The photographer wouldn't let me see Amber before the "reveal" moment. I wasn't familiar with this custom in the least. I didn't get it. I just wanted to see my beautiful daughter in her dress and I didn't quite understand the photo op part of the deal.
I was instructed to stand in a certain place and stare out the window. Amber would come up to me, tap me on the shoulder, then I would turn around and have my chance to see her, with the multiple clicks of the camera making up the sound track.
I turned around and went from, this is silly--just let me see her already, to a mess of emotions in about a quarter second flat. I couldn't help myself. As soon as I laid eyes on my stunning young lady, I melted right then and there. I didn't hear the clicks of the camera. Time, sound and everyone and everything froze in that moment. My face started utilizing muscles I didn't realize I had as it instantaneously started quivering all over; a brief prelude to tears.
If I was distracted before, with all of the preparations and helping organize the events--this reveal suddenly brought me back to full attention. I could have looked into her eyes and exchanged tears and "I love yous" all night long.
Unofficial photo from attendee: Walking Amber down the aisle. Once again, my face started contorting in several ways as emotion took hold of the controls. The official wedding photos will be coming soon. Amber has given me permission to publish this for my blog. My beautiful daughter has a new last name: Eakins. It easily rolls off the tongue. Amber Eakins works well. She once had a boyfriend named Gander. I'm glad she waited for the right last name.
I couldn't resist sharing another photo of this little man. My grandson Noah had a blast at the reception. It was fun watching him have so much fun.
Today has been a day of rest. My body feels incredibly sore! If I hadn't had a remote today, I'm not sure I would have left my apartment. It was a short, two hour broadcast from a big baseball tournament.
I ate well today and despite not having an intentional workout on this designated day of rest, I still received a Fitbit calorie adjustment of 210. I'll be well with that!
9, 305 days ago, I stood in the delivery room watching the most fascinating thing I'd ever witnessed.
7,301 days ago, we held her hand as she walked nervously into her first classroom. I couldn't believe it was already that time.
5,475 days ago, we watched her play ball.
2,920 days ago, we consoled her when the boyfriend wasn't working out.
2,555 days ago, we witnessed a twinkle in her eye when she became sweet on this new kid from Thomas, Oklahoma.
2,280 days ago, we beamed with pride as she graduated high school.
2,190 days ago, we moved her into the dorm and then felt the strangest feeling as we waved goodbye and drove away.
730 days ago, we all gathered to watch her graduate college with honors.
285 days ago, we had the incredible pleasure of witnessing her overcome her fears when she accepted her first job as a special education teacher.
1 day ago, I practiced walking her down the aisle.
Today, I will hold her hand again, walk her down the aisle and stand by her side as she enters the next, most wonderful chapter of her life.
It doesn't seem possible to already be at this moment in time. Holding her in my arms for the first time, seems like just days ago.
Today's wedding was out of this world, wonderful! It's almost 3am after what was clearly the busiest day of my life, literally, of my entire life. I'll wait until tomorrow night to recap this monumental day.
I have a few pictures on my phone. The photographer took a bunch. I can't wait to see and share some of those.
I asked mom to dance with me. Thank you, mom! It was incredibly special!
Noah didn't quite have the patience for the ceremony--but the reception? He had a blast!
I danced with both my daughters, mom and some friends.
My focus was so heavily on everything but food, I ended up with only 246 net calories after exercise calories burned. I couldn't keep up. It's one day. I feel fine.
I'm looking forward to more pictures and more writing about today in tomorrow night's edition.
I took the day off from radio in order to devote the day to wedding preparations. Everyone involved was super busy. My alarm was set for 5am in order to hit my first task at 6:30am sharp. A friend and colleague was leaving for Oklahoma City at 7am and they agreed to pick up a few food items for the reception at Sam's Club. From that point on, it was off to the races.
The tablecloths, the punch fountain, the lights, the live redbud trees with heart shaped leaves (Amber is a big lover of trees), the tuxedos, confirming delivery time of chairs and setup instructions, meeting at the ceremony venue, meeting at the reception venue, the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, shopping for food, platters and miscellaneous items, too. And it all starts again early tomorrow. And you know what?
I loved every minute of it. Truly, in every way, a labor of love.
Thank goodness it's a group effort! Everyone, from Irene to Amber, the groomsmen, the bridesmaids-The groom's mom and dad-everyone had their assignments today. And all of them hit it out of the park!
I didn't need an intentional workout today. I ended up burning almost 600 calories from all the activity. I wouldn't have had time anyway!
Spray's Tuxedos always does amazing work. Their instructions upon pickup was for each of us to try on our tuxedo and if any adjustments were needed, they would be happy to make them in the morning. Perfect! This means I had a great reason to put it on tonight for a test run!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I can't wait to dance with my daughter and my mom!
Even with the stress involved in preparing for an event like this--especially when we're all taking on things normally hired out (saving money), I took extraordinary care within the boundaries of my fundamental elements. Holding my elements sacred with a non-negotiable policy, is a critical key to my continued successful recovery from relapse/regain.
A friend posed the question today, the same question I've received a few times in the last couple of weeks: Will you eat a piece of your daughter's wedding cake? The answer is very simple: No.
I can write this with certainty: Amber fully understands the dynamics and importance level I apply to my abstinence from refined sugar. And I'm sure she would much rather continue seeing her dad thrive than see me eat cake at her reception.
I'm hitting the pillow tonight with a confident feeling, knowing I did my best and I hit the marks in my plan.
This super busy day started just after midnight when storms rolled through. Luckily it wasn't severe and I was able to get in bed not long after two am. It wasn't a good start to a day I knew would be super busy. A colleague filled in on my show until I arrived, about 40 minutes after it started this morning.
#TBT The 505 Tattoo. I braved the tattoo needle (I'm a baby when it comes to needles) in order to get this reminder of my starting weight permanently marked on my arm. I might get one more, possibly "I'm Choosing Change." But that's a ways away.
I quickly adjusted and shook off the rocky start. The day kept going, stopping to prepare lunch and then an afternoon nap at work helped me make it through the evening. No wonder I forgot to tweet my coffee earlier tonight! I took the picture and didn't tweet it until putting together this blog post!
I ordered out for dinner. Fajita crispy tacos! It's one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. Number one, it's incredibly delicious. Number two, the calorie count is totally adjustable depending on my budget. Low count? Have three. High count? Have two. Plenty of calories? Add cheese or a little more sour cream--or how about some guac? Not too many calories left in the bank? Leave off the cheese, have two--cut back the meat from approximately 2oz in each to 1.5oz and go easy on the sour cream. Also-- I adjust the amount of chips and salsa depending on where I find my calorie budget.
The fajita crispy tacos are not on the menu at any of the seven different restaurants I've tried (It should be!). But each one accommodates my request, perfectly. Who makes the best tasting fajita crispy tacos? Mexico Joe's in my hometown of Stillwater. Actually, I assemble it at the table--I make them, after ordering the individual ingredients. The restaurant closest to my apartment is the best value by far, charging me a low $6.52 for the entire order. It would be a challenge to cook it at home for that price!
I had fun with my workout tonight. When I allow myself to focus on the music--and I shut off the day's clutter--that's when the 30 minutes on that machine seems to fly by really fast. And when I get into the music--I don't even realize how crazy it gets with the lip syncing and dancing. Yes, I said dancing.
Speaking of dancing--we're less than 48 hours away from the father/daughter dance at the wedding reception! I've never looked forward to a dance like I'm looking forward to this one. I'm going to cry--there's no way around it.
I'm off work tomorrow in preparation for the big day on Saturday. My full schedule Friday starts early. I hope your Thursday was incredible!
If yesterday was like a blooper single, today was a home run. Not a spectacular, over the Green Monster, record setting home run, but a home run, never the less.
Over the course of this experience, I've learned the importance of accepting and choosing to be okay when things don't go exactly as planned. As long as I'm honest with myself about the efforts made, there's a clear distinction between excuse and legitimate circumstance. If I'm dishonest with myself, that's when the lines get blurred between the two. Awareness and self-honesty--two of the most important elements along this road!
This trek isn't and should never be about perfection, in my opinion. It's about finding the groove and the elements that work best for you--and in that, finding consistency. If you're not consistent, you haven't failed. You're simply in search of your elements--your groove...and when you find it, you'll find consistency.
And even with consistency, we occasionally go down swinging, and that's okay because we get another at bat. Another chance to knock it out of the park. I made mention of this baseball analogy last night and Lisa, a member of the exclusive weight loss support group I co-facilitate with Life Coach Gerri, added something brilliant: "It's all about staying in the game and being present which inning you're in!" Oh wow. Yes, indeed. What inning is it? I feel like I'm in the bottom of the fourth and there's a whole lot of game ahead of me. Know what I mean?
We're getting into wedding preparation mode quickly. The next few days will be intense, I'm sure! I'm excited. I still can't believe my Amber is getting married this Saturday evening. It doesn't seem possible! I can't wait to walk her down the isle. She's picked a song that will likely render me a big mushy mess of tears!
I caught up on blog comment replies tonight. So if you've asked a question in any of the previous three blog posts, I've answered! And thank you!
My schedule this evening took a turn after my weekly weight loss support group conference call. I was activated for on-air weather coverage just as I was about to walk out the door for the YMCA. I didn't get back home until almost midnight. It's late. I must drop in a few minutes!
I was shopping yesterday morning for a shirt or two. I wasn't shopping in the big and tall section! In fact, one of the extra large shirts could be considered too big. Okay--not could be, it is too big.
I'm behind on emails and comment replies. I take great care and pride in these two things. Please know, if you take the time to message me--it's important, and you'll be hearing back from me soon!
I must say, today was a little off. I didn't hit my water goal, I didn't exercise and I went over my calorie budget by 13 calories (not a big deal in the slightest).
I didn't hit a home run today. But I'm still in the game. I get another at-bat tomorrow.
Previous tweet details: 2oz linguine, 226g sauce (2srv), squash was pan prepared with 27 cal olive oil spray (3 sec), salt & pepper. YUM.
I enjoyed a wonderful visit with mom today. We visited the cemetery, then made our way to our favorite restaurant for lunch.
We had a good visit, then I met up with a support group member who just happens to live thirty minutes from my hometown. We met at Starbucks for a long overdue get-together!
I returned to mom's place to visit a little more with her and my uncle Keith. When I left their place, I realized I needed something for dinner. I really didn't want to go in somewhere for another meal out, so I did what I normally do in a pinch like this, I bought almonds, a banana and some cheese. Dinner served!
It was a little late to start a 5K around Boomer Lake, but I did.. I'm glad I did. It put me back home later than I wanted and with much less time to write about the day, but tomorrow's another day!
Mom is doing really well. You sure can notice her weight loss. I'm so proud of her! One step and one day at a time, momma!
A short one tonight. The Tweets will take us the rest of the way.
This Memorial Day Weekend has kept me fairly busy. Today was relaxed for the most part, including an afternoon nap! I took good care with my food and exercise, too.
I'll be headed to Stillwater tomorrow for lunch with mom followed by a trip to Sunset Memorial Gardens, where my little brother Shane, grandma and grandpa and numerous other family members are laid to rest. I picked out some memorial flowers for each of them today. Shane gets blue and yellow, because that was our high school colors and Shane was a proud Stillwater High graduate. Grandma gets purple because anyone who ever knew her longer than a day, was fully aware it was her favorite color. And grandpa gets red, white and blue because he bravely defended those colors, in the Pacific during World War 2.
Someone posted the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day on Facebook. The post said Memorial Day is a day to remember those brave men and women who fought for our country and are no longer with us. And Veterans Day is a day to honor all veterans, even those we're lucky enough to still have in our lives.
Memorial Day in my family always meant remembering all of our passed loved ones. In that spirit, I wanted to share some pictures with you of several loved ones I'm remembering this weekend.
Roy T. Anderson-US Navy-World War 2. Grandpa was one of the kindest, most gentle people I've ever known. He was a hard worker his entire life. He was an honest man who kept things simple. All he needed to exude happiness and contentment, was his easy chair, a good western on the TV (preferably with John Wayne) and an apple.
My older brother Danny was a performer; a singer with a golden voice. In his younger days, he even had a big recording contract in Germany. Before I ever got a chance to meet him, he passed away unexpectedly at 42.
A more casual picture of Danny. We have the same ears.
My little brother Shane looked up to me in so many ways. Twenty-Four years old was way too young for him to go. I would give anything to have him back. Anything at all.
I didn't have a chance to get to know them very well. But I do know my grandma and grandpa on my dad's side were incredible people. When I showed up out of the blue, this long lost grandson they previously didn't know existed, was welcomed with open arms and loving hearts. I'll never forget that.
"Don't you lose another pound!" My grandma must have repeated that order a hundred times during the final stages of my initial weight loss. I love her so much. Her directive was so loving. It was her way of saying, you're just fine no matter what you weigh.
When I visited Alabama in November 2010, attending grandpa Haynes's birthday party was a highlight. Grandpa Haynes also served in World War 2.
Clarke Hodson was my big brother from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Our time together was short, but his influence impacted me in positive ways that still bless me to this day. It was an amazing honor when the family asked me to join them in the family section at his funeral. I wish I would have made more time and effort to see him. It always felt like we had more time ahead of us.
There's a longer list of loved ones not pictured. I'm remembering them all this weekend.
The YMCA is closed tomorrow! I'm planning a Memorial Day 5K, likely tomorrow evening some time. It'll be a good workout and a good time to reflect further on the significance of the day.
A friend and colleague gifted me several lamb chops today from an area farm. It was a very generous gift. It made deciding dinner really easy! I stopped by the store to grab some all-fruit sugar free peach spread. I used it as a topping on the grilled chops. Wow. It was incredible. See the dinner tweet below!
I'm hitting the pillow feeling really well tonight. My nightly checklist is solid, with all goals met today. Oooh...except I didn't take a picture wearing my new size 36 jeans! I'll do that tomorrow.
Sweet potato in previous: 160g, sugar free peach all-fruit: 1.5servings. Olive oil spray: 5 seconds= 45 calories worth. Didn't have room!
I really needed a pair of jeans. I only had one pair that fit properly. The same could be said thirteen months ago, but for opposite reasons. Back then, all of my jeans were too small. Now, all of them are too big. It's a very nice "problem" to have. I found a big sale and ended up with two new pair of size 36 waist jeans for less than the price I expected to pay for one pair.
Holding them up in the fitting room, my brain doesn't compute properly. It's very interesting. I hold them up and think, no way will these fit--there's just no way. Then they do. I also tried a size 34 and no--not ready for that size. But the 36's, yes-those work well.
I wanted a sport coat. But as I shopped, I had the thought--why am I not at a thrift store? I immediately decided to check out thrift shops first for sport coats. I'll do that soon.
I'm not a good clothes shopper. I don't enjoy it. I didn't enjoy it when I was at my heaviest and I still don't. It was fun fitting into those jeans and getting a great deal. But I didn't spend a lot of time in the shopping process. I'm an "in and out" shopper. I know what I want, I find it--try it on, if it fits, I'm checking out and leaving. If it doesn't fit, I'll pretend it's the wrong color.
I made today a rest day in the exercise department. It wasn't the plan, but I'm okay with the decision. I was up earlier than I wanted to be this morning and I've been overly tired pretty much all day. Let's just say, it didn't take much inner dialogue for me to accept the unintended rest day.
I was exchanging text support messages Friday with a support buddy who shared their plan to enjoy fried catfish this weekend. I love fried catfish. LOVE IT. So I declared I would have some, too! I stopped by the store and picked up some fresh catfish. It's cheap around here! I bought more than enough for two meals for just under five dollars. I used corn meal and some of the leftover gluten free flour in my pantry to coat each piece, then fried 'em in canola oil. Determining the calorie count is a challenge with something like this.
First of all, I did some research for calorie counts and portion sizes at popular restaurants offering catfish. That gave me a fairly good idea. Then I weighed the raw catfish. That's the easy part. The harder part is determining how much corn meal and flour is being used--and how much of the canola oil will be absorbed during cooking.
I determine how much prep ingredients remain after preparation and cooking and that gives me a fairly accurate guesstimate. Then I compare my determination with the calorie counts from the popular restaurants. Is it close? Yes. Is it perfect? NO. Is it okay to be close enough? By all means.
The fried catfish was worth the effort!
My evening has included doing weather coverage breaks for the radio station. We're under a flood warning tonight. I'm hitting the pillow thoroughly wore out and confident in the elements of my day.
I did a location broadcast today where two tables full of free food was one of the draws. Free hotdogs, cookies, chips and soda filled the tables and for twelve on-air breaks I offered the free lunch to anyone and everyone who made the effort to stop by. I declined the invitation to eat. Surprisingly, I only had to say no once. Usually it's several times and many different variations of "no, thank you."
My lunch was waiting two blocks away, back at the studio. I keep a supply of food at work and sometimes I share with my colleagues. I ran across an extra apple today, cut it up and announced its availability to those still within earshot of the employee kitchen. One of them took me up on it and then added, "I have something I want you to try, it would go perfectly with the apple."
Before I type another word, let me point out--this colleague is one of the sweetest, nicest and well meaning co-workers I've ever worked with in my career. I was about to find out that she hasn't really grasped what I'm all about and what I do here. And that's totally cool. I'm truly the only one who must fully grasp it as it applies to me and my recovery.
I immediately knew, without her saying another word--she was about to offer me something with sugar. She approached the conference/lunch table with what she described as the smoothest, best tasting imported chocolate, ever. She was holding a tiny square just for me.
Me: "Thank you, but I don't eat sugar."
Colleague: "It's okay, it's really small."
Me: "I don't eat sugar, not even a small dose. Haven't in over a year. Thank you, though."
Colleague: "You can have just a little bit, can't you?"
Me: "It would be like asking an alcoholic in successful recovery if they could have just a tiny bit of vodka--just a taste, because this is the best Russian vodka in the world."
Colleague: "Oh no, it's not the same!"
Me: (matter of fact tone) "Yes it is."
She left the small piece of chocolate next to the remaining pieces of the extra apple and added, "maybe someone else will want to try it."
I don't believe she was intentionally trying to push or disregard my boundaries, she just doesn't know. Her experiences have informed her in a different way. She was just honestly blown away and passionately excited about the taste of this amazing chocolate! She wanted to share it with everyone, especially someone offering her a slice of apple, which, as it turns out, apple is a perfect compliment to this imported treat. I bet she gave away a bunch of it yesterday!
A big reason I've been able to find focus and consistency over the last 13 months, is because I give my abstinence from sugar and the integrity of my food plan the same kind of reverence an alcoholic in recovery gives their sobriety. It's non-negotiable. And when I'm feeling tested or weak, I immediately reach out to a support buddy in order to talk or "text it out," and it's there where I find renewed strength, a better perspective and a fresh load of resolve.
This level of reverence is one of the things I found common in those who have long term maintenance and successful recovery.
It all comes down to importance level and where we decide to set that level.
The importance level we set for things isn't something we just say. It's easy to say, "my weight loss efforts will be of utmost importance from this point forward." It's ultimately set by our actions, not our words. If you find yourself making excuses and coming up with rationalizations that make bad choices seem alright, then maybe you need to check the importance level.
Check it often, because it can deplete without you realizing. How do you check it?
With complete honesty, that's your dipstick.
100% self-honesty is crucial to your success. I've written about this many times because it's something that I never did before with past failed attempts. Since day one nearly a year ago, this self-honesty policy has been firmly in place, and you know what kind of results I've had.
The self-honesty component is vital to the mental changes required on this road to permanent success. Make this one of the most important things you've ever done. Give it the highest important level. Get completely honest with yourself about the habits you know are holding you back---and then get ready for an almost magically transformation of mind and body. Forget "almost," it is magical.
Author note: You can read a little cocky self-assured attitude in the part about "...road to permanent success." I had a book of lessons and a beautiful humbling ahead of me....boy, did I ever.
I made it to the YMCA this evening for a nice elliptical workout. It was a long day and I was feeling fatigued, so I opted to skip the weight machines and head straight for the cardio of the elliptical ride. Instead of music, I listened to NPR's Fresh Air podcast. I rarely do this. Usually it's music for me. This time the topic was David Letterman's career, and since he's one of my broadcasting/comedy heroes, I made a rare exception. I enjoyed it!
I'm looking forward to a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. I hope yours is fantastic, too!
Animated! #FBF Far Back Friday, since I didn't post a #TBT picture. Screen grab from a corporate speaking event. The graphics person didn't get the title of the book correct. It wasn't a big deal, in fact, that title would have worked well, too. :) I almost backed out of doing this one because it was early in my regain period. All I wanted to do was hide far far away. I remember telling my therapist I couldn't do the engagement because I had gained back some weight. She quickly offered some perspective adjustments. It ended up being one of my best speaking experiences, despite the regain. I followed her advice, acknowledged the regain and made it a small part of my message.
I'm looking forward to more writing time over the weekend. Today has been a busy one. The highlight of my day was taking my grandson Noah for his tuxedo fitting. He's so adorable!
I made today a rest day from exercise. I came home after a really long day and took a fairly short nap. I delayed my dinner until late, I just wasn't ready to eat. I was too busy relaxing.
We're 8 days from my oldest daughter's wedding. 8 days!! It's all coming together nicely. It'll be a fantastic experience.
I'm ready to drop in bed. Goodnight!
May 20th, 2015 Thank You, Gwen!


text:
Bay Area News
Starting Saturday, general admission to Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco will be free for San Francisco residents on Saturdays, under a new program; however, separate tickets to the new special exhibition "Early Rubens," which opens Saturday at the Legion of Honor, are required. (Courtesy Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco)
Good Day April 4-6, 2019
SF Library Death and Dying series, Cultura y Resistencia, Paradox Observed, Sierra Boggess, Queen of the Mist, Early Rubens, Mads Lynnerup, Aiya Kyu, Mission Spring Open Studios, Ensemble for These Times, Lamplighters, ODC Pilot 71
Apr. 4, 2019 1:30 a.m.
S.F. Public Library Death and Dying series: In "How Different Faith Traditions View Death," local speakers from varied religious groups talk about spiritual guidance they can offer patients at the end of their lives. [5:30 p.m., Latino/Hispanic Community Room, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
I'm Not Running: The National Theatre Live presentation is a high-definition film of the production of English playwright David Hare's 2018 state-of-the-nation drama staged in London. [7 p.m., Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose]
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Cultura y Resistencia: A reception opens the exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of Los Siete de la Raza, a movement started after seven young Latinos from the Mission District accused of killing a police offer in 1969 were exonerated. [6 p.m., Fuentes Gallery, 2958 24th St., S.F.]
Paradox Observed: Bay Area conceptual artist Catherine Wagner speaks at the opening of her exhibition, which includes the installation "Pomegranate Wall," an 8-foot by 40-foot arc of photographs taken with an MRI machine. [5:30 p.m., San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose]
Baker Grace: The young singer-songwriter, playing a Popscene concert with Tennyson, counts Carole King to Tupac Shakur as artists who helped form her own musical sensibilities. [9 p.m., Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St., S.F.]
The Empire Strips Back: The burlesque parody features all of the classic "Star Wars" characters. [8 p.m., Warfield, Market St., S.F.]
Stella Donnelly: The singer-songwriter from Western Australia debuts her album "Beware of the Dogs" on a Noise Pop bill with Atlanta composer and photographer Faye Webster. [8:30 p.m., Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St., S.F.]
Old Salt Union: The five-piece string band from St. Louis has been playing progressive bluegrass for nearly a decade. [9 p.m., Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St., S.F.]
Andy Frasco and the U.N.: The head of the rockin' blues band from Los Angeles has been called a "rule breaker, party maestro, all around awesome man and talent. [9 p.m., Chapel, 777 Valencia St., S.F.]
Nigga-Roo: Opening a three-weekend run, the winner of Best of the 2017 San Francisco Fringe Festival is a multidisciplinary solo performance by Dazié Grego-Sykes that "explores blackness as a social construct." [8 p.m., Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., S.F.]
Sierra Boggess: The Broadway ingenue opens a two-night engagement, singing tunes from "The Phantom of the Opera," "The Secret Garden," "The Little Mermaid" and more. [8 p.m., Feinstein's at the Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
Queen of the Mist: The musical by Michael John LaChiusa based on the true story of Anna Edson Taylor, who in 1901 at 63 tried to become the first woman to go over Niagara Falls, opens a three-weekend run. [8 p.m., Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose]
Cass McCombs: The video for "Sleeping Volcanoes," the centerpiece tune off the singer songwriter's ninth full-length album "Tip of the Sphere," was shot in San Francisco and Marin. [9 p.m., Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F.]
Oakland Ballet Company: "Jazz Vistas" includes the premiere of "The Oaktown Blues," with new choreography by Obat Abbit, Vincent Chavez, Ramona Kelley, Graham Lustig, Natalya Shoaf and Dazaun Soleyn. [8 p.m., Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Berkeley High School, 1930 Allston Way, Berkeley]
Time Sensitive: For its 15th anniversary, Ragged Wing Ensemble revives the show, a dark fantasy "set sometime in the near future" which asks viewers to think about ways they make themselves "slaves of time." [8 p.m., Flight Deck, 1540 Broadway, Oakland]
Early Rubens: Opening Saturday and running through Sept. 8, the exhibition of some 50 works, the first dedicated to the pivotal Antwerp years (1609-1621) of Peter Paul Rubens' early career, tells the story of his development as a master painter "with a gift for depicting seductive and shocking narratives." [9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 100 34th St., S.F.]
O! darkly, deeply, beautifully blue: The show of "blue-themed" works by artists James Chronister, Kira Dominguez Hultgren, Dana Hemenway and Paul Wackers — inspired by a quote from Lord Byron — opens with a reception. [6 to 8 p.m., Eleanor Harwood Gallery, 1275 Minnesota St., S.F.]
Plein Air Travels: The exhibit of paintings by Italian-born, San Francisco artist Lucia Gonnella opens with a reception. [3 to 6 p.m., Hayes Valley Art Works Gallery, 295 Oak St., S.F.]
Mads Lynnerup: The chair of San Francisco Art Institute's New Genres Department leads a conversation about his "satirical, irreverent" video program screening daily at the gallery. [2 p.m., McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, 1150 25th St., Building B, S.F.]
Urban Composting: The free workshop offers information on how to create a backyard compost using worms that make fertilizer. [10 a.m., Garden for the Environment, 1590 Seventh Ave., S.F.]
Aiya Kyu: The manga artist signs copies of "The Rising of the Shield Hero" in an exclusive, ticketed pre-release event presented by Crunchyroll. [2 to 7 p.m., Kinokuniya, 1581 Webster St., S.F.]
Mission Spring Open Studios: Dozens of artists, including painters, printmakers, photographers, jewelry makers and potters in independent studios and large collectives open their workplaces and sell their wares in the 10th anniversary weekend event across the Mission. [Noon to 6 p.m., visit missionartists.org for locations]
George Hurd: The composer's free "Echolocation" concert includes field recordings, beats, classical instruments, street musicians and electronic sounds synced with lighting and video projections. [7:30 p.m., Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View]
Performing Political Education-Fighting Formations: The project, an exploration of making music together as way to creating "an emergent community-accountability framework" opens with performances by poet Tongo Eisen-Martin and sound by Marshall Trammell, Sharmi Basu, Umesh Mallery and Jemma DeCristo. [7 p.m., Southern Exposure, 3030 20th St., S.F.]
Jeffrey Nemeroff: The painter opens his show of 20 seascapes called "Ephemeral Seas Vol. 2," with a reception, including a 2 p.m. talk. [Noon to 5 p.m., Far Out Gallery, 3004 Taraval St., S.F.]
Ensemble for These Times: The contemporary chamber group — soprano Nanette McGuinness, cellist Anne Lerner-Wright, pianist Dale Tsang and composer David Garner — opens its 11th season with a free concert inspired by the film noir period of 1940s Hollywood. [7:30 p.m., Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]
Lamplighters Music Theatre: The troupe presents a double bill of one-act operettas, "Trial By Jury, considered Gilbert and Sullivan's original hit, and "Trial by Jury Duty," an original Lamplighter spoof. [2 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
ODC Pilot 71: "Six Second Rule" includes cutting-edge dance by local choreographers Hayley Bowman, Alyssa Mitchel, Jenna Valez, Ayana Yonesaka, and the team of Kylie Woodward-Sollesnes and Emma Lanier. [8 p.m., ODC Dance Commons, Studio B, 351 Shotwell St., S.F.]
Dilly Dally: Frontwoman Katie Monks, according to Billboard, described her Toronto band's 2018 noise rock album "Heaven" as "a bunch of self-help tools for people to get out of depression." [8:30 p.m., Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St., S.F.]
Hershey Felder: A Paris Love Story: The piano virtuoso known for one-person shows telling stories of famed composers examines the life and music of Claude Debussy in the premiere, presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. [8 p.m., Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View]
The Vampire Tour of San Francisco: Jerry Knaak, author of "The Dark Passage Series," leads a $25-per-person walking excursion to promote the neo-Gothic "The Dark Terror," the third title. [7 p.m., California and Taylor streets, S.F.]
Mark Foehringer's Alice in Wonderland: In its second season, the dance performance for families inspired by Lewis Carroll's famed story opens a two-weekend run. [11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Cowell Theater, Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F.]
Oakland Interfaith Family of Choirs: Directed by Terrance Kelly, the singers appear in their annual free spring concert. [7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland]
Dimensions Dance Theater: The spring program by the oldest African-American dance troupe on the West Coast includes premieres by longtime company members Erik Lee and Latanya Tigner. [8 p.m., Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland]
Lennon Stella branches out with solo pop career
Mystical connection emerges in Magic Theatre's 'In Old Age'
Proposed 'IPO tax' pulled from November ballot
Supervisor Mar plans to pursue revised measure in 2020
Hayes Valley to get more Green space
Sections of Octavia near popular park to close to traffic
SF's checkout bag fee to rise to 25 cents
Legislation also bans plastic produce bags
Facebook cafeteria workers call out social media giant
Union demanding better wages, benefits as contract talks continue
Safe parking site for homeless who live in their vehicles proposed near Balboa Park BART
Facility would offer social services, security, bathrooms for overnight parkers
By Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Bryan Ruiz's hands…
Getting the downtown extension back on track
Connecting the 78-mile long Caltrain line via a 1.3 mile extension to…
Post-World War II Italy in vivid black-and-white
'NeoRealismo' showcases images from 1932 to 1960
St. Ignatius boys basketball bonds over trip to Taiwan
On the night courts of Taipei, the young St. Ignatius Wildcats came together
Refugee assistance groups sue to challenge new asylum restriction rule
Four refugee assistance groups sued the administration of President Donald Trump in…
E-scooter permit program made permanent, number of vehicles may expand
City sets tough standards for companies hoping to win approval to operate in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO NEWS
SAN FRANCISCO MEDIA COMPANY
SF Evergreen
©2019, The San Francisco Examiner and SFMC

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
LogicalDOC es un sistema de gestión documental libre que fue diseňado para gestionar y compartir documentos en el interior de una organización.

LogicalDOC es un repositorio de contenidos basados en la indexación con Lucene, flujo de trabajo con jBPM y procedimientos de importación automáticos. El sistema fue desarrollado con tecnologías Java.

Historia
En el aňo 2006 dos desarrolladores con experiencias en productos comerciales J2EE decidieron llevar adelante una empresa llamada Logical Objects, cuya misión era la de mantener y desarrollar el software libre Contineo.
Después un aňo más tarde, Logical Objects ha decidido terminar este proyecto y lanzar un producto completamente nuevo llamado LogicalDOC.

A mediados del 2008, se puso a disposición en Source Forge, la primera versión de LogicalDOC. La primera versión fue enumerada 3.6 con el fin de continuar la enumeración del viejo proyecto.

En el 2010 LogicalDOC ganó el premio Bossie Awards en la categoría Gestión Documental.

En el 2015 Logical Objects cambió su razón social a LogicalDOC, el mismo nombre del producto.

En el 2016 LogicalDOC gana el premio CMS Critic Awards en la categoría: Mejor Sistema de Gestión de Documentos

En el 2017 LogicalDOC fue incluido por QNAP Systems, Inc. en el repositorio de aplicaciones de los dispositivos QNAP que soportan QTS v4.3 y más recientes.

Licencia
El código fuente de LogicalDOC se distribuye bajo lincencia GNU LGPLv3.

Uso
LogicalDOC es una aplicación de gestión documental basada en la web, por lo que es necesario un navegador web para usarla. Los navegadores que han sido probados para la compatibilidad con LogicalDOC incluyen : Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome. La interfaz fue constituida usando Google Web Toolkit.

Arquitectura
LogicalDOC fue desarrollado utilizando las tecnologías Java basadas en estándares J2SE y el servidor de aplicación Tomcat. Por esta razón puede ser instalado y ejecutado en plataformas varias, (GNU/Linux, Windows, Mac OS X)

La arquitectura de LogicalDOC se basa en las siguientes tecnologías:

 Apache_Tomcat Application Server
 Java SE 7 (JDK 1.7 or higher)
 GWT (Google Web Toolkit - Ajax)
 Lucene
 Spring Framework

Gracias a su arquitectura, LogicalDOC puede trabajar con amplia ventaja en dispositivos diversos y puede ser usado para implementar una gestión documental en la nube.

Los datos se guardan en un RDBMS (MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, etc.)

Características Generales
Es un sistema de gestión documental que administra documentos personales como documentaciones empresariales, siendo muy fácil encontrar más de una versión del documento. Permite la búsqueda por contenido usando índice de textos. LogicalDOC está en 15 lenguas diferentes. LogicalDOC puede ser configurado para soportar índice full-text múltiples para cada lengua con el fin de aplicar algoritmos específicos para cada lengua.

 Gestión de Documentos
 Control de versiones (versiones principales y secundarias)
 Imágenes
 Acceso vía WebDAV e Webservice
 Workflow con jBPM
 Indexación con Lucene
 Soporte multilingüe
 Soporte multi-plataforma (Windows, GNU/Linux, Mac OS X)
 Interfaz gráfica web (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome)
 Integración con Microsoft Office y Microsoft Outlook
 Autenticación pluggible: LDAP o Active Directory
 Soporte database múltiple: MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL
 Vista previa completa de documentos
 OCR y códigos de barras integrados
 Soporte escáner TWAIN
 Soporte de clustering (despliegue en varios servidores)

Premios
 Infoworld Bossie Awards 2010 en la categoría: mejor aplicación open source.
 CMS Critic Awards 2016 en la categoría: Mejor Sistema de Gestión de Documentos.

Véase también

 Document Management
 Gestión de contenido empresarial.

Referencias

 LogicalDOC 6 Benefits From Redesigned Interface, Microsoft Office Integration
 Alexa (traffic metrics )
 LogicalDOC - Document Management, DMS version 3.6 released

Enlaces externos
Sitio web de LogicalDOC
Blog de LogicalDOC
Página LogicalDOC en LinkedIn
Documentación de LogicalDOC
Wiki de la Community
Foro Oficial
LogicalDOC en LaunchPad ( traducciones )
LogicalDOC Toolbar para Firefox y Explorer

Software libre
Software programado en Java
Software libre programado en Java
Software colaborativo
Web 2.0
Aplicaciones web
Código abierto

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Our new IP Ranges Targeting allows advertisers to target or block specific IP addresses/ranges. This is particularly useful for 3/4G carrier targeting where advertisers can use additional IP ranges instead of/as well as ExoClick's current options.
To use this feature simply enter each IP Range(s) on a separate line. To block items place a minus sign before the IP Range(s) you want to omit.
Click the "?" symbol for visual assistance.


Unless you've been hiding under a Snorlax-sized rock over the past year, there's a good chance you've caught Pokémon Go fever. Niantic Labs' mobile monster-catching simulator has successfully turned the real world into a Pokemon playground, where millions of fans are discovering that being outside is actually pretty darn fun.
While Pokémon Go is pretty easy to get into, there are plenty of tricks and hidden features you'll need to know about before you become the very best (like no one ever was). The game has gotten some significant updates since it first launched in Summer 2016, so if you're just jumping back in, there are a whole bunch of new mechanics to master. Whether you're looking to dominate your local gym, evolve your Pokémon or just want to know what the heck a Pokéstop is, here are our tips for getting started.
When you first fire up the game, you'll likely see a whole bunch of blue cubes on your map. These are Pokéstops: landmarks where you can get Pokéballs, potions and other key items just by walking up to them, tapping on them and spinning the icon that appears. You'll also gain experience points (XP) for dropping by Pokéstops, and can revisit them for rewards pretty often.
You'll likely find the most Pokéstops in urban areas filled with notable landmarks, such as New York's Central Park. You can even use Yelp to find Pokéstops, and there are some third-party map tools out there that help you find Pokémon in your area. If a Pokéstop is glowing with pink hearts around it, that means that someone has dropped a Lure Module, which is a special item that attracts wild Pokemon for 30 minutes. You should always check out Lures for potentially big catches.
Catching monsters is as simple as flicking a Pokéball out them, but you can get more out of your captures by throwing a curveball. To throw one, drag the Pokéball to the middle of the screen, spin it until it starts shining and flick it to the left or right; if it hits, you'll get a nice XP bonus.
While you'll be given the classic choice of Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle when you first start Pokémon Go, you can actually skip all three in favor of series mascot Pikachu. In order to start out with the game's lovable electric rodent, simply walk away from the three starters once you're asked to catch them. By the fourth time, you should see Pikachu show up (Thanks for the tip, Polygon).
Pokéballs aren't the only way to add more Pokémon to your collection -- you can also hatch some using the eggs you'll occasionally collect from Pokéstops. To use them, open up your Pokémon collection and hit the Eggs tab on the top right. Then, pick an egg you want to incubate. From there, you'll just need to walk the distance assigned to the egg to make it hatch. Exercise!
Just because you already have a Pidgey doesn't mean you should ignore the next eight you stumble across. Catching duplicates still nets you XP, as well as stardust and Pokémon-specific candy -- both of which are necessary for powering up and evolving your Pokémon.
While catching duplicates is helpful, you should get rid of them afterwards in order to save precious storage space. Simply open your collection, tap a Pokémon you want to get rid of and select Transfer -- you'll be rewarded with some sweet Pokémon-specific candy that you can use towards evolving that character. If you want to Transfer a whole bunch of Pokémon at once, simply hold your finger on any Pokémon for a few seconds and then highlight all of the cute little monsters you want to get rid of.
Training and evolving Pokémon works quite differently in Go than it does in the core game. To raise your Pokémon's CP (combat power), you'll need monster-specific candy (for example, Charmander needs Charmander candy) as well as some stardust. To evolve your Pokémon, you'll just need a whole bunch of candy.
If there's a specific Pokémon you're looking to level up, you can bring them with you as your buddy. To do this, tap your player icon from the home screen, select Buddy, and pick the Pokémon you want to join you on your journey. You'll get a piece of candy for that Pokémon for every 3 kilometers you walk, making it an easy way to level up your favorite Pokémon by simply strolling around.
Just like in the original games, adorable Foxling Eevee can evolve into one of five Pokémon (Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Umbreon and Espeon) in Pokémon Go. While this is done seemingly at random, you can control the evolution by giving your Eevee a special name before you evolve it. The name Rainer gets you Vaporeon, Pyro gets you Flareon and Sparky gets you Jolteon. Following the latest update, naming your Eevee "Sakura" will turn it into an Espeon and "Tamao" will lead to an Umbreon. Happy evolving!
Whether you buy them with Pokécoins or earn them by reaching levels 9 and 14, you'll eventually earn Lucky Eggs, which double your XP gain for 30 minutes. To maximize that time, you should save your Lucky Eggs for when you have a ton of Pokémon to evolve. You'll gain lots of XP at once, and won't have to run around chasing Pokéstops in order to do so. For more on this method, check out our quick level-up guide.
Once you hit level 5, it's time to join a team and start battling. Gyms are impossible to miss -- just look for a huge, tower-like structure with a Pokémon atop of it. Before your first fight, you'll be prompted to join Team Instinct (Yellow), Team Valor (Red) or Team Mystic (Blue). Teams don't affect gameplay -- it's just a matter of picking a color so that you can mark your territory.
The game's gym system has been massively overhauled as of Summer 2017, ditching the Prestige system that allowed teams to make gyms near-impossible to conquer by enemy players. Gyms now contain six permanent slots that can be occupied by a team's Pokémon, and these Pokémon will lose their motivation and become easier to defeat if players don't keep them happy with berries.
Before you head into battle, you'll want to scout your local gym and make sure your Pokémon are prepared. Tapping on a gym will show the current gym leader and their faction, as well as the CP level of their main Pokémon.
The fighting itself is pretty simple: you tap your opponent's Pokémon to do damage, and swipe left or right to avoid attacks. When the blue bar at the bottom fills up, you can hold down on the screen to unleash a special move. The fight ends as soon as one player is out of Pokémon. If you defeat all of an enemy team's Pokémon at a gym, your team will now have control over it.
Pokémon Go recently added Raid Battles, which are massive co-operative missions that let you team up with up to 20 other Trainers in your area. If one of your local gyms has a big Egg on top of it with a countdown timer on it, you'll know that a Raid Battle is coming. Participating in Raid Battles requires a Raid Pass. You can get one free Raid Pass per day by swinging by a gym, though they're also available for purchase in the game's store. If you and your fellow trainers beat the Raid Boss within a five-minute time limit, you'll have an opportunity to catch a super-powerful Pokémon.
What's the point of winning gym battles if you don't look good doing it? To customize your avatar, tap on your player icon from the game's home screen and select Style. You can outfit your trainer with all kinds of cool clothing and accessories, though you'll have to spend Pokécoins to do so.
Your bag can store up to 350 items by default, and it'll fill up quick. But instead of dropping real money on Pokécoins to buy extra storage space, you can keep your inventory clean by deleting stuff you don't need from the Items menu. You probably don't need all 300 of those Pokéballs you've amassed, so clear some out in order to make space for Eggs, Incense, Potions and other key items.
Don't feel like walking around staring at your phone? If you select Settings > Battery Saver, you can turn your phone upside down and activate a black screen saver that will save you some juice. You'll still get a buzz if Pokémon are nearby, so long as you have vibration toggled on.
Seriously, just do it. Pokémon Go will devour even the strongest of smartphone batteries, especially if you plan on going on a multi-mile walking adventure. If you need suggestions, check out our best picks for portable chargers.
Pokémon Go's camera feature turns the game into a pretty cool real-world version of Pokémon Snap. Once you've tapped on a Pokémon and entered the capture phase, just select the camera icon at the bottom right of the screen. It won't make your Pokémon any stronger, but it'll let you brag to your friends about that one time you found a Venonat on the bus.


text:
Q: Does Flutter Firebase Mlkit need a Firebase project? Do you have to link a Firebase project just to use local image processing using Mlkit?

A: Yes, you need a Firebase project to be able to use any of the Firebase SDKs effectively.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
YouTube/Cardi B
Cardi B Puts Bruno Mars Through A Brutal Teasefest In 'Please Me' Video
Open a window. It gets hot in here.
Trey Alston 03/01/2019
Cardi B and Bruno Mars' last collaboration, "Finesse (Remix)," was all about glorification and acknowledgment of how badass someone is. The accompanying visual was an adorable joint effort that showcased their contrasting styles and helped to introduce Cardi B to another level of superstardom.
But that's old news now that Cardi and Bruno have released the video for "Please Me" — one all about temptation, lip-biting, and the possibility of release. Open a window before you hit play. It'll get hot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y-O-4IL-PU
In the sexy video, Cardi B is the head honcho of a cavalcade of women who walk into a diner populated by Bruno and his squad of fellas who collectively become intrigued by the new visitors. Knowing looks and gestures are exchanged, and what follows is a festival of teasing that features red lollipops, dangerously bent waists, and synchronized sensual routines that'll make you sweat.
Bruno's guys don't just star at the dancing going on in front of them; they begin gyrating their hips in a smooth and suggestive response. The two crews join together for a brief entanglement that echoes the song's sexual tension. The chase ends on a good note; at the end, Cardi and Bruno embrace.
Cardi's website was recently updated with six new tour stops that could indicate that an arena tour could be coming in the near future. "Please Me" is the latest taste of new Cardi; she released "Money" in October and her performance of it at this year's Grammy Awards only came second to her making history as the first solo female to win the award for Best Rap Album.
2019 has already been a legendary one for Cardi and we're barely three months in. There's no telling just how absurdly high she can soar in the remaining nine. Watch the steamy video above.


text:
Face Off Hockey Show
My NHL TR
The Notable Deals of the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline
by Lyle Richardson | Feb 24, 2020
New York Rangers re-sign Chris Kreider to a seven-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $6.5 million
Not a trade, but Kreider was considered the top trade bait entering deadline day. Reports out of New York this morning suggested he was likely to be moved. The Rangers bent on the term, as they reportedly offered a six-year deal. Perhaps the Kreider camp gave a little on the dollars. The 28-year-old left-winger gets the long-term deal to stay put, but time will tell if this deal pans out over the long term for the Blueshirts.
The New York Islanders acquire and sign center Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators (Photo via NHL Images).
New York Islanders acquire center Jean-Gabriel Pageau
The Islanders address a glaring need on their forward lines with Pageau, a skilled two-way player who can skate at center or on the wing. They overpaid to get him, sending a conditional first-round pick in 2020, a 2020 second-rounder, and a conditional third in 2022 to the Ottawa Senators. That was offset by re-signing Pageau to a six-year, $30-million contract extension. The rebuilding Senators got a fine return, leaving them with potentially 13 picks in the 2020 Draft, with nine of those in the first three rounds.
Carolina Hurricanes acquire Brady Skjei from the New York Rangers and Sami Vatanen from the New Jersey Devils
The Hurricanes shored up their banged-up blueline by parting with a first-round pick for Skjei and shipping forward Janne Kuokkanen and a conditional second-round pick to the Devils for Vatanen. With Dougie Hamilton out for several more weeks with a broken leg and Brett Pesce sidelined by an upper-body injury, Skjei and Vatanen should help fill the gaps.
Florida Panthers trade Vincent Trocheck to the Carolina Hurricanes
The Panthers were rumored for weeks to be in the market for a top-four defenseman and Trocheck recently surfaced as a trade candidate. Instead, they swap him for checking-line forwards Erik Haula and Lucas Wallmark plus two prospects. Trocheck, meanwhile, should provide the Hurricanes with some welcome depth at center.
Vegas Golden Knights acquire goaltender Robin Lehner
Big pickup there for the Golden Knights, shipping Malcolm Subban, a prospect and a second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2019 Vezina Trophy finalist. Lehner will share the duties with starter Marc-Andre Fleury, providing Vegas with a solid one-two punch between the pipes.
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire forwards Patrick Marleau, Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford made a significant move earlier this month by acquiring Jason Zucker from Minnesota. He wasn't done tinkering with his forward lines, bringing in three key playoff rentals. They got Marleau for the San Jose Sharks for a conditional third-rounder and shipped center Dominik Kahun to the Buffalo Sabres for winger Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues. In the twilight of his career, Marleau gets a final shot at winning the Stanley Cup. It's Sheary's second go-around with the Penguins, winning Cups with them in 2016 and 2017. Rodrigues had requested a trade from the Sabres earlier in the season.
Edmonton Oilers deal for winger Andreas Athanasiou
The Oilers sent Sam Gagner and two second-round picks to the Detroit Red Wings for one of the fastest players in the league in Athanasiou, prompting speculation he'll become a new linemate for Connor McDavid. If those two mesh well together, Athanasiou will regain the 30-goal form that he's been lacking this season. Failing that, perhaps he'll be a better fit on their second line with either Leon Draisaitl or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers also acquired winger Tyler Ennis from the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Mke Green from the Red Wings.
Calgary Flames bring in Erik Gustafsson and Derek Forbort
With Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic still sidelined, the Flames sent a third-round pick in 2020 to the Chicago Blackhawks for Gustafsson and a conditional fourth in 2021 to the Los Angeles Kings for Forbort. Gustafsson is a mobile blueliner and Forbort will bring a physical edge to the Flames defense corps.
Buffalo Sabres acquire winger Wayne Simmonds
The Sabres sent a fifth-rounder in 2021 to the New Jersey Devils for Simmonds. He'll provide leadership and experience, but won't address their ongoing need for a scorer. At least they didn't pay much to get him, plus the Devils picked up half of his $5-million salary-cap hit.
Boston Bruins trade winger Danton Heinen to the Anaheim Ducks for Nick Ritchie
This is a swap of two young forwards who needed a change of scenery. Ritchie was the Ducks first-round pick (10th overall) in 2014 but struggled to play up to expectations as a power forward. Heinen had a promising rookie performance (47 points) in 2017-18, but his production has eroded since then.
Colorado Avalanche land Vladislav Namestnikov
With their forward lines depleted by injuries, the Avs sent a 202 fourth-rounder to the Ottawa Senators for the versatile Namestnikov. The 27-year-old is a solid two-way forward who can skate at center or on the wing. He should fit in well on their checking lines.
Philadelphia Flyers add Derek Grant and Nate Thompson
The Flyers had an interest in Jean-Gabriel Pageau before the Senators shipped him to the Islanders. They instead went a more affordable route, sending a minor-league forward and a 2020 fourth-rounder to the Anaheim Ducks for Grant, and a 2021 fifth-rounder to the Montreal Canadiens for Nate Thompson. The two veterans will provide the Flyers with experienced depth up the middle.
Vancouver Canucks acquire Louis Domingue
With starting goalie Jacob Markstrom sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury, the Canucks sent minor-league goalie Zane McIntyre to the Devils for Domingue. He'll split the duties with Thatcher Demko and should provide some additional insurance once Markstrom returns.
← NHL Trade Deadline Tracker - February 24, 2020 Optics Don't Look Good For Maple Leafs After Underwhelming Deadline Day →
NHL Trade Deadline Tracker – February 24, 2020
The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 pm ET today. This listing will be updated regularly throughout the day until all trade activity is complete.
Anaheim Ducks trade defenseman Korbinian Holzer to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Matt Irwin.
Washington Capitals trade defenseman Christian Djoos to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Daniel Sprong.
Montreal Canadiens trade Nick Cousins to the Vegas Golden Knights. Details to follow…
Calgary Flames trade Brandon Davidson to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations.
New Jersey Devils trade goaltender Louis Domingue to the Vancouver Canucks in exhange for goalie Zane McIntyre
Tampa Bay Lightning acquire Barclay Goodrow from the San Jose Sharks for a first-round pick.
New York Rangers traded defenseman Brady Skjei to the Carolina Hurricanes for the Hurricanes' first-round pick in 2020.
Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Devin Shore from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sonny Milano.
Vegas Golden Knights acquired goaltender Robin Lehner from the Chicago Blackhawks for Malcolm Subban, Slava Demin and a 2nd round pick.
New Jersey Devils trade defenseman Sami Vatanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Janne Kuokkanen and a second-round pick.
Buffalo Sabres trade Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Dominik Kahun.
Calgary Flames acquire defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the Chicago Blackhawks for a third-round pick.
Los Angeles Kings ship defenseman Derek Forbort to the Calgary Flames for a fourth-round pick.
Edmonton Oilers trade a fifth-round pick in 2021 to the Ottawa Senators for Tyler Ennis.
Edmonton Oilers acquired Andreas Athanasiou and Ryan Kuffner from the Detroit Red Wings for Sam Gagner, a second-round pick in 2020 and a second-rounder in 2021.
Boston Bruins trade Danton Heinen to the Anaheim Ducks for Nick Ritchie.
Buffalo Sabres acquire winger Wayne Simmonds from the New Jersey Devils for a conditional fifth-rounder in 2021.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire center Derek Grant from the Anaheim Ducks for minor-league center Kyle Crisuolo and a fourth-round pick in 2020.
Toronto Maple Leafs trade goaltender Michael Hutchinson to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Calle Rosen.
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Patrick Marleau from the San Jose Sharks for a conditional third-round pick in 2020. The pick becomes a second-rounder if the Penguins win the Stanley Cup.
Montreal Canadiens trade center Nate Thompson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a fifth-round pick in 2021.
Florida Panthers trade center Vincent Trocheck to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forwards Erik Haula, Lucas Wallmark and prospects Chase Priskie and Eetu Luostarinen.
New York Islanders acquire center Jean-Gabriel Pageau to the New York Islanders for a first-round pick (lottery protected) in 2020, a second-rounder in 2020, and a third in 2022. There are conditions attached to all picks. The Islanders re-sign him to a six-year contract extension.
Ottawa Senators trade Vladislav Namestnikov to the Colorado Avalanche for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL draft.
Detroit Red Wings trade defenseman Mike Green to the Edmonton Oilers for sidelined forward Kyle Brodziak and a conditional draft pick.
← NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) - February 24, 2020 The Notable Deals of the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline →
NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2020
Alec Martinez is reportedly on the verge of becoming a Golden Knight, more talk of Jeff Carter returning to the Flyers, the latest on Chris Kreider, and much more in today's NHL rumor mill.
KINGS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS WORKING ON MARTINEZ TRADE
LOS ANGELES TIMES/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: cited TSN's Bob McKenzie yesterday reporting the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights are close to finalizing a deal sending defenseman Alec Martinez to the Golden Knights for two second-round draft picks. The move is expected to be completed today. Martinez was held out of last night's game against Winnipeg for precautionary reasons.
THE ATHLETIC's Jesse Granger suspects the delay could be salary-cap related on the Golden Knights side.
**UPDATE** The trade has been completed, with Martinez heading to the Golden Knights for a second-round pick in 2020 and a second-rounder in 2021.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: The Golden Knights have been in the market for a top-four, right-side defenseman for some time. There was talk they were eyeing New Jersey's Sami Vatanen, but that no longer appears the case.
Martinez, 32, would bring a welcome presence on the Vegas blueline. He's got plenty of postseason experience, winning two Stanley Cups with the Kings. He's also signed through 2020-21 with an affordable $4-million annual average value. The Golden Knights could shift Shea Theodore to the left side and pair him with Martinez.
MORE "CARTER-TO-FLYERS" CHATTER
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers could consider bringing back Jeff Carter, depending on the health of young center Nolan Patrick.
NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall points out how difficult it would be for the Flyers to pull that off. They have just over $2 million in salary-cap space, meaning there's not enough to acquire Carter even if the Kings absorbed half of his $5.2-million AAV. They would have to do some cap juggling for the remaining two years of his contract. There's also the question of what the Kings would want in return, and what assets the Flyers can spare.
More talk of the Philadelphia Flyers bringing back Jeff Carter (Photo via NHL Images).
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Stranger things have happened, and it would make a nice story for Carter to return to the city where his NHL career began. Given the cap difficulties, however, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher could be forced to seek more affordable alternatives.
UPDATE ON KREIDER
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues could be interested in New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider. The Washington Capitals could be a stealth candidate, but their recent acquisition of defenseman Brenden Dillon probably takes them out of the bidding.
TSN: Frank Seravalli reports the Avalanche and Bruins are the front-runners for Kreider. He also lists the Blues, Capitals, and Florida Panthers among others who could come calling.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford reports the Blues' acquisition of defenseman Marco Scandella could be the only move they make at the deadline. Sidelined winger Vladimir Tarasenko is recovering well from early-season shoulder surgery and could return before the end of the season. Colorado Hockey Now's Adrian Dater believes the Avs could target Montreal Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar if they fail to land Kreider.
THE LATEST ON TROCHECK
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck is garnering attention. The 26-year-old has two year left on his contract with an annual average value of $4.75 million. Friedman feels most teams can afford that, though he won't be inexpensive.
TSN: Pierre LeBrun doesn't believe the Panthers are shopping Trocheck but acknowledged teams are calling about him. The Panthers desperately need a top-four defenseman, so they have little choice but to listen to offers. He wonders if they might have an interest in Minnesota Wild blueliner Jonas Brodin, but gets the sense Wild GM Bill Guerin wants to retain Brodin.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Panthers GM Dale Tallon will want a defenseman for Trocheck. Failing that, he might have to get creative. LeBrun suggested dealing the center for picks and prospects that could be flogged to another club for a top-four blueliner.
IS LEHNER AVAILABLE?
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman wonders if a lack of progress in contract talks is affecting Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Robin Lehner, who was unusually quiet during a recent game. The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly interested in Lehner and have an extra first-round pick to dangle as trade bait.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: With the Blackhawks' playoff hopes fading, GM Stan Bowman could listen to offers for Lehner if he remains unsigned by the deadline. We'll see what happens.
COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE SIMMONDS?
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils winger Wayne Simmonds remains a player of interest for the Vancouver Canucks. Their recent acquisition of Tyler Toffoli was related to filling the gap left by the sidelined Brock Boeser. They still haven't found a suitable replacement for Micheal Ferland, who's out for the season due to concussion symptoms. Simmonds has an eight-team no-trade list, but the Canucks aren't believed to be on it.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also thinks the Canucks could consider adding Simmonds, but that could be difficult to do without a first- or second-round pick in this year's draft.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: LeBrun believes the Canucks will still add toughness if they can't land Simmonds. They could be faced with considering more affordable options. Vancouver GM Jim Benning surprised us with his acquisition of Toffoli, so he could have another trick up his sleeve before the deadline.
ATHANASIOU'S VALUE COULD RISE
THE DETROIT NEWS: Ted Kulfan reports injuries to contending teams could bolster the trade value of Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou. The Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks could be in play.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Oilers general manager (and former Red Wings GM) Ken Holland might be interested in Athanasiou. However, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports the Oilers' injuries and winger Zack Kassian's seven-game suspension is creating problems for how Holland will approach the deadline. While he'd love a third-line center like Ottawa's Jean-Gabriel Pageau for a right-winger for Connor McDavid's line, he's not prepared to part with a first-round pick and a top prospect for a rental player. Many of those injured Oilers aren't on long-term injury reserve, giving Holland limited cap space.
The Canucks' acquisition of Tyler Toffoli likely rules them out for Athanasiou. He could be a fall-back choice if the Avs lose out in the bidding for Kreider.
WILL KOVALCHUK STAY OR GO?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun speculates the Montreal Canadiens could likely trade winger Ilya Kovalchuk if an agreement on a contract extension can't be reached before the trade deadline. He suggests the Avalanche and Bruins as possible destinations.
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Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2020
Could Joe Thornton accept a trade to the Avalanche? Could the Panthers peddle Vincent Trocheck? What's the latest on Jake Muzzin's contract talks? Could Max Domi hit the trade block? All this and more in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
LATEST ON THORNTON
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson will attempt to move as many pieces as possible before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Defenseman Brenden Dillon is expected to be traded, but there will be a lot of attention on veteran Sharks center Joe Thornton. He has a full no-movement clause, but there's a belief he could waive it to join a Stanley Cup contender. Garrioch thinks the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche are good fits.
COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater believes Thornton would be a good fit with the Avalanche. He'd be a short-term replacement for sidelined center Nazem Kadri and a potential playoff replacement for Tyson Jost or Vlad Kamenev. Jost hasn't scored in 31 straight games. Dater also wouldn't be surprised if Thornton returned to Boston.
Could San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton be a good fit with the Colorado Avalanche (Photo via NHL Images).
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Stick tap to Shawn Lamba for the Dater link. Thornton hasn't indicated his intentions except to say he'd think about it if approached about a trade to a contender.
Returning to the Bruins, where his NHL career began, would make a nice story, but he's not the second-line scoring winger they need. The Avs could be a better fit, but GM Joe Sakic could have other options on their radar.
UPDATES ON THE PANTHERS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports there's talk Vincent Trocheck could be available as the struggling Florida Panthers search for a defenseman before the trade deadline. The 26-year-old has two more seasons left on his contract with an annual average value of $4.75 million, which Friedman feels many teams can handle.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes Trocheck's contract could be difficult to move unless Panthers GM Dale Tallon agrees to pick up a portion of his annual salary-cap hit. He thinks the slumping Panthers could be ready to accept the reality of their situation and become deadline sellers. Pending UFA wingers Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov could be on the move.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Tallon could go from buyer to seller if the Panthers fail to gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings. He's made no secret of his wish to acquire a defense partner for Aaron Ekblad to bring some stability to his blueline, but that sort of player isn't cheap or easy to find.
Dangling Trochek instead of a rental player like Hoffman or Dadonov could fetch that type of return. Given the Panthers' limited salary-cap space, it would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move.
UPDATE ON MUZZIN'S CONTRACT STATUS
TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Jake Muzzin believes he's close to a contract extension with the Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old defenseman is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Muzzin didn't go into specifics, but it's believed it could be a four-year deal worth around $5.5 million annually.
SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the CBA tagging rule could determine when Muzzin and the Leafs reach their agreement. They can only commit so much salary following the season they're in. That amount goes up by 10 percent on March 1, leading Johnston to speculate the contract won't be completed until after that date.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Sounds like this is a done deal, it's just a matter of time. Assuming it's $5.5 million annually, that will push the Leafs' cap payroll for 2020-21 to over $76.8 million invested in 16 players. If the cap rises to $84 million, it won't leave much to re-sign or replace their other free agents.
LATEST ON THE CANADIENS
LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL: Marc de Foy expects defenseman Jeff Petry and winger Tomas Tatar will remain with the Montreal Canadiens after the trade deadline. He claims that the decision was made a long time ago. Both players have a year remaining on their respective contracts.
He speculates center Max Domi could be on the move, pointing to a recent rumor linking him to the Minnesota Wild. He thinks Habs GM Marc Bergevin could have a Wild defenseman, like Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin in his sights.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Canadiens must lower their asking price of a second-round pick for winger Ilya Kovalchuk if they intend to move him by the trade deadline. He expects teams will come calling about Max Domi but doesn't think the Habs intend to go that route.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: The rumor linking Domi to the Wild came from The Athletic's Michael Russo in a piece suggesting that several teams could be interested in Dumba and Brodin.
Here's what Russo wrote: "The Canadiens would likely part with center Max Domi, maybe in a trade for Brodin because they have a surplus at Domi's position and could use a quality left-shot defenseman." He mentioned Domi because he feels the Wild would want a center in return for either blueliner. He's not saying Domi is definitely on the block, he's not saying it's a Domi-for-Dumba swap, and he's not saying the Habs are definitely pursuing Brodin.
All of the trade chatter about Domi seems to originate from a few Montreal pundits unhappy with the 24-year-old's performance this season. They also suggest his RFA status (with arbitration rights) could complicate his future in Montreal. Perhaps that's true, but GM Marc Bergevin isn't under any pressure to move Domi at the trade deadline. If he decides to shop Domi, he can do it in the summer, when teams have more money and a willingness to make hockey trades.
MORE RUMORS FROM THE OTTAWA SUN'S BRUCE GARRIOCH
New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello is said to have mild interest in Travis Zajac. The New Jersey Devils center has a year left on his contract and history with Lamoriello.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Zajac reportedly refused to waive his no-movement clause earlier this season when presented with a trade opportunity. Just because he has a history with the former Devils GM doesn't mean he's going to accept a trade to the Islanders.
Garrioch believes Ottawa Senators defenseman Dylan DeMelo will be on the move by the deadline. The Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights could be potential destination for DeMelo.
If the New York Rangers don't trade Chris Kreider, Ottawa's Jean-Gabriel Pageau could become the top forward available. Don't expect the Senators to get a first-round pick for him.
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Malawi: Mutharika Defies IMF On Devaluation
President Bingu wa Mutharika appears to have set his face against demands by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to further devalue the country's currency, the Malawi kwacha (MK), in order to reduce the price of exports and the shortage of foreign exchange.
Malawi is battling severe fuel and foreign exchange shortages, in a country where 39% of the 15m population live on less than $2 a day. The Malawi kwacha had been officially trading at MK165 to $1 following its last devaluation by 10% in August 2011, following pressure from the IMF.
However, IMF authorities had been arguing that the 10% devaluation was minimal and pushed for further devaluation to MK250 to $1 to bring it into line with the flourishing parallel market, which had been pegging the kwacha at between MK250 and MK300 to $1.
The recommendation was part of an IMF conditionality that would enable Malawi to win back the country's three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangements, which the IMF suspended last year over what they called failure by the government of Malawi to adhere to conditions attached to the fund.
The IMF mission chief to Malawi, Janet Stotsky, had urged the government authorities to quickly make significant adjustments in their macro and micro economic policies that would lead to the resumption of the programme.
In their December report Liberalisation of the Foreign Exchange Regime for Current Account Transactions and Exchange Rate Flexibility, issued after a week-long fact-finding mission on Malawi's economic management, the IMF mission had observed that Malawi's overvalued exchange rate was causing persistent imbalance on the exchange rate market.
"An overvalued exchange rate has in turn led to foreign-exchange market rationing and multiple exchange rates, which remain key deterrents to private sector activity, growth and diversification," reads the report in part. The report had also cited the recent reduced aid flows and an exceptionally poor tobacco market as some of the issues that had exacerbated the acute shortage of foreign exchange in the country.
Colonial thinking?
Malawi started to experience a reduction in aid flow in 2011 soon after President Mutharika's government expelled British envoy Fergus Cochrane-Dyet over his leaked cable to London, in which he accused Mutharika and his government of being self-centred and arrogant.
The suspension of Malawi's ECF programme in mid 2011 had also led to most donors withholding their budgetary support, which had accounted for 40% of the national budget.
However, Mutharika had maintained that his administration would never devalue the kwacha, arguing that doing so would further hurt consumers in the country as prices of commodities and services would go up. He chided some local economists who were backing devaluation, saying they were "thinking like colonialists".
Mutharika said devaluing the currency further would invite national economic depression and that he would not buy economic orthodoxies that would hurt Malawians. The President said he had maintained a stable kwacha in his rule.
Mutharika pointed out that when former President Bakili Muluzi took over government from the one-party regime of the Malawi's first President, Kamuzu Banda, in 1994, the kwacha was around MK54 to $1, and when Muluzi had handed over power to him in 2004, the currency was valued at MK150 to $1.
Economic commentators have been attributing the overvalued kwacha to the current forex shortages the country is experiencing. But Mutharika had said the persistent forex shortage problems were largely because of foreign investors who were externalising money and opening offshore accounts rather than banking locally.
He singled out international chain stores like Shoprite, Game Stores and Mr Price and some banks he did not name, as investors that have caused the forex shortage, which has subsequently led to the current fuel crisis.
"Today we are seeing Shoprite, Spur, Game Stores and Mr Price coming to Malawi to start business and yet they don't have accounts here," Mutharika said.
"And yet you keep on asking where the dollars are – they are offshore with these people in their banks," he said. Officials of the chain stores declined to comment on the accusations.
"When the tobacco buyers buy our leaf, they don't keep their money here when they resell. People are saying I am arrogant for not going to the donors to plead for assistance and yet these people do not understand our problems," said Mutharika. "Your money is in Mumbai, Karachi and London: they just give you peanuts for your tobacco, sugar, tea."
He had decreed that the Reserve Bank of Malawi and the Ministry of Trade must not "allow foreigners or anyone else to open a bank or business here unless they tell us where our forex is going. I want you to be in control of forex to protect this country and not the IMF. I will be happy to receive your resignation letter if you are not ready to protect this country," he said.
Opinions divided
Local economists are divided, with some arguing that devaluing the local currency would help solve foreign exchange shortage as people would be forced to shun the black market, whose rates are higher than those of commercial banks.
Chief executive officer of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and industry, Chancellor Kaferapanjira, has said the strong kwacha has been hurting the economy by making Malawi's exports more expensive for foreign customers and also creating a shortage of forex.
But economics lecturer at Blantyre International University, Professor Charles Chanthunya, doesn't see devaluation is a problem to the forex shortages: "The problem is the exchange control regime … These are things that are highly contributing to the scarcity of forex in the country because no investor would prefer investing in a country with tight exchange controls." He said many people in the diaspora are not opening accounts with Malawian banks due to exchange controls that make it difficult for them to withdraw their money. "The exchange controls were best in the 1960s and not in 2011. I always wonder why Malawi is sticking to them while many countries are abolishing them. "
Chanthunya, however, said devaluation will still take place sooner or later, although it would push up prices for various commodities and services.
"The problem is that donors cannot give aid to a country that resists calls by the IMF. It is obvious that Malawi will abide by the IMF calls because failing to abide by the recommendation will mean more suffering to Malawians as donor aid will not flow into the country," he said.
Reserve Bank director of governance Ralph Tseka said the Ministry of Finance was still weighing what options to take.
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UN food agency boss savaged over bad leadership
1.UN food agency deputy resigns over leader's 'culture of silence'
2.FAO accused of persecuting farmers in Asian countries
EXCERPT: In 2004, Diouf attracted huge protests from campaigners in more than 80 countries for an FAO report on biotechnology... They said the study failed to point out that it would disadvantage the world's poorest farmers, and that one major company, Monsanto, dominated the market in genetically modified seeds.
One UN insider, who asked not to be named, said: 'There is a general perception that Diouf has done very little to work closely with other UN bodies. He seems keener to spend time with the US guys running multinational companies than he does to sort out problems on the ground.'
Jo Revill
The Observer, May 14, 2006
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1774642,00.html?gusrc=rss
The United Nations body which combats world hunger was in turmoil last night after one of its most senior officials resigned, claiming that her boss ruled through 'silence, rumour and fear'.
Louise Fresco, assistant director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), handed in her notice last week, angered at the way the agency was being run by its Senegalese director-general, Dr Jacques Diouf. In a scathing letter of resignation, which has been leaked to The Observer, she criticises him for the direction of the agency and its inability to offer the poorest countries proper advice on agriculture.
She writes to Diouf: 'I am sad that you have isolated yourself so much from most senior managers. Combined with a lack of transparency in decision-making, you have stimulated a culture of silence, rumours and even fear.
'FAO deserves a reform, but a fundamental reform which does not limit itself to hastily moving units across departments or dispatching generalist decentralised teams. FAO needs visionary leadership to move itself out of its bureaucratic paralysis. But such leadership can only flourish if it builds on the commitment of all staff.
'We need to become an exemplary body, not only technically but also in our mode of operation: committed, compassionate and critical.'
The FAO was set up after the Second World War to help developing nations overcome food shortages by offering agriculture support and technical expertise, as well as framing policies which would allow them to compete against wealthier countries.
With a budget of $765m this year, it aims to help improve the production, processing, marketing and distribution of food and agricultural products, and also to promote rural development. But there has been criticism that it replies too heavily on involvement from agribusiness, and does little to encourage independence and projects that would boost the nutritional levels of the poorest countries.
In January, Diouf was elected for a third term of office which upset many officials, according to one insider. In 2004, Diouf attracted huge protests from campaigners in more than 80 countries for an FAO report on biotechnology, which, his critics said, was a thinly-veiled attempt to support genetically engineered crops. They said the study failed to point out that it would disadvantage the world's poorest farmers, and that one major company, Monsanto, dominated the market in genetically modified seeds.
One UN insider, who asked not to be named, said: 'There is a general perception that Diouf has done very little to work closely with other UN bodies. He seems keener to spend time with the US guys running multinational companies than he does to sort out problems on the ground. There have been tensions brewing over its lack of any clear strategy and they are coming to the surface now.'
According to Fresco's letter, 'there is no single cause that explains the crisis that has affected FAO for several years. The role of agriculture is changing, demands on our specialised expertise are growing and there is no doubt that we have a unique global role. But the organisation has been unable to adapt.'
She writes that the FAO is 'caught in a vicious circle' in which most countries appreciate its work for specific projects but do not like it as a whole. She adds that it has not been able to build coalitions and that its reputation is in decline. 'Unfortunately, its leadership has not proposed bold options to overcome this crisis.'
Fresco, who is leaving to take up a professorship at the University of Amsterdam after nine years at the FAO, said there had been no serious questioning of the organisation's direction and in particular the balance between the work it does in the field - working with the poorest countries to overcome their problems - and the more centralised research.
'Whatever is done now is too little and too late,' she writes. 'The current intent at reform does hardly anything to alleviate these problems.. '
A spokesman for the FAO said last night that it could not comment on the contents of a private letter. The spokesman said: 'I understand that Louise Fresco has written a private letter to the D-G explaining her reasons for resigning but it was a private letter which has not been published.
'My understanding is that she does not intend to make a public comment on this, and neither does Dr Diouf.'
The Jakarta Post, May 17, 2006
http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20060517.J01
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting the liberal economic and production policies that persecute farmers, an Asian non-governmental organization alleges.
The Asian Peasant Coalition (APC), a grouping of agricultural organizations across Asia, claimed Tuesday in Jakarta that the FAO had failed to meet its target of combating hunger in the region.
"Poor Asian farmers were further weakened and subjected to increasing exploitation. It leads to the worsening of hunger, poverty and landlessness," the APC said on a statement handed out on the sidelines of the 28th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific here Tuesday.
The APC -- which boasts 14 million members from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines -- said that more and more farmers had no access to land, which was increasingly taken over by transnational corporations.
Taking Philippines as an example, APC Research Coordinator Carl Anthony said that more than 35 percent of Filipinos were going hungry. This is because of landlessness, trade liberalization and monopolistic practice by transnational corporations.
"Farmers are forced to plant mangoes, pineapple and asparagus -- instead of rice or corn -- simply to fulfill the needs of the wealthy countries," Carl told The Jakarta Post.
More than 7 out of 10 farmers in the Philippines, he said, do not own the land they toil. Nearly 60 percent of agricultural land is owned by 13 percent of landowners.
Carl demanded that the FAO discard all of its policies that are detrimental to the people, especially farmers. According to him, in 2004 the FAO promoted the development of genetically modified products.
"We reject this. For us, the way to improve the condition of farmers in Asia is to give them access to land so that they can toil it," he said.
If the farmers get access to land, they will improve their lives and eventually strengthen the economy of the nation.
Carl said that governments should not depend on genetically modified products because it would only benefit transnational corporations.
David Dawe, a senior food system economist at FAO in Bangkok, separately said that farmers and fishermen in the region found difficulties due to inflation.
Speaking at the FAO forum Tuesday, David said that farmers could solve their problems through intensification and diversification of activities outside agriculture.
"Many farmers, however, will not make it due to limited access to resources," he said.
David said that per capita production of fisheries and wood declined as a result of shrinking bases, increased population and, in some cases, over-exploitation in the past.


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The cost of renationalisation
CBI analysis puts the cost of bringing Royal Mail and water, energy and rail industries back into government ownership at almost £200bn.
The £196bn total comes close to this year's health and social care budget (£141bn) and education budget (£69bn) combined.
Adding this to the public balance sheet would also have a dramatic impact on the UK's public debt figures, increasing it to 94% of GDP, a level not seen since the 1960s. The CBI estimates that servicing this extra debt would cost an additional £2bn each year, putting further pressure on the public finances.
In addition to the up-front costs, the government would also have to pick up the ongoing investment costs associated with maintaining and modernising networks and services. Based on current plans in these industries, the costs are likely to stretch to £14.5bn a year.
And while these assets would generate revenues for the public sector, the profits are dwarfed by the overall costs of renationalisation – it would take a working lifetime to realise any return on the total public investment.
When challenged on the cost of renationalisation previously, the Labour leadership has suggested that it would not be willing to pay full market price to take the services back into government ownership. As well as the legal challenge they could expect in this scenario, there would also be a cost to savers and pensioners who are associated, through their pension fund or savings accounts, with the shareholders in the companies up for renationalisation. The CBI analysis suggests that the total loss to UK investors could be as much as £9bn, which averages at around £327 per household.
For more detail on how the CBI reached these figures, download the full briefing
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