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Love At The Top (1)
The Evening Standard 15-09-1986
STARTING TODAY – London has a whole new generation of young, attractive, prosperous and independent single women. High-earning, with homes, cars and total financial independence, they probably represent the most desirable and eligible group of women in Britain. Yet many of those at, or heading for, the top, willingly admit they find it hard to end up with the right sort of man to share their good fortune. Do such men even exist? If so, have they already been snapped up by other less ambitious women? Are most of London's eligible bachelors just too boring to appeal to their new female counterparts? Or do these women have unreasonably high expectations? Perhaps men find them too tough, too aggressive and too difficult to handle – preferring someone softer from the typing-pool – or is it just a plain old-fashioned case of the sexes misunderstanding each other? Whatever the truth it's clear that love is tough at the top – an issue uppermost in many women's minds as they reveal in this intriguing four-part series. Their views range widely from those who put the blame four-square on aggressive, militant feminism to those who blame men for being too weak, too tough, too insensitive or too independent. By CHRISTOPHER LONG.
Love At The Top Day 2 (16-09-86)
Please, Don't Feel So Threatened!
IMI BICKFORD-SMITH
"I think we've become our own worst enemies," says TV actress Imi Bickford-Smith.
"We've become so self-sufficient nobody can do anything for us – even though we want them to."
Men: They Just Don't Have A Clue
CAROL ALLEN
"My mother said a woman needs a man to look after her – but she was a single parent and she looked after herself. So I always assumed I would be professionally independent, even as a working class girl."
And Carol Allen has been just that all her working life as a journalist, broadcaster and in her current best-known role as regular film critic for LBC.
Although she was married for a relatively short period she is proud to admit that her large Fulham house and freedom from all financial worries has come from single-minded determination to succeed.
She owes all her comforts to her own achievements but admits she has paid the price by having no husband or children to share her rewards now.
"Some men have been proud of my success and then resented it – particularly when I was more successful than them."
"My husband once said, after we'd split up, that he wished I had shown I was proud to be his wife. I said I wished I'd known he needed to know that."
"The dilemma is that the general expectation of what's a good wife/lover conflicts with being a woman with a career. A career seems incompatible with the idea of having children, which is probably why I've copped out of that."
"Equally I've been saved from economic dependence."
"I don't have to kow-tow to anybody except that in a relationship you have to adapt to each other."
And in Carol Allen's case there has been no shortage of pleasant relationships over the years – merely a lack of the one permanent man she could happily live with ever after.
"I'm puzzled about what men expect from me. If I'm caring they seem to react with: 'She's trying too hard' or 'She's trying to trap me'."
"If I do the opposite it's: 'She's all right, she doesn't care, she doesn't need me or anybody'."
"It sometimes seems like I can't win."
And Carol is afflicted by the false image dilemma described by nearly all the women I spoke to:
"One of my attractions for men is that I'm strong and independent. But that can be taken too literally. If I show vulnerability it scares them off."
"They're frightened they can't control me and want to boss the game. If a man was strong enough to control me and boss the game, but then chose not to, then I'd respect him."
And she makes a point that crops up everywhere:
"I don't think men have a clue what's going on in women's minds."
"Equally women often misjudge men's motives because they misread men's actions. For example a man might seem to care a lot more or a lot less than women think is truly the case."
"Most of my life I've related to men who are younger than me. Now even they are getting older and the signals can be even more deceptive the older they get!"
But for Carol, who works most of the unsocial hours available, opportunities to meet men away from work are very limited – a factor which affects many career women.
"Nowadays most of my relationships are with guys directly or indirectly related to work but I don't think men in the media are particularly tricky."
"So, yes, I had affairs with colleagues at work and I've coped with them with varying degrees of success."
"As you get older it's an easy thing to do. You find you have a relationship without having to go through the dating process."
"More of your social – therefore sexual – contacts are made through work as your success and responsibilities make work-life more and more all-absorbing."
"And I've always been able to find unsuitable men who aren't married!"
"The advantage of unsuitable men is that you won't get trapped. And I don't want to get trapped because I want space and an alive relationship – not games and role-playing."
But if Carol has found that colleagues can become good friends and lovers she thinks many women may be denying themselves such opportunities because of the current obsession with sexual harassment at work:
"Younger women than me get very worked up about sexual harassment. I don't. What they complain about I learnt to deal with at a very young age – passing it off with a joke."
"If someone finds me attractive I'm not insulted. I can handle it. I certainly don't wish to be an asexual object in the office!"
"For many women the sexual harassment bit is really a fear of not being taken seriously as a colleague. I never fear that I won't be taken seriously."
So if busy women don't have time to meet men socially and do take opportunities through their work, why is there still a problem?
"The trouble is that we try to mould people to fit our ideal of a man or a woman. 'I wish you were more this... less that... something else... '"
"And no I don't envy anybody 'soft and sweet' from the typing-pool. I'm not like that. I don't believe these soft little bunny-girls are necessarily going to get what they want, or if they do, they'll necessarily enjoy it."
"If I could change something in myself it would be to get rid of the fears and distrust that prevent me from making the relationships I want."
"Yet probably my career has benefited because I've compensated there for what I haven't always found with a man."
"I would like men to lose their fear of their feelings and expressing them. Also the desire they have always to be in control."
The Female Fantasies – Love Us For Them, Too
FIONA GATT
CITY BANKER
"I think men are generally scared by us," says Fiona Gatt. "That's why they choose nice girls who decorate their flats in Laura Ashley. They make a lot of noise and keep clear of women like me!"
Fiona is in her mid-twenties and is a senior 'swaps' dealer with a major international bank.
Her rapid career success has been almost a classic progression. She was educated privately, gained a good degree from Somerville College, Oxford, and was immediately snapped up by a major bank as a graduate trainee.
Today she lives in her own very attractive flat in Kensington, has total financial independence and enough earning power to travel extensively and pursue a hectic and exciting social life.
But the very qualities that have worked so well for her in the City present other problems when it comes to finding a suitable mate.
"What's wrong with most London men is the same as what's wrong with most London women – they're just not honest. They're terrified that if they reveal themselves the perfect image will be broken and their secrets will be talked about."
"Younger men don't have much clue about what goes on in women's heads – in their fantasies. And you can't get much out of them either."
"Older men aren't that stupid. They know women are completely different in their fantasies from the images they project. But then older men are often scared off by the age difference."
"I work in the City so most of the men I meet there are fairly traditional. They want to live in the country and work in the City. But they don't want the sort of excitement I do."
"That sort of man is looking for the traditional sort of Sloane girls who snap them up pretty fast."
So what is Fiona really looking for?
"A man who's as ambitious as I am but wants to move around and experience as much as possible. I like men who need new interests and excitement just as I do."
But although Fiona says she meets most of her male friends through balls, parties and friends ("never at clubs or anywhere like that") she agrees the City still provides the most likely candidates because that's where there are most men with drive and successful careers.
"The combined salaries of a successful career man and a successful career woman can make for a superb quality of life," she points out.
"But perhaps it's more difficult for us now because we're living through a relative boom – particularly in the City."
"Perhaps if there was a recession more men and women would be more practical about their intentions about marriage. Now they're probably too idealistic."
And this is where successful women can pay a high price, she thinks.
"A lot of career women probably expect a lot or too much because they're naturally ambitious and so will never be easily satisfied. They're always wanting more, better, etc.. The men are the same. So both sexes are playing a game for increasingly higher stakes."
It is this false image or false perception that confuses her and her partners so badly:
"I know a lot of men don't find me relaxing because I challenge them too much – professionally and emotionally. When I meet them I either try to impress them, charm them or challenge them if they're attractive."
"I suppose I think men want to be entertained. I think they usually look for women who are easier to be with."
"At dinner parties I think I feel I have to sing for my supper – be as entertaining as possible rather than demure and sweet."
"If I met a man who gave me a battle and was dominant enough to make me feel demure and sweet, I'd love it – even though I've just said I can't stand women like that!"
And she echoes the thoughts of nearly all our interviewees when she says that the 'image' of career success should never be taken too literally by men:
"I think women would be much happier if they just assumed that all men are likely to share the same hopes, fears, anxieties, fantasies and desires as they do. The same goes for the men."
"Men will never gain our respect if they believe the images we create. We respect men who know us well enough as a sex to see through the charade and we feel happier, safer and more desired by men who do. But at the same time we want them to appreciate the performance we put on and to love us for that as well."
TOMORROW'S STANDARD:
"A successful career woman is nine-tenths a fragile jelly"
"I think sex is more important to women than it is to men"
"Can you have a relationship with a man whose job you want?"
© (1986) Christopher Long. Copyright, Syndication & All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
The text and graphical content of this and linked documents are the copyright of their author and or creator and site designer, Christopher Long, unless otherwise stated. No publication, reproduction or exploitation of this material may be made in any form prior to clear written agreement of terms with the author or his agents.
Christopher Long

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Welcome to the VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee!
The Intellectual Freedom Committee is concerned with the rights of freedom of expression, and stands ready to assist in situations where these rights may be in danger and is responsible for arranging the John Swan Memorial Lecture.
This year Banned Books Week will occur from September 24th through September 30th. Vermont libraries are encouraged to celebrate the week through events, displays, and discussion with our patrons. To support activities for Banned Books Week the Intellectual Freedom Committee has created discussion guides for books which have been recently challenged or banned in the United States. This past year has seen an increase in the number of challenged and banned books. As librarians we must continue to promote knowledge and information for all. Please use these guides in order to let your patrons know that while censorship continues today it is important for all of us to celebrate our freedom to read.
A deep thank you to Zoe McDonald, graduate student at the University of Vermont, and Kelly McCagg, Director at Burnham Memorial Library for their assistance on this project.
YouTube video of Slate writer Peters, author of The Idealist: Aaron Swartz and the Rise of Free Culture on the Internet, speaking on the role of free culture, libraries, and liberty in America. Given at the O'Brien Community Center in Winooski, VT on April 15, 2016.
YouTube video of Sova's lecture on the current state of attempts to limit intellectual freedom in America in comparison to mid-20th century attempts. Given at the Pavillion Auditorium, Montpelier, VT on January 27, 2014.
Finan talks about his book, From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of Free Speech in America, in which he speaks about VLA being the first sign of hope in the fight against the USA PATRIOT act. Given at Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, VT on August 25, 2011.


"To redeem the lost." That line occurs on the very first page of Patti Smith's melancholic M Train as a reason for why we write. I underlined the phrase when I first read the book last fall. I was charmed by it again when I opened the book last night to begin a second trip on the Train. For what its worth, I agree with Smith's rationale.
But before I pulled that book from my shelf, I caught the second half of True Grit, the Coen brothers remake that lopes along atop a Carter Burwell score. I had forgotten how much I love that movie. You could say it had become lost to my mind, and that would be a fair thing to say. I watched again as Mattie fell into the snake pit, and a snake did what snakes often do. And then as Rooster, with Mattie cradled in his arms, rides Little Blackie as hard as he can in the direction of someone that might be able to save her. It's the dead of night, you can hardly see anything save the stars. About the only sound is a horse's locomotive breathing, in and out and in and out. Finally Little Blackie has nothing left to give, and falls. It is then that Rooster re-cradles Mattie and begins to run in the way a one-eyed fat man would run carrying someone he loves who he fears he might lose. Again, the scenes are dark, about the only thing you can detect is Rooster's labored breathing. He calls upon a lost grit, and there is redemption. From the start of that sequence to its conclusion, the song "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" builds and then crests in a gentle climax. The weight of it all was almost too much for me to bear.
Then, not long after those scenes, the film ends, and as credits roll, Iris DeMent's unmistakable voice sings "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." And I could bear it no more. Tears fell.
I've not written in this space in quite some time. I wouldn't say the world has missed me, but a few of you have for you've told me so. Notes like "You're quiet. Is everything okay?" and "I miss your voice." Those notes mean more than you'll ever know. I'm no pro when it comes to self-awareness, but I'm fair, and I feel like I've lost some pieces of myself over the past few months. Not due to some tragedy because nothing like that has happened. No, I'd chalk it up to plain old life, and the passing of time. You simply forget some things or misplace them or possibly even doubt aspects of yourself you once held firm. Maybe coming back to this space and writing a little more often will help me remember, help me redeem some of what I think at least I've lost. Because yes, time gets away from us.
I won't promise to write here every day or anything like that. But it'll be every so often. Maybe all you'll be able to detect is the faint, labored breathing of an astigmatic-eyed older man running under dark starred skies cradling that which he loves, remembering, redeeming, and holding fast to God's unchanging hand.
Thank you for speaking once again. I have missed your poetry and prose very much! Let us hear from you again, and again.
The more we age the more true grit we need. And each other, spurring us on.
Grateful, so grateful, for how you stir this oft-silent poet's heart. Thank you for returning.
You'll find it odd perhaps to hear this from oversharing me, but sometimes I think our quiet seasons fuel the wordier ones. Reading this was a lovely treat. Thanks, PB.
Always grateful to hear from you. Always.
You will never know how much I needed this. I too have lost a piece of myself, not due to a personal tragedy but due to life in general, an American church that is disappointing me, and what I consider to be a national tragedy. I've been trying to crawl back into life again, but it's that proverbial one crawl ahead, two crawls behind. I was recently reminded that even though the church will disappoint, God never will––and THAT is the unchanging Truth I must hold on to as I plod on. THANK YOU.
Your voice is needed, John. Your words, your poetic insight, your vulnerability and transparency, your authenticity… your every day kind of "nothing special" thinking … Yes, you were missed. Truly.
Poetry again here, this post.
p.s. Thx for the Leif Enger recommendation.
Yours is the first email I've read this morning and perhaps the only one I'll open this Sabbath … as it seems enough … more than. Your words lifted me right off the screen. And yes. I've wondered too, where is John Blasé? Thank you for answering. Welcome back.
I am in the same place, but have been missing your voice. This post put words to my experience the first half of 2018. Thank you as always.
Thank you for posting. I have missed your writing!
A beautiful sharing of your heart. Thank you.
Good to read your words again….being the same age as my son…and feeling him distancing himself from his parents….I was aware….
Always a good day when your words grace our lives.
A year full of pain and a country so frightening and sad. Looking for hope. Your voice helps. Thank you.
Add me to those who've missed you. Interesting that another friend mentioned Leif Enger – and it occurred to me for the first time that Blase and Enger seem like brothers to me.
I'll take what words I can get from you on Twitter but I missed your writing too. Grateful.
Just this week I wondered what happened to the The Beautiful Due. Grateful to hear from you.
I really do not like to leave comments these days, but I need to write and let you know that I have missed your voice. I found myself thinking just a few days ago, I wonder what has happened to John. Thanks for posting your thoughts and mentioning "the M Train." I am almost half way through. There is much to ponder.
Thank you for writing. Your words help me find grit that I often feel I've lost. I do hope everyday when I check my email that perhaps they'll be a post from John Blase in the inbox. My faith is renewed.
Good to hear your voice again.
Goodness, I've missed your voice. And your words today were just what I needed to hear. Thank you.
It's good to hear you back here.
I'm new here and new to John Blase. You have such a nice, comfortable way with words. I'm a big fan.
Thanks for coming back to this space. Your words are welcome.
I hadn't realized until I saw you name pop up again…how much I had missed your thoughts and writings. Thanks for continuing to be a model of vulnerability and honesty. You are appreciated.
Your voice has been missed. The way you weave words into the fibers of life make the tears flow free and true from my weary eyes and worn thin heart. Thank you. I've been camping in The Jubilee lately. Sitting with the simple complexity of your poems helps ma make sense of this world. Again, thank you.


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The word "sustainability" can cover a multitude of interpretations, but when it comes to fisheries policy there is no ambiguity: today's overfishing means tomorrow's collapsing fish stocks. Until recently the Common Fisheries Policy has been a classic case of unsustainability, a stand-off between short term political pressures on the one hand and scientific evidence warning of the destruction of Europe's fishery resources on the other. But at least change is in the air. Rio +20 may prove a real catalyst for reform.
NGOs have condemned the outcome of the Rio meeting for its lack of specific commitments, but I would subscribe to the view of businessGreen that the conference conclusions could have a far-reaching impact on the way that governments and business approach the whole sustainability question. On fisheries the commitments are substantial.
Of course words must now be translated into action, but there are signs of change in Europe. The EU fisheries council earlier this month set a course for a more sustainable fisheries policy. When the European Parliament discusses fisheries reform in September 2012, using the limited extra powers granted by the Lisbon Treaty, MEPs can be expected to maintain pressure on the Council for an enlightened policy to take effect from 2013. Rio will be an important incentive for change.
The June 12 Fisheries Council commitments are still pretty vague. They called for maximum sustainable yields for different stocks to be set "by 2015 where possible" and "by 2020 at the latest". Multiannual plans for fisheries management would be used to manage specific stocks – bearing in mind that Lisbon introduced shared national-EU competence for such management. And the banning of discards, whereby fish caught beyond the quota limits are thrown back dead into the sea, would (eventually) be introduced.
According to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a pioneer campaigner who has gathered nearly a million signatures against discards, about half of the fish caught in the North Sea is currently dumped at sea because it fails to meet by-catch rules or exceeds quota. His campaign has been remarkably effective in reinforcing the Commission's ambitions for change in fisheries policy.
The language used in the Rio declaration (paragraphs 158-177) combines environmental and economic measures to protect oceans and seas. On fisheries it commits the parties "to urgently develop and implement science-based management plans, including by reducing or suspending fishing catch and effort commensurate with the status of the stock" and to "further commit to enhance action to manage by-catch, discards, and other adverse ecosystem impacts from fisheries including by eliminating destructive fishing practices".
Fisheries policy will now take on a different aspect as accession negotiations with Iceland move into their most difficult phase. Ten of 18 chapters have now been negotiated, fisheries still remain. The prospect of a reformed CFP will be key for Iceland, which will surely settle for nothing less than a firm commitment to change. "A fishing nation like Iceland is something that the European Union hasn't encountered before," says Iceland foreign minister Ossur Skarphethinsson – a claim which the Norway might dispute. Indeed, fisheries and energy were the two issues which led the Norwegians to reject entry in the early '70s.
There are other issues where Iceland will no doubt want assurances. For example, a situation where quotas allocated to one EU country can be bought up by operators from elsewhere, as where Spanish vessels have registered in British ports and so qualified for British quota allocations, is of course consistent with freedom of establishment, but does little to respect an initial purpose of quotas, ensuring fishing opportunity to locally based fishermen. A greater emphasis on regional management may be the way ahead here.


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Our Expert Tips for Your Chengdu Vacation
An imposing skyline of modern high-rise buildings runs through the capital of the southern province of Sichuan. In the middle of it, temples with the typical curved roofs and red lanterns are hidden. Chengdu was already a cultural centre in ancient China and the old Shu Empire.
Whether ancient theatre plays with fire-eaters and mask artists, traditional tea houses or the cuisine influenced by spicy Sichuan pepper - you can still discover the original China in this megacity. The best time for your visit is from March to June and from October to November with mild temperatures, lots of sunshine and little precipitation. Less
Wenshu Monastery
An excellently preserved and important temple complex
Panda Reserve
Pandas in their natural habitat
What sights to see in Chengdu?
1. Wenshu Monastery
In the heart of the city stands this excellently preserved and important temple complex of Buddhism. When you enter the grounds, the impressive pagoda with its eleven floors will immediately catch your eye. In addition to valuable works of art, Wenshu Monastery houses a skull fragment of monk Xuanzang and a jade Buddha statue. Stroll through the lush monastery gardens on your Chengdu journey, watch croaking frogs in the pond and let the tranquillity wash over you.
2. Research Station for the Breeding of the Giant Panda
The most popular sight in Chengdu - not only for animal lovers - is this non-profit panda reserve. Here the black and white teddy bears live together with the cute red pandas in a natural habitat, reproduce successfully and are being researched to better understand and protect their species. Come in spring or autumn, when the clumsy little animals are at their friskiest.
3. Dujiangyan Irrigation System
What does not sound particularly exciting at first sight is in reality an impressive UNESCO world heritage site. For over 2,300 years, the huge dam system has been taming the water masses of the mighty Min River and supplying the Chengdu Plain with the precious water. The canals are lined with idyllic footpaths, picturesque cafés and houses built in the style of the Qing Dynasty. Climb up to Fulong Temple, from where you have a breathtaking view over the fertile forest and hilly landscape.
4. Straw Hut of Du Fu
Du Fu was a penniless poet in his lifetime who spent a few years in a straw hut in Chengdu. Only long after his death did his reputation grow and today he is considered a literary master in China. Therefore, his dwelling was reconstructed in his honour and a museum was built where you can admire his works and his poetic talent. On your Chengdu journey, explore the extensive park with koi ponds, bamboo groves and bonsai gardens. Less
Your Tourlane Travel Expert for Asia


The Chuck Wagon Race is an exciting event to watch at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.
Every year at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta the sport of the Chuck Wagon Race is watched by thousands. People love to watch the horses harnessed up to the chuck wagon as they race around the track amongst barrel obstacles without losing their wagon.
Chuck Wagon Race, Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, North America.
Photo of the Chuck Wagon Race at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.


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The Americas | Colombia
Colombia's hostage triumph
The government scores a big success against the FARC, freeing Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages
Jul 3rd 2008 | BogotÁ
IT WAS an ending happier than any Hollywood director would dare to dream up. After years of captivity at the hands of left-wing FARC guerrillas, Ingrid Betancourt, three American defence contractors and 11 Colombian soldiers were rescued on Wednesday July 2nd by the army, without a shot being fired. It was a "miracle", said Ms Betancourt, a former presidential candidate who holds French and Colombian nationality and who had been detained for more than six years, for much of that time in chains and in poor health. It was a triumph for Colombia's president, Álvaro Uribe, who at some political cost had resisted pressure to negotiate for the release of Ms Betancourt. And it was a disaster for the FARC and its sympathisers in Latin America who hoped to use the hostage issue to weaken Mr Uribe.
The rescue operation involved years of planning. But it was also testament to the army's new sophistication in intelligence and infiltration. The army built on its recent successes in disrupting the FARC's communications and isolating its leaders. An attempt to rescue other guerrilla hostages in 2003 had ended in disaster, when a dozen were killed by their captors.
This time the army relied on trickery. A former hostage who escaped last year supplied details of the jungle camps in the remote south-eastern departments of Guaviare and Vaupés. Army intelligence agents, posing as senior FARC members, made contact with the guerrilla commander guarding the hostages. They gave him a false order purporting to be from the FARC's new leader, Alfonso Cano, that the hostages were to be taken to two helicopters sent by a humanitarian organisation—mimicking the arrangements when five other captives were released earlier this year after mediation by Venezuela's president, Hugo Chávez.
Once on board the helicopters, the two guerrilla escorts were overpowered and the army agents, dressed in Che Guevara T-shirts, broke the news to the hostages that they were flying to an army base and freedom. "We couldn't believe it. The helicopter nearly fell because we jumped for joy," said Ms Betancourt.
The operation is the latest of several devastating blows suffered this year by the FARC, which mixes an antiquated Marxism-Leninism with drug-trafficking and racketeering. In March, the army bombed a guerrilla camp just over the border in Ecuador, killing Raúl Reyes, a member of the group's seven-man secretariat. The incident yielded a huge haul of documents from Mr Reyes's computers. Days later another member of the secretariat was killed by his own bodyguard. Then Manuel Marulanda, the FARC's founder and undisputed leader, died, supposedly of a heart attack.
The FARC still hold several hundred hostages, but they have lost their chief prizes. Ms Betancourt was a minor politician in Colombia when she was seized while campaigning for the presidency in 2002. But she has become a national cause célèbre in France, where she studied; she married a Frenchman and her two children live there. The three Americans, who were working on contract to the United States government, were captured when their anti-drug surveillance plane crashed in guerrilla territory in 2003.
The FARC claimed to want to swap their trophy hostages for jailed guerrillas. But e-mails from Mr Reyes's computer, seen by The Economist, show that their real aim was to use them to embarrass Mr Uribe and to gain international recognition. They wanted the president to "demilitarise" a swathe of territory to allow talks. Mr Uribe was resolutely against that: during past peace talks the FARC used a similar enclave for recruiting and training while continuing to kill and kidnap.
The hostage release came in a week in which Mr Uribe was widely criticised at home for appearing to blow up a conflict with Colombia's judiciary in order to engineer the possibility of a third term. For months he has refused to rule out seeking another constitutional change that would allow him to stand again. His supporters have collected enough signatures for a referendum on this issue. The triumphant release of the hostages, coming on top of his other successes, means that if he indeed wants a third term, Mr Uribe may well be able to get it. But others have political ambitions too. One is Juan Manuel Santos, who as defence minister oversaw those successes. Another is Ms Betancourt, who in freedom was quick to say she still aspires to the presidency. It would be even stranger than the movies if the three protagonists in this week's happy ending were to meet again in a sequel at the ballot box in two years' time.
More from The Americas
As Lula takes over, Brazil's economic prospects are looking up
But he still has his work cut out: inflation is high, and debt and poverty rates soaring
A trial in New York exposes US-Mexican counter-narcotics tensions
A former Mexican security minister is accused of abetting a drugs cartel
A new generation of Argentine musicians is topping the charts
Brands and adulterers take note


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Home / Backlist / The Art of the French Voyages to New Zealand
The Art of the French Voyages to New Zealand
SKU: 0-908708-50-5 Category: Backlist Tags: Art, Champagne, Colonial History, Colonialism, French, New Zealand history, Wineries, Wines
Throughout the history of France, it was not only people who left their homes to explore the world and extend their country's renown to the furthest corners of the earth. The great wines of France also played the role of ambassadors to perfection. At the very same time when the French explorers referred to in this work were starting out on their perilous expeditions, Veuve Clicquot's champagnes were also getting ready to conquer the world. Philippe Clicquot founded the House of Veuve Clicquot in 1772. This young, ambitious man, aged 29, was determined to develop trade in champagne wines, with the firm intention of "crossing frontiers". As early as 1780, a first carrier of bottles arrived in Moscow, and many expeditions were also made to the United States. In 1798, Philippe Clicquot became associated with his son, François, who was married to Nicole-Barbe Ponsardin. In 1805, widowed at the age of 27, it was she who took up the reins of the business and made it the success we know.
After several years of research and reflection, Veuve Clicquot decided to purchase vineyards in Australia and New Zealand in regions where, thanks to the geological and climatic conditions, vines have been planted which merit the House's attention. The New Zealand vineyard "Cloudy Bay Vineyards", in Marlboroughcounty, gets its name from the bay located at the western point of the Wairau Valley, so called by Captain Cook during his journey to New Zealand in 1770. This part of New Zealand is also where many of the French expeditions called and where place names given by one of France's own most celebrated explorers, Dumont d'Urville, have endured. And so the wind of adventure blows over the land….
The House of Veuve Clicquot is over 200 years old and has built its reputation on wines produced on a few hectares in a small area in France, which does not have its equivalent anywhere else. These wines have charmed the entire world. And now, two centuries later, the House is extending its sense of adventure to the Antipodes. Isn't this the best proof that the flame of conquest at Veuve Clicquot still burns with the same fervour? Once again, "nothing is achieved without passion".
Christine A Hemming
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NeuroLearn Simulator Tools
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Tools to simulate multivariate data.

'''

__all__ = ['Simulator']
__author__ = ["Sam Greydanus","Luke Chang"]
__license__ = "MIT"

import os
import six
import numpy as np
import nibabel as nib
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
from nilearn import datasets
import pandas as pd
from sklearn.externals.joblib import delayed, cpu_count
from nilearn.input_data import NiftiMasker
from scipy.stats import multivariate_normal
from nltools.data import Brain_Data
from nltools.prefs import MNI_Template, resolve_mni_path
import csv

class Simulator:
    def __init__(self, brain_mask=None, output_dir = None): #no scoring param
        # self.resource_folder = os.path.join(os.getcwd(),'resources')
        if output_dir is None:
            self.output_dir = os.path.join(os.getcwd())
        else:
            self.output_dir = output_dir

        if isinstance(brain_mask, str):
            brain_mask = nib.load(brain_mask)
        elif brain_mask is None:
            brain_mask = nib.load(resolve_mni_path(MNI_Template)['mask'])
        elif ~isinstance(brain_mask, nib.nifti1.Nifti1Image):
            raise ValueError("brain_mask is not a string or a nibabel instance")
        self.brain_mask = brain_mask
        self.nifti_masker = NiftiMasker(mask_img=self.brain_mask)

    def gaussian(self, mu, sigma, i_tot):
        """ create a 3D gaussian signal normalized to a given intensity

        Args:
            mu: average value of the gaussian signal (usually set to 0)
            sigma: standard deviation
            i_tot: sum total of activation (numerical integral over the gaussian returns this value)
        """
        x, y, z = np.mgrid[0:self.brain_mask.shape[0], 0:self.brain_mask.shape[1], 0:self.brain_mask.shape[2]]

        # Need an (N, 3) array of (x, y) pairs.
        xyz = np.column_stack([x.flat, y.flat, z.flat])

        covariance = np.diag(sigma**2)
        g = multivariate_normal.pdf(xyz, mean=mu, cov=covariance)

        # Reshape back to a 3D grid.
        g = g.reshape(x.shape).astype(float)

        #select only the regions within the brain mask
        g = np.multiply(self.brain_mask.get_data(),g)
        #adjust total intensity of gaussian
        g = np.multiply(i_tot/np.sum(g),g)

        return g

    def sphere(self, r, p):
        """ create a sphere of given radius at some point p in the brain mask

        Args:
            r: radius of the sphere
            p: point (in coordinates of the brain mask) of the center of the sphere
        """
        dims = self.brain_mask.shape

        x, y, z = np.ogrid[-p[0]:dims[0]-p[0], -p[1]:dims[1]-p[1], -p[2]:dims[2]-p[2]]
        mask = x*x + y*y + z*z <= r*r

        activation = np.zeros(dims)
        activation[mask] = 1
        activation = np.multiply(activation, self.brain_mask.get_data())
        activation = nib.Nifti1Image(activation, affine=np.eye(4))

        #return the 3D numpy matrix of zeros containing the sphere as a region of ones
        return activation.get_data()

    def normal_noise(self, mu, sigma):
        """ produce a normal noise distribution for all all points in the brain mask

        Args:
            mu: average value of the gaussian signal (usually set to 0)
            sigma: standard deviation
        """
        vmask = self.nifti_masker.fit_transform(self.brain_mask)
        vlength = int(np.sum(self.brain_mask.get_data()))
        if sigma is not 0:
            n = np.random.normal(mu, sigma, vlength)
        else:
            n = [mu]*vlength
        m = self.nifti_masker.inverse_transform(n)

        #return the 3D numpy matrix of zeros containing the brain mask filled with noise produced over a normal distribution
        return m.get_data()

    def to_nifti(self, m):
        """ convert a numpy matrix to the nifti format and assign to it the brain_mask's affine matrix

        Args:
            m: the 3D numpy matrix we wish to convert to .nii
        """
        if not (type(m) == np.ndarray and len(m.shape) >= 3): #try 4D
        # if not (type(m) == np.ndarray and len(m.shape) == 3):
            raise ValueError("ERROR: need 3D np.ndarray matrix to create the nifti file")
        m = m.astype(np.float32)
        ni = nib.Nifti1Image(m, affine=self.brain_mask.affine)
        return ni

    def n_spheres(self, radius, center):
        """ generate a set of spheres in the brain mask space

        Args:
            radius: vector of radius.  Will create multiple spheres if len(radius) > 1
            centers: a vector of sphere centers of the form [px, py, pz] or [[px1, py1, pz1], ..., [pxn, pyn, pzn]]
        """
        #initialize useful values
        dims = self.brain_mask.get_data().shape

        # Initialize Spheres with options for multiple radii and centers of the spheres (or just an int and a 3D list)
        if isinstance(radius, int):
            radius = [radius]
        if center is None:
            center = [[dims[0]/2, dims[1]/2, dims[2]/2] * len(radius)] #default value for centers
        elif type(center) is list and type(center[0]) is int and len(radius) is 1:
            centers = [center]
        if (type(radius)) is list and (type(center) is list) and (len(radius) == len(center)):
            A = np.zeros_like(self.brain_mask.get_data())
            for i in range(len(radius)):
                A = np.add(A, self.sphere(radius[i], center[i]))
            return A
        else:
            raise ValueError("Data type for sphere or radius(ii) or center(s) not recognized.")

    def create_data(self, levels, sigma, radius = 5, center = None, reps = 1, output_dir = None):
        """ create simulated data with integers

        Args:
            levels: vector of intensities or class labels
            sigma: amount of noise to add
            radius: vector of radius.  Will create multiple spheres if len(radius) > 1
            center: center(s) of sphere(s) of the form [px, py, pz] or [[px1, py1, pz1], ..., [pxn, pyn, pzn]]
            reps: number of data repetitions useful for trials or subjects
            output_dir: string path of directory to output data.  If None, no data will be written
            **kwargs: Additional keyword arguments to pass to the prediction algorithm

        """

        # Create reps
        nlevels = len(levels)
        y = levels
        rep_id = [1] * len(levels)
        for i in range(reps - 1):
            y = y + levels
            rep_id.extend([i+2] * nlevels)

        # Initialize Spheres with options for multiple radii and centers of the spheres (or just an int and a 3D list)
        A = self.n_spheres(radius, center)

        #for each intensity
        A_list = []
        for i in y:
            A_list.append(np.multiply(A, i))

        #generate a different gaussian noise profile for each mask
        mu = 0 #values centered around 0
        N_list = []
        for i in range(len(y)):
            N_list.append(self.normal_noise(mu, sigma))

        #add noise and signal together, then convert to nifti files
        NF_list = []
        for i in range(len(y)):
            NF_list.append(self.to_nifti(np.add(N_list[i], A_list[i]) ))
        NF_list = Brain_Data(NF_list)

        # Assign variables to object
        self.data = NF_list
        self.y = pd.DataFrame(data=y)
        self.rep_id = pd.DataFrame(data=rep_id)

        dat = self.data
        dat.Y = self.y

        # Write Data to files if requested
        if output_dir is not None and isinstance(output_dir, six.string_types):
            NF_list.write(os.path.join(output_dir,'data.nii.gz'))
            self.y.to_csv(os.path.join(output_dir, 'y.csv'), index=None,header=False)
            self.rep_id.to_csv(os.path.join(output_dir, 'rep_id.csv'), index=None,header=False)
        return dat

    def create_cov_data(self, cor, cov, sigma, mask=None, reps = 1, n_sub = 1, output_dir = None):
        """ create continuous simulated data with covariance

        Args:
            cor: amount of covariance between each voxel and Y variable
            cov: amount of covariance between voxels
            sigma: amount of noise to add
            radius: vector of radius.  Will create multiple spheres if len(radius) > 1
            center: center(s) of sphere(s) of the form [px, py, pz] or [[px1, py1, pz1], ..., [pxn, pyn, pzn]]
            reps: number of data repetitions
            n_sub: number of subjects to simulate
            output_dir: string path of directory to output data.  If None, no data will be written
            **kwargs: Additional keyword arguments to pass to the prediction algorithm

        """

        if mask is None:
            # Initialize Spheres with options for multiple radii and centers of the spheres (or just an int and a 3D list)
            A = self.n_spheres(10, None) #parameters are (radius, center)
            mask = nib.Nifti1Image(A.astype(np.float32), affine=self.brain_mask.affine)

        # Create n_reps with cov for each voxel within sphere
        # Build covariance matrix with each variable correlated with y amount 'cor' and each other amount 'cov'
        flat_sphere = self.nifti_masker.fit_transform(mask)

        n_vox = np.sum(flat_sphere==1)
        cov_matrix = np.ones([n_vox+1,n_vox+1]) * cov
        cov_matrix[0,:] = cor # set covariance with y
        cov_matrix[:,0] = cor # set covariance with all other voxels
        np.fill_diagonal(cov_matrix,1) # set diagonal to 1
        mv_sim = np.random.multivariate_normal(np.zeros([n_vox+1]),cov_matrix, size=reps)
        print(mv_sim)
        y = mv_sim[:,0]
        self.y = y
        mv_sim = mv_sim[:,1:]
        new_dat = np.ones([mv_sim.shape[0],flat_sphere.shape[1]])
        new_dat[:,np.where(flat_sphere==1)[1]] = mv_sim
        self.data = self.nifti_masker.inverse_transform(np.add(new_dat,np.random.standard_normal(size=new_dat.shape)*sigma)) #add noise scaled by sigma
        self.rep_id = [1] * len(y)
        if n_sub > 1:
            self.y = list(self.y)
            for s in range(1,n_sub):
                self.data = nib.concat_images([self.data,self.nifti_masker.inverse_transform(np.add(new_dat,np.random.standard_normal(size=new_dat.shape)*sigma))],axis=3) #add noise scaled by sigma
                noise_y = list(y + np.random.randn(len(y))*sigma)
                self.y = self.y + noise_y
                self.rep_id = self.rep_id + [s+1] * len(mv_sim[:,0])
            self.y = np.array(self.y)

        # # Old method in 4 D space - much slower
        # x,y,z = np.where(A==1)
        # cov_matrix = np.ones([len(x)+1,len(x)+1]) * cov
        # cov_matrix[0,:] = cor # set covariance with y
        # cov_matrix[:,0] = cor # set covariance with all other voxels
        # np.fill_diagonal(cov_matrix,1) # set diagonal to 1
        # mv_sim = np.random.multivariate_normal(np.zeros([len(x)+1]),cov_matrix, size=reps) # simulate data from multivariate covar
        # self.y = mv_sim[:,0]
        # mv_sim = mv_sim[:,1:]
        # A_4d = np.resize(A,(reps,A.shape[0],A.shape[1],A.shape[2]))
        # for i in xrange(len(x)):
        #     A_4d[:,x[i],y[i],z[i]]=mv_sim[:,i]
        # A_4d = np.rollaxis(A_4d,0,4) # reorder shape of matrix so that time is in 4th dimension
        # self.data = self.to_nifti(np.add(A_4d,np.random.standard_normal(size=A_4d.shape)*sigma)) #add noise scaled by sigma
        # self.rep_id = ???  # need to add this later

        # Write Data to files if requested
        if output_dir is not None:
            if isinstance(output_dir,six.string_types):
                if not os.path.isdir(output_dir):
                    os.makedirs(output_dir)
                self.data.to_filename(os.path.join(output_dir,'maskdata_cor' + str(cor) + "_cov" + str(cov) + '_sigma' + str(sigma) + '.nii.gz'))
                y_file = open(os.path.join(output_dir,'y.csv'), 'wb')
                wr = csv.writer(y_file, quoting=csv.QUOTE_ALL)
                wr.writerow(self.y)

                rep_id_file = open(os.path.join(output_dir,'rep_id.csv'), 'wb')
                wr = csv.writer(rep_id_file, quoting=csv.QUOTE_ALL)
                wr.writerow(self.rep_id)

    def create_ncov_data(self, cor, cov, sigma, masks=None, reps = 1, n_sub = 1, output_dir = None):
        """ create continuous simulated data with covariance

        Args:
            cor: amount of covariance between each voxel and Y variable (an int or a vector)
            cov: amount of covariance between voxels (an int or a matrix)
            sigma: amount of noise to add
            mask: region(s) where we will have activations (list if more than one)
            reps: number of data repetitions
            n_sub: number of subjects to simulate
            output_dir: string path of directory to output data.  If None, no data will be written
            **kwargs: Additional keyword arguments to pass to the prediction algorithm

        """

        if masks is None:
            # Initialize Spheres with options for multiple radii and centers of the spheres (or just an int and a 3D list)
            A = self.n_spheres(10, None) #parameters are (radius, center)
            masks = nib.Nifti1Image(A.astype(np.float32), affine=self.brain_mask.affine)

        if type(masks) is nib.nifti1.Nifti1Image:
            masks = [masks]
        if type(cor) is float or type(cor) is int:
            cor = [cor]
        if type(cov) is float or type(cor) is int:
            cov = [cov]
        if not len(cor) == len(masks):
            raise ValueError("cor matrix has incompatible dimensions for mask list of length " + str(len(masks)))
        if not len(cov) == len(masks) or len(masks) == 0 or not len(cov[0]) == len(masks):
            raise ValueError("cov matrix has incompatible dimensions for mask list of length " + str(len(masks)))

        # Create n_reps with cov for each voxel within sphere
        # Build covariance matrix with each variable correlated with y amount 'cor' and each other amount 'cov'
        flat_masks = self.nifti_masker.fit_transform(masks)

        print("Building correlation/covariation matrix...")
        n_vox = np.sum(flat_masks==1,axis=1) #this is a list, each entry contains number voxels for given mask
        if 0 in n_vox:
            raise ValueError("one or more processing mask does not fit inside the brain mask")

        cov_matrix = np.zeros([np.sum(n_vox)+1, np.sum(n_vox)+1]) #one big covariance matrix
        for i, nv in enumerate(n_vox):
            cstart = np.sum(n_vox[:i]) + 1
            cstop = cstart + nv
            cov_matrix[0,cstart:cstop] = cor[i] # set covariance with y
            cov_matrix[cstart:cstop,0] = cor[i] # set covariance with all other voxels
            for j in range(len(masks)):
                rstart = np.sum(n_vox[:j]) + 1
                rstop = rstart + nv
                cov_matrix[cstart:cstop,rstart:rstop] = cov[i][j] # set covariance of this mask's voxels with each of other masks
        np.fill_diagonal(cov_matrix,1) # set diagonal to 1

        # these operations happen in one vector that we'll later split into the separate regions
        print("Generating multivariate normal distribution...")
        mv_sim_l = np.random.multivariate_normal(np.zeros([np.sum(n_vox)+1]),cov_matrix, size=reps)
        print(mv_sim_l)

        self.y = mv_sim_l[:,0]
        mv_sim = mv_sim_l[:,1:]
        new_dats = np.ones([mv_sim.shape[0], flat_masks.shape[1]])

        for rep in range(reps):
            for mask_i in range(len(masks)):
                start = int( np.sum(n_vox[:mask_i]) )
                stop = int( start + n_vox[mask_i] )
                print(rep, start, stop)
                new_dats[rep,np.where(flat_masks[mask_i,:]==1)] = mv_sim[rep,start:stop]

        noise = np.random.standard_normal(size=new_dats.shape[1])*sigma
        self.data = self.nifti_masker.inverse_transform(np.add(new_dats, noise)) #append 3d simulated data to list
        self.rep_id = [1] * len(self.y)

        print("Generating subject-level noise...")
        print("y == " + str(self.y.shape))
        if n_sub > 1:
            self.y = list(self.y)
            y = list(self.y)
            for s in range(1,n_sub):
                #ask Luke about this new version
                noise = np.random.standard_normal(size=new_dats.shape[1])*sigma
                next_subj = self.nifti_masker.inverse_transform(np.add(new_dats, noise))
                self.data = nib.concat_images([self.data,next_subj],axis=3)

                y += list(self.y + np.random.randn(len(self.y))*sigma)
                print("y == " + str(len(y)))
                self.rep_id += [s+1] * len(mv_sim[:,0])
            self.y = np.array(y)

        print("Saving to " + str(output_dir))
        print("dat == " + str(self.data.shape))
        print("y == " + str(self.y.shape))
        if output_dir is not None:
            if type(output_dir) is str:
                if not os.path.isdir(output_dir):
                    os.makedirs(output_dir)
                self.data.to_filename(os.path.join(output_dir,'simulated_data_' + str(sigma) + 'sigma_' + str(n_sub) + 'subj.nii.gz'))
                y_file = open(os.path.join(output_dir,'y.csv'), 'wb')
                wr = csv.writer(y_file, quoting=csv.QUOTE_ALL)
                wr.writerow(self.y)

                rep_id_file = open(os.path.join(output_dir,'rep_id.csv'), 'wb')
                wr = csv.writer(rep_id_file, quoting=csv.QUOTE_ALL)
                wr.writerow(self.rep_id)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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It always looked like a daunting task for the Faroese champions as soon as it was known that NSÍ were facing a team from Georgia, as Georgia hasn't been the most inviting place for Faroese teams to visit.
Two other Faroese clubs have played against Georgian opposition before, and their statistics was hardly inspiring reading for NSÍ. B36 Tórshavn lost 5-2 in Georgia in 2002 while HB Tórshavn have visited twice, losing 5-0 and 6-0. The only encouraging sign was that HB managed to win one of the home-legs 3-0.
And NSÍ's own statistical record in Europe did not bring much comfort either. Twice before they have competed in the UEFA cup, and their goal difference in total is 1 for and 15 against! In addition to that, NSÍ have participated in the Intertoto Cup once, losing 7-1 on aggregate.
And when NSÍ today went 2 goals behind within the first 10 minutes of the match, and that tally increased to 3 within the first 30 minutes after a penalty, it looked like NSÍ were going to get another of those 5-6 goals hammerings.
However, NSÍ tightened their defence and held Tbilisi from scoring in the last hour of the match.
The return leg will be played on the artificial grass in Gundadalur Stadium, Tórshavn on Tuesday 22 July.
For that match NSÍ will be without 1st choice goalkeeper, Tórur Thomsen, as he was given the red card towards the end of today's match.
NSÍ played a terrific match on Gundadalur's artificial grass in Tórshavn to win 1-0 against Georgian champions, Dinamo Tbilisi, but still bow out after losing 3-1 on aggregate.
15 minutes had gone when NSÍ forward Karoly Potemkin challenged a Tbilisi defender and won the ball off him. Øssur Dalbúð received the ball and went to the byline and made a low cross in front of goal where Hjalgrím Elttør came storming in and slotted it into the back of the net.
Seven minutes later, Elttør on the left turned provider (or maybe it was Bogi Løkin), but Dalbúð failed to connect with the cross. – A whisker from 2-0!
And just a few minutes later, Elttør so nearly was played clear in the penalty area, but the pass was just centimetres from reaching him.
Øssur Dalbúð also went close with a flat shot from the edge of the penalty area, but it went just wide of the left post.
During the first 30-35 minutes, NSÍ had played extremely well, with Nenad Stankovic as the pivotal point in midfield. – A class performance from the Serb.
But after that, Tbilisi worked their way back into the game, and NSÍ were never able to really put the visitors under any real pressure.
Tblisi's 2nd half approach was much more offensive, and that forced NSÍ to do a lot of defending in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half.
Only 4 minutes after the break, Tbilisi went close with a long range effort, but Jens Martin Knudsen pushed the ball onto the crossbar.
Tbilisi had several finishes in the first 15 minutes after the restart, but only in the incident above was Knudsen forced to make a save.
Jens Martin Knudsen, the bobble hat keeper was otherwise retired after the end of last season, but as 1st choice keeper Tórur Thomsen was suspended, and reserve-keeper Pedrag Stankovic injured, Knudsen was forced out of retirement for today's match. However, today Knudsen played without his bobble hat. It has gone on an exhibition in a museum!
The last half an hour was mostly played in midfield, and neither team got close to scoring.
Dinamo Tbilisi therefore win 3-1 on aggregate and go through to the 2nd qualifying round where they'll meet Panathinaikos FC.


In 1999, the prestigious journal Archives of Internal Medicine published the results of a double-blind study in which it was shown that coronary patients who had been prayed for—even though they didn't know it—were more likely to recover than those who were not.
It's no surprise that this study was immediately challenged by the scientific community. The surprise, to me, was the challenge from non-scientific, religious groups—as well as non-scientific, atheist groups!
Now, you would think that folks like the Southern Baptists would embrace proof that prayers are effective. However, the study (and others that followed) found that prayer works even when Jesus is not the one being prayed to. Prayers are equally effective when directed to Mary, Buddha, the Earth Goddess, one's Higher Self, or (in one small and, in my opinion, under-funded, study) Brad Pitt.
In other words, prayer seems to work but it doesn't require belief in any particular deity, or any deity at all—and that was something the Christian extremists found so unacceptable that they immediately began to muddy the waters with their usual supply of pseudo-scientific "experts" who stated, untruthfully but emotionally, that the original study had been "flawed."
Usually, in a case like this, we can rely on the atheist/rationalist camp to keep the fundamentalist camp honest. However, that was not the case with this study. The fact that one could pray effectively to oneself wasn't enough to mollify the atheists, who don't like to admit there is anything they can't explain. And so, they joined forces with the fundamentalists, writing poorly-researched articles in The Skeptical Inquirer that criticized in ways that indicated the authors had never even read the original study.
Is prayer effective or not? I believe it is, but that's not my point. What I care about, is that when evidence comes along that challenges our existing beliefs, that we truly take the opportunity to "study the study," rather than buy into unscientific challenges that come along simply because their claims make us less uncomfortable.
Divinely created or not, this world is far too complex for easy answers and snide put-downs to explain. We'll never understand it if we ignore legitimate evidence that it may not function in quite the way we want to believe it does.
And, if we can't understand the world in which we live, how can we ever hope to understand ourselves?


text:
US Citizen Caught Crossing Border Illegally
2 years 9 months 1 week ago Friday, April 05 2019 Apr 5, 2019 April 05, 2019 8:09 PM April 05, 2019 in News - Local
By: Valerie Gonzalez
WESLACO – A man who was initially charged with entering the country outside of a designated crossing point was in court this week.
It's a charge normally assigned to immigrants, but the man in question is a U.S. Citizen.
Normally, those charged with illegal entry are charged with violating 8 USC 1325; Juan Jose Delgado was charged in 2016 with 19 USC 1459(a)(1), which is an illegal entry by a U. S. citizen charge.
Jaime Diez, an immigration attorney, explains this is not a felony charge, but it is still a federal crime.
"It is for entering the U.S. through a place other than a place that is designated for you to enter – in this case, a port of entry."
Diez says the reasons for avoiding federal officers at crossing points can vary.
Sometimes, it's poor judgement.
"Many years ago, there was somebody who tried to cross, who was a U.S. citizen. Because he had no passport, he tried to cross through the river. In that case, the person died," Diez explains.
Other times, the U.S. Citizen could have an outstanding warrant for their arrest, could be bringing a relative who is a non-citizen, or could be participating in organized crime.
The charge for crossing illegally might not appear in those cases, Diez explains.
"But I think mainly most people who have some kind of sort of reason to hide - they're bringing drugs. They will not be charged with that; they will be charged with bringing drugs to the U.S."
If caught, the punishment can range up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Delgado received two years on probation.
He was recently back in court after breaking the terms of his release.
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