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The Milch Studies - NYPD Blue Season Five, The Wrap-Up
By 1997, NYPD Blue had been a solid hit for four years, leaving Steven Bochco and David Milch as in-demand TV producers, with offers coming in from every network. Fall 1997 saw the debut of two new Milch/Bochco co-creations, Total Security on ABC and Brooklyn South on CBS. Total Security didn't even air the contracted thirteen episodes, and died a quiet death on Saturday evening television. I have only a vague idea of what the show was supposed to be about, and I doubt there's anywhere online where you can watch the series. The opening credits are on Youtube, however, and boy does this show look horrific. (It did feature Dexter's dad, though.)
The other series didn't fare much better, but Brooklyn South did manage to run for a full season on CBS. I'll have more on that one later, but it's significant now to note that Milch seemed as invested in Brooklyn South as he was in Blue. Given that there are only so many hours in a day, something had to give. The result is the weakest season of Blue so far, one with too many stories that had little or no payoff.
What Was The Point of THAT?
Three main candidates for that category this year…
Det. Martinez and Det. Medavoy both become new fathers this season. Did these events impact their lives in any way? Did we see the mothers give birth? Did we ever see the mothers again? Why were we supposed to care in the first place?
Naomi, the PAA with a secret, spills her guts one episode to Bobby Simone. Bobby listens to her speech and smiles, and apparently the audience is supposed to see a parallel between Bobby's feelings for Diane and…Naomi's love of America? Even if you forgive that scene, why was Naomi's story dropped midseason, and essentially resolved off-camera? Also, when she did return to just spell out how her story arc has ended, why did that scene occur while Bobby was out working a case? I realize that does add some realism to the show, not everyone you want to have a conversation with is conveniently at his desk when you drop by, but it's dramatically unfulfilling.
It might be considered tasteless to list this story under this category, but if we're being honest -- what was the point of Diane's miscarriage? Miscarriage stories are difficult to begin with -- you're essentially preparing the audience for an event that they're never going to see happen -- but doing this arc in the midst of a season that already feels aimless was a poor decision. I think, perhaps, the miscarriage was intended to play some role in Bobby and Diane's long-delayed wedding, but the episodes never leave you with that impression. In fact, Bobby and Diane already seem close to marriage at the beginning of the year, before she even learns she's pregnant.
Griping about the aimlessness of the season is fun, but I don't want to leave the impression that the show is suddenly terrible. Even if this is the year the show transforms into a procedural, that doesn't mean it's bad TV. The characters are still entertaining, the policework is occasionally clever, and you rarely leave an episode feeling as if your time has been wasted. It's not as sharp as it used to be, but it's still a competently executed drama with a solid cast.
Two of the best episodes from this era of the show are the "Lost Israel" two-parter, written by David Milch and Ted Mann, which feature a homeless man falsely accused of murder who only communicates by pointing to Bible verses. Not only do you see the detectives legitimately flummoxed by a case this time, but the rigid structure of the show is abandoned to allow the story to play out over two episodes and several days. And if you've seen David Milch's speeches online, you'd know that some of the most disturbing aspects of this case come from his own childhood.
"A Box of Wendy" is another classic episode from this year, featuring a suspect who's murdered his sister and hidden her inside a wooden box he's crafted. He's such a great craftsman, though, that everyone who sees this box wants to take it home, which leads to the body being discovered. Later, after being continually frustrated by the detectives' refusal to give him a real Coca-Cola, not Sprite, he declares that he'll confess in exchange for a full two-liter bottle. Both this story and the idea of a mute homeless man who uses the Bible to communicate seem rather absurd for a show grounded in reality, but the execution in both episodes is hard to criticize. Also, I can't find any confirmation for this now, but I'm almost positive I've read before that both incidents were inspired by real cases brought to the show by Bill Clark.
Season Lowlights
I can't single out a specific episode as being a lowlight, but I do have to mention just how dramatic situations can suddenly become this year. For instance, as good as "Lost Israel" is, there's a lot of ugly-face, snot flying everywhere crying and screaming scenes that are hard to watch. Later in the year, the detectives also become weirdly emotional in a few scenes, like when Bobby breaks down in tears after a heroin-addicted mother eagerly rats out her two sons. In any other episode, Bobby would be happy to have a mother ready to turn in her kids after a crime -- we've seen Bobby himself go out of his way to talk moms into ratting out their kids in the past. Now it gets him all weepy? There's also a melodramatic scene that has Sipowicz practically having a mental breakdown after a child molester suggests that Sipowicz receives a similar sick joy by beating suspects. I can't imagine Sipowicz as we know him really caring either way what a skell thinks about him.
In terms of sheer irritation, nothing got to me more than the season finale, which turns into a non-paid commercial for Viagra in more than one scene. The exchange between Sipowicz and Dr. Mondzac, which has them slowly spelling out what Viagra is ("You mean it's a pill?"), is bad enough, but the predictable Viagra jokes, which were everywhere in 1998, are just painful to watch.
Speaking of Dr. Mondzac, over the course of two seasons, we've seen him go from emergency room surgeon to dementia care expert to cancer specialist to Viagra salesman. What a doctor!
NYPD Blue began airing in reruns the summer before the season, which might explain why Haverall, a forgotten character from the early episodes (one of Fancy's evil white bosses), is retroactively revealed as the conspirator behind the previous year's cliffhanger. I have a suspicion Milch and the writers were watching the reruns and suddenly remembered the guy.
"Honeymoon at Viagra Falls" is the second season finale that has Greg Medavoy meeting a potential love interest that's never seen again. Also, the actress that Medavoy swears looks just like Donna doesn't resemble Gail O'Grady in any way, outside of a helmet of blonde hair.
"Three Girls and a Baby" is the only episode of the show so far to feature the cast working the night tour (the 4-12 shift). Night tour is often referenced on the show, the implication being that most of the detectives on that tour are either lazy or incompetent. It's my understanding that everyone takes turns working the night tour in real life, though, so I'm glad at least one episode acknowledged this. However, I'm not sure why the entire cast is all working the night tour together…wouldn't this be a great opportunity to pair one of the regulars with a bit player we rarely see? I'd love to see Sipowicz paired with the hapless Det. Stuart Morrissey for one episode.
I Love the '90s
Det. Martinez debuts a new Caesar cut in the season premiere, which everyone in the cast feels a need to comment on during one scene. It's gone by the end of the year, thankfully, but it is a rare occurrence of a male actor on the show displaying a trendy haircut. Jimmy Smits also enters the season with a very short haircut; it doesn't last, but he never grows it out as long as the half-mullet he previously sported.
Hey, Isn't That...?
"Prostrate Before the Law" brings us a young Michael Cudliz (Abraham from The Walking Dead) as a member of an anti-government militia. Cudliz's xenophobic character irritates Bobby so much, he ends up blurting his entire backstory out to him, revealing information the audience has never discovered. We also have Terrence Howard (credited as "Terrence Dashon Howard") in the episode "Hammer Time" (a reference to a crack-addicted couple killing a baby with a hammer) in an extremely tiny role. He's likely the only actor later nominated for an Oscar who appears in a bit part, unless Amy Adams is an episode and I forgot. (Oh wait, Jonah Hill has a very small role later on, so small he doesn't receive an Act 1 credit, and there's Paul Giamatti who's briefly in the 1994 episode "You Bet Your Life" as "Man in Sleeping Bag.")
Next time…I scour the internet for bootleg VHS copies of Total Security. Or, more likely, I'll watch Brooklyn South episodes on Youtube. Well, I was going to, but they've just been deleted...
Posted by G. Kendall on June 14, 2016
Labels: NYPD Blue, The Milch Studies, TV
Go Blue August 5, 2020 at 3:36 AM
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer appeared on two episodes as different characters. And Mahershala Ali also appeared in an episode and was a standout.
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NBL Preview - 6 & 7 January 2018
Friday 5th January 2018
Hemel Storm v Loughborough Students Riders
Saturday 6 January 2018 – 7.00pm
In early December, this game was snowed off and is now being replayed as both teams will look to book a place in the National Cup Final later this month. The previous subplot here was that these teams met on the weekend before this game was originally scheduled to take place, providing back to back fixtures in D1M and then the National Cup. But with the snow, the rest of December then the Christmas break, it remains to be seen how much of an effect that Loughborough win in D1M will now have. Still, Loughborough took home an 86-73 win in that game and that result will be well known to both sides this weekend regardless of the time that has now passed.
Hemel's Lee Greenan has been a great addition after signing in the summer from Ipswich - Linda Titmuss
Division 1 Men
Kent Crusaders (3-7) v Worthing Thunder (8-3)
Kent will be hoping that the winter break has cooled off Worthing's hot form as the Thunder have won 6 in a row in D1M heading into 2018. Included in that run were wins in Manchester and at home vs Loughborough, showing that Worthing are a force to be reckoned with this season behind Zaire Taylor, Brendan Okoronkwo and Jorge Ebanks. For the Crusaders, they're trending in the opposite direction. 5 straight losses will have former D1M Coach of the Year Lloyd Gardner focusing his team on a new year and a new start. Kent need to leave their previous form well behind them in 2017 if they're going to start moving up the standings.
Worthing forward Josh Goddard, "I feel that we've settled back into training nicely. We've managed to stay in shape over the festive period as we are keen to continue our winning ways and start off the business end of the year just how we finished the first half."
Reading Rockets (7-3) v Lancashire Spinners (0-11)
The only team in D1M double header action this weekend, Reading ease back into their schedule with an appealing home fixture against the winless Spinners. This game represents an opportunity for the Rockets to bounce back to winning ways after closing out 2017 with a disappointing road loss to Bradford, dropping that game 82-67. Lancashire did show signs of life as they closed their own 2017 schedule, also taking on the Dragons before coming up short by single digits in a 79-73 defeat. If the Spinners can continue to keep games close going into the 4th quarter, there is a chance something will go their way sooner or later.
Reading Rockets Head Coach Manuel Peña Garcés "I am really looking forward to getting the players back in after the Christmas break and working really hard to be the best team we can in the second part of the season. We have had a good first part of the year but there are still a lot of improvements to be made and I know the group will come back in fresh and ready to go and rise to the challenges that lay in front of us."
Derby Trailblazers (4-7) v Bradford Dragons (5-6)
The third and final fixture of a quiet D1M Saturday, Bradford will travel to Derby with both teams buoyed by recent good form. The Dragons come into this one after victories over Reading and Spinners, with that Rockets result a particular highlight for the Yorkshire side. Derby looked to be losing ground on the teams around them before a late surge of their own, taking 2 of their last 3 to end the year. A home win against last season's league winners Northumbria and a road triumph in Manchester, this Trailblazers team has a lot to feel confident about moving into 2018. If they can grab both points here they'll be right back in the mix for the playoffs, a position that looked unlikely 6 weeks ago.
Bradford's Joaquin Calvo takes aim against Reading - Alex Daniel Photography
Team Solent Kestrels (9-2) v Hemel Storm (7-4)
Sunday 7 January 2018 – 2.30pm
A tasty tie for the neutral, league leaders Solent welcome a side who have also held the D1M top spot this season in Hemel. With the Storm coming off the back of their National Cup Semi-Final on Saturday, it remains to be seen how that will affect them both mentally and physically. With the Kestrels enjoying an up-tempo style to their game, that might not bode well for the visitors if they are feeling the effects of 2 games in as many days, especially with Solent fresh off a break over Christmas. Still, Hemel are a well drilled outfit under Coach Youngblood and will no doubt be a tough test regardless of the circumstances.
Reading Rockets (7-3) v Team Newcastle University (4-10)
Rounding out their home double-header, Reading take on a Team Newcastle side that has grown into the D1M campaign as it has worn on. 1-7 to start the season and 3-3 since, the North East outfit will be looking to keep their momentum going into 2018. .500 basketball will be a good effort from the newly promoted side if they can maintain that pace the rest of the way. Reading's aspirations will be much higher though as they continue to jostle at the top of the standings, they'll want nothing less than full points from this weekend's pair of games.
Division 1 Women
Southwark Pride (5-4) v Team Solent Kestrels (2-8)
Southwark open their 2018 schedule with a tie that helped decide last season's D1W regular season title. But times have changed and both sides face a different fate this time round. With 4 losses to their name already, the Pride may have a tough time catching Bristol, Oxford and especially Essex, but they can still set their sights on playoff success at the very least. The Kestrels currently occupy one of the D1W's potential relegation spots in 11th. Picking up points will be the priority to move away from that position as soon as possible, but it might not happen this weekend.
Lancashire Spinners (6-3) v Essex Blades (7-1)
One of the tougher fixtures for the Blades as they control their own destiny in D1W, Lancashire are a strong outfit this season. Winning 3 straight on their own court, confidence will be high for the Spinners and that should make for a competitive game here. Like Southwark, a title charge could be out of reach unless results go their way, but the possibility of a strong finish to the season and a lengthy playoff run is certainly attainable. Essex have already defeated Lancashire 66-48 to open the season and aside from a 1-point loss to Bristol, their D1W season to date has been faultless. They'll be a tough nut to crack here but the Spinners will give it their all on Saturday afternoon.
BA London Lions II (2-5) v Oxford Brookes University (7-2)
Hoping to capitalise on any kind of slip up by Essex, Oxford Brookes will head to London to take on a Lions side that underwhelmed to end 2017. Wins against Team Birmingham and Solent suggested form might be on the up for BA after an 0-4 start, but a home loss to Loughborough to enter the Christmas break means that may not be the case. That'll be something Oxford will look to take advantage of, whilst also drawing from an 83-64 victory over the Lions to open the season back in early October. Since that initial meeting, both these sides have trended in different directions. That suggests an Oxford win this weekend, but nothing is guaranteed in the NBL.
Reading Rockets (5-3) v Bristol Academy Flyers (7-2)
December saw Reading drop a game on the road to the previously winless Anglia Ruskin, but they bounced back well to beat Loughborough in their final game of 2017. With a win over Bristol but a loss to Oxford as well as that Anglia Ruskin result, it's hard to gauge where the Rockets line up in D1W so far. They still have Essex to play twice, that will also provide a good indicator for this side. As the only team to beat Essex so far, Bristol's plan is clear. They're firmly in the mix for a run at the D1W title and will want to start 2018 with a win. The important part of the Flyers schedule looks to be in late February and early March when they play @Southwark, @Essex and v Oxford. Until then, they need to make sure they keep dropped points to a minimum.
Team Birmingham Elite (3-6) v Anglia Ruskin University (1-8)
Anglia Ruskin's season finally got underway in December as a first win of the campaign at least ended their run of defeats. With a game here against a newly promoted side, a victory would start to close the gap between the Rhinos and the pack above, providing real hope of moving away from the foot of the table in January and February. Birmingham won in their last game of 2017, a 63-55 victory over Solent, but they suffered 6 straight defeats before that. This one could be finely balanced, with the potential for both teams to really help themselves with a win.
Liverpool (7-4) v Thames Valley Cavaliers (9-2)
If Liverpool are to mount a serious challenge for a top 2 place, winning this weekend is of real importance. Anything can happen the rest of the way but after the first half of the season it could be that promotion will be decided at around the 4 loss mark. Kent and Team Newcastle only lost 3 times on their way to D1M promotion last season, so dropping a 5th game here could be bad news for Liverpool. If Thames Valley are finally going to realise their own ambition and seal promotion, this is a game they really need to win as well. David Ulph's availability could be a factor in deciding this one, he's a big player for Liverpool when they can get him on the court.
Liverpool's David Ulph has been in fine form this season - Liverpool
London Westside (2-7) v Middlesex LTBC (2-8)
After confirmation that Middlesex have been docked 4 points for 2 forfeited fixtures in 2017, they are now the side propping up D2M to begin 2018. Still, they can take immediate steps in trying to correct that as they face the team they just displaced at the bottom of the league in Westside on Saturday. LTBC triumphed when these two sides met to open the season back in October and will like their chances in this one but don't count Westside out due to their record. One of their wins this season was at home to Liverpool, showing they can be competitive on their day.
Team Birmingham Elite (4-6) v Nottingham Hoods (10-0)
Nottingham Hoods managed to make it to the Christmas break not only top of D2M, but undefeated to boot. How much longer they can keep that streak going may well determine if they can secure promotion and a potential league title. Impressively, of their 10 wins to date, 6 were on the road and once the Hoods reach February, 4 of their final 6 games are on their own court. It's a different story for Birmingham though. 1-3 at home in 2017, there hasn't been much of an advantage for the Elite when they've stayed in the West Midlands and if they're going to continue a decent first season in D2M, you feel the side need to correct that trend. This weekend will be a tough place to start though.
London Greenhouse Pioneers (2-7) v Sussex Bears (4-7)
Another side with a reasonable start to life in D2M, Sussex, like Birmingham, also have 4 wins to their name. 6 wins saw Doncaster relegated last season and 7 saw Liverpool safe, so that will be the immediate goal for the Bears. With victories over Essex and Westminster already, Sussex may feel they can aim for more ambitious goals if they can get some form together in 2018. The Pioneers will simply be looking for as many points as possible. With just 2 victories on the season, they're in the mix at the bottom. One of their wins so far was on the road in Sussex and the Pioneers would love to make it 2 for 2 on the season Sunday.
Essex Leopards (5-2) v Westminster Warriors (5-5)
The 2nd meeting of the season between the two sides relegated from D1M a season ago, Essex will be hoping that home court advantage helps them to securing another win against Westminster. It should be a familiar affair as well with the Warriors sporting a number of former Leopards' players on their current roster. Mike Martin, Tosin Oyelese, Justin Hitchmans and Mantis Adomantis are all potential selections for the visitors this weekend against their former club. Look for the hosts to lean on captain Dougie Bennett, who spent the winter break training with the Scotland squad ahead of next April's Commonwealth Games
Elsewhere in the NBL
D2W North leaders Ipswich are getting ready for the National Cup Final later this month but begin 2018 by facing off at home against Northamptonshire Titans on Saturday before welcoming Nottingham Trent Wildcats to Suffolk on Sunday. The only game in D2W South sees 7th placed Surrey Goldhawks hosting 6th placed Folkestone Saints.
There's a 3-way tie atop D3M South entering 2018. That should be split this weekend though as leaders Northants Tauras travel to Swindon, 2nd placed Greenwich Titans host Essex Blades and 3rd placed Oxford Brookes don't have a game.
Myerscough College continue to lead the way atop D3M North and have just 1 loss to their name. They welcome Stoke-on-Trent Knights to the North West on Saturday. 2nd placed team Sunderland are only 2 points behind but have 3 more losses on the year than Myerscough, they face Worcester Wolves II this weekend.
Huish Taunton Tigers and Bristol Academy Flyers II continue to be closely matched in D4M South West, with the Tigers holding a narrow 2-point advantage at the top right now. That could stretch up to 4 points this weekend as Bristol have no game and Taunton head to Oxford to face the Hoops on Sunday.
After an unbeaten 2017, BC Medelynas continue to sit pretty at the top of D4M South East. They'll look to stay perfect on the season as they welcome Norfolk Titans to the Capital Saturday whilst 2nd placed Barking Abbey must head to Anglia Ruskin.
In the D4M Midlands division, Northants Thunder lead the way at 9-2 with Derby Trailblazers II at 8-0 in 2nd place. Those 2 meet in Northants on Sunday in what should be an excellent game. If Team Derby in 3rd want to close the gap with the top 2, they'll need to win on the road against Charnwood College Riders.
And finally, looking North in D4M sees Calderdale Explorers still without a loss at 11-0. That record will face a stiff test against 2nd placed Blackpool who at 10-1 look the main rivals to the Explorers at the moment.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I've been single for a little while now (I only have one cat, so far...), and whilst I'm a pretty independent sort, I am also secretly a bit of an old romantic at heart (sssh, don't tell anyone!). It would be lovely to meet someone who thinks I am hilarious (I am), likes cooking, appreciates nature, enjoys exporing either near or afar, and who can appreciate the random and the obscure (i.e. Me).
Amoson hasn't asked any friends to write a recommendation yet.


In this post we will integrate Apache Tiles 3 with Spring MVC 4, using annotation-based configuration. Apache Tiles is a template based, composite view framework: it allows to reuse page pieces across the application, keeping consistent look and feel. Page layouts in general contains several page-fragments like header,footer, menu & content. In a consistent layout, only content changes between page navigation while other page fragments like header,footer & menu remains fixed most of the time.
Tiles allows developers to define these page fragments which can be assembled into complete pages at run time.
Let's now add the content mentioned in above structure explaining each in detail.
Apart from usual Spring dependencies, We have also added few dependencies for Apache Tiles 3. Additional dependencies can be added for more advanced tiles usage. Maven Apache-tiles page lists all the dependencies from basic to advanced usages.
Configure tiles in Spring Application configuration file.
* Configure ViewResolvers to deliver preferred views.
Highlights of above configurations are TilesConfigurer & TilesViewResolver. TilesConfigurer simply configures a TilesContainer using a set of files containing definitions, to be accessed by TilesView instances. Definition files are basically XML files containing layout definitions.
In our Spring MVC application, we also need a ViewResolver. Spring comes with a Tiles specific ViewResolver named TilesViewResolver. Once configured, the view names returned from your controller methods will be treated as tiles view and Spring will look for a definition having the same name in definitions XML files.
In above definition file, we have defined a base-definition and several other definitions extending base-definition. Other defintions are just overwriting the part they are specialized for. template attribute in definition-block is used to specify the actual layout file. Each of the definition (by name) can be treated as a tiles-view.
In our case we have defined a basic layout [/WEB-INF/views/tiles/layouts/defaultLayout.jsp] pinned with definition using template attribte.
This layout file provides the consistent look-n-feel across your application. If you want to change layout, define a corresponding layout file and attach to the definition using template attribute.
As you can see, we have a header,footer,menu & body. We are using tags-tiles tag library to provide the placeholder within layout file. Attributes specified using insertAttribute will be provided by corresponding definition(or the one extending it).
We have created some default views[used when the extending definition does not overwrite them] and some specific ones.
Look at each of these controller methods. The returned value from them is treated as tiles-view [Thanks to TilesViewResolver] and corresponding tiles-definition gets consulted.
Now build the war (either by eclipse as was mentioned in previous tutorials) or via maven command line( mvn clean install). Deploy the war to a Servlet 3.0 container . Since here i am using Tomcat, i will simply put this war file into tomcat webapps folder and click on startup.bat inside tomcat/bin directory.
If you prefer to deploy from within Eclipse using tomcat: For those of us, who prefer to deploy and run from within eclipse, and might be facing difficulties setting Eclipse with tomcat, the detailed step-by-step solution can be found at : How to setup tomcat with Eclipse.
Click on different menu items to see the content gets changes while preserving the actual look-n-feel.
If you like tutorials on this site, why not take a step further and connect me on Facebook , Google Plus & Twitter as well? I would love to hear your thoughts on these articles, it will help improve further our learning process.
Copyright © 2014-2017 WebSystique.com. All rights reserved.


GSC's IBRS Reservation Starts!! | Wcloudx (kumo)'s Blog - Ramblings about Figures, Gunpla, & More!!
« Alter's Misty Reservation Starts!!
This new 1/8 scale figure of "Insane Black Rock Shooter" from Black Rock Shooter TV Animation, will be available next year in June 2013 by Good Smile Company for 13,800 Yen retail price. Hobby Search is taking reservations for her as of today.
This entry was posted on December 26, 2012 at 12:43 pm and is filed under Figures, Good Smile Company, Reservations.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


With free Wi-Fi, this studios includes an outdoor dining area, a seating area with sofa and satellite flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchenette with electric kettle. The private bathroom includes a shower and hairdryer. Pets are not allowed in this unit.


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A Blog about the Evolution of Civilizations
— Main Menu —Home Blog	- Cliodynamica: Recent Posts - Popular Posts and Series Cliodynamics	- Cliodynamics: History as Science - Cliodynamics: the Journal of Quantitative History and Cultural Evolution - Seshat: Global History Databank - Age of Discord II Research	- Research Interests - Academic Publications - Popular Articles - Talk Slides - Scholarly Reviews - Current Research Books	- Ages of Discord - Ultrasociety - Secular Cycles - War and Peace and War - Historical Dynamics - Complex Population Dynamics - Quantitative Analysis of Movement Press Events About	- Curriculum Vitae Contact
Cliodynamica: Recent Posts
Popular Posts and Series
Cliodynamics
Cliodynamics: History as Science
Cliodynamics: the Journal of Quantitative History and Cultural Evolution
Seshat: Global History Databank
Age of Discord II
Talk Slides
Ages of Discord
Ultrasociety
Secular Cycles
War and Peace and War
Historical Dynamics
Complex Population Dynamics
Quantitative Analysis of Movement
The New Caliphate: Part V. The Third Option
Caliphate, Iraq, Islamic State, Metaethnic frontiers, Syria
In Part IV of this series I considered two of the three possible options for dealing with ISIS: all-out war to destroy it and the middle route, to use the Western air force to contain and degrade the Islamic caliphate, with the view of eventually destroying it, especially if the local forces on the ground (Syrian and Iraqi Shiites, Kurds) prove to be effective in battling ISIS. My conclusion was that these two options are not really different. The main problem is that they perpetuate the West-Islamic metaethnic frontier, and thus an evolutionary pressure cooker that selects for the most capable and most ruthless armed groups.
We can find a fitting historical analogy for what to expect in the previous period that this region was on a West-Islam metaethnic frontier — the 12th century, after the First Crusade (1099) resulted in the establishment of Christian principalities in the Holy Land.
That frontier became an incubating ground for jihadist groups of which the most successful were the Ayyubids. This family of Kurdish origins, whose most famous member was Saladin, came to prominence in Tikrit and Mosul (do these place names sound familiar?) as generals leading Islamic troops against the Crusaders. When Saladin died in 1194, he was a ruler of a huge state that extended from Syria and northern Iraq to Egypt and Yemen.
Saladin after the battle of Hattin, in which he destroyed the Crusader army. Source
Metaethnic frontiers breed strong, expansionary states. Thus, on both theoretical grounds and in light of historical analogies, it appears that military pressure from the U.S. and allies, whether constrained or aggressive, will lead to the same general outcome: an ever more cohesive, militant and predatory Islamic Caliphate. It might not be the present group, ISIS, but a successor; just like ISIS is a successor of Zarqawi's Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Saladin's empire at its greatest extent, c. 1188.
What about the third option, that of complete withdrawal from the region?
A fitting historical analogy is what happened in the Middle East after 1300. That date is significant because it is roughly when this region ceased to be a metaethnic frontier. This resulted from two developments. First, the Mamluks, the Islamic "slave-soldiers" who took over Saladin's empire, destroyed the last Crusader state, the County of Tripoli in 1289. Second, the Mongol empire of Il-Khans, which ruled Persia and most of Iraq, converted to Islam in 1295.
The disappearance of the medieval metaethnic frontier put an end to further state-building in Mesopotamia and Levant until the 19th century, when the Western Great Powers again started making inroads into this region. Syria and Iraq became backwaters of other imperial states: the Egyptian Mamluks, a series of empires built by dynasties of Central Asian origin and finally the Ottoman Turks (ultimately, all those polities, including the Mamluks, were governed by elites of Central Asian origins).
When the Ottoman Empire was dismantled after World War I, this region was known for its weak states. There was much internal instability and some interstate warfare within the region, but certainly nothing like a jihadist Caliphate with world ambitions. In other words, we see the operation of the same principle, but in reverse: Whereas metaethnic frontiers breed strong states, lack of such frontiers results in weak states.
The withdrawal of Western military presence from the Middle East will remove one of the most important factors feeding the growth of a militantly expansionary Caliphate. It will not stop wars in this region. Continuing conflicts will be driven by religious divisions between the Shiites and the Sunnis, and ethnic divisions among the Kurds, the Arabs and the Turks. Additionally, the impetus for state-building delivered by the ill-considered invasion and occupation of Iraq will take many years, indeed decades, to run its course. There is no easy solution to the tangle of challenges in the Middle East. But at least Option 3, the withdrawal, will terminate the environmental conditions favoring the evolution of cohesive and ruthless state-building groups with extra-regional ambitions.
A policy of disengagement is a difficult option to contemplate, and goes entirely against the grain of almost all mainstream discourse on the subject. I understand why this is so: everybody wants evil to be defeated. But we must consider the consequences of our actions, no matter how well-intentioned they are. In the long run, a complete withdrawal will result in much less human misery inflicted on this unfortunate region than continual attempts by the West to solve its problems by military means.
Note on the margin: It's worth stressing that so far my focus in this series has been on Mesopotamia and Levant. The argument I make is that the best thing the West could do for people inhabiting this region is to leave them alone. That, of course, opens up other questions: what to do about the ISIS metastases outside the region? And what would the dynamics be in Mesopotamia, if the West withdraws? These are questions for other posts (assuming there is interest).
al loomis April 1, 2016 at 1:43 am
withdrawal seems impossible. political mechanisms in the west, notably in the usa where market expansion drives, and a weak electorate offers little resistance to militarism, will result in endless war.
the character and intellect of american leadership is unlikely to bend the course of leviathan.
madison aimed at stability, and effectively achieved political immobility.
"I do not know if the people of the United States would vote for superior men if they ran for office, but there can be no doubt that such men do not run."
― Alexis de Tocqueville, Tocqueville: Democracy in America
Lee Doran April 1, 2016 at 6:24 am
Yes, Peter, there definitely is interest! More please! This analysis is fascinating! The way you draw on historically analagous situations to illustrate your points is very convincing. Keep going please!
All best regards,
Daniel González April 1, 2016 at 7:14 am
Be sure I'm very interested, Peter, as much as pleased for your analysis.
DaShui April 1, 2016 at 9:16 am
So the incursion by the ottomans into Europe around 1500 led to the development of the early modern states?
If so, recent massive Muslim immigration will lead to a resurgence of strong European states in the future.
Tom St.Clair April 1, 2016 at 9:20 am
I tend to agree with Al that the political and economic forces in the U.S.arrayed in support of continued military intervention in the Mideast are substantial, and public memory of the disasters in Iraq astonishingly short. Still, I think this analysis is extremely valuable whether or not it gains enough traction to prevent more near-term policy mistakes, and I admire Peter's courage in applying the tools of his extensive research to current problems. Thank you, and please continue.
Edward Turner April 1, 2016 at 9:36 am
An important point is that the polities of the Middle East have frequently been ruled by "foreign elites" or elites who are minorities compared to the majority. Assad's Arab Alawite-ruled Syria is an example – the same could be said about Saudi Arabia. The elites are a minority with a different culture to the majority.
So, if the resident culture of the majority of the inhabitants isn't conducive to a strong state and an expansionary empire, that is no barrier to the formation of one. This culture could be imported with the arrival of new elites, who bring with them their own organizing system.
The emergence of the state of Israel in the 20th century is essentially another example as the region was majority Arab in the early years of the century.
To some extent this happens elsewhere (rulers possess their own minority culture) but the fact that the Middle East is a geographic crossroads probably makes it much more likely to happen and also for upstarts to receive outside help from existing powers who have interests in the region.
ISIS was helped by foreign powers and likewise Saladin was supported by the Christian Byzantines.
What matters is not the size of the polygon but the quality of life within it for the majority of people.
TheUntergangMan April 1, 2016 at 11:09 am
Is it possible that the state of Israel creates a similar metaethnic frontier in the Levant? After all, it's an overtly religious state, culturally distinct from the natives, supported by foreign subsidies, widely perceived to be invasive, and occupying much of the same territory as the medieval Crusader states.
Ross Hartshorn April 1, 2016 at 11:45 am
I certainly would look forward to more analysis!
I wonder, though, if the non-intervention route would really result in the absence of a meta-ethnic frontier. Wouldn't the presence of Israel, with its many strong connections (economic, political, and cultural) to Europe, still create one? It would seem to put Israel in the same situation as the last of the Crusader Kingdoms, with the substantial difference that they are the strongest military power in the region. I think any war between Israel and their neighbors will be seen by the non-Israelis as a war between themselves and the West, even if we thought we had withdrawn.
I also wonder at the assertion that support of proxies would be the same as direct intervention. When drone strikes from the air it certainly would seem little different from direct intervention, but advanced weaponry in the hands of the Kurds (to give one example) would still seem more like a fight between Kurd and Arab, I think.
Lastly, I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the meta-ethnic frontier between Russia and the Arabs. Russia is at least as entangled in Syria as the West, right now, and is not precisely part of the West, culturally (although perhaps they are also not precisely NOT part of the West, either). What do you think the impact would be if the West were withdrawn but Russia continue to back Syria, etc.? Would that still be enough to provide the conditions for strong state-building?
Richard April 1, 2016 at 12:24 pm
The US has been isolationist (or confined its overseas adventures to the Americas) before.
I think the dynamics of immigration are different.
They do not form a meta-ethnic frontier (but do affect states in other ways).
How is Saudi Arabia ruled by a minority culture?
Sunnis predominate there, and Saudi Sunnis seem to have been quite Wahhabized.
Yep, the US may be able to withdraw from the Arab world (especially when it becomes less reliant on Middle Eastern oil), but so long as Israel is there, the Shiite vs. Sunni Arab vs. Kurd vs. Turk (vs. everyone vs. everyone else vs. Israel) conflicts will keep drawing in Russia and Western Europe. We'll see decades of strife and eventually the emergence of a strong Middle Eastern state (Stratfor predicts that it will be Turkey though I think it could be Iran as well). We'll likely see the collapse of Saudi Arabia with oil exiting geopolitics, and power abhors a vacuum so the Middle East of our grandchildren will likely be very different from what we see now.
Louis April 1, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Super interesting as usual. But I wonder as Ross, if the mere presence of Israel isn't sufficient to sustain a frontiere. Because for the frontiere to exist there need not be war but just the coexistence of neighboring states and a certain level of tension.
Edward Turner April 1, 2016 at 9:08 pm
It would take a long time but I was thinking of a Holy Union for the Middle East. The big empire could come at that point in the future when future Israeli population and the regional Arabs/Muslim population find common religious ground versus the secular empire (which would especially be Europe). The resulting empire might not be Jewish or Muslim though – but it would be Holy. Difficult to imagine Jews and Muslims getting on so this empire could be maintained by a new bridging religion that becomes popular among the ruling elites, and then actively sponsored. The fact that Jews and Muslims are today so fractious would be the metaethnic frontier that eventually produces this among the elites. Still a long way off though.
Peter Turchin April 2, 2016 at 12:46 am
Thank you all for your comments! I am glad that many found this series useful, and I am planning a couple more posts to round out this series. I should tell you, however, that tomorrow I am leaving for a conference in Arizona, so the next post is likely to happen a week from now.
Two quick responses to questions that were raised in comments.
First, I completely understand how much my proposal goes against the grain of current discourse on the US policy towards the Mideast. Yet I think we should discuss it in the hope that these ideas will eventually make a difference.
Second, withdrawal of the US and its allies is only a part of the solution. Clearly, if the Russian air force continues its operation in Syria, it would have a similar negative long-term effect. Israel is another thorny issue. A lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians is badly needed, but has been elusive for many decades. I have argued in War and Peace and War that the rise of Hezbollah is directly traceable to Israel-Lebanon wars. The rise of ISIS, however, has little to do with Israel and everything to do with the American occupation of Iraq and the civil war in Syria.
More to follow in a week…
O.Voron April 2, 2016 at 1:04 am
Richard, "I think the dynamics of immigration are different."
We are going to see how much different if different at all.
I think what we see in Europe right now is precisely bringing a meta-ethnic frontier inside Europe. I can't think of any other such precedent in history.
JamesW April 2, 2016 at 8:07 am
Absolutely fascinating. However wouldn't your proposed course of action very probably continue to provoke a continued flow of refugees towards Europe? Given that issue's political importance, it is hard to imagine how Europe could remain disengaged, and how it could refrain from pestering the Americans to remain engaged as well. Very much look forward to reading your further thoughts on this subject.
chris goble April 2, 2016 at 9:36 am
What would the conclusion of the meta-ethnic frontier theory have suggested with respect to WWII? What is the time distribution for the survivability of empires with ISIS' likely frontier characteristics? It seems like there have been more than a few empires that have survived for a very long time: certainly long enough to develop nuclear weapons and fundamentally change the calculus used.
I'd also second the Israel issue, especially as it relates to nuclear issues with respect to itself and other frontier countries like Pakistan, India, and any of the others likely to develop nukes during the confrontation period.
The global costs historic nation/empire death throes no longer seem to match historic costs.
To not sound so negative, I should add, I do think the fermentation/isolationist solution is one of the best of a bunch of bad options….
Debating things using historical based models is a definite breath of fresh air from typical polemics (& much more likely to avoid the blinders of utopian/conventional-strategic thinking)
Loren Petrich April 2, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Richard, there's some interesting work by Frank Klingberg about cycles of US foreign policy (The Cycles of American History by Arthur Meier Schlesinger). He concluded that the US alternates between extroverted and introverted phases. Extroverted: willing to challenge distant and/or powerful nations. Introverted: unwilling to do so.
Each transition is provoked by a characteristic kind of event. I to E: challenges from powerful nations, E to I: burnout after big wars.
1776 – 1797 | I | Revolution, establishment of government
1798 – 1823 | E | French naval war, Louisiana Purchase, War of 1812
1824 – 1844 | I | Nullification crisis, Texas question (unwillingness to "liberate" Canada after 1830 revolt)
1845 – 1870 | E | Texas and Oregon annexations, Mexican War, Civil War
1871 – 1890 | I | (unwillingness to participate in the Europeans' Scramble for Africa)
1891 – 1918 | E | Spanish-American War, World War I
1919 – 1939 | I | League of Nations rejection, Neutrality Acts
1940 – 1967 | E | World War II, Cold War, Korean and Vietnam Wars
1968 – 1988 | I | Vietnamization, détente, fall of the Soviet Union
1989 – | E | Post-Cold-War assertion, Gulf War, War on Terror
Given how long the periods last, the US is due for a new introverted period about now. That may explain the lack of interest in the US in an all-out war against ISIS.
Obama (and Trump) are introverted on foreign policy by nature.
Hillary is extroverted, though. She's a Hubert Humphrey "Happy Warrior" center-left liberal.
Even within the heart of Europe, meta-ethnic frontiers have happened plenty often before. The Ottomans extending deep in to Europe. Before that, the Hungarians, Avars, etc. striking deep in to Europe. The Germanic tribes rampaging all through Europe during the Migration Period. Romans engulfing the Celts (and letting in the Goths, while taking advantage of them, inspiring them to rise up), etc.
Yudi April 4, 2016 at 2:09 pm
This was my thought as well. The withdrawal of the West will not bring about the end of meta-ethnic frontiers in the Middle East due to the continued existence of Israel.
O.Voron April 4, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Of course, you are right, the list is endless, but those events were all violent to the extreme when everyone was fighting with their tooth and claw and with sad results for some peoples involved ( where are Avars? What is left of Celts? etc)
They were striving to push the meta-ethnic frontier as far as possible, not to bring it closer what we are seeing now.
I still can't think of any precedent when an invading army was welcomed and even invited to invade. Can you?
Richard April 4, 2016 at 3:58 pm
The Romans invited in the Goths, as I mentioned above (and exploited them). The Goths were also refugees. Granted, you may know what happened next after the exploitation.
VS April 5, 2016 at 9:01 am
1) Focusing on ISIS misses the larger point, because the idealogy and propaganda that engenders a jihadist solution exists everywhere where the Wahabi/Salafi idealogy thrives and that includes the west too. This theory focuses too much on the geography while not realizing that the foot soldiers for ISIS have been recruited from around the world, not just from that geographic location. In fact, without the influx from the jihadis from the West, it wouldn't have lasted as long as it has. The world isn't as divided into cultures as previously, for sharp cultural/ethnic frontiers to help delineate problem areas.
2) By assuming that the Iraq war was the trigger point for the militancy you have ignored my previous proof showing that the conflict was desired and engineered by the Al Qaeda leadership. And, they will continue to engineer such conflict even if the current one is abandoned by the West. So, abandonment won't stop future conflict especially given the demographic and technological changes which make conflict easier to create within the West.
3) Withdrawal would work if you could also isolate the culture and idealogy, but then you would have to ban immigration from certain areas. That would work, but no one seems to want to contemplate that. If you look at the history of Islamic conquest, part of it is also simply immigration and demographic and idealogical pressure over centuries. In fact I could argue that if the West did not have open immigration in the last 20 years then they would not be facing the terrorist threat at home nor would they be concerned with the presence or absence of a caliphate in the middle east. The only additional condition that makes the presence of ISIS is a problem is that there are immigrant and clerical communities around the world that can and will support jihadis and even foment conflict regardless of the presence or absence of a caliphate. Focusing on the caliphate only is like focusing only on the tip of the iceberg and the most inconsequential tip at that. The real focus should be on the clergy and political idealogues that benefit from conflict.
4) And then, militant Salafism is the lesser evil as compared to the more moderate Muslim Brotherhood which has essentially the same goals but via non-violent political methods and a far more patient resolve. I would consider the transformation in Turkey (and almost Egypt) to be an example where the idealogy that aspires to a caliphate thrives. If we ignore the ISIS bullshit fight against the west and the terrorist activities, please explain to me what is the difference between ISIS and an Islamic republic that implements sharia, and which has religious education that calls for intolerance towards others, for the people that are governed, which is the norm in a lot of countries today? What is the solution for a country that implements a law saying that an apostate should be killed? Why does that not incur apartheid like analogies and sanctions? And, if that is not a problem for the West, then what happens when that idealogy is imported into the West in large numbers and over decades and centuries?
5) When talking about defeating a caliphate, the point shouldn't be to merely focus on the current iteration and how to isolate it or make it impotent but to look for a long-lasting solution that avoids the desire for a caliphate. That is what was achieved by the Christian enlightenment back in the 1700s when the Christians themselves fought to separate religion from politics and engender secularism. That parallel is far more relevant to this problem. The point is whether and how long it would take for a secular version of Islam to push Salafi Islam into irrelevance.
You have alluded to some of my points above by saying that you might have something to say about ISIS metastases. So, please continue to write on that because I would allege that it would be helpful in understanding how and where you delineate the frontier. The main issue I have is that I consider ISIS to be a minor variant of something else that is larger and more persistent whereas your analysis seems to begin and end with ISIS which is disappointing…
The religious frontier will exist even if Israel didn't exist, simply because the clergy needs a frontier to justify their existence and to have a stake in politics.
Huh… Israel is less of an overtly religious state than the other states in that region and the Israelis have more of a stake at nativity than the Palestinians who immigrated there. A frontier along religious lines will exist with or without existence of Israel simply because the clergy foments and revels and gains from religious conflict.
Who are the natives here by the way? Islam was founded 1400 years ago. Islam is less native to the middle east than any other of the older religions or ethnic groups out there. I don't think nativity should be along religious lines anyway and if it wasn't there wouldn't be any problems to start with!
So please explain the Middle East in the 19th century then.
If I recall, there were plenty Muslim clergy around then as well, yet the Middle East wasn't embroiled in endless wars then.
VS April 5, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Wahabism started in the 18th century. Salafism picked up in the end of the 19th century. The religious frontier of Dar-al-Islam vs Dar-al-Harb has existed since the start of the religion. If we are looking at frontiers that is probably a much more relevant frontier, especially so when looking from the perspective of the clergy and especially Salafi clergy which is backed up by petro-dollars.
In fact a question to Peter: if we are talking about ethnic frontiers. why shouldn't we look at this in terms of Dar-al-Islam and Dar-al-Harb when Islamism and Salafism focus on it all the time as a frontier along which their conflict is aligned?
"…Fritigern asked Valens to allow the Thervingi to cross the northern Roman border and settle in Moesia or Thracia, with the Danube River and Roman frontier forts protecting them from the Huns, (thus this was a form of asylum)….Valens agreed to permit Fritigern's followers to enter the empire. In return, they would be subject to military service, but would be treated the same as other Roman subjects. As it turned out, neither happened.
During the fall of 376, the Romans helped Alavivus and Fritigern's people cross the Danube and settle in the province of Moesia"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritigern
So not exactly "invited". Rather Romans allowed Goths to enter the empire and settle on its frontier ( the Balkans), not any further, on certain conditions.
And yes, we know how it ended.
I see a big difference with what is going on now in Europe. However, the end will likely be the same.
//That is what was achieved by the Christian enlightenment back in the 1700s when the Christians themselves fought to separate religion from politics and engender secularism.//
Christians did not fight for secularism but against hierarchism and domination of the Catholic church, which is a completely different thing.
In places like Switzerland some Christians considered a neutral state with no religion a better option than having the other tribe in charge but that did not make them "secular" in any other sense of the term. Christians are only like secularists to the extent secularists agree with Christian values.
500 years ago Christianity was dominated by the Catholic Church which was and still is a very hierarchical institution with a powerful central body (Vatican, in Rome) that appoints bishops in the field. Islam is not like Christianity in structure. It is a devolved religion that, while it is global in concept, is much less institutional and heirarchical and more local. There is no central body in Mecca appointing Imams in Paris, Bradford or Ankara.
Muslims are not dominated by a heirarchical religious institution so they won't fight against something that doesn't exist. The lack of a coordinating center makes Muslims easily divided, and constantly splitting into factions. This is why Islam, from the perspective of a Jihadi, badly needs a state – a Caliphate, headed by a ruler who has an active interest in the religion, who will unify them all.
The Christian wants to be free of heirarchy, but rarely is; the Muslim needs to impose one, but usually cannot.
The zietgiest in Islam has been frustration of Muslims with their general inability to cooperate at a large-scale in non-state institutions and the seeking of the solution in the government of a territorial entity. The trend among the world's Christians, on the other hand, has been to escape the suffocation of these heirarchical non-state bodies and look to the state to liberate them from the injustices perperated by them (- hence all the Evangelical libertarians in the US Bible belt).
Meanwhile technology is changing both the concept of territorial entity (unprecedented amount of travel, trade and information exchange across borders with the Internet) and what it means to govern (so many global level rules) so Christians don't know quite where the oppressive heirarchy is and Muslims don't know where exactly their state should be.
In this confusing situation is it a surprise that default options like "Let's start a new Caliphate run by Arabs in Syria – the home of the first Caliphate" prove popular? And on the side of the Christians renewed interest among Evangelicals in constraining secular global government aka the NWO bogeyman?
Richard April 6, 2016 at 9:55 am
Uh, Europeans aren't exactly inviting refugees in either, but they are coming.
Also, the Romans exploited the Goths, which was what provoked their uprising. So there can be a difference there.
So if the division is between Dar-al-Islam and Dar-al-Harb, that division was there even in the 19th century. It wasn't in the Middle East, though, but since you state that that is irrelevant, you still have to explain the lack of Middle Eastern wars in the 19th century.
Presence of clergy with political goals does not have to mean overt war all the time. Not that there weren't any wars: there was conflict between Egypt and Ottomans for example. Overt war for some reason might be a useful and the only useful barometer for you, it isn't for me. For example at the current time, peaceful Islamization of Turkey/Egypt (using doctrine of gradualism) is a far more serious matter (imho) than ISIS, because ISIS cannot exist without support from Islamized Turkey or Wahabized SaudiA. If you have to or at all want to dismantle Taliban, the least interesting question is whether to fight or withdraw, either is not going to succeed unless there is a plan to target the idealogy and education and madrassas and clergy and Salafi mosques and their funding.
And, I was pointing out that the latest iterations of what could be called Islamism has grown through the 18th/19th century. Its taken a while for Salafist clergy to spread around the globe, especially accelerated with petro-dollars. Secondly, there are various conditions that can imply lack of wars, among the most obvious being the practical matter of a military disadvantage .
In any case, in all my comments I have pointed out that militancy or ISIS, etc are the least interesting matters (imho). The role of religion in politics and education is by far the more interesting and debilitating aspect with or without war, ISIS, militancy, etc, and both for Muslims and non-Muslims and for Dar-al-Harb and Dar-al-Islam.
Loren Petrich April 7, 2016 at 8:30 am
That brings to mind Ronald Reagan. According to one historian, he wanted to teach the Soviet Union a harsh lesson, without being very specific about it or specifying how the Soviet leadership could show that they had learned it. Obviously very extroverted. He and other fellow Cold War extroverts also grumbled about "Vietnam syndrome", many fellow Americans being very introverted.
But Hillary Clinton is likely to disappoint those who want an all-out war on the Muslim world. I don't think that she is as willing to stand out the way that Ronald Reagan was.
It seems to me that Islam has become the new Communism for some people. A great international villain, one with an alien ideology, one that is trying to subvert the nations of the "good guys". It seems to me that some Cold Warriors have been desperate to have new villains, now that Communism has ceased to be much of a villain. North Korea is the only Cold-Warring Communist country left of the remaining Communist countries, and it is a pipsqueak compared to what the Soviet Union was.
This goes as far as some US state governments passing laws stating that Islamic law (Sharia) is not recognized in those states (Ban on sharia law – Wikipedia). Much like "Red under the bed" anti-Communist paranoia.
Petrodollars are going away sooner or later. Sooner, from the looks of it.
Balor April 17, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Concerning the Crusades, did they actually strengthen the muslim states? Seems to me they did not so much create a metaethnic frontier, but shifted its focal location into the Levant, where it would've been Anatolia otherwise.
AlgoDesigner April 18, 2016 at 12:11 pm
What about Israel? How would the West withdraw from the Middle East, using your definition, with Israel still in existence?
Jukka Aakula April 22, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Good text.
Russians have also been active in Mesopotamian Levant. Taleb told the Christians in Lebanon have a picture on Putin in their home and a candle on front of the picture. So Russians also maintain the metaethnic frontier.
There is also a problem which you do not mention. The metaethnic problem boarder exiast to some extent also in Russian Caucasus and in Russian and West European cities. How does a withdrawal from Mesopotamia and Levant affect those frontiers.
Guillaume Belanger April 23, 2016 at 6:07 am
Great ideas! I really see the logic and find the arguments compelling. It would nice to see such a policy being adopted. Of course, I think you also realise this is unlikely. But, let's hope nonetheless, just like we have to keep hoping for Bernie Sanders to come on top even though it is unlikely…
I second that motion! 🙂
John Lilburne April 25, 2016 at 3:29 pm
There is a two reason why the west can not withdraw from the middle east and both would have to have solutions before it could be even thought about. The first is oil. since the middle east has the largest sources of oil and oil has reperesented global power since churchill set up BP, then the great powers willl continue to be involved. The second is that little country Israel which is an affront to all muslims. However because the jews are probably the most powerful elite in the west ( read Mearsheimer and walt or Mr K Macdonald) and have a preoccupation with Israel, the probability of withdrawal is essentialy zero.
Rick Derris May 8, 2016 at 5:08 pm
RIchard, he may have been referring to the Arabian peninsula post-WWI when the Saudis defeated the Hashemites and took over the peninsula. They only ruled a small part of the peninsula prior to this event.
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If you are thinking of moving to Hop Pole or just want to know a what the area is like, the statistics on this page should give you a good introduction. They cover a range of socio-economic factors so you can compare Hop Pole to figures for Lincolnshire and nationally. These statistics can tell you if Hop Pole is an economically deprived area and how hard it might be to get a job.
These figures on the claiming of benefits in Hop Pole come from the Department for Work & Pensions and are dated . They can often be a good indicator of the prosperity of the town and possible indicator of how hard it would be to get employment in the area. The rate of unemployment in Hop Pole is both lower than the average for Lincolnshire and lower than the national average, suggesting that finding a job in this area maybe easier than most places. The rate of claiming any benefit (which includes in work benefits) is more than 10% lower in Hop Pole than the national average, suggesting higher salaries than the average in the area.
These statistics are for the highest level education obtained by the residents of Hop Pole and are from the UK Census of 2011. Hop Pole has a high level of residents with either no qualifications or qualifications equal to 1 or more GCSE at grade D or below, than the national average.
The population of Hop Pole as a whole, is older than the national average. The population of Hop Pole is also older than the Lincolnshire average, making Hop Pole a older persons location.
These figures for Country of Birth for the residents of Hop Pole are from the UK Census of 2011.
Social grade is a classification based on occupation and it enables a household and all its members to be classified according to the job of the main income earner. Hop Pole has 20% less Higher and Intermediate managerial, administrative or professional households than the national average.
The respondents of the 2011 Census were asked to rate their health. These are the results for Hop Pole. The percentage of residents in Hop Pole rating their health as 'very good' is less than the national average. Also the percentage of residents in Hop Pole rating their health as 'very bad' is more than the national average, suggesting that the health of the residents of Hop Pole is generally worse than in the average person in England.
Hop Pole has a higher rate of home ownership, either outright or via a mortgage than the national average, which suggests that Hop Pole is a relatively affluent area.
Do you live in Hop Pole? Let us know what you think in the comments below.


Someone who goes on a rampage in a local mall… It doesn't sound too much like fiction, does it? A situation like that happens in real life, which makes this movie so much more interesting, or so I thought. Why would anyone do such a thing? What are the consequences for other people? With Mall, I assumed that all those questions would get a pretty clear answer but the movie wasn't quite what I expected. Here's why.
The story starts off with Malcolm, a troubled young man who's addicted to crystal meth and doesn't see his life turning out too well. He decides to take up arms and bring some mayhem to the local mall. Malcolm's decision to go on a rampage reflects immediately on other people in the mall. Of course, you have the customers who are incredibly terrified because of this act of violence and the guards who don't seem fit to take it up against the crazy boy but more importantly, there's Jeff.
Jeff is a very philosophic boy who seems to keep to himself most of the time while his favorite thing to do is making up stories about the people around him (which are fairly accurate to their real lives). Besides his strange talent, he seems to be in love with Adelle but it's clear quite fast that the feelings aren't mutual. When the girl he loves makes a bit of fun of him and says he's far from an exciting person, something changes in Jeff. What that is, you'll see when you watch the movie but it's interesting how the director tried to put these emotions into visual effects. Although those effects may seem a bit strange at first, somehow, it wasn't too hard to understand their basic meaning and just go with it.
Besides those two main characters, there're still 3 other recurring ones but their stories are connected to either Malcolm or Jeff so it's more important to talk about those two personages. It's a fact though, that Malcolm's actions have their impact on the lives of all 5 main characters (going from a Peeping Tom to a shady Tuxedo salesman).
Both Malcolm and Jeff represent certain problems in a youth's life like peer pressure, drugs and love among other things. In the beginning of the movie, these issues are shown in a fairly normal way with some special effects to keeps things interesting but as the movie progresses, things can become a bit weird both story wise and visually. First, you'll have a feeling like: "Yeah, I get this movie, I get what those people are going through and what those acts mean to them", but after a while, some stuff happens that give this movie a totally different vibe. If that's a good or a bad thing… It's hard to say really. Some of you will love the change; others will think it's totally over the top. If I may give a tip, watch the extras afterwards. In one of them, the director explains what this movie is all about and what the meaning of all that initial "weirdness" is and this truly helps to understand Mall a lot better. Still, this movie might not be for everyone and it's possible that you don't feel like watching it ever again.
Acting wise, there aren't really people that stand out but this doesn't mean that the actors and actresses weren't good. They all did a decent performance which helped quite a lot in keeping the viewer interested to watch the whole movie as at some moments, a sudden urge might pop up to stop the movie and go see something a little more "casual". James Frecheville, who plays the role of Malcom, the cold-blooded killer, succeeds in making his character a convincing one. The way he acts and thinks in Mall is very alike with how some news reports in the real world describe a real criminal who did something as terrible as Malcolm did. Then we have Cameron Monaghan who does his very best to play a young lad who's not really down to earth. In the beginning, the acting is realistic and believable but as the movie progresses, the acting seems to go a bit downwards. The other cast members like India Menuez (Adelle), Peter Stormare (Barry) and Gina Gershon (Donna) among others, do their work well enough but it's hard to say that one of them really stood out as I already mentioned.
What I previously mentioned in this review as well: it's really recommendable to watch the extras after seeing the movie. They will explain the vision of director Josephn Hahn thoroughly and you might appreciate Mall a bit more because of it. This doesn't change the fact that Mall stays a pretty "special" movie which won't suit everyone's taste.
Mall starts off pretty interesting with Malcolm going nuts but it doesn't take too long before the "weird" side of the movie pops up. The acting is pretty standard and nothing extraordinaire but gets the job done. Casual movie watchers might get surprised at some of Mall's scenes but if you don't mind that a movie does something totally different, then maybe you can still give Mall a chance.


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Hulsig railway station is a railway station located in the village of Hulsig south of Skagen in Vendsyssel, Denmark. The station serves the village of Hulsig as well as the nearby seaside resort of Kandestederne.

Hulsig station is located on the Skagensbanen railway line from Frederikshavn to Skagen between Frederikshavnsvej and Bunken railway halts. The station opened in 1890 where the railway line crossed the road to Kandestederne. The train services are currently operated by the railway company Nordjyske Jernbaner (NJ) which run frequent local train services between Skagen and Frederikshavn.

History

The station was opened when the railway started in 1890. It was located near a small settlement where the railroad crossed the road to Kandestederne. The original station building was enlarged in 1921 based on designs by Ulrik Adolph Plesner.

In 1967, the station was set down to a halt. The former station building was sold in 1969.

Operations
The train services are currently operated by the railway company Nordjyske Jernbaner (NJ) which run frequent local train services from Skagen station to Frederikshavn station with onward connections to the rest of Denmark.

See also
 List of railway stations in Denmark

References

Citations

Bibliography

External links

 Nordjyske Jernbaner – Danish railway company operating in North Jutland Region
 Danske Jernbaner – website with information on railway history in Denmark
 Nordjyllands Jernbaner – website with information on railway history in North Jutland
 Skagensiden.dk – website with information on Skagen

Railway stations in the North Jutland Region
Railway stations opened in 1890
Buildings and structures in Skagen
Ulrik Plesner railway stations
Railway stations in Denmark opened in the 19th century

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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TYCI Calls it a Day After Five Wonderful Years
After five amazing years, TYCI have called it a day. Founded by Lauren Mayberry, this collective run by women created, discussed and promoted numerous things including live events in Glasgow, a live radio show, podcasts, zines and more in support of equality in music and in everyday life. Although we're sad to see them go we all enjoyed and learned many things from TYCI.
Read their announcement above and if you're in the Glasgow area head over to their last event this coming Tuesday, September 26th featuring Lazy Day at The Hug and Pint. Thank you to all the wonderful ladies involved with TYCI.
CHVRCHES' Cover of Tegan and Sara's "Call It Off" is Dreamy
Photo: Tegan and Sara
Earlier today Entertainment Weekly premiered CHVRCHES' cover song of Tegan and Sara's "Call It Off" for the upcoming album The Con X: Covers which is due out October 20th. Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty have done it again with another beautiful cover. Much longer than the original, this ambient interpretation will have you feeling like you're floating in the clouds above. Give it a listen and let us know what you think in the comments below.
"Lauren [Mayberry of CHVRCHES] was one of the first artists we approached for The Con X: Covers project," Tegan Quin told EW of the track. "We are massive fans of CHVRCHES and the music they make. Lauren is an ally to the LGBTQ community and has been outspoken and political, so she fit the ethos of the project perfectly. CHVRCHES are in the studio making a new record, so we were touched they made the time to cover 'Call It Off.'"
Pre-order The Con X: Covers tomorrow from teganandsara.com and receive an instant download of CHVRCHES' cover of "Call It Off".
CHVRCHES Covering "Call It Off" for Tegan and Sara's The Con X: Covers
Yesterday, Tegan and Sara announced the artists who will be covering songs from their album The Con in celebration of its 10th anniversary. This amazing list of artists includes CHVRCHES, MUNA, Shura, PVRIS, Bleachers, Hayley Williams, Grimes, Cyndi Lauper and more. See the full tracklist below.
Proceeds will go to the Tegan and Sara Foundation which supports self-identified women and girls in the LGBTQ community. In the announcement the duo stated, "We asked 14 artists who were either outspoken allies of the LGTBQ community or LGBTQ themselves to each cover a song from The Con. We encouraged each artist to approach the song they were covering in any fashion they saw fit."
CHVRCHES will be covering "Call It Off".
Pre-orders for The Con X: Covers will begin on Tuesday, September 19 via teganandsara.com. The album is due out October 20th on CD and digital streaming while a vinyl edition is scheduled for release on December 22nd.
CD and Vinyl Tracklisting:
1. Ruth B. – I Was Married
2. MUNA – Relief Next to Me
3. Shura – The Con
4. Mykki Blanco – Knife Going In
5. PVRIS – Are You Ten Years Ago
6. Ryan Adams – Back in Your Head
7. City and Colour – Hop a Plane
8. Kelly Lee Owens – Soil, Soil
9. Bleachers – Burn Your Life Down
10. Hayley Williams of Paramore – Nineteen
11. Sara Bareilles – Floorplan
12. Shamir – Like O, Like H
13. Trashique (GRIMES X HANA) – Dark Come Soon
14. CHVRCHES – Call it Off
Digital Bonus Tracks:
15. Cyndi Lauper – Back in Your Head (Bonus Track)
16. Bleached – One Second (Bonus Track)
17. Vivek Shraya – I Take All the Blame (Bonus Track)
18. Tegan and Sara – Miami Still (Bonus Track Demo)
Celebrate Lauren Mayberry's 30th Birthday with a Birthday Wish
Lauren Mayberry will be celebrating the big 3-0 this year on October 7, 2017 and we would like to help make this birthday a special one. With CHVRCHES busy recording a new album and not on the road we came up with the idea of a sending a group birthday card to Lauren via email.
Click here to sign this online card and wish Lauren happy birthday with text, your signature and even a small photo. Registration is not required however an email address is needed when signing the card for the purpose of user authentication. To begin, select the 'next' button until you arrive at the next available blank page so you don't write on someone else's page and then select 'Sign the Card' to being your entry. Please make sure your text is complete before submitting as it can't be edited later on. The video below is a demonstration of how to navigate the site for your submission. If you have any issues submitting please let us know and will happily try to help out.
Thank you for helping us make Lauren's 30th birthday a special one.
Lauren Mayberry's Visit to the Girls Home in Granada Revisited
Photo: Andrew Sutton
Earlier this year CHVRCHES' lead singer Lauren Mayberry and actor Justin Long visited the Girls Home in Granada, Nicaragua. Seeing the difficulties others face in this world is rather eye-opening but when we come together as people to help others these experiences can be very heartwarming.
Watch the new video below produced by Rachel Collingwood and Andrew Sutton capturing these moments from this visit by Mayberry and Long. To learn more and how you can help, please visit the Girls Home.


German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision not to seek a fifth term is rocket fuel for European markets, according to CNBC's Jim Cramer.
European stocks rallied on Monday as Merkel confirmed at a news conference she would not be seeking any political posts after her current term ends in 2021. She also said she won't stand for re-election as chair of her party in December.
I know Merkel is loved by many but she has been a leader of the anti-growth coalition that is worried more about Weimar than about avoiding the next recession. That's why this move caused Europe to rocket.
The host of CNBC's "Mad Money" was referring to the Weimar Republic, whose instability and hyperinflation helped give rise to Hitler in the 1933.
While no one expects any return to such dark days, Cramer argues that Merkel has been too focused on avoiding the mistakes of the past by promoting prudence and austerity.
Any eventual change in political direction for Germany could lead to a relaxation of spending policies and a boost for large corporations in the region.
Merkel has been chairwoman of her party since 2000 and chancellor since 2005. Her announcement on Monday came a day after a disappointing regional election in the state of Hesse.


Recently news was published that no work permit will be issued to expatriate workers below 30 years for diploma holders and higher. Can you kindly explain this? If there is a person aged 26 with Bachelor of Commerce degree wanting to pursue career in Kuwait whether he will be given visa and work permit or whether he has to wait till he reaches age 30? Secondly whether the passport validity showed be minimum 2 years if want to bring wife on dependent visa to Kuwait or one year validity is enough. Please advise.
Answer: The Public Authority for Manpower has issued a decision of banning recruitment of expat workers holding diploma or higher certificates and are below 30 years of age.
This is just a proposal and has not been actualized yet.
However if later on the proposal is accepted and becomes a law, your Bachelor of Commerce degree holder who is 26 years old cannot apply for a job in Kuwait till he reaches 30 years.
To the best of our knowledge, we are aware that no visa will be stamped if the passport is valid for less then a year.


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Home » Lifestyle » Prince William Is 'Very Angry' Over Harry, Meghan's Documentary Trailer
Prince William Is 'Very Angry' Over Harry, Meghan's Documentary Trailer
A royal mess. King Charles III and his family are "horrified" over the first trailer for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, royal expert Christopher Andersen exclusively tells Us Weekly.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Netflix Docuseries: Everything to Know
"I think they're still holding their breaths and waiting for the other shoe to drop," the King: The Life of King Charles III author says. "Well, there are two shoes that are gonna drop because [after part one of the film premieres Thursday, December 8] … the [next one] is dropping next week."
The first Harry & Meghan teaser was released on Monday, December 5, and the Duke of Sussex, 38, wasted no time in dropping bombshells about other members of The Firm.
"There's a hierarchy of the family. You know, there's leaking, but there's also planting of stories," he revealed, claiming that some members of his family purposely gave the press negative stories about him and Meghan, 41. "It's a dirty game."
The Invictus Games founder also shared with viewers, "No one knows the full truth [of what happened]. We know the full truth."
Kate Garraway in emotional plea as there is no end to Derek Drapers care
Meghan Markle in awkward exchange with podcast guest who forgets he's met her TWICE | The Sun
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Drama: Everything to Know
Andersen explains that "the sense of betrayal has shifted over to genuine combat mode, because obviously this is a war between the two."
Charles, for his part, "has been handed this horrible problem" of the royals vs. the Sussexes upon assuming the throne in September after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. "It's the kind of thing that the queen would've tried to just ignore for as long as she possibly could. But he's not that kind of person."
The expert adds that Harry could be seeing more royal "retribution" from his father, 74. "Charles has a huge temper, has been unleashed many times behind the scenes," the expert tells Us. "And I'm sure he's on the verge of having a meltdown."
Prince William, for his part, "also has [a] temper," Andersen tells Us, calling the Prince of Wales, 40, more of a "slow burner" than his father.
"I mean, he tries to hide it, but it doesn't work," the royal author notes. "I'm sure he is very, very angry at his brother and cannot understand what he's doing."
Biggest Royal Family Scandals Through the Years
William and Princess Kate were recently in the U.S. for their first overseas trip since the queen's death at age 96 in September. The Duke and Duchess visited Boston, where they presented the Earthshot Prize Awards, which were given to five people making great strides in combating climate change and working in environmentalism. William cofounded Earthshot in 2020 with David Attenborough.
The pair's time in the States, however, was "overshadowed" by the royal drama of the past few weeks.
"William and Kate [are] all about preserving the monarchy and duty and all of that. And the release of these trailers, at the moment … [the Cambridges] were trying to fly the [British] flag as it were in the U.S. — and to have them eclipsed and overshadowed by that, and the Susan Hussey incident … I'm sure they were stunned and shocked, even if they didn't show it," Andersen tells Us, referring to the couple being booed at a Boston Celtics game one day prior to the Earthshot Prize Awards. They attended the event one day after Lady Susan Hussey, William's godmother and one of Charles' top team members, resigned from her duties amid racism allegations against her.
Since Elizabeth's death and Charles' ascension to the throne, Meghan and Harry "agreed to reach a neutral ground by softening the parts on Charles and adding intimate details about [Queen Elizabeth II's] legacy," an insider told Us in October about the documentary and Harry's upcoming memoir.
Part one of Harry & Meghan will premiere on Netflix Thursday, December 8. Part two hits the streaming service one week later, on Thursday, December 15.
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December 7, 2022 Lifestyle Comments Off on Prince William Is 'Very Angry' Over Harry, Meghan's Documentary Trailer


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Francis X. Yochum
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Obituary for Francis X. Yochum
Obituary for Francis X. Yochum Francis X. Yochum, 96, of Vincennes, passed away Wednesday April 16, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born December 8, 1917 in Vincennes the son of Bernard and Agnes Dahms Yochum. On October 4, 1947 he married Mildred C. Sievers and they made their life together for nearly 65 years until her death on July 15, 2012. He served his country during WW II in the U.S. Army having served in the 47th Infantry, 9th Division Company M and was captured and was a POW for nearly 2 years. He was a machinist and had extraordinary mechanical skills. He was a Lifemember of the VFW, American Legion, Ex POW�s, DAV and he was a member of the St. John Catholic Church. He was also preceded in death by his children, Edward F. Yochum and Diane Evans. He is survived by a sister, Bernadine Yochum of Vincennes and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, children Edward F. Yochum and Diane Evans, his parents, Bernard & Agnes Yochum, brothers, Sebastian and Harold Yochum. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday April 22, 2014 at the St. John Catholic Church with Fr. David Fleck officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife and children in the St. Vincent Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family 1 hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the St. John Catholic Church on Tuesday. Military gravesite honors will be conducted by the All Weather Firing Squad. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the St. Vincent Cemetery Fund.
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It's about more than tap water.
As a business so closely associated with the environment, we are very aware of our environmental impact and obligations.
We recognise that the abstraction, treatment and delivery of drinking water, and the removal and safe disposal of waste water all have implications for river and sea water quality.
We appreciate that the energy used to carry out these processes has implications for carbon levels and pollution, and we understand that the scale of our operations brings with it a scale of responsibility in how we manage our workforce and operational activities.
For us environmental sustainability spans not only the practice of meeting environmental standards but also the drive to find new ways of working that deliver better environmental outcomes.
working with the South West Lakes Trust for wildlife conservation, recreation and access at our reservoirs.


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John Cena, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Holland, Octavia Spencer, Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Sheen, Selena Gomez, Marion Cotillard, Antonio Banderas
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Mild Themes and Violence
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Dr. John Dolittle lives in solitude behind the high walls of his lush manor in 19th-century England. His only companionship comes from an array of exotic animals that he speaks to on a daily basis. But when young Queen Victoria becomes gravely ill, the eccentric doctor and his furry friends embark on an epic adventure to a mythical island to find the cure.
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Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Derrick Gilbert, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig
Strong violence and coarse language
Marcus Burnett is now a police inspector and Mike Lowery is in a midlife crisis. They unite again when an Albanian mercenary, whose brother they killed, promises them an important bonus.
Richard Roxburgh, Frances O'Connor, Dan Wyllie
Mild coarse language
Watch TrailerOfficial Website
When Jack (William Lodder) and his single mother (Frances O'Connor) move to a small town in Western Australia, he soon gets involved in the competitive world of go-kart racing. Jack's got natural talent but must learn to control his recklessness. To do that, he'll need the help of aspiring engineer, Mandy (Anastasia Bampos), wise-cracking best mate Colin (Darius Amarfio- Jefferson) and mysterious mentor, Patrick (Richard Roxburgh). Together, the team will endeavour to overcome all odds and defeat ruthless racer Dean (Cooper Van Grootel) to win the National Go Kart Championship. GO! is a high-octane Australian family film with heart.
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Allison Janney
Mature themes, sexual references and coarse language
Based on the real scandal, BOMBSHELL is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it.
Infrequent mild coarse language
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The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.
Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman
Strong war themes
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake's own brother among them.
Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern
Very mild themes
Following the lives of four sisters, Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg, as they come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War. Though all very different from each other, the March sisters stand by each other through difficult and changing times.
Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas
Mild fantasy violence, coarse language and crude humour
Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong'o
Science fiction violence | STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER contains several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photo-sensivities.
Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Dave Bautista, Kristen Schaal, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Chloe Coleman, Ken Jeong
Mild themes, action violence and coarse language
Nine-year-old Sophie catches JJ, a hardened CIA operative, spying on her family during a routine surveillance operation. In exchange for not blowing his cover, JJ begrudgingly agrees to show the precocious girl how to become a spy. What at first seems like an easy task soon turns into a battle of wits as Sophie proves you don't need much experience to outsmart a seasoned agent.
Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Henry Golding
Strong coarse language and violence
A very British drug lord tries to sell off his highly profitable empire to a dynasty of Oklahoma billionaires.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour, Andy Nyman, Joe Sugg
When an alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the intergalactic visitor home before a sinister organisation can capture her.
Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, Karen Gillan, Rashida Jones
Mild themes and animated violence
When the world's best spy is turned into a pigeon, he must rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world.
Frozen 2: Sing Along
Kristen Bell, Evan Rachel Wood, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown
Some scenes may scare younger children.
Sing along with your favourite songs, with the words appearing on the screen... Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.
Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.
Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette
Mature themes and coarse language
NFT SENIORS' MOVIE
SENIORS' MOVIE & LUNCH: WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY
Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Enrico Colantoni
Mild themes, violence and coarse language
An award-winning but cynical journalist, Lloyd Vogel, begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write an Esquire profile piece on the beloved television icon Fred Rogers. After his encounter with Rogers, Vogel's perspective on life is transformed.
SENIORS' MOVIE
Seniors' Movie & Lunch: Lunch served after the movie
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Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell
Mature themes, violence and coarse language.
A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy named Jojo whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.
Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Rafe Spall
The powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson, who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned — including Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan fights tirelessly for Walter with the system stacked against them.
Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek, Ari Graynor, Jimmy O. Yang
Crude sexual humour and coarse language
Two friends create and build a successful beauty company from the ground up, but a buyout offer begins to test their friendship. Suddenly, all of the differences that made them a perfect match put them at war, both professionally and personally.
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY: ONE SCREENING ONLY
Kangana Ranaut, Jassie Gill, Richa Chadha
Hindi, with English subtitles
Panga is an emotional roller coaster tale of a middle-class Indian woman who is a forgotten kabaddi world champion, and who decides to return to the sport to give a new meaning to her existing role as a wife and mother. She faces many new challenges, including age stereotypes and new generation complexities, which creates an upheaval in her life as she is torn between family responsibility and love for the sport.
Ratings & Classifications
This film is currently unclassified.
Exempt from classification.
The G classification is for a general audience.
Material classified M is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age. There are no legal restrictions on access.
Material classified MA 15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category.
Material classified PG is not recommended for viewing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
Material classified R 18+ is legally restricted to adults. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community.


Jewellery sales are booming ahead of the Lunar New Year early next month.
"At the year end middle-class women get their Tet bonus," Pham Van Tam, deputy chairman of HCM City Jewellery Association, told Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourers) newspaper.
Jewellery prices are a little up due to high demand but gold prices are steady, he said.
Tran Van Dang, general director of Agribank Jewellery and Gemstone Company, said many people had been selling bullion and rings to buy jewellery and his company's jewellery sales had increased 50 per cent in the last 10 days.
A spokesman for Kim Hao Gold company, a jewellery manufacturer in HCM City's District 5, reported that his company and many others had doubled their production in the last few months to supply HCM City and the Mekong Delta, especially jewellery products costing VND2-5 million (US$100–250).
Some imported products from Hong Kong and Taiwan are also selling well because of reasonable prices and diverse designs.