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A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at a heritage and regeneration conference, Stormont Hotel, Northern Ireland
Needless to say, I look forward to seeing what is done in due course and both my Prince's Regeneration Trust and my Foundation for the Built Environment stand ready to be of what assistance they can in terms of finding ways to work with building owners and the public sector to ensure that heritage-led projects are not stifled by regulation and delay.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to speak to so many of you today and I am particularly grateful to the Minister, Arlene Foster, for the interest and enthusiasm she has shown in heritage and regeneration in Northern Ireland.
Some of you may realize that these are issues I have been trying to emphasize for over 20 years. Why?
We are what we're surrounded by, as we are what we eat. The 20th Century has seen fragmentation and zoning on a grand scale, leading to ghettoes.
We need to break the conventional mould and re-discover the timeless principles about place-making, building communities, emphasizing local identity and culture.
Heritage-led regeneration – not wasting precious assets – respecting dedication, skill and commitment of our forebears – we owe it to them, the unsung craftsmen and women, to honour their memory and to convert and to re-use the legacy they have left us.
The Built Environment of Northern Ireland offers challenges and opportunities in equal measure and I applaud the fact that the Minister and her civil servants in the Department of the Environment and the Environment and Heritage Service are clearly placing a high priority on finding new ways of releasing the potential of this unique legacy. I have also been struck by how much of the energy and creativity in re-using buildings in Northern Ireland has come from the voluntary sector, such as the work of the Building Preservation Trusts at Christ Church and Belmont School in Belfast and, in a small way, my Prince's Regeneration Trust, which has been supporting a project to regenerate Conway Mill in West Belfast since 1997, as well as the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol.
This involved advising on all aspects of project development and I understand that The East Belfast Community Development Agency was sufficiently impressed by the competence and consistency of our support that its Chairman, Sammy Douglas, invited my Regeneration Trust to help a project in East Belfast on a similar basis, which we were delighted to do.
Following several discussions and a site visit by the Trustees of my Regeneration Trust and Advisers, it was agreed that we would adopt Templemore Avenue School as a project for charitable support and I understand that the marvellous Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, who is a Trustee of my Trust – and who is such a help to me and is, I am sure, well known to many of you – together with my Regeneration Trust's Chief Executive, Ros Kerslake, both of whom are here today, are now taking forward work to this end. I know that they are very much looking forward to being helped on the Advisory Group by Richard Rogers, after his retirement from the Environment and Heritage Service,
So the initiative taken by the Department of the Environment and, in particular, the Minister, Mrs. Foster, in organizing this conference, is a most important milestone which I trust will be warmly welcomed. I understand that The Minister is determined to put in place a "Heritage Strategy" that will have at its heart heritage-led regeneration and will offer incentives to building owners, as well as enhancing the role of Building Preservation Trusts.
And in a city and province that has previously been so divided, it is refreshing to hear that the conference celebrates heritage for all communities – old and new.
Dare I say it, I think the challenge for business, commerce and the wider community in Northern Ireland is to respond to this strategy by recognizing the economic, environmental and social returns that come from supporting buildings of heritage value. In a nutshell, heritage regeneration is good for business and a great deal better for the environment by not wasting precious assets and by enhancing sustainability through, perish the thought, beauty and attraction.
Some examples of successful regeneration from other parts of the United Kingdom are the regeneration of Stanley Mills and Anchor Mills in Scotland – both achieved through the agency of my Prince's Regeneration Trust. They show what can be done in terms of enhancing property values, as well as demonstrating the vital importance of consulting the local community around all these issues of regeneration and the local built environment. If local people can feel involved in this process wherever possible it can make an immense difference to future sustainability.
Moving on from regeneration to issues of design and planning, I know that the Minister and some of her civil servants have visited my Duchy of Cornwall development at Poundbury, in Dorset, within the last year, and I just wanted to tell you – very briefly – about my Foundation for the Built Environment, which seeks to improve the quality of people's lives by teaching and practising timeless and ecological ways of planning, designing and building.
The Foundation's Enquiry by Design process, which puts community engagement at the heart of planning and design for sustainable neighbourhoods, has proved to be extremely useful in achieving consensus about development and regeneration, thereby, very often, reducing the normal planning time from some two-and-half years to five days. The Enquiry by Design might, conceivably, be useful for projects such as Templemore Avenue School, where the issue involves more than one neighbourhood, and perhaps in dealing with some of the many redundant Ministry of Defence Estates. My Foundation has demonstrated – both in practical projects and in research with Savills – that walkable, mixed-use and mixed-income development, that tells a local vernacular story, generates premiums, both in gross development value and in environmental and social benefits.
All I can say is that my Foundation for the Built Environment would very much like to work with builders, developers, engineers and planners to help demonstrate these benefits in Northern Ireland, particularly – perhaps – in relation to the need to overcome, and reconcile, the tragic fragmentation of communities.
Finally, one thing that has occurred to me over the last year or two is that here in Northern Ireland you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that some of the large sites currently being disposed of by the Government in Whitehall – one or two of which, such as St. Lucia Barracks, near Omagh, contain interesting and historic buildings – are re-used in a sympathetic way, and in a way which helps drive regeneration. All I want to say is that – irrespective of who ends up owning the sites – it seems to me that it would be such a tragic missed opportunity (an opportunity that has been missed all too often in England, I hasten to say) if these sites, particularly those with some historic buildings attached, were not given a new and sympathetic use that at the same time provided a physical means of reconciliation in a creative way.
Needless to say, I look forward to seeing what is done in due course and both my Prince's Regeneration Trust and my Foundation for the Built Environment stand ready to be of what assistance they can in terms of finding ways to work with building owners and the public sector to ensure that heritage-led projects are not stifled by regulation and delay. Thereby resulting in unique buildings becoming ever more derelict and pointlessly wasted. It is important to remember that such projects can give a real boost to the confidence and aspirations of deprived communities.


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from our friends at SoundStageDirect
In The Court Of The Crimson King (200 Gram) by King Crimson
Recorded over a period of 10 days in August 1969 and released on October 10th of the same year, In The Court of the Crimson King stands as one of the defining albums of British rock music and one of the finest debut albums of all time. Described at the time as "an uncanny masterpiece" by Pete Townshend, the album has achieved legendary status over the years. It is the only studio document of an extraordinary year in the life of King Crimson; a year that began with the group's first rehearsals on January 13th, included a residency at the Marquee Club, a concert in Hyde Park with The Rolling Stones, the recording and release of the album and ended with the dissolution of the lineup at the close of Crimson's 1st American tour in December.
One of the most anticipated and frequently requested high quality vinyl reissues finally returns to the 12" format! Featuring the Original 1969 Stereo Mix, newly cut from masters approved by Robert Fripp and pressed on 200 Gram Super-Heavyweight Vinyl. Complete with the original iconic gatefold sleeve, this release also contains a bonus mp3 code giving access to a download of a transfer of an original 1969 pressing. In The Court of the Crimson King has been unavailable on vinyl for 20 years!!! Limited Edition
Pressed on 200 Gram Super-Heavyweight Vinyl
Newly Cut from the Original Studio Masters approved by Robert Fripp
Featuring the Original 1969 Stereo Mix
Original Iconic Gatefold Jacket
Bonus MP3 Download Code
Order at SoundStageDirect
In The Wake Of Poseidon by King Crimson
Following last years well-received 200 gram vinyl edition of In The Court Of The Crimson King, DGM & Panegyric are proud to present the second in a series of King Crimson high quality vinyl reissues with the October release of In the Wake Of Poseidon. The albums return to the 12 vinyl format is newly cut from masters approved by Robert Fripp. Manufactured on 200 gram super-heavyweight vinyl & housed in a reprint of the original stunning gatefold sleeve this edition also contains bonus MP3 codes giving access to a download of a transfer of an original 1970 pressing (in this case Robert Fripps personal file copy.)
Larks' Tongue In Aspic by King Crimson
King Crimson reborn yet again -- the newly configured band makes its debut with a violin (courtesy of David Cross) sharing center stage with Robert Fripp's guitars and his Mellotron, which is pushed into the background. The music is the most experimental of Fripp's career up to this time -- though some of it actually dated (in embryonic form) back to the tail end of the Boz Burrell-Ian Wallace-Mel Collins lineup.
And John Wetton was the group's strongest singer/bassist since Greg Lake's departure three years earlier. What's more, this lineup quickly established itself as a powerful performing unit working in a more purely experimental, less jazz-oriented vein than its immediate predecessor. "Outer Limits music" was how one reviewer referred to it, mixing Cross' demonic fiddling with shrieking electronics, Bill Bruford's astounding dexterity at the drum kit, Jamie Muir's melodic and usually understated percussion, Wetton's thundering (yet melodic) bass, and Fripp's guitar, which generated sounds ranging from traditional classical and soft pop-jazz licks to hair-curling electric flourishes. - Bruce Eder (All Music Guide)
This Week's Bestselling Vinyl Records at SoundStageDirect
1. Led Zeppelin IV (On Sale) (Pre-Order)
2. Houses Of The Holy (On Sale) (Pre-Order)
3. Guardians Of The Galaxy Soundtrack (On Sale) (Pre-Order)
4. The Beatles Mono Box Set (Pre-Order) (On Sale)
5. Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition) (On Sale) (Pre-Order)
6. Godzilla - Japanese Original 60th Anniversary Edition
8. Judas Priest - Stained Class
from our friends over at SpaceLab9
AMC's THE WALKING DEAD "VIOLENT VINYL" EDITION UNLEASHED
Pop-culture provocateurs SPACELAB9 have teamed up with DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS for a comic book shop exclusive deluxe edition vinyl LP for the official soundtrack to multi-award winning fan-favorite drama series AMC's THE WALKING DEAD. The "Violent Violet" variant edition LP is packaged in a full color gatefold jacket and heavy card stock inner bag featuring images from the hit TV series. AMC's THE WALKING DEAD: Original Soundtrack Volume One "Violent Violet" edition is limited to 400 copies which will ensure it sought after by rabid zombie fans everywhere! Also included as a bonus is an 18" x 24" full color poster.
Released by Universal Republic Records on CD and digital album followed by a now sold-out run of Picture Disc LPs and Deluxe Vinyl Colored Editions by SPACELAB9, AMC's THE WALKING DEAD:
Original Soundtrack Vol.1 "Violent Violet" Edition will be available at fine comic book stores everywhere on August 27th 2014. Featuring tracks from composer Bear McCreary and artists Jamie N. Commons, Voxhaul Broadcast, Baby Bee, Fink, Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene) & Emily Kinney (Beth Greene) as well as multiplatinum Icelandic artists Of Monsters and Men.
So, I guess that you should find a comic book shop to get a copy!
pre-order from Season-Of-Mist
Necrophagia - WhiteWorm Cathedral - DOUBLE LP GATEFOLD COLORED
The legendary NECROPHAGIA rise from a self-imposed slumber and deliver unto us its' new album 'WhiteWorm Cathedral'. A cold and calculated march of truly old-school heavy metal influenced by classic and cult horror movies alike, 'WhiteWorm Cathedral' is the definitive album by this death-worshiping collective. NECROPHAGIA mastermind Killjoy De Sade and his ground-breaking horde absorb and reflect tenfold the pervasive fear and ominous dread personified in his blood-soaked cinematic influence. "Fear the Priest", "Warlock Messiah", "Coffins", "Rat Witch", the title track are but a few of the reasons 'WhiteWorm Cathedral' is a must listen for any true metal and horror fan. Available October 27, 2014
Pre-Order at Season-Of-Mist
HALF JAPANESE - Overjoyed
One of the most influential bands in rock history, Half Japanese was founded in the bedroom of brothers Jad and David Fair in 1974. Ignoring musical conventions like chords, rhythms, melody, and song structure, the brothers pioneered DIY and Lo-Fi punk aesthetics simply by being themselves. Passionate, fearless, and relentlessly unique, they self-recorded and self-released by mailing out cassettes with handmade packaging, pressing their own vinyl, and brazenly marketing their music with bizarre magazine ads. This unbridled enthusiasm for the act of creating rock music led them to record dozens of amazing records (including the classic albums "1/2 Gentleman/Not Beasts" and "Charmed Life"), and to inevitably influence countless artists such as Sonic Youth, Neutral Milk Hotel, Daniel Johnston, Kurt Cobain, and many many more.
Their first album in 13 years, "Overjoyed", shows the band's aggressiveness as well as its friendly charisma. Produced by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, the 12 songs on "Overjoyed" are unlike anything in the bands catalog, each unapologetically positive and surprisingly accessible. "Overjoyed" contains a deep purity, exceptionally rare amongst "reunion albums". They neither attempt to recreate their old sound, nor are they aware of current musical trends and conventions. As a result they sidestep common pitfalls and create something new, interesting, and needed. Release Date: 09/02/2014
Pre-Order at JoyfulNoiseRecordings
Rips by Ex Hex Available For Pre-Order
Ex Hex is Mary Timony, Laura Harris, and Betsy Wright. They are a power trio hailing from Washington, DC, making the music you've been waiting for. Drums, bass, guitar, P90s, searing leads—this is unapologetic rock 'n' roll spat out in the discipline's mother tongue. Their full-length debut Rips will be released on October 7 in North America and October 13 worldwide.
Mary found Laura Harris (The Aquarium, Benjy Ferree) and they hit it off immediately. Laura is a monster on drums: intuitive, solid, and just a bit rough around the edges. The pair played together for a couple of months in a tiny carpet-lined practice space shared with half a dozen hardcore bands and what appeared to be the better part of a B.C. Rich Mockingbird.
In walked Betsy Wright from the wilds of Virginia. She and Mary have similar tendencies, both defaulting to denim and The Voidoids. Betsy is a performer and an ace piano player, and before long, she was slinging a cherry SG as the third member of Ex Hex.
The group played a handful of shows and a couple of months later, in the spring of 2014, headed into the studio. Working furiously, they recorded over the span of two weeks in North Carolina with Mitch Easter (Let's Active) and in the basement of Mary's home with frequent collaborator Jonah Takagi. Bobby Harlow (The Go, Conspiracy of Owls) was tapped to mix because of his unique take on making rock records.
What results is Ex Hex Rips, twelve songs about underdogs, guys stealing your wallet, schoolyard brawls, and getting bent. The record happens pretty quickly, so don't blink.
*Preorders will ship to arrive on or around the release date of October 7. LP includes a coupon for a full download.
Pre-Order at Merge
FINCH NEW ALBUM BACK TO OBLIVION NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Back to Oblivion marks the return of Finch with the band's first full length album in over nine years. The Southern California band has undeniably created a lasting, formidable body of work with their two studio albums and EPs - singer Nate Barcalow acknowledges that 2002's What It Is To Burn all but "defined post-hardcore early in the decade", while 2005's Say Hello to Sunshine continued to shape its direction. The band dignified the demand for a celebration of What It Is To Burn's 10th anniversary by reforming after a hiatus and playing select sold-out shows across the country in 2013. Inspired by the creative surge brought on by these shows, Finch rendered these contradictions moot with Back to Oblivion, their long-awaited third LP and a new, bold chapter in the band's legacy. Back to Oblivion itself is a paradoxical idea. This is Finch reinvigorated, brimming with the inspiration of their earliest days; the opposite of the negation implied by "oblivion." But as a songwriting unit, they're challenging themselves by going deep into the unknown - this is by far Finch's most introspective and demanding work from a lyrical standpoint. The album was produced by Brian Virtue (Deftones, 30 Seconds to Mars, Janes Addiction, Audio Slave).
• Back To Oblivion Black 12" Vinyl LP
• Digital Download Sent on Street Date
PLEASE NOTE: Due to vinyl manufacturing this item will be shipping approximately November 2014
Pre-Order HERE
Volume X by Trans Am On Clear Vinyl Available at Thrill Jockey
There are three ways of interpreting Volume X, the title of the new album by Trans Am. The first is obvious – it is the band's tenth studio release, comprised of ten songs that display ten unique sides of Phil Manley, Nathan Means, and Sebastian Thomson. You can also imagine a volume knob being cranked all the way up, the amplification level for an ideal Trans Am listening session. But it can also be read as a representation of the band's remarkable ability to express, and even embody, unknown capacities, adopting bold stylistic and aesthetic shifts as a defining tenet of their quarter-century long career. Trans Am refuse to rely on their legacy as innovators, opting instead to continue to break down established modes of songwriting, even if they established those modes themselves. Volume X continues in this gloriously contrarian tradition, presenting fans with strange and familiar sounds in new contexts, from kosmische rock to futuristic speed metal to robo-balladry to variants on classic rock that are so warped as to be rendered completely unrecognizable.
"Anthropocene" opens the album with 30 seconds of serene synthesizer ambience before obliterating the stillness with a massive, fuzzy riff anchored by Thomson's relentless, pounding groove, recorded live in the studio for maximum impact. Volume X is full of these types of disarming moments. Halfway through the sweeping, Kraftwerkian "Night Shift" the song's syncopated shuffle suddenly becomes a throbbing motorik pulse as two drum takes are overlaid. "Backlash" creeps in with a massive synthesized low-end drone before breaking into a Kill 'Em All inspired thrash riff that is one of the most aggressive passages the band has laid to tape. And the band saves their most poignant melody for the stripped down slow jam "I'll Never," with a vocoded Nathan Means intoning, "Its true, I'll never get over you."
**CLEAR VINYL IS EXCLUSIVE TO THRILL JOCKEY MAILORDER AND THE BAND'S MERCH TABLE**
Order from ThrillJockey
Pre-Order Dr. Manhattan 'Jam Dreams'
Dr. Manhattan from Wacaonda, IL, will be re-issuing their sophomore LP "Jam Dreams'' on vinyl via MI-based indie label Have Fun Records. The album features 12 groovy tracks from the party-punk band co-produced alongside Saves the Day's Chris Conley.
Along with being re-issued, the vinyl release of Jam Dreams features an entirely artwork and layout supplied by independent artist, T. Hans. Every purchase of the album comes with a digital download code packaged with the record that features brand new B-side tracks and remixes from their discography.
The Mailman should be dropping these off at your doorstep on September 25th, 2014.
Coming October 21 : Thurston Moore's 'The Best Day'
The Best Day, Thurston Moore's first solo record since 2010's Demolished Thoughts, will be released on October 21, 2014 on Matador Records. Backed by James Sedwards of Nought (guitar), Deb Googe of My Bloody Valentine (bass) and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth (drums), the album radiates with both his signature thrashing electric guitars as well as blissful 12-string acoustic ballads.
The first 100 pre-orders will include an autographed poster from Thurston Moore. LPs include digital download coupon.
Pre-Order from MatadorRecords
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vinyl can last forever!
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2. Eric Clapton & Friends - The Breeze
3. Hypnotic Eye ~ Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
4. Partners ~ Barbra Streisand
5. Smokey & Friends ~ Smokey Robinson
6. Space Invader ~ Ace Frehley
7. 1989 ~ Taylor Swift
8. Frozen 2 Disc Deluxe Edition Soundtrack ~ Demi Lovato
9. Guardians of the Galaxy ~ Soundtrack
10. Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch ~ Dr. John
BecauseSoundMatters Top 10 Vinyl Best Sellers
1. Lights - Little Machines Limited Edition (Vinyl Box Set Bundle)
2. Lights - Little Machines (Colored Vinyl Bundle)
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8. Wiz Khalifa - O.N.I.F.C. (2xLP)
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Vinyl Top 25
1. Spoon - They Want My Soul
2. Jack White - Lazaretto
3. Lucero - Live From Atlanta
4. Gaslight Anthem - Get Hurt
5. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Hypnotic Eye
6. Jenny Lewis - The Voyager
7. Johnny Cash - The Legend Of Johnny Cash
8. Old Crow Medicine Show - Remedy
9. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
10. Arctic Monkeys - AM
11. OST - The Great Gatsby
12. The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream
13. The 1975 - The 1975
14. All Them Witches - Lightning At The Door
15. White Reaper - White Reaper
16. LP - Forever For Now
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18. Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour
19. Coldplay - Ghost Stories
20. St Paul & The Broken Bones - Half The City
21. The Dezurik Sisters - Yodel & Sing Their Greatest Hits
22. Ed Sheeran - X
23. Local Natives - Hummingbird
24. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City
25. Radiohead - OK Computer

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Blockchain Technology, Technology, Trending, Uncategorized
October 12, 2018 December 5, 2018 Ruchi Tyagi
Different ways the blockchain will benefit the entertainment industry in upcoming days
Blockchain has emerged as the most popular and sought-out technology all of a sudden. And it is finding itself being utilized where no one has thought before. People certainly don't need to understand the blockchain technology to reap the benefits of it. It is making its foray into the glorious world of the entertainment industry, and it can be said that it will transform the industry for good in every period of time.
Easing the way of content creation and consumption globally
When it comes to entertainment industry launching new music isn't as simple as it sounds. One has to get a deal with a label which takes the task of recording, distribution as well as monetizing the product in the form of music to reap benefits both for the artists and the firm. Same goes true for the film and television segment content. Blockchain will help in making it easier and streamlined for the entertainment firms to distribute content and resolve the unwanted disputes erupting in between the artist and the firm.
Blockchain technology will also help in getting rid of the problems which are plaguing the access to the content on a variety of online channels. Digital public records being managed by the Blockchain technology will help in efficiently handling the assets, digital rights as well as financing. These factors are known for causing a rift between the labels and artists which simply spoils the overall experience of the consumers.
Piracy will start becoming a thing of past
Privacy leaks are bigger concerns for the entertainment industry as it gears up to bring a wider audience to music, movies, and shows across different segments. Any kind of leak will not just result in loss of product but also the valuable privacy of the users which will undoubtedly hurt them more than one can assume.
Some of the major players in the entertainment industry namely YouTube, Warner, Netflix, Sony Music, and others are tweaking and improving their royalty payment dealing to resolve the unwanted disputes. Blockchain technology, in this case, will help in making the entertainment industry much fair in dealing with the artists and keeping the privacy of the frequent users under military grade security. A number of tech experts have stated that bringing blockchain technology into entertainment will only result in the elimination of the middle players like Satellite and cable TV. However, this elimination is not expected to happen overnight upon the broader adoption of the Blockchain technology in the entertainment industry.
Concern over digital rights will subdue
Apart from the micropayment, the primary concern for entertainment industry happens to be the dubious digital rights management. It has been a difficult and quite laborious task to track down the person or firm who owns the right for any particular content. Blockchain technology will be a valuable addition for the industry as the task of record keeping will be present in the public domain which will make it easier to track down not just the owner as well as users with ease. Blockchain technology will embed the content with a unique ID which will help in keeping a close eye on the performance of the content across the globe.
Distributors, artists producers will get paid quickly
In the world of music and entertainment getting paid isn't a simple process. But the implementation of the blockchain technology will be boon for the artists, producers, and distributors as they will get paid instantaneously the moment their content gets distributed or sold on a variety of platforms globally. Secondly, the cost associated with this quick service offered by the Blockchain technology is next to near zero value which isn't the case right at the moment in the industry.
If you are looking to develop or design a web application, contact us for any support and best mobile app development company and web app developers.
Tags: Blockchain TechnologyDigitalEntertainment industrytechnology
By Ruchi Tyagi
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Damning evidence exposes BP's interference at museums
The Art Not Oil coalition have published an in-depth report today which exposes the multiple ways in which BP has interfered in the running of the museums and galleries it sponsors. The report draws upon hundreds of emails and documents released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) which highlight BP's disturbing involvements.
The revelations include BP conspiring with senior institution staff over security procedures, being given influence over curatorial content, and a troubling email from the British Museum asking that a VIP list that includes BP be deleted "as soon as it is no longer required".
The report gives concrete evidence of where institutions including the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate and Science Museum have compromised on their stated values and independence in order to meet BP's demands. It will be formally submitted to the Museums Association, who will investigate whether its official Code of Ethics for Museums has been breached.
The British Museum and National Portrait Gallery are both currently considering whether to renew their sponsorship deals with BP. Tate's partnership with the oil giant will end in 2017, following intense pressure from artists and campaigners.
On Saturday, the Guardian previewed four emails from the fifty-three documents cited in the report. All the institutions in the spotlight were quick to respond, with BP claiming that one email represented "nothing more than a discussion between partners", and that the company "never seeks curatorial influence" and provides "nothing more than funding".
BP took a similar line at its recent Annual General Meeting, where the company's Chief Executive Bob Dudley insisted BP's funding comes with "no strings attached" and that they would never sponsor an exhibition in order to "curry favour".
The damning evidence in today's report appears to contradict these claims. Some of the most troubling examples of BP's influence include BP providing additional money to the British Museum on top of its five-year sponsorship deal in order to fund a Mexico-themed "Days of the Dead" festival in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, just as the company was bidding for lucrative oil leases in Mexico.
The event allowed BP privileged access to Mexican government officials, specifically at a VIP reception event, with one email showing the museum's Events Manager asking the Mexican Embassy to delete the invitation list for the event "as soon as it is no longer required".
The report asks the question: "was it a coincidence that the museum decided to hold a Mexico-themed event at the very moment it would be of maximum geopolitical benefit to BP?"
Cherri Foytlin, a resident of the Gulf Coast, said: "Since 2010, there are a lot more graves in the Gulf of Mexico than there were before, and that's just the truth. So anytime we see arts organisations take on BP as a sponsor, we want to make sure those institutions understand that they are sponsoring death. They are sponsoring death in our communities."
Emails also show BP being offered input into curatorial decision-making at the British Museum's Indigenous Australia exhibition and the National Portrait Gallery's BP Portrait Award.
An anonymous British Museum staff member, speaking exclusively for the report, said: "It is generally known that of all the corporate funders, BP is the most unpleasant to deal with. They are extremely demanding of the Museum – bullying, I would say."
Gaps and contradictions in the materials disclosed raise questions about the institutions' compliance with the FOI Act with regard to their communications with BP. Internal reviews undertaken at the National Portrait Gallery and Science Museum already reveal errors were made during searches for material as part of FOI requests.
The independence of the security procedures at sponsored institutions is called into question. Emails show that senior staff from BP's "cultural partners" attended a collaborative security meeting at BP's offices on measures for addressing protest, with many then attending a counter-terrorism training hosted by BP and the Metropolitan Police just nine days later.
Sponsoring events at the British Museum, Science Museum and other venues gives BP privileged access to UK politicians and policymakers. BP and the Science Museum even worked together on "advocacy plans" for the 2015 General Election. This raises serious questions about whether cultural institutions are complicit in promoting an oil company's political agenda.
Chris Garrard, the report's lead author, said: "BP CEO Bob Dudley claims its arts money comes with 'no strings attached', but it's clear from the evidence we've unearthed that when BP says 'jump', museums ask – 'how high?'
"The thought of BP using publicly-funded museums to curry favour with oppressive regimes and extract oil that we can't afford to burn should appal anyone who cares about the cultural sector. In order to restore the public's trust, these institutions must follow Tate's lead and split with BP."
Tate is also facing pressure to reveal further details of its BP funding. It is due to appear at the Information Tribunal on May 11, where arts group Platform (with Leigh Day, Monckton Chambers, and Request Initiative) are appealing against the gallery's refusal to disclose the amount of funding it received from BP between 2007 and 2011.
The PCS Union represents five thousand museum and gallery workers. Their opposition to oil sponsorship is raised as a concern in emails between BP and the National Portrait Gallery.
Richard Simcox, National Press Officer for the PCS Union, said: "It's deeply troubling that BP either do have, or feel they have, so much influence. Staff, who are often low paid, have a legal and human right to join a trade union. It's bad enough when that's called into question by an employer, it's sinister when it's questioned by a corporate sponsor."
Related Topics:Art not OilBPBritish MuseumMexicoMuseums AssociationNational Portrait GalleryoilTateThe Guardian
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Susan Planck
20160726 Piping EBOOK SM
How does it feel to play the bagpipes on the summit of Mt. Fuji? Or march with the exhilarating skirl of 10,000 bagpipers through the streets of Edinburgh in the 2000 Millennium parade? What is it like to serenade mystified onlookers with bagpipe tunes on the Great Wall of China? And who are these strange folk who don wooly kilts and funny shoes to partake of this ancient musical rite? Susan Hadley Planck tells all in an engaging new book, Piping Hot! Tales of a Wandering Bagpiper. Piping Hot! takes you into the world of bagpiping and around the globe through the eyes of a seasoned traveler, piper and educator, who weaves together her sense of adventure and humor with her love of bagpiping in this one-of-a-kind memoir and travelogue.
Traveling expert, Susan Hadley Planck, in Piping Hot! Tales of a Wandering Bagpiper, Piping Hot! marches you into the world of bagpiping and around the globe through the eyes of a seasoned traveler, piper and educator, who weaves together her sense of adventure and humor with her love of bagpiping in this one-of-a-kind memoir and travelogue. Having taught school in kindergarten through high school in over 30 different subjects, Susan also operated a climbing school In Washington state. She further developed her sense of adventure through these years. Then, learning to play bagpipes in her late thirties, she reached nirvana when she combined her love of adventure with love of bagpiping.
Learning to play the bagpipes was an adventure in itself which led to other many other unmatched adventures. My personality which valued persistence finally was a huge benefit. And as I learned to play, I realized I wanted to share the unique strains of the bagpipes with as many people as I could. And how much fun to take the pipes around the world to interact with other cultures and local people! My life has been forever changed because of fulfilling my dream of learning how to play the bagpipes.
I blew and blew, and blew some more. Nothing! No sound at all, save the spits and squeals from my mouth.
"So, what d'ya wear under that thing anyway?"
This most often asked question to a bagpiper has elicited many time-honored responses, from "socks and shoes" to the risqué, "A small set of pipes-care to blow?" These answers work better if you're a male, obviously. In fact, many bagpipers, following the time-honored Scottish tradition of "going regimental," wear nothing whatsoever under their kilts.
I finally gathered up my courage and decided to give the tradition a try. Of course, that was the evening when I was sipping a beer at a fellow piper's house, and he and his friend decided to check out if I was, indeed, a true piper. After they brazenly lifted my kilt, I rethought my decision. Needless to say, I never went "regimental" again.


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Community group claims dairy polluted water
By SHANNON DININNY
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A community action group and a large Eastern Washington dairy squared off in federal court Tuesday over allegations that the dairy violated the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.
The case renews a legal attack against a dairy that has been the subject of air and water pollution complaints for years.
The citizen group Community Association for Restoration of the Environment, or CARE, claims Nelson Faria Dairy in Royal City filed to abide by the terms of a deal that was reached with the dairy's previous owners to improve its operations.
CARE initially filed the lawsuit in 2004 against Smith Brothers of Kent, the dairy's previous owners. Nelson Faria purchased the dairy from Smith Brothers in 2006 and was obligated to operate the dairy under the terms of the settlement.
CARE sought to reopen the case last year, and U.S. District Judge Lonny R. Suko ruled in January that the dairy had violated some terms of the agreement. Tuesday's hearing centered on issues that remained under dispute.
Charlie Tebbutt, lawyer for CARE, said the evidence would show that the dairy spilled manure, failed to check the viability of its manure storage ponds and contributed to groundwater contamination in the area.
The dairy also applied excessive amounts of manure "to numerous fields around the dairy, some of which they own and some they don't," he said.
The dairy, which has more than 3,000 cows, consists of four large barns, several lagoons and multiple feedlots.
John Nelson, a Spokane lawyer representing Faria, deferred his opening statement for later in the trial. Another attorney representing Faria with Nelson said they would not comment Tuesday.
The Faria family owns and leases several dairies in New Mexico, Washington and Texas, including a 7,000-cow operation in Dumas, Texas, that employs one of the largest milking facilities in the country.
Nelson Faria testified Tuesday that he purchased the Royal City dairy for $16 million in 2006.
Under the settlement earlier that year with the previous owners, the dairy was required to compost much of its manure, to cover one of the lagoons where the manure is stored, and to reduce odors at a second lagoon.
Suko ruled in January that the dairy had violated several provisions of the consent decree. Faria admitted the dairy stopped using 12 aerators, did not conduct water sampling in 2008, removed a lagoon cover and failed to use and properly maintain the composting system, among other things, according to the ruling.
CARE has filed similar lawsuits against other large Yakima Valley dairies.
Excessive dairy pollution has been largely ignored by the state Department of Ecology, Tebbutt said during a break in court. While the Environmental Protection Agency is looking into it, it has not yet acted, he said.
"If any other industry were doing this, they would not only be found in violation, they would be shut down," he said.
CARE is seeking a five-year extension of the agreement regulating the dairy's operations. That accord expired in 2009 but has been extended pending resolution of the court case.
Gary Christensen, a farmer who grows vegetables, fruit and some grains near the dairy, is a CARE member who sat in on Tuesday's proceedings.
"I want them to resolve their odor issues," he said. "I want them to stop contaminating the groundwater and to operate in a good, business-like manner."


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University of Cambridge > Talks.cam > SciSoc – Cambridge University Scientific Society > Tools for Analyzing and Repairing Biological Systems
Tools for Analyzing and Repairing Biological Systems
Professor Ed Boyden, MIT
Tuesday 04 August 2020, 15:00-17:00
Google Meets.
If you have a question about this talk, please contact Bram Lim.
Registration: https://forms.gle/y4aHE6cxcZmAzpXJ8
This talk is open to all including non-members, subjected to availability. Please register by Sunday 02 August to receive the link for the online lecture.
To enable the understanding and repair of complex biological systems, such as the brain, we are creating novel optical tools that enable molecular-resolution maps of such systems, as well as technologies for observing and controlling high-speed physiological dynamics in such systems. First, we have developed a method for imaging specimens with nanoscale precision, by embedding them in a swellable polymer, homogenizing their mechanical properties, and exposing them to water – which causes them to expand manyfold isotropically. This method, which we call expansion microscopy (ExM), enables ordinary microscopes to do nanoscale imaging, in a multiplexed fashion – important, for example, for brain mapping. Second, we have developed a set of genetically-encoded reagents, known as optogenetic tools, that when expressed in specific neurons, enable their electrical activities to be precisely driven or silenced in response to millisecond timescale pulses of light. Finally, we are designing, and evolving, novel reagents, such as fluorescent voltage indicators and somatically targeted calcium indicators, to enable the imaging of fast physiological processes in 3-D with millisecond precision. In this way we aim to enable the systematic mapping, control, and dynamical observation of complex biological systems like the brain.
Speaker profile:
Professor Ed Boyden is the Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology at MIT , an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the MIT McGovern Institute, and professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering at MIT . Prof Boyden received his PhD in neurosciences from Stanford University as a Hertz Fellow, working in the labs of Jennifer Raymond and Richard Tsien, where he discovered the molecular mechanisms used to store a memory are determined by the content to be learned. In parallel to his PhD, as an independent side project, he co-invented optogenetic control of neurons, which is now used throughout neuroscience. Prof Boyden has received numerous awards and accolades for his immense contribution to neural science and bioengineering, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2016), the Croonian Medal (2019) and the Wilhelm Exner Medal (2020). He now leads the Synthetic Neurobiology Group, which develops tools for analyzing and repairing complex biological systems such as the brain. These technologies include expansion microscopy and optogenetic tools, which he will share during his talk.
This talk is part of the SciSoc – Cambridge University Scientific Society series.
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Conversation with Ambassador Joe Hockey
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Join the AACC for the 2nd installment of the "Conversation Series" with the Former Ambassador Joe Hockey. This candid convo will provide insights on Australia during and post COVID, the relationship between Australia and the US, what the new Bondi Partners is focused on and some candid intel on his life in politics.
This is a members only event- please join the AACC membership here to receive the benefits and invitations.
Before co-founding Bondi Partners, the Honourable Joe Hockey served as Australia's Ambassador to the United States of America, taking up his posting in Washington in January 2016. Notably, Mr. Hockey was responsible for Australia's relationship with the US during the final year of President Obama's tenure and the first three years of President Trump's first term. As Ambassador, Mr. Hockey emphasised the importance of a free and fair trade and investment partnership between the US and Australia, while promoting innovative infrastructure investment throughout the US.
At Bondi Partners, Mr. Hockey spearheads the firm's strategic direction in both the United States and Australia.
Previously, as the elected Treasurer of Australia, Mr. Hockey was responsible for all aspects of the Australian economy. With a reputation as a reformer, Mr. Hockey helped shape the modern financial system in Australia and had a major hand in the formation of industry policy, from tourism and hospitality to health and welfare.
In 2014, Mr. Hockey chaired the highly successful G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings. He initiated major infrastructure initiatives ranging from the implementation of asset recycling financing to the creation of the G20 Infrastructure Hub.
Mr. Hockey has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He first entered Parliament in 1996 as the Member for North Sydney and spent more than seventeen years on the front bench. Over the course of his parliamentary career, Mr. Hockey served as a Minister in a number of different portfolios including Financial Services, Small Business and Tourism, Human Services and Employment and Workplace Relations.
Previously, Mr. Hockey served as a banking and finance lawyer with a major Australian law firm. He graduated from the University of Sydney with Bachelor degrees in Arts and Law.
Mr. Hockey is married to Ms. Melissa Babbage, a company director and former investment banker. They have three young children Xavier, Adelaide and Ignatius.
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the big 3's hybrid diesels
jon applespeed
This article from autoblog says that the big 3 were working on diesel hybrids, when was this??!!
Despite Sam A's recent post about hybrids losing some appeal relative to the upcoming cleaner diesels, I tend to feel hybrids are here to stay and will include ever growing part of the auto market. To back me up, is the recent survey by those wild guys over at Consumer Reports. More than 1,800 people were polled and more than 50 percent said there were willing to switch to smaller vehicles if that improved fuel efficiency. It does. Not quite as many - about 40 percent - said they were willing to pay more for fuel efficient vehicles. About 30 percnet were willing to pay more for alternative fuels.
There are a lot of factors at play here. Most of our fuel is imported so when we buy petroleum we are exporting our dollars. Buying less fuel means we export fewer dollars. However, buying an imported hybrid car means we are exporting dollars once again. Depends on who you are exporting the dollars to. Of course, hybrids were developed and perfected in the US. The Big 3 worked on them during the 1990s with government funding. But they did not have to build them and they didn't. They were too busy selling SUVs then. So Honda and Toyota, coming from a country with absolutely no oil reserves, jumped right in with their own system. Shame on us.
Consumers Reports favors higher mileage standards. They estimate that each car owner would save $865 a year if the mileage standards were raised to 35 MPG for cars and light trucks. Now, that is $865 out of pocket expense for each car. That means earning about $1,330 before taxes or $2,660 for a 2-car family. Anyone here have that kind of extra cash lying around?
As far as Diesel vs. Hybrid, I think the two features will be merged into one. A small diesel engine and a hybrid system seems like an ideal package for the long run. The diesel can be optimized for low emissions in its operating "sweet spot" and the extra load can be taken up by the energy storage system. As a matter of fact that is what the Big 3 each came up with in the 1990s.
from edmunds - toyota is readying a plug in hybrid
TOKYO — Toyota appears to have slipped past the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid — at least for the time being — with the news on Wednesday that it has developed a plug-in hybrid that is bound for tests on public roads in Japan. The automaker said "there are also plans to conduct public-road tests of the Toyota Plug-in HV in the United States and Europe."
The test fleet in Japan will consist of eight plug-in vehicles for the government. The vehicle's power source is household electric power.
GM has yet to make a similar announcement about the Volt. Toyota's new five-passenger Plug-in HV runs on the same nickel-metal-hydride battery as the Toyota Prius and has a limited cruising range of 13 kilometers (8 miles) on electricity. The maximum vehicle speed is 100 km/h (62 mph). The charging time ranges from 1-4 hours, Toyota said.
The advantage of the new Toyota Plug-in Hybrid is that it can run longer on electricity than conventional hybrids. The Toyota Prius, for instance, has a cruising range of about 1.9 miles as an electric vehicle.
"Although challenges still exist in the development of pure electric vehicles, such as a limited cruising range and issues related to cost, TMC still views plug-in hybrid vehicles as a promising technology for allowing electricity to serve as a viable power source for automobiles," Toyota said in a statement.
General Motors is developing the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and has speculated that such a vehicle could hit showrooms by 2010. Ford is working with Southern California Edison to test rechargeable hybrid vehicles.
In a related development, Toyota's U.S. arm announced on Wednesday that it will give Prius-based plug-in hybrid prototypes to the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California/Irvine, and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California/Berkeley, as part of its "ongoing sustainable mobility development program."
The vehicles will be able to store "significantly higher levels of electricity" than the current-generation Prius. Toyota said the prototypes will be "powered by oversize packs of nickel-metal-hydride batteries that effectively simulate the level of performance Toyota expects to achieve when it eventually develops its own more advanced, compact and powerful battery systems."
Toyota said its long relationship with the universities is moving into the "next phase" with the goal of incentivizing "the use and production of alternative fuels and vehicles." This phase will include working in conjunction with the Alternative Fuel Incentive Program developed by the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission.
"Our goal with this program is to evaluate various advanced vehicle technologies, as well as key factors such as infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems and urban design," said Dave Illingworth, Toyota Motors Sales USA senior vice president and chief planning officer. "We see this pilot program as a significant step in the advancement of the technology.
What this means to you: Toyota takes a step closer to making plug-in hybrids ready for prime time.
eh, I'll just wait until the next gen hybrids are out before I decide on getting another car. Right now, I am a diesel fan and will stay that way until something really better comes along and I don't think the current gen of hybrids are it.
gino5
you won't take a lexus 600h?
gino5 Jul 26, 2007


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Arnold Schwarzenegger Muscles In On Campaign To Terminate Poaching
Written by Karen Elowitt
Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, aka The Terminator, wants to help save African elephants from poaching in a new video, according to an AP report in USNews.
He's putting his name, skills and acting reputation to use in front of the camera in a U.S. Wildlife Conservation Society video that is part of the 96 Elephants campaign.
In the video, released today, Schwarzenegger stands in front of a military tank and presses a detonator, blowing up an elephant tusk donated by the Los Angeles Zoo.
"Let's get rid of the demand once and for all," Schwarzenegger says in the video. You can watch a clip of it here.
The 96 Elephants campaign was created to draw attention to 96 elephants killed every day in Africa. They satisfy the ever-growing demand for ivory, particularly in China and Vietnam, but also in the U.S., Europe and worldwide.
"We are extremely grateful Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined the 96 Elephants campaign," said campaign director John Covelli. "We are hopeful that his global following of fans will become allies to stop the killing, stop the trafficking, and stop the demand for ivory."
The number of elephants in Africa fell from 1.2 million in 1980 to less than 420,000 in 2012. In 2012, 35,000 were elephants were killed by poachers.
More than 42 tons of illegal ivory have been destroyed this year in eight countries including China, the U.S. and several African countries, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which is based at New York's Bronx Zoo.
In September, the U.S. and China agreed to work toward nearly complete bans on the ivory trade, according to the AP.
This article originally appeared in AFKTravel.


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Home / Opinion / Staff Columnists
Building better bus stops
Jan. 1, 2023 7:00 am
Editorial Fellow | Austin Wu
A few weeks ago I received what is a high-water mark in my short writing career so far: a very kind letter from a reader. For reasons of privacy I will refrain from copying the full letter here, but on the whole the reader has found that after some initial discomfort with riding the bus, that they now find it financially better to take transit compared to driving and that they can use time on transit to relax. The reader also relayed some concerns about the current state of the system, especially in regards to the lack of benches, shelters, access to restrooms, and handicap accessibility at many stops.
I appreciate the concerns about shortcomings in the transit system detailed in the letter, and indeed, many of the items listed have been topics of national and international concern in recent years. I filed a complaint to the City about all of these matters using the MyCR portal, and at time of writing, have received confirmation that the message has been viewed by the City. In the interim, I will try to provide some comments and responses to the extent possible.
Design of transit stops
In the letter, the reader specifically outlines a lack of benches and poor shelter conditions as items for improvement at bus stops, but I would like to extend this to include all aspects of the bus stop more generally, including the sign that marks where the stop is in the first place.
The City's master bus schedule contains a picture of what bus stops currently look like in Cedar Rapids. To put it sympathetically, it looks … simple. There's the Five Seasons tree, a picture of a bus, the name of a route, a web link and phone number for a bus tracker, and not much else. If you do not have a mobile phone, your battery is dead, or it is too cold outside to take your gloves out, it would be virtually impossible to figure out information like your location, the path of the route, or when the next bus is coming going off of the sign alone. With each inconvenience that adds up, for people with other options this only presents more reasons to drive over riding the bus.
Sparse bus signs are a problem limited not only to Cedar Rapids, and have been identified as an inconvenient burden foisted upon bus riders by Uytae Lee, a columnist and filmmaker based in Vancouver, Canada. Noting the shortcomings of many bus stop signs, especially compared to the comprehensive network maps placed at rail stations, he created new sign concepts in Vancouver and Halifax which also outline where each route actually goes to from that particular stop.
In regards to the other components of bus stops, like shelters and benches, inspiration can be found a little closer to home, in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. For all of its faults, the local transit agency, Metro Transit, provides amenities at some bus stops that could be worth emulating. Where shelters do exist, many of them have schedules posted on the walls, lighting at night, and on-demand heaters, activated by a push button when temperatures reach below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Along bus rapid transit lines, which promise streamlined, speedier bus service comparable to a train, stations are even more extensive, containing bicycle parking, garbage and recycling, live schedules, and specially marked platform areas in addition to the features mentioned earlier.
Provision of restrooms
A lack of public restrooms is a matter of concern for bus operators and passengers alike. In a recent report titled Bus Operators in Crisis by research and advocacy group TransitCenter, a lack of public restrooms accessible to bus operators en route is repeatedly cited as a health hazard and detractor from morale, with the report noting that "a survey conducted by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) found that nearly 80% of surveyed operators did not have enough time built into their schedules for bathroom use," and that "67% of respondents had developed a health problem or had a preexisting condition grow worse because of lack of bathroom access."
Writing this column at home and working at an office most days for my day job, I am fortunate to not even have to particularly think much about my ability to access a restroom. Perks like this in different lines of work may be contributing to the current historic shortage of bus operators nationwide, which has already resulted in reduced service and threatens to launch transit systems across the country into 'death spirals'. This happens when poor and unreliable service leads people to stop using transit in favor of driving, which reduces revenue from fares, which then reduces the transit system's ability to fund its operations, resulting in service reductions and reduced operations, which spurs more people to quit using transit, further reducing revenue from fares …
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Bus Operators in Crisis outlines a couple of potential solutions. Routes could be designed to pass by places which have public restrooms, perhaps like a library or city hall. In the Twin Cities, provisions for "adequate restroom access along routes" in the bus operators' union contract has led Metro Transit to work with local businesses and organizations to allow operator access to private restrooms in exchange for compensation. Additional facilities in addition to the Ground Transportation Center in downtown Cedar Rapids could fulfill a dual purpose of a place for rest for bus operators, as well as a more pleasant place to wait for passengers.
From the perspective of passengers, the low frequency of many buses in Cedar Rapids — as infrequent as once per hour on some routes — immediately suggests that people might end up having certain needs to attend to while waiting for the bus. Perhaps if buses were run more frequently — the gold standard would be six to seven minutes between buses on a route — this would not be as pressing of an issue, but so long as buses remain this sparse in Cedar Rapids, the City should be paying attention to accessibility concerns like the lack of public restrooms. In short, access to public restrooms across the bus network, not just at the downtown Ground Transportation Center, is an important matter of accessibility, workers' rights and welfare, as well as an important component in ensuring that service frequency is not cut due to operator shortages.
To the person who sent over the letter — thank you for writing. It is much appreciated, and your perspectives on the issues have identified salient issues with how public transit is treated and operated in the United States. Inadequate facilities for transit passengers are especially notable this time of year, now that we are in the depths of winter, and that for much of the day, that wait for the bus will be in the dark and the cold.
But like the reader mentioned in their first paragraph, we should also take some time to celebrate the advantages of public transit. Compared to driving, it is much more affordable to use public transit, both collectively in the subsidization of driving and maintenance of car infrastructure, and individually on vehicles, gasoline, insurance, and upkeep. On the bus, one does not have to worry as much about traffic, the condition of the road, or if one is too tired or emotional to drive safely, and indeed, can use their time traveling to instead rest and recuperate. A strong public transit system which is practical and accessible to all is an integral component to building clean, equitable, healthy, and prosperous places to live — if more people thought like this reader, our city, climate, and transportation system would likely be in better shape.
Austin Wu is a Gazette editorial fellow. editorial@thegazette.com
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com
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UPDATE 3-Chile forestry to raise $1 bln to fund purchase
* CMPC to raise $1 bln via share and debt sales
* Fresh funds to help Chilean firm buy Brazilian business
* CMPC plans to invest around $300 mln in 2010
(Adds CMPC president comments, purchase details)
By Antonio de la Jara
SANTIAGO, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Chilean forestry group CMPC CAR.SN said on Friday it plans to sell $1 billion in shares and debt to finance the purchase of a Brazilian pulp business that will make it the world's No 3 cellulose producer.
The company said shareholders approved a $500 million capital increase. Later the company's board said it will also issue bonds for $500 million in the United States during the first week of November.
CMPC agreed to buy a pulp unit from giant Brazilian company Aracruz ARCZ6.SAARA.N for $1.43 billion, which would give the company access to the world's cheapest pulp-producing market.
CMPC president Eliodoro Matte said he expects the funds to be available by mid-December for the handover of the unit's assets.
Aracruz's Guaiba unit has pulp, forestry, paper and wood businesses that include a plant to process cellulose and another to produce paper. The transaction also includes 212,000 hectares of land, of which 60 percent is planted with eucalyptus trees ready to be harvested.
CMPC, controlled by the Matte group, plans to sell 20 million shares at 13,800 Chilean pesos each, which represents a 20 percent discount on its current stock price.
Matte said that despite the purchase, the company has strong finances and plans to invest about $300 million in 2010. He said the company plans to expand industrial plants in Chile and tissue plants in Mexico and Colombia.
CMPC shares were down 1.03 percent at 19,945 pesos in afternoon trading. ($1= 550.80 Chilean pesos) (Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Gerald E. McCormick)


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Weekly Exposure: Special Backdrops!
As you may have noticed from our Facebook and Instagram pages, Photo Start kids have been taking some incredible portrait shots. While the lighting, focus, and subjects are all important aspects of these shots, there is a very crucial, often overlooked element that we are pretty excited about….the backdrops!
In early fall, Photo Start students took several days to create massive 2x3 meter canvas backdrops to shoot against. They cut raw canvas, primed them, and then went nuts with paint. The result was a beautiful mix of blues and greens with handprints in every color. The kids were so excited to have had such a "hands on" art project, and to then get to use their work to make even more beautiful art!
Once the canvases were completed and we had taken our first round of portraits, the Nairobi National Museum agreed to hang them up in an exhibit for a month. The canvases are still hanging today, and it has filled the kids with an unmatchable sense of pride to know that their creation is adorning the walls of a museum.
While waiting for our canvas to be returned, we received an extremely generous donation of handmade backdrops from Sarah Oliphant of Oliphant Studios. If you have every seen a Vogue or Vanity Fair magazine, you've seen Sarah's work -- she's incredible! Sarah wrote us to say that she had been so inspired by our work that she wanted to make us four custom oil on canvas backdrops and we were absolutely thrilled. Really thrilled. "My fairy godmother just gave me a Ferrari" kind of thrilled.
Sarah started off by creating a "Classic Annie" backdrop, which is an Irving Penn style medium gray mottled and textured backdrop. Then she created a Deep Black/Navy Blue with mottling and vignette. Next came a crazy cool turquoise backdrop inspired by the blue tin construction of the Centre where we work. Last, but certainly not least, she made a stunning red/burnt sienna design with mottling and metallic gold highlights. We couldn't believe it!!
We have already begun shooting with two of the four backdrops, and we can't wait to unveil the final two at an upcoming community day. Be sure to keep an eye on our daily photos to see if you can spot the backdrops, and a huge thank you to Oliphant Studios for your incredibly generous donation!
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Photo Start @ PhotoPlus Expo 2019!
October 24, 2019 // Elizabeth
For the first time, Photo Start will be presenting at the PhotoPlus Expo 2019 edition in New York.


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R. Kelly Trial Date Set For April 2020
E. Jason Wambsgans-Pool, Getty Images
R. Kelly will finally have his day in court as a trial date has been set for April 27th, 2020.
According to CBS Chicago, one of Kelly's attorneys made the suggestion that there could be difficulty preparing for the trial due to the amount of evidence turned over by prosecutors and three pending trials in New York, Minnesota, and Chicago.
Attorney Mike Leonard one of Kelly's lawyers spoke about the case,
On the one hand, we're trying to develop an overall strategy for all the cases, but we have to be responsive on each case to the judge's deadlines in that particular case. So it kind of makes things difficult from a logistical standpoint.
The R&B singer is currently under indictment charges in Chicago with 13 felony counts including child pornography, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and obstruction of justice.
The trial is scheduled to last three weeks and his next hearing is September 18th.
Filed Under: r kelly tapes, r kelly underage girls, r. kelly arrested, r. kelly court, R. kelly sex tapes, R. Kelly Trial Date, r. kelly underage sex tapes


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Home >> School Education >> National Literacy Mission Authority
National Literacy Mission Authority
Adult Education is a Concurrent Subject with both Central and State Governments being required to contribute to its promotion and strengthening. At the national level, National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA), an autonomous wing of MHRD is the nodal agency for overall planning and management and funding of Adult Education Programmes and institutions. Its inter – ministerial General Council and Executive Committee are the two policy and executive bodies.
Presently, the provision of adult education is through the Saakshar Bharat Programme (SBP) which is a centrally sponsored scheme.The National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA), is the Nodal Agency at the National level. The Joint Secretary (Adult Education) is the ex – officio Director General of NLMA. It was set up in 1988 with the approval of the Cabinet as an independent and autonomous wing of the Ministry of HRD (the then Department of Education). The Cabinet vested NLMA with full executive and financial powers in the sphere of work.
National Literacy Mission Authority is mandated with
Policy and planning;
Developmental and promotional activities;
Operational functions including assistance to voluntary agencies and other NGOs,
Technology demonstration
Resource development including media and materials
Monitoring and evaluation etc.
The Council of NLMA
Is the apex body of NLMA, headed by Minister of Human Resource Development and consists of, among others, Ministers of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Minority Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Health and Family Welfare, Youth Affairs and Sports, Social Justice and Empowerment, Women and Child Development, senior level political leaders of the main political parties, three Members of Parliament, Education Ministers of six States etc.
The Executive Committee is responsible to carry out all the functions of the Authority in accordance with the policy and guidelines laid down by the Council. It strives for proper implementation of policies and incorporation of latest developments in the field of adult education. It is headed by Secretary (SE&L) and comprises of Adviser (Education), Planning Commission, Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser in Ministry of HRD, Chairman of National Institute of Open Schooling, some State Directors of Adult Education, and officials of the State Governments, representatives of SRCs and JSSs as well as non-official members.
Last Updated by admin on Friday, 4 March 2016 - 7:55pm
Directorate of Adult Education
Saakshar Bharat
Scheme of Support to Voluntary Agencies for Adult Education and Skill Development
State Resource Centre
List of NGOs running JSSs and SRCs


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Annita Mashiri
Head Teacher and member of the CAMFED Association
Annita Mashiri has been instrumental in establishing her local secondary school, leading on its construction, enrollment, management training, procurement, and communications. Despite a background of extreme poverty, she has committed herself, not only to improving her own life through education but devoting her life to the education and wellbeing of others.
Supported to go to school by CAMFED, and a member of the CAMFED Association of women leaders educated with CAMFED support, Annita has an intimate understanding of the barriers that marginalized children face in obtaining an education, as well as the teaching and learning challenges in under-resourced school systems.
Before becoming Head Teacher in 2017, Annita spent five years teaching and two years working as HIV/AIDS Program Assistant at the Department of Health and Human Services. She is passionate about career guidance, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and supporting school communities with health information.
Annita has a strong vision for girls' education globally and continues to use her lived experience to make a difference for the next generation of children. By further developing her leadership skills, she aims to scale her activism, plowing back the benefits of her education. She holds an undergraduate degree in Administration and a post-graduate diploma in Education.
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