SHARMINI PERIES, EXEC. PRODUCER,TRNN: Welcome to the Real News Network. I'm Sharmini Peries coming to you from Baltimore.
In 2014, the United Nations declared this decade as the International Decade for People of African Descent. The UN Human Rights Council has established a Working Group of Experts on people of African descent. The working group is mandated to carry out a factfinding visit to the United States, and they will be traveling to Washington, DC, Baltimore, Jackson, Mississippi, and New York City in the coming days, and they plan to gather firsthand information about the current human rights situation of African-Americans and follow up on recommendations that they may have to fight racism. The panel of experts is headed by Mireille Fanon-Mendes France. She's the daughter of Frantz Fanon, the revolutionary philosopher, and the author of many books, among them The Wretched of the Earth, Black Skin, White Mask.
So to discuss the work of this working group headed to the United States I'm joined by Kali Akuno, and he's a co-director of Cooperation Jackson, and one of the authors of the Jackson plan. Kali, so good to have you with us again.
PERIES: Kali, so the United Nations Working Group of Experts on their way to the U.S. and to your city this evening is going to examine the racism and the situation of African-Americans in this country, but in Jackson in particular. Give us a sense of what they're going to find in Jackson.
AKUNO: Well, they're going to find a city which is deeply impoverished, systemically neglected, and really in a deep sense of conflict and turmoil. Jackson is currently under some considerable threat by the largely white congressional, state congressional power structure in the state, which is as we speak trying to strip Jackson of control over its airport, which is something that just got initiated the last several days. And also to remove all control over our water situation.
They're going to find a city in which the average income is well under–family income is well under $35,000. Unemployment for black folks is well in the range of 30, 40, maybe even 50 percent in real time and in real terms and conditions. And they're going to find overall in Mississippi the conditions either where the black folks in particular make–the circumstances that we face make Mississippi typically the poorest and the unhealthiest state in the so-called Union.
So this is what they're going to find. We are putting together testimony from folks who have experienced a broad range of human rights abuses, from police brutality to extrajudicial killing, to false prosecution, to different forms of prison slave labor, to wretched housing conditions, to discriminatory housing practices, to environmental racism. These are all the different things that they will hear firsthand from those who have suffered through these conditions at the, both from private industry hands in the case of, like the Nissan workers who will be testifying, but also at the hands of the Mississippi state government and some of its municipalities and other offices.
PERIES: This is not the first time the United Nations has made such a trip to the United States. There's been inquiries over incarceration. There's been inquiries, I think there was a trip to Detroit not too long ago to examine the conditions there. What comes out of these kinds of reports and factfinding missions?
AKUNO: The main thing, truth be told, that comes out of this is more exposure, more highlighting of our issues, and to give our issues kind of international standing and international play, which various forces within the United Nations system, be it a kind of working group such as this one or special rapporteurs, or even some of the, the member states can then use to pressure the United States government, and its various kind of divisions, to be more responsible in fulfilling their obligation towards human rights.
So that's one dimension of what kind of comes out of this, in terms of broader exposure. What I always like to focus on is what grassroots forces on the ground can do with these visits, and that is to really interject and to give audience to our concerns and our issues, to put the United States government on notice, because we are often at so much of a disadvantage and an unequal relationship of power that speaking our voice and trying to gain an audience with the very state that's oppressing us is often very limited, are mute or suppressed. So this kind of gives us some democratic space to raise our issue, in that we give our struggle a certain aspect of legitimacy, both internally within our own communities within the U.S. media and internationally, which is then up to us, as I think is [organizers] to use strategically to advance our aims and objectives.
PERIES: Now, let's say that this working group declares that the conditions for African-Americans in this country and Mississippi in particular is appalling when it comes to poverty, discrimination, all the human rights covenants and honoring its conventions of the United Nations. How would you be able to take that information and apply it in a place like Mississippi specifically in advancing and improving the conditions of ordinary people?
AKUNO: Well, we're going to here in Mississippi, I mean, we're going to use it as as much of a sledgehammer as we possibly can to fight for some constitutional change here in the state. You know, just recently we had a campaign to change the state constitution to fully fund public education in the state of Mississippi, which, as many of your viewers will probably find now to be very shocked, that that's not the case here in the state. But Mississippi and a lot of the Southern states have a number of different mechanisms, ways by which they keep the system unequal and very segregated.
So we are going to use the information there to do a broader level of education in the state to give people more empowerment, and to build allies. You know, because one of the critical things in that case was that we really were unable to move a significant portion of the white community to come around to understanding that that change would not only have benefited the black community significantly, it would have benefited all communities.
So we have to take this hard evidence and use it to further our organizing objectives towards building power here in the state of Mississippi, and that's what we definitely intend to do.
PERIES: Kali, how does a report like this, assuming that it's going to say all the things we want it to say in terms of the inequality of African-Americans, racial discrimination, racism, and systemic racism, how will a report like this be used at the United Nations in order for the UN to be able to flex its muscles in terms of getting the U.S. government to comply with its recommendations?
AKUNO: Well, here's one way that we hope that it will be utilized, and that we want to push to be utilized in this manner. We are really trying to make on the international level, as well as a local and a national level, a strong, pressing case for reparations. Following the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the recommendations, they came up with that some 15 years ago.
And what we're hoping is that the CARICOM nations which have been demanding reparations and waging their fight in the international community and through the United Nations, that they will pick up this charge and pick up this report and its evidence to further press their case, and to build solid allies with the African group, and ultimately with the group of G77 or the Non-aligned Movement to then press to United States and ultimately the European Union along with it to make some recommendations towards promoting and implementing a program of reparations on an international scale. And we would definitely be demanding that. It's kind of a major Marshall-like plan of rebuilding our communities, particularly here in the South and black urban communities throughout the country.
So there are some very strategic ways in which we can and we are going to advocate this report be used. And we're definitely trying to make sure that with this, this report is able to support the International Decade of People of African Descent and make that decade one which is advancing the cause of reparations and other forms of development, to alleviate the poverty, suffering, and oppression experienced by people of African descent not only in the United States but throughout the world.
PERIES: Now, Kali, one of the challenges in dealing with the UN is, you know, it is a large institution, has many arms. And you were just recently in Paris at the climate change conference, and getting that agreement into shape. And you were there on behalf of the decade of African descendancy and trying to advocate an integrated way of looking at climate change. How sucessful was your efforts there?
AKUNO: Good question, Sharmini. I mean, I think it's, unfortunately it's probably too early to tell. You know, one of the things that came out of, I think, of not just our efforts but a broad international coordinated campaign that was demanding the 1.5 degree global warming limit, that we limit the change that is coming, because it's already in motion, that we take the necessary steps on a global scale to only heat up the world, or allow the world to be heating up to 1.5 degrees [inaud.] a pre-industrial level.
So you know, we were able, I think, the social movement in combination with the African group, with the small island nations of the Pacific, and the Caribbean, we were able to kind of, I think, push that through. So it's now inserted in the text. But the challenge is the way in particular President Obama and the United States government really steered this process in order to kind of come up with this historical agreement. They steered it in such a way that the only thing that came out of it are voluntary commitments. So there's no legally binding obligation that the nation-states have to adhere to. It's all strictly voluntary.
So I think our, our efforts were successful in changing the language, but we still have a great deal of work to do towards having an integrated approach on how all the different things related to the development goes of ending poverty, of dealing with migrant and refugee issues, of dealing with the particular plight of people of African descent and their struggle against racism on an international level. How that's really integrated into a broad dynamic of transforming the overall world economy to make sure that we don't self-destruct and kill ourselves. We got a long way to go to get to that point.
I think our efforts did a great deal of making the case that these different things have to be integrated. I think that was heard. But we have to do, I think, more work now on the grassroots level here in the United States and throughout the world to build the strength and build the alternatives that are necessary to really allow us to survive and deal with the calamity that are likely coming giving how the process of global warming is being managed.
PERIES: Kali, I know you have been one of the architects of the Jackson Plan that takes some of these issues into consideration and locally is trying to implement it, an integrated approach to the development of a city like Jackson, and we would love to unpack that with you sometime. And I hope you can join us for that.
AKUNO: Looking forward to it.
PERIES: Kali, thank you so much for joining us today.


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Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA, bringing music education to students in underserved areas throughout Philadelphia and beyond. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford believes that music education is a powerful tool for positive personal and community change. Mr. Thompson serves on the faculties of the Global Leaders Program, SAAVY Arts Venture, and Senior Ambassador of the Sphinx LEAD program while regularly lecturing at major Universities and Conservatories about leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice. As a consultant, he has guided the development of dozens of music programs across the United States and collaborated with major orchestras and arts organizations to develop new strategies and initiatives that helps provide equitable access to the arts. As a professional trumpeter, Stanford has performed as soloist and member with major orchestras around the world and continues to perform chamber music and jazz. Stanford is a native of Atlanta, GA and hold degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory's Sistema Fellows Program. Visit his site www.stanfordthompson.com to learn more.
Elizabeth Kubiak
Elizabeth started her career in the nonprofit world while attending the University of Pennsylvania; one summer she tried her hand at face-to-face fundraising and never looked back. During her tenure she had the privilege of campaigning for Children International, Plan International and CARE, which provided an excellent perspective of how generous her fellow Philadelphians can be. Other nonprofit experience includes the Office of the Secretary of the University of Pennsylvania, The Benefit Bank and the Walnut Street Theater. Most recently, she worked in administration, marketing and development at Federation Early Learning Services.
Jessica Zweig
Clarinetist and educator, Jessica Zweig, believes that all children deserve the opportunity to engage in high quality music education. Jessica formerly served as the Site Director for Play On, Philly at St. Francis de Sales School and Program Manager at Harmony Program in New York City. As a Board Member of El Sistema USA, Jessica served as the chair of the 2018 Symposium focused on collective impact and racial equity and currently serves as Chair of the Membership and Engagement Committee. As a trained, professional clarinetist, Jessica has performed extensively throughout the Washington, DC area as well as in Perigord, France and Vienna, Austria. As the Founder and Artistic Director of All Points West chamber music collective, she collaborated with notable institutions such as the Woodrow Wilson House, the Sackler Gallery, the Atlas Performing Arts Center and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to create innovative classical music programming in unusual spaces. As an educator, Jessica taught elementary school music at the Sheridan School (Washington, DC) and served as clarinet faculty at Suitland High School for the Performing Arts. Jessica received her B.M. and M.M in Clarinet Performance from the University of Maryland, School of Music
Andrés González
Andrés is one of the young talents who emerged from the renowned social and musical program known as El Sistema. He began his musical studies at the age of 2 in the Jacinto Lara Conservatory and at only three years old, he raised the baton for the first time to conduct Ode to Joy along with the Children's Orchestra and Choir of the Lara State. Andrés has devoted most of his musical career to the academic education of Venezuelan children and young musicians, always committed to the deep progress of culture through communities. He is Principal Trumpet for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Beth Young
Driven by mission and a passion to support children, Beth has spent nearly a decade in nonprofit development helping to raise resources and awareness for high impact organizations. She began her career and grew with the nonprofit children's oral health organization Kids Smiles, helping to connect donors to a mission in which they found deep meaning and could see the impact of their gift on the children served. Inspired by her career, Beth began volunteering to support children, schools, and programs in her community as the Co-Chair of the Mt. Airy Community Council's Education Committee and as a Member of the Finley Recreation Center Advisory Council. As a child who benefited from access to music instruction, she continues to carry a passion for children's programming while now supporting music education at Play On Philly and helping to connect others to POP's important work.
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Meet our administration staff and site coordinators
Patty Delany
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Patty has spent the majority of her career focused on helping nonprofits reach new audiences, connect with their current community and organize to reach their goals. Whether volunteering at Abington Friends School or planning conferences for the Philadelphia Area Council for Excellence, she excelled at engaging communities of like-minded people to work together towards one purpose. Most recently, she served as Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors at Forest Incentives. Patty and her husband have two fabulous children; seeing them develop into successful and confident young adults inspires her to help other children experience the same advantages in life.
Mike Pechter
With a passion for education, social justice and music, Mike has found a good home at POP. After receiving his BA, Mike discovered the joy of teaching young children as a volunteer. While pursuing an MA in Teaching from Rider University, his love of music pulled him away from general education, and his journey at POP began. Music has been a part of Mike's life from an early age. Since childhood he has played the drum kit, but later dabbled in the guitar and piano. Now he produces electronic music whenever his young daughter is napping. After serving as a teaching artist in POP's exploratory classes, Mike directed the PEAC program for two years and now serves as its Program Manager
Alexandra Graham
Special Programs Manager
Alexandra has been a flutist since elementary school and brought her love of music with her to the many nonprofits for which she has volunteered. After completing her degree in Music Management from Berklee College of Music, she went on to work with AmeriCorps VISTA encouraging at-risk students to complete their education and connect with their community. She accomplished this through teaching flute and music theory, arranging service-learning opportunities for her students and raising funds to help students cover college related expenses. Since moving to Philadelphia, she has been volunteering with Girls Rock Philly assisting with the organizing of their camp week and teaching piano.
Allison Mion
St. Francis De Sales Site Coordinator
Allison is a vocalist by training and a longtime advocate of arts education. She holds performance degrees from Gettysburg College (PA) and Georgia State University in Atlanta, and has worked with kids in musical settings for almost a decade. A New Jersey native, Allison spent three years at the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, where she worked in several departments, serving children from 13 counties across Northern New Jersey. Allison's most recent work with the Paterson Music Project inspired her to advocate for music education on a larger level, and she is thrilled to be a part of the team at POP.
Lea Pandy
Development and Communications Coordinator
As a clarinetist, educator, and arts administrator from sunny California, Lea is a fierce advocate for equity in the arts and has used her expertise in development to raise funds for accessible arts programs on both coasts at Kaufman Music Center in New York and American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles. She has made it her goal to utilize the arts as a tool for social change and was selected as one of 40 international leaders in music to participate as a 2019 cohort member for the Global Leaders Program, an executive leadership program for social changemakers in music. As part of this program, Lea recently shared her diverse expertise in development and music education as a consultant for NGOs and shared her musical experience with underserved youth in Chile and the Bataan province in the Philippines.
Christa Converse
Independence Charter School West Site Coordinator
Christa Converse holds her Bachelors degree in Music Education from Messiah College, and her Masters degree in Music Education from University of the Arts. She has taught Kindergarten through 8th grade for 11 years in both charter schools, and the public school system. She plays oboe, and regularly performs with the Chester County Pops Orchestra and Immaculata Symphony, where she also serves on the board of directors.
Anna Meyer
Freire Charter Middle School Site Coordinator
Anna Meyer is the Site Coordinator and Flute Teaching Artist at Freire Charter Middle School. She is also on faculty at Temple University and plays with several of the region's orchestras, including the Reading and Delaware Symphonies. Anna is finishing her doctorate at Temple and has recently published a method book for beginner flutists. She has a private studio out of her home and is a founding member of the Lyra Ensemble.
Moriah Sultes
POPSO Site Coordinator and Community Engagement Coordinator
Moriah is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she completed her degree in Instrumental Music Education. During her time at Wayne, she studied trumpet with Dr. Mark Flegg, and had the opportunity to perform at multiple ITG (International Trumpet Guild) conferences. She is a member of the International Women's Brass Conference (IWBC), and is honored to continue to support and promote all women brass musicians. With a love for teaching, Moriah commits her summers to instructing music camps around the southeastern Michigan area. She believes that commitment, compassion, and human connections are the most powerful tools we can use as educators. As that being her mindset, she is thrilled to be a part of the POP team!
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For 2 hours every day, students enjoy instrument instruction and ensemble practice completely tuition-free.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Гео́ргий Гера́симович Георгиа́н (настоящая фамилия — Георгианц; ,  — Ереван) — армянский советский артист балета, балетмейстер, педагог. Заслуженный артист Армянской ССР (1946).

Биография
Родился  в Астрахани.

В 1938 году окончил Бакинское хореографическое училище (педагоги В. Ермолаев, Г. И. Язвинский). Выступал на сцене Саратовского театра оперы и балета (1932), Ташкентского театра им. А. Навои (1933—1935), Азербайджанского театра им. Ахундова (1935—1938). В 1938—1962 — в труппе Ереванского театра оперы и балета имени А. А. Спендиарова. В 1960—1962 годах — педагог-репетитор театра. С 1973 года — главный балетмейстер Ереванского балета на льду.

Жена: заслуженная артистка Армянской ССР солистка ансамбля Песни и танца Армении, педагог хореографического училища Павлинэ Арамовна Бурназян.

Репертуар
 Жан де Бриен и Абдерахман, «Раймонда»
 Гирей, «Бахчисарайский фонтан» Асафьева
 Армен, «Счастье» Хачатуряна
 Бахметьев, «Кавказский пленник» Асафьева
 Давид Сасунский, «Хандут» Спендиарова
 Евгений, «Медный всадник» Глиэра
 Ванечка, «Доктор Айболит»
 Ма Личен, «Красный мак» Глиэра
 Князь Бакур, «Мармар» Оганесяна
 Красс, «Спартак» Хачатуряна
 Хмбанет Сако, «Сона» Арамяна

Артисты балета Армянского театра оперы и балета
Заслуженные артисты Армянской ССР

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Student Executive Council (SEC) is a student advisory board to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The students are all undergraduates who each represent a different department in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the student body as a whole.
The representatives work as the students' voice to those who can make change happen in the College as well as in each department working as a link between students, Dean, and the Chair of each department.
The Student Executive Council has been around for over ten years and will continue to be a presence for you, the students, here on campus. If you have further questions, contact our SEC chairs Yilan Gao, Isabella Rivera and Margaret Girardin.
Applications for SEC Representatives are accepted annually. Recruitment of representatives for the 2018-2019 academic year has closed. If you are interested in joining SEC next year, please contact Yilan Gao.
Have a favorite essay? The Student Executive Council hosts an annual scholarship competition open to all undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences. Selected students will be awarded a $250 cash prize and be recognized at the A&S Awards Ceremony. Submissions for the 2018-2019 Scholastic Competition will be accepted April 2-22, 2019.
The Student Executive Council annually recognizes our favorite Teachers, Advisors, and Staff members on campus. This is a much coveted award for our teachers, advisors, and staff members. Nominations for the 2018-2019 awards will be accepted between April 2-22, 2019.


When considering the historical significance of The City and The City it is first necessary to investigate when the events in the novel are set and when the author wrote the novel.
While Miéville does not provide an exact date for the setting of his narrative it is possible through references to modern day literature and culture – such as Borlú's reference to how "Harry Potter and the Power Rangers are more popular now," (Miéville, 62) – political tensions and technology to place the novel in the contemporary time period. The novel was published in 2009 in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis or Great Recession of 2007-2008 and it is possible to read a critique of capitalism in the presentation of the two cities. Both cities represent different stages of capitalism. Besźel depicts a depression, a period of time with little international investment and falling confidence whereas Ul Qoma is a Golden Age with a thriving economy. The line "As the river industry of Besźel had slowed, Ul Qoma's business picked up," (Miéville, 54) perhaps summarises Miéville's criticism of Capitalism in this novel as it suggests that Capitalist cities, states and society exist primarily in the two forms of boom and bust and that there is little stable middle ground between the two extremes. Other influences and threads from the 2007-9 year also subtly appear in the text adding a socio-political undertone. In the United Kingdom the policy of immigration, particularly from Eastern Europe, has in the last decade been a continually debated and has led to a rise in racial and religious tensions. This movement west of people is also seen within Miéville's cities as Borlú notes the increased number of immigrants - like Hamd Hamzinic - particularly from Turkey and surrounding countries. Miéville's does not propose any social criticism against this immigration or the new racial demography of the population but offers arguments against racist beliefs. In the explanation given of the racist term "Ébru," (Miéville, 17) it is shown that it was an antiqued "Besź word for 'Jew'" now being used to include the new Muslim population and is often mis-used to describe people whose family stretches back two hundred years in their inhabitation of Besźel. Racism and racial tension is a factor that even now in 2014, five years since the publication of the book, readers can observe in society.
Returning to the setting of the novel one particular incident anchors it to the present: Borlú's attendance at a seminar included representatives from West and East Berlin. The amusement, derision and outrage Borlú and his Ul Qoman counterpart find in the idea of Besźel and Ul Qoma being referred to as a "Split [Cities]" (Miéville, 90) isolate the two cities from the other examples lectured on including Jerusalem and Berlin. The attitude that Borlú's superior felt "an insult to Besźel," (Miéville, 91) is immediately understandable given the fact that although spatially overlapping Besźel and Ul Qoma are two distinctly different cities. It is the spatial mapping that causes the confusion and thus international reduction of the two cities into the single. Even if presented with a convincing argument that the two cities are in fact one it would be difficult to find similarities with places such as Berlin. Following the Second World War Germany was split between the two economic and political powers of the USSR and Westernised powers led by the US and the capital city Berlin was accordingly split. The Berlin Wall was a method of preventing movement from one 'part' of the city to another; in The City and The City however the force that maintains the boarders between the two cities is reactive as shown in the full scale Breach at the end of the novel. Having this reactive barrier has created a fear and suspicion of Breach that ironically works as a preventive barrier as people police their own actions and views to avoid breaching.
"For Hegel […] each category, in being what it is, proved at the same time to be, and so to be one with, its negation. Indeed, right at the start of his logic Hegel claims that pure being and pure nothing vanish into each other of their own accord; each is thus "in its own self the opposite of itself." This process of becoming, or proving to be, one's own opposite, simply by being what one is, is what Hegel understands by dialectic," (Houlgate, 8).
This concept can be applied to a reading of history. The creation of a 'type' of society, such as feudal or capitalist, is the thesis. Once the society has fulfilled its potentialities, it will begin to negate itself and dissolve – this occurs when changes in the means of production begin to negatively impact the people, who will react accordingly and cause revolution. This in turn allows a new society to emerge in the place of the old one. In this model of historical development the 'absolute' is the point in which history ceases to exist, thus preventing any further societal progression. There are two arguments pertaining to this notion of the historical absolute. The first, the right-wing argument, is that history will have an endpoint, though some believe that this endpoint will be the replacement of capitalism by communism while some believe that the absolute of history has already been achieved with capitalist Western democracy. The second position, as pioneered by Theodore Adorno, is that the historical dialectic will continue indefinitely and that society will never cease in its progression; constant negation must prevent the end of history.
An externalised version of this historical dialectic might be read into the central premise of The City and the City. Both Besźel and Ul Qoma can be interpreted as opposing points in the dialectic. In this reading, Ul Qoma is the thesis of a capitalist society and profits accordingly. In contrast, Besźel is the antithesis: it represents the failings of capitalism and the point where the thesis negates itself. This reading can be supported by Borlú's comparison between the two cities' respective economic states and animals in Chapter Eight, in which he describes how, "Canada cosied up to what they called the New Wolf economy. We were a street mongrel, maybe, or a scrawny milkrat," (Miéville, 111). The two cities, then, can be read as being in a state between thesis and antithesis, on the verge of total economic collapse.
If the two cities represent the two dialectical points in this way, then Breach – the city in between the other two which maintains order by preventing crossover – might be considered the absolute, the moment in which history ceases to be. Breach itself is described is grey and static, without any motion or sense of progression, and of it Borlú comments, "The Breach was nothing. It is nothing," (Miéville, 297), insinuating that it is completely without time. The role of Breach in the novel is to maintain the boundaries between Ul Qoma and Besźel, and in this allegorical reading its role could be interpreted as the threat of the absolute in continuing the dialectical formation of history, and without Breach the dialectic would cease. At the end of the novel Borlú says, "We are all philosophers here where I am, and we debate among many things the question of where it is that we live. On this issue I am a liberal," (Miéville, 373) and from this it seems that his position on the historical dialectic is a left-wing belief, as outlined by Adorno, that the development of society is in constant negation. His role is to "maintain the skin that keeps laws in place," (Miéville, 373) by preventing the collapse of the dialectic, and thereby preventing the absolute from being reached.
Miéville's concept of two cities inhabiting the same space holds particular relevance when related to the present Ukraine Crisis. During the recent Ukraine referendum the BBC interviewed two people from the same town to investigate what locals thought of the elections. The man they interviewed was a Russian speaking Ukrainian dressed in military garb who resolutely believes the town was a part of the Russia. There second interviewee in direct contrast was a female school mistress who spoke Ukrainian and believed that the referendum was illegal and that her town was located in Ukraine. The crisis has demonstrated the chaos that occurs when cultural, religious, political and social 'unseeing' is breached in a place with multiple societies. The people have divided themselves into two separate groups inhabiting the same geographical area. The distinct difference between today's European Crisis and Miéville's creation is that stability is reached between Besźel and Ul Qoma is due to the ability to 'unsee the other. Unfortunately the Ukrainian Crisis is escalating into violence and possible civil war because breach has occurred. This demonstrates the relevance of The City and The City to society five years after its publication.
Houlgate, Stephen and Baur, Michael. A Companion to Hegel. Chichester: Blackwell Publishing 2011. Print.
Miéville, China. The City and the City. London: Pan Books, 2009. Print.
BBC News. "'Russia is trying to build a new Berlin wall' PM Yatsenyuk tells BBC News." Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 13 May 2014. Web. 14 May 2014.


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Thread Co-ed bathroom in dorms - am I crazy and how can I find out details from schools on our list?
Co-ed bathroom in dorms - am I crazy and how can I find out details from schools on our list?
Replies to: Co-ed bathroom in dorms - am I crazy and how can I find out details from schools on our list?
doschicos 20434 replies209 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 20,643 Senior Member
I've mentioned this previously in the early pages of this thread, but at the schools we toured, mainly LACs, that had coed bathrooms, the procedure was that students vote via secret ballot and any one voice voting nay to coed bathrooms meant the bathrooms weren't coed or there was at least an option of some not being coed. Therefore, no one was forced into it against there will or because they were outvoted or afraid to speak up. It was often mentioned that frequently when students voted again at the beginning of the next semester, all the votes were yes votes and those that might have had an issue about it at the beginning of the school year became comfortable with it a semester later.
citivas 641 replies19 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 660 Member
The tyranny of the majority... But meh. Walking to another building is not the end of the world, particularly in Claremont where winter is like spring and fall back east. And I suspect what they really meant was different wing since many of the dorms there have multiple wings. When I was in college my particular dorm still had group showers with no stalls. I walked to a different wing and floor where they had upgraded to stalls with curtains. I lived. I wasn't scarred for life. These are college kids -- it wouldn't do them harm to have a little hardship and trade offs they have the deal with. They could be living with 5 strange roommates in a roach infested walk-up and a tiny communal bathroom that doesn't work half the time when they graduate (for those who actually go out on their own and not home).
nostalgicwisdom 1298 replies49 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 1,347 Senior Member
@Consolation OP does state it isn't Pomona later in the thread. When I started around that time (2012), one of the first discussions that my sponsor group (community of 15-20 first years + 2-3 sophomores who live together in a hall) had was whether to designate bathrooms as gender-inclusive or leave them gendered. If even one person wanted a gendered bathroom, we'd do so- no shaming or dissent or questioning anything. All of us unanimously agreed to keep them gender-inclusive, but if there were any issues of comfort later, we could change it (ultimately, we didn't, we were all discreet and clean).
There were other sponsor groups that did vote to have designated bathrooms. You would walk through different halls and see the voted system at work. Yes, there were bathrooms separate for men- it wasn't just "women" and "gender neutral". I have never heard of any controversy on this point in my time at Pomona- if there ever were reactions as vocal and hostile as described in OP's thread, the whole school would have known!
ccprofandmomof2 486 replies8 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 494 Member
I think the issue is a feeling a security from voyeurism, groping and assault. Here's one UCB article that shows it happens: http://www.dailycal.org/2014/05/13/uc-berkeley-student-arrested-alleged-voyeurism-residence-hall-showers/
And the Crimson staff seems to agree: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/2/11/bathrooms-genderneutral-harvard-harassment/
81% of sexual assaults on campus are reportedly happening in dorms: http://law.gsu.edu/2016/04/06/schools-dont-tell-campus-sexual-assault/
And on how much it stinks to not be able to go pee when you need to because you fear for your safety: https://thetab.com/us/ohio-state/2016/02/13/almost-eleventh-floor-experience-sexual-assault-658
Look, these are just a few little articles that I found after one minute of googling, and I'm sure I'm going to get pounced on here for this. I don't support intellectual "safe spaces" and I believe in free speech. But I think it's supremely naive to think that it's all cool and good and everyone will just treat each other like brothers and sisters in the dorm. I would feel super uncomfortable showering knowing a group of men were standing outside the door. I imagine anyone who has been raped previously would be really uncomfortable about that as well. I'm sure you all will jump all over me for this, but to me it's not a matter of cleanliness but safety. It would make my daughter and me both quite nervous to feel so vulnerable, and to have to do that on a daily basis would really suck. And I grew up with brothers, and have a son. I'm glad to hear that most schools put this to a vote, and that the majority can't override the minority!
Consolation 22851 replies184 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 23,035 Senior Member
@nostalgicwisdom , thanks for the info. It did seem very un-Pomona-like to me!
@citivas I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. I do NOT think that it is a minor thing for kids to have to go to another building to use a bathroom in comfort when there are plenty available in their own dorm, and the OP of that thread said "building" not "wing," so you don't get to change it because it suits your views. I am almost 100% certain that you wouldn't be so happy about it if it were girls who were cast out of their own dorm because they felt uncomfortable being needlessly forced to use bathrooms with men in them.
Sue22 6092 replies106 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 6,198 Senior Member
@ccprofandmomof2, I don't want to jump on you, but I think the evidence you've provided, with the exception of the UCB piece, is weak. Granted, there were incidents of a student at UCB recording women in the shower. That's clearly awful, but I'm not seeing evidence of a lot of other incidents. The other links you posted were to a seven year old editorial positing that non-gendered bathrooms might be a problem should they be installed at Harvard, a statistic about campus assaults that has nothing to do with gendered or non-gendered bathrooms, and an article that really has nothing to do with bathrooms at all. The girl in question wrote about being harassed by a drunk man on her way from the elevator to her dorm room.
I googled "woman assaulted in college bathroom." The first 5 stories were:
1. Riverside college student attacked in restroom, wields pencil - ...The student was washing her hands in a women's restroom in the Math/Science building when she looked behind her and saw the man,...
2. Woman claims sexual assault at knife-point in hiking trail bathroom ...
(no mention of whether the bathrooms are gendered or not)
3. Campus security at Los Medanos College say a man wearing a black hoodie, black leather gloves and a bandana covering his most of his face sexually assaulted a woman in a bathroom Thursday night....The assault took place shortly after 9 p.m. in a women's bathroom of the Main College Complex building, spokesman Tim Leong said.
4. Police are asking for help identifying a woman wanted in connection with the assault and robbery of another woman in a San Joaquin Delta College bathroom...Police say a woman suspect entered the Holt building's first floor woman's restroom on the San Joaquin Delta College campus and slammed a victim against the wall.
5. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is searching for man who attacked a woman in a Valencia College East Campus bathroom Tuesday night, deputies said....An unknown male entered a women's restroom and attempted to sexually batter a female student.
So 4 assaults in women's bathrooms, 1 where there is no mention of whether the bathroom was gendered or not. Not one in a bathroom identified as gender neutral.
I agree that it's not a small thing to have to go to a bathroom in another dorm and that the voting system used in the case of the student in the other thread wasn't fair, but I have to wonder this- When scores of people have given testimony on recent threads to the fact that their dorms had coed bathrooms and it really wasn't a problem and we have to go back 6 years to find a thread where a single person said it was, does it not say something about the chances that OP's kid would find coed bathrooms to be...not a problem?
@Sue22 So you'll grant the voyeurism, but not assault as a possibility? And voyeurism isn't that bad, after all, since women have to submit to it everywhere else, so they might as well have to worry about it in the bathroom too. I'm sorry, but that's not how I see it. We'll have to agree to disagree. And as I noted in my post, I wasn't trying to offer a comprehensive literature review--just going a quick google search. My mistake. All your links prove is that women get assaulted a lot. I don't see that as undermining my argument. Quite the contrary.
mathmom 32012 replies158 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 32,170 Senior Member
I actually think the chances of being assaulted are greater in a bathroom labeled women only than one open to all genders. I also think that if there's a vote and one person wants a single sex bathroom in the building it should be provided - going to another building is not an acceptable option.
What's funny is while I didn't mind mixed gendered bathrooms in college - which had changing areas attached to the showers - I really hate the fact that so many women bring boys (who are clearly over six years old), into the adult women's locker room at our Y. (They are supposed to use the kid's locker rooms.)
@mathmom There is no way I can respond without getting political, which is agains the rules, so we'll just have to agree to disagree. But if the OP is still out there, I just want her to know that she is not the only one who has a problem with this, and even if she is the minority, her opinion is valid.
@ccprofandmomof2 I granted you one incidence of voyeurism four years ago among the millions of men and women attending college. I'm sure there have been more, but my point wasn't that it has never happened, but that the vast majority of bathroom assaults happen in single gender bathrooms.
I think it's likely that @mathmom's right, that the chances of a women being assaulted in a women's room are greater than they are in a gender neutral bathroom where an assailant knows they have a possibility of running into a man.
In any case, students are free to choose schools with only gender segregated bathrooms or where they will be guaranteed private bathrooms. To each their own.
austinmshauri 8553 replies314 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 8,867 Senior Member
@ccprofandmomof2, I work on a college campus that's bordered on all sides by a small city. During the school year our building is unlocked all day and anyone can enter. It's also open 24/7 to over 200 STEM students (and whoever else they happen to let in). When I left work tonight it was late. There were only a few people left in my building, and none of them were on the first floor where I work. This isn't a rare situation, and I'm always concerned for my safety when I'm one of the last ones out. However, I have the advantage of knowing that if there's a man in the bathroom, he doesn't belong there. If the bathrooms were gender neutral, anyone could be there whenever they wanted. There's nothing preventing people from being in other parts of the building, of course, but at least in that one small space I'll be able to recognize a male intruder immediately. It's not a fun way to end the day.
mmmyaisinuse 7 replies1 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 8 New Member
My D was going through the Williams or Amherst? exercise....and this ended up being the reason she ended up EDing to Amherst. Didn't bother me as much, but to my D it apparently was just enough to tilt the scale. Which ended up being a good thing since she was accepted. I wonder if colleges are even aware of this issue...that when kids choose schools the smallest of things actually do matter.
1or2Musicians 1368 replies0 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 1,368 Senior Member
I live in a college town. There was a fairly well publicized voyeurism incident in the dorms a couple of years ago. It was a women's restroom.
The fact that a bad thing happened in a coed restroom doesn't mean it happened because the restroom was coed.
jeneric 209 replies0 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 209 Junior Member
@mmmyaisinuse I agree the smallest things can tip the scale- but I doubt a college would care. They have more applicants waiting in line.
Freshman Housing at Hamilton
How does freshman housing work? I remember some info from my tour but not everything.
spens1095 on July 2013 July 2013
SAT Writing section to Hamilton
How important is the SAT Writing section to Hamilton College?
pkulev on March 2014 March 2014


I knew it would be a challenge but definitely a fun challenge. Other than just planning the events, I want to use my platform to strengthen bonds within OYFA. Sometimes we get so comfortable with the friends around us but when you go somewhere like ski trip or to an oyfa party, you get to have a great time with people you've met for the first time.
Mamma Mia here I go again. My my how can I resist you.
I sleep in til 10am. I wake up and cook the fluffiest chocolate chip pancakes. Then I would plan an adventure somewhere. While I'm out, I would do a little shopping too. Eventually, I would get hungry so I would find the nearest McDonald's. At McDonald's, I order a crispy chicken sandwich with large fries and a large strawberry banana smoothie. I then go back home to take my afternoon nap which will probably be around 3 hours. After my nap, I eat more food and then I get ready to go out.
Ski Trip!! Before ski trip, I only knew the people in my class and maybe a couple upperclassmen well, but during the trip I was able to meet so many more people. I honestly had so much fun. It was truly a great bonding experience in OYFA. If you're debating whether to go or not, you should definitely go!!!
I would be able to fly. It would make traveling a lot easier and if I'm ever late to class, I can just fly there.
Rice, because I can't live without it but I would probably die because it's not nutritious so I'm changing my answer to avocado.


text:
Scott Mulhare
Bakewell & Mulhare CPA's CPA
Scott E. Mulhare, CPA has been a Partner with the firm since its inception in 2010. Mr. Mulhare graduated Magna Cum Laude from Champlain College where he received his B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance. He began his career in 1997 with KPMG LLP in Burlington, Vermont where he gained knowledge in all areas of tax. His "Big 4" experience includes individual, partnership, and corporate taxation. His knowledge in accounting and consulting is broad, with expertise in the areas of trusts, estates, and probate administration. His vast knowledge also includes estate and retirement planning; taxation of non-profit and charitable organizations; and business planning. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Connecticut. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Connecticut Society of CPA's (CSCPA). Mr. Mulhare also serves on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including The Pratt Nature Center, Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, Hunt Hill Farm Trust and the Goodrich Foundation. He resides in Roxbury, CT with his wife Rebecca, and family.
Bakewell & Mulhare CPA's
scott@bakewellmulhare.com
bakewellmulhare.com
Accounting Tax Services
Home Inspector
Residential Realtor
Well and Pump Services
When Thursday's at 7am
Where 19 Main Street, New Milford, CT
Guests and potential members are always welcome.
President Wayne Locke
Vice President Richard Herrington
Sec/Treasurer Jessica Williams
Membership Steve Kolitz
Education Marc Audette
Events Lisa Berte
Email info@hbanetworking.com
LAB Media - Copyright 2017


text:
Poland's Politics May Be Shifting to Recognize the End of Coal
Poland may be shifting ever so subtly to embrace a post-coal, post-carbon future, just as the city of Katowice in the heart of the country's coal-producing region begins preparations to host next year's United Nations climate change conference.
The conservative Law and Justice party "was brought into power by a wave of radical climate skeptic rhetoric and declarations that Poland would remain a mining nation," writes Krakow-based journalist and clean air campaigner Michal Olszewski on The Energy Collective. "But in recent months, there have been signs that its politicians intend to change the country's energy portfolio." The party isn't about to explicitly walk away from its 2015 campaign promises to defend Poland's coal mining sector. But "what matters is that, in the energy sector and among politicians, the idea is beginning to build up steam that a Poland built on coal is a myth, and ever-farther removed from reality."
The first sign of change was when "Europe's biggest black coal producer, Polska Grupa Górnicza, announced it was discontinuing retail sales of coal slurry and flotations," Olszewski recalls. Those products accounted for 2.5% of the company's annual revenues, but sales to municipalities will end and remaining stocks will be burned, as environmentalists have recommended.
"This gesture is highly significant because it counts as an act in favour of smog reduction," Olszewski explains. "Slurry and flotations are responsible for the high levels of air pollution in Polish cities, and withdrawing the cheapest coal types may reduce the current demand for coal (including for higher-quality coal). Other coal companies intend to follow in PGG's footsteps."
But it didn't end there. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki signed a ban on most coal furnace sales. The country's Supreme Audit Office issued a report documenting more than US$18 billion in mining sector subsidies between 2007 and 2015. And over the longer haul, Law and Justice appears to be recognizing that it can't build a long-term energy self-sufficiency strategy on black coal and lignite reserves that are set to run out in 20 and 30 years, respectively.
"The crisis in the mining industry and keeping coal as the main raw material for power stations and CHP plants has led to a situation that analysts have long been warning of: the ability to avoid energy supply deficits is becoming dependent on coal imports," Olszewski writes. Now, Energy Minister Krzysztof Tchórzewski has announced the country will only build one more new coal plant before pivoting to a supply mix that could include natural gas, nuclear, or wind.
"Not so long ago, this same minister was arguing that coal was a Polish treasure and that renewable energy sources were not cost-effective."
It's not be a full-scale, turn-on-a-dime transition off carbon. But Olszewski still sees the latest news as a "clear signal" of an impending turnaround.
"If the most die-hard advocate of the coal industry is furtively backing away from his own claims, it is a sign that we are genuinely unable to maintain the traditional energy model," he writes. "It is just a shame that Polish politicians took so long to kick down a door which has long been unlocked."
in Coal, COP Conferences, Ending Emissions, Health & Safety, Oil & Gas, UK & Europe, Wind
Global GHG Emissions Set to Rise 2% in 2017


text:
From Club to Centre of Excellence
Volleyball SA would like to congratulate the following athletes for recently being offered (and accepting) a position in the Volleyball Australia Centre of Excellence (COE), in Canberra.
Tara Maland Amelia Nitschke Matthew Drown
Amelia played State League Volleyball for Adelaide University (AUVC) and also played in the Australian Volleyball League (AVL) for the Adelaide Storm Women's team in 2017. Through her hard work and determination, she has been identified via scouting at AVL and was offered and accepted a position at the COE in Canberra.
Matthew started playing volleyball in Primary School with Marryatville Primary School in year 4 and was identified through the SASI talent search program in 2015. He trained in the VSA Academy (Tier 3) program for 3 years and has represented his School (Pembroke College), Club (Norwood), State (SA) and been a part of the Junior Aus program to name a few. Coach Edwina McCarron stated that Matthew was always keen to perfect his game and is a strong competitor.
Tara was introduced to Volleyball by Brighton Secondary School, where she has won a number of School Cup events under Sue Rodger and colleagues, and became the Special Interest Volleyball (SIV) Captain for 2017. Tara is two-time premiership league player for the Norwood Bears, and had her first state appearance in the U16 School State Team with her coach Shelley Clarke. Tara played both Beach and Indoor Volleyball for South Australia throughout her junior years, participated in several tours for the Australian Junior program with coach Nam Pham and was selected into the Commonwealth Games Youth Beach Volleyball Squad. During her development she trained in the VSA Academy Tier 3 and was a SASI associate scholarship holder with coaches Edwina McCarron and Michael Nelson for 4 years. Congratulations to Tara for obtaining a CoE scholarship.
Other SA athletes continuing on in the 2018 COE Canberra are:
Anisa MacKenzie
Jordan Colotti
Malachi Murch
Jackson Holland
How will 2017 State League results compare?


Do you ever wake up and already wish you had more hours in the day? Imaging more hours to sleep, more hours to play. Each day we're given this beautiful gift of 24 hours to fill in any way that we choose. Like many of us, I always fill mine to the point of overflow.
Many of us want to know how to make more hours and how to leave the rat race behind. For me, it's a matter of priorities. If I look at where I'm spending my time, there are always things on the list that don't bring me joy. Personally, that would be taxes, accounting and the little details.
Many of us as entrepreneurs follow our passion only to find that we're caught up in more than we bargained for. Some got into business to provide a service, only to find that they're now an administrator with little time to actually do the passion- the reason behind the business in the first place!
But one of the great things about life is that those things that are "work" for me, are a joy for others. The secret is in knowing your priorities and knowing what you can say "YES!" to.
What I mean by that is this… What fills your heart with such joy and excitement that you just can't wait to do it? What would you do just for the sheer joy of it, even if you didn't get paid? It is really quite simple- Just go do that!
Stay away from the energy drains which always turn into time wasters. Time is devoured when you're doing something you don't enjoy and those precious moments are gone- never to return. Then lack of time becomes an even greater problem and the cycle continues and accelerates, like getting sucked deeper and deeper into quick sand.
We need to change our habits that have created the problem and break the cycle.
Today I'm choosing to eliminate the things in my life that don't bring me joy. It's not selfish to do only the things that make you happy- it's just plain smart! I actually believe it's selfish NOT TO do the things you love.
No one benefits by your being miserable and playing small in the world. Today I'm consciously reviewing and focusing on only the things I like and walking away from those that don't serve me. The result? More time. More joy. More things I can say "YES!" to.
Today, may you have the courage to walk away from those things that no longer serve you. May you create the time to do the things that bring you the greatest joy and celebrate the things to which you can say "YES"!
I agree with your father. However as your father showed by example, if he didn't enjoy mowing the lawn, he didn't have to do it. There's always a kid down the street that is just dying to mow the lawn! (or a son that had it as a chore because dad didn't choose to do it!
My point is that if you love it, do it. If you don't, be so good at what you love that you live in the abundance of life, and you're able to hire someone who does love to do what you don't. When you follow your bliss you're never on the wrong path.
Thankyou for tweeting us about this great blog post. I wrote an article earlier in the week about a similar thing, though it was in relation to a travel experience. While my hubby and I were on holiday in Samoa he pointed out to me that in this tiny island eating and walking is considered rude. At first I was suprised that such a small issue was even an issue, after all, in our fast moving world we are taught to multitask, time is of the essense you know, we must do everyting in warp speed and never put off till tomorrow what we can do today. Naturally eating on the run is for us, just a normal part of life. It took a few days for me to get used to this sitting down to eat concept, but once I did I came to realise that taking our time to enjoy such simple pleasures is what makes for a happy life indeed.
In Samoa you see, food is a blessing, one that we sit down to partake of in gratitude for what we have. To walk around chomping away shows no gratitude and no respect for those around you. But to me it was a reminder that time should not be of the essence, multitasking was the bane of western existence and why should I do today what I could put off till tomorrow? I had discovered that through the simple and customary practice of showing respect in Samoa, life would be exactly as it should be, with a time and place for everything and everyone.
Applying the same approach back here in the west is easier said than done though, so we need to remind ourselves once in a while to slow down and make time for ourselves and as you said change the habbits that are creating the problem…pretty hard with a boss breathing down your neck, but still achievable if the desire to live a richer life is within you.
previous post: I Have a Secret that I Can't Wait to Share!


text:
Q: How to bind plugin with element I decide to write a plugin, but there is a moment I don't know,and i can't find documentation about it so I decide to ask here.
For example when we wrote
$("#some_element").nameOfPlugin();

There are a lot of functions in nameOfPlugin, but how some_element connects with the plugin?
An example, or a link to some documentation will be very helpful.
Thanks.

A: nameOfPlugin is the prototypal method which when inserted with the script element, extends jQuery so any jQuery objects can contain the method.
All the internal code of nameOfPlugin happens inside of that prototypal method and the scope which is defined.
Simple example of how you are extending jQuery, using Human instead of jQuery.
function Human(){};
Human.prototype.attack = function() { alert('attack') };
var john = new Human;
john.attack();

As far as $() connecting to it, $() returns an array of DOM elements ( one or many ). The plugin gets invoked in the context of each of these, since the object owns the method because it is an instance of the jQuery constructor which owns the plugin methods you've been adding.
$('body').hide() translates to calling the jQuery.prototype.hide method using document.body the DOM reference as the context.
I suggest reading up on prototypal inheritance to understand this. A good resource would be Eloquent JS, particularly chapter 8.

A: In the jQuery prototype, the this keyword represents the elements selected.
F.ex:
$('#some_element').myPlugin();

$.fn.myPlugin = function() {
  console.log(this); // this = #some_element (jQuery instance)

  // looping through elements and returning the instance
  // to allow further chaining:
  return this.each(function() {
    console.log(this) // this = #some_element (HTML element)
  });
}

A:
i don't know how search documentation about it

made my day!
http://www.jquery.com
It took me whole 5 seconds to get to http://docs.jquery.com/Plugins/Authoring for instance.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


A YHR 567 D horn with a four serial number, 001XX, The 567's are a medium bore "Geyer" wrap horn in Yellow Brass. Factory Detachable flare, high percentage original lacquer. I would say the horn is in "High" very good condition.
Horn plays exceptionally well, easy high register and a solid lower end. Factory detach case, a true 567D, not a 567 that has been cut, so it has the Yamaha ring set. Which sets a little higher than many ring sets and is lighter in weight.
There are numerous scratches to the lacquer and some tiny dents. Signs of minor dent raising. Nothing major has ever happened to this horn. Recent cleaning and Valve ultrasonic cleaning, new bumpers, string linkage, etc.
Shipped in large box 18 X 18 X 27 @ 21#s. Cannot be shipped to Countries w/ a 2m girth + one length postal restriction. Ask ?'s.


text:
Way Off-Topic
Obsidian Community
The space opera genre
By Spectre1,
November 26, 2014 in Way Off-Topic
Spectre1
Back in the 1990s and 2000s we had space operas like Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Babylon 5. Why don't we see space opera shows on TV anymore? Did the network execs decide the genre was dead? Did people lose interest in space travel? Why is this genre dead on TV? If the genre does not appeal to anyone anymore what can be done to revitalize the genre? What can be done to make the genre more relatable? Do you think this genre should be revived? Either way I think we need more epic space battles and political intrigue on TV. It was long thought that fantasy was a genre once thought reserved for geeks but Game of Thrones has garnered a huge audience. Perhaps a well written space opera with a huge budget could appeal to a diverse audience.
LadyCrimson
Location:Queen of Edits
My guess is relatively expensive if lots of battles/space effects etc + more viewership competition/splitting (cable, internet) means less risk taking. And sci-fi is often a risk...lots of them fail. Cable networks are willing, I'd think, but they have even less to spend and tend to have smaller audience numbers. Thus superhero (more "in" at the moment), horror or dramatic CW sci-fi rule there.
In terms of audience, Star Trek's many series (and others like SG1 series) sorta burned me out on the concept of TV spaceship /travel sci-fi. Oversaturation. I wouldn't mind a couple new good ones again now, tho. But instead we get things like The 100, The Extant and Being Human type sci-fi.
Psychologically, TV/films tend to reflect nation/world mood. Perhaps we're more into dark superheroes because we think the world is going to pot and need more heroes/action at home, not space-farers on other worlds.
"Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations." – Alan Watts
Rosbjerg
Location:The State, in which something is rotten
With all the Star Trek movies and Interstellar etc, I think it's only a matter of time before they come up with a new series.
Fortune favors the bald.
Firefly - The Middle Aged Years? I'd watch it.
Volourn
Location:North Bay, Ontario, Kanada
Firefly was entertaining but its fanboys overrate it. I didn't watch it until well after its time and with all the super hype it got, I expected something that was unbelievably perfect. L0L Above average tv show, and it probably could have lasted more seasons but nowhere near as good as people claim it is.
DWARVES IN PROJECT ETERNITY = VOLOURN HAS PLEDGED $250.
Blarghagh
Firefly was amazing! Says me, the self-proclaimed fanboy.
Drowsy Emperor
I agree with Volo. It was a nice show with a clever script but that's about it. Personally I enjoyed Babylon 5 more.
И погибе Српски кнез Лазаре,
И његова сва изгибе војска,
Седамдесет и седам иљада;
Све је свето и честито било
И миломе Богу приступачно.
http://io9.com/syfy-is-turning-james-s-a-coreys-books-into-game-of-t-1562411885
We are getting the Expanse.
I remember watching Dark Angel at the time and when it was cancelled, Firefly took it's place. I didn't understand the Firefly pilot and can understand why it didn't get the viewers. Also, I was quite disappointed when Dark Angel was cancelled and this new show that didn't make sense to me took it's place. A sci-fi show with space ships set in the future but they're using normal six shooter hand guns? huh? And then part of the internet hyped up the show and when I went back and watched it, found it quite good. It really wasn't a popular show at the time, regardless of Fox showing the episodes out of order.
To be fair, the "pilot" that was aired was actually the second episode. The show got incredibly screwed by the network. They aired a chronological show out of order. But yeah, I was being sarcastic. I love Firefly because I really like the characters and the actors but it's really not amazing. Anyway, the success of Guardians of the Galaxy may mean something for this, space shows might become viable again.
Namutree
Location:Michigan
It's because all the new space shows are obsessed with lame ass melo-drama. Make it about space battles and not about people's feelings and you'll have more success. If they insist on drama fine, but keep it a space opera; not a soap opera in space. Also, the aliens tend to be too human like; that's not very interesting.
"Good thing I don't heal my characters or they'd be really hurt." Is not something I should ever be thinking.
I use blue text when I'm being sarcastic.
I dunno, the only other viable option in this day and age is lots of CG. That doesn't go well on TV most of the time.
Aliens that look like humans were due to production costs as well as viewer identification - but I agree, it's time we get past that.
As for soap.. if it's only about space battles, then what's the point of a TV show? Why not just have a 2 hour CGI movie with great effects? The great strength of Tv shows are their ability to explore branching narratives, due to the available time they can invest in the characters. You need drama, even a little soap (we humans are melodramatic after all) - but of course not too much.. as Terra Nova proved.
There are alternatives to just the battle itself. For example:
You could cover how powerful each side is. This will help build tension.
You could cover the difference in ideology that is causing the battle. This will make it more intellectually stimulating; especially if it covers issues our society does NOT currently face. Preaching about xenophobia and racism isn't intellectually stimulating; just boring. How about a society that grows organic servants vs. a society that prefers mechanical devices.
You could spend time after a battle talking about how said battle has changed a given war or politics. This to would make the conclusion of said battle feel important.
There's plenty you could do without resorting to becoming a soap opera. Maybe a tiny bit of melo-drama to keep things balanced, but just a little.
Not that I mind battles mind you - I just like when things have a logic place and not just cause you need to hit the narrative climax.
Band of Brothers in space, that's a show I'd watch. Great balance between action and narrative.
I'd prefer something more adventurous and less gritty, but that's just me. I'm so over grimdark.
Amentep
Location:Fawcett City
A couple of big things happened in television - one the first run syndicated market died (where Star Trek: TNG, Babylon 5, ST:DS9, ST:V, Starhunter, Andromeda and a lot of fantasy, other types of sci-fi and adventure shows all had their distribution).
Cable became a bigger deal and more money went with prestige series on cable.
As it is there are still a number of fantasy, sci-fi and adventure series on TV in the last 5 years - if not space spanning ones (The 100, Believe, Star-Crossed, The Tomorrow People, Almost Human, Extant, Black Box, and The Event all springing to mind). Eventually they'll get back to men & women in spaceships sci-fi.
Chilloutman
I would love to see some decent sci-fi serial. Last attempt was probably latest stargate - but man that was awful melodramatic bulls*it. I agree that even sci-fi needs some human interactions but base whole series on it is really not way to go. I would love show from EvE universe for instance, it already got great lore set up
I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think, I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech, and freedom of choice. I'm the kinda guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder, "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecue ribs with the side-order of gravy fries?" I want high cholesterol! I wanna eat bacon, and butter, and buckets of cheese, okay?! I wanna smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section! I wanna run naked through the street, with green Jell-O all over my body, reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly may feel the need to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiene"
Location:Home is where the heart is, mine is in my chest.
Xbox Gamertag:Tale82
PSN Online ID:Taleroth
Steam:Tale
A few people have been expecting Sapce Opera to make a comeback for a few years. In fact, it was in a good position to with the success of BSGNew. But Sci-Fi channel kind of screwed up the follow through and we saw an emergence of other genre fiction on other channels.
So it's been slow to get back in gear, but we're getting Ascension and Expanse come to TV, and we've got a few movies coming out.
"Show me a man who "plays fair" and I'll show you a very talented cheater."
Lexx
Farscape, I love that show. One of the best sci-fi tv shows, imo.
"only when you no-life you can exist forever, because what does not live cannot die."
A couple of big things happened in television - one the first run syndicated market died
Yeah, that was a game changer.
I definitely don't like "soap operas" even if they're set in space. Not that "soap opera" isn't sort of leaking into everything these days, a bit. But I also don't really want to see retreads of the ST or SG-1 planet-of-the-week type formula either. Been there, done that, it would feel too worn.
Stuff like Extant have interesting premises but for me they turn too far towards emotive human drama and not enough action/humor. I find humor elements in sci-fi to be much needed. Too much gravitas often makes me snooze, personally.
ManifestedISO
Location:San Diego, California
It's not dead, it's on blu-ray, December 2, Season 7, TNG, boom!
All Stop. On Screen.
That's a good idea.
As for the video game medium we only have KOTOR and Mass Effect. Would you like to see Obsidian or Bethesda try their hand at this genre? Or do you think the space opera genre is boring?
Do you understand this is about movies and television?


(1) A person may not directly or indirectly engage in or carry on, or purport to engage in or carry on, within this state, the business of an escrow agent, or act in the capacity of an escrow agent, unless the person holds an active license as an escrow agent under the provisions of ORS 696.505 (Definitions for ORS 696.505 to 696.590) to 696.590 (Penalty amounts).
(A) The form and content of applications for initial licensing and license renewal.
(B) The requirements for submitting surety bonds under ORS 696.525 (Bond for escrow agents) or evidence of deposits in lieu of a bond under ORS 696.527 (Deposits in lieu of bond).
(i) Ownership interest in an escrow agent.
(ii) Corporate officers in charge of escrow operations for an escrow agent.
(iii) Other individuals in charge of escrow operations for an escrow agent.
(D) Schedules and procedures for issuing and renewing licenses.
(E) Schedules and procedures for approving changes in ownership interest in an escrow agent, changes in corporate officers in charge of escrow operations or changes in other individuals in charge of escrow operations.
(F) The term of a license.
(G) The requirements for an escrow agent to notify the Real Estate Agency of changes in the information contained in an application, including but not limited to office location changes, branch office establishment, office closure and business operations cessation.
(H) The requirements for an applicant that is not an individual to provide a certificate of existence or similar documentation.
(b) If an applicant for a license as an escrow agent is an individual, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
(b) Who is not an individual must demonstrate a minimum collective experience among its personnel of three years in the administration of escrows within Oregon or a state with comparable escrow laws.
(4) The commissioner may waive the three-year experience requirement in subsection (3) of this section for an applicant who demonstrates other qualifications sufficient to ensure the protection of the public.
(C) Is in charge of escrow operations for the escrow agent.
(b) For an initial escrow agent license, the commissioner shall require fingerprints and a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 (Criminal records check) of the applicant. The commissioner may require additional information from the applicant that the commissioner considers necessary for protecting the public.
(c) For license renewal as an escrow agent, the commissioner may require fingerprints and a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 (Criminal records check) of the applicant. The commissioner may require additional information from the applicant that the commissioner considers necessary for protecting the public.
(d) For a change in individuals who will have ownership interest in an escrow agent, the individuals who will be corporate officers in charge of escrow operations or any other individuals who will be in charge of escrow operations, the commissioner shall require fingerprints and a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195 (Criminal records check) of the individuals who will have the ownership interest or who will be in charge. The commissioner may require additional information from the individuals that the commissioner considers necessary for protecting the public.
(c) Other documents and information that the commissioner may require by rule.
(7) The commissioner shall issue or renew an escrow agent license, approve a change in ownership interest in an escrow agent, approve a change in corporate officers in charge of escrow operations of the escrow agent or approve a change in any other individuals in charge of escrow operations of the escrow agent for an applicant that complies with the requirements of ORS 696.505 (Definitions for ORS 696.505 to 696.590) to 696.590 (Penalty amounts) and the rules adopted under ORS 696.505 (Definitions for ORS 696.505 to 696.590) to 696.590 (Penalty amounts).


text:
Fishing License Mn State Park
Official fishing information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife.. Fishing license Buy online, in person or by mail. Contact a fisheries biologist Find contact information.. State of Indiana's Email. Fishing, of all varieties, is one of the most popular activities at NM State Parks. Twenty-four parks have ponds, streams, rivers or lakes, providing a variety of different fishing experiences. From a lazy afternoon casting for pan-fish to a high-energy adventure of fishing for 40-inch tiger muskie, your State Parks have a lot to offer.
You ever heard of Voyageurs National Park in MINNESOTA
AUTHORIZATION FOR RESIDENTS OF STATE INSTITUTIONS TO FISH IN MINNESOTA CHECK APPLICABLE STATUTE: 97A.441, Subd. 3. Angling; residents of state institutions. The commissioner may issue a License, without a fee, to take fish by angling to a person that is a ward of the commissioner of human services and a resident of a state institution
Fishing license mn state park. A Permanent angling license may be issued to Minnesota residents age 16 or older who are developmentally disabled upon being furnished satisfactory evidence of the disability. Application, including physician/psychologists section, must be submitted to the DNR License Center (500 Lafayette Rd, St. Paul, MN 55155, FAX: 651-297-8851). Annual licenses expire annually on February 28. While there are some exceptions, generally all anglers 16 and older need a fishing license. Use the state's new mobile application, Fish MN to get the latest fishing regulations, search for specific information, fish species, lake maps and more. Minnesota Fishing Licenses (BWCAW) Anglers 16 years and older are required to have a fishing license unless otherwise noted. Purchase fishing licenses online by clicking here, or at most gas stations and bait shops across Minnesota.Purchasing your fishing license online in advance is recommended.
Title: Fishing Licenses Alternate Title: Description: All residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. Grand Lake Matagamon. At 4,165 acres, Grand Lake Matagamon is one of the three largest bodies of water in Baxter State Park. With a depth of 95 feet, the lake is an ideal spot for fishing in Maine. Texas State Parks offering no fishing license requirements as part of the "Free Fishing in State Parks" program. Park Phone Number City; Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area; Cedar Hill sp (972) 291-3900: Cedar Hill: Cleburne sp (817) 645-4215: Cleburne: Cooper Lake sp (Doctors Creek) (903) 395-3100: Cooper
Learn more about where and when you can fish for free in Minnesota state parks. Don't forget your vehicle permit to enter a park - you will still need one. At parks with trout fishing opportunities, a trout stamp must be purchased before fishing. Contact the park manager for details. Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most Minnesota state parks, including ice fishing. A Minnesota resident may fish in a state park without a fishing license when: Read the full statute. All park rules must be followed as usual, along with any rules and regulations relating to. Many Minnesota state parks offer great fishing. Here are a few fishing-friendly state parks to consider, some near the Twin Cities, some farther away: — Wild River State Park: Located about an hour north of the Twin Cities, this park offers great canoeing and fishing along 18 miles of the St. Croix River. Canoe rentals and shuttles are available.
The exception is the first Saturday and Sunday of National Fishing Week in June when fishing is free and no sport fishing license or lake permit is required. Only rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed on State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes; however, carp, gar, buffalo, and bowfin may be taken by use of bow and arrow at night only after. A 3 to 10 day fishing license is a great way for non-residents to fish while on vacation in other states. Most temporary license are less than $30 for non-residents and less than $20 for residents of the state. Can you buy a fishing license online. Just about every state allows for online purchases of a fishing license. Texas doesn't require a license for fishing in state parks if you're practicing catch and release. While Florida will require a license no matter where you're fishing or the type of fishing you're doing. T confuse matters further, California can in certain circumstances allow fishing from a pier without a license..
Other fishing license questions can be submitted via our web form or you can call our Fishing License help line during business hours, toll-free at 877-707-4085. 17. Who is eligible for a free license? Disabled veterans who meet certain criteria. To qualify for a free fishing license, an applicant must: Be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania; Park Entrance License. A state park entrance license allows you to enjoy over 60 state park and recreation areas throughout South Dakota. The license is required of all motorized vehicles for entrance into designated state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas.It does not cover camping costs or additional fees. Qualifying South Dakota disabled veterans are eligible for free park. Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986 must provide a hunter education number in order to buy a hunting license. Otherwise, only apprentice hunting licenses are available. State law (Indiana Code 14-22-11-3 (a) requires an applicant for a fishing, hunting or trapping license to provide the applicant's Social Security number in order to obtain the.
Fishing licenses in Minnesota can be purchased anytime online at the Department of Natural Resources website. Licenses can also be purchased by phone at 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE). Here are. Yes, Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in dozens of state parks, including parks on Mille Lacs Lake, Lake of the Woods and other famed fishing waters. The Department of Natural Resources fish-without-a-license regulation was implemented several years ago as yet another innovative way to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers. Trout Fishing The regular trout season runs from mid-April through mid-September. Because of special regulations within the park, the catch and release season runs from mid-September until mid-April. A fishing license and trout stamp is required in the park. Camping Camping is available April through November 30.
Custer State Park Fishing, Where to Fish. Fishing License. A South Dakota fishing license is required.. Fly Fishing. Fly fisherman prefer French Creek or the Walk-In Fishing area, located between Grace Coolidge Campground and Center Lake.
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The beautiful thirteenth-century ruin of Sweetheart Abbey lies in the pretty village of New Abbey, in the Dumfries and Galloway area of south-west Scotland. It's well worth a visit even if you're not into history.
This is the sixth and (almost) final post in my little Dumfries and Galloway series from our Kirkcudbright trip, apart from a round-up post I'm planning for next week. It seems fitting that it's the last post actually, because Sweetheart Abbey is a good place to call in on on your way home (if you're driving southbound, that is). This is what we did. It's just south of Dumfries and a stop there will stop the journey home being so miserable.
That's basically what went down. Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway (what a name!) chose a good spot for it – tucked between the imposing Criffel hill (as mentioned re beer in our Castle Douglas post!) and the flow of the Solway Firth. Even on a very grey day like this one, the reddish brick makes Sweetheart Abbey quite a sight against such a backdrop. It really is much redder than these photos show. By the way, huge apologies for the terrible quality of the pictures in this post – I was using an old camera so they're not up to the usual standard. I'll have to edit this post with better ones next time we go.
Lady Dervorgilla is of course buried with her embalmed heart accessory in the abbey itself, and there's a stone effigy. So keep an eye out for her.
Sweetheart Abbey is now looked after by Historic Scotland. It's a fiver to get in to walk round the main walls. There's nothing stopping you from looking at it from the graveyard or roadside, but if you want to get a nice symmetrical photo, you'll have to cough up. It really is pretty and quite atmospheric.
Once you've wrung Sweetheart Abbey dry, you can have a look round the village, New Abbey. I wonder where they got that name from? The mind boggles.
You can walk up the main street of New Abbey to find a lovely mill pond, next to the Cornmill. You can go round that – it's all in working order. We didn't on this trip because we had to get on with the gruelling drive home and inevitable post-holiday blues.
Oh and there's a tearoom. This is a Scottish village so of course there's a tearoom! It's a really good one too, but I sadly have no photos of the scones we saw off in there because of said terrible camera. You can sit outside with the view of Sweetheart Abbey if the weather is decent. It's right next to the abbey, in a cute cottage, so naturally it's called Abbey Cottage Tearooms.
The rest of the village is worth a wander round. It's full of beautiful houses and gardens. Very pretty.
In summer, some New Abbey gardens are open to the public in a 'garden safari'. I can't find anything online about whether it's every summer, but maybe someone can let me know in the comments.
A couple of years ago, we were lucky enough to visit on a garden open day so I dug these photos out from it.
We could freely do what everyone wants to do all the time and walk into people's gardens for a good nose round, instead of casually craning over the fence outside.
This one was particularly good.
Sadly, we break our no-driving rule when it comes to a trip to Dumfies & Galloway. To get to New Abbey, we drive from Kirkcudbright and it takes about 50 minutes, which is why we tend to do it on the way home. There's a carpark just by the abbey.
We always stay in Kirkcudbright, which is an ideal base for days out. Sweetheart Abbey/New Abbey is quite a drive from there (see above), but if you wanted to be very close, there are loads of places to stay nearer to Dumfries.
As I've said in my other posts in this little Dumfries and Galloway series, nowhere in this area gets too heaving with tourists. That's why it's such an unspoilt gem. Sweetheart Abbey is no exception, even though it's quite a tourist attraction. We almost had it to ourselves on both our recent visits, despite it being July and there being open gardens going on outside on one trip.
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the secret beach of Carrick Bay.
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Antitrust/Competition Law
Australia: Have your say! The Competition Policy Review Panel wants to hear from you
by Laura Hartley (Sydney) and Sarah Andrews (Sydney)
Do regulatory restrictions adversely impact competition in your industry? Should misuse of market power be analysed by its effect rather than its purpose? Is it effective to have three different merger clearance processes? What is your experience in dealing with the ACCC?
You now have the opportunity to comment on these and any other issues that you see as affecting the competitive process in Australia. Read on to learn more.
'Root and branch' review of Australia's competition laws and policy
On 14 April 2014 the Competition Policy Review Panel, appointed by the Federal Government to conduct a "root and branch" review of Australia's competition laws and policy, released its Issues Paper (available here). The Issues Paper is open for submissions until 10 June 2014.
The review was announced in December 2013 and the Panel appointed in March 2014. Its overarching objective is to identify areas for micro-economic reform to stimulate competition and drive ongoing productivity growth and better standards of living. It is the first major review since the National Competition Policy Review (known as the Hilmer review) in 1993 and will take account of significant changes to the Australian economy over the last twenty years, such as globalisation, innovation, and demographic changes.
The Terms of Reference for the review are very wide-ranging, examining not just the working of the current competition laws and institutions but also any barriers or impediments to competition in the Australian economy.
Issues Paper
The Issues Paper is the first step in the work of the Panel and proceeds very much as a scoping document, seeking stakeholder feedback on a series of issues in order to shape the direction of the review and identify priorities. In releasing the Issues Paper, Professor Ian Harper, Chair of the Panel, stated:
"[T]hese issues are only a start and just a guide. Importantly, the Issues Paper is about asking questions, rather than setting out any concluded or preconceived views."1
Indeed the Issues Paper poses over 50 questions. It is structured into six chapters each containing one or two "key" questions and a number of sub-questions arising from the Terms of Reference.
The key questions outlined in the Issues Paper are:
What should be the priorities for a competition policy reform agenda to ensure that efficient businesses, large or small, can compete effectively and drive growth in productivity and living standards?
Are there unwarranted regulatory impediments to competition in any sector in Australia that should be removed or altered?
Are government-provided goods and services delivered in a manner conducive to competition, while meeting other policy objectives?
Is there a need for further competition-related reform in infrastructure sectors with a history of heavy government involvement (such as the water, energy and transport sectors)?
Would there be a public benefit in encouraging greater competition and choice in sectors with substantial government participation (including education, health and disability care and support)?
Are the current competition laws working effectively to promote competitive markets, given increasing globalisation, changing market and social structures, and technological change?
Are competition-related institutions functioning effectively and promoting efficient outcomes for consumers and the maximum scope for industry participation?
What institutional arrangements would best support a self-sustaining process for continual competition policy reform and review?
You may make a formal submission on any aspect covered by Issues Paper - or any issue that you believe should be included within the scope of the review. Alternatively, you may submit your thoughts on any or all of the 8 key questions outlined above via an online portal on the review's website. Submissions may be made confidentially.
The Issues Paper will be followed by a draft report later in 2014 and a final report within 12 months.
The Panel intends to hold extensive public consultation at each stage of the review including public forums, written submissions, stakeholder feedback and a conference following the release of its draft report. Details of consultations will be made available on the review's website. You can also subscribe to receive email updates about when and where the panel is holding consultation meetings.
1Release of Issues Paper, 14 April 2014 http://competitionpolicyreview.gov.au/2014/04/14/release-of-issues-paper/
Laura Hartley
Sarah Andrews
Australia Antitrust/Competition Law Antitrust, EU Competition Trade Regulation & Practices
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