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Bigger Threats, Better Defense
As the frequency and scale of cyberattacks increase, cloud-based security plays a critical role in protecting enterprises and their customers.
The face of cybersecurity is changing in response to constantly morphing attack methods. Criminals are assaulting organizations with attacks designed to knock websites offline, steal sensitive data, or both. Two particular threats — distributed denial of service (DDoS) and web application attacks — are becoming larger and more frequent, escalating risk for every business with a digital presence, regardless of size or industry.
In this guide, we examine how these attacks increase business risk and explain the core components you need in place to defend against these attacks.
Defining the Threats
DDoS attacks have become more sophisticated, using a variety of methods to flood sites with bogus traffic. Designed to overwhelm a website and render it unavailable to users, DDoS attacks can disrupt a company's digital operations and damage its reputation, productivity, and bottom line.
Web application attacks are designed to compromise data, in the form of personally identifiable information (PII), credentials, or intellectual property. When data is breached, attackers can steal money, information, or identities. Organizations holding the data can be held legally liable for breaches, in addition to the costs required to mitigate the breach. Data breaches can also significantly impact customer loyalty and brand reputation.
Essential Defense
When continuous online availability is business-critical, leadership teams need forward-thinking approaches to cybersecurity to ensure that their digital assets are aggressively defended. On-premises defense systems lack the capacity to ward off DDoS and web application attacks that are becoming larger and more complex; organizations must leverage an advanced cloud platform to stay a step ahead in their battle with cybercriminals.
The Changing Threat Landscape
Organizations are increasingly moving transactions and sensitive data through digital channels, which makes them tempting targets for cybercriminals. Every organization that interacts with customers, suppliers, or employees online is a potential target of malicious actors who have access to powerful tools that can cripple inadequately defended websites and make sensitive data available for exfiltration. The perpetrators can range from lone teenage hackers to state-sponsored organizations.
Massive DDoS Attacks Threaten Availability
In this evolving threat landscape, DDoS attacks are showing a marked increase in scale that raises the threat of business-crippling incidents. The average DDoS attack observed in 2016 was just over 5 Gigabits per second (Gbps), which is large enough to overwhelm most data centers. These incidents, however, pale in comparison to the "mega-attacks" of 100 Gbps or more that have become common. One of the largest DDoS attacks Akamai mitigated on behalf of a single customer in 2016 peaked at 623 Gbps. While unusual, it certainly was not an isolated incident. In Q1 2016 and Q3 2016, Akamai mitigated a record 19 mega-attacks exceeding 100 Gbps.
Moreover, repeat attacks have become the norm. In Q1 2017, attackers targeted the same organization an average of 35 times. The most targeted company was hit with over 350 attacks — averaging nearly four attacks per day.
Web Application Attacks Cause Costly Breaches
Web applications that store data are targeted by cyberattackers who work to trick the system into a breach. They will target every input, every parameter, and every cookie in search of a viable compromise that allows them to inject malicious payloads that they leverage to find and exfiltrate data.
Attackers are eager to steal PII. With the right combination of personal information, cybercriminals can create new credit accounts, make purchases on those credit accounts, and even craft new identities.
Organizations must apply consistent application controls to minimize vulnerabilities, but attackers work diligently to uncover and exploit those vulnerabilities. That's why organizations need up-to-date cloud-based solutions to shield web applications from malicious traffic.
Deploying an Effective Defense
The potential costs of a cyberattack should give pause to any C-suite. You'll never eliminate every threat to your business. The goal is to minimize business risk — for example, stopping attackers before they get their hands on PII data.
Today's threat landscape is driving scalability requirements, and consequently, adoption of cloud-based security solutions. The best way to protect data and ensure availability is to work with a cloud provider that brings global scale, skills, and a wealth of collective intelligence.
Detection and Mitigation
The ideal platform combines leading-edge threat intelligence and visibility into network traffic with a highly distributed global network of servers supported by data-driven algorithms, automated mitigation strategies, and collective intelligence. These capabilities enable an organization to detect a DDoS assault or an attack on web applications immediately and leverage scale and sophisticated security tools to absorb attack traffic.
Blocking DDoS attacks: By applying controls in the cloud in response to a DDoS attack, such as DDoS scrubbing solutions, a trusted cloud provider keeps your business safe. A robust defense system reduces the attack surface, segregates legitimate traffic from disruptive DDoS packets, and absorbs malicious traffic with capacity far exceeding that of on-premises devices.
Protecting applications: For web application attacks, a scalable, continuously updated web application firewall (WAF) pushes the mitigation of application attacks closer to the source and away from your application. A premier cloud provider can support an end-to-end view of requests and responses that enables fast, accurate data correlation. This multilayered defense prevents attackers from getting through to your systems and applications and compromising your data.
Staying ahead of attackers: A critical means of protection in the ever-evolving threat landscape is to leverage collective intelligence that keeps the network defense a step ahead of ahead of well-armed cybercriminals. Organizations need access to a big data analysis engine that profiles attackers, exploits, and botnets and continuously monitors their activities. This knowledge base is used to identify the latest attacks as they are first used against one customer, for the benefit of other customers.
Organizations face a steady threat of DDoS and web application attacks that can disrupt key business operations and put sensitive data at risk. Minimizing the impact of these attacks on your business requires world-class cloud-based security with multiple layers of defense. Robust cloud-based security delivers a highly distributed defense network, a constantly updating firewall, rapid attack mitigation, and collective intelligence that will help your organization reduce risk in an increasingly digital environment.
Related CIO Content
Organizations face a steady threat of attacks that can disrupt operations, expose sensitive data, and damage reputation, productivity, and bottom line. Given the limited range of traditional perimeter defenses, enterprises must leverage advanced cloud platforms and multiple layers of defense to stay a step ahead in the battle with cyber criminals.
Massive botnets
Repeat attacks
Secure clouds
Additional CIO Content
CIO Main Page
Identifying Hazards to Better Prepare for Cyberattacks
Strong cyber defenses are as focused and formidable as the incoming cyber attacks.
Taking Enterprise Security to the Next Level
To manage business risk, integrate security more directly into the fabric of the business and its infrastructure.
Security Without Compromising Usability
Cloud security must evolve as rapidly as the new threats it encounters.


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Grand Canyon gap: Arizona national parks need $531 million to fix roads, buildings
GRAND CANYON – Arizona national parks and monuments need $531 million to maintain hundreds of roads and buildings. But budget problems put that on hold in Arizona and across the U.S.
Court gives tribe, environmentalists new chance to fight uranium mine
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said the Havasupai tribe and environmental advocates can challenge an existing uranium mine on land near the Grand Canyon where mining was recently banned, a partial reversal from an earlier ruling that sided with the mining company.
Likely closure of coal-fired power plant bringing dramatic change to Navajo Nation
LECHEE CHAPTER HOUSE, Navajo Reservation – SRP announced last year it planned to shut down the Navajo Generating Station ahead of schedule because producing electricity from coal is much more expensive and dirtier than natural gas. No other job on the Navajo Reservation pays as well as the Navajo Generating Station. Revenue, taxes and royalties from coal make up about a third of the Navajo operating budget and most of the Hopi Tribe's budget.
Grand Canyon Park superintendent reassigned while under federal investigation
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon National Park's superintendent, Christine Lehnertz, has been reassigned while the Office of the Inspector General investigates undisclosed allegations.
Prop 127's potential to reshape Arizona energy has electrified supporters and opponents
PHOENIX – A proposition on Arizona's Nov. 6 ballot would mandate that utility companies get more energy from renewable sources. The state's largest power provider, APS, opposes it.
Why do we keep building in fire-prone areas? Money is one reason
YORBA LINDA, Calif. – Despite the growing risk of disastrous wildfires in Southern California, thousands of homes are being built in areas that are prone to burning. A proposed development near Yorba Linda offers a look at how such housing projects get approved, and how taxpayers ultimately are on the hook.
Western wildfires will increase because of climate change, UA researchers say
VENTURA, Calif. – In the past year, California has seen two of its largest wildfires in state history. University of Arizona professor, Don Falk, projects the West will see an increase in area burned by these wildfires within the next two decades.
Trump plan to boost Western water by easing rules worries advocates
WASHINGTON - The White House released a plan Friday that it said would improve water reliability and availability in the West by streamlining regulatory processes and conducting expedited reviews on water projects - a proposal that environmentalists said they were "sure it's a bad idea."
Why there's a legal fight to protect the native roundtail chub
The roundtail chub is a minnow native to Arizona. The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for not protecting it as an endangered species.
Hurricane tag team of Rosa and Sergio set rainfall records for October
PHOENIX – After remnants from two tropical systems strike Arizona, Phoenix set a new rainfall record for October.
Thinning effort to restore ponderosa forests to their natural state inches forward
FLAGSTAFF – For decades, land managers and ranchers in northern Arizona dealt with forest fires in a way that led to an overpopulation of trees. Now, agencies are working to fix that — but the sheer number and high cost of doing so is one hurdle they'll have to overcome.
The cost of drought: Less water from Lake Mead in 2020, higher rates for consumers
LAKE MEAD – Access to one-seventh of Arizona's share of water from Lake Mead could evaporate by 2020 if drought if lake water levels continue to drop. And that could cost consumers.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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HERS Index
My Rey Home
VillaSol
Legacy Park
Designed For Life
Veterans Ayana and Dave Powell become Rey Homes homeowners thanks to Heroes' Commons
As we close the commemoration of our fallen heroes during Memorial Day weekend, we sit down with Ayana and David Powell; two veterans who were recently chosen for the Heroes' Commons program which provides help for veterans coming from military deployment with financial hardship, unemployment, divorce, and even physical and mental disabilities. The Heroes' Commons at Jefferson Park is an Art for Architecture project that is part of the City of Orlando's initiative to preserve the Parramore district's "historic traditions while offering easy access to mass transit, healthcare facilities, entertainment options, and world-class sporting venues." Heroes' Commons was introduced by members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Foundation, a charitable brand of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. Ayana and Dave were recently selected by the foundation as one of six chosen families to be given a home in the Orlando area, as an acknowledgement for their heroic contributions to this nation.
At Rey Homes, we are working with the Greater Orlando Builders Association on the Powell family's building of their house and making sure that we can create a true home for them. Here we ask about their history as a family, their experience as veterans, and what it means for them to finally be homeowners.
How were you selected for the Heroes' Commons program?
Ayana & David Powell's home in construction stages
Ayana: Oh goodness, I don't know where to start, I don't know where exactly to start… My husband and I were living in Atlanta, Georgia and we had some considerable problems in the home that we were in. We actually had tried previously to purchase a home on our own and because we were in the military, us moving around so much, it made the home mortgage process really difficult because with military you're not always guaranteed to be in the same spot for two years or whatever the mortgage company requires, so that presented a lot of barriers to me actually utilizing my VA home loans.
When my husband got out of the military in 2014 we actually started the process to purchase a home. We thought everything was going great, we had the mortgage lenders, we had our realtor working with us and he actually told us, "You guys are going to the closing table on this day, you guys need to be here; go ahead and pack up your family." So we packed up our family and left from Fort Stewart, GA and moved to Atlanta and we got there and we were in a motel. We had all the funds for us to be in a motel for roughly, three weeks. Basically, when the day came for us to be at the closing table, they told us, "Not going to happen." So they said we have to go with another lender, we have to put it off another week, whatever. Our realtor actually paid for us to the stay in the motel for another week because at this point we're working off of what we saved and we depleted that, being in a motel. We got to the second week, second lender said no. We got to the third week, third lender said no. What it all boiled down to was that we didn't have enough resident history for the underwriters to do what they needed to do for us to get into our home. So that left us homeless. Again, we're living in a motel, we have no funds, and we stay in the motel for another week, eating once a day, basically.
I told my husband, "(…) We don't have a shot in the dark but let's just go ahead and apply"
Then his sister, my husband's sister, lives in an apartment in Atlanta and she told us to come and apply for an apartment and talk to management. We talked to them and they put us in an apartment, so now we're seven people in a three-bedroom apartment. That was pure hell on earth. We stayed there for roughly about 6 months and then we found a program in Atlanta that said they would help us get in a home, that there would be no barriers, so we went to them and they actually allowed us to rent the home. It was a program where you rent the home for two years and then they let you to go through the process that shows a history for two years that you're paying rent and all that stuff. Anyway, we got into the home and the banisters, the steps started falling apart; we had sewage backed up into the house from, I think, Thanksgiving until February, was when they came. Because of the sewage problem, we had seven people using one bathroom in a four-bedroom house. I started to look for programs to see if anyone could help us because no matter what turn we made, we were always getting shut down, there was no program out there for veterans and I couldn't see us doing this forever, and we have children. So we started looking for resources and we ran across this program here in Orlando and I told my husband, "You know, we don't have a shot in the dark but let's just go ahead and apply."
We applied to the program and we thought we definitely wouldn't get it being that we did not live in Florida, but I'm a Florida native so I figured "apply now" just to see what happens. We did that and we were already planning to move to Orlando to begin with; my husband had gotten a job offer there so we applied and around April of 2016 we got the phone call that we were actually one of the six families that were selected for a home. That's when everything kicked into overdrive.
During what years were you in the service?
David: I've been in the service for 14 years. I did three tours in Iraq, I did Korea for a year, was in the logistical field… I've been out for about two years now and just taking it in as a civilian. This is a new experience for me. I'm still feeling myself out as not being in the military. Especially when I got out… It's just a lot, for me. Being in the military and being military-minded; it's different.
Ayana: I served in the army too. I enlisted for six years but within my first six months in the military I was actually sexually assaulted, and from there I was systematically pushed out of the military with a brand new baby. That's my service.
"The feeling that we're a part of a family in this process and it's not just all paper work and numbers is amazing. (…) That makes me feel like you're gaining a family."
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
A: We have 5 children. My son Bradley is actually graduating on Saturday, he is 19. Then I have a daughter, she is 17. I have three other daughters that are 15, 12, and 8. So we have four girls and one boy. David and I met right after I got out of the military when he was stationed at Fort Stewart. We have been together since 2003 so we're coming up on our 14th anniversary on July… He's looking at me, I'm looking at him trying to see if he can say the number [laughs]. July 15th! I know the date, I'm just trying to see if you can say the date [laughs]. We've been together since July 15th 2003.
My mother served in the army, my father served in the army, my grandfather served in the army, David's father served in the army, so we're just a full family of military brats and army kids… Many generations served!
What does it mean for you to be a homeowner?
D: Being able to just go ahead and take care of everything that needs to be taken care of. Not having to worry about a roof over our heads and providing for our children everything that they need…
A: It's definitely a wonderful feeling. When David first got out of the military we had that uncertainty because you never really have anyone in the military to sit down with you and explain what life is like after the military, so the transition was very difficult for our family being that we didn't just have one veteran but two veterans, and we have such a large family. In my husband's career and in my career we've moved 14 times in total between 4 states. Just being able to lay down some roots and finally have a foundation, and the kids can finally know what it's like to have a community, not just from the military aspect, but can feel like we're a part of a community again; that's an amazing feeling. It's amazing to know that there are people out there that thought of us, that took the time to actually think of us and say thank you and give back. That's just overwhelming.
"Not having to worry about a roof over our heads and providing for our children everything that they need (is a wonderful feeling)"
How has the process of homebuilding been so far?
A: Honestly, for me, it has been an amazing feeling working with Kim (Rey Homes' Purchasing and Estimating Director); the times we've actually come into the office Alex (Rey Homes' Project Manager) carries a full sunshine around [laughs]. I call him "Full Sunshine" because his smile is contagious; Kim's laughter is amazing… Just the feeling that we're a part of a family in this process and it's not just all paper work and numbers is amazing. When we sit down in that chair with them, they actually take into consideration your family and tell you "this carpet might not be the best for this many people in the family" or whatever; there's just so many things that for many cookie cutter homebuilders, it's not that they don't have the time to do it, it's just not cost effective. That makes me feel like you're gaining a family… you're gaining a home, of course, but you're also gaining a family.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Getting to know your new neighborhood
7 Tips For Choosing A Rocking Chair
Who's home is it anyway?
10 Things To Put On Your Kitchen Countertop
Celebrate the winter holiday with local activities around Central Florida
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Austria becoming the first country in the European Union to impose a compulsory lockdown on the unvaccinated people.
November 16, 2021 November 16, 2021 adminLeave a Comment on Austria becoming the first country in the European Union to impose a compulsory lockdown on the unvaccinated people.
Austria is set to tighten its coronavirus restrictions, becoming the first country in the European Union (EU) to impose a compulsory lockdown on the unvaccinated people.
To read fearless, unbiased, boldly selected news >>click << here
About two million people not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country have been placed in lockdown with fresh surge in cases, and children aged between 5 and 11 are being inoculated.
The decision, coming into effect at midnight on Sunday, prohibits unvaccinated people from leaving their homes except for essential activities such as working, or getting vaccinated.
The measure is aimed at slowing the fast spread of the disease in the country.
Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said the lockdown will initially last for 10 days, with the police checking people on the streets to make sure they are vaccinated.
About 65% of the country's population is fully vaccinated – one of the lowest rates in western Europe, and the seven-day infection rate is more than 800 cases per 100,000, one of the highest in the region.
For more important information / news in English >>click<< here
In less than two months, daily infection rate in Austria has risen from 2,000 to 12,000, prompting the government to consider new restrictions.
The nationwide lockdown in Austria, however, has sparked anger among citizens, forcing hundreds of people into the streets in Vienna to protest against the stringent rules.
"This restricts my life, my freedom. It's time that more people spoke up," Sabine, a 49-year-old energy consultant, told reporters at the rally, terming the move "discrimination".
Europe is fast emerging as the most seriously affected region by the coronavirus with several countries moving to introduce restrictions amid rising cases.
Netherlands has already announced the region's first partial lockdown of the winter.
To be a part of 'Citizen Journalism' through 'Local News' platform >>Click<< here
The development comes in the wake of World Health Organisation's (WHO) latest warning over steep jump in new deaths across Europe.
According to WHO figures, Europe reported almost two million new COVID-19 infections last week, marking the largest weekly case count in the continent since the start of the pandemic.
Tagged COVID-19FOREIGN NEWS
Government of India on target of Kashmiri leaders for using civilians as human shields
call on Biden to take further action against Israeli spyware company by US lawmakers
November 7, 2021 November 7, 2021 Ravi Nigam
Turkish President Erdogan has backed down from his earlier threat of expelling 10 Western ambassadors
October 26, 2021 October 26, 2021 Ravi Nigam
China said America should correct the wrong policy of maximum pressure against Iran


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Premier League 2011-12
Phil Jones's blunder seals Newcastle win against Manchester United
The Newcastle striker Demba Ba, left, celebrates his goal against Manchester United with Shola Ameobi at St James' Park. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/EPA
Kevin McCarra at St James' Park
Wed 4 Jan 2012 18.47 EST
The result was the least of it. Manchester United can seldom have been so faint of heart or so short of creativity. They fell at this ground for the first time since 2001 but it is not statistics that will be commemorated. Events here will glow in the minds of the home support and the memory will still warm them a little when the club has to deal with chilly times.
United will not be immune to amnesia over these events either, much as they might yearn for it. Sir Alex Ferguson's team, with that home defeat by Blackburn Rovers, has not just lost twice in succession but done so by conceding three goals on each occasion. Much as the manager will surely claim that the forthcoming encounter at Manchester City can galvanise, the likelihood is that his lineup will be knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
It is too soon for United to consider that. The immediate topic for Ferguson must be the way in which Newcastle dominated, with Demba Ba constantly finding space, as United lacked all resilience in defensive midfield. Ferguson has seen and seen off many a crisis but City's three-point lead will make Roberto Mancini's squad feel that they can now go on to regain all the fluency on show earlier in the campaign.
At St James' Park the ignominy for United was completed by an own-goal at the end when Phil Jones connected with a long ball and found he had sent it past his goalkeeper, Anders Lindegaard. David de Gea, who is more commonly between the posts, can give thanks for this minor demotion.
The damage done to United is nowhere near irreparable and Ferguson's calm remarks, in the presence of a microphone at least, showed the manager retaining a sense of proportion. The arithmetic should not pitch anyone into despair but United cannot afford to be as harmless as this in many of the challenges to come. It was telling that the substitution of Wayne Rooney should look wholly appropriate in the context of the team's wan display.
The contrast could not have been more extreme with Ba, the Senegal forward who ensured that memories of him will retain warmth even when he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations later this month. United's centre-backs were at a loss to deal with him, and a central-midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs could not cut off the supply line.
Even so, every United player was powerless at a remarkable opener in the 33rd minute. No one could have anticipated that rather old-fashioned means would succeed where attempted sophistication had failed. The Newcastle goalkeeper, Tim Krul, crashed the ball downfield and the head of the leaping Shola Ameobi flicked it on for Ba to score with a hooked volley before Rio Ferdinand could intervene.
It may in practice be an impossibility for Newcastle to be champions this season but there is still fun to be had inconveniencing visitors who arrive with great ambitions. Achieving such an aim, however, must be even harder than it appears. On this occasion, United were comprehensively incapable of regaining the durability that had disappeared at the weekend.
Encouragement was fleeting. With quarter of an hour gone, Rooney crossed from the left and Dimitar Berbatov's header clipped the outside of post after deflecting off the full-back Davide Santon, although no corner was given.
Newcastle had heft as well as self-belief then. They had applied themselves, too, when taking a draw at Old Trafford in November. There is a case to be made for saying that Manchester United, entering the throes of a transition period, should expect to meet difficulties. Even so, a trial of temperament lay before Newcastle. They rose to that challenge dramatically. Rather than resisting, they did further harm to the opposition. After Jones had been cautioned for his foul on Ba, Yohan Cabaye flighted the ball high past the right hand of Lindegaard in the 47th minute.
The Newcastle lineup combined diligence with incisive attacking. With the Manchester United players giving no indication that they were about to transform themselves, Ferguson sent on Danny Welbeck to replace Berbatov in attack. It was only then that the visitors mounted the onslaught expected of them.
Newcastle avoided conceding a goal in a remarkable manner. Nani crossed from the right but after Rooney had connected with it in the goalmouth, Danny Simpson was able to block the attempt athletically on the line. There was nothing at least to deter United from wholehearted attacking and Park Ji-sung had to make way for Hernández.
Pardew's men still mounted attacks and were completely in the ascendant by the close. Ferguson could hardly have wished for the reminder that tough terrain lies ahead of anyone hoping to make their way to the title. The encounter with Manchester City now has even more overtones, that carry a significance beyond the FA Cup tie itself.
Mancini's side have been dealing with life reasonably well, but the defeat of Liverpool was a demonstration of persistence more than virtuosity. There is an incitement now to distress Manchester United come Sunday. Ferguson's squad dare not offer anything less than a display that is far sharper and more resolute than the one they produced at Newcastle.


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Andrea Zúñiga Vázquez
Andrea Z
The Lighthouse – Film Review
It had only been a few minutes but the sound of the lighthouse was already stuck in my head along with the whooshing of the ferocious gray sea that covered the screen. "The Lighthouse" is a film by director Robert Eggers, whose previous project was the acclaimed 2015 film, "The Witch". In this film, Eggers presents a story that can be classified as a thriller although it incorporates fantastical and surreal elements. Wake (Willem Dafoe) and Winslow (Robert Pattinson) are two lighthouse workers who arrive at a small desolate rock for four weeks. They are to live together in a tiny shack, while Winslow is in charge of the chores. The resulting dynamic of these two very different lighthouse workers living in the confines of a small house surrounded by the sea is one of constant tensions and arguments.
Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe are problematic roommates who eventually bond over alcohol and over the dreadful weather that hits their tiny piece of land. Slowly but surely, Winslow starts a descent into madness that is made believable through Pattinson's ability to completely let himself go through the performance. Dafoe is no exception as his look of an old sailor with some serious issues regarding his bond to the light adds to the overall somber atmosphere. The black and white cinematography and the movie being shot in square format creates a claustrophobic feeling, where there is no room for extra details. The contrast created allows the viewer to see every tiny detail and crevice in the actor's faces. These dramatic compositions evoke german expressionism through the use of deep shadows and distorted images that create a nightmarish feeling. Sound is another element that stands out in the movie. There is clear attention to detail as many of the sound effects not only function as a mere background but allows the audience to feel part of the setting. The low and deep sounds of the lighthouse, the sea and sometimes, even the sound of screaming, will leave your ears ringing.
Once again, Eggers uses an animal as an ominous symbol for impending doom. The seagull in "The Lighthouse" can be compared to Black Philip from "The Witch", only this time with no words. There is also slight silliness throughout the whole movie, whether it is through humor related to bodily fluids or through the frantic drunk dancing and singing of Winslow and Wake. "The Lighthouse" takes itself a bit less seriously than the "The Witch" yet it still is able to create a feeling of dread.
"The Lighthouse" is another production by A24, everyone's favorite independent movie house. It was named Best Movie at the Cannes' Critics Week and Directors' Fortnight by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). It also got some of the best reviews from the festival assuring once more A24's vision for a good movie that is also a little bit creepy, interesting and completely fascinating.
©2021 by Andrea Zúñiga Vázquez. Proudly created with Wix.com


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Top Regional News: Teacher placed on leave after alleged racist activities
The following stories are among today's top news of central Illinois.
Teacher placed on leave after alleged racist activities
PEKIN — A Pekin Community High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of racist activities.
Officials learned of a website that claimed a PCHS teacher was allegedly involved in racist activities, some of which allegedly happened while the teacher was employed at the district, according to a prepared statement released by PCHS District 303 Superintendent Danielle Owens Friday afternoon.
"The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the matter," the press release stated. "The School District does not condone and will not tolerate racist behavior in any form." School representatives will not comment about the matter until the investigation is complete.
Check pekintimes.com for more on this story.
Treasure hunter Scott Heimdal dead at 56
PEORIA — Peoria native Scott Heimdal, who became nationwide news when he was kidnapped in 1990 by Colombian guerillas, died Tuesday at age 56.
Heimdal was found dead from a heart attack in his cabin aboard a treasure-hunting vessel docked near Jacksonville, Florida. He was part of a Blue Waters Ventures excursion to research and dive on the wreck of the Pulaski, which was considered a prestigious ship that carried 200 passengers — a cross-section of some of the southern America's wealthiest citizens — when it sank around 11 p.m. June 13, 1838, while bound from Savannah to Baltimore.
Heimdal was a young adventurer in South America, working for a gold-mining operation in northern Ecuador in 1990, when Marxist militants took him. The militants initially demanded a $1.2 million ransom. They later reduced their demands to $60,000. School children in Peoria collected coins and offered their piggy banks to help pay for his release. Peorians held bake sales, kids operated lemonade stands and the money trickled in. After being held for 60 days, his parents marched into the jungle and rescued their son.
Check pjstar.com for more on this story.
Electronic collection set for Friday
TOLUCA — The semi-annual Marshall-Putnam electronics collection day will be Friday afternoon in Toluca.
Old televisions, computers and related equipment, and numerous other recyclable items can be taken to the city's public works building at 520 W. Railroad St. from noon to 5 p.m. There will be a 10-item limit, and materials will be accepted only from residents of those two counties. The spring collection is scheduled each year to coincide roughly with Earth Day.
For details on accepted items or other information, call the Marshall County Highway Department at 246-6401.


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Music Reviews Soundtrack
Video for James Arthur and Anne-Marie In "Rewrite The Stars" (Lyrics Review)
It would be an understatement to say that "Rewrite The Stars" is a beautiful song by two of the most talented people in the industry-Zac Effron and Zendaya. The love-struck song from 'The Greatest Showman' musical had left us wondering how this song could possibly get any better. And then comes the re-imagined cover and music video by James Arthur and Anne-Marie. We are left speechless!
'The Greatest Showman' musical from 2017 will forever be one of the world's most beloved movies. The Hugh Jackman, Zendaya and Zac Effron production was one of the highest grossing movies of 2017 and one of the better soundtracks in history. The soundtrack album also included some big hits such as "The Greatest Show," "A Million Dreams" and "Come Alive."
This new rendition of "Rewrite The Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie is equally ecstatic. Anne-Marie looks gorgeous in white and James Arthur pulling off the classic musician in a coat, supported by high-energy background dancers, makes this music video a thrilling entertainment.
Watch "Rewrite The Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie
We can see amazing chemistry between the two artists who embrace a soulful tone despite the powerful performance.
The song is about two people questioning how their destinies are written in the stars and what it would take to change their destinies.
Lyrics Review and Song Meaning of "Rewrite The Stars"
James Arthur kicks off the song.
In this song, we find the guy attempting to keep this relationship alive by saying they could succeed or rewrite their stars if they tried enough. However, Anne-Marie has her own doubts.
'Written in the stars' usually refer to something being destined. In this song, we find that the couple's destiny is to be away from each other, where the guy is trying to change the stars.
James Arthur is heard questioning why she does not believe that their relationship could not work. Her common answer is that their hands are tied to do what they want. It is no secret that she wants to be in this relationship as well. But something keeps her pulling away. She says distance is pulling them apart. But James Arthur assures that as long as they keep each other in their hearts, they will be as close as they could be.
The first version of the chorus is sung by James Arthur.
So, James Arthur proposes that they could rewrite their destinies if they wanted to. He believes that no one, even the stars, could bother them if they believed in themselves.
In the movie, Phillip Carlyle has been slowly falling in love with Anne Wheeler. However, the society frowns upon their relationship because Anne is from a lower cast. Hence, she has high doubts about making this relationship work.
Anne-Marie vocalizes in "Rewrite The Stars" for the first time now.
The girl wants to be with this guy. But she also knows how cruel the society can be. She just does not believe that it will be as easy as a song, which Phillip believes it to be.
She compares the struggles to 'mountains' and 'locked doors.' Maybe, she is imagining Phillip's home doors being locked to the people of her cast.
Anne-Marie says that it might be difficult for the guy to understand because within these walls (within the circus) they are free to be whoever they want to be. They perform together, sing together, dance together, eat together etc. But outside the walls of this circus lies the real world which does not take kindly on differently bright stars.
[polldaddy poll=10177104]
In the second chorus of "Rewrite The Stars," we hear the girl questioning everything proposed by the guy in the first chorus. She is baffled and questions how is he going to rewrite what is written on the stars!
She also counters James Arthur by saying it is not up to her or him to make this relationship work. Anne believes the outsiders will play a major role in it.
Towards the end of the song, we do see that the two squabbling lovers finding some middle ground. For an example, in several lines sung by both artists, they go from "It feels impossible" to "It's not impossible" to "Is it impossible?" This is a favourable turn of mindsets towards a working relationship.
In this last verse, we find both the artists on the same page. They are going to try to make it work. Even the girl believes that it is up to him and herself to make this work, and the stars that are billions of miles away nor society at the doorstep can pull them apart if they don't allow them to.
"Rewrite The Stars" is a beautiful composition on not giving up on love for each other. You might come from different backgrounds or lives, but they barely matter if the couple trusts in each other to make things work.
Let us hear what you think about "Rewrite The Stars" lyrics and the reimagined music video by James Arthur and Anne-Marie. Leave your thoughts and critiques in the comments below, and make sure to share it with your friends.
Complete Lyrics to "Rewrite The Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie
Read "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur & Anne-Marie on Genius
Tags: Anne-Marie, James Arthur
Watch Panic! At The Disco Cover "Bohemian Rhapsody" Live on Tour
Stream Eminem-Produced 'Bodied' Full Movie on YouTube Premium


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ASOCIATED CLUBS
E SPORTS TEAM
60 ANNIVERSARY
ANNIVERSARY NEWS
Lokomotiva v Istra 1961 press conference
The press conference was held today about the game of the HT 1st League between Lokomotiva and Istria 1961, scheduled for Saturday, August 10, starting at 9 pm.
Main coach Ivan Prelec and player Petar Bosancic attended the conference.
"We are expecting a match against Lokomotiva, which is an absolute favorite in this game, regardless of the table situation. In the last 3 games, Lokomotiva has presented in a very good light, and for them the next game is very important. We have been doing well through the week, the players are ready and we are waiting for this match." says main coach Prelec.
"The atmosphere after these three rounds is positive, especially after two consecutive wins and a good start of the season. We will strive to achieve a good result in the match against Lokomotiva. ", says Petar Bosančić


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Barnsley photographer shortlisted for prestigious award
Barnsley photographer Collette Evans is in the running for a Federation of Small Businesses award.
Collette (pictured), who runs Picture Perfect Photography, is shortlisted in the Scale-up Business category of the FSB's Celebrating Business Awards 2019 regional final.
The shortlisting recognises the growth the company has made over the last year, with corporate clients increasing from just two to 100, two extra staff joining the business and a move into new premises near Barnsley town centre.
Collette, who has been in photography for 16 years, said: "The last year has just been amazing. Twelve months ago I was busy with wedding photography, but since then it really has gone up a gear and now the diary is full to bursting."
As well as commercial and wedding photography, Picture Perfect Photography specialises in fitness photography, and is the recommended wedding photographer for South Yorkshire venues Wortley Hall and Aston Hall.
One of the new members of staff that Collette has taken on is 16-year-old Alex Hollinworth, who is studying photography at Barnsley College.
"He is the same age that I was when I first got interested in photography and I really like the idea of bringing people on in the industry," said Collette.
"I've also taken on a PA to cope with all the admin behind the scenes, and in the next 12 months I want to take on more staff, including other photographers, and move to a bigger studio."
Collette, who is 31 and lives in Worsbrough, gained an HND in photography from Sheffield College, before working for a photographer in Barnsley and setting up Picture Perfect Photography in 2012.
One of the main reasons for the business's growth in the last year has been the introduction of a subscription scheme for corporate clients, who can pay monthly to have up-to-date photographs.
"These days a company's visual appearance is so important. Whether it's your social media headshot or photographs of products for the website or a brochure; the first impression really matters in a world where people are making such quick decisions," said Collette.
If Collette is successful in the Yorkshire and Humber final in York on March 1, she will automatically go through to the national final in London in May.


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Home › Direct-To-Vinyl Live Session #1013: Jacqueline Paladino
Direct-To-Vinyl Live Session #1013: Jacqueline Paladino
Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 1) - $ 25.00 USD Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 2) - Sold Out Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 3) - Sold Out Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 4) - Sold Out Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 5) - Sold Out Can You Can Tell Me What Love Is? (Take 6) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 1) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 2) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 3) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 4) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 5) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 6) - Sold Out The Wolf, The Sheep and The Girl (Take 7) - Sold Out Love in War (Take 1) - Sold Out Love in War (Take 2) - Sold Out Love In War (Take 3) - Sold Out Love In War (Take 4) - Sold Out Family Portrait (take 1) - Sold Out Family Portrait (take 2) - Sold Out Family Portrait (take 3) - Sold Out Family Portrait (take 4) - Sold Out
We were thrilled to welcome NYC's Jacqueline Paladino to cut our 1,013th Direct-to-Vinyl Live Session on December 17th, 2019. Her session was available exclusively via preorder, which has now closed.
Each of these 21 takes were cut directly to their own individual 7" vinyl record, and only one copy of each take exists in the world.
Our limited edition lathe cut record releases are made on a modified antique record cutting lathe from the 1950's. Each record is handmade, one at a time, in real time, by a real person.
Direct-to-Vinyl Live Session #1247: Adi Sun
Direct-to-Vinyl Live Session #1233: Matt Krane Trio
Direct-to-Vinyl Live Session #1232: Jared Dylan
Direct-to-Vinyl Live Session #1226: Jeremy Adam


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Dealers openly sell marijuana in busy NYC park
Drug dealers suspected of unlawfully selling cannabis in New York, on Oct. 26, 2021. (New York Post Screenshot via TheBL/YouTube)
Drug traffickers reportedly sold illegal cannabis at a bustling Manhattan park, even though sales will remain illegal for months.
The New York Post published several photos of tables filled with pre-rolled joints and pot jars at Washington Square Park on Oct. 24. The encompassing Greenwich Village was full of visitors, locals, families, and students from nearby New York University (NYU).
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) previously legalized marijuana for adult-use. However, the measure only takes effect in March 2022, meaning no cannabis sales will be legal until well into the New Year.
Ghost, one of the ganja peddlers, admitted he broke the rules by selling the drug. The vendor openly sold pre-rolled joints of "pure marijuana" for $20 apiece, or two for $30, at his stand.
"My strains are Grenadine Purple, Himalayan Gold and OG Kush mixed as one blend," he said according to the paper. "I kick all [of] the shakes together, have a personal roller roll them up, one shot–so you have three flavors in one blend."
Ghost also confessed to sampling his own products earlier that same day.
"I smoked three rolls this morning," he said. "You will be able to focus at work. If you want to go to sleep just take this–you will be out the whole night."
The New York Post reported his table was filled with sealed, brilliantly colored plastic bags. They were labeled as apricot gelato, cookies and cream, truffle pie, gorilla cake and other names.
NYU student Denny bought two joints from Ghost. He claims to buy marijuana from the vendor at least twice a week.
"Honestly, it is great," the 19 year-old shopper said according to the paper.
Many more dealers have also started to sell at what is quickly becoming the Big Apple's first open-air cannabis market. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week.
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) previously promised to "set the right parameters" and address "quality-of-life concerns" in the neighborhood. However, the park continues to be a known hotspot for loud parties, fireworks, underground boxing fights, and other unlawful activities.
Florida sheriff's office posted a Facebook post looking to return $2 Million in marijuana to 'rightful owner'
California: 37 tons of marijuana seized: Biggest haul in Bay area
Cannabis banking bill advances in US House committee
Tags:New York City Andrew Cuomo Drug trafficking Bill de Blasio Washington Square Park New York University drug dealers greenwich village
British Virgin Islands Premier arrested in Miami on drug trafficking charges
Mazars accountants stop vouching for Trump organization's financial statements
New York 02/15/22, 12:47
Court dismisses former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's New York Times defamation case
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez curses at Congress's inner workings
Omicron isn't going to stop us, says Mayor Adams
Former Democratic NYC mayor de Blasio rules out race for governor


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Joshua L. Goldstein, Esq.
Immigration Lawyer Services
Mandamus Cases
Los Angeles Times: Asylum Officers are Pushing Back Against Trump Administration's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy
Posted Nov 21, 2019 by Josh Goldstein | asylum
On November 15th, 2019, the Los Angeles Times published a story about an asylum officer who is standing up and fighting back against President Trump's "illegal" and "immoral" immigration policies. Doug Stephens, a Northern California-based asylum officer, told reporters from the Los Angeles Times that he will no longer implement the Trump Administration's so-called 'Migrant Protection Protocols' (the Remain in Mexico policy). Under that policy, asylum applicants are being sent back to Mexico while their claim is reviewed and processed.
The First Asylum Officer to Formally Rebel Against the MPP
Doug Stephens is the first asylum officer to formally announce that he will not implement the Remain in Mexico policy. Mr. Stephens, a trained attorney, says that he is being given an illegal mandate by the administration—each day he is required to conduct too many interviews. As a result, he is essentially forced to rush asylum seekers through the system. Going forward he says he will not carry out the "illegal" policy, even though he acknowledges that he may be fired for standing up for migrant rights.
In the first nine months of 2019, the Remain in Mexico policy has affected tens of thousands—with at least 16,000 children being returned to Mexico. Alarmingly, vulnerable migrants are often being sent back to unsafe conditions in Mexico. Not only are there concerns about criminal violence from international drug cartels and other gangs, but there is a lack of adequate medical services and insufficient housing.
Other Asylum Officers are Informally Fighting Back
While Mr. Stephens is the first asylum officer to outright challenge the system, other asylum officers have also reportedly been rebelling against the Trump Administration in other ways. According to Mr. Stephens and other unnamed officials cited in the report, many asylum officers have been calling in sick, requesting transfers, and taking other more subtle action to slow down the process of returning vulnerable migrants back to Mexico.
This American Life Profile: Asylum Seekers Affected By the Remain in Mexico Policy
Recently, the popular public radio show 'This American Life' did an entire program on asylum seekers who have been sent back to Mexico to await a decision on their application. The episode documents just how difficult the 'Remain in Mexico' policy has made life for so many people, including families with young children.
Notably, migrants who participated in the program consistently expressed fear about being sent back to Mexico. Sadly, some had already experienced harm or mistreatment in the country. Yet, because of the Trump Administration's policy, asylum officers are all but forced to send migrants back there to wait in dangerous conditions.
Call Our Los Angeles, CA Asylum Lawyer Right Away
At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our Los Angeles asylum attorneys provide diligent, reliable legal representation to clients throughout Southern California. We will help you explore all the available options. For a confidential consultation, please call our Los Angeles law office at 213-262-2000 or send us a message directly through our website.
Josh Goldstein
Lead Attorney at Goldstein Immigration Lawyers
Based in downtown Los Angeles, Joshua L. Goldstein is the founding partner of the award-winning, internationally-known immigration law firm, Goldstein Immigration Lawyers. Josh has a proven track record of winning a wide variety of complex immigration cases and is particularly focused on obtaining O and P visas for actors, musicians, athletes and essential support personnel. Josh lives on the east side of Los Angeles with his wife, son, and poodles. He is active in the local community, and when he's not working he enjoys playing tennis at Griffith Park.
Latest posts by Josh Goldstein (see all)
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Last Minute Asylum Restrictions - January 11, 2021
Biden Administration, Mexican Government, and Others Left to Deal With President Trump's Mess at the Southern Border - January 11, 2021
Report: Amidst Uncertain Future, California Students are Applying for DACA - January 8, 2021
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SOME FIGURES ON A FANTASY
By Lillian Ross
The New Yorker, November 8, 1982 P. 48
ONWARD AND UPWARD WITH THE ARTS about moviemaker Francis Coppola and his movie "One from the Heart", which was released in Feb., 1982. It took 22 months to make and its cost came to 27 million dollars. Tells about the making of the film, done in Coppola's studio Zoetrope, where sets were made to look like Las Vegas instead of filming on location, which is the usual method today. His financial problems were great and he ran into trouble about distribution. Ultimately it was Columbia Pictures who distributed it. A new way of filming which Coppola calls "the electronic cinema" was used. As business was not good enough Coppola decided to withdraw the film and Columbia agreed. Tells about Coppola's life and his views on film-making.
This article appears in the print edition of the November 8, 1982, issue.
Lillian Ross (1918-2017) joined the staff of The New Yorker in 1945, during the Second World War, and worked with Harold Ross, the magazine's founder and first editor.
Banks-Chase Manhattan Bank


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Behind Nibali's Giro d'Italia Victory
May 30, 2016 AFP
May 29, 2016 – Some will call Vincenzo Nibali's dramatic Giro d'Italia victory on Sunday lucky, but it served as a reminder that 'The Shark' is dangerous when in deep water.
AFP/Yuzuru Sunada
Three years after the Italian sealed a maiden pink jersey with an epic ride through the snowy Dolomites mountains, a second Giro triumph looked out of reach when Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk opened up a huge lead in the final week of a thrilling 99th edition.
Over two intense days in the mountains, pre-race favourite Nibali went from trailing the ginger-haired Dutchman by 41secs to seemingly out of contention at 4min 43sec. But 'Lo Squalo' (The Shark) has a habit of biting back at his rivals. And when Kruijswijk crashed into a snow bank early on the descent of the Colle d'Agnello climb bordering France and Italy on Friday, the race for pink was suddenly back on two days before the finish.
On stage 19, Nibali forged ahead to victory on the summit finish at Risoul in France, where he also won on his road to Tour de France triumph in 2014. Like a great white patiently circling his prey, Nibali was unforgiving when he went in for the kill.
"Steven Kruijswijk had a good advantage after the Dolomites but I knew the highest mountains were yet to come," said Nibali. "Riding above 2000 meters isn't easy for anyone but I felt comfortable. Kruijswijk crashed… but towards the summit of the Colle d'Agnello I noticed he was breathing heavily so I put pressure on him climbing and then descending. Had I not, probably nothing would have happened and (Esteban) Chaves would have had an easy ride as well."
Little Orica team climber Chaves took the race lead with a 44sec lead over Nibali on Friday, but trailed in behind the Italian the next day on the climb to Sant'Anna di Vinadio when Nibali pulled on the pink jersey. On Sunday, Nibali revealed he had been suffering from a stomach bug, news of which he kept to himself.
"I had a stomach bug during the Giro but it's better not to tell everything sometimes," he said.
It is not the first time the Sicilian has fought back from adversity to triumph in one of the world's biggest bike races. He upset pre-race predictions to win the Tour de France in 2014, becoming the first Italian to do so since deceased climbing ace Marco Pantani in 1998.
And when he was excluded from the 2015 Tour of Spain for illicitly hanging on to the back of a team car following a crash, he blew away his shame with a stunning performance to win the Tour of Lombardy one-day classic weeks later.
Shy off the bike, the Sicilian becomes a fierce competitor on it — although he is known for his sensible side, too. After fighting his way back into victory contention in Risoul, Nibali wept tears of relief and joy as he hung his arms over the handlebars.
Nibali, 31, left his native Sicily for Tuscany as an ambitious 16-year-old to follow his dream, and has become one of the most formidable, and feared stage racers in the world. A strong climber with descending skills that have left more than one rival fearing for his safety, Nibali copes well in tough weather conditions.
He secured his maiden pink jersey on the penultimate stage in 2013 when he emerged through a snow blizzard to triumph atop Trois Cimes de Lavaredo in the Dolomites.
After Kruijswijk flew over the handlebars head-first into the snow on Friday, Nibali remarked: "Descents are just as much a part of racing as climbing."
Next up is the Tour de France, where he is sure to meet tougher opposition in Spaniard Alberto Contador and Britain's Chris Froome, both former yellow jersey champions. Nibali will then focus on Olympic gold in Rio this August.
2016 Giro d'Italia
Vincenzo Nibali


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MOTORISTS INNOVATION CENTER
Interview with Todd Boyer
"After that wonderful book you made with the writing that inspired a whole new generation of Motorists employees, they decided to let us in the door and build something," Todd joked. WSA Studio was selected to create a master plan for the Columbus campus of Motorists Mutual Insurance Group which aligns with the CEO's objectives for the future, Vision 2021. The innovation center was the first step in the process due to huge demands placed on the IT department, which is the driving force for innovation. Vision 2021 starts with the IT department. The goal was to create a space where each person could work in collaboration with one another. This space played a crucial role in its location. It's along the entrance path for all the employees and visitors, so it energized and enlightened employees on the future of their workplace. "Everyone could finally see that things were beginning to happen," Todd said of the space.
"Okay, so…" I started in.
"Don't ask me one of those boring questions," Todd mocked.
"Hey! I'm not. What makes this space an innovation center?"
"Ohhh! How do you define innovation?" He asked.
"How do you define innovation?" I quickly countered.
"It's not how I define it; it's how Motorists defined it," he replied just as quickly.
"But how does their definition compare to your definition?" I asked. "I'm killing it today."
"Okay… I'll give you the old guy answer." Todd said he didn't think anything he does with his designs are innovative. It's nothing inventive with the same old materials always used. It's the way the pieces and parts fit together. He told me the existing facility was from the 70s. The model of work place was very traditional and aligned with the era. It hadn't evolved to mirror the Vision 2021 and it didn't support the future of the company. "Our design supported the way they desired to work and also pushed them to a point they didn't know they'd be comfortable with. You fulfill their requirements and lead them to the next steps they haven't even thought of yet," Todd said. "We worked parallel to their vision."
Technology is fluid, so providing the IT department with a space that will work for them now as well as in the future is the goal of an innovation center. It's providing an opportunity to innovate. "We aren't innovative. We foster innovation," Todd said.


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Jefferson County, Alabama
Downtown Birmingham
Location in the state of Alabama
Alabama's location in the U.S.
December 13, 1819[1]
1,123.80 sq mi (2,911 km²)
11.20 sq mi (29 km²), 1.00%
- Density
592/sq mi (228/km²)
Website jeffconline.jccal.org/
Jefferson County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Alabama, with its county seat being located in Birmingham.[1] As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jefferson County was 658,466. Jefferson County is the principal and most populous county in the Birmingham metropolitan area.
1.1 2011 Bankruptcy filing
2 Government
2.1 Taxation
2.2 Sewer construction and bond swap controversy
2.3 Law
4 Geography and transportation
4.1 Major highways
4.2 Railroads
4.3 Air travel
5 Cities and towns
6 Adjacent counties
8 National elections
See also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Birmingham, Alabama, National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Alabama, and Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage by county (Jefferson–Macon)
Jefferson County was established on December 13, 1819, by the Alabama Legislature.[1] It was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson.[1] The county is located in the north-central portion of the state, on the southmost edge of the Appalachian Mountains, in the center of the (former) iron, coal, and limestone mining belt of the Southern United States. Jefferson County is bordered by Blount County, Bibb County, St. Clair County, Shelby County, Tuscaloosa County, and Walker County, in Alabama. Jefferson County has a land area of about 1,119 square miles (2,900 km2). Well-before Birmingham was even founded (in 1871), the county seat of Jefferson County was located at Carrollsville (1819 – 21) and Elyton (1821 – 73), and since 1873 it has been located in Birmingham, which was named for the English city of the same name in Warwickshire. That city had long been a center of iron and steel production in Great Britain. Note that Elyton has long been a part of Birmingham itself, since Birmingham was established by the merger of three towns, and the city has a long history of annexing its neighboring towns and villages, including North Birmingham.
2011 Bankruptcy filing
On November 9, 2011, it became the subject of the most expensive municipal bankruptcy ever in the US, at $4.1 billion, with debts of $3.14 billion relating to sewer work. City and county governments can become bankrupt much as private companies, at 11 USC §921. The case was filed in the Northern District of Alabama Bankruptcy Court as case number 11-05736.
Jefferson County is one of the eight counties in Alabama with a limited-form of home rule government. It allows the county to be able to set up a zoning system for land use, maintain the sanitary sewer, sewerage systems and highways, provide for garbage and trash disposal, and to enforce taxation (except for property taxes). The county is governed by a five-member commission that combines the legislative and executive duties for the county. The Commissioners are elected by a vote of the districts which they represent, rather than by an "at large" election as has been done sometimes[citation needed] in the past. Each county commissioner represents one of the five individual districts in the county. By votes in the commission, the commissioners are given executive responsibilities for the various county departments, which fall under the categories of "Roads and Transportation", "Community Development", "Environmental Services", "Health and Human Services", "Technlogy and Land Development", and "Finance and General Services". The County Commission elects its own President, who is the chairman of all County Commission meetings, and who has additional executive duties.
Sales tax on many items within the county can be as high as 10%. In January 2005, a controversial addition 1% educational sales tax for the funding of construction of education facilities came into effect. This tax was approved by a 3–2 vote by the County Commission in October 2004. Commissioners Gary White and Bettye Fine Collins voted against the tax, while Larry Langford, Sheila Smoot, and Mary Buckelew voted in favor.[citation needed] This additional 1¢ has led county municipalities such as Fairfield to have sales tax rates as high as 10%, while other municipalities and incorporated communities saw an increase in their total sales tax rate from 8% to 9%. The educational sales tax as well as the county's limited ability to self-govern has been the subject of an attempted repeal by the Alabama State Legislature during the 2005 regular legislative session though the repeal of either (particularly self-government) is highly unlikely.[original research?] It should be noted that the state of Alabama sales tax is 4% and Jefferson County's is 2% in total. Municipal sales taxes go as high as 4%. The county once charged an Occupational Tax, which was the subject of controversy and was generally considered unconstitutional, therefore it was struck down by Alabama's Supreme Court.
On March 16, 2011, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that Jefferson County's 2009 occupational tax law was passed unconstitutionally, in a decision that dealt a devastating financial blow to a county considering bankruptcy.[1][2]
Sewer construction and bond swap controversy
Two extremely controversial undertakings by the county account for the majority of this debt. First was a massive overhaul of the county-owned sewer system, and second was a series of risky bond-swap agreements. Both have been scrutinized by federal prosecutors, with several former county officials convicted of bribery and corruption.[3]
In 1995, after a lawsuit was filed by Attorney Bart Slawson on behalf of the Cahaba River Society and some private citizens (Allen Kipp, Edward and Betsy Angwin) Jefferson County entered into a consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding sewer overflows into the Cahaba River watershed. A total of $3.2 billion of construction was subsequently contracted, both to comply with the consent decree and to expand the system to newly-developing areas and increase the number of ratepayers financing the construction. To comply with the consent decree, the county also had to purchase and repair sewer lines previously owned and maintained by municipalities throughout the county.[citation needed]
A series of controversial interest rate swaps, initiated in 2002 and 2003 by former Commission President Larry Langford (removed as the mayor of Birmingham after his conviction[4]), were intended to lower interest payments, but have, in fact, had the opposite effect, increasing the county's indebtedness to the point that officials have issued formal statements doubting the county's ability to meet its financial obligations. The bond swaps are at the center of an investigation by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.[5]
In late February 2008 Standard & Poor's lowered their rating of Jefferson County bonds to "junk" status. The likelihood of the county filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection has been debated in the press.[6] In early March 2008, Moody's followed suit and indicated that it would also review the county's ability to meet other bond obligations.[7]
On March 7, 2008, Jefferson County failed to post $184 million collateral as required under its sewer bond agreements, thereby moving into technical default.[8]
In February 2011, Lesley Curwen of the BBC World Service, interviewed David Carrington, the newly appointed president of the commission, about the risk of defaulting on bonds issued to finance "what could be the most expensive sewage system in history." Carrington said there was "no doubt that people from Wall Street offered bribes" and "have to take a huge responsibility for what happened." The system was repaired and upgraded a few years ago because of environmental problems. Wall Street investment banks including JP Morgan and others arranged complex financial deals using swaps. The fees and penalty charges increased the cost so the county now has $3.2 billion outstanding. Some county officials have been prosecuted for accepting bribes from bankers and are now in prison or awaiting sentence. Carrington said one of the problems was that elected officials had welcomed scheduling with very low early payments so long as peak payments occurred after they left office. The debt structure now was such that there was no way that 700,000 people could pay it back over 30 years. The job could have been done for somewhere between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion but shouldn't have cost 3.2 billion. Those selling the bonds weren't interested in whether they could be repaid as they would have moved on. The county was not able to pay its bills and now needed to restructure its debts to avoid bankruptcy. Investors would lose out but hopefully innocent small investors would get 100%. The SEC has awarded the county $75 million in compensation relation to "unlawful payments" against JP Morgan and in addition the company will forfeit $647 million of future fees. Carrington said citizens had to elect the right people to avoid a repeat disaster. Officials must identify those responsible, including local investment bankers, and root them out. A characteristic symptom of wrongdoing is unaudited books, the county was three years behind with its auditing, new debts cannot be issued until auditing is complete and this could take 1– 2 years.[9]
Jefferson County is served by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. The County Sheriff is chosen by the eligible voters in an "at large" election, rather than being hired as a civil service professional, and sheriffs are selected in many other places. The current County Sheriff is Mike Hale. The Sheriff's Department fields about 175 deputy sheriffs who patrol the unincorporated areas of the county, and also all municipalities that do not have their own police departments. The Sheriff's Department has two county jails, one in Birmingham and one in Bessemer that detain suspects awaiting trial (who cannot afford to post bail) and other ones who are serving sentences less than one year in length.
There are two judicial courthouses in Jefferson County, a situation dating back to when the state legislature was making preparations to split off a portion of Jefferson County to create a new county, centered around Bessemer. The split never happened because there was no way for the proposed new county to have enough area—a minimum of 500 square miles—to meet the requirement of the Alabama State Constitution. The additional county courthouse and some parallel functions remain in service. The main courthouse is in Birmingham and the second one is located in Bessemer. There are elected officials who maintain offices in the Bessemer annex, such as the county's Assistant Tax Collector, the Assistant Tax Assessor, and the Assistant District Attorney.
Except for cities such as Birmingham that have established their own local school districts, all parts of Jefferson County are served by Jefferson County Board of Education. Parts within Birmingham are served by Birmingham City Schools. Other cities in the county that have established their own school systems are Bessemer, Fairfield, Midfield, Trussville, Homewood, Leeds, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Tarrant, and Mountain Brook.
Geography and transportation
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 1,123.80 square miles (2,910.6 km2), of which 1,112.61 square miles (2,881.6 km2) (or 99.00%) is land and 11.20 square miles (29.0 km2) (or 1.00%) is water.[10] The county is home to the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge.
The Alabama Department of Corrections operates the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, a prison for men, in unincorporated Jefferson County, Alabama, near Bessemer. The prison includes one of the two Alabama death rows for men.[11]
Major highways
U.S. Highway 280
State Route 5
State Route 25
State Route 119
AMTRAK passenger service is provided by the Crescent, which stops in Birmingham. Freight service is provided by BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Alabama & Tennessee River Railway, and Birmingham Southern Railroad. There is also one switching and terminal railroad, Alabama Warrior Railway. The county was formerly served by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, and the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad.[citation needed]
Destinations served by Birmingham-Shuttlesworth as of 2008.
Birmingham is the location of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, which provides service, either direct or connecting, to most of the rest of the United States. In spite of its name, it offers no direct international flight, although it used to offer a nonstop flight to Montreal, Quebec.
Argo (part of Argo is in St. Clair County)
Chalkville
County Line (part of County Line is in Blount County)
Grayson Valley
Helena (part of Helena is in Shelby County)
Hoover (part of Hoover is in Shelby County)
Leeds (part of Leeds is in Shelby County and part of it is in St. Clair County)
McCalla (part of McCalla is in Tuscaloosa County)
McDonald Chapel
North Birmingham
North Johns
Providence (west of Hueytown)
Smithfield (northeast of Ensley)
Sumiton (part of Sumiton is in Walker County)
Sylvan Springs
Trussville (part of Trussville is in St. Clair County)
Vestavia Hills (part of Vestavia Hills is in Shelby County)
Warrior (part of Warrior is in Blount County)
Wylam (northwest of Fairfield)
Adjacent counties
Jefferson County is diamond-shaped, with irregular boundaries. Its neighboring counties are mostly on its northwestern, northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern sides, with two neighbors on its north, two neighbors on its east, two neighbors on its south, and two neighbors on its west. One of Jefferson County's neighbors has only a short boundary with it.
Walker County Walker County and Blount County St. Clair County
Tuscaloosa County St. Clair County
Tuscaloosa County and (a very short boundary with) Bibb County Shelby County Shelby County
6,855 —
7,131 +4.0%
8,989 +26.1%
12,345 +5.1%
88,501 +280.3%
Sources: "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml. through 1960
Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:
42.0% Black
0.3% Native American
1.4% Asian
0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
1.1% Two or more races
3.9% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 662,047 people, 263,265 households, and 175,861 families residing in the county. The population density was 595 people per square mile (230/km2). There were 288,162 housing units at an average density of 259 per square mile (100/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 58.10% White, 39.36% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Nearly 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The largest self-reported European ancestries in Jefferson County, Alabama are English 9.7%(64,016), "American" 9.6%(63,015), Irish 8.6%(56,695), German 7.2%(47,690).[13] Those citing "American" ancestry in Alabama are of overwhelmingly English extraction, however most English Americans identify simply as having American ancestry because their roots have been in North America for so long, in many cases since the early sixteen hundreds. Demographers estimate that roughly 20–23% of people in Alabama are of predominantly English ancestry.[14][15][16][17] There are also many more people in Alabama of Scots-Irish origins than are self-reported.[18]
There were 263,265 households, out of which 30.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.10% were married couples living together, 17.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.20% were non-families. Nearly 28.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45, and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 29.70% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.50 males.
In 2007 Jefferson County had the highest rate of syphilis cases per 100,000 in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[19]
The median income for a household in the county was $36,868, and the median income for a family was $45,951. Males had a median income of $35,954 versus $26,631 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,892. About 11.60% of families and 14.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 12.70% of those age 65 or over.
Jefferson County vote
by party in presidential elections
2008 47.2% 149,921 52.3% 166,121 0.5% 1,768
1992 50.1% 149,832 42.1% 125,889 7.7% 23,163
Although Alabama as a whole voted for John McCain by double digits, Barack Obama carried Jefferson County with 166,121 votes (52%) John McCain received 149,921 votes (47%).[20]
Specific references:
^ a b c d "Jefferson County Extension Office". Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). http://www.aces.edu/counties/Jefferson/.
^ Mountain Law's Birmingham Business Law Blog: Is Jefferson County's Continued Collection of Its Occupational Tax Valid? from dewaynepope.typepad.com
^ Former Jefferson County Commissioner Gary White sentenced to 10 years in prison. al.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-12.
^ Larry Langford Impact – Page 3 – - Larry Langford trial | Latest Larry Langford News. al.com. Retrieved on 2011-03-02.
^ Wright, Barnett (December 18, 2007). SEC wants to force Larry Langford, Bill Blount to testify in Jefferson County bond swap deals. Birmingham News.
^ Hubbard, Russell (March 2, 2008) "Jefferson County finance options likely to be expensive." Birmingham News
^ Hubbard, Russell (March 4, 2008). "Update: Jefferson County finances take another hit". Birmingham News. http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/03/update_jefferson_county_financ.html.
^ Wright, Barnett (March 8, 2008) "Jefferson County, Alabama sewer debt swap agreement deadline passes." Birmingham News
^ "Business Daily Alabama's sewerdebt". BBC World Service. 28 February 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00dy3z5/Business_Daily_Alabamas_sewer_debts. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Counties". United States Census. http://www.census.gov/tiger/tms/gazetteer/county2k.txt. Retrieved 2011-02-13.
^ "Donaldson Correctional Facility." Alabama Department of Corrections. Retrieved on October 8, 2010.
^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
^ Jefferson County, Alabama: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States, 2006–2008 from the U.S. Census
^ Sharing the Dream: White Males in a Multicultural America By Dominic J. Pulera.
^ Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', Demography, Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.
^ Stanley Lieberson and Lawrence Santi, 'The Use of Nativity Data to Estimate Ethnic Characteristics and Patterns', Social Science Research, Vol. 14, No. 1 (1985), pp. 44–6.
^ Stanley Lieberson and Mary C. Waters, 'Ethnic Groups in Flux: The Changing Ethnic Responses of American Whites', Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 487, No. 79 (September 1986), pp. 82–86.
^ Alabama: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States, 2006–2008 from the U.S. Census
^ Birmingham Business Journal,"Jefferson County tops country for number of syphilis cases" November 15, 2007.
^ Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections. Uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved on 2011-03-02.
General references:
"Looting Main Street: How the nation's biggest banks are ripping off American cities with the same predatory deals that brought down Greece", Rolling Stone March 31, 2010
The Sewer of Gold and other famous crooks from frtillman.net
Jefferson County Department of Health
Jefferson County Department of Education
Jefferson County Library System
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
Jefferson County Historical Commission
West Jefferson County Historical Society
Jefferson County Historical Association
v · d · eMunicipalities and communities of Jefferson County, Alabama
County seat: Birmingham
Adamsville | Bessemer | Birmingham‡ | Brighton | Center Point | Clay | Fairfield | Fultondale | Gardendale | Graysville | Helena‡ | Homewood | Hoover‡ | Hueytown | Irondale | Leeds‡ | Lipscomb | Midfield | Mountain Brook | Pinson | Pleasant Grove | Sumiton‡ | Tarrant | Trussville‡ | Vestavia Hills‡ | Warrior‡
Argo‡ | Brookside | Cardiff | County Line‡ | Kimberly | Maytown | Morris | Mulga | North Johns | Sylvan Springs | Trafford | West Jefferson
Concord | Edgewater | Forestdale | Grayson Valley | McDonald Chapel | Minor | Mount Olive | Rock Creek
Corner | Dolomite | Hopewell | McCalla | Shannon | Watson
v · d · e State of Alabama
Montgomery (capital)
National Historic Landmarks
Atlantic Coastal Plain
Birmingham District
Central Alabama
Cumberland Plateau
Greater Birmingham
Gulf Coastal Plain
Mobile Bay
Northwest Alabama
Ridge and Valley
River Region
Wiregrass Region
Montgomery Metro Area
Mobile Metro Area
Huntsville Metro Area
Larger cities
Coordinates: 33°35′N 86°52′W / 33.583°N 86.867°W / 33.583; -86.867
Alabama counties
Birmingham–Hoover metropolitan area
1819 establishments in the United States
Government units that have filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy
Louis IV
Lamar County, Alabama
Jefferson County (Alabama) — Jefferson County Courthouse Verwaltung US Bundesstaat: Alabama … Deutsch Wikipedia
Jefferson County, Alabama — Verwaltung US Bundesstaat: Alabama Verwaltungssitz: Birmingham Adresse des Verwaltungssitzes: County Courthouse 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 0100 … Deutsch Wikipedia
National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Alabama — Location of Jefferson County in Alabama This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Alabama. This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic… … Wikipedia
Mount Olive, Jefferson County, Alabama — Mount Olive, Alabama CDP Locat … Wikipedia
Liste der Einträge im National Register of Historic Places im Jefferson County (Alabama) — Die Liste der Registered Historic Places im Jefferson County führt alle Bauwerke und historischen Stätten im Jefferson County in Alabama auf, die in das National Register of Historic Places aufgenommen wurden. Aktuelle Einträge Lfd. Nr. Name Bild … Deutsch Wikipedia
Oak Grove High School (Jefferson County, Alabama) — Oak Grove High School Address 9494 Oak Grove Parkway Jefferson County; mail via Bessemer, Alabama, 35023 United States Coordinates … Wikipedia
Jefferson County — is the name of 25 counties and one parish in the United States: Jefferson County, Alabama Jefferson County, Arkansas Jefferson County, Colorado Jefferson County, Florida Jefferson County, Georgia Jefferson County, Idaho Jefferson County, Illinois … Wikipedia
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office — could refer to several sheriffs departments in the United States, including:*Jefferson County, Alabama Sheriff s Office *Jefferson County, Arkansas Sheriff s Office *Jefferson County, Colorado Sheriff s Office *Jefferson County, Florida Sheriff s … Wikipedia
Jefferson County Schools (Alabama) — Coordinates: 33°29′15.42″N 86°47′38.59″W / 33.4876167°N 86.7940528°W / 33.4876167; 86.7940528 The Jefferson Co … Wikipedia
Jefferson County Board of Education (Alabama) — The Jefferson County School System is the second largest public school system in the U.S. State of Alabama and serves all of Jefferson County, Alabama except for the city of Birmingham which is served by Birmingham City Schools. It consists of… … Wikipedia


text:
Frequently misquoted and almost as frequently mis-attributed, William Congreve's lines "Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak" from his play The Mourning Bride of 1697, is probably the most famous example of attributing powers to music for which there is scant (if any) evidence. Ever since Congreve (and, indeed, for centuries before) writers have been happy to claim all sorts of special benefits from hearing or from playing music. Some are true, some understate the case and others, like Congreve, have a grain of truth but in reality go far beyond what is credible. We see this sort of thing today in those unthinking commentators who suggest that "classical music" and "beauty" are synonymous, and that listening to it is a way of stifling aggression.
There is no doubt in my mind that some music does have the power to soothe a savage breast, and that it can induce a sense of calm and well-being (much as a drop of alcohol on a flight can do). But, just as with alcohol, too much – or the wrong type - can have entirely the opposite effect. Does anyone feel calm and unaggressive after Prokofiev's Scythian Suite? One orchestral percussion player told me how he and his colleagues used to get so annoyed by the pre-recorded pre-concert injunction in the hall in which they performed to "sit back, relax and enjoy the music" that, when the performance included The Rite of Spring they felt induced to do their bit with excessive savagery.
Music has, undoubtedly, powers over the emotions to those receptive to it (and some tests seem to show that it can also trigger behavioural differences among those who attempt to resist it), and its effects can be observed for a period after the music has ceased to play. But, at heart, music is a transitory experience for all, and no matter how frequently we revisit it, I remain unconvinced that any emotional or behavioural consequence of exposure to music can be anything other than temporary.
Which is not to say that we should not use music as a tool of peace and good-will; it is unusually well-equipped to have an effect in those areas. That certainly was the thinking behind last night's concert in Palmyra, the Syrian city scene of such appalling barbarism and unbelievable inhumanity in recent months when it came under the control of that pagan and sub-human organisation calling itself The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. According to Russia Today, "A Russian symphony orchestra led by Valery Gergiev has given a unique performance in ancient Palmyra, recently liberated from Islamic State militants. The concert was devoted to the victims of extremists, and intends to instil hope that peace can triumph over war and terrorism". It went on to quote the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs; "The concert in Palmyra is a highly spiritual response to those who wanted to destroy Syria, split the country along national and religious lines, and deprive it of Christian of principles."
That struck me as a lovely idea; to counter the bestiality and brutality of ISIL with the brilliance and beauty of classical music. And while the animal brutes of ISIL have breasts of such savagery that only total oblivion could ever cure them, the power of music to heal, albeit temporarily, the deep psychological wounds of those directly affected should not be understated. According to the BBC's John Simpson, the performance was given by members of the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra to an audience mainly comprising Russian and Iraqi soldiers, while Russia Today observed that the music performed was by Bach, Prokofiev and Schchedrin.
But we live in a world where even the most generous and brave acts are tainted by political scepticism and national posturing. The New York Times interwove its report of the concert with gruesome details of carnage elsewhere in Syria, implying that the concert was inappropriate while war still raged, and even as John Simpson eloquently recounted the event, he also reported a reaction from some European governments and observers that the concert was, far from being a genuine attempt to use music to negate some of the extremes of physical and mental violence experienced in Palmyra, a bid by President Putin of Russia to highlight Russia's military supremacy. Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Moscow correspondent put it in a nutshell: "Moscow will be hoping that images of its classical musicians in Syria will reinforce the message that Russia is a force for good. But Western officials remain suspicious of Russia's intentions. Moscow has faced accusations that it has not done enough to rein in Syrian government forces. The Russians deny that and accuse America of not using its influence with the Syrian opposition to halt the fighting".
The BBC website added this suggestive caption to this image;
"Cellist Sergei Roldugin is a close friend of Vladimir Putin"
So what, then, was this concert? Was it a genuine expression of peace and hope using music as a symbolic representation of the triumph of civilization over barbarism, or a cynical political statement using Russian musicians as symbolic representatives of a military super-power in an aggressive piece of international posturing?
Frankly, whatever the West may think of the Russian government of President Putin, I have nothing but praise for anyone who, like William Congreve over 300 years ago, believes that music can "sooth a savage breast" despite all the evidence to the contrary.
Posted by Marc Rochester at 9:19 AM
Music can never sooth the savage beast when heinous crimes and the murders of thousands of civilians are concerned. As if one pathetic performance by a group of so called russian musicians can whitewash the murders and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire in Syria. Weren't those russian musicians also paid with monies stashed away in BVI or Cayman Islands accounts by Putin and his minion Roldugin, as exposed by the Panama Papers? How does that exercise in Russian HYPOCRISY sooth the savage beast?
How does music trigger behavioural differences in those who attempt to resist it? What do you mean? What kind of behavioural differences?
As an earlier blog post observed, playing classical music in public subways has been shown to deter vandalism. There is, in fact, a great deal of evidence, much of it drawn from legitimate academic studies, to show that music can change behaviour amongst those who may not choose to seek music out; in other words, amongst those who would normally resist listening to classical music. Behavioural differences include a dissipation of aggression and a more responsive approach to society. Does that help?
Are you talking about the experiments in which classical music was played in areas where gangs and "yobs" tended to gather ? It was found that vandalism was reduced, but wasn't that due to the gangs not liking the music, and so dispersing and congregating somewhere else ? This would be displacement rather than dissipation of aggression.
Yes, it helps to an extent. Ideally classical music should sooth our inner demons. But, can it also feed them? Case in point, Hannibal Lecter chewed off the face of his guard as he listened to Bach's Goldberg variations. Interestingly, classical music functioned as an foil to psychopathology in Silence of the Lambs. So actively resisting classical music may actually sooth the savage beast in that case.
Do note that Silence of the Lambs is not a documentary - it is a horror fantasy. Unlikely to be an accurate source of insight into human responses to music.
I think the question we should ask is not whether playing music can or cannot "sooth emotions", but what was the intention of performing the music.
Spontaneous acts by individuals - such as the cellist of Sarajevo, or Rostropovich at the Berlin Wall, or Karim Wasfi recently playing cello at a bomb site in Baghdad (is it only cellists that do this ???) - can be a way for a person to reach out through music to those who are horrified or traumatised by what has happened.
Flying in an orchestra and instructing them to perform a concert seems a different thing. More of a statement by the person that issued the instruction.
And since that person is Putin, the concert feels a bit more like a demonstration of power than a demonstration of human emotion.
Or am I missing the caring, conciliatory side of Mr Putin.
No. I think you hit the nail on the head. Flying in an orchestra to perform at the ruins of Palmyra smacks of an attempt to replicate what Russia did during the Nazi seige of Leningrad in 1942. Russia is known for using music to shore up morale in the military. Only this time, it is done to distract the people from the realities of the deepening recession in Russia. And, the musicians aren't starving like those who performed the Leningrad Symphony in 1942. Ironically, it is Putin's comrade in graft, Rodulgin, who is taking centrestage. As if anyone can forget he has billions stashed away in offshore accounts, with Putin's "Papal" blessing. Frankly I am quite impressed by Roldulgin's ability to multi-task. Tax evasion can be a full-time job, and yet he is able to juggle that with his "front" as a musician. Putin actually flew in a bunch of reporters from Moscow to Syria to cover the event. Not a cheap PR campaign. Those criminal proceeds in offshore accounts must have come in handy.
Thanks for the reminder that Hannibal Lecter is fictional. It's Anthony Hopkins played him so convincingly..and my question remains - Do people who deliberately resist listening to classical music and switch to hard rock, become psychotic? Or display behavioural aggression?
Why has Dr Rochester stopped writing his blog? Especially when seems there are more comments now to his columns, than there are columns. Indeed the comments seem to have taken on a life of their own. But the anonymous writers need fodder. So please keep writing, and keeping musicians honest. The latter is such a tough job.
Reflecting Dr Rochester's bus-driving past, I think there tends to be big gaps between his articles, and then several arrive in quick succession. Perhaps he only writes when something moves him to do so. Mind the gap !
How about the Panama Papers and the role of crooked Russian musicians moonlighting as tax evaders and money launderers? And are SSO's russian and ukrainian musicians involved in this conspiracy? That should be an interesting subject.
What a relief there has been no mention of the Singapore Stupid Orchestra for months by sycophantic reviewers like chang tou liang. Long may it last. If only the SSO collapsed n is obliterated from the face of the earth. Tis'a consummation devoutly to be wished.
Marc Rochester 09 July, 2016 17:04
No it's not, and this blog is not a forum for illiterate imbeciles who believe that the cloak of anonymity gives them free rein to utter their nasty thoughts. I only expunge comments which are offensive to the majority of my literate and sensible readers - who come, I have to warn you, from much further afield than Singapore. If you have a hate against Singapore or its musical life, kindly direct it elsewhere please, otherwise confine your comments to responses to what is published on this blog. - Dr Marc