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Russia: Scientist could face forcible exile
Russian Scientist Could Face Forcible Exile
Amnesty International has said that any deal over the release of a nuclear scientist, Igor Sutyagin, which requires him to leave Russia against his wishes, will amount to forcible exile, which is prohibited under international law.
Sutyagin is reportedly being taken to the United Kingdom as one of a number of people convicted of spying in Russia who are being exchanged for ten or eleven individuals alleged by the United States to be Russian spies.
"If Igor Sutyagin is opposed to this "deal" and had to accept it under pressure, it may amount to forcible exile," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe and Central Asia Program Director. "It will also deprive him of the chance to clear his name of the charges he has been convicted of in a retrial that is in compliance with international standards for fairness. It will also deprive him of his contacts with family and friends."
Sutyagin's mother told Amnesty International that he has opposed this deal but was coerced to accept it.
He understands that by signing a confession of his guilt, he is losing all chances for a fair trial of his case, including a hearing of his case pending at the European Court of Human Rights. That's why he asked me to pass on to everyone that he is not guilty. He had to sign this confession as he had no other options. He looks at his swap as an expulsion from the country," said Svetlana Sutiagina.
His case was highlighted by Amnesty International in 2004 in connection with concerns over freedom of expression and fair trial.
Sutyagin compiled information on military and defense issues in Russia while working as a private consultant for U.K.-based Alternative Futures consultancy. He was found guilty in 2004 of "high treason by means of espionage" and was sentenced to 15 years in a strict regime penal colony.
He has always claimed that he had only used open public sources and has always denied guilt for the charges of espionage and passing on state secrets.
The case against Sutyagin was initiated by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
Amnesty International believes that the case against him was politically motivated and part of a clampdown on the freedom of expression in Russia that has progressed in recent years to include academic and cultural figures as well as religious groups.
The proceedings against Sutyagin were marred by violations of international fair trial standards. Amnesty International has called for his prompt retrial.
For a number of years, Amnesty International has voiced concerns about the shrinking space for expressing dissenting views and for independent media and independent non-governmental organizations to operate throughout the Russian Federation.
The organization is concerned about the further encroachments on the right to freedom of expression in Russia.
For more information, please visit: www.amnestyusa.org


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Published by Sam Ruddock on 25th July 2018 25th July 2018
STORY MACHINE PRODUCTIONS: ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND, ERDF, BOOKER PRIZE FOUNDATION, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WRITING, AND STARTEAST BACKED VENTURE LAUNCHED TODAY
PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORWICH | WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 2018
Brings an alternative approach for the publishing industry to take books to audiences.
New Show, Life & Times of Michael K by J.M. Coetzee to premier at Edinburgh International Book Festival on 15th August.
Story Machine Productions (SMP) today announces its launch. The company will produce and tour shows and create electronic resources that bring books alive for audiences. SMP will revolutionise the experience of books at festivals through producing immersive performances in collaboration with filmmakers, dancers, actors, musicians and visual artists. SMP presents a creative new platform for publishers and authors to promote their books and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Supported by Arts Council England, the European Regional Development Fund, the Booker Prize Foundation, National Centre for Writing, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, publishers and StartEast, SMP has received an enthusiastic welcome from the sector. The company has been commissioned by The Booker Prize Foundation, National Centre for Writing, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and Granta Books in it's first six months.
Commenting on the launch, Dotti Irving, Chief Executive Four Colman Getty which programmes the Man Booker Prize 50th anniversary celebrations said:
"Working with Story Machine Productions offers us a chance to broaden the reach of the Man Booker Prize's 50th Birthday celebrations. J.M. Coetzee is one of only three writers to have won the prize on two occasions – this production creates a way of sharing one of the great books in the prize'shistory, and reach new and old audiences alike."
Lamorna Elmer, Senior Campaign Manager, Granta and Portobello Books says:
"Story Machine Productions is doing something that almost no one else is – creating events without the presence of an author with the book itself firmly at the heart. There's something very modern about these immersive, participatory experiences; they are blazing a much-needed trail."
Dancer Sam Thompson carries a bison skull leading the audience through Norwich Castle Gardens as part of Kumkum Malhotra. Choreographed by Glasshouse Dance. Photograph credit Thom Law Photograhy
Sam Ruddock, Director of Story Machine Productions says:
"At a time when books profitable but author earnings continue to shrink, we can also help release writers from the chains of publicising their books, leaving more time for writing and other activities that earn money. Debut authors, writers struggling with ill-health, disability, caring responsibility, or who are based internationally: all of these struggle to get their books in front of audiences. That impacts choices about what gets published and what people buy. But by collaborating with Story Machine Productions, great books can reach the readers who will love them, regardless of the ability of their author to tour. We want to work with authors, publishers, prizes, festivals, exam bodies and even researchers to do for literature and human knowledge what Secret Cinema has done for film: create exciting celebrations of the written word.'
– Story Machine Productions will premier new show, Life & Times of Michael K by J.M. Coetzee at Edinburgh International Book Festival on 15th August, and tour shows to Cheltenham Literature Festival, National Centre for Writing, Wigtown Book Festival, and others this year. It aims to produce up to seven further shows in 2019.
– Other shows currently available include Whiskey & Ink, an exploration of alcoholism and writing based on Leslie Jamison's genre-defining book The Recovering, and Kumkum Malhotra by Desmond Elliot Prize-winning author Preti Taneja. Each of these premiered at Norfolk & Norwich Festival in May 2018.
– Man Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri has called Story Machine Productions 'Wonderful'.
– The Times Literary Supplement reviewed Story Machine Productions as 'joyous in tone, international in scope and direct in its confrontation with serious issues…festival producers should take note.'
– Preti Taneja described Kumkum Malhotra as 'so beautiful it left me totally speechless.'
– Story Machine Productions was founded in early 2018 by Sam Ruddock. It has produced five shows to date. For more information see www.storymachineproductions.co.uk
or contact Sam Ruddock, Director, at storymachineproductions@gmail.com 07943 063015.
– Story Machine Productions can be found on Social Media: Twitter and Instagram (@Story_Machines), Facebook and Youtube (Story Machine Productions).
– Promotional images are below. Hi-res images and promotional films can be supplied on request.
– Story Machine Productions has received Project Funding from Arts Council England.
– Story Machine Productions is receiving up to £5800 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 via the StartEast Small Grant Scheme. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regeneration. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growthfunding.
Story Machine Productions is proud to be supported by:
Tags: Arts Council EnglandBooker Prize FoundationEuropean Regeneration and Development ProjectKumkum MalhotraLife & Times of Michael KNational Centre for WritingPress ReleaseStartEASTStory Machine ProductionsWhiskey & Ink
To ccelebrate our 2nd birthday we made a film of all the shows we've made so far. You can watch it here. If you want us to bring your book to life or to collaborate, Read more…
As we draw to the end of a decade, I find myself thinking back enthusiastically on the books that I have loved and which have stayed with me. And because there is nothing I like Read more…
Book PUSH for 2020 between now and Christmas, and we are offering a £50 discount on the fee! That means you get a stunning show (just watch the trailer below) and a 2.5 hour writing Read more…

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Two Colorado Locations: Denver | Fort Collins
Roofs + Gutters
Insurance Process
Assurance Contractors is a family owned roofing company with offices in Denver and Fort Collins. Our Colorado roots go back to 1981. The company, Assurance Roofing was formed upon the realization that there were so few quality, focused, and honest roofing companies in Colorado. In 2016, we changed our name to Assurance Contractors to reflect our broadening service capabilities. Our proven ability has taken a long-standing family trade and combined it with best-in-class principles from our team's rich and successful experience working in Fortune 500 corporations.
QUALITY & SERVICE, COVERED
Assurance Contractors believes that quality must be integral to culture. Quality is one of our pillars of excellence and we pride ourselves on high customer scores over time. It is not enough to believe in quality, it must be obtained every step of the way from the initial meeting to the final bill.
STEVE ARENDS
PRESIDENT + CEO
Steve received a degree in 1979 from Iowa State University in Finance and Computer Science. He began his Colorado career at Petroleum Information Corporation and over the next 30 years held executive positions with several firms in the Finance & Technology sectors. The hallmark of Steve's career has been a passion for excellence and achieving quality through measurements and customer feedback. Beginning 15 years ago, Steve began consulting with his brother's NE based roofing company in order to improve quality results and process efficiency. Steve's excitement with the degree of quality improvement led to the formation of Assurance Roofing Company in 2009.
Steve is excited to lead Assurance's growing team of top tier industry professionals who share his passion for continually improving Assurance's process to achieve quality results as measured by customer satisfaction.
DAWN ARENDS
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Dawn Arends is part owner/VP of Finance for Assurance Roofing Company. She received her Bachelor's of Art degree in Public Relations/Communications from William Jewell College outside of Kansas City, MO. Dawn's early work experience included marketing, sales, banking and later served as an Investment Representative with Edward Jones for many years. Officially, her responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations of the finance and accounting departments. She manages the preparation of financial reports, budgets, audits and ensures proper levels of insurance and compliance on local, state and federal levels. Unofficially she is the company historian and 'jack of all trades problems solver.'
NATALIE BOSLER
Natalie has fifteen years of consumer marketing and advertising experience during which time she has worked on large, international clients including MillerCoors, Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. She has an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in design and promotion from Colorado State University with a cum laude distinction. Additionally, she received her Master's of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from University of Colorado. Natalie has a proven record of leading teams to deliver results with her ability to be a strong analytical thinker and provide quick solutions to complex projects. She recently joined the family business in 2015 and brings her knowledge to oversee the operational efficiency, marketing and business development for Assurance Contractors.
PETER BOSLER
Peter received his Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management from Colorado State University. He started his career with Marriott International in which he was promoted quickly during his time there with managing a diverse staff of 60 associates. He realized that he enjoyed selling services with a career shift to Cintas. During his time at CIntas, he was the top sales representative in his region for three years in a row with exceeding his goals provided to him. Peter was recruited into the construction family business and has kept his customer first mentality and providing customers with hands on attention. He strives to be an educator/producer on all aspects of the roofing process: from examining damage, filing a claim, explaining the insurance process, and providing a quality/clean job.
CHEYENNE MADDIO
PRODUCTION & TRAFFIC COORDINATOR
Cheyenne was born in Long Beach, California and raised in Arizona. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. She gained roughly 6 years of work experience in the restaurant industry, which taught her excellent customer service and communication skills. Cheyenne moved to Colorado in 2019 and joined Assurance Contractors as a Production and Traffic Coordinator. She is excited to pursue a career with Assurance Contractors and explore the beautiful state of Colorado.
CODY BURCH
SR. SALES REPRESENTATIVE + LARGE LOSS SPECIALIST
Cody Burch joined Assurance Contractors in 2016 as an Operations Supervisor with over 17 years' experience in Operations, Human Resources and Retail Management. Cody's passion and drive for service and customer satisfaction set him apart as he moves from Operations into Sales for Assurance. He thrives on setting and exceeding goals while maintaining positive relationships and focusing on integrity in every transaction. Cody's resourcefulness and creative problem solving have contributed greatly to his success; and his large network of contacts in Northern Colorado and beyond is a real asset to Assurance Contractors.
Carlos received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Electrical Engineering as well as his Master's in Construction Management from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Professionally, his resume includes experience in the following: Construction, Construction Management, Sales, Solar Energy Design and Commercial Projects from General Construction to Cyber Security. Most recently, Carlos worked in Sierra Detention System in a specialized division called Tech Services as an Install Manager. In this role he became skilled in overseeing million dollar projects. Carlos is a hard working individual and able to handle increasing amounts of pressure, while always managing to keep the customers happy. He is committed to making sure Assurance Contractors provides and maintains their high standards. Carlos has grown to cherish and respect Assurance Contractors by seeing first hand the care and dedication they provide to customers as well as their employees.
MARISOL CHACON
Marisol is the Talent Manager for Assurance Contractors. She received her degree from Colorado State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. Her responsibilities include: recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, training, and performance management. She brings her extensive research in workplace psychology to continue to make Assurance a great place to work.
JR. FIELD SUPERVISOR
Alex is a Field Supervisor for Assurance Contractors. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Hospitality Management degree and a minor in Business Administration. He also studied Construction Management in his early years at CSU and is very interested in the field. Some of his work history includes: sales, marketing, managerial roles, moving labor, milling labor, landscaping, and retail. He's excited to see what the future holds for him in this industry and is eager to learn, execute, and contribute towards the company.
SASHELLY VARGAS
Sashelly graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on Operations Management. During her career, she has had the opportunity to work alongside great mentors in project management. Sashelly has a proven track record of executing construction projects flawlessly due to her education and experience. She is also ambitious and relentless when working towards a goal. Her commitment to a job is a key factor while working with the team to ensure the Assurance process runs smoothly.
TREVOR ALEXANDER
Picture and Bio coming soon!
RANDY HASKINS
Randy grew up in a roofing family. When he wasn't playing baseball, he was on a roof with his Grandpa, Dad, Uncle, and Brothers. He has spent the last 15 years in the hospitality industry developing his customer service skills through hard work and integrity. He has established close friends and strong ties to his community. Randy is very excited to be part of the Assurance team.
CHASE SMITH
Chase graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Speech Communication and a minor in Business Administration. He is a Colorado native and has lived in Highlands Ranch and Fort Collins. Chase was recruited to the team in 2018 where he brings his best quality work and is a consistent reflection of the Assurance Contractors vision and values. As a recent college graduate and a passion to succeed, Chase is excited to see what talents he can provide to the Assurance team.
DIANNA LUCE
Dianna is a Colorado native who was displaced for a few years and has recently returned to Colorado to be closer to her family. Professionally, her experience includes over twenty years of Office Management for both schools and senior home care. Additionally, Dianna has experience in Engineering & Surveying. She loves to work with people and build good solid customer relations for Assurance. Dianna is thrilled to be part of the Assurance Team and looks forward to the future.
DEREK C. YOUNG
Derek has brought a variety of experience to Assurance. He has an extensive background in the Oil & Gas industry as a Crane Operator and Technician. Hard work, honesty, respect, and integrity are all traits that Derek brings to the company and feels are very important. Derek also has several certifications in the following: Rigging and Signaling, First Aid CPR, OSHA 10, Forklift Certified, NFPA70E. Derek also carries certificates through the Department of Homeland Security in the Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education Program for Principles of Emergency Services, Strategies & Tactics, and also ICS-100. He was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Cheyenne, WY with his wife and 3 children. Derek loves to hunt, fish, ride horses, and be outdoors when he is not working. This is Derek's second year at Assurance and he is excited to continue to bring his knowledge, dedication to helping others, and his work ethics to the roofing and construction industry./p>
CODY HALL
Bio and picture coming soon!
Call Today -
Fort Collins: 970-797-2502
Gutter Installation & Repair
Assurance Contractors
2643 Midpoint Dr. Unit F
7350 E. Progress Place Suite 102
Denver Metro Area | Northern Colorado | Fort Collins | Denver
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Gills boss Evans fuming with referee after Fleetwood defeat
Gillingham lost 1-0 against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening.
By Lewis Browning 11 March 2021 14:05
Evans was less than impressed with the referee's showing on Tuesday | Photo by Ian Horrocks - Getty Images
Gillingham manager Steve Evans was left seething with the referee after his side lost 1-0 against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening.
Kyle Vassell's second-minute penalty was the difference between the two sides, awarded by referee Marc Edwards when Connor Ogilvie was adjudged to have pushed Gerard Garner in the box.
FT: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Gillingham. #Gills pic.twitter.com/fsazKUehPK
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) March 9, 2021
Evans was less than pleased with Edwards' call and his overall showing, but also admitted his team were way off the mark in the first-half
Referee anger
Evans has been extremely critical of League One's referees this season, picking up seven yellow cards in the league for his actions towards officials. Tuesday evening was no different - after the match, he expressed his frustrations with what he deemed to be another poor showing from and EFL referee.
"I do not really know the guy but I have spoken to the head of referees who says he will look at it. It is simply not a penalty" he said on Tuesday evening. "The referee was absolutely pathetic. Really, really poor.
"It was a poor game, we played poorly, Simon Grayson's team get the win and it is about winning and points accumulation. But just watch the penalty decision. Tell me how I should be feeling with a seven-hour journey back to Kent. How should we feel?"
The situation developed further on Wednesday morning when Evans said that the EFL head of referees, Mike Jones, agreed with him.
"Last night and this morning I spoke with the EFL head of referees Mike Jones" he said. "My conversation was in connection with the very poor performance of our match referee at Fleetwood.
"We obviously focused on a few key match incidents, one of course was the penalty awarded to Fleetwood inside the opening minute of the match. At first sight of the footage and careful examination Mike confirmed the decision to award a penalty was wrong. He described the award as so soft that if that was the benchmark for a penalty there would be one every time a ball went in to every penalty area.
"He had further sympathy when our goal in added time was not given by the match referee.
"We travelled over seven hours on Monday and got home at nearly 5:00 and you do not expect that performance from a referee."
Despite showing obvious frustration with the referee, Evans was critical of his own team, claiming his "so called big players" failed to deliver.
"We were not at it first-half," he said. "We were poor and players, for me, showed a lack of effort, lack of desire and a lack of willingness to work hard.
"I just think for some they get the shirt and it is an automatic pick and you can see the players we took off were not affecting the game."
Evans did, however, suggest his team deserved at least a point from the game.
"We dominated territorially in the second-period, missed four good chances but we were always chasing after that disgusting penalty decision inside the first minute.
"We gave a few sloppy things away near the end when we were chasing it, but in fairness we should have had a penalty ourselves. Connor Ogilvie gets dragged to the ground and I think Stuart O'Keefe is taken out just inside the box.
"Credit to Fleetwood, a good club with good people but we will keep focused on ourselves."


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Liverpool Could Lose Sadio Mane To Inter Milan
By BF Staff | August 2, 2017 | 0
Reuters / Phil Noble
Inter Milan will attempt to prise Sadio Mane from Liverpool, according to reports.
The Senegalese winger was in electric form for a majority of last season, and was a key factor in a Liverpool attack that struggled without him when he was out injured. His performances have since attracted interest from numerous top European clubs, including Serie A giants Inter Milan.
The Nerazzurri have seen a massive influx of funds following the club's takeover by a Chinese consortium. They are keen on splashing that newfound cash, and have managed to sign the likes of Milan Skriniar, Borja Valero, Facundo Colidio and Daniele Padelli.
Securing Mane's signature would prove to be a statement signing, as Inter begin their quest to be feared as one of Europe's best once more. Their arch-rivals AC Milan have gone all out this summer, and their success will be a cause for concern across town.
Inter Eyeing Sadio Mane As A Replacement For Ivan Perisic
However, signing the 25-year-old pace demon may be harder than expected for the Italians, as Reds' boss Jurgen Klopp is aiming to put up a solid fight for the Premier League title next season, and understands that letting his best players go would make that dream all the more hard to accomplish.
Philippe Coutinho has already been subject to a £72 million bid from Barcelona that was turned down, and things are starting to appear sticky for Klopp.
Reuters / John Sibley
According to Express, Inter have prepared a starting bid of £35 million – just £1m more than what the Reds paid Southampton for him last summer. That fee will feel like an insult to Liverpool, considering the superb season Mane enjoyed last year. And with the current inflation in the market, they will be holding out for a lot more.
It is unlikely that Klopp will be willing to let Mane leave for any price, though. The forward was once again instrumental in their brilliant 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in pre-season, where he scored the opener.
Speaking about his return to the fold, Mane said: "I'm very happy to be back. It was not easy to be off the pitch for three months. But finally, I'm back and I'm happy to be back.
"I'm looking forward to the season. I'm a professional and every football player would like to play each week. I want to always help my team-mates on the pitch and help my club to get better.
"[I want] to score more goals for my team and to assist as well. Why not win trophies with the team? I'm very confident and looking forward to it. There are still some things to work on. That's why I'm training all the time. It will come. I'm not 100 per cent fit but it's pre-season so I'm OK with that. It will come."
Keep up to date with the biggest transfer news from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and a lot more
Written by Reyhan Ashley Nath
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He's also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball's Youtube channel.
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39483 Jose Basin Road, Auberry, CA, 93602
Listing Agent: Miriam Carter
Courtesy of: Osborne Homes
Address: 39483 Jose Basin Road
City: Auberry
Absolutely gorgeous & private 40 useable acres with pastures of heathy thick stands of oat & native grasses. The main mobile is 960 sq. ft. and has 2 bedrooms 1 bath w. carport, covered area for spa and storage on the east side. A fenced pasture of approx. 7-8 acres. Complete hook-ups for an RV. Seasonal creek & Waterfall on the west side of home. Second mobile has approx. 1660 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, den and 2 baths, a family room addition (unfinished) and enclosed front porch. There is also a porch that wraps around a portion of the west side & entire south side where you may sit to enjoy the views to the mountains and sunsets. This mobile needs work and may provide rental income. It has recent new siding on the north and east side, new dual pane windows in 2003. Easy year-round road access to both. Excellent well. Build your dream home or simply use as a family get-away. This property has a great deal of energy and its priced to sell. There is an adjoining 80 acres w a home available for sale separately (APN 11611002)
Listing Agent: Miriam Carter Courtesy of: Osborne Homes Listing Information provided courtesy of the Fresno MLS/Association of Realtors. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Updated: 31st January, 2023 5:43 AM (UTC)


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Review: The Sessions
Directed by: Ben Lewin
Written by: Ben Lewin
Starring: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Adam Arkin, Rhea Perlman, Moon Bloodgood
The Sessions takes us inside a world that only a small few would be familiar with. It's based on the true story of Mark O'Brien (Hawkes) – a 38-year-old man who has been paralysed from the neck down, due to the effects of polio, since he was a young child. He relies heavily on an iron lung to survive and requires constant care.
The premise centres on Mark's hopes to lose his virginity. He's never had a girlfriend and he's never had an intimate contact with a woman. That's about to change. Thanks to the advice from a good friend, Mark has been given the details of woman who can help. Her name is Cheryl (Hunt) and she's a professional sex surrogate.
It's a job that I was previously aware of. Cheryl isn't a prostitute – a point she makes clear at the very start of their sessions together. Her role is to teach Mark the "basics" and to help him explore his sexual potential. He will then the confidence and experience to increase his sexual activity in the future.
Writer-director Ben Lewin has made the decision to position the film somewhere between the comedic and dramatic genres.... and it works. If you were to hear Mark's story from a complete stranger, you might think of it as a terrible tragedy. This is a guy who has almost no quality of life. He spends every moment confined to a bed and struggling to breathe. Not once has he experienced the sensation of an orgasm.
Mark has found a way to deal with the situation as best he can – by having a sense of humour about it. He's not afraid to make a joke and he seems to take great pleasure in stirring a local priest (Macy) with whom he has become friends. Mark enjoys putting him to the test by asking what God would think of his use of a sex surrogate.
There's another side to this story however. We also see things from Cheryl's perspective and it gives us an insight into this tricky profession. She needs to establish trust with her clients and help them deal with problems that they've long suppressed. At the same time, she has to be careful not to get too close from an emotional perspective. It's not easy.
The Sessions premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January and the performances have been talked up as "awards worthy" ever since. John Hawkes (Winter's Bone) is excellent in the leading role and deftly illustrates his character's deep insecurities. Hunt is also very good with her soothing voice and comforting disposition. The scenes they share in bed together are both awkward and humorous.
The film skirts around a few issues and its look into Cheryl's home life is a good example. We see small glimpses of her interacting with her husband and son but they don't offer as much as you'd expect. As the priest, William H. Macy's character could have also used a little more depth. He pops in and out of the story for the sole purpose of proving a few laughs.
It can't match the emotive power of films such as The Sea Inside and The Diving Bell & The Butterfly but The Sessions is still a nicely told story that makes you appreciate the things we take for granted.


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CCIA has long worked to ease or remove excessive export controls on high-tech products. Export controls were created during the Cold War to limit the ability of communist or rogue states to come into possession of state-of-the-art computing or other technology that could endanger our national security. However, world conditions have changed significantly. Rather than a U.S.-centric system, technological progress is now more likely to occur through collaboration with allies, and the current export control system obstructs the sharing of information. In addition, new technologies are increasingly being developed in the commercial sector, rather than the military sector.
CCIA's View:
While CCIA strongly agrees with the need to protect our national security, we believe it is important to guard against measures that would unreasonably limit or burden the legitimate export business of technology companies. Practical considerations must be weighed in fashioning any of these controls. The ideal export control regime would be narrowly targeted at such exports that truly threaten our national security if obtained by adversaries, without impeding legitimate export operations. CCIA opposes broadly drawn export controls that fail to make this distinction and would unnecessarily include many technology products. In addition, we oppose unilateral U.S. export controls which would result in the ceding of markets to foreign companies whose countries have less rigorous controls. We look forward to reforms that result in regularly updated and justifiable "higher walls around fewer items."
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Most Recent Statements & Filings:
Internet Services Empower SMEs at a Global Level
Blog, Jobs & Innovation, Taxes & Trade October 25, 2013
The Internet has reshaped production, distribution and consumption patterns at a global scale. The resulting markets are highly efficient, transparent and characterized by low barriers to entry. However, so far little attention has been given to the fact that small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the global south, are among the largest beneficiaries…
CCIA Testifies On Digital Trade At TTIP Hearing
EU, News & Events, US May 29, 2013
The Computer & Communications Industry Association outlined growing threats and policies that curb digital trade in testimony at a USTR hosted hearing Wednesday afternoon on the US/EU's free trade agreement known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). CCIA noted that trade agreements have unfortunately not kept up with the thriving Internet industry and recommended the…
Panelists Discuss Future Internet Governance At World Press Freedom Day Event
Blog, US April 24, 2013
Washington- Academics, companies and a State Department official outlined the challenges ahead for Internet governance and Internet freedom at a National Press Club event marking World Press Freedom Day Wednesday. Christopher Painter, the coordinator for cyber issues at the State Department, said the WCIT meeting in Dubai was a wake up call that the multistakeholder…