also a requisite for conducting paleontological research. And that discovery Dr. Yosief reiterated is the main reason for attracting famous researchers from Italian Universities like the University of Rome, University of Florence and other Universities are also involved. Subsequently such a development was very imperative for the enhancement of cooperation partnership. Accordingly, Eritrea's National Museum has been concentrating on this area believing that there are much more similar areas that would show such like results and ultimately help for the reconstruction of the poorly documented ancient history of Eritrea.
Generally speaking rift valleys are said to be the home for fossils deposited. Eritrea's Rift Valleys have truly asserted this fact. In this regard, Dr. Yosief puts his remark as follows:
The motive for the choice of the area for study is directly related to the fact that depressions such as the rift-valley areas are prone to accumulate deposits while highlands are areas where deposits are eroded. The probability of discovering seed plants bearing fossil life is much greater in great depression than in a highland. So, all in all, this is true that rift valleys can have a continued record. Likely, we could cover roughly one Million years. Not only human life is fossilized and preserved in this book of rift valley, which is thick of many hundred meters of deposit. So the most recent phase of human adaptation area is also poorly reported. We don't know how technologically or morphologically identify humans adapted in this area. So this is a complementary but independent to some extent adventure in the scientific terms. What I can say in principle is that notably for some thousands of years these deposits were represented in the highlands.
The Tunis Agreement
Interview of President Isaias with local media( Part I)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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You are here: Home / Fires/Accidents/Disasters / State's deadliest tornado outbreak May 15, 1968
State's deadliest tornado outbreak May 15, 1968
May 15, 2014 By Radio Iowa Contributor
Photo taken by Floyd County Sheriff L.L. Lane. It shows the tornado when it was 2 miles southwest of Charles City.
Iowa's deadliest tornado outbreak ever occurred on this date back in 1968. The storm claimed the lives of 18 people and injured 619.
Five tornadoes were confirmed across Iowa on May 15, 1968 — including a half-mile wide F5 that tore directly through Charles City in northeast Iowa. Tom Shilling was 10 years old at the time and was delivering newspapers as the tornado grew in size south of town.
Shilling recalls he had the largest paper route in town: "I looked at it and thought, 'what the heck?' I looked back at a house and it split right in half," Shilling recalled. "All of the sudden the rivers started filling up with cars and stuff, so I said 'the heck with it.' I threw both paper bags and started running home."
Shilling made it home safe. Thirteen people were killed in Charles City, while more than 460 were injured. Joyce Cook farmed on the edge of town with her husband and says they were very lucky. "We could see it from our house, coming right at as," Cook said. "All of the sudden, the wind switched and it went to the east. The place a mile from us was demolished."
The tornado destroyed 372 homes, 58 businesses, and 1,250 vehicles. Damage was estimated up to $30 million. The other four tornadoes in Iowa on May 15, 1968 affected the towns of Oelwein, Maynard, Jackson Junction, and Cresco — all in northeast Iowa — and a rural area in western Iowa's Audubon County. The tornadoes in Charles City and Oelwein were both rated as F5s.
There have only been two other F5 or EF5 tornadoes in Iowa since 1968. Those occurred in Jordan on June 13, 1976 and in Parkersburg on May 25, 2008.
The National Weather Service has more information about the May 15, 1968 tornadoes.
(Reporting by Chris Berg, KCHA, Charles City / Photo courtesy National Weather Service)


I have to combine several DEM rasters into one from this source: http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org/SELECTION/inputCoord.asp, so I use Mosaic to New Raster tool.
Number of Bands = 1 as the original rasters; Mosaic Operator, I have done it with BLEND and MEAN (I get the same result).
The problem I have is that the resultant mosaic shows a different range of maximum and minimum values than the maximum and minimum values of the individual raster e.g., raster 1 (-5123.8, 23.25), raster 2 (-5974.6, 40.09), raster 3 (-57770.2, 38), raster 4 (-2534.3, 23.55), and final mosaic raster (-5975.8, 81.1).
I guess this solution is not right, at least I didn't expect to get that. Anybody has an idea if this is ok, and if this is not, how to solve it and get a proper mosaic raster with right maximum and minimum values?
I am using ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop.
As whuber mentioned, often statistics found in the raster properties are sometimes approximate or are out-of-date. They are predetermined properties that can be misleading to the actual raster values.
Also, you don't need ArcGIS to read rasters as NumPy arrays; e.g. GDAL or rasterio can do similar.
As the other replies say the statistics are likely out of date. If you prefer using ArcGIS try the Calculate Statistics tool in the Data Management toolbox. This should update the statistics for you.
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged arcgis-desktop raster arcgis-10.2 dem mosaic or ask your own question.
Understanding Mosaic to New Raster treatment of pixel values?
Getting multiband raster's min and max values with Python in QGIS?


Excuse me, I wanna take a shower/ bath, but there's no hot water. Could you send someone up?
The room next door is so noisy. It's midnight!
Could I possibly have another room card?
Could you please give me another room card?
May I have another room card?
What's the Wifi password? I can't connect the Internet.
The TV/ air conditioning doesn't work in my room.


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Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean
Middle East & Africa Awards Ceremony 2007
30 May 2007 - Abu Dhabi
Over 1,000 industry leaders convened at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi to celebrate their achievements at this star-studded event. A total of 65 awards were presented to winners throughout the evening's gala ceremony and media coverage of the regional awards was at an all time high, with over 25 international publications attending the event.
It is a great honour to be nominated by industry peers for the internationally acclaimed World Travel Awards.
Farhan Faraidooni, CEO of Sama Dubai
The star-studded event saw travel industry professionals enjoy music, comedy and entertainment throughout the evening. The event was hosted by Akhtar Khan and the original "pop princess," Deborah Gibson. Haifa Wehbe captivated the audience with her headline performance. Chris Noth, best known for his role as Mr. Big in "Sex and the City".
Well organized evening with fantastic winners. Emirates Palace is proud to have hosted it and that it won 9 awards. It will definitely raise the Bar of Middle East Africa Hospitality Services.
Noel Massoud, General Manager, Emirates Palace
Global heads of industry rubbed shoulders with VIPs spanning the Middle East and Africa, including Sheikh Faisal Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, H.E. Ahmad Al Hmairi and H.E. Mubarak Al Muhairi of UAE, Governor of South Sinai Egypt H.E. Mr. Mohamed Hany Metwally Iman and Hon. Wayne Garland Minister of Tourism Turks & Caicos Islands.
View the images from Middle East & Africa Ceremony.
Hear what the worlds media is saying about our events
Hailed as the 'Oscars of the travel industry' and working with our media partner BBC World, we have been attracting media attention from all corners of the globe.
Subscribe to the World Travel Awards newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news.
Our other awards
World Travel Awards™


so that anyone else could live?
just like everyone else should be?
just what everyone else should have?
will you leave us here?
till our debt is clear?
Will You hear if I call?
or am I too far beneath You in my fall?
and why do you leave?
Tell me, what are your riches worth?
What if we stay here?
will You accept me in spite of who I am?
but will You take me in spite of who I am?
but what of those who's plates are empty?
Do we think on their distress?
and if this judge should find us wanting?


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BR Home Page > Players > Anthony Varvaro > 2014 Batting Game Logs
Anthony Varvaro
Born: October 31, 1984 in Staten Island, NY us
Draft: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 12th round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft from St. John's University (Queens, NY).
High School: Curtis HS (Staten Island, NY)
School: St. John's University (Queens, NY)
vs. TBR 1.0 IP, 0 H, 2 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER
Last Game: April 28, 2015 (Age 30-179d)
vs. TOR 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 SO, 1 BB, 1 ER
Agents: Meister Sports Management
Full Name: Anthony Michael Varvaro
Pronunciation: \vahr-VAHR-oh\
Anthony Varvaro Overview
More Varvaro Pages
Minor & Fall Lg Stats
More Anthony Varvaro Pages at Baseball Reference
Anthony Varvaro page at the Bullpen Wiki
Team Record in Appearances 22-36 / in Starts: 0-0
2014 Batting Game Log
Click two rows to sum games (Clear)
Gcar
Inngs
88 7 (6) Apr 8 ATL NYM L,0-4 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
89 9 (1) Apr 10 ATL NYM L,4-6 5-6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
90 11 (1) Apr 12 ATL WSN W,6-3 6-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
91 13 (1) Apr 14 ATL @ PHI W,9-6 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
92 18 (4) Apr 20 ATL @ NYM L,3-4 10-11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
93 19 Apr 21 ATL MIA W,4-2 10-GF(10) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 P
94 25 (5) Apr 29 ATL @ MIA L,0-9 6-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
95 27 (1) May 1 ATL @ MIA L,4-5 8-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 P
96 28 May 2 ATL SFG L,1-2 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
97 30 (1) May 4 ATL SFG L,1-4 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
98 31 May 5 ATL STL L,3-4 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
99 33 (1) May 7 ATL STL L,1-7 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
100 36 (2) May 11 ATL CHC W,5-2 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
101 38 (1) May 13 ATL @ SFG W,5-0 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
102 41 (2) May 17 ATL @ STL L,1-4 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
103 43 (1) May 19 ATL MIL W,9-3 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
104 45 (1) May 21 ATL MIL L,1-6 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
105 48 (2) May 24 ATL COL L,1-3 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
106 49 May 25 ATL COL W,7-0 7-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
107 51 (1) May 27 ATL BOS L,3-6 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 P
108 55 (3) May 31 ATL @ MIA W,9-5 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 P
109 57 (1) Jun 3 ATL SEA L,5-7 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
110 60 (2) Jun 7 ATL @ ARI L,3-4 10-10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
111 64 (3) Jun 11 ATL @ COL L,2-8 8-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
112 65 Jun 12 ATL @ COL L,3-10 8-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
113 67 (1) Jun 14 ATL LAA L,6-11 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
114 68 Jun 15 ATL LAA W,7-3 6-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
115 69 Jun 16 ATL PHI L,1-6 12-13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 P
116 72 (2) Jun 19 ATL @ WSN W,3-0 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
117 73 Jun 20 ATL @ WSN W,6-4 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
118 81 (7) Jun 28 (2) ATL @ PHI W,5-1 6-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
119 83 (1) Jun 30 ATL NYM W,5-3 8-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
120 85 (1) Jul 2 ATL NYM W,3-1 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
121 88 (2) Jul 6 ATL ARI L,1-3 9-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
122 89 Jul 7 ATL @ NYM L,3-4 10-GF(11) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 P
123 91 (1) Jul 9 ATL @ NYM L,1-4 8-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
124 93 (1) Jul 11 ATL @ CHC L,4-5 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
125 97 (3) Jul 19 ATL PHI L,1-2 8-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
126 99 (1) Jul 21 ATL MIA L,1-3 10-GF(10) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
127 100 Jul 22 ATL MIA L,5-6 9-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
128 104 (3) Jul 26 ATL SDP W,5-3 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
129 105 Jul 27 ATL SDP W,8-3 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
130 107 (1) Jul 29 ATL @ LAD L,4-8 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
131 111 (3) Aug 2 ATL @ SDP L,2-3 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
132 112 Aug 3 ATL @ SDP L,3-4 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
133 115 (2) Aug 8 ATL WSN W,7-6 7-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
134 116 Aug 9 ATL WSN L,1-4 11-11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
135 118 (1) Aug 11 ATL LAD L,2-6 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
136 121 (2) Aug 14 ATL LAD L,4-6 9-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
137 124 (2) Aug 17 ATL OAK W,4-3 8-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
138 129 (4) Aug 22 ATL @ CIN W,3-1 10-11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
139 134 (4) Aug 28 ATL @ NYM W,6-1 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
140 139 (4) Sep 2 ATL PHI L,0-4 8-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
141 143 (3) Sep 7 ATL @ MIA L,0-4 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
142 145 (1) Sep 9 ATL @ WSN L,4-6 6-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
143 158 (12) Sep 24 ATL PIT W,6-2 6-7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
144 160 (1) Sep 26 ATL @ PHI L,4-5 8-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
145 162 (1) Sep 28 ATL @ PHI W,2-1 7-8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 P
22-36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Behind the Air France-KLM merger
Perry Trunick | Nov 10, 2003
Air France (www.airfrance.com) moved quickly to close a deal that creates Europe's largest airline, taking just over two weeks to acquire Dutch airline KLM (www.klm.com) and combine both under a holding company, Air France-KLM. At press time, Italy's Alitalia still hoped to be included in the deal.
Timing of the move recognizes changes in the regulatory climate and in the nature of the airline industry. For air cargo shippers, the operational implications are significant, in no small part because cargo integration is moving faster than the general combination.
Air France is the world's sixth largest cargo airline based on tonnage. It operates a dozen freighters, nine 747-200s and three 474-400s. It is also a member of the SkyTeam Cargo joint venture which includes Alitalia, Delta Air Logistics, Korean Air Cargo, Aeroméxico Cargo and CSA Czech Airlines Cargo.
KLM has already begun to integrate its cargo network with that of Air France. The Dutch carrier is joining the SkyTeam Cargo joint venture.
The AF-KLM alliance will gain from plans to upgrade the cargo fleet at KLM. The airline announced in June it had begun the first phase of a fleet renewal that will replace its 747-300 aircraft with three 747-400ER extended range freighters and eight 777-200ERs. In addition, it will replace two MD-11 widebodies with 777-200ERs.
KLM has a strong marketing alliance with U.S.-based Northwest Airlines, and through Northwest's code sharing and marketing agreements, with Continental Airlines. Both Northwest and Continental could join SkyTeam as a result.
KLM and Air France will continue to operate separately under the holding company, Air France-KLM. Combined revenues from the airlines' recently completed fiscal years indicate the combination will derive 77% of revenues from passenger traffic, 14% from cargo operations and 4% from maintenance. However, as indicated by the cargo agreements and membership in the SkyTeam, cargo will be much more highly integrated.
Alitalia, which had hoped to be included in the initial combination, operates three 747-200 freighters and carries freight on its 186 passenger aircraft. The Franco-Dutch announcement goaded the Italian government into action on legislation that would privatize Alitalia, a necessary step for the Italian airline to become the third member of the alliance. Alitalia wanted to be part of the initial deal so it would not enter later negotiations from a weaker position.
Though the present agreement does not extend to integrating Alitalia, the Italian carrier has signed a cooperation agreement with KLM. Its cargo operations are already closely linked to Air France through the SkyTeam Cargo joint venture.
The combined long-haul network will have 101 destinations, 31 of which are common to both Air France and KLM. Most of those are in major metropolitan areas with high volumes of air traffic. LT
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The Electronic Control Module (ECΜ) or Engine Control Μodule (ECΜ) also known as Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is a computer that manages the engine's Ignition, Fuel Injection, and Emission Systems.
ECM Libra Financial Group Berhad is the listed holding company of ECM Libra Group. Commenced in 2002 as a boutique financial services group, we have since expanded our footprint across the country and achieved several marking milestones in our business journey.


text:
DJ Shadow 'The Mountain Will Fall' – ALBUM REVIEW
Ben Malkin July 5, 2016 Albums
ReviewsAlbums
You'll never hear anyone quite like Josh Davis, popularly known as DJ Shadow. Acclaimed for his 1996 debut album 'Endtroducing…', he has been lauded for providing masterclasses in sampling, creating papier-mâchés of pure hip hop texture, with the aforementioned debut being his magnum opus, the work that epitomises his innovation.
It's twenty years later – many hip hop producers have taken from his work, added to it, experimented even more-so, but what's more is that DJ Shadow is back with 'The Mountain Will Fall', his first album in five years.
The album starts with a slight modern, contemporary twist grappling with nostalgic hints at record scratches and cassette tape sound effects. This title track also has an electronic ambient vibe, as does 'Bergschrund' which features classical/ambient musician Nils Frahm. DJ Shadow is no stranger to including these out synth pad sections into his work, but his interest seems to have blossomed into another layer of talent; seriously, 'Bergschrund' is great!
'The Mountain Will Fall' does tend to drop in and out of that old school, quintessential Shadow identity – but the reminiscent weird samples and nostalgic keyboards on tracks like 'The Sideshow' and 'Three Ralphs' (and almost on 'Mambo') definitely make the album feel at home in the producer's discography.
Hip hop duo Run the Jewels appear on the track 'Nobody Speak', the kind of feature that isn't necessarily a tradition for DJ Shadow. It isn't a bad move anyway, it feels quite nice, almost with what would often be an ill-advised sense of aloofness for a DJ Shadow record – but the near-raw performances from Killer Mike and El-P, with no contrived wordplay, are enjoyable – especially as two of the most cherished rappers working today have now worked on a DJ Shadow album. That's pretty damn cool in itself.
There are a number of uninspired moments on the record, not necessarily padding, and not necessarily background noise but fairly close. Luckily, there's still enough experimentation on tracks like 'Ashes to Oceans' and 'California' to not let them become outright tedious; you can get lost in the lovely pianos of the former, and the craziness of the latter. Both songs – and a few others – still feel as though they're missing something, mind you. Not to make the comparison again, but some pieces really lack that 'Endtroducing…' charm. Some songs also feel out of place, and so the album doesn't flow quite as nicely as one would hope, there's a communication breakdown of sorts.
'The Mountain Will Fall' marks an optimistic return for DJ Shadow, but said optimism is often overshadowed by a lack of execution – the kind of execution we're come to expect.
'The Mountain Will Fall' is out now via Reconstruction Productions
This DJ Shadow article was written by Ben Malkin, a GIGsoup contributor
Ben Malkin
A fool on the internet, one of many, but this guy slightly eloquently talks about music. Definitely a real person.
Nils Frahm 'Encores 1'
Ben Malkin June 18, 2018
Back to the Lab : New photobook documents home studios of hip hop's top producers
Daniel Kirby September 19, 2017
Ben Malkin July 5, 2016
nonkeen 'the gamble' – ALBUM REVIEW
Daniel Kirby February 20, 2016
Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm 'Loon' – EP REVIEW
Sarah Gosling October 15, 2015
BOOM! TRACK OF THE DAY


text:
Q: Block "cloner" servers rendering content from our server I have a website of mine (freeofficefinder.com) that is being cloned (see here: thelawyerserviceratings.org)  There are actually over 25 websites that are currently cloning our website.
Obviously this is hurting our SEO ranking greatly due to "duplicate content".  Is there something that I could add to the Apache config file to ensure that only our website is rendered at the domain freeofficefinder.com.  And for all other domains this is blocked?

A: As I can see, you web server configured to serve the same virtual host for any requested server name.
Example:
# telnet freeofficefinder.com 80
Trying 78.109.169.208...
Connected to freeofficefinder.com.
Escape character is '^]'.
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: blablabla.com

HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:54:24 GMT
Server: Apache/2.4.12 (Ubuntu)
X-Powered-By: PHP/5.5.9-1ubuntu4.9
Set-Cookie: device_view=full
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=qbe8aar8b58ckr9nvlqbnsdgd2; expires=Wed, 10-Jun-2015 16:54:30 GMT; Max-Age=3600; path=/
Cache-Control: max-age=0, public, s-maxage=604800
X-Content-Digest: en7c017d952f04b31ac9f09a61d0ed6561fd153e3549cdf743cbb277e2db847bab
Content-Length: 17105
Age: 0
Set-Cookie: device_view=full; expires=Thu, 09-Jul-2015 23:00:00 GMT; Max-Age=2531130; path=/; httponly
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Content-Type: text/html; charset=UTF-8

... content ...

This means, anybody can set A-record to your web server IP (78.109.169.208) and your site will work on any domain.
The cause is you use an asterisk * as a ServerName
Look through your Apache configs, find ServerName and ServerAlias directives, having * as a value, and replace * with your actual host name (freeofficefinder.com).
Then add another one <VirtualHost> section above yours and set a ServerName * for it. This special section will serve requests for all unknown domains like "thelawyerserviceratings.org" etc. You can put there some funny content.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Posted by Cllr John Booker, UKIP – On the 7th of May 2015 I was contacted by Beverley Lascelles aged 68 who lives in the Parson cross area of Sheffield. She told me that on the 5th of May 2015, her front windows on her home were daubed with anti-Semitic abuse and all four tyres on her Nissan Micra were slashed. I contacted housing services and the police the same day, I was told they knew about this issue and would visit Mrs Lascelles that day, this information was passed on to Mrs Lascelles. When I called on Mrs Lascelles, at her request a week later she showed me a letter she had received from the housing department 11th of May 2015, Tenancy Reference Number, 12036180011015, stating she was in rent arrears to the tune of £ 55.79, which she denies, legal action was being taken against her with the possibility of eviction. This story was published on the front page of The Star, 21st of May 2015. I feel Mrs Lascelles has been let down over the years by many Council departments. I ask if we could do better in future, with long running issues, and make a real difference to vulnerable and at risk residents.


text:
UC San Diego All Campus Commencement 2019 with Madeleine Albright
Date: 6/20/2019; 46 minutes
Copy the following code and paste it into your web page to embed this video:
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla welcomes Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and student speaker Michaela Juels to address UC San Diegos all campus commencement ceremony. Secretary Albright shattered the glass ceiling to become the first woman to serve as Secretary of State and is an icon of American diplomacy. She shares her insight as a strong leader and dedicated public servant who inspires making a positive impact on the globe, a theme echoed by Michaela Juels. Recorded on 6/15/2019. (#34545)
Higher Education / Academic Research
Madeleine K. Albright at UC San Diego Commencement 2019
The Master Plan: Access, Equity and the Social Contract for Higher Education: The University of California and Higher Education: Its Mission, History, and Goals
The Evolution of Shared Governance and the Historic and Present Role of the Academic Senate: The University of California and Higher Education: Its Mission, History, and Goals
> see more
U.S. and Chinese Grand Strategy and the Remaking of the Rules-Based Global Order - Herb York Memorial Lecture
The Trump Administration and North Korea
Leadership and Change with Jennifer Granholm - Conversations with History
The Honorable Willie Brown on the 2018 Midterms and Strategy for 2020
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Madeleine Albright at UC San Diego Commencement 2019
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Overclockers Club has posted a review today of the Seagate Enterprise Capacity 8TB hard drive. In the end, the OCC crew says that, if you have the money, you get a lot of space in single drive that has great performance and reliability.
Sporting 8TB of space in a 3.5-inch form-factor, Seagate's 8TB Enterprise capacity drive is far from short of capacity or performance. Designed for use over the long haul in data intensive applications, you get a drive that delivers excellent comparative performance. It was easily able to meet its design metrics across a wide series of tests. Rated to deliver 2.0 million hours as a MTBF, it is designed to run 24/7 with a failure rate of less than 0.5%. For the home user as well as the commercial professional, this adds up to some sense of security for your data.


Winter is the most difficult period of the year for drivers, with conditions making it incredibly hard to get from A to B in a safe and speedy manner. More accidents happen around this time than any other, as people struggle to adapt to the weather and its effects on the road.
If you're not sure of what exactly it is you need to do, then it can be very dangerous for you to be out on the road. First of all, we would advise you drive a car suitable for the weather – such as one of our luxury 4X4's available to rent now. Other than that, we've compiled a few tips that will help you understand how to behave while driving this winter.
There are several things you need to do to get your vehicle ready before you start your journey, so it might be wise to get up 10-15 minutes earlier in the morning than usual. In freezing conditions your windows, mirrors and possibly your lights will need to be wiped clean so your visibility isn't compromised.
The windscreen is particularly important. Don't just clear a hole so you can see directly in front of you, make sure it is completely clean so you have as big a view as possible. Put the kettle on and poor boiling water over it – this will get rid of frost and ice instantly.
When driving in winter, it is recommended that your tires have between 2mm to 3mm of tread to maintain a strong grip. When the roads are icy, your stopping distance can be up to ten times longer than normal, and people often struggle to keep complete control of their vehicles.
You might want to consider changing to specialist winter tyres – or better yet, those suitable for all seasons. If you live in a more isolated area, where the roads aren't cleared as much as busier locations, then snow chains might be needed too – although this is quite rare.
One thing's for sure – our 4×4 vehicles have tires suitable for even extreme weather conditions.
Typically, a car battery will last no longer than five years, so if yours is nearing the end of its life then it might be best to consider replacing it anyway. But in winter, the reliability of your battery becomes even more crucial. Because of the weather, you'll be using the lights, heaters and wipers a lot more than usual.
The temperature could also make it hard to get the battery started if the vehicle is left idle for too long. If you're not planning on driving for a few days, it might be a good idea to try turning on the engine once a day just to ensure everything keeps running properly.
Actually driving itself comes with precautions too. First of all, you need to drive slowly and carefully when the roads have been altered by the weather. Plan more time for your journey so as not to be late, or to feel like you need to rush to get into work.
Make sure you wear comfortable, dry shoes so you're not slipping on the pedals, and when braking do it slowly, otherwise you could find yourself skidding all over. You will find hills are difficult to navigate when it's icy, so be sure to leave as much room as possible between you and other vehicles – and try not to stop part way if you're heading up.
If you do happen to get into an accident, then Capital Hire offers 24 hour breakdown cover in which you will receive prompt assistance.


text:
Making Political Sense of Stem Cells
The public has an unprecedented interest in an otherwise obscure medical technology. But is it getting an accurate message?
Deborah Asbrandarchive page
Embryonic stem cell research seems a technology tailor-made for politics. With its attendant debates on grave illness, potential cures, and the prickly question of when life begins, stem cell research has entered the nation's political fray in a way that few issues of science and technology do.
Some might say it has been dragged there in recent weeks. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has relentlessly repeated his vow to reverse the ban on federal funding for stem cell research that President Bush instituted in August 2001. This week, President Bush is predicted to make his stance in favor of continuing that ban part of the Republican platform at the party's convention in New York .
Even the public-opinion pollsters are invoking politics. "A good issue for the Democrats" read Harris Interactive's subtitle for its August 18 press release describing a survey on stem cell research, one of several independent surveys released recently that have found a majority of respondents in favor of it.
But lost amid this summer's public debate, say researchers and observers, has been an accurate depiction of the state of stem cell research. While marveling at how a largely obscure medical technology has resonated with the zeitgeist83 percent of respondents told Harris they had seen, heard, or read about the stem cell debatethey also express concern that the public's expectations are outstripping the research's more sober truths.
"How much is going to happen therapeutically, and how quickly, is not being discussed in realistic terms," says Neil Theise, a physician and stem cell researcher at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City who says he has been invited to speak to fifth-grade classes on the subject. "In all likelihood, stem cell technology will lead to improvement, if not a cure, for the diseases talked about," Theise says. "But how quickly it will happen is being exaggerated."
Theise says his anecdotal experience indicates that many people believe stem cell related cures for hard-to-treat illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are just a few years off. The truth, he says, is that such cellular therapies are decades away. Moreover, he adds, "it's not that stem cells themselves, per se, will be the cure. It's that in figuring out how stem cells work, we're getting at fundamental aspects of the body." So while stem cell research is a bonanza for basic biological knowledge, clinical applications are likely to be a long way off.
Stem cells are the cellular jacks of all trades. They are unspecialized cells capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods of time. They also morph into new kinds of cells. When found in adult tissues, such as bone marrow, stem cells typically generate the type of cells in which they reside. Embryonic stem cells are thought to be more versatile. They are derived from embryos fertilized in in vitro clinics, and they can develop into many different cell types. Medical researchers hope to coax stem cells into specific types of cells that could be the basis for regenerative therapies.
Specialists in stem cell science also say the public has been misled by the partisan tug of war over the notion that, given more study, adult stem cells could accomplish the same regenerative feats as their embryonic counterparts. In fact, researchers, say, studies of embryonic stem cells yield important information for the understanding of adult stem cells, and vice versa. But overall, embryonic stem cells still appear to hold the advantage.
"Scientists, if they're honest, would say it appears at this time that embryonic stem cells are the most promisingbut a lot of that is based on our ignorance of what we can do with stem cells from other sources like umbilical cords and adult cells," says Robert McGehee, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "It may be that we just haven't figured out how to do itbut more than likely we're right: they can't. The embryonic cell really is still the Holy Grail of stem cells."
Stem cell research's elevation to national debate is explained not only by its often emotional portrayal as a cure but also by political conservatives' efforts to connect it to the abortion debate. Because harvesting the stem cells destroys embryos, some conservatives liken the process to abortion. "If it weren't for the groups battling this out, the public wouldn't have that much interest in the issue," says Robert Blendon, professor of health policy at Harvard University. "It would be seen as another biological debate."
But among the public, support for embryonic stem cell research is gaining ground. Independent opinion polls this summer show the public weighing in favorably on the research. According to Harris Interactive, 73 percent of respondents agreed that embryonic stem cells "left over from in vitro fertilization, which are not used and normally destroyed" should be available for research, up from 61 percent in 2001. Those who opposed the research on the grounds that "it is unethical and immoral" fell from 32 percent to 15 percent over the same period. In a survey released last week, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reported that 52 percent of respondents said it was more important to conduct research "that might result in new medical cures" than it was to save "the potential life" of human embryos.
Surveys from anti-abortion organizations reach different findings. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops last week reported that only 43 percent of respondents favored federal funding for research in which "live embryos would be destroyed"; 47 percent opposed.
Given the ease with which such a complex science can be distorted, however, those who study polling say public opinion is not likely to be well formed. When it comes to controversial issues like the death penalty, says Greg Shaw, associate professor of political science at Illinois Wesleyan University, "most people have given it a lot of thought and have formed strong opinions that theyll have for the rest of their lives." Stem cell research is different, says Shaw. "When it comes to stem cells, who knows about that stuff? Scientists do, but most people are fairly clueless of what the implications are."
Regardless of whether the public is making its decisions based on distorted messages about the state of stem cell research, such polls are an important part of the process, says Gordon Kingsley, associate professor of public policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In some ways, Kingsley says, the debate and politicization of stem cell policy is appropriate. "Participation in the policy is critical so that the many voices of the public have a sense of being heard. After all, they're going to be governed by it. It would be antithetical for us not to have a way to chime in, even if it's in an uninformed way and just to express angst."
by Deborah Asbrand


text:
<?php

namespace Tsuka\DB\Binder;

use Kusanagi\Sdk\Action;
use Tsuka\DB\Entity;

interface CollectionBinderInterface
{
    /**
     * Perform the operations to relate a collection.
     *
     * @param Action $action
     * @param Entity[] $entity
     * @param string $relation
     */
    public function bind(Action $action, array $entity, string $relation);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub