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Harvesting Tobacco, Sweetgrass, Cedar and Sage
You may have heard of the four sacred herbs most commonly used by indigenous peoples: tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar, and sage. But, where can they be found? And how do you obtain them?
These herbs can still be found and harvested today all across North America and are often found in a variety of stores. Much like the many generations of indigenous peoples throughout history, sacred medicines like these can still be used for ceremonial and healing purposes like smudging. Their long and important history carries through and connects those who seek them today.
There is a stark contrast between the commercial tobacco industry and what indigenous people refer to as "traditional tobacco."
Commercial tobacco can be found growing wild throughout the Americas and over 100 other countries. It grows in a variety of soils and climates, though it's harvest has moved from being primarily in the Americas to being largely based out of Africa and Asia. Even still, there is a lot of land devoted to tobacco growing in North America.
Where is Sacred Tobacco Grown?
Tobacco growth isn't just commercial; sacred tobacco continues to be grown across North America and is harvested and sold for ceremonial purposes, as well. Sacred tobacco is similar to commercial tobacco, but might be composed of a variety of plants and produced in smaller, family grown batches.
The phrase "traditional tobacco" can refer to other indigenous plants that may not contain nicotine at all, including dried leaves and bark from other plants. Often it is not smoked, but traditionally burned using a method called smudging to serve as a protective and healing medicine for those suffering from illness.
It is hearty and adaptable, allowing it to flourish on nearly any type of land. However, the heart, soul, and energy that goes into producing a crop of ceremonial tobacco is complex and sacred.
Where Can I Buy Smudging Tobacco?
Traditional tobacco can be purchased at indigenous owned shops across North America. It is grown in small batches and distributed for use in ceremonial burning and smudging ceremonies.
Where Does Sweetgrass Grow?
Two types of sweetgrass thrive in North America: a warm-season grass that flourishes in coastal dunes from North Carolina to Texas and a variety of sweetgrass that you can find in cooler climates with shady, grassy meadows or canyons in many western states. It serves as a food source for many varieties of wildlife and has a long indigenous tradition of being used for ceremonial burning as an incense by Native American people.
Can I Harvest Sweetgrass?
Sweetgrass thrives in a variety of habitats. In Canada, sweetgrass grows near rivers, lakes, and wet meadows, though you might also find Alpine sweetgrass near sea level and in the rocky slopes of other parts of the country.
Methods of harvesting depend on the cultural traditions of those who are harvesting. Sweetgrass is traditionally harvested in the summer during the growing season, which helps maintain the growth of the crops. If the sweetgrass meadows are neglected, they are usually replaced by other species of plants.
Sweetgrass is revered by many tribes as a sacred plant and it has a long history of reflecting the cultural identity of indigenous peoples. It is important to be familiar with the culture of the people who inhabit the land on which you intend to harvest sweetgrass. In most cases, it is best to purchase sweetgrass from a reliable indigenous source.
Where Can I Get Sweetgrass?
Sweetgrass can be found at indigenous owned stores and shops that sell ceremonial products and sacred medicines for smudging. It is usually sold in small, braided bundles and can be burned for its vanilla-like scent or for use in sacred rituals.
Where Does Cedar Grow?
Cedar grows across North America, but the variety depends on location. Western Red Cedar (a member of the Cypress family) appears in the Pacific Northwest, while eastern cedar is a member of the Juniper family. Both can be used for ceremonial purposes.
How is Cedar Used?
Just like the other sacred medicines, cedar is burned during prayer so that the smoke might carry prayers to the Creator. In some First Nations, cedar is mixed with other sacred medicines to be burned in smudging and sweat lodge ceremonies. Cedar is believed to dispel negative energy and purify homes or other spaces.
The same can be said for its medicinal uses -- cedar can be used to cleanse the body and reduce inflammation. Its uses are so diverse and extensive that it is referred to as "The Tree of Life" and is deeply important to indigenous culture.
How is Cedar Harvested?
Proper harvesting techniques are important to many tribes. Because the cedar tree is so spiritual and revered, a prayer is often paid to the tree before harvesting. Without treating the tree properly, its healing benefits might not work on the user.
In the same way as most sacred medicines, cedar is carefully harvested and distributed for healing and ceremonial purposes.
Where Does Sage Grow?
The type of sage traditionally revered as sacred to indigenous peoples is white sage, which grows naturally in wide, dry areas, especially in the Southwestern United States. It is often most sacred to the peoples native to that region.
White sage is a wild desert plant that needs very little water or nutrients to grow, though it benefits from the intense sunlight of the desert.
How is Sage Used?
Like the other sacred herbs, sage can be used in smudging medicine. Smudging with sage is believed to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and is often used to keep negative energy away from ceremonial locations. It is frequently used in sweat lodges and can be used to ward off negative energy surrounding sacred objects.
Can I Harvest Sage?
With patience, sage can be grown in your own garden. Outside of the wild, it can take a little bit of nurturing to grow, including a regular water schedule and nutrient rich soil. The sage that grows on indigenous land belongs to those who inhabit it and call it their sacred home.
If you're wondering where you can get sage without harvesting or growing it on your own, it is widely available for purchase.
Respecting Sacred Medicines
The most important part of using sacred medicines is respecting them. It is important to understand their spiritual and cultural significance, pay homage to the land on which they grow, and be knowledgeable and respectful of the indigenous peoples who hold these plants so sacred.
Using these sacred herbs respectfully can provide the user with a variety of spiritual, ceremonial, and medical benefits, but only with careful harvesting or by purchasing from a reputable source.


Not too long ago, it was considered the holy grail to create an exact replica of the movie Minority Report's awesome user interface. Until the Kinect came along, there really hasn't been any technology for programmers and hackers to play with to recreate the hand gesture driven technology. But that is all about to change, and today is the day. If you thought Steve Jobs' remark that a vertical touch screen is just not a comfortable approach, you might disagree when you see this new and awesome hack. Sure, it's not a touch screen, but it does work similarly and certainly uses the same technology to some extent.
Students at MIT used Linux to program and hack the Kinect to detect and track all ten fingers and the palm of the hand. The result is a genius recreation of the Minority Report user interface that will keep being developed. As hackers continue to explore the Kinect's possibilities, the execution will of course increase in quality and usefulness. This is a sure testament that the technology Microsoft has made available is going places.
Personally, I can't wait to see what else will come along in the future using this technology. Along with holographic projection and the Kinect technology, I am sure something ultimately awesome will be developed. Imagine being able to interact with a holographic image or animation. That would certainly be the next revolution in the ever changing halls of technology.


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NOFX Call Out "Beardo" Hipster at Show
We know that everyone has a problem with hipsters nowadays for some really unknown reason (yes, we know it's probably their pretentiousness and narcissists tendencies), but, apparently just the mere presence of a hipster at a recent show had the guys from NOFX a little more than annoyed.
During their warm-up banter at the Halifax, Nova Scotia stop of the 'Fat Wrecked for 25 Years' tour, guitarist El Hefe noticed a guy, right in front of the stage wearing a tie-dyed shirt who didn't seem to be enjoying the banter on stage. Apparently, just his presences was irritating frontman Fat Mike to the point that he even offered the "beardo" money to leave the show.
"Yeah, you know what? You have no business being here. I will pay you $100 to leave this show," said Fat Mike.
"Are you going to stand in front and bother me all day with your fucking tie dye shirt and your beard?" he continued.
Instead of taking the money, the guy decided to stand his ground, so Fat Mike did the only thing he could do; he "bought" the shirt from the guy for $20.
Watch the complete exchange below around the 1:46 mark.
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged concert, Halifax, hipster, music, music news, NOFX, show. Bookmark the permalink.
Slipknot Bassist Rushed to Hospital During Show
August 3, 2015 — Leave a comment
Slipknot has commented on bassist Alessandro 'V-Man' Venturella's hospitalization last night in Connecticut.
"After a medical emergency during last night's show, we are relieved to let everyone know that our bass player, Alex 'V-Man' Venturella, is well on the road to recovery. Alex collapsed mid-set after feeling unwell and as a precautionary measure was taken to hospital where he was found to be suffering from severe dehydration. After recuperating overnight, he has now been discharged from hospital and is on his way back to his Slipknot family. All being well, Alex will be back onstage with us tomorrow in Mansfield, MA. We thank everyone who reached out with messages and well wishes for Alex and we look forward to be being back at full tilt for the rest of the Summer's Last Stand tour."
Slipknot were down a member last night (Aug. 2) during the Hartford, CT date of their "Summer's Last Stand Tour."
The metal band was a couple of tracks into their set when all of a sudden they left the stage. As it turned out, bassist Alessandro "Vman" Venturella had an unknown medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital. After a 20 minute break, the band returned to the stage as an eight-piece.
Before restarting the show, frontman Corey Taylor went on the microphone to update the fans on what had just taken place.
"I'm gonna let you know what's going on right now," began Taylor.
"I'm sorry to say that our bass player, Alex, had… Something happened. I'm not sure what happened. He's been put into an ambulance and he's going to the hospital right now as we speak. But I want you all to make fucking noise for him. Send him some fucking love. Now, we had a choice to come back out here. We've had to modify some shit, but we're gonna keep on playing for you. It's what we want, it's what Alex would fucking want."
Video of Taylor's speech can be seen below.
At the time of this article being written, there had been no update on what exactly happened to Venturella. Slipknot did post on both Twitter and Facebook a short video featuring the Hartford crowd chanting Venturella name. The video of the united crowd can be seen below.
Hartford, CT pic.twitter.com/9oK1OeW2Ge
— Slipknot (@slipknot) August 3, 2015
Tonight, the band has no shows scheduled, but tomorrow, they will hit the Xfinity Center in Boston. Here's hoping that Venturella is feeling a little bit better.
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged concert, Illness, music, music news, show, sickness, Slipknot. Bookmark the permalink.
Mini My Chemical Romance Reunion at Deryck Whibley and the Happiness Machines Show
July 8, 2015 — Leave a comment
For fans of the now defunct My Chemical Romance, nothing would be better than hearing the news that the band had gotten back together to put out new music. Though we don't see that happening in the near future (and that's coming from a die-hard My Chemical Romance fan) there's always hope of a mini reunion to suppress our appetite momentarily.
Last night (July 7), our wish for a mini reunion finally came true at the final Deryck Whibley and the Happiness Machines show at Los Angeles' The Lyric Theater. Former My Chem bassist Mikey Way had revealed last week he would be playing bass for the Deryck Whibley's side band during their three shows stint in California.
In support of the bassist, two special guests attended the show; former My Chem frontman/Mikey's brother, Gerard Way, and guitarist Ray Toro. The only person missing from the mini reunion was the group's other guitarist, Frank Iero, whose band Frnkiero andthe cellabration is currently on tour with Against Me! and Annie Girl & The Flight.
While there's no footage of the appearance, there was a photo from backstage posted on Instagram, showing the reunion in action.
Pre show LA! Great seeing the MCR fam!#deryckwhibley #sum41 #mychemicalromance #gerardway #mikeyway
A post shared by Zummo (@frankzummo) on Jul 8, 2015 at 12:54am PDT
So, can we keep our hopes that the next step is a real reunion?
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged concert, Deryck Whibley And The Happiness Machines, music, music news, My Chemical Romance, reunion, show. Bookmark the permalink.
Green Day Perform Secret Hometown Show
Ever since the announcement that they would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Green Day seemed to come out of hiding.
Last month we found the California band being inducted into the Hall of Fame and soon after revealed they were in the middle of working on a brand new album.
Now, the group are giving back to the community that helped shape them.
During the weekend, the band revisited 924 Gilman Street, a Bay Arena punk venue that they used to perform at until they inked a deal with Reprise back in the 90s and were banned from performing there again.
In 2012, Mike Avilez, a representative for the venue, told SF Weekly that they weren't ruling out the possibility of Green Day returning to the small venue.
"We'd have to have a meeting on it and vote – but I'd be for it," he said and three years later, it looks like they came to an agreement.
The venue, who like to stick to their non-sell out performers, allowed them back in after all this time (we're not counting 2001's sneak attack performance) for a good cause.
The show was to help raise money for two local independent publishing houses, AK Press and 1984 Publishing, whose shared warehouse caught fire back in March. The event was to help raise money for not only the publishing companies, but for those whose homes also burned down due to the fire.
Though the band's set list, which can be seen below, consisted mostly of songs from Dookie and American Idiot, they did sneak in some goodies from their pre-major label days as well as a cover of Operation Ivy's "Knowledge" featuring fellow Berkeley boy and Operation Ivy guitarist, Tim Armstrong.
Check out the set list and some video of the show below.
GREEN DAY'S 924 GILMAN STREET SET LIST (05/17/15):
"99 Revolutions"
"Welcome To Paradise"
"2000 Light Years Away"
"Private Ale"
"Christie Road"
"Stuart And The Ave"
"Going To Pasalacqua"
"When I Come Around"
"Are We The Waiting"
"St. Jimmy"
"Knowledge (Operation Ivy Cover)"
"American Idiot"
"Jesus Of Suburbia"
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged 924 Gilman Street, Berkeley, California, concert, Green Day, hometown, music, music news, show. Bookmark the permalink.
Brand New Frontman Forgets Lyrics, Gives Hilarious Response
Singers sometimes forget the lyrics to their own songs and sometimes need the help from their fans to remember a line or at least finish the song.
When you have a discography that span over a decade, it's not surprising that a "brain fart" will happen. It's normal.
But, Brand New frontman Jesse Lacey is not normal.
During the band's show in Albuquerque earlier this week (April 21), Lacey and the rest of the band had started their song, "Millstone" from 2006's The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Things began okay with Lacey singing the lyrics until he couldn't remember them. He began to mumble into the microphone and then all together stepped away.
Instead of letting the audience pick it up for him, he stopped the song, telling the crowd "I can't remember, give me a second."
He even asked someone in the crowd, "do you have the lyrics on your phone there, bro?"
Hysterical.
Don't worry, the band were able to restart the song from the beginning and it went off without a hitch.
Check out the footage below.
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged Brand New, concert, footage, live performance, Millstone, music, music news, show, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Bookmark the permalink.
Tonight Alive Cancel Two Upcoming Shows
Fans of Australian band Tonight Alive were given some bad news yesterday afternoon; the band cancelled two of their upcoming, headlining gigs. The shows were set to take place in Boise, ID and Jacksonville FL.
The announcement came after drummer Matt Best had been diagnosed with Tendinosis following Soundwave 2015 which would require surgery.
Despite the two cancellations, the band will continue their trek across the country as a supporting acts for All Time Low's current "Future Hearts Tour" which began last week.
As Best wrote in a message to fans on Facebook, the All Time Low gig is only 30 minutes long, but even that seems to be too much for the drummer who admits that he gets through the set because of "painkillers and 24/7 care."
Read the full post below which also confirms that the band had returned to the recording studio to record their new album.
I'm really sorry to say that we have to cancel the upcoming Boise, ID and Jacksonville, FL headline shows.
I was recently diagnosed with tendinosis and tears within the TFCC (ligaments and cartilage) of my wrist during Soundwave 2015.
Although it's been very painful to play, I've been getting through the album recording and All Time Low shows with a lot of painkillers and 24/7 care but it's been getting harder and I'm having more trouble than I thought.Right now we've realized that there is just no way I would be able to play a full headline show. The All Time Low support shows are 30 minutes long and I'm only just about getting through them.
I'm in need of surgery as soon as I get back to Australia, so I'll be fit and ready to go on the next tour providing the rehab goes well. We really hate to cancel any shows and we promise to come back to Boise and Jacksonville just as soon as we can. I'm sorry for any inconveniences that may occur from this.
Thank you for all your support and understanding,
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged cancellation, concert, Future Hearts Tour, injury, music, music news, show, Tonight Alive, tour. Bookmark the permalink.
Taking Back Sunday Show Ft. Lauderdale What 'Happiness Is…'
April 5, 2015 — Leave a comment
If you were to tell the "emo kids" of the 2000s that one of the bands that helped shape that scene would still be selling out concert venues more than ten years later, their response would probably be a scoff and a "well duh."
But as history has shown, many bands who hit it big back then have either changed their line-up considerably or all together broken up. But Taking Back Sunday has shown that they could withstand the test of time by selling out the same venue not once, but twice, in two years.
Like entering any darkly lit night club on a Saturday night, as soon as you entered Revolution Live, you were instantly greeted by hoards of people who showed up early just to proclaim a spot of their own. Through the cigarette smoke and people clinging onto cans of beer, finding a spot became one of the most difficult parts of the evening, though not impossible.
In the background, the first band of the night, letlive. was on the stage entertaining fans with their screaming which even included two covers of some iconic hardcore bands. The first was a cover of "The Deadly Rhythm" from the newly reunited Refused. The second was Black Flag's "Fix Me." But as the song began, commotion from the second floor of the venue got louder and louder with security shoving people out of the way to make room. It was only a short time later that someone pointed out that a member of Black Flag was there.
After one more song, letlive. ended not only their set for the evening, but their time on the Happiness Is…Tour.
As the band and their crew moved quickly to take down and set up the stage, it was a little over half an hour until the second act of the evening took the stage; The Menzingers.
The Menzingers quickly went into their first song of the night, "I Don't Want to Be an Asshole." As they played, the band's sound began to reminiscing of being a teenager. Their songs sounded like music those "weirdos" who went to high school in the 2000s used to listen to and could probably fit in with the other songs on our old school MP3 players.
As they were getting ready to begin another song, the screen behind them lit up with Taking Back Sunday frontman Adam Lazzara on the a screen. Attention was soon placed on Lazzara, but calmed down once the audience realized that it was just a gif (a very short clip being played on a loop). Though some were bummed that Lazzara was not currently waving at everyone live, the excitement for The Menzingers did not waver especially when they played a cover of Rancid's "Roots Radical."
Once their set wrapped, the stage went dark to let the road crew do their job and get ready for the headliners. As the commotion of setting up the stage went on for half an hour, the music in the background kept audience members awake and pumped, especially when "Forget About Dre" began to play the background.
On several instances, the lights turned on, giving false hopes to the packed venue. But the final time was different.
It was time.
Smoke began to fill the dark stage as band members began to make their way to their assigned spots. The final person to enter the stage was Lazzara. Once the lights went up, the singer was no longer on the stage, but rather on one of the side bars above the pit. Dressed in black, he began to sing the lyrics to the "Flicker, Fade" the first single off of Happiness Is…with blue lights flickering behind him.
"Flicker, Fade" quickly transitioned into "What's it Feels Like to Be a Ghost?" from 2006's Louder Now with little cartoon ghost images flashing behind the band on the screen.
As the song wrapped, Lazzara began to speak to the audience. He proceeded to tell a story of an awkward interaction guitarist John Nolan had with a girl who was dressed in short shorts. Due to the closeness of Lazzara's mouth and the microphone, it was hard to hear what exactly happened, but somehow he managed to find the girl in the pit and point her out.
Kind of a cool story to tell your friends in the future.
As the night progressed, fans of the band got a set list that contained songs from several of their albums, though tracks from 2008's New Again seemed to be left off the 21-song list.
"Timberwolves at New Jersey," "Ghost Man on Third," "You Know How I Do," and "You're So Last Summer" made appearances on behalf of Tell All Your Friends which turned ten just last year.
One of the funniest parts of the evening happened towards the end of "You're So Last Summer" when a video montage of members of the tour lit up the screen behind the band. In it, the members were all dancing around, even kicking their legs up as if they were some Moulin Rouge rejects dancing the can-can.
"We're going to let this play for a little longer," joked Lazzara as he turned to stare at the screen.
Where You Want to Be is probably one of their biggest albums (alongside TAYF), so it was only fitting to have several tracks from the album performed live. Tracks included "Bonus Mosh Pt. II," "One-Eighty by Summer" which according to Lazzara was a request by opening act letlive., and of course "A Decade Under the Influence." During the song, Nolan could be seen, from his little corner on stage left, making random and kooky faces as Lazzara's voice changed throughout the song.
Louder Now was a hit album among fans and it was nice to hear songs likes "Liar (It Takes One to Know One)," "Spin," and "Error: Operator" get played live rather than hear it directly from a CD. Deep down inside though, there was some hope that the band would play "Miami" since Ft. Lauderdale is as close to Miami as any band ever gets.
The rest of the set list was made up of songs from Happiness Is…which included "Stood a Chance," "How I Met Your Mother," and a song that made Lazzara somber up a little bit as the band performed it, "Better Homes and Gardens." For those listening to the lyrics of the song and happen to know a little bit of band member history, it would only take a few second to realize that the inspiration for the song was Lazzara's engagement falling apart back in 2007.
Though the energy in the room was somber as it was performed, it picked up right after the song was over, proving that "emo" songs don't always dampen the mood.
Before long, the last song on the "official" set list ended and the lights went down. For once, no one moved knowing that in a few seconds the band would be back out to perform their encore.
The band emerged on to the stage with Lazzara holding an acoustic guitar in his hands, to begin the first encore song, a track titled "Call Me in the Morning" off of 2011's self-titled.
Thankfully, they did not end the show with that song and picked up the pace when they began the first notes of "Cute without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)."
If it wasn't for the insulated wall Revolution Live has, there was a chance the people at the Broward Theater of the Performing Arts down the street would be able to hear the hundreds of voices screaming together "and will you tell all your friends you've got your gun to my head."
But fans didn't need to start chanting "one more song" once it wrapped because quickly, they went into another one of their big hits, "MakeDamnSure." If anyone thought the crowd couldn't get anymore insane, they would be wrong. It was as if the entire venue went from a ten on the energy scale to an 11 throughout the song.
As the last notes of "MakeDamnSure" were held by the instruments and Lazzara's (and the audience's) vocals, it was the end of the road on memory lane. Those 20 and 30-somethings who wanted to relive their youth got to do so with the band that probably got them through some of the toughest days of being a teenager and maybe gave them a new-found love of music.
It was a trip that for just a moment you could feel like the worst things you could do was dye your hair hot pink without your parents knowing, wear too much eyeliner, and writing all over your Converse.
A simpler time. And man, how they are missed.
This entry was posted in Concert Reviews and tagged concert, concert review, Ft. Lauderdale, Happiness Is...Tour, letlive., photography, Revolution Live, show, Taking Back Sunday, The Menzingers. Bookmark the permalink.
Watch Panic! At the Disco Play at a Rodeo
While most of the music world is making a beeline to Austin for South by Southwest with many performers trying to get as many high-profiled gigs at the actual event, it's nice to see that one of our favorite bands decided to do the complete opposite of that.
Leave it to Panic! at the Disco to decide to give fans a surprise by showing up in the middle of a rodeo to give an "impromptu" concert which featured some of their discography as well as a cover of Journey's "Any Way You Want It" and AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long."
We swear, we aren't making this up.
According to sources who were lucky enough to be at the show, the band came in on, what else, a tractor and gave them all a once-in-a-lifetime show. We say once-in-a-lifetime because we're sure this is never going to happen again.
Check out some fanshot video, which might not be the best videos in the world, but they get the job done.
Surprisingly, Panic! at the Disco have been quiet for sometime now. The last we heard from the band was actually from frontman Brendon Urie when the "Drunken History of Fall Out Boy" was posted by the band a few months ago.
On the upside, they do have a handful of concerts coming up this year mostly including festivals like Tulsa's Center of the Universe Festival and Reading and Leeds in the United Kingdom.
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged Austin, concert, music, music news, Panic! at the Disco, rodeo, show, South by Southwest, video. Bookmark the permalink.
Watch Blink-182 Perform Live with Matt Skiba
With all the drama surrounding Blink-182 over the past month, it's kind of surprise that the group have decided to forge on by replacing founding member Tom DeLonge with a new singer; but what are you going to do when there are contractually obligated shows you need to perform at?
Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and now-singer Matt Skiba, made their debut as the newly revised Blink-182 at The Roxy last night (March 18). The gig was part warm-up, part introductory before the band hit the stage at Barker's Musink Tattoo Convention and Music Festival in Orange County on Sunday (March 22).
The band's setlist featured over 20 songs including songs like "Feeling This," "What's My Age Again?," "The Rock Show," "Carousel," and "Dammit."
Thanks to those in the audience, footage from the show was shot and can be viewed below.
Now, the question becomes, how do we feel about Skiba taking over for DeLonge?
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged Blink 182, concert, Mark Hoppus, Matt skiba, music, music news, performance, show, The Roxy, Tom DeLonge, Travis Barker. Bookmark the permalink.
From Autumn to Ashes Announce First Post-Hiatus Show
Good news From Autumn to Ashes fans; the band have announced their first official show since revealing they were coming out of hiatus.
The band, who went on hiatus in 2008, revealed that their first "welcome back" show will take place on May 15 at Revolution Music Hall in Amityville; a kind of pre-Skate and Surf Festival show which will begin the following day.
For those wanting to go to the show, tickets will go on sale this upcoming Friday (March 20), but as a warning, music fans who attend shows at that venue have pointed out that it has a very small maximum capacity (some say a 250 max limit) which means tickets will sell out quickly.
But if you don't mind waiting a couple of extra days to have a lot of space and be jamming out with other From Autumn to Ashes fans, the Long Island group will be reuniting on stage during this year's Skate and Surf Festival alongside Acceptance, Thrice, and Poison the Well.
If you're a Canadian FATA fan and feel a little bummed about both shows being in the United States, don't be because they will be heading to Montebello for their annual Amnesia Rockfest in June.
This entry was posted in Music News and tagged Amityville, Amnesia Rockfest, concert, From Autumn to Ashes, hiatus, music, music news, reunion, show, Skate and Surf Fest, solo show. Bookmark the permalink.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Please take a moment to read the JWD Trees policies below. If you have any questions about these policies, call us at (239) 543-4751.
All sales are C.O.D. unless a credit application has been approved and a personal guarantee has been completed. In the event of a late payment or default of an invoice, the buyer agrees to pay service charges of 1.5% per month (18% annually) and reasonable attorney fees and court costs necessary per collection of the obligation. Venue will be Collier County Florida. All out of state orders are to be paid in full with a cashiers check prior to delivery. We accept Visa, MasterCard and AmEx with a 3.15% administration fee.. JWD Trees reserves the right to NTO all jobs and lien if payment is not paid in full within terms.
JWD Trees guarantees the material to the variety sold and goes to great length to make sure all trees are healthy and in good condition before loading, therefore, we provide no warranty once the material is accepted on site. If there is a problem at time of delivery, a note must be made on the shipping ticket and a call placed to the JWD Trees office immediately. All orders cancelled after material has been dug or prepared is subject to a 25% re-stocking fee.
A $60 fee will be charged on all returned checks. If the check is not made good within 15 days you will be liable for face value plus 3 times the initial amount.
JWD Trees uses independent trucking companies. As a service to our customers we shop for the best freight rate and co-ordinate delivery to your job site.


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Microgaming Inks Switch Studios Deal for Table Games
For around a decade, the gold standard for table games in the online casino world has been Microgaming's "Gold Series" line. While these titles were on the cutting edge when they were developed, and while they still hold up well now, they are several years old to say the least.
This is one of the reasons why they have signed an exclusive agreement with Switch Studios for the purposes of providing high-quality table games with the goal of shaking up the entire industry.
The First New Game in Line
The first title coming as a part of this deal is Roulette, but it's not just your standard roulette game. Instead, it's a 3-D title based around life-like physics to give the game a great look and feel. It's actually based on a game engine that hasn't been used for anything else so far, and it's also optimized for mobile play on smartphones and tablets.
What to Expect in the Future
In the future, we can expect more titles of this level of quality and detail with lots of options to customize the player's experience. For the Roulette game, for example, players can adjust their displays from racetrack to traditional table layouts. There's a lot of room for improvements to graphics and interfaces in the traditional table games, and we expect that the additions that are being made to the Quickfire lineup will be the new gold standard for years to come.
This announcement is the perfect way to start winding down 2018 for Microgaming. They've had a lot of great things that have come out of the past 11 months, but this one shows that they are serious about all sectors of the casino industry and not just with building up their collection of slots. This approach of making exclusive deals with content providers like this is looking like it'll work out extremely well over the long run for building up the Quickfire portfolio and keeping things fresh, and this deal with Switch Studios is just another part of that.
Press Release, Microgaming Signals a New Era of Prestige Table Games With Switch Studios microgaming.co.uk, November 15, 2018
By Jesse Eddleman
New Casiplay Casino Sees Launch
With 2018 winding down, a new site has launched in the form of Casiplay Casino. Despite being a newer place to play, it has a lot for players to look forward to, and there's every indication that it's a casino that players can get peace of mind from. Take a look at what they have available because you might decide that they should be your new home. Software and Games
New HyperCasino Launch Coming Soon
Whenever a new online casino launches, reactions from players can range from extreme indifference to extreme excitement. The newest casino to see a launch is HyperCasino, and it's looking like it'll have plenty for players to look forward to, so things will probably be more on the excitement side for most. With a great game selection, hot bonuses and other great deals, we're thinking it's leaning more towards something that players will be excited about. Software and Platforms
Fortune Factory Studios Introduced as Microgaming Provider
Microgaming has been on quite a roll in 2018 when it comes to signing exclusive content deals with a variety of providers. They have signed a new one in Fortune Factory Studios, and their newest slot is Romanov Riches, which has seen its release today on October 24, 2018. This is an exciting time for players, and it indicates good things to come for both of these companies as well. About This New Deal


Alluring, mysterious and brimming with lush atmospherics, Tigre — co-winner of our 2017 Knight Encuentros post-production award—transports us to the swampy labyrinth of Argentina's Parana Delta, where friends Rina and Elena connect, rendezvous with their children and strategize ways to keep developers from invading their remote island refuge.
A work of poetic concision, with its emphases placed firmly on complex relationships and an evocative sense of place, Tigre is an all-too-rare examination of the desires and insecurities of women "of a certain age" navigating their roles as mothers, lovers and landowners. With its sultry setting inevitably recalling Lucrecia Martel's La cienaga, Silvina Schnicer and Ulises Porra Guardiola's feature debut can be regarded as a contribution to Argentina's growing body of regional cinema, but by the end of Tigre we're left with no doubt that we have experienced something truly fresh and strikingly original.
Silvina Schnicer was born in Buenos Aires and studied social communication at the University of Buenos Aires. Tigre (17), co-directed with Ulises Porra Guardiola, marks her feature debut.
Ulises Porra Guardiola was born in Barcelona and studied philosophy at the University of Barcelona. Tigre (17), co-directed with Silvina Schnicer, marks his feature debut.


Description: The small palm tree suggests that the procession is passing the lawns in front of Elder Hall. It is believed that second from right with mortae is Ralph Tate, Professor of Natural Science 1875-1901. Similar photographs were taken by W.S. Smith in 1900 at the opening of the Elder Hall, at the laying of the foundation stone for the Elder Anatomy Building in 1902 and 1903 at the unveiling of the statue of Sir Thomas Elder.


Mansycom provides comprehensive engineering design work in the field of Architectural, Structural and MEPF services on BIM platform, catering to all the stakeholders from the Owner to EPC Contractor to Detailed Design Consultant.
We can work with our clients through the design process that can commence from schematic stage to design detailing and construction documentation and finally the 'As-Built' stage, all coordinated on 3D BIM platform.
We work on an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage building and infrastructure projects.
Our BIM process eliminates repetitive 2D drawing preparation & up-dating for architectural, structural & MEP designs at different stages and ensures full engineering coordination much better than conventional practice. Construction documentation (GFC drawings) can be prepared using BIM model and 2D software packages at final stage for use by engineers for construction of the project.
BIM has created a solid connection between design and construction that had never been felt before.


The manual laying of roof cladding is past tense. SAB roof cladding can now be mechanically laid using a VIAVAC vacuum lifting device without physical exertion. Thanks to this innovative, OSH-friendly and efficient solution, roof cladding can be laid at height in a safe and responsible way. SAB-profiel was the first manufacturer to constructively deliver packets of roof cladding to building sites.
Together with VIAVAC, SAB-profiel has developed a solution to mechanically lift and lay roof cladding. SAB-profiel is the first manufacturer of roof cladding to deliver the packets top side up at the building site, so that the roof cladding can be easily lifted and laid with a VIAVAC vacuum lifting device. This solution has been thoroughly tested in practice and functions to the satisfaction of the assembly companies involved. Click on the link to see a video clip (only in Dutch) showing this application in practice: introductory video clip of new assembly method for SAB-profiel roof cladding.
If you would like to know more about the VIAVAC vacuum lifting device (rental or purchase), go to the website www.viavac.com.


text:
Early leans & analysis Wk 17
Early leans & analysis
Posted Saturday, December 30 at 1:00 PM EST. Odds are subject to change.
Pinnacle BET365 SportsInteraction 888Sport
NFL Week 17
What you see below is our early leans. Many of the selections below will stay the same and some will be moved into official plays with wagers on Sunday. However, there is also the possibility that we see, read or get a sense that something is not right with one of our selections and change our pick. There are several different criteria we use to grade a game and make it an official play and a lot of things can happen or change between Friday and Sunday. We're intent on providing our We'll have all write-ups (except Monday Night Football) posted on Friday but our actual wagers won't be posted until Sunday morning between 10 AM and 12:00 PM EST
Carolina @ Tampa Bay -3
1:00 PM EST. We vowed weeks ago to never bet another dollar on Tom Brady and we're not going to come off that stance this week. The Buccaneers can lock up the saddest of division championships with a win here, while the Panthers need a victory to keep their slim shot at that same NFC South crown alive for another week.
We often preach that no one, no ONE can predict games by dissecting the X's and O's, and this game is no different. The winners and losers each week are those breaks, bounces, penalties and turnovers in their favor. While we cannot predict which team that will be, there have been strong indications over time that any team quarterbacked by Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. is going to be the team that is going to get those calls, especially the flags, when they matter the most.
We're not trying to say that the outcome of this game is predetermined, but we are saying that Uncle Roger and the networks would much rather have Brady hosting a playoff game on Wild Card weekend rather than a team led by Sam Darnold or Andy Dalton. As for where the value lies, unfortunately, it appears that is with the Bucs. When these two teams played back in Week 7, Tampa was a double digit favorite in Charlotte. Now, 10 weeks later, the Bucs are just a 3-point favorite at home in Tampa. Look, we don't want to wager on Brady, but if a wager is to be made here, holding our noses and taking the Bucs is the only play. Recommendation: Tampa Bay -3
Philadelphia @ New Orleans +6½
1:00 PM EST. The Eagles lost very little in their unlucky 40-34 defeat in Dallas on Christmas Eve, as Philadelphia can still clinch the NFC East, a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win here or even next week against the Giants. Perhaps more important for the Eagles is the status of Jalen Hurts, who is still nursing that shoulder injury. If Hurts' status at practice this week is any indication (he didn't participate), Gardiner Minshew is going to get the nod here, and likely next week, too, which would give Hurts three more weeks to recover for the Divisional round.
We doubt the market will be phased by the prospect of Minshew starting, as it didn't care that he started last week in Dallas. Rightfully, Minshew has a solid reputation as a QB that could start for half the teams in this league, New Orleans included.
The Saints faintly cling to life in the NFC South, but they do not control their own destiny, as a Tampa Bay win would seal up that division for the Bradys. The Saints have a shot, but it's not going to be easy, as they need to win their last two games, while also needing the Buccaneers to lose both of theirs to Carolina and Atlanta. If the Saints win here, and the Bucs lose, New Orleans would play the Panthers in a potential winner takes all next week. You can't start a fire without a spark, well this game is that spark for the Saints.
Rather than ramble on, we're going to get right into the heart of the matter, which is of course this opening line of 6½, which on the surface, is going to look like a very manageable number for the Eagles to cover. We do not know how much urgency there is on the Eagles side, as they'll still have another crack at clinching. We can only trust that oddsmakers knew what they were doing when they priced the Eagles like this. In a world, where the books need to protect themselves mostly from teaser tickets and money line parlays, would it have not been in their best interest to tack on a couple extra points here? We doubt if the Eagles were -8½ that too many bets would be swayed. The number dictates the play here, and that number tells us that the Saints are supposed to be a live pooch that has a great shot to win this game outright. Recommendation: New Orleans +6½
Chicago +6 @ Detroit
1:00 PM EST. Market perception here is of course that the Lions have everything to play for, while the Bears have nothing. At this time of year, that is a common perception in many of these games, but it is a perception that is totally warped and nothing more than another useless talking point for the scumbag pick sellers and pundits. Much like the "revenge" and or any of the other useless trends or angles you see spewed out each week, siding with a team that has "something to play for" is more of that same low hanging fruit. It's lazy and it's boring. If you hear that kind of chatter (and you will trust us) turn the station. If you read it, close your browser and chuck your phone in the toilet.
After you've saved your mobile from being flushed you can join us at a little junction we like to call, "Misery Loves Company." Taking down one of your fiercest rivals is as motivating as playing for a playoff spot. For the Bears this week, between the players and coaches, nothing would be as satisfying as taking down the Lions. Furthermore, the Bears can accomplish that without any pressure on them whatsoever.
While it wasn't a "must win" last week in Carolina, it was billed as such, and the Lions performed as you would expect a squad with the moniker, "The Team of the 50s" would, by blowing their best chance to punch a ticket to the postseason for the first time in six seasons. Yeah, we were a little surprised that it hasn't been that long either and that Jim Caldwell's dopey ass led the Lions to the playoffs twice (both Wild Card losses), but we digress. There is a reason the Lions are the Lions and that they have a reputation as perennial losers that can't win when it matters most. To that point, Detroit didn't even get off the bus in Charlotte and was steamrolled by the Panthers, 37-23, with that final score flattering the Lions greatly.
In hockey they call it "gripping your stick too tight," but that is the situation the Lions find themselves in now. The weight of the world is on their shoulders. Last week was Detroit's best chance to keep pace and make a run at the playoffs, but now the Lions need all the help in the world. In addition to a win over the Bears, which will not come easily, Detroit needs to beat the Packers next week. The Lions could also use some help by way of the Commanders and Seahawks dropping their remaining games, too. While it technically wasn't the death knell in the Lions season, that loss last week in Carolina might as well have been. Instead of holding all the cards, the Lions flipped the table and now have the rest of the players pointing their pistols at them. That's likely not going to end well. Recommendation: Chicago +6
Denver +12½ @ Kansas City
1:00 PM EST. The Broncos were the talk of the football world again this week, and again it was for all the wrong reasons, as they sent former first year head coach Nathaniel Hackett packing with two games left to go. Did Hackett deserve better? Maybe. He wasn't the one who traded a king's ransom to the Seahawks for the charred remains of Russell Wilson. Nor did he trade the heart of the franchise, Von Miller, last season.
Miller, who is still basically the mayor of the Mile High City, went on Pat McAfee's show this week and threw his two cents into the discussion of who should be the next head coach in Denver, "Everybody wants to talk about Sean Payton and all of these guys. I think for me, we're riding on the Russell Wilson ship, we're riding on the success of Russell Wilson. I want to get a coach that has some kind of experience with Russ and brought the best out of Russ."
It's not a huge surprise that Miller would side with his brethren on the field, but he makes a great point that whoever the Broncs hire next is saddled up with Wilson for better or worse. Those first rounders John Elway sent to John Schneider and the Seahawks are not coming back. Hell, Schneider is going to win Executive of the Year on the back of that now lopsided trade. The next coach is going to be in a huge hole, while Elway sits a mile high in his big fancy office. Free from criticism with a Super Bowl ring plugging each ear hole.
The top of the AFC is a three horse race that could still go anyway, as the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals are all vying for that first round bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Kansas City does not control its own destiny, as a Bills win either this week or next will lock that top spot up for Buffalo, as the Chiefs lose that tiebreaker by way of their Week 6 loss to the Bills. We mention the Bengals only because if there is a three way tie between those three teams, Cincinnati would get the one seed. The Bills and Bengals play on Monday night so much of this mess will be sorted when the dust on Week 17 settles.
The way it's most likely to play out, the Chiefs are going to be locked into the number two position, which will earn them a home playoff game on Wild Card weekend. Kansas City has already locked up the AFC West and cannot fall further than 3rd, which is more unlikely than their climbing up to 1st. With their spot all but locked in, how hard is coach Andy Reid going to want to push his guys, as they prepare for another Super Bowl run? As much as the Broncos are a total disaster, that is not the kind of question we want to be asking while holding a ticket spotting a significant price. Recommendation: Denver +12½
Miami +1 @ New England
1:00 PM EST. The playoff implications here are simple so we'll get right to them. If the Dolphins win this game, the Patriots are golfing in two weeks. However, Miami would still need help by way of a Jets loss to clinch its playoff spot in Week 17. If both the Dolphins and Jets win this week, it sets up a "winner take all" game next Sunday in South Beach. As for the "must win" end of this coin, which is the Patriots, we can't help but notice they do not pass the eye test. The G.O.A.T. coach has loaded up on scrubs and it's costing him dearly now without Tom Brady in his prime to pick up the slack. The Pats were down 22-0 last week before Bill Belichick could change into his good hoodie, you know, the one with the sleeves, but the Bengals for one reason or another let their foot off the gas and allowed the Pats to make the final score a respectable 22-18, which flatters New England greatly.
With that all out of the way, we must tackle the medical malpractice (allegedly) in the room, and that is the status of Miami pivot, Tua Tagovailoa, who was once again hammered by a hard hit and was allowed to finish a game despite clearly being concussed. We say "again" because the carelessness displayed by the Dolphins coaches and medical staff on Christmas day was not the first time they've done their franchise QB wrong this season. You may remember (you know Tua doesn't) that Tagovailoa was cracked in the Fish's Week 3 game v Buffalo. Tua was not only allowed to finish that game but he would also start on a short week in Cincinnati, where he got cracked again, this time in front of the football world.
Now you would think that awful scene of Tua convulsing unconsciously on the field on Thursday Night Football would have been enough for the Dolphins and certainly, the league to make sure that scene was not repeated, but here we are just less than four months later and we talking about Miami's season resting on the arm of one Teddy "Wobbly Balls" Bridgewater.
The heat the Dolphins are taking this week is warranted, but we're going to leave how they proceed next season and whether or not Tua will play again for Miami or anyone else to the talking heads. Instead, we are going to talk about our "injury chasers" strategy, which we've already seen in full force, as this line has moved from the Dolphins being favored on the road in New England to now being the underdog. That extreme overreaction is due to one thing—no Tua, but it's not like he was setting the world ablaze either.
Miami had lost four straight prior to last week's loss to the Packers, and they've covered just once in those four defeats. The Fish were not losing pretty either, as they got rolled by the 49ers (33-17), dropped a 23-17 decision to the Chargers as a 3-point favorite and then lost outright by a touchdown at home as the favorite to the Packers last week. The point being, are we sure the Fish are not better off under "Wobbly Balls?" Recommendation: Miami +2½
Minnesota +3 @ Green Bay
4:25 PM EST. This game features two teams that the market perceives are headed in opposite directions. First up we'll start with the surging Packers, who like other blue blood squads such as the Steelers can have their hype trains heated up very quickly. Green Bay was left for dead around Thanksgiving, but since then have won three straight games to find themselves back in the playoff race. How "in it" the Packers are will depend on the talking head you are forced to listen to babble on about their chances.
Last week, the Packers got every break outside of their control, as the Commanders, Giants, Lions and Seahawks all lost, which worked in Green Bay's favor. In their own game, a win over Miami on Christmas morning, the Packers benefited greatly from another undiagnosed Tua Tagovailoa concussion, as he got his bell rung, but still finished that game despite the quality of his play dropping off significantly after he was hit.
Entering Week 17, the Pack are on the outside looking in, and they still need to win out and have the Commanders lose one of their remaining games to get in, or the Packers need that same scenario and the Giants to lose both of their games. If you're more of a numbers guy who wants the odds, the Packers playoff hopes are 31.6%, while the Commanders are 29.7% and the Seahawks are 25%.
Meanwhile the Vikings have been fighting off the reputation they've developed in the market as frauds. How else can anyone justify a 12-3 team being offered up these points against one that is just 7-8? This is the ultimate "buy low, sell high" situations, and one of the best opportunities on that front we've seen this season. We cannot predict the outcome of this game, but there is only one way to play this one as purveyors of value, and that is to side with the Vikes, who have not cashed a ticket in three weeks.
To close, how can the Vikings, champions of the NFC North, not feel disrespected by this line? This is fine locker room fodder in a game that needs little. Minnesota can stamp out the Packers playoff hopes at Lambeau Field. Other than a run to the Super Bowl, what else could a Purple People Eater want in this life? Recommendation: Minnesota +3
L.A. Rams +6 @ L.A. Chargers
4:25 PM EST. The Chargers punched their ticket to the playoffs last week with that Monday night win over the Titans. They currently sit in the sixth position in the AFC, but there is a chance they could fall to seventh, or move as high as fifth. However, we have to wonder how much the Chargers care about that, as they celebrated this playoff berth last week like they had already won the Super Bowl. We get that nine years is a long time, but let's not act as if just "getting in" is going to matter if the Chargers get whacked by the Chiefs, Bengals, or Bills on Wild Card Weekend.
When we see an emotional dump like the one the Chargers took at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night Football, it always resonates. In an emotional game like this, it can be very difficult to get back to the level you need to be at once you cross the finish line on that season's goal. Just look at the Vikings last week v the Giants after they clinched the NFC North in the biggest comeback of all time. Sure, Minnesota won that game, but they did not look interested until the last three minutes or so when the game was on the line. The Chiefs, winners of the AFC West, have also struggled to stay engaged since clinching that division and settling into the second seed in the conference.
With as many injuries as the Chargers have racked up and suffered through this season, we have to wonder when or if head coach Brandon Staley is going to shut it down. His team needs to win these last two games like they need a hole in the head. Fifth seed, six seed, seventh seed, who gives a shit? If we were the owners of the Chargers we'd be telling Staley to sit everyone, we're going to get healthy for our Wild Card game at all costs.
It's for that reason and the others we've discussed that the Chargers are going to be a tough team to trust when spotting points. We understand that Baker Mayfield and the Rams lit it up on Christmas, but that was against the lowly Broncos, and it was a meaningless game that was easy to skip if someone actually wanted to spend some time with their family between the Miami/Green Bay and Tampa Bay/Arizona games, which had playoff implications. Regardless, 100 million people could have watched the Rams beat the Broncos and we doubt it would have had much of an influence this week. The perception is the Rams are done for the year and the Chargers have work left to do, but that is just not the case. The inflated points present great value here. Recommendation: L.A. Rams +6
Leans & analysis (Risking 0 units - To Win: 0.00)


text:
De Wereldkampioenschappen kunstschaatsen is een evenement dat georganiseerd wordt door de Internationale Schaatsunie.

Het zesde wereldkampioenschap kunstschaatsen werd op 10 en 11 februari 1901 in Stockholm, Zweden georganiseerd. Stockholm was hiermee de tweede stad die voor de tweede maal als gaststad optrad, Zweden het tweede land dat voor de tweede maal als gastland optrad.

Deelname
Net als in 1900 zouden ook dit jaar maar twee mannen uit twee landen uitkomen op dit kampioenschap.

 De Duitser Gilbert Fuchs nam voor de derde keer deel. Hij was de eerste wereldkampioen in 1896 en in 1898 was hij derde geworden.
 De Zweed Ulrich Salchow nam voor de vierde keer deel, in 1897, 1899 en 1900 was hij als tweede geëindigd.

Medaille verdeling

Uitslagen
Van de zes juryleden (vier Zweden, een Oostenrijker en een Brit) plaatsen drie Salchow op plaats één en drie Fuchs op plaats één.
 pc = plaatsingcijfer

 1901
Kunstrijden in 1901
Kunstrijden in Zweden
Sportevenement in Stockholm
Kunstschaatsen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Brass body silencer with sintered stainless seel breather bent is used in applications that require equipment to have noise reduce and protect debris from entering the valve ports. The thread of brass body silencer with sintered stainless steel breather bent is made of brass and the noise absorbing material is sintered stainless steel. External tightening with a flat wrench or socket wrench. Thread ranges from M5, 10-32UNF to 2".


1 day and tickets from 11 €: a train journey from Settimo Torinese a Enna is cheap and comfortable. You can count on 52 daily rides to get from Settimo Torinese to Enna: trains leave every 15 minutes on average. Trains leave from Settimo and arrive at Milano Centrale and Enna. The railway company you will travel with is Trenitalia.
A train ticket from Settimo Torinese to Enna costs 26 € on average, but it's possible to find low cost tickets from 11 €, too. On Wanderio you can find the best Trenitalia deals for your train journey from Settimo Torinese to Enna. The best way to save money on your train trip is booking your tickets a few weeks in advance, so that you can benefit from all the Trenitalia promotions for the route Settimo Torinese - Enna. Trenitalia tickets start from 11 €.
Train journeys from Settimo Torinese to Enna take about 3 hours on average. If you travel with Trenitalia from Settimo Torinese to Enna there are 52 daily connections that will take you to your destination in about 3 hours. On Wanderio you can easily find all train schedules from Settimo Torinese to Enna. The first train from Settimo Torinese to Enna leaves at 05:26, whereas the last departure on working days is at 22:51.
On Wanderio you can easily buy train tickets from Settimo Torinese to Enna. With just one search you will find all train schedules for the day you selected, making it easy to book the option that suits you better. For on-the-go bookings (and to have tickets Settimo Torinese to Enna always at hand) download the free Wanderio App for iOS and Android.
Traveling by train is often easier than traveling by bus or flight, especially with high-speed trains, and it's rather cheap, too! Anyways, in order to benefit from Trenitalia promotions we suggest to book your tickets far in advance. Not sure what's the best way to get from Enna to Settimo Torinese? On Wanderio you can find alternative ways as well - compare high-speed trains flights and choose the best option with just one click.


text:
LIVE BLOG: Peterhouse dominates University Challenge Final
Arched eyebrows, thinking faces, and Paxman putdowns. You guessed it, it's The Tab's coverage of the University Challenge Final 2016.
7 years ago | UPDATED 7 years ago
Life, News
live blog Peterhouse the tab university challenge
Get excited, because the University Challenge final has arrived. Take a breather and relax, you anxious, high-cultured Cantab, for you can once again revel in pre-Raphaelite paintings and gradations in Beethoven's ninth symphony. The Tab will bring you all of the scores, penalties and excitement live from Peterhouse bar, where members of the college are waiting with bated breath to see if their team can take home the Trophy.
20:50 Hannah modestly celebrating
20:45 A chastened Trinitarian is less pleased with tonight's outcome. "University Challenge is peak dumb shaming. It should be banned" he says "Why can't we just celebrate how great all colleges are?"
"I felt thoroughly thick watching this episode."
20:41 Oscar Powell's fellow geologists all think he "rocks".
Pun intended.
20:40 Mood in Peterhouse is euphoric (as you'd expect). "They smashed it."
20:33 Julian's neighbour Becca is very relieved at his success. "Julian just moved in across the hall and now I'll have to learn lots of facts."
She's on the right.
20:31 "They know a lot of shit."
Proud Peterhouse students
20:29 Stay tuned for live reactions.
20:28 BREAKING: the final buzzer has sounded and we can now reveal that Peterhouse has won University Challenge 2016!
Final score 215 – 30.
20:26 The audience are beginning to give sympathy claps for the Oxford team every time they get a question right. Lol.
"You can do much better than that, St John's." says host Jeremy Paxman (full disclosure: he's a Cambridge alumnus).
20:24 Peterhouse ahead 215-25.
Drinking port and knowing shit for 732 years.
20:23 With 7 minutes to go, are the good luck charms from each of the teams starting to have meaning? Peterhouse has the crown, and St John's Oxford the humble farm yard animal…
20:22 Powell is cementing his position as the new Loveday. Have we found another Hapax Legomemnon? While Charlie Clegg from The Other Place is trying so hard, he's still just a poor man's Powell. #GDBO
20:19 SCORE UPDATE – Peterhouse still ahead 170 – 10
GDBO
20:17 News just in: The Tab prophesied BEFORE LOVEDAY.
20:16 Time for a music round. Let's now sit awkwardly while the Mozart plays and the middle-class starts nodding.
20:14 It's not too soon. We're saying Peterhouse can't lose this now. Remember, you heard it here first.
20:13 Peterhouse up 120 – minus 5. RAPID LEAD. Is it too soon to call this?
20:11 Ted's time as the reigning star is soon to be over…we've found a new king.
#Powell
20:09 UC Trivia, live from Twitter
20:08 Peterhouse is rapidly gaining speed, now up 45-0.
Today's final is potentially a very special one for Cambridge: if Peterhouse wins tonight the University will have secured three consecutive victories from one University, the first time such a feat has occurred in the history of the programme.
20:07 Powell is on fire and answering lots of starter questions. Potential Loveday?
20:06 They may be the oldest college in Cambridge, but couldn't tell us names of the kings in the time the college has been around…
20:04 Current score 25 – 0 to Peterhouse.
20:03 Even the cold, soulless Tab writers sitting in corner can feel the deep emotional connection between the audience and their team.
20:02 Powell's straight in there, but neither side is off f to a flying start. Both teams seem to be struggling with the opening questions.
20:01 A quick round up of the two teams' performances in the competition: Peterhouse sailed through the opening rounds of this year's series, comfortably beating Glasgow in the very first edition of the programme broadcast in July, then beating St George's (University of London) by over 100 points in the second round. St John's Oxford performed equally impressively in the opening rounds beating Bristol and Queen's University Belfast both by a large margin. The two teams then came head to head in the Quarter finals, where Peterhouse edged it by only 45 points. However, the Oxford team scored enough points to make its way into the semi-finals after defeating Newcastle. Tonight, the two teams meet again.
St John's Oxford performed equally impressively in the opening rounds beating Bristol and Queen's University Belfast both by a large margin. The two teams then came head to head in the Quarter finals, where Peterhouse edged it by only 45 points. However, the Oxford team scored enough points to make its way into the semi-finals after defeating Newcastle. Tonight, the two teams meet again.
20:00 AND WE'RE OFF
19:57 Bar is currently buzzing as apparently the theatre is completely packed with excited spectators. This isn't the first time fellows and undergrads have been joined together in a dark room in the confines of Peterhouse…
19:55 Rory has found Oscar and has braved his way through his entourage in Peterhouse Bar to take a selfie.
#1 Tab 2017 BNOC?
19:52 For all those who haven't been following the whole competition, check out our preview for a quick catchup.
19:46 Rory, Shani and Meggie here bringing you all of the action over the next hour. We'll be bringing you updates from excitable students and friends of Hannah, Julian, Thomas and Oscar.


text:
package jeo.common.math;

public abstract class ComparableNumber
	extends Number
	implements IComparable<ComparableNumber>
{
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
	// ATTRIBUTE(S)
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

	/**
	 * Generated serial version ID.
	 */
	private static final long serialVersionUID = -7608182412833955401L;

	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
	// CONSTRUCTOR(S)
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

	protected ComparableNumber()
	{
	}

	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
	// COMPARABLE NUMBER
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

	/**
	 * Compares this number with the specified comparable number for order.
	 * Returns a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this number is
	 * less than, equal to, or greater than the specified comparable number.
	 *

	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared with {@code this} for order
	 *

	 * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as {@code this}
	 *         is less than, equal to, or greater than
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public abstract int compareTo(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber);

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared with {@code this} for equality
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is equal to
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public boolean equals(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherComparableNumber) == 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is less than
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public boolean isLessThan(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherComparableNumber) < 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is less or equal to
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public boolean isLessOrEqualTo(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherComparableNumber) <= 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is greater than
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public boolean isGreaterThan(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherComparableNumber) > 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is greater or equal to
	 *         {@code anotherComparableNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public boolean isGreaterOrEqualTo(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherComparableNumber) >= 0;
	}

	/**
	 * Returns the smaller of {@code this} and {@code anotherComparableNumber}.
	 * If they have the same value, the result is {@code this}.
	 *

	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return the smaller of {@code this} and {@code anotherComparableNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public ComparableNumber getMin(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return isLessOrEqualTo(anotherComparableNumber) ? this : anotherComparableNumber;
	}

	/**
	 * Returns the larger of {@code this} and {@code anotherComparableNumber}.
	 * If they have the same value, the result is {@code this}.
	 *

	 * @param anotherComparableNumber another {@link ComparableNumber} to be
	 *                                compared
	 *

	 * @return the larger of {@code this} and {@code anotherComparableNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified comparable number is null
	 */
	public ComparableNumber getMax(final ComparableNumber anotherComparableNumber)
	{
		return isGreaterOrEqualTo(anotherComparableNumber) ? this : anotherComparableNumber;
	}

	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
	// NUMBER
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

	/**
	 * Compares this number with the specified number for order. Returns a
	 * negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this number is less
	 * than, equal to, or greater than the specified number.
	 *

	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared with
	 *                      {@code this} for order
	 *

	 * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as {@code this}
	 *         is less than, equal to, or greater than {@code anotherNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public int compareTo(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return Numbers.compareTo(this, anotherNumber);
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared with
	 *                      {@code this} for equality
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is equal to {@code anotherNumber},
	 *         {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public boolean equals(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherNumber) == 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is less than {@code anotherNumber},
	 *         {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public boolean isLessThan(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherNumber) < 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is less or equal to
	 *         {@code anotherNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public boolean isLessOrEqualTo(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherNumber) <= 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is greater than
	 *         {@code anotherNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public boolean isGreaterThan(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherNumber) > 0;
	}

	/**
	 *
	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return {@code true} if {@code this} is greater or equal to
	 *         {@code anotherNumber}, {@code false} otherwise
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public boolean isGreaterOrEqualTo(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return compareTo(anotherNumber) >= 0;
	}

	/**
	 * Returns the smaller of {@code this} and {@code anotherNumber}. If they
	 * have the same value, the result is {@code this}.
	 *

	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return the smaller of {@code this} and {@code anotherNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public Number getMin(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return isLessOrEqualTo(anotherNumber) ? this : anotherNumber;
	}

	/**
	 * Returns the larger of {@code this} and {@code anotherNumber}. If they
	 * have the same value, the result is {@code this}.
	 *

	 * @param anotherNumber another {@link Number} to be compared
	 *

	 * @return the larger of {@code this} and {@code anotherNumber}
	 *

	 * @throws NullPointerException if the specified number is null
	 */
	public Number getMax(final Number anotherNumber)
	{
		return isGreaterOrEqualTo(anotherNumber) ? this : anotherNumber;
	}

	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
	// OBJECT
	////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

	@Override
	public boolean equals(final Object object)
	{
		if ((object == null) || !(object instanceof ComparableNumber))
		{
			return false;
		}
		else
		{
			return compareTo((ComparableNumber) object) == 0;
		}
	}

	@Override
	public abstract int hashCode();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Expert Opinions on New Zealand Resilience Index
February 15, 2019 February 15, 2019 by Louise Home-Dewar
Expert opinions on the New Zealand Resilience Index
The Trajectories Toolbox of the Resilience to Nature's Challenges Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa National Science Challenge (RNC-NSC) has been working on the development of the New Zealand Resilience Index (NZRI), which measures place-based community resilience. The index uses a multi-capital model, including indicators of resilience in the built and natural environment, social, cultural, governance, and economic domains. However, some indicators of resilience may contribute more to the measurement of resilience outcomes than others. To understand this, we conducted an expert weighting exercise, eliciting the views of resilience and disaster risk reduction academics and practitioners working in New Zealand.
Indicators relating to the built environment were ranked as the most important, with building safety and functionality following a disruption weighted most highly (11.7%). This was closely followed by network infrastructure resilience (11.5%). Indicators related to social and human capital were also rated relatively high, with levels of community networks and sense of belonging and personal resilience capacities of individuals contributing 11.3% and 10.5% respectively. Indicators in the cultural and natural environment spaces were deemed as contributing less to resilience outcomes than built and social indicators. Experts weighted the item heritage and culture are valued and preserved as contributing the least (4.7%), followed by community access to shelters and welfare (5.3%), and availability of natural buffers (6.2%).
Table 1. Indicators and indicator weights following the expert weighting exercise.
Capital Indicator Part-worth utility
Built Buildings safety and functionality following a disruption* 11.7%
Built Network infrastructure resilience (roads, electricity, water and waste water) 11.5%
Social Levels of community networks and sense of belonging 11.3%
Social Personal resilience capacities of individuals (e.g., education, physical and mental wellbeing) 10.5%
Gov. Health system response capacity 8.9%
Econ. Household capacity to cope with economic disruption 8.9%
Gov. Quality of legislation and plans addressing hazards 8.0%
DRR Household emergency preparedness 6.7%
Econ. Economic diversity (businesses from several different sectors) 6.4%
Natural Availability of natural buffers (e.g., green space, undeveloped flood plains) 6.2%
DRR Community access to shelters and welfare centres* 5.3%
Culture Heritage and culture are valued and preserved 4.7%
* indicator not currently included in the NZRI due to a lack of nationally consistent data
Perhaps one of the more interesting weightings was the comparatively low level of importance given to community access to shelters and welfare centres. However, this could be explained by the higher rating of buildings safety and functionality following a disruption as arguably shelters are less likely to be needed if buildings are safe and functional following an event. It is a reactive rather than a preventative contributor to resilience capacities. The weights of all indicators included in the expert weighting exercise are outlined fully in Table 1.
Download full bulletin
If you have any questions or comments about this bulletin please contact Dr Joanne Stevenson, [email protected].
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text:
21st Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend to feature more than 1,500 runners
Anthony Gentile
agentile@tahoedailytribune.com
Runners gather at the start line before the 2015 Emerald Bay Half Marathon during last year's Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend. The event returns Oct. 7-9.
Courtesy / Bonnefin Studios |
21st Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend schedule
7 a.m. — Lakeside Marathon
9 a.m. — Nevada Half Marathon
5 p.m. — Historic Fun Run to Nevada Beach
7 a.m. — Cal-Neva Marathon
9 a.m. — Carnelian Bay Half Marathon
9 p.m. — Midnight Express 72 Mile Ultra
Sunday, Oct. 9
8 a.m. — Lake Tahoe Marathon
8 a.m. — 16.6 Miler
8:20 a.m. — Edgewood Tahoe 10K
8:30 a.m. — Super Hero 5K Pumpkin Run
9:30 a.m. — Optimist Kids Pumpkin Runs
10 a.m. — Emerald Bay Half Marathon
More online: Visit laketahoemarathon.com to learn more about Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend.
LAKE TAHOE — More than 1,500 runners will flock to the Tahoe region this weekend for the 21st Lake Tahoe Marathon. At an array of distances during the three-day event, most of them won't be aiming for a top time.
"This is not a personal record course, it's a PW course — personal worst," event director Les Wright said. "People come here to have a good time, they're not going to get a good time."
The weekend's title event begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, and runs from Homewood through South Lake Tahoe before ending at Lakeside Beach. The Lake Tahoe Marathon is one of 12 races during the weekend, in addition to a health and fitness expo Friday and Saturday on the South Shore.
"It's special because of the scenery," Wright said of the races. "We keep it friendly and low-key — we have a lot of fun with it. It's a great event."
The weekend kicks off Friday morning with the Lakeside Marathon, which takes runners from Lakeside Beach to Incline Village.
Friday also features the Nevada Half Marathon that starts at Spooner Summit, a historic fun run to Nevada Beach with Neal Chappell and the expo from 5-8 p.m.
On Saturday, the Cal-Neva Marathon from Sand Harbor to Homewood kicks things off at 7 a.m. The Carnelian Bay Half Marathon hits the ground at 9 a.m., and the Midnight Express 72 Mile Ultra starts in the dark 12 hours later — the expo runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The weekend comes to a close with six events Sunday, including the Edgewood Tahoe 10K and Super Hero 5K Pumpkin Run at 8:20 and 8:30 a.m.
The course for both races features stretches on the scenic South Shore golf course, and those running in costume for the 5k event get a one-minute head start.
The kids race begins at 10 a.m. near the marathon's finish line at Lakeside Beach, and is open to children between the ages of 1 and 10. The free event hosted by Optimist Club features distances that vary by age, from 30 yards to a half-mile.
"If folks in town have kids, bring them on down to run," Wright said.
Some participants will aim to tackle a marathon each day to earn the "triple marathon" distinction by the end of the weekend. Those that attempt a half-marathon each day are recognized with a "trifecta" medal.
"We have a lot of people come back every year, and they come from all over the country and around the world," Wright said, adding that this year's field includes runners from Australia, Brazil, South Africa and Taiwan. "We have the usual suspects coming back."
For the second straight year, Sunday's marathon will run through South Lake Tahoe before finishing at Lakeside Beach. Wright suggested Lakeview Commons as a good site to view the race.
"It's a nice little city course," Wright said. "Anybody out in town that wants to come and help, we'll find something for them."
With the Lake Tahoe Marathon happening this weekend, several races will take place on main highways across the Tahoe region. Below is a snapshot of expected delays and detours.
On Friday, there will be runners on the shoulder of the road between South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village. One westbound lane of U.S. Highway 50 at Cave Rock will be coned off for runners between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
On Saturday, there will be runners on the shoulder of the road or bike paths from Sand Harbor on highway 28 to just south of Homewood on Highway 89 for the Cal Neva Marathon, which runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Also Saturday, the Carnelian Bay Half Marathon runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to just south of Homewood. There will be a detour onto McKinney Road to create a safe finish area for the runners.
On Sunday, the Lake Tahoe Marathon, Emerald Bay Half Marathon and other races will run between Homewood and South Lake Tahoe between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. The McKinney Road detour just south of Homewood will again be in effect from 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Further, Inspiration Point at Emerald Bay will be closed to southbound traffic from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. for the start of the Emerald Bay Half Marathon, and northbound traffic on Highway 89 will be closed near Spring Creek between 7 and 11 a.m. Anyone planning on visiting Emerald Bay should wait until after 11 a.m. Sunday.


text:
Labor by roqchams Nov 20, 20177:32 pm November 20, 2017
Class Struggle With a Stack of Pancakes.
In 2012 a federal lawsuit was filed against the restaurant chain IHOP and franchisee, Anthraper Investments Inc. on behalf of four Arab, Muslim managers in Texas, all of whom were fired in 2010. This lawsuit alleged in part that their terminations were unlawful and discriminatory in nature, and came after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that their accusations had merit—not only had these men faced discriminatory harassment at work based on their race, and religion, there were witnesses, and corroborating evidence, determining that there was "reasonable cause to believe that…Arabs were discriminatorily harassed and discharged based on national origin."
One of the most revealing incidents came during an employee meeting, during which Larry Hawker, hired to replace one of the fired managers, told IHOP workers that, "Arab men treat women poorly and with disrespect. We're going to let these people go and have new faces coming in." Prior to this event, and before their respective terminations, the district manager would be emailed warnings in time for the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, asking that Arab and Muslim employees "lay low".
The CEO of this specific IHOP chain, John Anthraper, even referred to Muslims waiting to break their fasts during Ramadan as "dogs", and would complain that any work related incidents that occurred at one of his stores came about as a result of the district manager hiring "those fucking Arab friends" of his. And so, these four men sought damages for employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the Texas Labor Code.
One of these men—the man whose face would be plastered across countless publications and television screens as the story and subsequent backlash went viral—was my father.
Continue reading Class Struggle With a Stack of Pancakes.
Southern politics by Bryan Nov 13, 20178:00 am November 12, 2017
The Readjustment
(This is co-written by Douglas and Bryan.)
Roy Moore is terrible. He has been terrible for years, and the scope of terrible that he brings to American society just greatly expanded this week.
It is easy to run a campaign as "not Roy Moore"; all that takes is a measure of compassion, humility, empathy for those who are less fortunate, and not 'dating' fourteen year olds as a man in your thirties. Judging from his statewide television ads, Alabama's Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate — Doug Jones — seems content to meet that bare minimum standard.
There is lots of talk of "bipartisanship" and "working across the aisle", which must sound great to people who have been living in some crag-based domicile for the last decade or so. The ads also play on his background as the federal attorney that put the surviving co-conspirators of Dynamite Bob Chambliss in jail for the rest of their natural lives, and urge "unity". But unity with who? Republicans? The same conservatives who agitated racial animus to their political benefit until it blew up in their faces? The people in the Evangelical Church who are more than willing to blame the women who have come forward against Roy Moore? What iteration of that unity would benefit Alabama's most vulnerable?
There is a resolution to this horrible situation out there, and its seeds can be found in Virginia.
Continue reading The Readjustment
Labor by roqchams Nov 10, 20179:42 am
Pay Your Goddamn Writers
The last thing I thought to myself this morning after checking my email was, "oh great, another excuse from these fuckers."
In August, I was published by ELLE Magazine, and as of this moment in time I still haven't been paid by that august publication. Since the article went up, I've dedicated a small portion of each day to sending out emails trying to find out why ELLE Magazine, whose editor-in-chief has a net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, has yet to deposit $325 into my bank account.
These days, writing is a precarious endeavour. It is made so in my case by non-staff employment, better known as freelancing. This is reflective of the exploitative relationship between writers and the publications they work for. When you are a freelancer, getting paid for the work you do becomes a second job in and of itself; you're sending countless emails to dozens of people over weeks, months, and (in some cases even) years just to get paid for the labor you did. "This is how it is," they tell you. And so, you bite your tongue and hope that your bank account doesn't overdraft, and that your part time job doesn't cut your hours. The emails do no good, and soon it becomes clear that, despite your cordiality, your demands for updates are being ignored.
In talking with, two friends in the same boat as me, I found out they were waiting to be paid some $3,500 in back pay from an outlet that offered us $150 or less for 800+ words. We would all whisper in the background about how enraging and humiliating it was, that not only were we being paid so little but that we had to wait months for the scraps that we got. "If we go public we'll get blackballed," we say to each other, and it's true. There's an unspoken threat that hangs over this tiring process, one whispered to writers that they shouldn't make noise about being screwed on their pay, especially not the kind of noise that involves naming the publications that make them wait to get paid.
At least, if we ever want to get published again.
On top of it, people who aren't writers think that dragging them on social media with a name and shame will get a publication to immediately stop fucking people like us on their pay. This is ludicrous. If anything, you'd be seen as an inconvenience or nuisance, and it may result in you being offered less work. It's mind boggling that publications, as big as they come, expect writers to wait for whatever meager pay we manage to fight for while they reap the fruit of our labor.
What's more, these kinds of shitty pay practices only serve to cut off working class writers from media work. People whose families come from money, or have supportive partners with steady employment, then have the luxury to keep pitching to these exploitative publications while those of us who are trying to write for a living lose time for writing to doing other jobs or our bills go unpaid. This is, in part, how the media sorts out working class voices and oversamples those from privileged backgrounds.
Websites such as Who Pays Writers highlight not only the number of publications that offer abysmal wages, but just how pervasive late payments, and non-payments are in this industry. What's horrifying is that writers are not asking for anything even remotely unreasonable. We need to be paid in a reasonable amount of time for the work that these publications build their brands on. And it should go without saying that paying someone for work done months afterward is pretty damn far from reasonable. Despite this occurring as a matter of habit for a lot of publications, it is not acceptable and should be treated as a kind of theft. While things like accounting and responding to invoices are not easy services to provide, any publication that can't manage to do this isn't organized enough to deserve to profit from the labor of the writers it publishes.
The only way to address this epidemic of wage theft is through collective action, and the way has already been marked out. In September of this year, The Nation magazine and the National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981 signed an agreement about how freelance writers would be treated by The Nation. The agreement included minimum payments, kill fees, and a guarantee that freelancers would be paid within thirty days of an invoice being submitted. As those on staff at publications of the online media continue to organize under the auspices of WGA East and The News Guild, freelancers must take up the fight as well to fight for the basic dignity that the NWU's agreement with The Nation represents.
I should not have to send ELLE Magazine nearly 20 emails in order to get a straight answer out of them as to when I'm going to get $325 for an article that has made them more than that. It's safe to assume that these same editors wouldn't accept the type of exploitative relationship writers are so commonly forced into were it their paycheck we're talking about. The piece I wrote for ELLE came with a deadline, so why can't they meet my deadline for payment?
Pay your goddamn writers. And pay them on fucking time.
Continue reading Pay Your Goddamn Writers
Southern politics by Douglas Nov 8, 201710:28 am November 8, 2017
A More Progressive South? You can find it in Virginia.
What a night.
In my native Virginia, voters across the Commonwealth sent Republicans packing. Not only was there a second consecutive sweep at the top of the ballot — the first occurrence of this since the 1980s — but the state House of Delegates appears to have been fought to a 50-50 tie, though this might shift into Democratic control of the House as provisional ballots get counted and recounts occur. Even with the present composition, however, it would be the first time Republicans did not have control of Virginia's lower chamber since the 1999 elections.
It was a landslide unlike anything we have seen in recent memory in the Commonwealth, and, contextually, anywhere else for that matter. There have been other Southern legislatures that have flipped heavily — all to the GOP — but those elections were less of a realignment than a predictable sorting: legacy Democrats who had long voted Republican at the federal level simply made their ballots a straight ticket in a political atmosphere where every election is nationalized. What happened in Virginia was much different, as Democrats won in places — like Virginia Beach and Prince William County — that are not typically seen as swing districts or even remotely friendly to their candidates.
And all this occurred despite a gubernatorial candidate whose campaign seemingly did its level best to give the whole damn thing away.
Continue reading A More Progressive South? You can find it in Virginia.
Southern politics by Douglas Nov 6, 20176:09 pm
Virginia Deserves Better.
Virginia is in the final hours of a gubernatorial contest that none of its residents deserve. But it did not have to be this way.
Tomorrow's election had the markings of a bonanza for the Democratic Party. The Republican gubernatorial primary was a knock-em-down-and-drag-em-out affair, with a cheap Sons of Confederate Veterans knockoff — from Minnesota! — coming with 5,000 votes of the party's nomination.
The eventual nominee, former Republican National Committee chair Ed Gillespie, is probably the worst candidate to have running in a year where his party is about as popular as head lice, syphilis, and root canals. He is a Washington insider, a Virginia outsider (from New Jersey!), and is emblematic of the worst elements of the current rendition of his party.
The Democrats even have history on their side: With the exception of 2013, the opposition party has won every gubernatorial election in the Commonwealth since 1977. Boosting the opposition party's chances this year is a historically unpopular president who could not even garner the votes of his party's only living presidents in last year's presidential election. And people are not passively disapproving of Trump, either: they're getting active, building movements, and running for office, giving the Democrats the kind of energy that has not been seen since 2008. The national media has helped in a way, framing this as the first statewide electoral test of Donald Trump's presidency, and it is one that is happening in the administration's backyard.
And, yet, here we are: in the final hours of this election, the Republican candidate is now even-money to become the Commonwealth's 73rd governor.
Continue reading Virginia Deserves Better.