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Extended Length Videos
Short Take Videos
everything but ...
HOW CAN I KEEP FROM TALKING / Ross Altman
All Columns By Ross Altman
INTERMISSION / Chris Wilson
All Columns By Chris Wilson
JIGS & JAMS / Roland Sturm
All Columns By Roland Sturm
OLD TIME ORACLE / David Bragger
All Columns By David Bragger
REED'S RAMBLINGS / Dennis Roger Reed
All Columns By Dennis Roger Reed
WALL SCRAWLS / Art Podell
All Columns By Art Podell
CD & DVD Reviews
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Ongoing Music
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Cody's Viva Cantina has posted this on their website:
ALL MUSIC SHOWS AND BARBECUE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES.
2nd Thursdays Old Time Music Jam at MacLeod's Brewery in Van Nuys has been cancelled. Stay tuned for updates.
FolkWorks has a booth at the Santa Barbara Old Time Fiddler's Convention & Festival. Come on by and say hi!
Ana Lila Downs Sánchez, best known as Lila Downs (born September 9, 1968) is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter and actress. She performs her own compositions and the works of others in multiple genres, as well as tapping into Mexican traditional and popular music. She also incorporates indigenous Mexican influences and has recorded songs in many indigenous languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Nahuatl and Purépecha. Born and raised in Oaxaca, she primarily studied at the Institute of Arts by Oaxaca and briefly attended University of Minnesota, before withdrawing to focus on her musical career. She soon began performing in the traditional music scene of Oaxaca City.
Her first album, Ofrenda, was released in 1994. In 1999, Downs came to prominence with her debut studio album, La Sandunga, which was a critical and commercial success. She achieved international success in 2001 with the album Border which emerged in the music scene of Mexico and Latin America in the early 2000s (decade). Downs's seventh album, Pecados y Milagros (2011), topped album charts in most major markets and generated chart-topping world music albums. Her eighth album, "Balas y Chocolate", was released in 2015. "Salón Lágrimas y Deseo", her ninth album, came out in 2017.
Downs began performing in school, demonstrating her vocal ability with traditional music, Latin and American influences, and with her own original twist on dancing. Downs, a native Spanish speaker, also speaks fluent Mixtec and English.[4][5] Downs through her activism has gone through great lengths to preserve the Mixtec language as well as many other Indigenous Mexican languages.
Influenced by Chavela Vargas, Mercedes Sosa, Lucha Villa, and Amparo Ochoa, Lila Downs is recognized for her flamboyant, diverse and outré contributions to the music industry through her traditional and authentic fashion, the majority of which are based around Mexico's indigenous peoples' styles, cultures and heritages, which show through her performances and music videos. Her achievements include one Grammy Award and two Latin Grammy Awards. [Wikipedia]
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU3P6dlNaB4)
Besides her musical career, she involves herself with humanitarian causes and political activism, especially dealing with issues of Latin America's indigenous.
TWISTED PINE
Full of energy and surprise, wit and subtlety, Twisted Pine has quickly become one of the most acclaimed young string bands in the Northeast. Audiences across the US and UK have been drawn to their forthright songwriting, lush harmonies, musical daring, and "charismatic appeal," to quote Grammy-winner Alison Brown.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcuKzLxR1Xs)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEOPIudH7qk)
FRANK HOPPE NO LONGER ON KCSN Radio
Frank Hoppe, long time host of Bluegrass Etc. on KCSN Radio (88.5FM) has been told that his show will no longer be aired.
The show was a weekly bluegrass & old-time radio program and aired Sundays 6-8am PT.
From the misty Banks of the Ohio to the Blue Moon of Kentucky—where bluegrass was born—Bluegrass, Etc. continues the grand tradition. Longtime host Frank Hoppe features traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, old-time and early country music to move your heart and your feet. Legendary artists, from the early stars of country music like Hoyt Ming & His Pep Steppers and the Carter Family to contemporary performers like Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, are broadcast directly to you, commercial-free.
You can expect to hear something new to your ears plus unexplored facets of this great American music each and every week. Whether it's a 90-year-old classic or a newfound treasure, Bluegrass Etc. has a few surprises for even the most diehard music lover.
Frank is an accomplished musician and plays the fiddle, along with a little guitar, cello, and mandolin. He's also an avid dancer, running his own monthly Contra Dance event for many years, and has, in years past, organized the fiddling and dancing segments of the California Traditional Music Society's Summer Solstice Festival, as well as the dance stage at the Topanga Canyon Banjo & Fiddle Contest. He has served on the CTMS board and is an active member of the International Bluegrass Music Association and the Bluegrass Association of Southern California.
For weekly playlist info click here
BROOKLYN, NY - ELI SMITH
Eli Smith: Is folk music back? Sure is, especially at the Jalopy Theatre, where Carroll Gardens jams with Red Hook -- and where this master of many stringed instruments performs and teaches. To showcase a new crop of folkies, Smith also created the Brooklyn Folk Festival, coming in June.From Brooklyn Independent Television's Caught In The Act, episode 38. Original air date: 5/25/2011.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHO7KMa6a_Q)
GREENWICH VILLAGE FOLK SCARE
For years, weekend folksinging has been a tradition in Washington Square Park, in New York City's Greenwich village. But in the spring of 1961 the City rescinded its customary permit for singing in the park. This triggered a protest demonstration on Sunday, April 9th of that year, which was put down with excessive force by the NYPD but eventually resulted in the City backing down and reinstating the permit.
SUNDAY is a 17-minute, impressionistic documentary about the events of that day. It garnered nine international awards shortly after its initial release, and has been widely honored as the first social-protest film of the 1960s,
SUNDAY is now part of the permanent film collection at New York's Museum of Modern Art and has been shown at numerous film symposia since its restoration, in 2008, by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, funded by Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation.
In late 2014, Scorsese's Foundation was itself honored by the Vienna Film Museum, which mounted a week-long festival featuring dozens of cinema classics that the Foundation has helped restore and preserve. I'm pleased that SUNDAY was chosen to be represented among them. - Dan Drasin
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEvKe2WLumI)
Stephen William Bragg (born 20 December 1957) is an English singer, songwriter and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, with lyrics that mostly span political or romantic themes. His music is heavily centred on bringing about change and getting the younger generation involved in activist causes.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od4ksWTGVfk)
BOB DYLAN'S NOBEL LECTURE IN LITERATURE
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TlcPRlau2Q)
Bob Dylan received the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition".
Amazing talk spins from Buddy Holly to Moby Dick to All Quiet on the Western Front and beyond. Sit back and get taken in by our masterful storyteller.
YATRIKA SHAH-RAIS
Global Village Host returns TO KPFK AIR
After a year and a half break from my long running radio show, she has announce that she is going back to her former Wednesday edition of the Global Village on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, starting this Wednesday, June 7th, from 11am to 1pm. As expected the program will be quite eclectic and will incorporate many global sounds and genres. She hopes to also have many interesting interviews in the near future. Each show will also be archived on line for two weeks where you can catch it later.
⇨ DID YOU KNOW THAT FOLKWORKS HAS A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF FOLK MUSIC ON THE RADIO?
AMERICAN EPIC
On PBS SOCAL
Now streaming on pbs.org
Travel the country in search of unknown 1920s artists, when the music of ordinary Americans was recorded for the first time, transforming music forever, in a three-part film narrated by Robert Redford, featuring Jack White, Nas, Taj Mahal and others.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAYvG2tvYos)
In the 1920s, as radio took over the pop music business, record companies were forced to leave their studios in major cities in search of new styles and markets. Ranging the mountains, prairies, rural villages, and urban ghettos of America, they discovered a wealth of unexpected talent. The recordings they made of all the ethnic groups of America democratized the nation and gave a voice to everyone. Country singers in the Appalachians, Blues guitarists in the Mississippi Delta, Gospel preachers across the south, Cajun fiddlers in Louisiana, Tejano groups from the Texas Mexico border, Native American drummers in Arizona, and Hawaiian musicians were all recorded. For the first time, a woman picking cotton in Mississippi, a coalminer in Virginia or a tobacco farmer in Tennessee could have their thoughts and feelings heard on records played in living rooms across the country. It was the first time America heard itself.
Virtually no documentation of these extraordinary events survives and nearly ninety percent of the recording masters have been destroyed. A vital part of American cultural history has been lost.
Over three episodes, narrated by Robert Redford, AMERICAN EPIC rescues this history. The remarkable lives of these seminal musicians are revealed through previously unseen film footage and photographs, and exclusive interviews with music pioneers, their families and eyewitnesses to the era.
AMERICAN EPIC represents a ten-year odyssey undertaken by director Bernard MacMahon and producers Allison McGourty and Duke Erikson, and audio engineer Nicholas Bergh that involved tracking down countless long forgotten musicians, restoring the music that they recorded and reassembling the technology that created it. Along the way they brought some of the most important figures in contemporary culture to help them on their quest. Executive Producers Jack White, T Bone Burnett and Robert Redford have lent their support to what Redford calls "America's greatest untold story".
Starring: The Carter Family, Memphis Jug Band, Elder Burch, The Williamson Bros. & Curry, Dick Justice, Charley Patton, Hopi Indian Chanters, Joseph Kekuku, Lydia Mendoza, the Breaux Family, Mississippi John Hurt, and Blind Willie Johnson
THE AMERICAN EPIC SESSIONS, the team has reassembled the very first electrical sound recording system from the 1920s, and invited Jack White and T Bone Burnett to produce an album of recordings by twenty of today's greatest artists. In this beautifully filmed musical feature, these artists are given the chance to pass through the portal that brought the world into the modern era.
Nicholas Bergh has reassembled this recording system from original parts and it is now the only one left in the world. The system consists of a single microphone, a towering six-foot amplifier rack, and a live record-cutting lathe, powered by a weight-driven pulley system of clockwork gears. The musicians have roughly three minutes to record their song direct to disc before the weight hits the floor. In the 1920s, they called this "catching lightning in a bottle." All the musical performances in this film are live. The audio you hear is taken directly from the discs they were recorded to, with no editing or enhancements.
Starring: Alabama Shakes, The Americans, Ana Gabriel, Ashley Monroe, The Avett Brothers, Beck, Bettye LaVette, Bobby Ingano, Elton John, Frank Fairfield, Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton, Los Lobos, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Nas, Pokey LaFarge, Raphael Saadiq, Rhiannon Giddens, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Taj Mahal, Jack White, and Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.
Bernard MacMahon explained, "AMERICAN EPIC is a love letter to the United States. It's the story of one of the great moments in American history – when the voices of working people, minorities, and rural people throughout the country were first heard. It celebrates all I admire about the country – its rich culture, technological innovation, entrepreneurism and its freedom of speech."
"In AMERICAN EPIC we can examine how important the fact is that when phonograph records were invented, for the first time ever, women, minorities, poor rural men and even children were given the opportunity to say whatever they wanted in song, for the whole world to hear, shockingly without much censorship," said Jack White. "What they were allowed to say on phonograph recordings, they were not allowed to speak in public or in person. That is an astounding thought."
Nas, who records the Memphis Jug Band's 1928 song "On the Road Again" said "When you hear me saying it, you might think I wrote it, because it sounds like something today. These guys are talking about carrying guns, shooting something, protecting their honor, chasing after some woman who's done them dirty…it's the same as rap music today, so it just tells you something about American culture, American music…It didn't start with hip hop, it started a long time ago. It started with America."
"This is the story of a profound act of democracy – when the poorest people in our country were recorded and their stories, their songs, and their voices broadcast around the world," said T Bone Burnett. "These early pioneers set a course that led to the extraordinary library of Jazz, Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Rock and Roll, and Hip Hop that is Our Music. This is the story of the United States – a kid leaves home with nothing but a song and conquers the world."
"This is America's greatest untold story," said Robert Redford. "It's an account of the cultural revolution that ultimately united a nation."
Allison McGourty said, "We traveled the length and breadth of America, from Cleveland, Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico, and from New York to Hawaii, in our quest to discover the identities and stories of America's earliest recorded musicians. We captured testimonials from the last living witnesses and direct descendants of America's musical pioneers. This is the last time their story can be told before everyone who was there is gone."
"Our mission was to capture the true spirit of the artists and to bring the atmosphere of their surroundings to life through archive," said Supervising Editor Dan Gitlin. "We wanted to visually celebrate the raw power of their music."
Duke Erikson said, "The more we found out about these recordings, the more we realized how little was known about how they were recorded. We became obsessed with figuring it out, with actually finding the machine that was used to record this amazing music."
"Early electric recording is very interesting to me" said engineer Nicholas Bergh, "because it literally transformed the way the whole world communicated and it essentially enabled the record companies to set up recording sessions all over the country, where everyday people could record their songs and then have those songs distributed across America."
Taj Mahal said about recording for THE AMERICAN EPIC SESSIONS "To be back at the front of the recording industry is incredible. The same machines my heroes and mentors have played on, and that this industry got jump-started from? I'd certainly like to be a part of that. As far as I'm concerned it's the sound, and I don't think you can get any better than vinyl. You can get clean, pristine, but you can't get that juice."
Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS, said, "We wanted to share this uniquely American story with our audience because of its exploration and celebration of original forms of music and early technologies. PBS has broadcast concerts and documentaries about a diverse variety of music genres over the years, and AMERICAN EPIC captures the foundation of American music history through the lens of some incredible untold stories."
Anthony Wall, executive producer for BBC Arena, said, "When Bernard and Allison took me through their ideas and research, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Arena has always been committed to this music but AMERICAN EPIC is the most comprehensive account of how and why it came to be recorded in the first place that I've encountered. The combination of the multi-ethnic context and acutely researched individual stories make it irresistible. The accompanying SESSIONS film is a delight. It's a joy to see the respect and excitement so many of today's best musicians bring to the discipline of recording in the same way as their heroes of decades ago."
Stephen Segaller, executive in charge for WNET, said, "It's not often that you're pitched a project that is entirely fresh, immediately visual, and seems likely to change your whole understanding of cultural history. AMERICAN EPIC is that project – a documentary series that gives us an amazing narrative of cultural enterprise and creative energy, touching on deep American history – and a recording sessions vérité film that keeps on outdoing itself as artist after artist revels in the old-time music and brings it to new levels."
Adam Block, President of Sony Music's Legacy Recordings, said, "Simply put, Legacy exists in no small part to preserve and perpetuate our country's musical heritage. For us, AMERICAN EPIC is a celebration of the men and women who established the foundation of virtually everything that we as an industry do today. It is one of the most remarkable cultural, technological and of course musical journeys of all time."
Mark Williams, President of A&R for Columbia Records, said, "Listening to the incredible artists that contributed to THE AMERICAN EPIC SESSIONS, we see a direct link with the musicians of the past. As if time hasn't existed and the same spirit, truth and soul of the earlier performers are as much part of the present as it is the past. This record isn't a tribute record as much as it is a continuation of the same story and messages that have been passed along to great artist of today."
AMERICAN EPIC is a production of BBC Arena, Lo-Max Films Ltd., Wildwood Enterprises, and THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Director: Bernard MacMahon. Producers: Allison McGourty, Bernard MacMahon, Duke Erikson, Adam Block, and Bill Holderman. Executive producers: T Bone Burnett, Robert Redford, Jack White, Anthony Wall for the BBC, and Julie Anderson for WNET. Stephen Segaller is executive in charge for WNET. Bill Gardner, VP of Programming & Development, oversees the project for PBS. The series is written by Bernard MacMahon & Allison McGourty & Duke Erikson and William Morgan.
Funding for AMERICAN EPIC is provided by the Anne Ray Foundation, The Family of Mackinley Sillerman, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee, Pacific Islanders in Communications with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Jody and John Arnhold, The V & L Marx Foundation, Rosalind P. Walter, and public television viewers.
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First principles approach to the electronic structure, magnetic anisotropy and spin relaxation in mononuclear 3d-transition metal single molecule magnets
Atanasov, Mihail
Research Department Neese, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Society;
Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;
Aravena, Daniel
Suturina, Elizaveta
Novosibirsk State University;
Bill, Eckhard
Maganas, Dimitrios
Neese, Frank
Atanasov, M., Aravena, D., Suturina, E., Bill, E., Maganas, D., & Neese, F. (2015). First principles approach to the electronic structure, magnetic anisotropy and spin relaxation in mononuclear 3d-transition metal single molecule magnets. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 289-290, 177-214. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2014.10.015.
Cite as: http://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0007-897A-6
In this review, a self-contained (although brief) introduction to electronic structure calculations for single molecule magnet (SMM) properties is provided in conjunction with several contemporary case studies on diverse mononuclear 3d-transition metal complexes. The adequacy of density functional and wavefunction based theories for the prediction and interpretation of magnetic properties is addressed. Furthermore, the connection between calculations and experimental properties is discussed in some detail, in particular with respect to the derivation of spin-Hamiltonian parameters. In addition, we present an outline of the most important features of the most commonly employed quasi-classical spin relaxation model. The presented case studies include Fe, Co and Ni complexes with orbitally degenerate and non-degenerate ground states. The focus is on establishing magneto-structural correlations on both, a qualitative and quantitative level.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


It's widely accepted and little-talked-about that we are running out of oil. The 2020 Summit continues that silence.
I'm with you all the way Michael.
There can be no more urgent matter in desperate need of resolution than peak oil. The impending stresses being placed on every aspect of our society by ever-rising fuel prices are of such a magnitude that they threaten to disrupt the very fabric of our society. And that's before we actually suffer any shortages of supply.
The outlook is extremely grim. The 2020 summit should be centred on the peak oil issue, with anything else to be discussed strongly connected back to it.
If the approaching end to cheap and abundant liquid fossil fuel energy is not discussed at this forum, then the forum will be in effect useless.
Yes, it is well and truly time for all those concerned with this issue to band together and launch some very strong demands that our government deal with it as it's highest priority.
We desperately need the Tim Flannerys, Ian Lowes, Greg Bournes and Andrew McNamaras to pull this issue together and garner support from the general community, and get that pressure building upon Rudd to act decisively.
The recent greatly increased awareness and action on climate change needs to morph very quickly into action on peak oil. The approach is pretty much the same, but the urgency is much greater. Issues of sustainability, population stabilisation and an end to continuous-growth-forever mantra are fundamental components.
So, while the long-term goal is a sustainable society and healthy environment, the short-term focus must be fairly and squarely on the end to the cheap energy regime that our society is so fundamentally dependent on.
Australia, as a whole, is completely blind to Peak Oil. How long this continues remains to be seen. Either by education or reality it's effects will be known soon enough. Perhaps action by Peak Oil proponents does need to go to the streets. Unfortunately most of the people who know about it don't seem to be the banner whirling types. I'm not in Academic circles, where most of it's proponents lie, and I couldn't tell you one other person I've met that can even make a connection between the words "Peak" and "Oil". Are there any Peak Oil aware celebrities?
Australia's media are also blissfully unaware. You may get the odd small article here and there with a mention, but never a dedicated article. I personally have written time and time again to the Sydney Morning Herald trying to relate Peak Oil to a particular story. Not one of my letters have ever been published (though that may have more to do with my writing style than the issue at hand).
If a street walk is required perhaps now is the time to do it. You may get a minute or two in the nightly news.
It really is an uphill battle.
question as to why they have kept us in the dark for so long.
they were mothballing replaced buses instead of as usual selling them.
Just that they thought they might be needed in the future.
cabinet, hence Ferguson's comment the other day.
"Oh dear what a surprise !".
I believe that while some politicians understand peak oil, the vast majority have never given it thought. Instead they're still following the old infinite-growth philosophy that permeats the thinking of both major parties and even the Greens. Combine this with the economic mantra that oil supply will always rise to meet demand, and to them peak oil becomes the raving of a lunatic fringe.
You can even see this in Martin Ferguson's comments. He's acknowledging the perils for Australia as our own oil production declines, but only from a balance-of-trade point of view. He assumes that there _has_ to be another Bass Strait out there - all we need do is create the economic incentives for exploration. If the demand is there supply must surely follow, hence no need for a Plan B if another Bass Strait doesn't present itself.
We should be preparing now. Instead of developing more soon-to-be-useless motorways, we need urgent boosting of public transport in our cities and rebuilding of our rail infrastructure in the country. In other words, preparing for the future instead of thinking only of today's profits and votes.
Despite Michael's good intentions in this article I don't see ASPO marching in the streets as a solution at all; its a sure-fire way of peak oil being dismissed as a madcap theory with no substance. On the other hand, people are seeing fuel prices skyrocket and are, at the moment, content with blaming it on the big oil companys profiteering. If, somehow, the message that the price is due to oil supply failing to keep pace with demand over the last 3 years despite massive worldwide exploration investments, perhaps the public would get worried enough to start demanding solutions from our elected leaders.
I do not understand the position the Government is taking on petrol prices.It is reasonable to say that the Government gets up to 50% excise on some of Australias larger oil fields. So this means that they get $50.00 a barrel and the Australian public pay $150.00 a barrel. But the big question is this.
Why does the Government insist on selling petrol under the OPEC banner?. I mean , If we really do have all these reserves of oil and gas do we have a shortage of oil or gas? Why do we not have a domestic price and a international price?.Who owns the oil anyway?.
Mr Rudd wants to control inflation but he has no control over the price of oil.
Seriously ,he has no control over the price of our oil.
Like climate change, awareness of the reality and meaning of peak oil will only begin to hit home when the price of oil rises even more precipitously (could it hit $500 a barrel within a decade?), scarcity and hoarding become the norms and costs of they myriad of goods - including food - rise in response, that we will see the headless chooks emerge from every political cupboard squawking that we need to act. And unfortunately, the squawking is likely to be 'use hydrocarbons - dig up everything, everywhere no matter the climate consequences because alienating the car driving, energy guzzling public is worse than ignoring climate change.' Not only do we have to begin to discuss peak oil but we have to discuss it in the context of changing the way we live not finding new ways to continue to do business as usual.


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Wocket drank 2005 HK Traditional Storage CNNP 8582 Raw Pu Erh by TeaLife Hong Kong
For some time now I have been rather busy and using a lot of my time revisiting teas I've had before, and not so long ago that I would consider them to have changed sufficiently to warrant a new note. Today, however, I decided to try my first puerh from this vendor, a prospect I met with some excitement and a tiny frisson of dread.
Regular readers of my tasting notes (both of you) may recall that I have, on occasion, had some unkind verbiage to describe the ichorous nature of wetter stores cakes I have tried. However, Jay has described many of his traditionally stored cakes as being on the milder side of the sort. Is this just because Hong Kong has inured him to the inherent dampness he is surrounded by, or would I, a Midwesterner who is mostly familiar with Kunming storage and points even drier on the spectrum, agree? Only one way to find out!
I sessioned this in a gaiwan, as I was unwilling to risk introducing funk into my clay pot reserved for aged tea. This could shed a harsher light on the tea, but it was a sacrifice I need to make, as truly nice teapots aren't all that easy to come by around here.
I went with the double rinse protocol as suggested on the site. The rinse liquor came out a deep amber, then on the second go almost ruby. The clarity was definitely impressive for its age and storage, but there was definitely a noticeable whiff of storage about the gaiwan lid and rinse vessel. Still, the brew looked so inviting I was hardly deterred from promptly proceeding to a first brew.
There was, in the initial stages, an ever-so-gentle reminder of the origin of this tea. The flavor held just a soupcon of humidity, but was immediately overwhelmed by the smooth, pleasantly viscous sensations provided, and a lasting, enjoyable finish. There was more "tea" left to it than some unfortunate examples I've had previously, but barring excessively hard brewing, the bitterness was all but gone.
I don't know how many brews I made of this tea, although doing math with gaiwan size and water consumed would imply it was solidly in the teens. It was incredibly easy to drink, while not being boring at all. There was not a lot of variability throughout the session, other than a very gradual tapering of some characteristics as the steep numbers piled up.
In short, I find this tea to be exactly as advertised, and a wonderful example of a selection which has been curated by someone who seems to really understand both the Western facing audience and the holes in the market which could be filled. I consider this to be good value for the money based on my admittedly limited knowledge of the market, and I am tremendously excited to see what else is on offer.
That being said, however, this isn't precisely the tea that is just for me. I suspect the 8653, touted as "light traditional storage", might be more prone to grab that title as while I will have no problem happily quaffing the remainder of this tea and enjoying it thoroughly, I suspect I want just a hair more initial character to remain. This is really nitpicking, though, as the texture and flavor of this tea opened my eyes to new possibilities for aged sheng.
The only thing this session has left me regretful about is that I didn't buy more of his oolongs to try as well!
Matu
I'm thinking they might be my next order…maybe…
TeaLife.HK
15% off this week, so not a bad time to try my teas out! :)
Thanks for the excellent review Wocket! Glad you liked the tea. The 8653 definitely has more origin character remaining, but I really enjoy drinking the 8582 too!
Wocket drank 2003 Xiaguan Tuo Raw Pu erh – Malaysian Storage by Adventure in Every Cup
This tea is a solid performer, but not likely to knock anyone's socks off. Another five to ten years of somewhat damp storage would likely do it favors, as it has fallen into the usual Xiaguan trap of being compressed to the point that it remains intact for future archeological excavations.
Still, the Malaysian storage has done this great favors, as it's much, more more quaffable than similar Xiaguan (including the 04 cake from AiEC I previously reviewed, interestingly enough). It's just a long way from here to there with the way Xiaguan starts out, and while the smoke has receded to an excellent level to simply be a flavor complement as opposed to the be all/end all, there's a depth to the best factory teas that this hadn't achieved yet. It hints at it, but for now, it's more of a tease than reality.
If you trust your storage and like old factory tuos though, this is a great price to get in on if you think it'll get to where some of the better tuos have. I believe it can, but not likely sitting in its cardboard box in my cabinet.
So essentially… sorry green box tuo, it really not you, it's me.
Wocket drank 2001 Jing Mai Ancient Tree by The Essence of Tea
Having now tried this tea, I completely understand why the reviews are a bit all over the place. Even beyond the simple fact that being in a trade box might not result in optimal conditions for the leaf (no disrespect intended to the wonderful Dr. Jim, whose efforts for this community I hold in the highest respect!), the tea itself is somewhat of a puzzle box.
The first few steeps, it is entirely possible, even likely, that I referred to this teas flavor as "repugnant" and "not unlike steeping a carton of unlit Benson & Hedges". I understand, I think, why some people described a smoke flavor while others noted none – it's so precisely a mimic of tobacco, at least to my palate, that if like myself you have never lived near where the plant is grown the natural reaction (which I had myself at first) is to associate burning, ash, and unpleasant eye-watering bar scenes with the flavor. However, critically thinking, I cannot say there actually was any smoke present, although what was present I did not enjoy.
However, the flavor was very full. This is not necessarily good when it's a bad flavor to your tastes, but still notable as an indicator of quality. It had unfortunate length. But the body reaction was altogether pleasant, and kept the desire to continue the session alive and kicking. It was rather a reversal of something like French fries, as a kind soul pointed out to me during pontification over this odd sample. With junk food, the mouth wants more and the body suffers. This was completely the opposite.
Son where around steep 6-7, the flavor took a complete left turn and became rather pleasant, but at the cost of the vital force that made the early steeps so penetrating. It was as if the station was abruptly changed from music you dislike to your favorite tunes, but simultaneously the volume was halved. I found myself wishing the strength of the earlier steeps had intersected somewhat with the flavor I more enjoyed – but it's entirely possible that the flavor did not alter as much as the notes I disliked weakened, allowing me to see the treasures lying beneath the surface.
The tea did not end quickly either, although it may sound like I am implying it did – a dozen or more of the more tasty infusions ensued, they were just more of the "calm and gentle" variety as opposed to the initial "boat in a maelstrom" feel.
Perhaps next time, I shall try my hand with rather less leaf, and see if that tempers the early going. I sense I haven't found the trick to open this puzzle box yet – but as it's out of stock, I suppose it's all right if I never do.
If nothing else, I found this a unique experience, and those are often worthwhile ofor their own sake.
Drink well, until next I prattle at you endlessly.
Wocket drank Mu Zha Tie Guan Yin by Tea Urchin
I hope that the fine folk involved in the production of this tea drink it themselves. If they do, I expect that the feeling of satisfaction at having helped bring out the fullest potential of these leaves gives them a feeling of satisfaction unmatched by any I have experienced in my short time on this earth.
For all that the term "Tea Master" has a (probably deservedly) dubious reputation in the west, I challenge anyone with a discerning palate to drink this and tell me they're not out there. They don't need to flaunt it. They just handle their tea expertly, share it with folks they will likely never meet, and the world is a better place for it.
And the tin is terribly cute too!
Wocket drank 2007 Clouds and Fog by Mandala Tea
First, an apology to anyone who reads my musings (no, hecklers, not for their quality). I had a lengthy bout of congestion and other such complaints this winter, and didn't want to post tea reviews that would be equivalent to movie critiques by someone watching a heavily occluded drive-in screen from a block away and making up their own dialogue. I wouldn't class my reviews as being from someone who fully understands or appreciates the teas in full before putting electrons to "paper", but I at least require one legitimate session before offering an opinion, even though I needn't fear that I hold any notable sway over public opinion.
So, on to this tea. It was a rather humbling experience trying to suss out the correct way to describe it. This is due to a phenomenon everyone I know seems to exhibit, although whether it is an American trait or more universal to human nature I do not know.
The trouble I have with this tea is, it's perfectly fine. It's thoroughly acceptable. It's quite all right.
But this is damning it with faint praise, is it not? I know if I asked someone whose opinion I trusted to describe the food at a new restaurant and they described it as "all right", I wouldn't go. If a movie is "fine", I don't need to see it. I only want the amazing, the truly noteworthy. I was sipping steep 16 of this, a plant someone grew almost a decade ago nearly half a world away, and it was enjoyable, but all I could think of was thicker liquor, longer lasting flavor, and evoking deeper feelings.
I have no more of this, and perhaps for the sake of the tea, that is best. May you find yourself in a more salubrious situation next time, leaves, and not with someone who views your merits as if through the haze of your namesakes. I hope I will become a more attentive drinker from this experience, and then I will look back on you more fondly than your otherwise limited charms may have merited.
Mookit
Welcome back, O Word Wizard!
Wocket drank 2005 Nan Nuo Shan Raw Chi Tse Bing Cha 7549 by Chawangshop
This tea starts bad, does poorly for a while, passes through a period of being plebian, and ultimately settles on disappointing.
If ever there was a poster child tea for sampling first instead of buying the whole cake, this tea is it . All the amazing qualities of ChaWangShop's 98 You Le are turned on their head here. Still, at these prices, one big winner and one big loser equals an overall success.
Just don't back this tea – it's the Washington Nationals in this showdown.
I almost certainly don't know very much about all that I don't know about tea.
But I'm trying!


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Shmuel "Gorodish" Gonen (în ) (n. 1930 - d. 30 septembrie 1991) a fost un general israelian, care s-a făcut remarcat în Războiul de Yom Kippur (1973).

În anul 1973, generalul Shmuel Gonen a fost comandant al Armatei de Sud a Israelului.

Nașteri în 1930
Decese în 1991
Generali israelieni
Militari evrei

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


*Update:Park Road Bridge will only be open to vehicles registered with RAGBRAI. No pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles will be allowed access at any time. Drivers should take note that the bridge is still under construction and proceed with caution. The bridge will close to RAGBRAI registered traffic at 6 p.m. and reopen only to them at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, before closing again at noon.
Set up will begin at 6 a.m. on Thursday with closures on Iowa Avenue between Clinton and Dubuque streets, as well as Clinton between Jefferson and Washington streets.
Iowa City buses will offer free rides all day on Friday, July 27. The Downtown Interchange will temporarily relocate to the Court Street Transportation Center, 150 E. Court St., starting Thursday, July 27. Normal service will resume Monday, July 30. More info at www.icgov.org/transit.
Special thanks to our event sponsors Hills Bank, Promote Iowa City Area, INC, Mercy Iowa City, MediRevv, Iowa City Area Assosciation of Realtors, The Graduate Hotel, MC Ginsberg, UIHC Men's Health, MidWestOne Bank, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, West Bank, University of Iowa Health Care, and Big Grove Brewery and Taproom.


This entry was posted on January 24, 2013 by Robyn Lee. It was filed under Nature, Pain Shadow Series, Philosophy, Self Portrait, Spiritual, Winter 2013 and was tagged with acceptance, beauty, challenge, contemplation, friendship, healing, hope, inspiration, joy, life, Love, memories, Musculoskeletal Disorders, nature, pain, pain shadow, peace, photography, physical rehabilitation, poetry, promise, Robyn Lee, sand, sculpture, shore.
You might be leaving for awhile but you will be in my thoughts and prayers through these moments. Pls keep in touch. My email is dharma.1111@hotmail.com. Love and light, dear friend.
You are a woman of strength and faith. You will find peace and health.
Brilliant pairing of photo and poem. Absolutely love it! May your travels help leave the pain shadows behind.
Oh thank you so much Jill ~ I am so thrilled that you commented on the art here 😉 — means a lot coming from you, knowing your profession, level of skill and artistic discretion in this realm. Also huge knowing you understand the pain-shadow and its essence as well. So appreciate your support and encouragement all around!
I keep coming back to see/read this post. It has become one of my favorites. Poetry, picture, pain… they all come together beautifully here.
I hope all works out in your favor. I will keep you in my prayers.
Be well. You inspire us. Take care of yourself on this journey.
dear friend Robyn, I lift you in prayer for health. my bronchoscopy went well today and look forward to solutions.
So grateful dear Jane ~ I know your heart by now and always appreciate… thank goodness things went well today for you.
Praying this brings you relief from the pain.
Sending you lots of warm wishes for a positive outcome, to what will probably be, a tedious and painful journey in your life. I can only hope for the very best of help from a professional(s) who knows exactly what you need to stabilise your hips and spine. No doubt it will be very hard work (both mentally & physically).
We would all love to hear some brief updates on this pain reducing journey you are undertaking, but don't attempt to do too much computer work if you're exhausted from the day's routine (while you're away). Nothing is worse than trying to keep up on the computer when you're in serious pain – take it from another long-term chronic pain sufferer.
Thanks so much Victoria. I am a bit nervous -but also excited. The whole travel thing and being away from comforts of home will be difficult. I have a lot of faith in this doctor (physical medicine) I am consulting with only because I have personally examined his approach myself – and know he has keen insight that others in his field lack. After living in this body all this time and figuring out my own methods of relief — and now understanding my anatomy better given the latest findings — I think this guy will at least be able to tell me if I have hope without more invasive surgery. It won't be a fast fix — and I know that — but need more than youtube and working on this on my own here. Locally I have not been able to find anyone who understands the complexities of joint instability the way this doctor does… and he's willing to work with me several days a week one – on -one (if we agree I'm a candidate).
Hoping it all goes well and I can do some posting and updating. Do know what you mean about computer use with pain – especially now that my shoulders have really joined the party. You take good care of you ~ and thank you my sweet friend for all your wonderful wishes….
ps: how's my image up there – btw ??? Pretty good shading, texture and detail yes? 1st shadow portrait with new camera ~ LOL !
I was so intent on your health stuff, I forgot to mention your photo. It's looking good, Robyn. The detail is excellent and you've got the 'shadow' in a good spot for the composition. I thought the verse was excellent too (as usual).
Reading this made me cry. I can only imagine how desperate you feel to avoid surgery and any further abuse on your poor body. I feel very good about what you are doing and know that no matter, you will come home armed with more knowledge than you left with. That alone is priceless when burdened by illnesses and conditions that nobody really understands.
Please email whenever you feel the need to vent, chat, cry, be heard. I am always here – vulturepeakmuse@gmail.com. That will take you thru to my usual email address or you can use that if it comes thru with my comment here. And if there is silence from your direction, I am going to assume that means fabulous things!! Incredibly fabulous things are happening. Either way take heart, dear one. Life is what it is and we do our very best. You are doing nothing less than that and so much more.
It was an incredible surprise and such a generous loving gesture. I loved the painting too. Very special… A little apprehensive about taking on the travel and potentially living so far from home for an extended time… but also feel proactive in exploring this with someone I really have confidence in. I can only do so much on my own and know my issues are mechanical and cannot be managed with medication. More invasive surgery is very risky for me…. Must learn to keep the balls in their sockets 🙂 and keep them happy there!!
Please stay in touch to keep us updated with your progress. Keep a good attitude and stay strong. I am hoping for the very best for you. Was just beginning to enjoy your friendship. I have dealt with long term health problems and know what you must be going through (had a heart transplant 3.5 yrs ago after 20+ yrs of problems). Not being "punny", my heart is with you and hope the new therapy will give you relief. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Robyn – My prayers and soft hugs wing your way. We are all learning to become our own best advocates and researchers for what we believe in our hearts is best for our bodies and our souls.
Hi Robyn, Hope you'll be fine. Don't lose hope. All of us will pray for you..and try to post at least once a week, if possible.
to all of us. The courage you show in such a situation is truly… there are not many words that can describe it properly.
If you don't mind me asking, did you try and direct yourself to alternative pain management as EFT for example?
When classical medicine fails to help, it might be an idea.
All the best of luck and hopefully this time will be the good one!
So much thanks for your good thoughts and prayers my way! I am thrilled you enjoy my work, and very touched to know this.
I did. For the emotional part which brought tremendous release. I did the core beliefs too, of Psych-K and that was groundbreaking. I listened on you tube to Byron Katie which was a revelation and you surely have heard of Louise Hay and Dr. Wayne Dyer. But that was all for the emotional, for the physical I usually go to my Cranial osteopath, use homeopathy, eat Macrobiotic style to keep healthy and my asthma at bay… but as you say it is not always possible to stick to the natural side when as you wrote on your blog, you have this physical problem which acquires surgery.
Like everyone else here, my thoughts and prayers will be with you Robyn. I hope you can get sorted sooner rather than later.
🙂 Thank you Robyn. I am just me.
I know bulldog — nobody is giving me any kudos for my awesome shadow portrait and cool poem!!!!! LOL ~ what is the deal here?! Being silly of course…and know how much I appreciate all the genuine love and well-wishes from everyone here… and especially YOU! I have no idea where this will lead, but after 2 years of waiting for the miracle to happen and trying everything I can think of on my own, I sought out the person (thanks to the world-wide web) who I just felt "got it" where the body mechanics is concerned. Not sure if I'm too "broken" to go this route, but before I jump onto an operating table again – I am sure as hell going to check out whatever proactive method I can to help manage this condition.
I love your vision of my being able to post words and photos with ease (sans pain). Seems almost like a dream. Still ~ I know I have been blessed in so many ways — having a loving family and supportive friends – and especially for having this special oasis of ours here at WordPress to lift me up and allow me to touch others in a positive way too.
Wonderful poem and beautiful image Robyn. I;'m awed by your courage and creativity in the middle of all your physical challenges. Do hope this is the answer for you, and you find the healing that you seek. warmest wishes for your well being, may your great spirit continue to fly.
This is both a stunning poem and photograph, Robyn. And I hope this new therapy helps you. Lots of love always!
I wish you the best. I hope your journey brings new beginnings.
Loved the poem and photo Robyn. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, hoping your plan and journey are successful. May the love and support from your family and friends help guide you throughout your journey.
Dear Robyn, you are a strong woman and I believe you will recover from your illness and pain, I will pray for you sweet sister.
if wishes of all the people you have touched with your story and your writings is some indication of the outcome of this new leg of your journey, then rest assure, it will bring you relief and positive things.
Oh dear, doll. I hope everything will work out the way you want and need. Take your time. But be back to us. We'll be waiting.
Robyn you are so courageous and very strong. I hope this new treatment helps you so you won't feel so much pain and so you could enjoy life.
Fabulous Robyn! The cadence in this poem was all alluring, the words telling!
Like everybody else I admire your courage and initiative. I wish you the best of success because you so deserve it. V.
I am praying that this medical professional has a program that will work for you Robyn, relieving you of the pain that you always carry with you. You are such a source of strength and courage to us all. Let the healing energy that so many of us send to you surround you and give you some comfort. Blessings to you Robyn.
I pray that he is your answer Robyn.
Dear Robyn, I also send you my love and prayers, from the heart.
Feel this amazing energy flowing towards you from all of us. We all love you and think of you.
You are a beautiful amazing woman , strong and gifted, and you will find your balance and strength once again.
Just when you thought you were finished with me……..
You have been awarded the "Versatile Blogger Award". Please visit my site for details.
I will be thinking of you and keeping you lifted up to God in prayer. I agree with everyone – you are a beautiful soul and until next we meet in cyberspace I send you my hugs and God's blessings and healing.
Sending you all positive thoughts and energy.
"yes to it alllllllllllllllllllll " xxxxxxxxxxxx beautiful Robyn ……………. with heart wide open for sure …….
I love the alliteration in these lines. Beautifully written!
Sculptures of life do indeed grow amidst shadows of pain. When you share your pain, you share your life and remind us of ours.
Good luck with all you have ahead of you.
I am sending some of my very best hope for you on your journey that this will be something that helps you. You are such a lovely person and it would be wonderful for you to find a way to feel better! I have loose joints myself, and paying more attention to the ways I move has been a lot of help.
That is a remarkably beautiful poem my dearest one. Straight from the heart I think and of course the photograph stunningly matches your words as always. I've been preoccupied with several issues so I'm late on getting over here, but as we discussed earlier, I am hopeful that you and I can stay in close touch with one another. Your friendship means much to me Robyn and I am there with you in spirit and love. As always sending positive energy your way, hope to hear from you soonest bestest friend of mine, with sincerely love, Penny xoxoxoxox, please take care of you!!!!!
I think I'm close to working things out, whew, what a ride I've been on the last couple months. I will share soon, Pretty sure I'm getting back on the right track, but like I said what a trip the last few months has been. Please know it in no way involves my wonderful family, Christina and all are fine and doing well, it was/is personal to me. Getting my back wacked out of shape didn't help and then the unexpected passing of a close friend just sort of took me over the top emotionally for a bit, but starting to be a little more stable, have one more big problem to solve and then I think all will be good to go again.
Your words and photos have carved a special place in my head and heart.
Thank you so much Kev ~ getting settled in finally. Probably will be a 4 week experiment, and I will try to post from here. So appreciate your encouragement and support ~ and wishing you all of life's gifts my friend!
"and faith has been born" Nothing tells it best than your inner strength radiating through your inspiration oozing smile. In our thoughts and prayers. Peace.
I love your artwork and poetry. Always a good journey into your thoughts. The photos give life to your words. I hope all is well with you. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Oh, Robyn, I'm so sorry to learn about this. I really hope this doctor can help you. I empathize with you as it has been over three years since my last surgeries and I still have widespread persistent pain. I know how the creativity and artwork can help in these situations, and your creativity is exquisite, deep, moving and insightful. Sending you lots of healing energy and e-hugs.
Hi dear Fergi ~ yes I hope so as well… and will be thrilled if I just leave here with better insight and strategies to control the joints and manage the pain. So far it has been a great experience and I have a lot of faith in this dr. as a specialist in this area. you too post-surgeries with such awful unrelenting pain..? I am so sorry to hear that. Yes — the creative journey is one we can take — and at least emotionally – a wonderful place to go.
I am catching every time you click the like button Lovely Robyn. Always looking forward to getting your updates though, many of us are hopeful and concerned for you! Prayers always for you. Stay safe and travel at light speed!
Hi, I am so happy to share with you, that I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
Please click on the link http://chattyowl.com/2013/02/02/very-inspiring-blogger-award/ to accept your award and check out the rules.
Oh Julie – neve be sorry… I completely get it, and am soooo sorry you have been struggling so much recently. Are you dealing with same issues as you've been only exacerbated? I so hope no new problems for you.
It took me sometime to scroll down 150 plus comments. This writing is simple and very well done at the beginning, it defines the subsequent imagery.
PRAY FOR THIS LITTLE ONE, IN GOD'S SIGHT!


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>Blog posts from November 2014
Putting Putin in His Place
Christopher S. Chivvis
Developing an effective and sustainable strategy to deal with the multi-layered problem that Putin's Russia has created requires deterring Russia while also engaging it. The U.S. and Europe should have confidence that they are up to the task.
A Nuclear Extension Can Still Work, but Iran Must Show Flexibility
The Woodrow Wilson Center
The extension of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 is disappointing, but it's better than the alternatives. Now it's time for the Iranian government to show greater flexibility. It may have gained a few months, but in the long run, time is not on its side.
Georgia (country)
Rough and Tumble of Building Democracy in Georgia
Kenneth Yalowitz, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Denis Corboy
Leadership squabbles and instincts for retribution are testing Georgia's democracy. If leaders do not come together to strengthen the political system and governance, Georgia's future could hang in the balance.
A Principal Role in Education
Susan M. Gates
Principals are second only to teachers as the most important school factor affecting student achievement, but their contributions are often underappreciated. They establish a vision that motivates the entire community, build a school culture that supports student learning, ensure resources are used effectively, and engage with the community.
Databases and Data Collection, Analysis, and Processing
ACTA Revisited? TTIP and Data Privacy
Marlon Graf
Atlantic Community
The EU has embarked on negotiations with the U.S. on the TTIP, which shares some of ACTA's goals. This time, though, the European Commission is seeking to make the talks more transparent by publishing a series of position papers on key issues very early on in the process. This is a step in the right direction toward an agreement that will have economic benefits for a net-exporting region of intellectual property such as the EU.
Robust Decision Making
RAND's Collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Lab Shows How High-Performance Computing Could Revolutionize Decisionmaking
RAND's Emerging Policy Research and Methods Program has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's High Performance Computing Innovation Center to explore how high-performance computing could enable near-real-time policy and decision analysis through the use of complex, at-scale models.
NATO's Campaign in Libya Offers Salient Lessons for the Air War Against ISIL
Karl P. Mueller
The NATO air campaign that helped defeat Qaddafi's regime in Libya has received relatively little mention in public discussion of the ongoing air strikes against ISIS. But the campaign in Libya offers at least five lessons that deserve greater attention today.
Helping Teachers Overcome Technology Barriers in Early Childhood Education
Lindsay Daugherty, Rafiq Dossani
When it comes to helping children appreciate the benefits of using technology in a classroom setting, early childhood education providers play a critical role integrating that technology appropriately, intentionally, and productively. But these educators face myriad barriers to fulfilling these roles.
Celebrating the Success of Project Sapphire
William Courtney @courtneywmh, Susan Koch, Jeffrey Starr
Twenty years ago this week, the United States transported over 600 kilograms of at-risk, weapons-usable highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Kazakhstan to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for safekeeping. Kazakhstan had the courage to trust its new relationship with the U.S. to help prevent the proliferation of dangerous material to countries that might seek to build nuclear weapons.
The Time Is Ripe for Evidence-Based Child Policy in the UK
Barbara Janta
Open Policy Making
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Even in the UK there are still children who live in poverty and inequality, who experience violence, and who are not afforded rights on par with their peers.
Snapchat CEO Discusses App's Appeal, Future of Digital Communication
With technology a persistent theme throughout RAND's biennial Politics Aside event, it was only fitting that the proceedings closed with a conversation on social media between Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Pictures, and Evan Spiegel, the 24-year-old co-founder and CEO of Snapchat.
Disaster Recovery Operations
In the Wake of Disaster: Practical and Philosophical Challenges of Victim Compensation
When tragedy strikes, Kenneth Feinberg is often the person companies and governments turn to for help to determine appropriate monetary compensation. At RAND's Politics Aside event last week, he shared some of his thoughts on what goes into making those decisions, and why it's so important to meet with victims.
When Jihadis Come Marching Home
The existing pool of determined jihadists in America is very small and lacks training and experience, which fighting in Syria and Iraq would provide. Returning jihadi veterans would be more formidable adversaries. Still, the threat appears manageable using current U.S. laws and existing resources.
Security Cooperation
What's the Plan? The NATO Coalition in Afghanistan
Jason H. Campbell @JasonHCampbell
The imminent changes to the NATO mission in Afghanistan will be profound and, more crucially, carry unpredictable outcomes. After January 1, the removal of tens of thousands of coalition troops will trigger an inevitable period of adjustment as all sides involved in the conflict press for a new equilibrium that tilts in its favor.
N.K. WMDs Carry Catastrophic Potential
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
The Korea Herald
The failure of the United States and South Korea to prevent North Korea from gaining significant quantities of weapons of mass destruction saddles those governments with serious military responsibilities, should North Korea go to war or should its government collapse.
Veterans Health Care
Military Turns to Collaborative Care to Treat PTSD, Depression
Charles C. Engel @CharlesEngel
Psychiatric News
Collaborative care has been an important part of Army efforts to reach out to those struggling with PTSD and depression. It has brought a science-based solution to an essential military problem and has helped thousands of men and women in uniform in ways that also nudge the larger mental health system toward greater effectiveness for all Americans.
What Makes a Good Leader? Ask Pope Francis, or Lady Gaga
What makes an effective state? What makes a good leader? Panelists at RAND's Politics Aside event discussed leadership, governance, and how the service part of democracies has become too politicized.
Cost-Effectiveness in Health Care
Knowing When to Say Yes to Medical Technology
Emmett B. Keeler
CT lung cancer screening turns out to be like many new medical technologies: It improves health but is quite expensive. Moreover, it needs implementation that targets those most likely to benefit and provides them the care they need efficiently.
Health Care Delivery Approaches
Innovations in Health Care: New Treatments, Changing Systems
From the Affordable Care Act and new advances in medical technology to the impact of the aging population, panelists at RAND's Politics Aside discussed a wide-range of topics affecting America's health care system today and into the future.
Myanmar's Slow Path to Democracy
Peter Chalk
The U.S. and its allies must act decisively and provide a strong foundation for Myanmar's long-term transformation. A failure to carefully guide the country's successful transition to a civilian rule would be a missed opportunity for the Obama administration and, more important, for Myanmar's 51 million citizens.
A Thaw in Asia
Timothy R. Heath, Michael S. Chase
Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week raised hope for the near term that the leaders of both countries can ease tensions between Asia's two largest economies.
The Risks and Rewards of Emerging Markets
Emerging markets may offer challenges ranging from corruption to the threat of violence, but the rewards can be worth the risks, experts said during a panel discussion at RAND's Politics Aside event.
The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)
ISIS in Perspective
While ISIS poses a threat to the U.S., violence from the group is not likely to be aimed directly at the American homeland any time soon, according to a panel of experts who discussed the Middle East at RAND's Politics Aside event. But an attack could be mounted against the U.S. if ISIS were to establish a nation from the territory it holds in Syria and Iraq.
Investing in Resilient Cities
It's time to change the paradigm from disaster response and recovery to building resilient communities, said Judith Rodin, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, at RAND's Politics Aside event.
Setting Standards for Cyber Security
Developing international norms and standards about appropriate cyber security activity by nations, groups, and even individuals is key to governing online activity in the future, said NSA Director Adm. Michael S. Rogers during a panel discussion at RAND's Politics Aside event.
Space Science and Technology
Space Talk Launches Politics Aside
Hundreds of guests packed the Cary Grant Theatre at Sony Studios Thursday night to kick off RAND's biennial Politics Aside event with a panel discussion on space technology, policy, and leadership.
Afghanistan After America: A Fragile Stability
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
The Mark News
Since 2011, the United States, the Afghan government, and the Taliban have engaged in intermittent and often indirect talks about peace negotiations. It may be stalemate on the battlefield that eventually forces the parties to break this stalemate over the shape of a peace process.
Ignore Flap Over Obama Letter
While it is not surprising that the alleged letter from President Obama to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has upset domestic critics of the nuclear negotiations, the alleged correspondence has also unsettled Israel and Saudi Arabia, which fear a 'bad' deal with Iran and even secret collusion between Washington and Tehran. But such concerns seem unfounded.
Social Services and Welfare
Addressing SSDI's Looming Insolvency
Nicole Maestas, Philip Armour @economistphil
Social Security Disability Insurance will be unable to cover 20 percent of its scheduled benefit obligations beginning in 2016. The lack of an evidentiary base to guide policy has been one of the major impediments to the consideration of changes that could modernize the program without jeopardizing its essential safety net function.
Are Ethnic Politics Afghanistan's Great Hope?
Sean Mann
Afghanistan's ethnic politics have tended to absorb inter-communal struggle more than exacerbate it. Afghan politicians have consistently opted for an ethnic balance of power once the votes are counted. The unity government deal brokered by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry aims to restore the ethnic balance that persisted under Hamid Karzai for more than a decade.
Political Reform Movements
The Mountains Are High and the Emperor Is Far Away
Douglas Yeung @DouglasCYeung, Astrid Stuth Cevallos
Since September 22, tens of thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Hong Kong, calling for universal suffrage in the 2017 chief executive election and the resignation of current Chief Executive Chun-ying Leung. When they took to Twitter to share their ideas and mobilize support, they revealed the profound disconnect that separates elements of Hong Kong society from their mainland counterparts.
Military Caregivers
Honoring America's Veterans Requires Helping Their Families, Too
Terri Tanielian @TerriTanielian
This Veterans Day, the United States especially honors the millions of veterans living with service-related illnesses and injuries. But it's also important to recognize the sacrifices of those helping them to recover and thrive: America's 5.5 million military caregivers.
The ACA's Tax Credits Keep Premiums Low for Everyone
Christine Eibner @Chrissyeibner
The Morning Consult
The ACA's tax credits currently contain several properties that stabilize premiums while providing assistance to low- and moderate-income people. As policymakers contemplate modifications to the ACA that would affect the tax credits, it will be important to consider not only how they affect those who are eligible, but also how they affect premiums for everyone else.
Health Insurance Without an Annual Expiration Date? A Case for Exchange-Based Long-Term Policies
Harry H. Liu, Soeren Mattke
Health Affairs Blog
Multi-year health plans have the potential to finally align the interests of health plan enrollees and insurers by reaping long-term benefits of patient health management.
What's the Plan? The Afghan Government
With the election dispute having reached a settlement, one can sense a feeling of hope and opportunity among the Afghan political spectrum. Members of each camp are voicing optimism and saying the right things, but before the unity government can address the litany of issues facing the country, it must first successfully clear the hurdle of appointing new leadership.
Research Drives Ongoing Support for Veterans
On November 11, we honor the service and sacrifices of America's veterans. But as they return home and adjust to civilian life, veterans and their families face new challenges and communities struggle to meet their unique needs. Rigorous research is essential to addressing these challenges and finding long-term solutions. RAND explores key issues concerning veterans such as employment, health and well-being, family support, and education.
Global Collaboration Needs a Firmer Evidence Base
Ben Baruch @Ben_Baruch_, Cecile Hoareau McGrath, Salil Gunashekar, Joanna Chataway
Research Europe
Policymakers should carry out a robust evaluation to assess the EU's research collaboration to date and analyze its impacts. This review should also compare the EU's portfolio with the collaborative research achievements of other players in international research. Such evidence would enhance the EU's research procurement strategy.
Hitting the Pause Button: The 'Frozen Conflict' Dilemma in Ukraine
Denis Corboy, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Kenneth Yalowitz
Frozen conflicts describe places where fighting took place and has come to an end, yet no overall political solution, such as a peace treaty, has been reached. Ukraine is likely to host such conflicts for some time, in Crimea and the Donbas region. Georgia's experience offers lessons for Ukraine.
Ebola Shows America Needs Better Disaster Preparedness
Mahshid Abir, Richard Serino
Crafting an effective, whole-community strategy to respond to Ebola could stop the spread of the disease now and lay groundwork for responses to future outbreaks and other emergencies. In the long run, this could make public preparedness and resilience valuable assets for the U.S.
Engagement and Assurance: Debating the U.S.-Chinese Relationship
Michael S. Chase, Timothy R. Heath, Ely Ratner
The risks of strategic rivalry with China deserve serious attention. But the best way to avoid the destabilizing effects of military competition is sustained U.S. engagement with China and the region -- precisely what U.S. policy has been seeking to achieve.
Access to Technology Is Key to Early Childhood Education
For children from all income classes to benefit from the proper use of technology in early childhood education, providers, families, and children themselves must have access to an adequate technology infrastructure, including devices, connectivity, and software.
Republicans May Make Gains in Midterm Election, but Democrats Remain Strong Nationally
Katherine Grace Carman @KGCarman, Michael Pollard @MichaelSPollard
The Republican Party has a strong chance of maintaining control of the House of Representatives and possibly even gaining control of the Senate. But survey results suggest that, while individual races may vary, support for Republican candidates nationwide may be less than support for Democratic candidates.
Adults Are Concerned About Sons Playing Football, Especially the More Highly Educated and Obama 2012 Voters
According to new data, 44 percent of American adults wouldn't be comfortable letting their sons play football. Roughly the same percentage was uncomfortable with their sons playing ice hockey.


For the first time, parents claiming Universal Credit with children aged 3 and 4 are now required to look for work or risk having their benefits sanctioned.
Over 220,000 parents are due to be affected by this change, reports Gingerbread.
Around 75% of those affected will be single parents.
Over 165,000 single parents of pre-school aged children are at risk of poverty and debt as a result of these new work search conditions.
Over 25,000 single parents in London alone are expected to be affected.
This new rule will force parents to choose between spending time with their child and being sanctioned, or spend vast sums on childcare to be sanction free.
Many single parents can't afford childcare as it has risen four times faster than wages since 2008.
Furthermore, many single parents aren't entitled to the free 30 hours of childcare offer, as to be eligible for this you must be working at least 16 hours a week earning the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage.
Alison Taylor, Director of Operations at Turn2us, said: "We are concerned this policy risks pushing families with very young children into poverty. We see on a daily basis families already struggling to make ends meet.
If you have been affected by these issues, visit our 'Bringing up a child' page to find help.


Both boys and girls who love space toys and the excitement that they bring will love this amazing wooden toy rocket ship.
This fun toy features a detachable spaceship which can go and explore the stars and beyond which adds an extra dimension to play time.
The fun features of this imaginative set includes a detachable loading ramp, over 25 colorful pieces, including astronauts, robots and even aliens, 2 Space vehicles for exploring uncharted planets and a functioning space crane to pick up space rocks .
Functioning crane to pick up space rocks.


Colton Underwood (born January 26, 1992) is an American footballer, Reality Television Personality and Social Media Sensation from Indianapolis (USA). Initially, he played for the Illinois State University for two years. Colton has signed as an undrafted free agent by San Diego Charges since 2014.
At that time, he got the chance to be teams like the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Raiders. Mr. Underwood holds the position of the tight end in the team. However, he has taken retirement from football. Presently, he is ready to be in "The Bachelor" Season 23.
The reality show aired on the ABC channel on Jan 7, 2019, at 8 p.m. In fact, there are 30 females from various professions try to win the heart of Colton. Recently, all the participants come together have introduced in the mansion.
The 30 contestants of the reality series "The Bachelor Season 23" (2019) are Alex B, Angelique, Annie, Bri, Caelynn, Caitlin, Cassie, Catherine, Courtney, and many more.
Aly Raisman's Ex-Boyfriend was born on the 26th of January 1992 in Indianapolis (Indiana, USA). At Present, Colton Underwood's age is 26 years old. He is the smart and talented son of Scott Underwood (father) and Donna Underwood (mother).
Connor Underwood is his brother. He studied in the St. Patrick's Catholic Grade School. Later on, Underwood transfers to the Washington Central Middle School. He took admission in the Washington Community High School (Washington, Illinois).
Colton did his higher studies from Illinois State University. During that time, he has played football for Illinois Redbirds team.
Colton Underwood Ex-Girlfriend Aly Raisman.
However, his love turns out to be complicated. He dated gymnast Aly Raisman. Soon, he linked with "Paradise" famed actress Tia Booth. Underwood left the show in the 5th week.
Full Birth Name Colton Underwood.
Famous For Appearing in "The Bachelor" Season 23 show.
Date of Birth (DOB), Birthday 26th of January 1992.
Current Residence Indianapolis (Indiana, USA).
Height (Tall) Feet & Inches: 6' 3".
Dating History? In a relationship with "Paradise" show famed Tia Booth.
School 1. St. Patrick's Catholic Grade School.
2. Washington Central Middle School.
Alma Mater Illinois State University.
Favorite Celebrities Actor: Gary Oldman.
Love to do Yoga, Swimming, Traveling & Exercising.
He got his tight end position in the San Diego.
Though, Aly's ex-lover is not the part of football now.
On the other hand, he makes his contribution to the social worker.
The 26-year-old reality star is the founder of Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation in 2016.
Therefore, Colton Underwood's net worth for 2018 is $1 Million US Dollars (USD).
In fact, the motive of the NGO is to raise funds for cystic fibrosis disease treatment and research.
Recently, he also started the legacy projects for the severe the lung issues in the children.
After his break-up with Aly, he talks about his virginity.
He took part in different shows like "The Bachelorette" and "Paradise".
However, he did get success to find true love.
Colton came to the 14th season of Bachelorette along with celebrity Becca Kufrin.
Now, he is busy with his upcoming show "The Bachelor" (2019).
He met some contestants in "The Ellen DeGeneres Show".


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