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Year in Anime – 2017
My interest in anime has been rather lacking since 2013. Despite occasionally re-watching classics or catching up on stuff that I missed, I actually thought anime had become rather repetitive and dull, and I was rather saddened by what I thought was an impending death of a creative media. Three years later, it is a flourishing branch of fantasy, but I found both anime and manga were lacking in their representation on Fantasy-Faction. To fix this I am sucker punching my fellow contributors and readers of this awesome site with the best anime of 2017.
PS: I only considered anime that started in 2017 for this list.
PPS: These are listed in no particular order.
On with the Sequels
While there were a lot of sequels this year not all were up-to-mark, but these five shine.
KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! 2
When Kazuma Satou died, he was given two choices: pass on to heaven or be revived in a fantasy world. After choosing the new world, the goddess Aqua tasked him with defeating the Demon King, and let him choose any weapon to aid him. Unfortunately, Kazuma chose to bring Aqua herself and has regretted the decision ever since then.
Not only is he stuck with a useless deity turned party archpriest, the pair also has to make enough money for living expenses. To add to their problems, their group continued to grow as more problematic adventurers joined their ranks. Their token spellcaster, Megumin, is an explosion magic specialist who can only cast one spell once per day and refuses to learn anything else. There is also their stalwart crusader, Lalatina "Darkness" Dustiness Ford, a helpless masochist who makes Kazuma look pure in comparison.
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2 continues to follow Kazuma and the rest of his party through countless more adventures as they struggle to earn money and have to deal with one another's problematic personalities. However, things rarely go as planned, and they are often sidetracked by their own idiotic tendencies.
I rather fell in love with this series while reading the light novel, but the show is just as fun. Its attempt to make fun of the Isekai/Another World genre with not only aiming fun at the ridiculousness of the setting (which is to-be-honest has been done to death by now) but also at its character trope is fantastic. You won't root for any of these characters because they are all selfish and obnoxious, and that my friends is the beauty of KonoSuba.
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
Ex-convict turned Rakugo apprentice Yotarou has finally taken the name of Yurakutei Sukeroku III, and with his master Yakumo's permission has attained the lofty rank of shin'uchi. He assumes the name at a critical time for Rakugo, with audiences fewer than ever.
At the same time he has started acting as a husband to Konatsu, who is now a single mother. Yotarou thus begins the struggle to fill the role of Sukeroku, both as the future of Rakugo and as a part of Yakumo's and Konatsu's lives.
While not fantasy at all, I cannot help but enter this show to this list. It is rightly acclaimed as one of the greatest drama anime to be ever made. To all of the male readers out there please don't get fooled its Josei tag; trust me you will love this show with its captivating stories and strong characters. This is a masterpiece of modern anime and a must watch for all anime fans.
At UA Academy, not even a violent attack can disrupt their most prestigious event: the school sports festival. Renowned across Japan, this festival is an opportunity for aspiring heroes to showcase their abilities, both to the public and potential recruiters.
However, the path to glory is never easy, especially for Izuku Midoriya—whose quirk possesses great raw power but is also cripplingly inefficient. Pitted against his talented classmates, such as the fire and ice wielding Shouto Todoroki, Izuku must utilize his sharp wits and master his surroundings to achieve victory and prove to the world his worth.
My Hero Academia returns for its 2nd season with its unique world and typical yet lovable cast of characters. While it may seem this show is riding on the superhero take-over that is currently on going in western world, this one is quite enjoyable and based one of the best shounen currently being published. With season three scheduled for Spring 2018, there is still time to catch up for people interested.
The Eccentric Family 2
Kyoto has been populated by groups of tanuki and tengu for years, living alongside humans who are oblivious to the existence of these creatures. Yasaburou Shimogamo is the third son of an influential tanuki family who spends his carefree days taking care of an old tengu, observing humans through his ability to shapeshift, and dealing with the mysterious woman named Benten.
Behind the peace and tranquility, however, is a painful memory from long ago as Yasaburou's father, head of the tanuki community, was killed and eaten by a group of humans known as the Friday Fellows. Uchouten Kazoku follows the trials and tribulations of the Shimogamo brothers as they struggle to avoid their own grisly demise while coming ever closer to unraveling the truth behind their father's death.
Remember when I talked about 2013 in the beginning of this article? Well, in my opinion, the first season of this show is the best anime of that year. It had a wonderfully unique story, captivating visuals, vibrant characters and top-notch music to enrich the experience. Like the most other fans of this show I never thought of seeing a second season, but thankfully I love being wrong at times like this. Watch this show, it is way better than you ever expected.
March Comes In Like a Lion Season Two
Now in his second year of high school, Rei Kiriyama continues pushing through his struggles in the professional shogi world as well as his personal life. Surrounded by vibrant personalities at the shogi hall, the school club, and in the local community, his solitary shell slowly begins to crack. Among them are the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who forge an affectionate and familial bond with Rei. Through these ties, he realizes that everyone is burdened by their own emotional hardships and begins learning how to rely on others while supporting them in return.
Nonetheless, the life of a professional is not easy. Between tournaments, championships, and title matches, the pressure mounts as Rei advances through the ranks and encounters incredibly skilled opponents. As he manages his relationships with those who have grown close to him, the shogi player continues to search for the reason he plays the game that defines his career.
Another non-fantasy show. But this is also critically acclaimed and rightfully so. The second season is currently ongoing so I won't say much about it.
Bringing Out the Newer Ones
Newer stuff is usually rather hard to find these days in anime, what with the attempt of the industry as a whole to make cash for the tried and tested trope. But here are some shows that break the mold and are enjoyable in a refreshing way.
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
ACCA—a national body of the kingdom of Dowa that provides public services to the citizens of the country—was established as part of the peace settlement between the king of Dowa and the 13 states of the country during a revolt. One hundred years later, Dowa is in a period of unprecedented peace, due in part to the ACCA system. However, rumors of a coup d'état start to surface. Jean Otus, the second-in-command of the inspection department of ACCA, is charged with inspecting all 13 state branches. What will he discover as he performs his audit?
Intriguing and mysterious, ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka is a politically-themed mystery that reveals a world of diverse cultures and lifestyles, with intricate connections between its characters, as the truth of the coup d'état slowly unfolds.
Starting once again with a series that is not fantasy, but trust me while this show gets a bit of time to build-up, it is quite an unorthodox yet enjoyable experience. I never expected to find any anime like this and I honestly can't compare it with any other shows. Rather this one has a unique western feel to it. I also rather liked the political intrigue and pleasant music.
Amid the desolate remains of a once-thriving city, only the rumbling of a motorbike breaks the cold winter silence. Its riders, Chito and Yuuri, are the last survivors in the war-torn city. Scavenging old military sites for food and parts, the two girls explore the wastelands and speculate about the old world to pass the time. Chito and Yuuri each occasionally struggle with the looming solitude, but when they have each other, sharing the weight of being two of the last humans becomes a bit more bearable. Between Yuuri's clumsy excitement and Chito's calm composure, their dark days get a little brighter with shooting practice, new books, and snowball fights on the frozen battlefield.
Among a scenery of barren landscapes and deserted buildings, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou tells the uplifting tale of two girls and their quest to find hope in a bleak and dying world.
This is a rather relaxing take on a post-apocalyptic setting. Sometimes depressing and sometimes hopeful this show, by focusing on only two main characters, tries to convey the notion of trying to be happy in a bleak and desolate world.
The Abyss—a gaping chasm stretching down into the depths of the earth, filled with mysterious creatures and relics from a time long past. How did it come to be? What lies at the bottom? Countless brave individuals, known as Divers, have sought to solve these mysteries of the Abyss, fearlessly descending into its darkest realms. The best and bravest of the Divers, the White Whistles, are hailed as legends by those who remain on the surface.
Riko, daughter of the missing White Whistle Lyza the Annihilator, aspires to become like her mother and explore the furthest reaches of the Abyss. However, just a novice Red Whistle herself, she is only permitted to roam its most upper layer. Even so, Riko has a chance encounter with a mysterious robot with the appearance of an ordinary young boy. She comes to name him Reg, and he has no recollection of the events preceding his discovery. Certain that the technology to create Reg must come from deep within the Abyss, the two decide to venture forth into the chasm to recover his memories and see the bottom of the great pit with their own eyes. However, they know not of the harsh reality that is the true existence of the Abyss.
Made in Abyss has been met with critical acclaim and widely considered to be one of the best anime of 2017. And quite rightfully so; having a strong cast of characters, delightful music and an emotionally charged story that will make you think on it long after you have finished watching the show.
In the distant future, new immortal and genderless life forms called Gems populate the Earth. The 28 Gems must fight against the Lunarians, who attack them regularly to abduct them and to turn them into decorations. Each Gem is assigned a role, such as a fighter or a medic.
Being only 300 years old, Phosphophyllite is the youngest of the Gems and has no assignment yet. They want to help to fight the Moon Dwellers, but are too weak and brittle for battle. One day the master of Gems, Kongou (Adamantine), assigns them the task of creating a natural history encyclopedia.
Having a fascinating world, which is animated beautifully, this show was always going to be interesting to me. The layer of mystery just adds to an already interesting concept.
Inuyashiki: Last Hero
Ichirou Inuyashiki is a 58-year-old family man who is going through a difficult time in his life. Though his frequent back problems are painful, nothing hurts quite as much as the indifference and distaste that his wife and children have for him. Despite this, Ichirou still manages to find solace in Hanako, an abandoned Shiba Inu that he adopts into his home. However, his life takes a turn for the worse when a follow-up physical examination reveals that Ichirou has stomach cancer and only three months to live; though he tries to be strong, his family's disinterest causes an emotional breakdown. Running off into a nearby field, Ichirou embraces his dog and weeps—until he notices a strange figure standing before him.
Suddenly, a bright light appears and Ichirou is enveloped by smoke and dust. When he comes to, he discovers something is amiss—he has been reborn as a mechanized weapon wearing the skin of his former self. Though initially shocked, the compassionate Ichirou immediately uses his newfound powers to save a life, an act of kindness that fills him with happiness and newfound hope.
However, the origins of these strange powers remain unclear. Who was the mysterious figure at the site of the explosion, and are they as kind as Ichirou when it comes to using this dangerous gift?
I will be honest, I am a bit biased in listing this show as Hiroya Oku's Gantz was the series that got me into manga in the first place. I came to this show expecting the same kind of enjoyment and thankfully got it. With intriguing characters and over-the-top violence this show gets you hooked from the get go and never let's go till the very end.
Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World – The Animated Series
When 15-year-old Kino is feeling weighed down by heavy thoughts, one thing always manages to cheer her up: traveling. Nothing fills her heart with joy like exploring the beautiful, wonderful world around her and the fascinating ways people find to live. However, Kino is not as helpless as her cute appearance and courteous demeanor suggest. Armed with "Cannon" and "Woodsman," her trusted handguns, Kino isn't afraid to kill anyone who would dare to get in her way. Always by her side is her best friend and loyal companion Hermes, a sentient motorcycle, who supports Kino through the sorrows and hardships of their journey. Together, they travel the vast countryside with the shared goal of always moving forward, and a single rule: never stay in one country for more than three days.
As Kino and Hermes encounter new people and learn the rules of their civilizations, they grow and find out more about their own values and virtues. But as Kino slowly discovers the world around her, she also finds herself facing dangers that linger within the vast unknown.
This is a remake of the original show and Kino's world is just as captivating as I remember. Based on a light novel, Kino's story is kind of episodic in nature while she travels through a richly imagined world. The show is quite philosophical at times and makes the viewer's wonder about human nature and cultural differences among other things. This show and the original are must watches for any one remotely interested in anime.
While there were many other entertaining shows this year, which might be strong contenders for end of the year lists, I can at least assure my dear readers, that if you dive into the anime of this year armed with this list only, you will most definitely find something that will cater to your taste.
Did we miss your favorite pick for 2017? What are you looking forward to in 2018? Let us know in the comments!
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Perfect Beginnings
A Beginner's Recommendation Guide to Fantasy Manga: Shonen (Adventure Fantasy)
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Tags: 2017, anime, Best Of, fantasy, manga, science fiction
Rakib Ahmad Khan I am a doctor from Bangladesh, currently working as a medical officer for the government, who enjoys fantasy in all its forms. My favorite hobby used to be searching in the used book stores of Dhaka for hidden gems (quite hard to find good fantasy or sci-fi when you live in a country called Bangladesh) which I could add to my collection and slowly devour later. I try to read 50-60 books, and about twice as many comics/manga each year. I also love rock music, rpgs, and fighting games. I have been writing about these for almost four years on my blog and also try to be active on Goodreads among other sites. You can follow me on Twitter @ihate_00.
E.Maree says:
Ooooh, no Ancient Magus Bride on the list Rakib? You're missing out on a treat–it's a really beautiful, Ghibli-esque fantasy world, though it tends to whiplash hard between fluffy relationship moments and super-darkness.
Death is a reoccuring theme through the show and is approached from a lot of different angles.
Rakib Ahmad Khan says:
…As a matter of fact I was quite torn about entering 'Ancient Magus Bride', as I have read lots of good things about it…I have watched a few episodes and am not really hooked yet…I guess I'll try once again as you recommend it so strongly…
…btw, may I ask about your other favorite series' this season?
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BanglaBoyz.in
What are some amazing facts about Indian Missiles?
India having a good arsenal of missiles but as you are looking for some amazing facts which they are having so i have selected these few missiles which I think suit's well according to your question.
Starting with My Favorite..
BRAHMOS(Deadliest Weapon of world)
It is the world's fastest cruise missile in operation. The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0.
The missile is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
It can travel close to the surface of the Earth which makes them very difficult to detect. BrahMos claims to have the capability of attacking surface targets by flying as low as 10 metres in altitude.
One unit of BrahMos costs a whopping INR 14,20,00,000.
Video: Awesome footage of BrahMos in action
AGNI-V:
Agni-V is India's longest-range missile to carry a nuclear warhead.
The missile travels faster than a bullet. Plus, it can carry 1,000 kgs of nuclear weapons.
The fact that the Agni can be launched using a special canister means that it could even be launched from the roadside.
AGNI-VI (being built) will have a range of 10,000 kms, which would give India the power to strike in any part of the world barring South America and very small parts of North America
Video: India successfully test fires Agni 5 ICBM 5000KM missile
NIRBHAY(Under Trials)
Nirbhay is an all-weather, low-cost, long-range cruise missile capable of carrying conventional and nuclear war heads.
Nirbhay is a subsonic cruise missile – it starts off as a rocket and then turns into an aircraft.
Nirbhay is expected to have an expected strike range of 1000 km.
The cost of one missile is Rs 10 crore.
It has good loitering( remaining in a particular public place for a protracted time without any apparent purpose)capability, good control and guidance, high degree of accuracy in terms of impact and very good stealth features.
Nirbhay is able to pick out a target and attack it among multiple targets.
Video: Nirbhay Cruise Missile in Action | India Air Force 2017 HD
'K' missile family:
Named after India's missile man, former President, Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Capability of launching nuclear warheads from underwater facilities.
The K-15 has a strike range of around 1500 kilometres.
The K family of missiles is a series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles
"K" missiles are faster, lighter and stealthier."
Video: witnesses history being made at "k"missile launch
Prithvi was the first missile to be built by India.
Source Images: Google Images
A INDIA'S Mysteries Mysteries Story Untold Facts
Top 20 Hot News Anchors on Indian television
Who are the most glamorous news anchors on Indian television? Have a look : 20. Kadambini Sharma – NDTV India: Kadambini Sharma is an Indian television anchor of NDTV India a news channel in India. She hosts programmes like India 9 baje and Prime Time. During Indian general election 2014 (Lok Sabha elections 2014), she did special series named Mission 2014. She has done her graduation from University of Delhi under Faculty of Law and done her further studies from The London School of Economics. 19. Palki S Upadhyay – CNN-IBN: Palki has been working with CNN-IBN since June 2005. She has an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Rajasthan University. She has worked part-time with Hindustan Times and Doordarshan. She hosts the breakfast news with Tracy Shilshi. Palki has won an award for the best news reader in 2007. She did her journalism from Delhi University and her graduation from International College for Girls, Jaipur. In 2008, Sharma marrie
नींद से जुड़ी रोचक बातें | interesting facts about sleep in hindi
हर कोई सोता हैं और आज से नही बल्कि जब से पैदा हुआ हैं तब से सोता हैं. लेकिन ये काम रोज करने के बावजूद भी हमें नींद के बारे में बहुत कुछ नही पता. . आज तक ऐसा कोई जवाब नहीं मिला जिससे पता चले हम सोते क्यों हैं। इंसान अपने जीवन का एक तिहाई हिस्सा, यानि लगभग 25 वर्ष, सोने में गुजार देता हैं। जब तक बच्चा 2 साल का होता हैं तब तक बच्चे के मां-बाप उसकी वजह से 1055 घंटे कम सोते हैं। सोते वक्त अगर आप के दिमाग को लगता है की आप किसी खतरे में नही हैं तो वे उन आवाजो को छानकर निकाल देता है जो आप को नींद से जगा सकती हैं। जब आपकी नींद Alarm बजने से थोड़ी देर पहले खुल जाती हैं तो उसे "Circadian Rhythm" कहते हैं। कभी-कभी जब हम सोने की कोशिश कर रहे होते हैं, तो घडी की टिक-टिक से भी हमें बहुत गुस्सा आता हैं। अक्सर हम दोपहर के 2.00 बजे और रात के 2.00 बजे सबसे ज्यादा थकान महसूस करते हैं। अकसर जो लोग ज्यादा नहीं सोते उनके harmons का स्तर जल्दी गिरता हैं। सबसे ज्यादा समय तक लगातार जागने का रिकार्ड 1964 में 17 साल के Randy Gardner ने बनाया था. वह 264 घंटे 12 मिनट तक जगा रहा. अगर आप किसी सपने से जाग गए
What does active today mean on instagram
Instagram introduced a new feature: now you can see the time when the user was online on Instagram. In your Dm section under the usewrnames you can see this information. "active today" means that the last time the user logged in on Instagram was the current day.. Simply " Active Today " means the person was active today on instagram. It can be seen in DM It may also be ' Active x hours ago'. If you want to turn it off you can . Just " Toggle off " show activity status in settings. See the picture

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Varsity Basketball: TMA VS Orangewood12144 viewsThis image is presized for Facebook and MySpace: you are encouraged to share it!
Varsity Basketball: TMA VS Orangewood11008 viewsThis image is presized for Facebook and MySpace: you are encouraged to share it!
TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 4]9115 viewsA shot from the Calvary Christian VS Master's game on September 19th: be sure to purchase the Game 4 CD next Friday, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!
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TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 6]6269 viewsA shot from the Calvary Christian VS Master's game on October 3rd: be sure to purchase the Game 6 CD TOMORROW, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!
FCC Cheer Camp 094577 viewsThis image is presized for Facebook and MySpace: you are encouraged to share it!
TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 4]2381 viewsA shot from the Calvary Christian VS Master's game on September 19th: be sure to purchase the Game 4 CD next Friday, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!
TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 4]2120 viewsA shot from the Calvary Christian VS Master's game on September 19th: be sure to purchase the Game 4 CD next Friday, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!
TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 2]1671 viewsA shot from the Mandarin Christian VS Master's game on September 5th: be sure to purchase the Game 2 CD next Friday, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!
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If you are interested in obtaining a print-quality 15MP version, email [email protected] for pricing info.
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FCC Cheer Camp 09 Gym panorama1383 viewsThis image is presized for Facebook and MySpace: you are encouraged to share it!
TMA Varsity Football 08 [Game 4]1376 viewsA shot from the Calvary Christian VS Master's game on September 19th: be sure to purchase the Game 4 CD next Friday, these pictures will not be in the yearbook!


Arrival Delhi Railway Station, Meet & Assist further drive to Hardwar, enroute lunch. Later drive to Hardwar transfer to your Hotel.
Visit Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti in evening. Back to your hotel, Dinner & Night halt.
After breakfast drive to Barkot via Dehradun & Mussoorie. Enroute visit Kempty Fall and others later drive straight to your Hotel for night halt.
Drive to Phool Chatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri (7kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. Arr.
warn water and having"Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" returning to Hanumanchatti. Later drive back to Barkot. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning drive to Sonprayag, Trek start from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, tolietteries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Kedarnath Temple. Night halt.
Early morning, after Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag. Later, drive to Rudraprayag via Guptkashi. Check in Hotel at Rudraprayag. Night Halt.
Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakamal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sight seeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River.
Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Later drive back to Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Morning, visit Haridwar Local Sight Seeing & Temples. Later drive back to Delhi. On Arr. Delhi, transfer to Railway Station / Airport. Tour Terminate.


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As You Like It, dir. Federay Holmes and Elle While @ Shakespeare's Globe, London, 2018Comedy
Joseph F. Stephenson
As You Like It, directed by Federay Holmes and Elle While for Shakespeare's Globe (https://www.shakespearesglobe.com). The Globe Theatre, London, 18 July, 2018.
Reviewed by Joseph F. Stephenson
Michelle Terry began her tenure as Artistic Director for Shakespeare's Globe by returning to The Globe's 1599 roots in As You Like It and Hamlet.[1] The Globe's beautiful bare stage was featured in both productions, allowing the living, breathing bodies of the actors to utilize the space creatively and focusing the audience on the story and the characters. In a programme note, Terry compares the "ensemble approach" used in rehearsing the plays to the shareholder status of many of the players in 1599, where members of the company had a "vested interest", "ownership", and even an "egalitarian stake" in the success of the enterprise. In As You Like It, directed by Elle While and Federay Holmes, the success of Terry's approach is clear. The ensemble creatively but respectfully interpreted Shakespeare's text—even the odd, confusing, and less "comic" passages—resulting in a breathtaking production that will be remembered for years to come for its innovative and diverse casting, radiant performances, and overall excellent quality.
As You Like It is not as often played as some of the most popular comedies, but it is a staple of professional companies, who often use the play to showcase an actress in Shakespeare's largest female part, Rosalind. In Shakespeare's day, of course, the part would have been played by a boy, perhaps the same tall boy who had cut his teeth on roles like Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing: after all, Rosalind describes herself as "more than common tall."[2] In this production, the casting of Jack Laskey—simultaneously hilarious, endearing, and utterly believable in As You Like It's leading role—lends a smack of authenticity to Rosalind's playful line "if I were a woman" in the epilogue. More importantly, since this play showcases Shakespeare's profoundest experimentation with gender bending—he wrote the part of Rosalind for a boy who plays a woman who disguises herself as a young man who quickly arranges to "pretend" to be a young man's female love interest—all those ironies and confusions (and perhaps more, as many other roles are played by actors of a different gender from their characters) are preserved in what Will Tosh's excellent programme essay terms "Shakespeare's queerest comedy." One more bit of metatheatrical irony: Laskey's Rosalind, when disguised as her male alter ego "Gannymede", wears a costume piece created for Laskey as Orlando in The Globe's 2009 production of the play.
"Woo me!" orders Gannymede/Rosalind (Jack Laskey) to Orlando (Bettrys Jones). Aliena/Celia (Nadia Nadarajah) has her doubts about the entire situation. Still from "As You Like It: Trailer." YouTube, uploaded by Shakespeare's Globe, 26 June 2018. youtu.be/OpcvWJAXp4k
As You Like It's title perhaps indicates that Shakespeare wrote the play wholly to suit audience tastes, and some of the comic elements are indeed, to use Rosalind's phrase, "laid on with a trowel": the fraternal reconciliation extends not just to one pair, but to both pairs of feuding brothers—and even to a third (completely forgotten and extraneous) Dubois brother. Moreover, Hymen, god of marriage, descends from (or, in this production, ascends into) the Heavens to bless the marriages of no fewer than four couples. Nevertheless, as is typical for Shakespeare, the comedy gets very serious at times. In the immediate action that begins this production, the sibling rivalry between brothers Oliver (Shubham Saraf) and Orlando Dubois (Bettrys Jones) is not just fun and games: the two fight rather viciously within a few moments of being on stage together; soon enough, Saraf's Oliver fiercely instructs the wrestler Charles (Richard Katz), "I had as lief you did break his neck as his finger."
The leading women of the play are also quickly caught up in the play's political difficulties. In this production, deaf actor Nadia Nadarajah plays Celia as not just Rosalind's cousin, but her best friend. The two speak frankly and intimately, using elements of British Sign Language (BSL) to trade quips on life and love—and especially the excellencies of Orlando—in a playful manner. But when the evil Duke Frederick (Helen Schlesinger, who doubles as Frederick's brother, the good Duke Senior) banishes his niece Rosalind and threatens her with death, Celia quickly comes to Rosalind's defense. Since Schlesinger as Frederick refuses to communicate in BSL, Nadarajah as Celia is forced to use her voice and speak aloud in the unexpectedly moving line, "Dear sovereign, hear me speak." As Celia continues, "I cannot live out of her company" (quite believably, since Rosalind was her link to communicating with society) the extreme vulnerability of the character—not to mention the actor— immediately silenced the audience and stirred feelings of awe in the third scene of this festive comedy. The synergy of the casting, the acting, the direction, and the text resulted in an unforgettable theatrical moment.
Terry, who collected raves in Hamlet's title role, ends up playing three minor roles in this production: old Adam, played with understated grace, the third Dubois brother, played with self-conscious irony, and William. The (usually) forgettable William, erstwhile suitor of country lass Audrey (an exuberant mixture of blasé and risqué features, as embodied by James Garnon) was imbued with a quiet dignity and earnestness that evoked pathos from the audience even during a remarkably funny scene. Not many productions of As You Like It could elicit sighs of pity and uproarious laughter from the audience simultaneously, but this one did.
To note a few less successful moments, the music, credited to composer James Maloney, was a bit mixed: the first two well-known songs in the play, "Under the Greenwood Tree" and "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind", lacked melodic and rhythmic interest. These shortcomings, however, were more than made up for in "There Was a Lover and His Lass" and, especially, a spirited chant for "What Shall He Have that Killed the Deer?", the tune of which was reprised for a supremely energetic final jig (including impressive capers from Saraf) that had the entire theatre clapping along enthusiastically. One more quibble: despite a superlative performance from Saraf, Rosalind makes clear that when Oliver and Celia first encounter each other, they "no sooner met but they looked, no sooner looked but they loved"; Saraf could have played this action a bit more.
Despite any cavils from this extremely picky reviewer, the production was stunning, the best As You Like It I have ever seen or, I am quite sure, will ever see. Allowing dramatic and poignant moments to set off the overriding jubilation of the play's comic structure, the performance left theatregoers blissfully satisfied—and yet willing and able to see the production repeatedly. Most people I chatted with in the groundlings queue for my third helping of this comic feast had already seen the play at least once before. Terry's approach in this play, as well as in Hamlet, has included flexible blocking, allowing actors (most notably Schlesinger) to experiment with and develop new reactions during the run, making repeat visits all the more rewarding. The Globe has been through some controversy and hard times lately, but the energy this summer has been palpable, and, with most productions of the Shakespeare plays in the repertory sold out weeks in advance, the success of Michelle Terry's first season is undeniable. I hope to review many more productions that include Terry's brilliant acting, daring casting, and ensemble approach in the coming years. Bravo.
This review incorporates ideas and observations from members of the class "Shakespeare: Page and Stage" taught by the author in the summer of 2018, in particular Lance Bleakney, Emma Darby, and Tré McLeod.
[1] As You Like It is universally dated to 1599, and Jaques' famous "All the world's a stage" monologue is understood to correlate to The Globe's legendary motto, "Totus mundus agit histrionem." The dating of Hamlet is more difficult. The text probably dates from 1600 (see Martin Wiggins, British Drama, 1533-1642: A Catalogue, entry no. 1259). Many believe that Shakespeare was working on the play in 1599, a possibility that Andrew Gurr discussed with the author in 2003; perhaps he discussed the idea with Terry as well. By the way, it was nice to see Gurr's name again listed in the programme as a member of The Shakespeare Globe Council.
[2] Quotations from As You Like It are taken from Folger Digital Texts, Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstein, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles, editors. www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/html/AYL.html.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own.
Reviewing Shakespeare is produced by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the University of Warwick to provide a searchable archive of independent reviews of worldwide Shakespearian performance.
Author: Joseph F. Stephenson
Joseph F. Stephenson, Ph. D., is the James W. Culp Distinguished Professor of English at Abilene Christian University (Texas). His scholarship focuses on early modern drama in performance, especially English plays that feature Dutch characters. Joe teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in British literature (especially Shakespeare) both in Abilene and for ACU's study abroad programme in Oxford. His current major project is a scholarly edition of an unpublished manuscript play, a restoration comedy called The Dutch Lady.
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Teresa Vilardi
Teresa Vilardi was assistant director of IWT from 1984 until 2001, and director from 2001 until 2012. She now serves as the liaison between IWT and Bard's MAT program, developing training workshops for both MAT faculty and IWT faculty. She earned her B.A. at Barnard College and M.A. in medieval and Renaissance history from Columbia University, and has studied in the Program in Psychology and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She has taught history at the State University of New York in Binghamton; the College of Wooster in Ohio; Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York; history and women's studies at Broome County Community College in Binghamton; and taught in Bard's Freshman Seminar Program. She was co-editor of *New Methods in College Writing Programs: Theories in Practice* (MLA, 1986); *Writing to Learn Mathematics and Science* (Teachers College Press, 1989); and *Writing-Based Teaching: Essential Practices and Enduring Questions* (SUNY Press, 2009).


At Viney Hearing Care, we use a comprehensive range of tests and fitting procedures that represent best clinical practice. We find the right solution for each person, with the highest quality of aftercare to ensure hearing instruments are fitted correctly and working effectively.
Here we have outlined the patient journey in 5 steps. This explains what happens in each appointment through the entire process of successful hearing rehabilitation.
Next we perform Pure Tone Audiometry. This test involves you wearing a set of headphones and pressing a button in response to a series of pure tones. This test helps us determine the degree, type and nature of your hearing loss.
Next is the speech discrimination in noise test, which tests your ability to hear speech both in quiet and in background noise.
You will be asked to sit in front of a calibrated loudspeaker and repeat out loud a series of words and sentences, which will be played to you with different volume levels of noise in the background. This is used to determine how your hearing affects your ability to process speech in a quiet environment and your ability to understand speech in background noise. We can then compare these results to those we would expect from a normal hearing person.
Why do we perform a Speech in Noise Test?
Hearing speech in background noise is the main difficulty for anyone with a hearing loss, it is the main issue that needs to be addressed – so doesn't it make sense to test this? Pure tone Audiometry, which is the basic test performed by all audiologists and hearing aid dispensers only predicts speech discrimination in noise, the speech in noise test actually measures it. This is very important as two people with exactly the same hearing loss can have very different abilities to discriminate speech in noise.
By performing a speech in noise test we can more accurately determine the right hearing aid for you and the features required. And by repeating the test after the hearing aids have been fitted we can objectively determine how effective they are.
We take the time to thoroughly explain your test results to you and give you a clinical diagnosis of your hearing loss.
Style. The right style of device to be as discreet or invisible as possible while providing adequate benefit.
Price. We have a range of prices to suit every budget.
We will show you examples of several different suitable products from a range of manufacturers and discuss the most appropriate choice for you.
First of all tiny probe microphones are placed in your ears, so that we can measure the exact levels of sound arriving at your eardrum. The output from the microphone is displayed on a screen for you to see.
We then put in your hearing aids and play a series of calibrated signals such as speech and music. We can then see the exact level of sound being produced by the hearing aids in your ears and whether the hearing aid is adequately restoring audibility of sounds that you could not hear before.
We compare this level to a pre-determined prescription target and adjust the hearing aids to ensure that they are adequately meeting the target, which has been calculated from your hearing test results.
We then make sure that you are totally happy and comfortable with the sound of the hearing aids. We will also show you how to handle your hearing aids and make sure that you feel confident using them.
Once your hearing aids are properly fitted and verified, you'll be able to take them home and start using them.
It is a good idea to get used to your hearing aids in familiar and comfortable situations, such as watching television or speaking to family. Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase it.
Once you have got used to your hearing aids you can wear them all the time.
Speech, music and television will all sound louder, sharper and clearer, making it easier to hear.
Consonants such as 's', 't' and 'ch' will sound more defined.
You may now hear sounds around you that before were inaudible or very quiet: things like footsteps on wooden floors, ticking clocks, and bird song.
Your own voice will also sound different.
As you use your hearing aids in your normal life, you will get more and more of an idea of how much they are helping you, and where any adjustments need to be made.
We'll arrange for two follow up appointments around two and four weeks after the initial fitting so you can let us know how you've been getting on.
We will discuss your listening goals that we talked about in the initial assessment and determine how well your goals are being met by using the hearing aids; this gives us clear evidence of the benefit that you are getting.
At this point we can make fine tuning adjustments to your hearing aids to further personalise the sound for you. This process of fine-tuning can make all the difference in the long run: it helps you get the most from your hearing aids, and allows you to use them to their greatest efficiency.
To help us complete this process effectively we have installed a 'Surround Sound' system in our clinic, so that we can accurately re-create difficult listening environments such as busy restaurants, cocktail parties or street noise. This is invaluable in measuring the performance of the hearing aids noise reduction features.
We then repeat the Speech Discrimination in noise tests that we performed in the initial assessment but this time you will be wearing your hearing aids. We compare your scores before and after the hearing aid fitting and we should see a significant improvement.
This gives us objective, documented evidence that your hearing aid fitting has been successful.
If for any reason we have not been successful then we can try a different set of hearing aids.
However, it is very rarely necessary for patients to return hearing aids to us. Our success rate is extremely high.
It's this kind of commitment to service that makes Viney Hearing Care your best choice for hearing aids and hearing consultation.
You can come in and see us for ear health check, adjustments or 'fine tuning' any time you like for the lifetime of the instruments.
All of our patients continue to get free ear health care and wax management, this incudes microsuction wax removal and advice on the best way to take care of your ears and hearing instruments.
We will invite you to attend 6 monthly 'check up' appointments where you will have an ear health check, a review of your hearing goals. The instruments will be serviced, cleaned and tested to make sure that they are working well for you.
Then we have an annual 'Reassessment' appointment where we will re-test your hearing, check the hearing aids and re-calibrate them should your hearing have changed. We will then retest and compare your speech in noise results. This will ensure you continue to get maximum benefit from your hearing aids.
Hearing aids are sophisticated instruments but it's important to remember that they can go wrong from time to time. Also, your hearing can change over time and this needs to be taken into account.
That is why it is very important to have a reliable aftercare service when using hearing aids. With Viney Hearing Care you can have total peace of mind, knowing that should anything go wrong with your hearing instruments we will take full responsibility to ensure they get repaired and back to you in working order as quickly as possible. We can even arrange for you to have a loan hearing aid whilst your aid is off for repair.


↑ Harper, Douglas. "Taxonomy". Online Etymology Dictionary. पहुँचतिथी 2 नवंबर 2015.
↑ Judd, W.S., Campbell, C.S., Kellogg, E.A., Stevens, P.F., Donoghue, M.J. (2007) Taxonomy. In Plant Systematics – A Phylogenetic Approach, Third Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland.
↑ Simpson, Michael G. (2010). "Chapter 1 Plant Systematics: an Overview". Plant Systematics (2nd संपा.). Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-374380-0.


Congratulations, you're moving to Denver! Or at least you're contemplating it, and that means you're on the cutting edge when it comes to relocating to one of the country's coolest cities.
And you don't have to take our word for it: The Brookings Institute made that pronouncement after reviewing Census data showing young adults rank it as the most appealing U.S. metro area and are heading here in record numbers. What's behind the trend? More than just the jaw-dropping beauty of the Rocky Mountains (though we'd never underplay the gorgeous scenery and awesome outdoor adventures it offers).
It's also a unique confluence of rich history and abundant vitality that's reflected in other stellar ratings Denver regularly receives, including being the fittest city in America (according to Forbes) and among the greenest (the Economist Intelligence Unit, part of Siemens) and most innovative (Fast Company).
Denver is an optimistic place. (Hey, if the more than 300 days a year of sun don't keep your mood elevated, try some of the famous craft brews!) But what insiders know – and you'll soon discover – is that beyond labels, Denver has an authentic heart and soul. It's confident, without being overbearing. Despite being the Mile-High City, it's completely down to earth.
So you'll feel welcome whether you decide to live in urban environs (the progressive Highlands neighborhood is among the hottest right now), or in the surrounding suburbs and beyond (Golden stands out with its great schools, charming main street and genuine best-of-the-West flavor: The annual Buffalo Bill Days is just one of many celebrations).
Either way, you'll have easy access to world-class sports, recreation, arts, cultural and entertainment options, with plenty to entice singles, couples, families and empty-nesters.
In downtown's LoDo, you'll be able to experience some of the most famous landmarks of Denver's frontier roots and independent spirit. The State Capital Building, Union Station, Larimar Square and the Molly Brown Museum (yes, the indomitable Titanic survivor resided in Denver) — they're all here.
But back to your move. We know it feels overwhelming. You've got a lot of decisions to make. And we're here for you.
Use our search to get a feel for what kinds of homes are available. Browse around our site for more details on neighborhoods and other essential info. And be sure to sign up for our daily emails for great tips.
We want to be your personal moving-to-Denver coach. So we also hope you'll contact us, or give us a call at 800-392-1950.
Oh, and here's one more locals-only tidbit. Hidden atop one of the most popular of the area's many mountain biking trails is a cooler stashed in a secret spot and kept stocked with energy drinks and eats by a local school group. You take what you need to fuel up and leave what you can in the donation box. Yup, payment's on the honor system. Just one more example of Denver's laid-back congeniality.
We mentioned we love living here, right? You will, too.


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The Litium platform includes all the features you need for business-critical e-commerce. We are happy to tell you more about it. Fill in the form and we will contact you.


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5-Day Itineraries
Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days
This fun, five-day Costa Rica itinerary takes in many of the country's natural highlights, from wildlife reserves to beautiful beaches. Enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and relaxation, structured and free time, to ensure your quick trip to Monteverde and Samara is just what you want it to be. As this is a self-driving tour you can go at your own pace.
Tour the rainforest canopy on a guided Sky Walk
Whizz through the forest on a thrilling zip line
Relax on the beach and go swimming at Playa Samara
Spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies at the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Liberia - Drive to Monteverde Monteverde
Day 2 Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek Zipline Monteverde
Day 3 Monteverde to Sámara Beach Sámara
Day 4 Samara Beach - Free day Sámara
Day 5 Samara drive to Liberia
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia - Drive to Monteverde
View of the valley, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Liberia is the northern hub of Guanacaste Province, an area famous for both its Pacific beaches and mountainous regions inland.
After touching down at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive about 2.5 hours east to Monteverde Cloud Forest National Park. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 2: Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek Zipline
Zip-lining in Monteverde
Sky Adventures Monteverde Park is an aerial amusement park that takes jungle excitement to the next level. Its network of gondolas transport visitors from one adrenaline-pumping activity to another. Start with a guided Sky Walk, which combines trails and suspension bridges that reach heights of up to 984 feet (300 m.) in the air. The flora and fauna of the forest will be on full display, and your guides will point out the most interesting specimens. Later, you'll ride in an open-air Sky Tram gondola, for sweeping views over the mountains.
Upon reaching the end of the line, the exhilarating adventure of whizzing down the mountain begins. You will connect to a zip-line cable that stretches over the treetops and across canyons, ultimately returning you to the starting point at Sky Adventures' main building. Sky Trek is often considered the most thrilling zip line in the country.
Plan your trip to Costa Rica
Day 3: Monteverde to Sámara Beach
Beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula
Today the Pacific Coast is in your sights. Depart Monteverde for the beautiful coastal hamlet of Playa Sámara (Sámara Beach), on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Famed for its golden sand and gentle waves, Sámara Beach is one of the safest in the country. The area teems with tropical life, has a thriving fishing and farming economy, and its laid-back feel makes it a favorite with travelers.
You have a lot of options at Playa Sámara: play and relax in the sand and sun, snorkel through the aquamarine waters, or sign up for a surfing lesson in mellow waves, ideal for novices. You can also explore experience the region's rich sea life aboard a whale, dolphin, or turtle-watching tour.
There's plenty to do beyond the beach, too. Take a guided hike through a mango plantation (where you're welcome to eat all the mangoes you like), and into the Werner Sauter Biological Preserve to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies. You can also go on a horseback trek, starting along the water and heading into the hills to see iguanas, birds, and more.
Day 4: Samara Beach - Free day
Today you can take your time on a free day. Relax on the beach or try sea kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, zip lining, and more.
Day 5: Samara drive to Liberia
Costa Rica has many beautiful beaches
It's time to say goodbye to the beach, and beautiful Costa Rica. After breakfast, drive back to Liberia, drop off your car, and connect to your flight.
Map of Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days
Written by Randall Jiménez, updated Oct 18, 2019
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Home » World News » Boy's Baby Yoda doll inspires crews fighting wildfires
Boy's Baby Yoda doll inspires crews fighting wildfires
Oregon firefighters have a tiny but powerful Force on their side in their fight against wildfires, thanks to a five-year-old boy who sent them his Baby Yoda doll.
Carver Tinning and his grandmother Sasha bought the lifelike Star Wars toy for a firefighter donation drive in Scappoose, Ore., amid the state's devastating wildfire season. They also donated various canned goods, but Carver specifically chose to send the doll as a bit of emotional support for the fire crews.
"Thank you firefighters," Sasha Tinning wrote in a note attached to the doll, on behalf of Carver. "Here is a friend for you, in case you get lonely. Love, Carver."
The doll was an instant hit at the donation drive.
"There wasn't a dry eye at the trailer when he dropped off the Baby Yoda with his note," Tyler Eubanks, the donation organizer, told KGW-TV. "I knew I had to get that to the firemen."
The adorable little Star Wars character became a viral sensation last fall with the debut of The Mandalorian, a show on Disney Plus. The series follows a fierce bounty hunter who finds himself caring for a little tyke known as "The Child." The glassy-eyed little creature is an infant from the same species as Jedi Master Yoda, and "Baby Yoda" has since become his nickname.
The Oregon firefighters welcomed their own version of "The Child" by turning him into a mascot and social media sensation. They wrapped his head in an American flag bandana and carted him along to various firefighting efforts, where they've been taking photos with him and posting them online.
A Facebook group about the doll's adventures has amassed more than 24,000 followers since the doll first arrived in mid-September. Various images show the doll accompanying firefighters on the job, while highlighting everything the crews are doing to stop the disastrous fires on the U.S. West Coast.
The doll and the note are being passed among fire crews on the front lines.
Eubanks says the note is staying with Baby Yoda so firefighters will know that there are people at home who appreciate their work.
"What makes me the most happy is that it's bringing happiness to people putting their lives on the line," Tinning said. "Anybody that holds Baby Yoda and looks in those big eyes knows that eventually this will all pass and be OK."
This is the way.
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Zoe Sinclair
mental health, TCH, This Can Happen, withers and rogers
Q&A with Karen and Adam who attended TCH '18. What did they learn and how have things changed in their workplace?
Karen Greville-Woods and Adam Hirst are from the Sheffield office of Withers & Rogers, one of the largest IP law firms in Europe. They spoke to us about their experiences of mental health in the workplace and how This Can Happen has helped them create meaningful changes for their colleagues and the business as a whole.
Q. What attracted you to This Can Happen last year?
A. The topic of mental health is close to our hearts. People have always faced challenges in the legal profession, it can be a stressful work environment and our colleagues have shared their own experiences of this.
We thought it would be really valuable to see what advice is out there and to hear about the steps that other companies and sectors are taking to address this critical issue.
It's an area that we are exploring, but we are keen do more. We were starting to challenge the way we work as a company and continue to improve the policies and strategies we have in place. The owners and managers of Withers & Rogers are fully supportive of our colleagues looking forward and of those who'd had mental health problems in the past.
Staff mental health was something that people were beginning to talk about especially after we heard of a charity called Jonathan's Voice, which was set up in the name of a patent attorney who took his own life.
The leadership team at Withers & Rogers encouraged the creation of an IP inclusive working group which we are part of and staff wellbeing was put at the top of the agenda. We created wellbeing spaces in our offices and hold regular mental health initiatives.
It was a mission that ignited a passion – we had a fire in our bellies and were motivated to make change. When we heard about This Can Happen, we knew we had to be there and the leadership team supported our desire to drive change. The stats backed up why supporting the mental health of employees is so important and many other companies were signing up so we knew we had to be involved too. Mental health difficulties can also arise when we bring new young attorneys into the company. Young people come to expect great mental health support when they enter an industry that's notoriously stressful. They have excellent support at University and they expect the same from their employers. It's fantastic that the stigma is being broken but we must live up to their expectations and support them properly so that they can flourish.
Q. What were your highlights from This Can Happen '18?
A. Key messages that we took from the day were be your whole self. Bring your whole self to work. Don't hide your personal life and if things are tough, don't just put your head down and hope that no one notices. That's simply not the way to look after yourself.
One of the speakers said that looking after your staff is like keeping a constant fire burning and every now and again you have to let off a firework.
Karen said that she was moved to tears by the policeman who spoke of his mental health struggles and that his story really resonated and inspired her to encourage her colleagues to be more open about their struggles.
Adam particularly liked the idea of looking after your mental 'fitness' rather than mental 'health', in the same way that you take care of your physical fitness.
Q. What ideas or strategies did you implement as a result of TCH?
A. Since This Can Happen we have seen significant change in our workplace. We have trained Mental Health First Aiders in all of our offices across the UK. These roles existed previously but their responsibilities and proactivity have increased. We organise lunches and charity events, in fact anything to get people out of their seats and get them talking.
This Can Happen has helped provide momentum to the wellbeing journey that W&R was pursuing.
We were already members of an IP Inclusion group but now we've taken what we learnt at TCH to the group and into our offices and we're feeling the ripple effect. There's a working group meeting every quarter which effects strategies to create change in our Diversity and Inclusion policies amongst other areas. We have offices across the UK and two or three people from every office have volunteered to be part of the committee that oversees our D&I policy.
Through our involvement with IP Inclusive we organised for Graham McCartney, who set up the charity Jonathan's Voice, to speak to our office as well as a series of other vital talks. Our revamped mental health vision has grown organically both locally and company-wide. We're challenging the idea that whilst the legal world is often stressful, it's OK to ask for help. We're opening up the conversation and saying that it's everyone's responsibility to offer a helping hand if we think colleagues or employees are affected by stress.
Q. What were the results?
A. People are beginning to talk and we're all being more honest about our experiences. We are trying to normalise the idea that life is stressful and it's OK to struggle. We want to encourage people to speak up and seek help.
We've noticed there's much more honesty about why people are absent, for example people will say if the end of month has been stressful. This honesty is really allowing us to change things and put support plans in place.
Q. What do you hope to gain at TCH 2019?
A. Young people are the next generation of workers in our industry and beyond, and we really want to ensure that they are provided for in every way. If we want to nurture future leaders we have to make sure that we cater for their needs and look after them as they enter what is traditionally a very stressful industry.
James Gray, one of partners, has been invited to speak on one of the TCH '19 panels alongside Graham McCartney of Jonathan's Voice, the charity set up by a father whose son took his own life as a result of the pressures of working as a patent attorney. We'd like to see more of the legal profession represented at TCH and we are pleased to have representation from one of the firm's leaders.
Q. Is the legal industry doing enough to tackle mental health?
A. Not enough. It's still widely accepted that some individuals find the profession stressful. We all know that the legal profession is very deadline-driven and the consequences of missing a deadline are serious and it's just accepted that working hours can be very long. There is more to be done and this is our challenge.
Zoe Sinclair is the founder of Employees Matter, the largest provider of employee engagement seminars and webinars in the UK.


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Q: Simplicity Criterion for Verma module In Representations of Semisimple Lie Algebras in the BGG Category $\mathcal{O}$,
$\lambda\in\mathfrak{h}^*$ is
antidominant if $\langle \lambda + \rho, \alpha^\lor\rangle \not\in \mathbb{Z}^{>0}$ for all $\alpha\in \Phi^+$
Then the theorem 4.4 states:
Let $\lambda\in\mathfrak{h}^*$. Then $M(\lambda) = L(\lambda)$ if and only if $\lambda$ is antidominant.
In the proof of theorem 4.4, for integral case:
"Conversely, suppose $\lambda$ is antidominant. Thanks to 3.5, $\lambda \le w \cdot \lambda$ for
all $w \in W$. Since all composition factors of $M(\lambda)$ are of the form $L(w \cdot \lambda)$ with $w \cdot \lambda \le \lambda$, it follows that only $L(\lambda)$ can occur as a composition factor.
But it occurs just once, so $M(\lambda) = L(\lambda)$."

*

*I would like to know how to prove the claim: But it occurs just once?

*Does "But it occurs just once" implies $\{0\}\subseteq M(\lambda)$ is the composition series of $M(\lambda)$ and then $M(\lambda)\cong M(\lambda)/\{0\}\cong L(\lambda)$?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Soapdish: 100 columns and a look back at Cincy's diminishing self-esteem problem
Casey Coston | Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Casey thinking thoughts, January 2016. Soapbox Archives
Casey attending MidPoint Music Festival, September 2015. Soapbox Archives
Casey imagining himself richer, August 2015.
Casey with dog, May 2015. Soapbox Archives
Casey buys records maybe? April 2017 Soapbox Archives
Well, dear, loyal readers, it has finally come to this: Since banging out my first little Soapdish screed more than nine long years ago — in the wake of multiple frustrated editors, two patient publishers and untold days and nights of unproductive procrastination and post-post-deadline submissions — we have finally arrived at column number 100.
Yes, that's right. It's that time-honored centennial prop, a milestone that never fails to motivate coasting columnists to maudlin trips down myriad Memory Lanes, replete with hackneyed "best of" crutches, regurgitated-yet-turgid prose and mail-it-in sentiments befitting of the entitled sentiment, "Well, I earned it."
I won't subject you to such pedestrian pap and drivel, but.... Well, actually, now that I think of it, yeah! I earned it.
Fear not, however, as this column is oh-so-much more than that. It's an opportunity to see where we began, how far we have come; to take measure of oneself and gain perspective on how our fair city has changed over Soapbox's nine-and-a-half-year existence — at least from my humble columnist's perch. And also throw in a lot of those long-form excerpts from the past, the kind that editors loathe. (Did I mention this was my 100th column?)
To start, let's take a trip in the way-back machine and get our bearings.
Once upon a time — Feb. 12, 2008, to be precise — on a rainy evening at the Mercantile Library, Soapbox Media was born. While I was already involved with the publication, I decided to wait in the wings for a few months while this plucky little internet rag gained its sea legs, as it were, on the rocky media coastline of 2008-era Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Post had recently gone under, and the Enquirer was asserting its monopolistic grasp over our city with a musty, curmudgeonly, if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it style of conservatism that many would come to alternately classify as "same ol' Cincinnati."
Soapbox, though in its infancy, was certainly not without a voice, however — a voice provided by our esteemed original editor, Jeff Syroney. Indeed, in his first column, Syroney addressed Cincinnati's visible (to an outsider at least) and longstanding "self-esteem issues," musing,
"Can a city have a self-image issue? Could it be we're like that awkward couple you see at dinner parties — nice enough to get invited, but obsessed with worry that they're not cool enough to hang with the other guests, so they spend the whole time whining that no one really likes them until the other guests finally believe it? But why is this Cincinnati's case? If you look around there really is a lot to be proud of: a rich, captivating history, major arts and cultural institutions, professional sports teams, copious business interests, a great location with abundant natural resources, fantastic cost of living, a commitment to family and heritage and most importantly, a desire to be better than we are. Somewhere along the way, we lost our audacity."
As an outsider who moved from struggling Detroit to Cincinnati in 2003, this column struck a particular chord. Cincinnati seemed to have a lot going for it, even in 2008, but the general narrative was one of tepid and stoic boosterism — an attitude some local observers attributed to the city's proud German heritage, innate conservatism and a tsk-tsk-don't-toot-your-own-horn mentality.
Detroit-to-Cincinnati transplant Casey Coston surveys developing Pendleton. Issue: Feb. 8, 2011. (Photo: Soapbox Archives)Had we, as Syroney queried, "lost our audacity?"
Rereading that column in present day, I looked back upon my previous 99 columns, and I was reminded of the 1983 one-hit-wonder, "99 luftballoons" by Nena. (Actually, scratch that, it was nothing like that Cold War protest song, but at least I can scratch working-in-a-99-luftballoons-trope off my column-writing bucket list. Again…100th!)
In any event, that Soapbox of yore really strove to (cliché alert!) change the narrative. Why not toot our own horn? And loudly.
My first Soapbox column in 2008 — which no doubt precious few will recall and which Syroney and I thrashed out over lunch at the late, lamented Bistro Jean Ro on Vine Street — I laid bare my naked biases and goals for this little corner of Soapbox, a mission statement, as it were:
"While I unabashedly admit that I am indeed a proponent of the City of Cincinnati and the region in general, that is not to say that I am either blind to the flaws and frustrations that emerge on a daily basis or incapable of some candid criticism of the burg's imperfections and blemishes...after all, any city where a decent chunk of the citizenry takes their editorial letter-writing cues from (ed: time hop alert!) Peter Bronson, obviously needs to be called to the carpet from time to time.
Casey explores Union Hall's recently renovated catacomb sub-basements. Issue: March 28, 2017. (Photo: Soapbox Archives)As many have remarked, Cincinnati, at times seems to be plagued by an unhealthy dose of self-loathing and entrenched parochial cynicism. To paraphrase Spiro Agnew (as originally penned by William Safire), there has never been a shortage in the nattering nabobs of negativity department. Oftentimes the genesis of such negativism can be boiled down, at its very essence, to, 'I don't understand it, but I'm agin [sic] it.'
Generally speaking, this column has no interest in adding any more logs to that particular fire. In fact, in a mirroring alliterative phrase, think of this space more as a 'percolating purveyor of positivism,' but with a chaser of unvarnished realism.
In a 1997 Nation article, Alexander Cockburn, in a glowing tribute to the late, great San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, observed that Caen regularly gave the city 'a sense of itself — a sense that might be bitchy, sentimental, facetious, irritated, discursive, knowing, indignant or outraged, depending on his mood, which might often be the city's mood on that particular day.'
While I would never possess the level of hubris sufficient to equate myself to Herb Caen (or Cockburn, for that matter), one can't help but follow a similar roadmap here in the Soapdish; i.e., to give the city a sense of itself, be it knowing or discursive, sentimental or facetious (we'll try and stay away from bitchy, irritating outrage…but then again, one never knows)."
Dovetailing with Syroney's self-esteem commentary, my intent was to take back the narrative from the aforementioned nattering nabobs of negativity. I moved here in 2003 from Detroit, and it seemed to me like Cincinnati was, well, a whole new world. Like a real, functioning mini-big-city, Cincinnati, it seemed, kind of had it going on. Yet people here were desperately clutching their pearls about the Maisonette moving to Montgomery (and demanding a ransom from the city to stay here). People were carping about the reconstruction of Fountain Square — e.g. "I used to be able to see the fountain from my car while driving by at 35 mph, now I can't!" — and reflexively citing the "riots" of 2001 at seemingly every opportunity. In the same breath, they longed wistfully for the "Fields of Ertel" and expressed gee-whiz amazement at the saccharine-fueled simulated "downtown" known as the "Streets of West Chester, replete with a town clock!"
It was like these people didn't know what they had.
Envisioning the future of a long-stalled Banks project. Issue: April 19, 2011. (Photo: Soapbox Archives)My early columns aimed to reverse that dialogue. I wandered about town expressing my own gee-whiz, non-Raymond-Thunder-Sky amazement at the number of cranes dotting the skyline, at the major projects looking to transform our urban core, looking "Behind the Fences" at the immense and untapped potential of Over-the-Rhine (the subject of no fewer than 15 early columns) and at the potentially transformative catalyst that is the streetcar (the subject of no fewer than 12 early columns).
There were new developments at every corner. A once-moribund city core was discovering its true potential, and Soapbox was there to toot that horn, to discover Syroney's missing "audacity."
As I noted in our 100th Soapbox issue (yet another 100 alert!) of February 2010:
"Suffice to say that the narrative has changed. The overriding themes nowadays seem to be the resurgence of Over-the-Rhine as one of the city's hottest neighborhoods, the success of Fountain Square as a city center and incubator of corresponding development and the rejuvenated center city as the place to be. We've gone from saying 'nobody goes downtown' to 'everyone goes downtown.' Projects that doomsayers said would never come to fruition (Queen City Square II, the Banks, the Ascent and, soon to come, the streetcar) are transforming our city. All of these subjects, and many, many more, have been the consistent focus of Soapbox over the course of our first 100 issues."
Indeed, the venerated yet dowdy old Maisonette's closing yielded a veritable foodie renaissance in our city. Its shuttered location became the glittering culinary exemplars of both Boca and Sotto. Its former chefs and sous chefs became the innovative restaurateurs of the present. Fountain Square's transformation from a Soviet-style politburo prop of brutalism and concrete yielded a tree-filled, festive communal space whose energy spilled over into countless new restaurants and bars, emanating in rippling, concentric circles out from the center of the city.
The early fight: Coston and son Nigel rally in a new age of Cincy transpo. Issue: Oct. 4, 2011. (Photo: Soapbox Archives)We here at Soapbox would like to think we helped change the "same ol' Cincinnati" narrative. The crusty curmudgeon naysayers of yore are perhaps not on the run per se, but at least met with equal levels of passion, intelligence and energy. The profile of historic preservation has been raised exponentially over our tenure. Urbanism, complete streets and expanded transit and bicycle infrastructure, among other topics, have been pushed to the front of our civic dialogue.
Cincinnati has seen tremendous progress since our launch in the depths of the '08 recession, and as this column transitions to its post-centennial tenure, there is no longer a need to act as a perma-grinning cheerleader for "Yay, Cincinnati!" but rather as a curator of the present and future Cincinnati, and, as always, to prod and challenge the city to continue to "Demand Better."
Thank you to Soapbox for the opportunity to opine on the expansive and oftentimes incongruous and Byzantine spectrum of topics and whims over the past nine years and 100 columns.
I look forward to the bicentennial, when I can do this all over again.
Read more articles by Casey Coston.
Soapbox columnist Casey Coston, a former corporate bankruptcy and restructuring attorney, is now involved in real estate development and construction in and around Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton as Vice President at Urban Expansion. He's also a civic activist and founder of a number of local groups, including the Urban Basin Bicycle Club, the Cincinnati Stolen Bike Network, the World Famous OTR Ping Pong League and LosantiTours: An Urban Exploration Company.
Architecture + Design, Arts + Culture, Cincinnati, Economic Development, Food + Drink, Leadership, Move to Cincinnati, Quality of Life, Regionalism, Transportation
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At Judson School, we are committed to making Christian education as accessible as possible to all who desire this for their children. As part of that commitment, we are offering our half-day kindergarten program tuition-free. Parents only pay $700 in fees for a year of half-day kindergarten (8 am - 11:45 am). For those who want full-day kindergarten, we are pleased to offer a full day at half price, meaning parents would only pay $4,525 annual tuition + $700 in fees for a full day of Kindergarten. For our international families, this 50% reduction would mean they will only pay $9,250 in annual tuition plus $700 in fees.
Tuition-free kindergarten gives families a chance to see what we love about Judson and we are hoping that they will return the following year for first grade and beyond. Families who wish to take us up on this amazing offer should apply online.
Judson's commitment to financially accessible Christian education extends beyond kindergarten. We offer a generous Tuition Assistance Program to all of our families based on their financial need in addition to ministry and academic scholarships. Our hope is that Judson will be affordable to all who wish to be here.


Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett has repeated calls for the Living Wage to become mandatory in response to the release of new Living Wage Foundation figures.
The Greens say the minimum wage should be lifted to a minimum of £10 per hour by 2020, £2 more than Labour's pledge of £8 per hour. Current inadequate wage levels mean too many workers are on 'grotesquely low wages'.
"The latest update from the Living Wage Foundation could not have come at a more significant time. Workers are currently experiencing the most sustained and painful squeeze on their wages since the 1860s. The target set by the Foundation has once again highlighted the growing divide between the wages employees are taking home every month and the amount they need to live, pay the bills and provide for their families.
"That's why it is so disappointing that the Coalition and Labour opposition have refused to make the commitments necessary to improve worker pay and bring it in line with inflation. Their plans offer nothing except a continuation of our current inadequate wage levels.
Green Party research has revealed how nine in ten big businesses (employing 250+ people) in London are not signed up to the London Living Wage scheme, eight years after the policy was launched.
The new Living Wage rates for 2015 were announced this week. The UK Living Wage Rate is £7.85 and the new London Living Wage rate is £9.15.
Rhys Moore, Director of Living Wage Foundation, said: "As the recovery continues it's vital that the proceeds of growth are properly shared. It's not enough to simply hope for the best. It will take concerted action by employers, government and civil society to raise the wages of the 5 million workers who earn less than the Living Wage.
"Those businesses that can should follow the example of Nestle and Nationwide, as well as hundreds of smaller, independent businesses like CTS Cleaning and Hodgson Sayers Roofing, who pay the Living Wage.


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Development / May 6, 2015
Sustainable, Reusable & Responsible Hotel Practices Through Site Planning, Construction & Operations
Hampton Inn Washington D.C./White House Receives Historical Preservation Designation
Transformation of the iconic building combined preservation of iconic features with commitment to sustainable design. Full Story
Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown-The Loop Set to Open July 2015
206-room hotel to be located in Chicago/Downtown-The Loop area; the heart of business, finance and theatre districts. Full Story
OTO Development and Palmetto Hospitality Open 174-room Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto
Hilton Garden Inn opens in Palo Alto, CA adding to over 600 hotels in the brand and fifth property in Santa Clara County for OTO Full Story
George Dean Johnson, Jr. and OTO Development Announce Plans for a Downtown Spartanburg Hotel
The over $20 million investment continues a legacy of support for Spartanburg by the Johnson family of companies. Full Story
Hampton #2000 in Seattle/Bellevue, WA
Last night was a very special evening, and a great milestone for the Hampton brand, as we officially opened Hampton #2000 Full Story
Development / September 3, 2014
177-Room Hotel in Redwood City Catering to Tech Companies Set to Break Ground
OTO Development, has applied for a building permit to begin construction on the 177-room hotel and attached parking garage. Full Story
Redwood City to Get First New Hotel Development in a Decade
Redwood City has approved its first hotel development in more than 10 years. Full Story
Productive and Memorable Events at Georgetown Area's Newest Event Venue
The Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown hotel is the newest event venue in Washington, D.C.'s high-end Georgetown. Full Story
Living Green at OTO Development's Newest Georgetown Area Hotel in Downtown Washington D.C.
Opening late May, the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown brings environmentally friendly accommodations to Washington. Full Story