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Miscellaneous Topics re Panama
Panama In General (five sub-forums)
Sex Education in Panama's Schools, Teen Pregnancy, and the Law
July 9, 2016 in Miscellaneous Topics re Panama
An interesting statistic -- highlighted below in yellow -- that neither surprises me nor pleases me.
Bishop's move to stall sex-education bill
Posted on July 8, 2016 in Panama
PANAMA'S BISHOPS have made their expected move to block or delay a proposed sexual education program for schools as the country struggles to cope with over 32 recorded child and teen pregnancies every day.
The Ministry of Health figures do not include Social Security (CSS) and private hospital deliveries.
The Panamanian Episcopal Conference at the end of their plenary assembly on Friday, July 8, issued a statement in which it stressed that parents have the duty and the right to be "the first, main and irreplaceable educators of their children" on sexual and moral issues.
The bishops also stressed that they share concerns with civil groups over the contents of the proposed bill awaiting second debate in the National Assembly that would create a comprehensive sexual education program for the country's schools.
"Taking into account the questions and concerns that the project has attracted in large segments of society, we call for this initiative to be returned to first debate to listen to the proposals of the various sectors and develop the necessary consensus," they said.
Taking into account the attendance record of deputies and the slow moving administrative process, sending the bill back may see it talked to death.
The proposal has been introduced to combat issues such as teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will jointly oversee the implementation of the program if it is approved.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/bishops-move-stall-sex-education-bill
Edited December 5, 2016 by Moderator_02
edited title to make it a bit more general
Moderator_02 31 posts
Bud 13 posts
Keith Woolford 9 posts
MarieElaine 6 posts
Roger B
JohnF13 Your words make me go back into history and customs... not only in Panama but in several places of the world and specially the developed countries. At the 1800's and the first decade
MEDIA WATCH: Panama must move on sex education
There are over 32 child and teen pregnancies in Panama every day.
Hoyporhoy, La Prensa July 9.
A PART of public opinion has reacted with a sense of discomfort to the proposed guidelines for sexual education, still in the draft stage, and Bill 61, which organizes the policy of sexual and reproductive health, that by coincidence are simultaneously in the public eye.
Panama has soent much of the current century discussing and debating sex education initiatives that fail because of resistance and very vocal opposition from some sectors, usually linked to the dominant religious cults.
A part of public opinion has reacted with a sense of discomfort to the proposed guidelines for sexual education, still in the draft stage, and Bill 61, which organizes the policy of sexual and reproductive health, and that by coincidence are simultaneously in the fore. Panama took much of the current century discussing and debating sex education initiatives that fail because resistance and very vocal opposition sectors, usually linked to the dominant religious cults in our country. As if it were a a late night introduction , or a legislative maneuver, Bill 61 seems to have caught certain groups by surprise despite the entire year it was in first debate, insist that it was not consulted, and see in the text of the ghosts exist. While some parents have been diligent and very responsible with the sexual education of their children, the vast majority of children and young Panamanians learn on the street. The world of Nevermore is over, we have a new reality that needs to be addressed. Panama awake.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/media-watch-panama-must-move-sex-education
The reason for opposition to sex education in Panama by various religious groups continues to be it's relationship to genetics and evolution.
This article is about a protest march to be held.
http://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/Marcharan-rechazo-proyecto-salud-sexual_0_4528047153.html
"0ver 32 child and teen pregnancies in Panama every day" and there is opposition to sex education. My, my.
MarieElaine
While I believe that the science of procreation is necessary for all school children, glorifying the act is not preferred by many religious groups since premarital sex is a sin per the Bible. Education is the key to prevention. Every generation deals with the raging hormones of teenagers regardless of country of origin or education. It is biology.
There were major protests against this project in the streets of David today.
WryAwry
Few human frailties are as contemptible as hubris. Few humans are as susceptible to the trap of hubris as are "men of the cloth".
Battle lines drawn on sex education
Posted on July 13, 2016 in Panama
Civil groups unite to support sex education bill
WITH OVER 1000, child teen pregnancies a month and a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted diseases, 15 civil organizations, faced with ongoing opposition from church authorities, have banded together to support the law on sexual and reproductive education now before the National Assembly.
"We cannot under any circumstances accept disinformation, manipulation and misrepresentation that has been part of the opposition to the project," said their spokespersons at a Wednesday July 13 press conference.
The groups said there should be no delay in the implementation of the law.(61)
Since 1999, when the National Commission on Sexual and Reproductive Health was established, there has been a call to government authorities about the need for a law that is focused on the protection of children, adolescents and youth. However, all attempts were "held back" by the same groups who now oppose a law on comprehensive sexuality education.
The civil groups called to the government of Juan Carlos Varela to give greater attention to an issue, which has become a public health problem.
And, according to the alliance , the situation has worsened with nearly a thousand teenage pregnancies per month, the increase in sexually transmitted infections, early onset of sexual relations in the minors, among other problems.
The conference also argued that there cannot be an intrusion of Churches in state affairs.
"There is separation of church and state because the government's commitment is the welfare of the whole nation, and this is a public health issue and as such needs to be addressed."
The bishops of the Catholic Church at the Panamanian Episcopal Conference affirmed that parents have the duty and the right to be the first and irreplaceable educators of their children, also in the sexual plane., They have expressed concern about the content of bill 61.
While there is consensus on the need for health lessons and sex education in schools in the country, yet no agreement is reached on how it should be addressed this issue.
The Platform for Children has planned a march from the El Carmen church on Via Espana to Plaza Cinco de Mayo to reject bill 61 and the guidelines on sex education and reproduction.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/battle-lines-drawn-sex-education
Closed (Member Request)
On 7/13/2016 at 11:34 AM, MarieElaine said:
When I was a teenager in the Jurassic, the only method used to stop the kids from having sex was fear and shaming. That didn't work either.
15 hours ago, JudyS said:
That's true but I would be willing to bet there were a lot fewer teenage pregnancies in our day. It definitely was the exception and not the norm.
Sexual education- Panama's great divide
Reps of groups who support Bill 61, and organized marchers opposed
THOUSANDS of anti-sex education protesters who marched on the presidential palace in an event organized by the Catholic Church and episcopal groups, aimed at a bill seeking to introduces a measure of sex education in Panama schools have won the latest round of the battle.
Although some 46 civic groups had met earlier in the day, Wednesday July 13 supporting Bill 61, and pointed out the need for Church and State to be separated, the ruling bloc of the Panamenista Party, whose leader, President Juan Carlos Varela is an active church supporter, was listening to the marchers.
The bloc reported on Thursday, that it will file a motion for the controversial bill on sexual and reproductive health education to be returned to first debate to the Health Commission of the National Assembly, stalling an attempt that has been debated endlessly since the closing years of the last century.
There are over 32 child and teenage pregnacies in Panama every day according to Ministry of Health figures which do not include those delivered in private hospitals and social security, and there is a major increase in sexualy transmitted diseases's including HIVamong teens.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/anti-sex-education-marchers-stall-bill-61
Reflecting a bit here.
When I recently started this topic, there was no second thought as to where to post here on CL -- at that time this topic clearly belonged in the Panama in General forum. Now that I have had time to read the additional postings and to noodle this subject, it appears more appropriate for it to be in the Culture forum. These mindsets and actions on the part of the Panamanians working for change as well as those protesting said change are actually part of the Panamanian (perhaps Latin, in a more general sense) culture.
I am not wanting to change anything; I just like to understand. I think this topic is bringing to the fore yet another aspect of Panamanian culture that was previously not clear to me.
I won't ask the admin (my other persona) to move this topic, but am curious if others see and understand what is going through my mind.
Culture -- or lack thereof. The suppression of education and/or knowledge and/or wisdom strikes me as the roots of cultural regression. Or is it repression? Again, hubris is the driving force, and I find it despicable.
Soapbox for rent: $9.99 Balboas.
I agree that education and knowledge is the answer for improvement. Can't understand Bishop's position on this topic.
As a sidebar thought, do these protesters expect ex-pats to continue forever with feeding the poor and helping the handicap population in Panama. If the "needy" group keeps growing (maybe because of lack of training and education) where does this all end and does the local culture impove? Of course not.
Sounds like the present system of no education just perpetuates this subjugation of the undereducated.
Here's a Panamanian gentleman's blog that was published as an op-ed piece in today's LaPrensa.
freetranslation
The Battle for the Future of Sexual Education
Rodrigo Noriega 15 jul 2016 - 11:04h
Temas: Proyecto De Ley 61 Salud Sexual
At a dinner a few friends started a fierce discussion. The diners of other tables were impressed by the intensity of the debate. The reason for the exchange was very simple. One individual was opposed to the Project of Law 61 and the guides of sex education currently under discussion. When asked if they had read the documents of discord, the answer was no, and that it was not necessary to read, because they "knew" what these documents were saying.
When I was in fourth grade of primary school, back in 1977, our teacher Rosa, a mature woman and very affectionate, educator of vocation, gave me my first class of sex education and affectivity, which consisted of a brief scientific explanation and health of the sexual organs which concluded with a series of tips that until today I repeat to all the young people I know: "Take good care because you have a great future ahead which you should not risk for a brief moment of pleasure".
Like so many young people of my generation I searched busily in the encyclopedias, magazines and in literature in general about the mysteries of sex. Anais Nin, D.H. Lawrence, Henry Miller, Emmanuelle Arsan and other authors i fantasized what sex could be. It was also the time of the great Erotic films as: "The Last Tango in Paris", "Caligula", "The Empire of the Senses" and "Emmanuelle". The acquis of the sexual culture of Generation X is enormous, and therefore we are generating more frustrated and unsatisfied sexually that has had the history.
The Draft Law 61, which has had more than a year in the first debate, is not what its critics say, but nor what its advocates propose. This project is an honest effort and minimalist to codify in a single standard the principles that govern the management on the part of the Government to provide sexual and reproductive health services to the population. This project gives guarantees unpublished. For example, the "conscientious objection" to health officials that for moral reasons are opposed to provide sexual and reproductive health services.
The project is the best attempt that i have known, of part of the Panamanian State, to combat abortion and to help mitigate the sexual violence who suffer, mainly women and children. The project does not set any prerogative for people of different sexual orientations to the heterosexual, has nothing to do with civil unions between people of the same sex or the abolition of the parental authority.
For its part, the guides of sex education - in draft - are subject to all of the changes that the broad working group that the drafts can add. This group includes representatives of government agencies and civil society, of all colors and perspectives. Are 60 participants in the group preparing these documents, which are intended only for teachers.
The guide has with the advice of the United Nations Population Fund. Surely, the United Nations has helped produce guides of various calibers for different countries, without impositions, and with a criterion of respect for human dignity. The Population Fund (UNFPA by its initials in English or FONUAP, United Nations Fund for Population Activities), has been characterized as a great villain that pushes the ideology of the comprehensive sexuality education (EIS) and something even more perverse, the gender approach.
A few years ago, when I was in El Salvador, an extremely polite person who was opposed to sex education, explained to me that it was all part of a Jewish and Masonic conspiracy. According to this politician, the Masons controlled the UN, so that the good members of their religious brotherhood should reject these proposals. That gave me so much laughter, i thought that this conversation was something I had read in a novel by Umberto Eco.
The Conspiracy of UNFPA (Jewish-Masonic) is added to another great villain, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) by its initials in English. The IPPF is the black beast of the Americans' Catholics and Evangelicals conservative groups. Some of the local chapters of the organization, such as several of its clinics in the United States, have been the subject of sabotage, shootings, pumps and the constant harassment against doctors and activists working for that organization, product of the fundamentalist fanaticism and extremism that shakes the United States.
Can the the sexual education guides be improved?
Yes, surely. The guides are in draft version and still lack much to reach a final version. In addition, the guides are not for students, nor have instructions on the anal sex or the best techniques of masturbation. Are boring and I doubt that to be read in its entirety by some young.
What are the reasons for opposition to these two separate efforts?
Honestly it seems to me that there is a lot of good people who do not understand, do not have read or that, in the background, are reacting to a process of accumulation of events and incidents that perceive that goes against their "ideal family model".
In the United States last year, the Supreme Court of Justice legalized marriage between homosexuals. A famous Olympic athlete and stepfather of a celebrity, was changed from sex. In Panama, the gay pride parade is becoming more and more popular and the first girl transsexual obtained its recognition by the Electoral Tribunal.
There are four reasons for fund for that we have sex education guides, after more than a decade to be trying to produce them:
1. There are 32 daily pregnancies in adolescents and young girls. Do not know the number of abortions that accompany this figure;
2. HIV is the third leading cause of death for young people between 15 and 24 years. If we consider that the incubation period of the disease is between four to eight years, wants to say that many of those killed by AIDS in Panama were infected at least 11 years of age.
3. It is estimated that up to 95 % of the cases of rape, incest and rape are totally unknown by the apparatus of justice. Sexual violence is not a monopoly of the poor in the ghettos. Occurs every day, in all social classes and in the complicit silence we let wither the soul of children and young people who have no one to defend him. Sexual harassment in schools and universities, in the work and in cyberspace is extremely strong. And has been an important number of suicides and very deep psychological damages, without that there are the right tools to confront it;
4. Prostitution, Child Pornography and the sex trade have gone in growth thanks to the internet. It is estimated that at least 30 per cent of everything that happens on the internet has to do with pornography. Now the guys are sexually by Celular, while the girls (many minors) compete with their intimate photos in the cellular his comrades and friends.
When I was in primary school, the teacher Rosa repeated incessantly about the need to take care of ourselves and protect us. This generation does not have so many teachers like Rosa and parents do not always exist in the world where young people now live. Their sexual education no longer comes from literature or the cinema. They learn by watching and doing by cellular, social networks and other means that nobody controls and, therefore, are not the subject of debate in the National Assembly, or in meetings of experts, officials and civil society. If we want to leave a better world and to give them a chance to pursue a life of dignity, these guides are a tool that can save many lives.
http://www.prensa.com/blogoterapia/batalla-educacion-sexual-futuro_7_4529616995.html
Assembly dithers as teen pregnancies climb
WHILE THE BATTLE lines are drawn in the debate over proposed sex education in Panama schools, the central issue of the conflict – child pregnancies – continues to worsen as the National Assembly dithers
When the debate over Bill 61, first began the Ministry of Health (MoH) produced figures to show that over 32 pregnancies a day were recorded among children aged 10-19 years of age. That's without counting deliveries in Social Security facilities (CSS) or private hospitals.
But, the latest MoH report shows that in a month the figure has jumped by 976 with the total for the year ending to June at 5,856 up from 4,880 at the
Rubiela Sánchez, a member of the Panama Coalition for Comprehensive Sexual Education, said that if the proposal is returned to first debate, the aim should be to improve it and seek consensus among the diverse members of civil society.
She added that it is unfortunate that while the law is being discussed the issue of teen pregnancy continues to be ignored.
Rossana Uribe, a member of the board of the Panamanian Association for Family Planning, said that the data are alarming, but as it happens in poor circles, few people care.
She said that attempts to introduce a sex education law have failed repeatedly because unfortunately the religious issue is involved, when in fact it is a public health issue.
Roderick Burgos, a member of the Alliance for Life and the Family, said that the issue isn't whether or not there is a need for a discussion about health issues, but rather the venue. He said public schools is not the appropriate forum for the discussion.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/assembly-dithers-child-pregnancies-climb
On 7/15/2016 at 8:30 PM, Keith Woolford said:
FBI aiding in fight against Panama child pornography
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY in Panama is on a major upswing with 1,100 investigations by the Public Ministry during 2015 only in the capital city.
In 2014, There were 405 cases
"The Attorney General's Office increased from two to five, prosecutors involved in investigating sexual crimes. They have also been trained by the FBI which has provided new computer programs that allow tracking child pornography in the country" said First Circuit Sex Crimes Specialist Prosecutor Katya Melendez reports La Prensa.
The prosecutor said that in Panama are recorded with higher numbers of "grooming" situations are being recorded. That is when the sex offender creates a false profile through a social network to communicate with children and adolescents.
Then they develop a relationship through the internet and convinces the child to send him pictures or videos where the is naked or performing sexual acts.
The attacker uses that pornographic material to extort and demand personal encounters. If the child does not accept the adult often discloses photographs and videos of childrenon social networks.
Melendez said that the practice of spreading pornographic material with minors, advertising, selling or manufacture it, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
It is a crime to transmit child pornography on Twitter or Whatsapp.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/fbi-aiding-fight-againstpanama-child-pornography
Ex- First Lady rallies to support sex-ed bill
A FORMER FIRST LADY joined scores of people gathered in Concordia Plaza on Via España, on Monday, July 25, for a protest to support the controversial law that would require sexual education to be taught in schools.
Banners in hand, the participants argued that the country needs the controversial law to pass due to problems such as teen pregnancy.and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases..
The participants included former First Lady Vivian Fernández de Torrijos and Doctor Xavier Saez-Llorens, a prominent pediatrician and medical scientist among others reports La Prensa
"It will help the country," said the former first lady.
Saez-Llorens said the law will have a positive impact on public health.
Recently, thousands of Catholics and Evangelicals, including school children called ou by their by their church leaders, paraded through the streets to successfully get the debate stalled and sent back to first reading.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/ex-first-lady-rallies-support-sex-education-bill
Panamanian named to key UN post
Dr Natalia Kamen
WHILE PANAMA'S Assembly struggles to get to grips with the issue of sexual education in schools, the UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon has named a Panamanian as new adjunct general secretary of the United Nations Population Fund, which aims to promote safe sexual practices among other issues.
Dr Natalia Kanem arrives at that position with more than 25 years experience in strategic leadership in the fields of medicine, public and reproductive health, peace, social justice and philanthropy.
She has taught at Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University.
Kanem holds a degree in medicine from Columbia in New York and a master's degree in public health, with a specialization in epidemiology and preventive medicine, from the University of Washington.
She also graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in history and science.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panamanian-named-key-un-post
Opponents seek to stifle sex education talk
Posted on August 17, 2016 in Panama
Sex education opponents
MEMBERS of a group opposed to the teaching of sexual education in public schools have threatened the government with mass action and a demand for the ousting of the Education Minister if the National Assembly does not suspend the discussion of Bill 61, a law on sexual education.
In addition,Platform for children asked that guidelines for sex education being developed by the Ministry of Education be halted.
Abdiel Sandoya, one of the spokesmen for the platform, said that they will give the government a deadline of five days to meet their demands or they will take action, such as calling for mass protests. They will also demand the resignation of Education Minister Marcela Paredes de Vasquez.
Juan Francisco de la Guàrdia, of the Panamanian Alliance for Life and Family, said that the group would be presenting an alternative draft bill to the assembly. He said that this would focus on teaching sexual education "through training in principles and values, and not through the delivery of contraceptive pills."
The Assembly recently returned the law to first debate so that it could be discussed by the Health Commission.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/opponents-seek-stifle-sex-education-talk-members-group-opposed-teaching-sexual-education-public-schools-threatened-government-mass-action-demand
6 hours ago, Bud said:
Why is the group against sex education claiming that contraceptive pills will be delivered? Sexual health education is just that, education regarding sexual health and methodologies employed to keep ones body healthy. I think the two groups need to get together and talk. We discussed this subject in church and there were definitely those fanatics that believe that teaching sex ed would encourage our teenagers to have more of it! Such a narrow point of view since they are going to have sex whether we educate them or not. Obviously these people have forgotten what it is like to have those raging teenage hormones.
Edited August 18, 2016 by MarieElaine
Sex education talks resume
Posted on September 1, 2016 in Panama
THE SEEMINGLY never ending discussions over sexual education in Panama's public schools resumed in the National Assembly on Thursday September 1.
The Health Commission of the National Assembly began consultations on the bill that would mandate the inclusion of sexual education in the curriculum.
The commission, chaired by Deputy Crispiano Adames, was attended by approximately 20 representatives from various organizations who are for and against the proposal.
The bill was previously approved by the commission, but the full assembly returned the bill to it for further consultations to achieve a consensus after strong opposition from religious geoups.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/sex-education-talks-resume
Shelving sex education problem
Posted on September 2, 2016 in Panama, Your Man in Panama
BATTLE LINES remain drawn between churches and advocacy groups over a proposed law mandating the teaching of sexual education in public schools as "casualties" climb at over 33 a day.
The National Assembly has crumbled over the years in the face of Church opposition, and donned blinkers when faced with statistics showing an ever increasing rate of adolescent pregnancies, and STD's including children as young as 10.
Reacting to a church organized massive march the craven deputies returned law 61 to first debate on August 6.
One wonders how opponents with unwed teenage children would react to the news that they were about to become grandparents, or that a son or daughter had developed AIDS.
President Juan Carlos Varela, widely accused of resemblance to a tortoise, has never been slow in funneling government funds to church related projects.
Faced with the threat of massive street demonstrations, he decided to create a commission to study the law.
Commissions which tend to drag on for years are a favorite political tool for shelving a problem and much loved in Britain where they are deemed Royal until the final "report" is ready to gather dust on the shelves and the "problem" has disappeared from the headlines.
Panama's "inter-institutional commission" will study the proposed law and will be led by the Ministry of Education, which has courageously created three proposed curriculums for primary, pre-secondary and secondary students.
Also on the commission will be Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado and officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, The Institute of Women, The Secretariat of Adolescents and Family, The Gorgas Memorial Institute and Social Security.
The commission will seek input from various sectors, including churches and non-governmental organizations. The goal is to build a consensus.
"We seek agreement on a proposal in line with the realities of the country," the government said in a press release.
But with opponents announcing , massive protests before an agenda has been drawn up, and craven deputies looking to retain their seats in 2019 don't expect any move that spells change
Deika Nieto) , a member of the Board of Panamanian Association for Family Planning (APLAFA), says that from 2014 to July this year the institution treated over 7,000 of which 2, 349 were teenagers aged 15-19 and 85 other girls aged 10-14 years.
Until July this year the Ministry of Health reported over 5,000 teen or younger pregnancies not counting those admitted to private or social security hospitals, and a plethora of newborns left in garbage containers, in toilets or on the street. That's a rate of 33-40 pregnancies day
Other consequences
Paul Cordova planning and evaluation manager at APLAFA, says that pregnancy brings consequences in three fundamental aspects:
Health, with minors at a higher risk of dying in childbirth or during activities.
Education, with 6 out of 10 young pregnant girls leaving the school system. in Economic environment because mother and child are dependent on others for their survival.
The educational system as it stands has failed, says sociologist Jose Chamber, and fast decisions are needed.
But we have a commission … and by year end at least another 6,000 child pregnancies.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/shelving-sex-education-action
Sex education is a waste. ALL education is a waste! The better economic option is to just to pass-out cheap Chinese TV's to everyone, and let the cards -- and the babies -- fall where they may. The only thing that really matters is that we have plenty of Important Holy People to keep the bubble in the middle of the spurtchul level while babies are having babies...
OPINION: The fallout from sexual ignorance
Posted on September 4, 2016 in Media Watch
La Prensa de Panama Sep 4.
''KNOWLEDGE is power'' said the intellectual Francis Bacon hundreds of years ago.
The lack of such education then, means mental weakness in human beings. In sexual matters, statistics show a cruel and classic bankruptcy: high rates of pregnancies, carnal rape, HIV infections. The numbers show that the incidents are highest in the poorest sectors of the country, where the general school education is more a privilege than a right.
Beyond the numbers: lives. Women and men, adolescents and children who suffer the tragedies of misinformation about comprehensive sexual health.
However, experts say that comprehensive sexual health goes beyond pregnancy, HIV infections and carnal violations.
They include an understanding of behavior, self-esteem, gender and sexual orientation. Learning, in many cases, is obtained when it is too late.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/features/media-watch/opinion-fallout-sexual-ignorance


text:
Lights Camera Jackson
Movie Reviews, Entertainment News and Views from Lights Camera Jackson
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April 18, 2014 By Jackson Murphy
With Tony Award winner Idina Menzel following a performance on Broadway.
Lights Camera Jackson has been co-starring in photographs with his favorite celebrities from the entertainment, news and sports world since he was 6 years old. Jackson's first picture with a celeb was snapped in January of 2005, at the Center For Disability Services Telethon in Albany, NY. "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest was making a VIP appearance at the event. Jackson, a big fan of the show, approached Seacrest during a break and asked for an autograph. The "Idol" star eagerly obliged. Jackson and Ryan then posed for this photo.
Since that day Jackson's collection of photos with stars of stage, screen, TV and sports has grown to over 400. Many of them are featured in the Gallery section of his website. And each of the photos not only represents a special moment in time in the life/career of Lights Camera Jackson, but also includes its own story. Where and when each photo op took place, and what the interaction was like before, during and after the camera captured the moment – these are all element that, together, make each image uniquely special.
Jackson is often asked if there's a secret to getting famous people to pose for photos. Here are:
LCJ's Top Tips for getting that Celebrity Photo:
1) Be Polite. Never interrupt someone if they're talking or busy. And always start with "excuse me" and "please". Don't forget – you're asking a total stranger for a favor.
2) Be Patient. You may have to wait several minutes (or longer) for an opportunity. That's OK. If it's an official appearance (book signing, Meet & Greet, etc.) bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
3) Don't be Shy. When that moment comes – GO FOR IT. Always introduce yourself by name.
4) Be Prepared. The best experiences come when you begin by saying something nice to the celeb about them.
5) Stay On Top of the News. Watch for rumors or announcements about someone famous coming to your town and then make a plan.
6) Do Your Homework. Know who it is you're looking to meet. Do research on their life/career. It will be valuable when the time comes.
7) Thank You! As excited as you may be after getting that photo don't forget to say thank you.
8) Write It Down. Yes, you'll have the photo to remember the magic moment, but take a minute to write down a few details as well. These notes will come in handy when you share the story with others and provide tidbits when you post the selfie online.
LCJ Gallery Trivia Question:
Jackson has more photos with this one celebrity than any other:
a) Amy Adams
b) Melissa McCarthy
c) Regis Philbin
d) Idina Menzel
The Answer: Check-out the full Gallery to find out!
Filed Under: Gallery Tagged With: Idina Menzel, Jackson Murphy, Lights Camera Jackson
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text:
May 23 "Sweep The Shed" - How Team Culture Made New Zealand A Global Superpower
competitive advantage, superpowers
New Zealand's All Blacks are the country's national rugby team. Despite the fact that NZ is a small, remote island nation, with a population of only 4.5 million, they have found a way to be a consistently feared superpower in the sport.
The All Blacks are a truly global brand. Their iconic black uniform is recognized worldwide as quickly as a FC Barcelona, AC Milan, New York Yankees, Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers jersey, and the pre-game Haka that the team performs has intimidated countless opponents.
And the All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup three times and hold a lifetime winning percentage of 77% - the highest of any professional sports team in the world.
How do they do this against larger countries with more resources and people?
How do they sustain this elite level of success?
Team culture is the Superpower that makes it all possible.
James Kerr studied the All Blacks' culture in his book Legacy, What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life - in which he talks about the team's cultural mantra of "Sweeping the Shed", a tradition that says that no individual is bigger than the team and its ancestors. Everyone is responsible for the smallest details - including cleaning out the locker room after training or a match. "Sweeping the shed" is your job, no matter who you are.
This video is a great overview of Kerr's book and the All Blacks' ethos.
What is your team's mantra that creates a championship culture? Do you sweep the shed?
company culture, new zealand all blacks, sweep the shed, james kerr legacy, Superpower
Jul 5 "We work in marketing - we're not curing cancer" - My PMC 2017 Ride
May 10 Interview with Candice Peak / A Superpowered Career in Finance + Fitness


•	OPEC holds 81.9% of World petroleum reserves.
•	Among OPEC members, Iraq is holding the top 4th crude oil reserves, after Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Iran(by the end of 2015). In terms of crude oil production, Iraq holds the 2nd place after Saudi Arabia.
Total crude oil production in Iraq in 2015: 4.1 million b/d.


This past weekend in Brooklyn was highlighted by the 5th Anniversary of the celebration known as CURLFEST. Consider this celebration as an oasis of kinks, coils, coconut and castor oils, shea and cocoa butters, shining melanin, and beautiful energy all wrapped in one package. Thousands of beautiful Black people descended upon Prospect Park's Nethermead to partake in the upliftment of Black people across many aspects but the most important being each other's natural hair journeys. Many Thanks to the visionary ladies of the Curly Girl Collective for their dynamic work in putting a grand production and gathering of such magnitude together, as well as the opportunity to document this year's festivities on their behalf.
Scroll down for a sneak peek into this past Saturday's main event festivities. To view the gallery in full and to purchase prints, click the link HERE.
Be sure to tag the @curlygirlcollective, @kolinmendezphoto + #kolinmendezphotography in your posts on Instagram!


A 15 year old sees a small hovering cylinder in the Azores, Portugal.
I was aware of a faint pulsing sound which was keeping me from getting to sleep. This pulsing had been going on for about 7 minutes, so I decided to have a look out of my bedroom window to see what was causing this sound. I looked out, and as we live in a small village with no street lights it was hard to see. The bungalow opposite us has a 40 feet high water tower behind its garden, and I noticed a small 'trash can' sized cylinder slowly moving up and down over it. It was hard to see what color it was, but it was light, maybe white or a pale gray. It had a domed roof. I was able to look at it for a minute or so before it quickly headed west and gained height. The pulsing stopped when it left. My parents laughed when I told them and said it was probably a helicopter (my dad used to fly Sea Kings for the RCAF), but I know it was too small and quiet to be a heli. Another thing I noticed was that it left a smell of burnt rubber. 100% sure it wasn't a helicopter.


text:
"use strict";
var vows = require('vows')
    , fs = require('fs')
    , assert = require('assert')
    , os = require('os')
    , EOL = require('os').EOL || '\n';

function remove(filename) {
    try {
        fs.unlinkSync(filename);
    } catch (e) {
        //doesn't really matter if it failed
    }
}

vows.describe('log4js logLevelFilter').addBatch({
    'appender': {
        topic: function () {
            var log4js = require('../lib/log4js'), logEvents = [], logger;
            log4js.clearAppenders();
            log4js.addAppender(
                require('../lib/appenders/logLevelFilter')
                    .appender(
                        'ERROR',
                        undefined,
                        function (evt) {
                            logEvents.push(evt);
                        }
                    ),
                "logLevelTest"
            );

            logger = log4js.getLogger("logLevelTest");
            logger.debug('this should not trigger an event');
            logger.warn('neither should this');
            logger.error('this should, though');
            logger.fatal('so should this');
            return logEvents;
        },
        'should only pass log events greater than or equal to its own level': function (logEvents) {
            assert.equal(logEvents.length, 2);
            assert.equal(logEvents[0].data[0], 'this should, though');
            assert.equal(logEvents[1].data[0], 'so should this');
        }
    },

    'configure': {
        topic: function () {
            var log4js = require('../lib/log4js')
                , logger;

            remove(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter.log');
            remove(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter-warnings.log');
            remove(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter-debugs.log');

            log4js.configure('test/with-logLevelFilter.json');
            logger = log4js.getLogger("tests");
            logger.debug('debug');
            logger.info('info');
            logger.error('error');
            logger.warn('warn');
            logger.debug('debug');
            logger.trace('trace');
            //wait for the file system to catch up
            setTimeout(this.callback, 500);
        },
        'tmp-tests.log': {
            topic: function () {
                fs.readFile(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter.log', 'utf8', this.callback);
            },
            'should contain all log messages': function (contents) {
                var messages = contents.trim().split(EOL);
                assert.deepEqual(messages, ['debug', 'info', 'error', 'warn', 'debug', 'trace']);
            }
        },
        'tmp-tests-warnings.log': {
            topic: function () {
                fs.readFile(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter-warnings.log', 'utf8', this.callback);
            },
            'should contain only error and warning log messages': function (contents) {
                var messages = contents.trim().split(EOL);
                assert.deepEqual(messages, ['error', 'warn']);
            }
        },
        'tmp-tests-debugs.log': {
            topic: function () {
                fs.readFile(__dirname + '/logLevelFilter-debugs.log', 'utf8', this.callback);
            },
            'should contain only trace and debug log messages': function (contents) {
                var messages = contents.trim().split(EOL);
                assert.deepEqual(messages, ['debug', 'debug', 'trace']);
            }
        }
    }
}).export(module);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Add percentage symbol to all list elements Hi I have a list like this: [1,2,3,4,5,6]
I want to add "%" to all these elements in the list for a result of [1%,2%,3%,4%,5%,6%].
I know that I can do it with +"%" but how can i do it with .format or another thing?

A: This PyFormat help
['{:d}%'.format(elm) for elm in l]

Output :
['1%', '2%', '3%', '4%', '5%', '6%']

A: Sure you can do it with format, your results of course need to be strings:
l = [1,2,3,4,5,6]
r = list(map("{}%".format, l))

now, r is:
['1%', '2%', '3%', '4%', '5%', '6%']

Alternatively you could do it with a list-comp as in the other answer or, in place, by looping:
for ind, i in enumerate(l):
    l[ind] = "{}%".format(i)

A: Since you've asked: or another thing? I'll give you another thing.
Sometimes, you'd desire something, which seems little bad, like this:
# add method to built-in int class to render ints as percents
as_percent = lambda x: str(x) + '%'
# and then monkey patch it
int.as_percent = as_percent

However you'd end up with this Exception:
TypeError: can't set attributes of built-in/extension type 'int'

But, there is a way..
Before you'd will try the following a little disclaimer:

I've never used this in any actual code, but I find this very fun, and generaly good to know it exists. Having code a little bit in Ruby, I like the idea of monkey patching built-ins. But it is not default behaviour in Python. So, be aware. But at least, try it!

First you need this module forbiddenfruit (see, the name is quite self-explanatory!). Simply pip it.
Then it is quite easy. We'll use the exact same lambda function as_percent as before.
>>> from forbiddenfruit import curse
>>> # again, do you see the name of the function?!
>>> curse(int, 'as_percent', as_percent)
>>> print((1).as_percent())
1%
>>> [x.as_percent() for x in range(10)]
>>> ['0%', '1%', '2%', '3%', '4%', '5%', '6%', '7%', '8%', '9%']

I've come across it here.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
O. de Ruyter Demissine war ein belgischer Hersteller von Automobilen. Der Markenname lautete Demissine.

Unternehmensgeschichte
Das Unternehmen aus Brüssel begann 1901 mit der Produktion von Automobilen. 1902 nahm das Unternehmen am Brüsseler Automobilsalon teil. 1902 oder 1903 endete die Produktion.

Fahrzeuge
Bei den Fahrzeugen handelte es sich um Elektroautos.

Literatur
 George Nick Georgano: Autos. Encyclopédie complète. 1885 à nos jours. Courtille, 1975 (französisch)
 G. N. Georgano: The New Encyclopedia of Motorcars, 1885 to the Present, Dutton Verlag, New York 1982, ISBN 0-525-93254-2 (englisch)

 Yvette Kupélian, Jacques Kupélian und Jacques Sirtaine: Histoire de l'automobile belge. Paul Legrain, Brüssel, ISBN 2-8705-7001-5 und e.p.a., Paris, ISBN 2-8512-0090-9 (französisch)

Ehemaliger Elektroautohersteller
Ehemaliger Pkw-Hersteller (Belgien)
Ehemaliges Unternehmen (Brüssel)
Gegründet 1901

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


New Mexico went 2-1 in its season opening tournament appearance at Iowa State.
Coach Jeff Nelson liked most of what he saw on the University of New Mexico's first road trip. This week, he expects a bit more.
The Lobos opened the season last week by winning two of three matches at Iowa State's Cyclone Invitational. UNM earned 3-0 sweeps over Nebraska Omaha and Kent State before dropping a 3-0 match to host Iowa State.
Throw out the final set against Iowa State, a 25-10 romp, and Nelson was satisfied with his young team's start.
"We played pretty well in eight sets out of nine," Nelson said. "We came unraveled a bit in set three against Iowa State, but other than that we battled. We extended plays, got points when we needed them and I thought our chemistry was pretty good."
UNM's opening road test continues this weekend at UTEP's Glory Road Invitational. The Lobos will take on Youngstown State (4-0) and UTEP (0-2) Friday at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, then face North Dakota (4-1) at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
There are no big-name opponents like Iowa State in this week's field, but Nelson expects a battle. North Dakota, an NCAA tournament qualifier last season, opened the season by sweeping through the Ole Miss Rebel Invitational. The Fighting Hawks' lone loss came at Georgia Tech.
"North Dakota's very good and they've got a lot of key players back," Nelson said. "They're picked to win (the Big Sky Conference) again and they probably will. That match will be a big test for us."
Youngstown State also is off to its best start in recent memory, while UTEP will be playing at home for the first time this season.
"It won't be easy," Nelson said, "but I think we can compete with all these teams if we stay focused and keep improving."
UNM got strong performances from several players at Iowa State, including libero Ashley Kelsey and middle blocker Victoria Spragg, who were named to the all-tournament team. Kelsey racked up 45 digs in the Lobos' three matches, while Spragg had 21 kills, six blocks and posted a team-best .385 hitting percentage.
Nelson also liked what he saw from several young players, including outside hitters Lauren Twitty and Hailey Rubino.
This article is written by Ken Sickenger from Albuquerque Journal and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.


It's only been 6 days since I last wrote, but it has also been 31.5″ of snow later. Yep, it's been a pretty snowy week, even by Keweenaw standards. There are some beginning to wave the white flag. Some are surrendering outright, while others are are simply asking for a cease-fire, so they can re-group.
Me? Bah…Bring it! Of course that is as long as I do not have to drive to work in it. Also as long as I can sit in the heated cab of my tractor, listening to tunes while I clear all the snow that falls! I may have some toughness still left in my, but mostly just grateful to be able to have all the resources I have to deal with it. I think I can still do a little chest thumping though. I did tough it out in the years before Big Red came along. I can remember a few storms in which I nearly collapsed while manhandling the walk behind blower not long after my first open heart surgery. I can also remember having to dig down through 4 feet of snow, just so that I could get to the firewood pile that only had a plastic tarp to protect it from the elements.
Perhaps I am like the old, grizzled, war veteran that could go back into action if it absolutely had to happen, but has already paid his dues and lead a less strenuous life.
The kids have really been piling up the snow days lately. If memory serves me right, they had all of Monday off, 1/2 of Thursday off and all of Friday off. In my opinion, they were all deserved. Some folks grumble about how easily they close schools these days, but I really do not see much of a change. I know when I was a kid and the blizzard of '79 hit the Chicagoland area, it started on a Saturday and ended on a Sunday and we still got the whole following week off. Truth is, by about Wednesday or Thursday, all had been cleaned up and we could have easily gone to school Thursday and Friday. I didn't complain! I guess my other thought is…Just because "back in the old days" we might have had to go to school in conditions that were hazardous and still survived, does that mean we should send our own kids to school when conditions are hazardous? I survived all of my trips in a car with no seatbelt on, but I wear one 100% of the time now. I survived being in buildings with lead pain and asbestos, but those two things are now outlawed. Ok, enough of my soap box.
So before the storm even hit, we were warmed up with around 14″ of snow earlier in the week. Much of it coming Monday, causing what looked like a 2 hour delay in school to become the full day off. Nora has been reading about lots of folks who had problem with their furnace vents becoming clogged up. In most cases, its because of the water vapor in the exhaust freezing and clogging up the vent. I know ours is a PVC pipe that actually has the opening pointing down at an angle so that it cannot freeze up. It also sits around 8 feet off the ground, so would need some kind of doing to have it clog up from the bottom. In any case, to put hers and my mind at rest, I went and checked on Tuesday and got quite a surprise. It was not clogged nor in immediate risk of being clogged up, but the dripping water from the vent pipe had created a 6 foot tall column of ice! Right after taking that shot I knocked it down, so we should be good for a few more weeks!
So the big storm hit Thursday afternoon and continued into the overnight period. We actually awoke to light snow falling, I don't think it has even stopped snowing for more than an hour or two in the past 2 weeks. However, the heavier stuff was not predicted to arrive until around midday on Thursday and it arrived around 1-2 pm. I was actually in a meeting that afternoon and watched the snow get heavier and heavier and the winds stronger and stronger and was relieved that they had let schools out at noon. I am part of the decision making process for the schools up here. I do not make any call as to if they should be open or closed, but I do provide the districts with the forecast that they use to determine if school is a go or not. They also coordinate with the road commission and with other districts superintendents. It's a pretty involved and effective process.
My drive home from that meeting was an interesting thing and when I got home, I helped get dinner ready and then after dinner, Grace and I went outside to play with the dogs. It was coming down quite heavily by then, I would say around 2-3″/hour. There would be brief moments when it slowed its intensity a bit, but then got right back on it. I figured there must have been some decent convection (like a warm season rain shower or even thunderstorm) going on to produce such heavy snowfall rates and also the brief lulls. Not too long after that, I went to bed, wondering what I would find when I woke up.
I awoke around 4 am and looked out and it was still snowing. Not at the 2-3″/hour rate, but at least 1″/hour. I had cleared the hood of my truck off before coming inside the night before and there was a solid 8-10″ on it. When all was added up, the snows Thursday and Thursday night totaled 16″. Friday is our garbage pick up day and I am amazed a the conditions that they will deal with and still do a pick up, so I put on my boots/gaiters and other winter gear and loaded the garbage can into the truck to take it out to the road. Once back, I snapped a shot of my tracks in the snow, I love it when not only are tire tracks left, but tracks from where the bumper was dragging in the snow and the transfer case for the rear axle was hitting the snow. That is when you know it's deep!
The heavier snow was over by Friday morning, but it did continue to fall all day. The winds were really nasty, blowing at 25-30 and gusting to 40. We picked up a few more inches of snow on Friday, but the main reason for the schools being closed was the blowing snow and wind chills reaching -25. I have been keeping an eye on the spool on the Woods Cam and it became buried by Thursday's snow event. My depth was also the deepest it has been all season at 49″. The snow has since settled and the depth is a paltry 44″, but looks like we will be adding to the snowpack noticeably this week as well.
After clearing snow from our driveway Friday morning, the swing set was almost completely buried. That picture was taken around 2 hour ago, but the look has not changed much from when I cleared snow Friday. I suspect it will disappear with the snow indicated to fall this week.
Once done with our driveway, I moved on to our neighbors. Ever since acquiring Big Red, I have gone down to clear her driveway. Her husband passed away about a year before I got Big Red and the driveway does not lend itself to being plowed, as the only place to push it is the road we live on and that is not a workable solution. He used to use a walk behind blower and that first year, another gentleman in the neighborhood used his truck and plow, but with the previously mentioned problems.
One reason why I mention all of this is that my neighbor has a little shed in her yard and I always like to check out the amount of snow on it and watch it pile up on it and around through the season. I'm waiting for the season in which it completely disappears! Not there yet.
After doing that clearing, I shot back home, jumped in the truck to get some more fuel for Big Red. The tank was showing 1/2 full, which would typically be enough to allow me to drive to the ice rink, clear it off and get home, but I figured this would not be a typical clearing of the rink. Upon my arrival at the rink, my suspicions were confirmed. I had some decent snow to clear before I could even get to the rink! Once inside the rink, I could see I had my work cut out for me, as the snow was piled about halfway up the boards in most cases and in some areas where it had drifted, it was over the boards!
It is really cool to be inside the cab of Big Red and watch it do it's work in moving the snow. At times, the entire tractor shakes due to the hard work of the augers and impeller on the blower, but it has yet to meet it's match…if I go slow enough and have enough traction. There are times I need to back up and gain a bit of forward motion to eat into the snow, but that machine and its blower do a magnificent job! After clearing the rink and then spending a bunch of time opening up more room to get to the rink (the township plows out the parking lot and a path behind the warming house for the rink), I headed home. All told, 4 1/2 hours from start to finish (including the break to get fuel) to move snow Friday! Not complaining at all!
Best I can tell, everyone has dug out from all the snow last week. We had a nice weekend for it and are now getting ready for more. Roofs are being shoveled and front end loaders are out making room for the plow truck operators to push the snow to. We got our roofs shoveled last week before the storm hit. The wood shed and lean-to still need to be shoveled, but is not too hard of a job and I may tackle them myself this week. One way or another, they need it!
Good night from a snowy Keweenaw..


Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) has today announced that Downer Group Finance has successfully priced an issue of Medium Term Notes totaling $300 million under its $1 billion Debt Issuance Programme.
The issue follows a successful roadshow in Australia and Asia which attracted strong support from a variety of domestic and international investors.
The company says it's very pleased with the support received from both existing and new debt investors including the strong interest from offshore.
Mizuho Securities Asia, National Australia Bank and Westpac Banking Corporation acted as Joint Lead Managers on the transaction.
Shares in Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) are trading 0.13 per cent higher at $7.67.


Russian President Vladimir Putin today unveiled some of his country's latest weapons. Most notably was the revelation that Russia now possesses new weapons, including new hyper-sonic missile systems which render existing US defence systems useless. These new missiles will not follow traditional ballistic flight paths and thus cannot be intercepted by current US missile defence systems whose origin dates back to Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defence Initiative, more colloquially known as 'Star Wars'.
"Nobody listened to Russia before we created new weapons systems, they will listen now. We have started development of new strategic arms that do not use ballistic flight paths, while moving to targets, which means that the missile defence systems are useless in struggle against them".
The Russian President stated in his speech that while Russia has tried for years to negotiate with the United States in respect of arms limitation treaties, because of the provocative attitude and threatening measures of the US, including placing its own advanced missile systems on Russia's borders, Russia took the decision to modernise its own missile systems which can now fully overcome the US challenge.
In response to the new US military policy of openly considering the use of tactical nuclear weapons in convention wars or even in response to cyber-attacks, Putin also stated that Russia would respond to any nuclear attack on itself or its allies with the full force of its nuclear arsenal, which is the largest in the world.
Russia's development of new weapons constitute Moscow's sovereign right to respond to aggression and provocations. Apart from those in the west who challenge Russia's right to exist, no one could classify Putin's latest remarks in any way other than both inevitable and fully in-keeping with Russia's legal rights and responsibly to its citizens and genuine allies.
Against this background, why then cannot North Korea develop its weapons for the very same reason? The answer is that as a country even more under threat from the US than Russia and with a wide gap in general military strength vis-a-vis the USA, the DPRK has if anything, more of a duty than Russia to develop a functional nuclear deterrent to prevent the kinds of NATO attacks that Russia seeks to defend itself against.
While the Russian President stated that ideally he would like a world with fewer weapons on all sides in respect of the Russia-US conflict and while Russia would prefer a de-weaponised Korean peninsula, Russia nevertheless understands the rationale for the DPRK's weapons. As Putin stated last year, having seen what a poorly armed Yugoslavia, Iraq and Libya suffered at the hands of aggressive US led military operations, Pyongyang judged the facts on the ground to mean that if the DPRK did not develop its own modern nuclear deterrent it could be the next country to be violently destroyed by the US military.
Because of this, it is high time for the multipolar world to accept North Korea's necessary nuclear deterrent for the same way that it tacitly accepts Russia's. In the wider sense, 'we are all Koreans now'. Half of the world is under threat from the US military and the other half must do what it can to deter such an attack through the time tested doctrine of mutually assured destruction. In either case, should there be such a war, like Koreans, much of the world would be under the threat of annihilation if one side decided to take the apocalyptic step in launching a first strike.
It seems that for a US military-industrial complex that will stop at nothing to enrich itself, the prospect of turning the world into what Donald Trump might call a 'radioactive shithole' might be the only thing to get the elites of the US and pan-western military-industrial complex to think twice regarding the consequences of their provocative policies. After all, a world covered in nuclear fallout is not a world where one can make money, let alone spend it.
The same things which for decades Koreans on both sides of the 38th parallel had to face, are now the very things that everyone in the world must face up to. There is no point in singling out the DPRK in this regard, not least because the DPRK is busy making peace with the other half of the Korean peninsula, while nuclear armed "Israel" continues to provoke, attack and occupy its neighbours.
In this new reality where mutually assured destruction is now more assured than at any time during the Cold War, due to the advanced scale of 21st century weapons, all people of all nations, including journalists, should already begin thinking twice before provoking powers like Russia or its Chinese ally. President Putin implied in his remarks, that both countries have been too patient for too long with those in the west who refuse to respond to reason, but who might hopefully respond to the grim reality that while they think they are chasing the bottom line, they are really chasing their own demise in every sense of the word. If journalists, activists and others provoke their own governments into confrontation with Russia, there will be no happy ending. The world has been warned.


At Pyatt Broadmark Management, we develop trust with our borrowers based on communication, careful underwriting and fair pricing. That is why we experience so much repeat business and long-term relationships with borrowers.
Whether financing single-family homes, tracts of homes or commercial real estate, our experience and personal approach allow us to respond quickly to client needs, and resolve the issues that inevitably arise in real estate development. From initial financing through project completion, Pyatt Broadmark works alongside clients to ensure their success. Whether negotiating with a third-party lender, ensuring adequate reserves for maintenance and repairs, or addressing environmental concerns, we will be your advocate throughout the process.
Call us to learn more about our different financing options. We specialize in private money loans for commercial, investment residential, construction, land development and more.
Jeffrey Pyatt is the co-founder of Pyatt Broadmark Management along with Joseph Schocken, who is the founder and president of Broadmark Capital, LLC and its predecessor Broadmark Capital Corporation.
Pyatt Broadmark Management is dedicated to understanding the long and short-term financial objectives of our clients, so that we can ensure that they receive the loan best-suited for their individual needs.
We believe it is essential to have a team that serves as a business partner, giving our clients the most dedicated professional customer service and care throughout the process.


For information regarding meetings, events and training all members are welcome to apply for access to the Members Area.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Phillips family and all at Morningside Volunteer Fire Department.
Charlie dedicated 70 years of Volunteer service as a Life Member of Morningside VFD, past Prince Georges County Fire Commissioner, and long time member of the PGCVFRA Board of Directors. He will be missed by all.
The following is the memorial and repast information for Charlie Phillips.
We all need to be aware of the dangers of PTSD in the Volunteer Fire and EMS service. It's important for us to look out for each other because one 1st Responder lost to suicide is one too many.
Thank you to the team from Badges United Foundation that took time for the presentation at our monthly meeting tonight.
In 2018 Volunteer & Career units in Prince Georges County responded to 151,538 calls for EMS service. That is an increase of 3% over 2017 calls for service. You can take an active role in your community by serving as a Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in one of our Voluntneer Fire & EMS Departments.


text:
Interview with skipper Kapil Dev on India's 1983 cricket World Cup triumph. Excerpt from Indra Vikram Singh's book 'The Big Book of World Cup Cricket'
By singhiv April 17, 2017 Andy Roberts Balwinder Singh Sandhu Clive Lloyd Cricket Cricket World Cup 1983 Desmond Haynes Dilip Vengsarkar Gordon Greenidge India Indra Vikram Singh Joel Garner Kapil Dev Kim Hughes Kirti Azad Krishnamachari Srikkanth Larry Gomes and Faoud Bacchus Lord's Madan Lal Malcolm Marshall Michael Holding Mohinder Amarnath Prince Indra Vikram Singh of Rajpipla Ravi Shastri Roger Binny Sandeep Patil Sunil Gavaskar Syed Kirmani The Big Book of World Cup Cricket 1975-2011 Tunbridge Wells Vivian Richards West Indies Yash Pal Sharma Zimbabwe
INTERVIEW / KAPIL DEV
"Our 1983 team had self-belief"
What did your 1983 World Cup team have that the 1975 and 1979 Indian sides did not?
Self-belief. We had a good tour of the West Indies prior to the 1983 World Cup. We levelled the One-day series 1-1 before losing the decider. It was not a joke to beat the West Indies in those days. Once we beat them (in Berbice, Guyana), we realised that we could beat anyone. Besides we had a number of allrounders. If you consider that men like Kirti Azad and Madan Lal – who batted at no.7 and no.9 for us – have scored 16 Ranji Trophy centuries each, it becomes apparent that we had tremendous batting depth. Imagine a player like Syed Kirmani was batting at no.10! Even last-man Balwinder Singh Sandhu could bat. We had attacking batsmen (Krish Srikkanth, Sandeep Patil and Kapil himself) and also those like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, Dilip Vengsarkar and Yash Pal Sharma who could see us through the 60 overs. Our fielding was safe rather than brilliant, though men like Roger Binny and Yash Pal were outstanding. Gavaskar did a great job in the slips and Kirmani was a fine wicketkeeper.
No one except Kim Hughes gave your team even an outside chance to win the Cup. Were you surprised at your team's performance?
Definitely, I was surprised. But everything was clicking for us then. We had belief in ourselves. Victory over the West Indies in the first match of the World Cup gave a kick-start to our campaign. We can win, we thought after this. Our attitude was very good.
In retrospect, you did have a very good One-day side.
I agree we had a good team.
Would you say that it was your innings against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells that turned the tide? You went on to win four matches in a row to lift the Cup quite sensationally.
Rather than my innings, what was critical was that the thought of losing never crossed our minds. There was a terrific bond within that team.
Was the wicket seaming a lot on that day?
You know that matches started at 11 A.M. in England thanks to their long hours of daylight during summer. Even at that hour the ball was nipping around. Crucially, our batsmen kept edging instead of missing. As wickets tumbled, the pressure kept building up. Soon it was 9 for four wickets (when Kapil went in to bat, and then 17 for five).
Did the pitch ease out as your innings progressed?
Yes, it improved and we were able to build up a good total.
Personally too you had a brilliant World Cup in 1983, with bat and ball. Was that your finest hour, or was the Test wickets record more exhilarating?
The World Cup win brought recognition to Indian cricket. It brought about a massive change as far as One-day cricket was concerned in India. Earlier our One-day record was poor. This victory was not a fluke; we went on to win the World Championship of cricket in Australia in 1985. We became a force to reckon with. Even though Test cricket is the ultimate, the World Cup triumph was extremely important for us. People talk about my innings of 175 against Zimbabwe, but look at our team effort and the fine combination we had. Medium-pacers Binny, Madan Lal and Sandhu were the key. For variety we had left-arm spinner Ravi Shastri. Let's not forget the bowling of Amarnath (slow-medium) and Kirti Azad (quickish off-breaks). In the semi-final at Manchester – where the ball invariably swings around – it was turning and keeping low that day. These two were first-class. They pegged England back and bowled 24 overs between themselves (conceding just 55 runs and picking up three wickets), leaving my main bowlers with plenty of overs in hand. After Amarnath and Kirti had bowled 6 overs each, they would look at me at the beginning of each over and wonder if I would keep them on. I just kept them on and on. Our fielding was also very sharp that day.
Are you aware that you are still the only player to score a century and bag a five-wicket haul in all the World Cups put together?
(Expresses surprise).
What were your thoughts on the morning of the final?
We felt we had nothing to lose.
Your total of 183 could not have inspired confidence.
They gave us a green top on which the ball was flying around. The great West Indies fast bowlers Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding made it very tough for us.
Was the ball still moving around when you bowled?
It seamed the whole day. I bowled four maidens, which would not have been possible if the ball was not seaming around.
Gordon Greenidge shouldered arms and was bowled. Sandhu said he thought he had bowled an out-swinger but the ball came in.
It happens sometimes. Once you release the ball you can't always be sure what it will do. At times I would attempt an out-swinger and the ball would come in after hitting the seam. Sandhu was bowling from the Nursery End from where the ball generally goes away from the right-hander due to the slope at Lord's. But that delivery seamed in sharply.
At which stage did you think that you could win? Richards' dismissal? Lloyd's dismissal? Or later?
Vivian Richards was obviously an awesome player but even though we managed to dismiss him, Clive Lloyd was still there. And we knew what Lloyd had done in the 1975 final. But soon Lloyd (who had a strained groin and Desmond Haynes as runner) hit a catch to me at cover. Then wickets started tumbling.
Surely at 76 for six, you had the match in the bag.
What was important was that their top six batsmen – Greenidge, Haynes, Richards, Lloyd, Larry Gomes and Faoud Bacchus – were out.
Do you think the West Indies batsmen were complacent?
No. When a batsman goes in, he tries his best. It's pressure that gets batsmen in such situations. It was a World Cup final. The fielding side is always less nervous at times such as this. Ultimately, pressure got to the West Indies.
(Author Indra Vikram Singh can be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com. Follow Indra Vikram Singh on Twitter @IVRajpipla).
The Big Book of World Cup Cricket 1975-2011
Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3, Fully Illustrated
Hardcover with jacket, 11.5 x 8.75 x 1 inches, 544 Pages
MRP Rupees 4,000
Indra Vikram Singh's latest books published by Sporting Links:
A Maharaja's Turf ISBN 978-81-901668-3-6
The Big Book of World Cup Cricket ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3
Don's Century ISBN 978-81-901668-5-0
Crowning Glory ISBN 978-81-901668-6-7
Distributed in India by: Variety Book Depot, AVG Bhawan, M-3 Middle Circle, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110001, India. Tel. + 91 11 23417175, 23412567, Email varietybookdepot@gmail.com.
Posted in Books, Cricket, Sports


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The Importance of Financial Literacy for High School Students
Any adult who's managed bank accounts for years may not realize that for the average high school student, finance can be mystifying. Many young people don't even understand the basics. In fact, a recent report from FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) showed that while financial literacy among all Americans has dropped over the past decade, the steepest drop is among young people.
As a result, some states have begun requiring financial literacy classes for all high school students, but most still do not. As high school students prepare for the next stage of their lives – whether that's college or entering the workforce – many are doing so without the benefit of fully understanding their finances.
That's one of the reasons Commerce Bank is active in helping students of all ages improve their financial literacy. Whether it's volunteering to speak on the topic at Junior Achievement or visiting high schools at the request of teachers, the people of Commerce help whenever they can.
Adam Steven, executive vice president and regional retail banking director at Commerce Bank, believes in the importance of helping students. He has often led financial literacy classes in Kansas City, where he is based.
"When we think about serving our communities, part of our responsibility is to help wherever we can," Steven says. "That's especially true for students who haven't had enough life experience yet to understand the basic financial requirements they'll have as an adult. Being able to offer them help isn't just a good thing; it's our responsibility."
In St. Louis, Commerce associates volunteer with Junior Achievement on full-day sessions, for which students from school districts throughout the region are brought to a unique facility that includes a model bank. For many of these students, it's their first opportunity to learn about the banking system.
"It's really a great experience for the students," says Loura Gilbert, vice president of community development at Commerce. She helps coordinate the bank's financial literacy volunteerism in St. Louis. "JA makes it entertaining, and the students really learn a lot. Our volunteers play an important role, helping to lead the training, answer questions and chaperone the kids."
Gilbert also notes that schools will sometimes reach out to their local Commerce Bank branch whenever a teacher wants to bring in a personal finance thought leader. Fortunately, our bankers are eager to help. "Being 'on call' like that is important to us," she says. "We work on tutorials that we can have at the ready to help students with the basics."
As Commerce executive vice president and retail market director Darryl Collins explains, in many cases the students benefit from these educational efforts because their parents often don't talk to them about finances. "Students realize that the things they want – like a car or a new phone – cost money," he says. "What they usually don't realize is that these things come with ancillary costs, like insurance, repairs and monthly service fees. We help kids understand that you have to budget for these things as well."
Collins adds that budgeting is one of the most important elements of financial literacy to impart upon high school students. Part of what Commerce volunteers share with students is how to set up a budget and account for monthly and annual expenses as well as their disposable income.
It's also helpful to show high school students the benefits of putting money in an account. "A common mistake young people make is that they usually carry their cash around," says Gilbert. "That results in a lot of impulse buying. Because they aren't able to track what they spend their money on, before they know it, their money is gone, and they don't know where it went."
Becoming more familiar and comfortable with banking services and solutions has other benefits for students as well. "We've seen a lot of research that shows students who have a savings account are four times more likely to go to college," Gilbert notes. "It's quite a correlation, and one of the reasons why we try to do what we can to help kids be smarter about their finances. It's important."
Shawna Wright, director of talent management, coordinates some of the bank's volunteer efforts around financial literacy in Kansas City, and she agrees that understanding finance helps the students of today become better consumers tomorrow.
"What I love about our work with JA is that it reaches a lot of kids who don't yet know what's possible," Wright says. "Exposing them to financial education really opens their eyes. It allows them to dream about what they can accomplish. Part of our responsibility is to show them what they can do."
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alexa play chasing cars Jan. 10, 2022
Grey's Anatomy Renewed for a 19th Season, Showing Signs of Life
By Justin Curto
Photo: Eric McCandless/ABC
You really thought they'd let this one flatline? Grey's Anatomy continues to show signs of life at ABC, with the network renewing the medical drama for a landmark 19th season. Star Ellen Pompeo, who perennially drums up speculation about the show's ending, not only is set to return as Dr. Meredith Grey but will receive a promotion from co-executive to executive producer for season 19. "I couldn't be more excited that we get to keep telling the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all of the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial for another season," said creator Shonda Rhimes in a statement. Showrunner Krista Vernoff, who is returning for her sixth season in the role, added, "Grey's Anatomy has a global impact that can't be overstated. Grey's touches, and sometimes changes, hearts and minds worldwide through the depth of connection people feel with these characters." News of the Grey's renewal comes ahead of its midseason premiere on February 24. Anybody feel a pulse?
A Grey's Anatomy Catch-Up Guide, No Matter How Far Behind You Are
ellen pompeo
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alexa play chasing cars
Grey's Anatomy Renewed for 19th Season, Shows Signs of Life


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News : Women
In Iran, Women's Political Participation a Trick Used to mislead West
Published: Sunday, 31 March 2019
By INU Staff
INU- One of the Iranian regime's official state-run websites published an article at the beginning of the Persian New Year that discussed the reasons for the failure of women's political participation.
The article was entitled, "The government of hope and disappointment of women in 1397" (which corresponds to March 2018- March 2019), and the Didarnews website made some revealing admissions regarding women's political participation in Iran. These were facts that have been emphasized by the Women's Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran for many years.
According to the March 21st article in Didarnews, "The presence of women in political positions is not necessarily synonymous with the improvement of the discriminatory social and political status of women in society. The limited participation of women as parliamentarians or ministerial deputies in the political structure has little impact on changing the legal procedures in favor of women or on improving their social status."
Didarnews goes on to point out that during his election campaign, President Hassan Rouhani promised "to draft bills specially to protect women's rights." However, the article adds, "During the first term of Hassan Rouhani's presidency, a bill on the elimination of violence against women that had been drafted under the Ahmadinejad government was revised as a bill to protect women's lives.
The bill was reviewed and sent to the judiciary before being submitted to the parliament due to the criticisms raised against it. The judiciary promised that the bill would go to parliament before the end of Persian year 1396 (March 2017- March 2018), but after removing 41 articles from the bill, the promise has not yet been fulfilled.
"The bill on child marriages also faced a similar fate. Strong opposition from various groups in the parliament on the one hand, and the intolerance of women in the government against these oppositions on the other, led to the failure to pass the bill."
Didarnews asks, "Why do women in the political arena have no impact despite their efforts?" After years of efforts by women's and children's advocates, none of the bills have had positive outcomes.
"(T)hey could not even take one bill in favor of women to the parliament and succeed," stated former presidential deputy for women and family affairs, Shahindokht Molaverdi. She is also quoted as saying, "Women's issues in Iran are political, thus, acting as a fundamental obstacle for the adoption of amendments to the bills involving issues of women.
Looking at the process of drafting and examining the bills for women and children, we find that statesmen, and particularly the male MPs, are not only unaware of these bills, but also strongly oppose once they hear about them. On the other hand, as is the case with the fate of women's bills, the presence of women in political positions is not necessarily synonymous with the improvement of the discriminatory social and political status of women in society."
As stated by the Iranian Resistance, "the mullahs' regime, due to its misogynistic nature, can never be an advocate of women's rights." Empowering women's political participation would hinder the regime's goals. Its very foundation is based on gender discrimination and male domination. They would be unable to maintain their political system if they provide opportunities for women's participation.
Women in Iran are exploited as cheap labor. Their wages are not only unequal to men's wages, but are also one tenth of the official minimum wage. Worse than that, under Iran's patriarchal system, the very clothing a woman wears are determined by the government, and they cannot study, work, marry, or even leave their homes without a male relative's permission.
The Women's Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran warns that the regime's display of recruitment of a handful of women in the ruling regime is just a promotion used to present a modern image to the West to secure commercial deals. In fact, the three female deputies at the president's office — the "vice-presidents" — do not enjoy executive powers or authority. Despite his campaign promises, Rouhani did not include a single woman in his cabinet after being re-elected.
As Iran's state-run media explains some facts about women's political participation, the regime is making efforts to ease situation and contain the protests. The truth of the Iranian Resistance's revelations over the years has once again been proven.


There are 20 top-rated financial advisors in your area and 83 to avoid.
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Currently a Producer on CW's super-fast superhero show, The Flash, Judalina Neira grew up on military bases in Virginia, Maryland, California and Hawaii.
Judalina went on to earn her BFA in Creative Writing at Boston's Emerson College. She soon after relocated to New York City, where she worked as a music business talent scout, collaborating with artists like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey.
Judalina segued into TV writing when she joined the staff of the VH1 dance drama, Hit the Floor. She then went on to develop her original music drama, Spotlight, for NBC with Lionsgate TV Studios and producer Christina Aguilera.
In 2012, Judalina was selected as an NBC Writer on the Verge. She is also an alumnus of ABC/NBC's National Hispanic Media Coalition television writing program. And in 2018, she was honored to accept the position of Co-Governor for the Television Academy's Writers Peer Group.


St. Bernard School's curriculum is based totally on Catholic principles.
Based on our Catholic heritage and traditions, all students are involved in religion class and the celebration of Mass. Students attend Mass or Prayer Service once a week. During all these Masses the classes will sit together to build community.
The Diocesan course of study with suggested texts is followed at all grade levels in all areas of the curriculum. Ongoing evaluation of different subject areas provides for a continual updating according to the needs of the study.
We make use of a wide variety of supplemental materials to meet the developmental needs of each grade.
Our primary and intermediate grades (grades 1-4) have the option of participating in a multi-age classroom.
to provide parents with an opportunity to see what students are studying and how well they are doing.
We think learning is important and that learning should continue after school hours. The daily homework in no way is to be viewed as punishment, but rather as a way for encouraging and extending learning.


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Brilliance dances across your finger with this exquisite 14k yellow gold ring. This superior design accommodates 2 panels of AAA opal inlay and six round diamonds totaling .11 carats. One of the five original Precious Gems , Opal is the October birthstone and has long been considered the most diverse of all gems.


text:
4695 Estelle Vineyard Dr, Santa Ynez, CA, 93460
Listing Agent: Kerry Mormann 00598625
Courtesy of: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California
Address: 4695 Estelle Vineyard Dr
County: Santa Barbara
City: Santa Ynez
Neighborhood: Santa Ynez
Acreage in a premium Santa Ynez Valley Location. Estelle Lot 11 is one of multiple legal parcels available with building envelopes, excellent water (each parcel has its own well, test pumping between 100 - 200+ GPM) and access roads laid out. This property features complete privacy, while being just a 10-minute drive to downtown Los Olivos or Santa Ynez. There is potential for many country lifestyle opportunities, including a Ranch Estate, Family Compound, a Vineyard and other Agricultural uses. Balance of land is rolling oak studded hills with panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley floor. Zoned AG - II-100.
Listing Agent: Kerry Mormann 00598625 Courtesy of: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California "All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The listing broker's offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed." Updated: 1st February, 2023 2:52 PM (UTC)


Photo Restoration - Professional pixel-level restorations using the best of the latest techniques together with time-honored photographic techniques. These "remastered" "archived" photographs are, in some cases, more valuable than the originals and can be printed anytime.
Ancestor Compass - A one-page overview of your family history, complete with pictures. Excellent for communicating which pictures are "rescued" and which ones you're still trying to locate. It also helps identify unmarked and incorrectly marked pictures stored in your closet.
Family Style Website - A complete web site showing how genealogy can be displayed on-line in an informative, organized and pleasing format. Pictures, voice recordings and movies all provide extra enjoyment.
Family History Website -Wrap the stories of your family around your best surviving pictures in a chronological, interlinked and entertaining website that can be access around the world. It's almost like being there when your anywhere!
Interactive Family History - A rather large file. An old family album is interlinked to provide a fun, educational and entertaining trip through history--very much like the real thing--better in some ways!
Family CD - Your family history, pictures, voices, etc. published on CD. View your family CD on PCs or MACs. An entertaining and exciting (yet serious) way to share your ancestors with family while preserving their memories for future generations.
Photo Gallery CD - Up to 100 of your favorite photos, all on one remarkable CD. A "who's who" of your family. Pictures can be artistically displayed with names and other important information. Links make the experience enjoyable and educational.
Online Movies - Although we aren't quite ready to stream video, Ancestor-Rescue can facilitate the display of small video clips. However, until different software makers decide on standard codex, the time is not right--yet.
NOTE: If you need Acrobat or Shockwave to view some files, here are links to where you can get free software.