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Koko The Gorilla Dies; Redrew The Lines Of Animal-Human Communication
Published June 21, 2018 at 7:35 AM EDT
Koko, the gorilla who became an ambassador to the human world through her ability to communicate, has died. She's seen here at age 4, telling psychologist Francine "Penny" Patterson (left) that she is hungry. In the center is June Monroe, an interpreter for the deaf at St. Luke's Church, who helped teach Koko.
"The Gorilla Foundation is sad to announce the passing of our beloved Koko," the research center says, informing the world about the death of a gorilla who fascinated and elated millions of people with her facility for language.
Koko, who was 46, died in her sleep Tuesday morning, the Gorilla Foundation said. At birth, she was named Hanabi-ko — Japanese for "fireworks child," because she was born at the San Francisco Zoo on the Fourth of July in 1971. She was a western lowland gorilla.
"Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world," the Gorilla Foundation said.
Throughout her life, Koko's abilities made headlines. After she began communicating with humans through American Sign Language, she was featured by National Geographic — and she took her own picture (in a mirror) for the magazine's cover.
That cover came out in 1978, seven years after Koko was chosen as an infant to work on a language research project with the psychologist Francine "Penny" Patterson. In 1985, the magazine profiled the affectionate relationship between the gorilla and her kitten: Koko and All Ball.
In 2001, Koko made a fast friend in comedian Robin Williams, trying on his glasses, showing him around and getting him to tickle her. Then they made faces at each other — and the gorilla seemed to recall seeing Williams in a movie. Years later, in 2014, Koko was one of many who mourned Williams' passing.
Koko amazed scientists in 2012, when she showed she could learn to play the recorder. The feat revealed mental acuity but also, crucially, that primates can learn to intricately control their breathing — something that had been assumed to be beyond their abilities.
Her ability to interact with people made Koko an international celebrity. But she also revealed the depth and strength of a gorilla's emotional life, sharing moments of glee and sadness with researchers Patterson and Ron Cohn.
As Barbara J. King wrote for NPR about the BBC documentary Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks, when it aired on PBS in 2016:
"Famously, Koko felt quite sad in 1984 when her adopted kitten Ball was hit by a car and died. How do we know? Here is nonhuman primate grief mediated through language: In historical footage in the film, Patterson is seen asking Koko, "What happened to Ball?" In reply, Koko utters these signs in sequence: cat, cry, have-sorry, Koko-love.And then, after a pause, two more signs: unattention, visit me."
Now, it's humanity's turn to mourn Koko.
Thousands of people are commiserating on the Gorilla Foundation's Facebook page posting about Koko's death. The top comment comes from Jess Cameron:
"Legit bawling like a baby right now. This news just breaks my heart. From an early age I was fascinated with Koko and she taught me so much about love, kindness, respect for animals, and our planet."
Over the course of Koko's life, sentiments like that have been counterbalanced by questions about her ability to use language in original and complex ways. And for Koko and other research subjects, there has also been skepticism over how their handlers interpret the animals' behavior.
With Koko's passing, the Gorilla Foundation says it will honor her legacy, working on wildlife conservation in Africa, a great ape sanctuary in Maui, Hawaii, and a sign language app.
The foundation says those who want to share condolences can do so by emailing kokolove@koko.org.


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The Real Regency Reader: A World Without Souls
Posted on September 6, 2013 by Angelyn
In 1805, John William Cunningham had the great fortune of marrying Sophia Williams, youngest daughter of a wealthy Hertfordshire merchant. She gave him nine children and her papa bought him the living of Harrow-on-the-Hill. As vicar, he could leave many duties to his curate, and concentrate on his Calling–sermonizing.
Sophia's father owned Moor Park. Photographed by Nigel Cox, Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0
Unfortunately, there was only so much sermonizing the people in the village could take.
To reach the faithful beyond Harrow-on-the-Hill, John was determined to publish a book of sermons. However, he must have realized his potential readers, like the villagers, might be put off by his message. He decided to put forth his evangelizing effort in the guise of a Novel. His publisher, the venerable Hatchards, evidently approved.
John wrote his novel after the fashion of a work he much admired, The Story of La Roche, which follows the travels of a Christian philosopher and his beautiful daughter, Madamoiselle La Roche. It was a French tale serialized in The Mirror (not the current tabloid, but a late eighteenth century magazine out of Edinburgh). Incidentally, the editor warned the readers of the Mirror in the preface to La Roche that the work had a religious theme.
Inspired, John dashed off A World Without Souls. In it, a young man, Gustavus, leaves his home and the girl he is much attached to and travels abroad (to a place very like Regency England) in the company of a wise mentor. They come to a place resembling Hyde Park where the ladies and gentlemen are in full promenade on Sunday:
"But have they no veneration for the Sabbath?"
"Yes..the females do their utmost..by enforcing servants and horses upon unnecessary employments, to defraud two beasts of their lawful rest, and shut out two souls from heaven."
Souls was well-received by some, but excoriated by others. Not because it was religious in nature, but that it sought to fool the reader into thinking it was a novel. And one should never try to fool the Regency reader:
"We cannot say that such flimzy disguises altogether please our taste. They remind us of a coarse and clumsy deception well known to and put into practice by Essex shepherds. When an ewe has lost a lamb by premature death, these men strip the fleece off the carcase, and fasten it on the young of some other ewe, in order to induce the mourner to suckle the substitute.
With the silly animal the imposture succeeds. Not so does it fare with man. We detect, we smile, we contempt, we are disgusted."
— The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle (1813)
John was completely unapologetic. Even in the epilogue of his novel, he disparages the notion his young male character be reunited with his love:
"If I marry Gustavus and Emily, it will be objected to me, that it is incredible a tale of truth like mine should terminate like a novel (!)"
This entry was posted in Regency, Uncategorized and tagged A World Without Souls, John Cunningham, La Roche, Regency, Sophia Williams, The Mirror by Angelyn. Bookmark the permalink.
16 thoughts on "The Real Regency Reader: A World Without Souls"
Joy Smid on September 6, 2013 at 3:13 pm said:
He wouldn't be a romance writer in today's world for many reasons. The hero and heroine are doomed never to be together. For shame!
Angelyn on September 7, 2013 at 1:28 am said:
yes, he was evidently very naughty–thanks for reading!
texasdruids on September 6, 2013 at 8:58 pm said:
The preacher's book sure doesn't sound like much fun to read. Trying to disguise sermons in a novel is like trying to make the proverbial silk purse from a sow's ear. Not very smart.
I totally agree–the reviewer thought he must be dicked in the nob to think the readers would be fooled. Thanks for coming by!
Janis Susan May on September 6, 2013 at 9:13 pm said:
Sounds like Emily, fictional or not, had a narrow escape!
NancyS.Goodman on September 6, 2013 at 11:22 pm said:
Yes we need that HEA, Shame on him! Tweeted
I agree without reservation. Glad you could stop by!
Nancy on September 7, 2013 at 12:18 am said:
I don't know why people were complaining. Pilgrim's Progress has been read for several hndred years. Very definitely a sermon in the guise of a novel.
Richardson's Sir Charles Grandison as another book more sermon than novel and Hannah More's Coelebs in Search of a Wife definitely was. Her Cheap Repository tracts were sermons in the guise of short stories.
My speculation: a jumped up vicar from little Harrow on the Hill, purchased by his wife's money, now thinks he can pursue the art of novel-writing and make it whore for his primary occupation. Hannah More always got a pass (except from a select few other female writers) because she modeling appropriate behavior for females. I'll have to look at the critical reviews of the others you've mentioned.
Always nice to have you come by, Nancy.
Louisa Cornell on September 7, 2013 at 2:37 am said:
Great post! And I hate to say it, but there are a number of books being published today, vaunted as great literature when what they actually are is sermons to the righteousness of one lifestyle or another, one political view or another, or one celebrity or another.
At least with romance you know what you are getting from the start and there is a great deal of comfort in this swiftly changing world in something you can depend on to deliver exactly what you need on a bad day.
what Louisa said….
19thcenturylady on September 7, 2013 at 2:48 am said:
Great post! Little has changed in publishing. Many of the novels published today with the big budgets sermonize about certain lifestyles, politics and celebrities as if they are religions and need to be crammed down our throats. At least with romance a readers knows what he or she is getting and knows the writer will deliver what they need most in a swiftly changing world – something to believe in.
you said it, Sister.
Nancy on September 7, 2013 at 3:48 am said:
have you looked at what constitutes romance lately? Some don't even have a HEA. How can Shapeshifter have a HEA with a mere mortal? I read a romance the other day in which at the last minute the supposed heroine– the one the hero spent the whole novel saving, decided she needed to go off t0 find herself. That was how the first book ended. The second book had a friend gradually weaning the hero away from the woman finding herself towards her.
Or a so called romance in which a couple who survived all sorts of problems and dangers in the previous book are no longer a couple– usually one of them has died and the second book has the survivor going through h–ll with a child and finding a new love.
Not my idea of romance. Love Story isn't my idea of a romance either.
There are many novels out there. Not all are real romances.
"needed to go off t0 find herself"
Well, you got me there. I'm laughing myself into stitches.
"Love Story isn't my idea of a romance either."
You just made my evening, Nancy.
ellaquinnauthor on September 7, 2013 at 2:12 pm said:
I love how he was called out in such a public fashion! Good for them! Tweeted and shared on FB.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Hi Blog. Not necessarily NJ-rights related, but here are three recent podcasts I got a heckuva lot out of, and I think you might too.
One was released this very morning at online media station Trans Pacific Radio. Garrett DiOrio gave an editorial on the former Defense Minister Kyuuma's remark about the atomic bombing at the closing of WWII (which led to his resignation). A remark, it might surprise you, I actually agree with.
So does Garrett. But it's rare when I agree 100% with somebody's writing, as I did Garrett's editorial. At times I felt as if Garrett had put a tape recorder under my bed and listened to me talk in my sleep about this issue.
"Inventing the Axis of Evil: The Truth about North Korea, Iran, and Syria".
It goes on to talk about how things went very, very wrong on the Korean Peninsula, the emergence of the DPRK, and how and why things to this day are pretty sour in the region (with some interesting KimJongilogy within). This issue matters to Debito.org greatly, as the GOJ uses the spectre of the DPRK on practically a daily basis to among other things justify its mistrust of the NJ community, denying the Zainichis the regular rights of multigenerational residency in Japan (such as voting in local elections).
Great food for thought, and there was even a question from the audience on the school grading of patriotism even for Japan's ethnic minorities (which the questioner unfortunately assumed would only mean Koreans); the answer was, everyone who attends Japanese primary and secondary schools enforcing patriotic guidelines will get graded on love of Japan regardless of nationality or ethnicity; Tawara mentions to a case of a Zainichi Korean getting graded down.
It's funny how the GOJ feels a need to continually push the "Japan as only victim of nuclear weapons" mantra.
Almost every middle and high school English textbook has a chapter devoted to Hiroshima. A news report a few nights ago expressed concern that a growing number of Japanese school kids, while able to cite the date and time of the Hiroshima blast, were unable to get the correct time for the Nagasaki bomb.
The justification for the concern was stated as being "the need to tell younger generations the horror of nuclear war".
Agreed, nuclear war is a horrible thought. However, to claim special first-hand knowledge about the horror by merely being Japanese is a fallacy.
Furthermore, the atomic bombs are typically contrasted with Pearl Harbour. Hardly surprising, as this helps justify the "victim hood" mantra. Placed in context of Nanking, Changi, the Burma Railroad, along with the Allies' perceptions of Tojo's defencive policies, the bombs seem reasonable.
Nor do the history books mention that Japan was also trying to develop nuclear weapons, and that the fate of Hiroshima could easily have fallen on an allied city.
Kyuma's remarks were unfortunate, maybe not even 100% accurate, but he appears to be victim, not of his own incompetence, but of upsetting the "common sense" status quo.


Build a Winery Estate here! Lovely rolling hills, Commercial Highway 29 Frontage parcel, multi uses: Winery, Retail, Industrial, Vineyard. With plenty of room for expansion. Perked for Commercial Septic System per Lake County, water company meter on property, power at lot line.


If there's a hole in your pump, and you go in a pool, it most likely will not survive. Make sure you have a backup plan!
You may be wondering where the old Pretty-Betes Subscription box, website and shop went. Read on to learn what I'm doing now!


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Pretty Villages and UNESCO Sites Near Lisbon Portugal -- 15 Day Trips From Lisbon
Rossio Square in Lisbon Portugal
Planning a trip to Portugal and wondering where to go? Here's my guide to the best day trips and weekend getaways from sun-kissed Lisbon. Lisbon is a feast for the eyes, and one of my favorite cities in Europe. With its alluring old world charm, you may never want to leave.
But if you want to experience Portugal's other delights, I have15 amazing getaway ideas. There are myriad places right near Lisbon where you can indulge your passion for cozy villages, UNESCO sites, beaches, and architectural wonders. Whatever strikes your fancy.
I've found it easiest to drive around Portugal. This is a particularly good option if you can drive a manual transmission. With a car, you have ultimate flexibility and can sometimes combine a couple sites in one day. Just be sure not to drive into the center of an ancient town. Park on the outskirts.
If you'd like to take the best day trips from Lisbon, grab a pasta de nata and read on. I give you the best and prettiest sites outside Lisbon. And I explain how some of them can be combined in a single day for maximum sightseeing punch.
roses on a yellow trimmed wall in Obidos Portugal
15 Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From Lisbon
1. Obidos: the Queen's Present
Just an hour north of Lisbon, lies the charming and cobbled Old World cornucopia of medieval Óbidos Portugal. Obidos is the perfect easy day trip from Lisbon. It's more laid back than the buzzy tourist town of Sintra. In fact, I think Obidos may be Portugal's most adorable and authentic village.
The dreamy UNESCO town is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls. It's decorated with splashes of blue and yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes. You'll be seduced by its beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.
bougainvillea on the rustic painted walls of Obidos
me relaxing on a side street in Obidos
What you can't miss in Obidos:
City Walls: The fortified walls give you stunning views over Obidos' pretty town center and tiled rooftops.
Obidos Castle: Though the doughty castle is now a hotel, it still dominates the city skyline.
Bookstores: Obidos is a UNESCO city of literature and overflowing with adorable bookstores.
Ginja: Ginja is the local specialty in Obidos, a cherry flavored liquor served in shots.
How to get to Obidos from Lisbon: Obidos is a one hour drive from Lisbon. There are car parks outside the town. An express bus service leaves from the Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. The train is not a good option because it takes 2 hours.
Sintra's most famous castle, Pena Palace
2. Sintra Portugal: UNESCO Palaces Galore
Sintra Portugal is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. It's rock star glamorous. Sintra has ancient castles and sumptuous palaces galore. It's dazzling, colorful, and romantic. Even the town itself is quaint, filled with artisan shops, and well worth exploring.
Sintra packs a punch and delivers on its hype. But it's chaotic and there's so much to see and do there. You'll need to have a plan of attack to see everything efficiently. There are castles, convents, parks, and nearby quaint villages and beaches. You may feel cheated with just one day in Sintra.
the Moorish Castle in Sintra
What you can't miss in Sintra:
Quinta da Regateira: This is my favorite palace in Sintra. It's divine and bewitching, a misty Gothic building seeped in opulence and mysticism and set amid leafy palms and hot pink bougainvillea.
Pena Palace: The romantic and colorful Pena Palace is a must see Sintra site, one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Built by King Ferdinand II, it's a Disney-like mishmash of architectural styles that still dazzles.
Moorish Palace: The Moorish palace is a 9th century fortress-castle that offers the best views in Sintra. It's a hike up to the ramparts, but well worth it.
Sintra Historic Center: The town is lovely. There's not an abundance of food. But you can wander the cobbled streets and snap up some souvenirs.
How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon: Drive and park outside the town. Or take the 434 train from Rossio Station in Lisbon and walk 15 minutes into town from Sintra's train station.
Sintra can be combined with: nearby Monserrate Palace, a beautiful palace just 10-15 minutes away, or with Queluz Palace, which I discuss below.
the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoriathe Dominican monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria in Batalha
3. Batalha Monastery: a Gothic Masterpiece
In Batalha, you'll be dazzled by the Dominican Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria. The ornate UNESCO-listed complex has Gothic and Manueline elements. Building began in 1388 and continued for centuries.
The historic structure was built to celebrate a pivotal 1385 battle, when Portugal overcame the mighty Spaniards in the Battle of Aljubarrota. The monastery and its church, the symbol of Portugal's national pride, were built by Portugal's prolific builder King Joao I, whose tomb is inside.
Characteristic of Gothic-Manueline architecture, you'll be delighted by the intricate carved floral and marine elements. The monastery is a must see for lovers of architecture, history, religion, or warfare. You can visit the church for free, but must pay to see the beautiful cloisters.
How to get to Batalha Monastery from Lisbon: It's a 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon. It's over 2 hours by bus from Lisbon's Sete Rios station.
Batalha can be combined with: Fatima, Obidos, or Alcobaca Monastery
my daughter walking toward the grand entrance of Alcobaca Monastery
4. Alcobaca Monastery: Portugal's First Gothic Building
If you love history or architecture, the UNESCO-listed Alcobaça Monastery is a must see site in Portugal. Alcobaca is a pretty town on the Silver Coast. It lies between Coimbra and Lisbon and can be accessed as a day trip from either city or visited en route between them.
The town is dominated by the austere and atmospheric 800 year old Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, the largest Gothic religious structure in Portugal. It's one of Europe's oldest and best UNESCO sites. Alcobaça is a 12th century masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art. Its vaunted architecture and history are bewitching.
I found it more beautiful and compelling than the vastly more crowded Jeronimos Monastery outside Lisbon. Inside, you'll fine the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro, Portugal's famous star crossed lovers. I was so besotted with their story, that I wrote a separate blog post about them.
the ornate tomb of Inês de Castro in Alcobaça Monastery
reliving Alcobaca's love story in the arched stairway of the Refectory of Alcobaça Monastery
How to get to Alcobaca Monastery from Lisbon: It's about a 1:20 minute drive from Lisbon. There's a parking lot in front of the monastery. It could be full in high season. If so, just park on a street nearby.
Alcobaca can be combined with: Fatima, Batalha, Obidos, or Coimbra
decorative stone torches on the balcony of Evora Cathedral
5. Evora: Strategic Roman Town
The UNESCO-listed Evora is tucked away in the Alentejo region of central Portugal. Evora was untouched by the great earthquake of 1755 and its historic center is well preserved.
Evora is topped by a grand 14th century cathedral, commonly refered to as Evora Cathedral. But its official name is the Cathedral Of Nossa Senhora Da Assuncao. While not particularly pretty itself, it's worth it to go inside just for the beautiful vistas over Evora from its balcony.
The star of Evora is an ossuary, the Chapel of Bones, attached to the large Royal Church of St. Francis. Franciscan monks slaved away in the early 17th century building this unusual site when cemeteries were overflowing.
Evora was also an important Roman town, lying on a trade route to Rome. In Evora's center, you'll see 14 Corinthian columns rising to the sky.
the eerie Chapel of Bones in Evora
the Roman Temple of Evora
What you can't miss in Evora:
Praca do Giraldo: This is Evora's atmospheric main square. Sit in the sun and watch the world go by, preferable while sipping a suitably chilled beverage.
Chapel of Bones: 17th century monks created this chilling chapel to solve the problems of overflowing cemeteries. The bones and skulls of 5,000 people line the chapel.
Evora Cathedral: Guarded by rose granite towers, Evora's fortress-like medieval cathedral boats fabulous cloisters and religious relics.
Roman Temple: The temple, erroneously dedicated to Diana, is regarded as the best preserved Roman ruin in Portugal.
the whitewashed village of Monsaraz, 50 minutes from Evora
How to get to Evora from Lisbon: Evora is a 2 hour drive from Lisbon, the best way to get there. There's free parking right outside the historic center. Four trains per day go to Evora. Evora's train station is a beauty, decorated with azulejos. It's a 20 minute walk into the town center.
Evora can be combined with: A visit to the stunning town of Monsaraz, 50 minutes away, which has spectacular pottery. It's whitewashed homes nestle in a hill topped by Monsaraz Castle.
the UNESCO-listed Coimbra University in Coimbra
6. Coimbra: the "Athens of Portugal"
Coimbra is an atmospheric town that should definitely be on your itinerary for Portugal. Known as the "Athens of Portugal," Coimbra has a melancholy beauty all its own.
Coimbra has its own pottery style, its own version of Fado, the oldest library in Portugal, and an attitude. It's a stylish place, where black caped students, tony cafes, and ancient monuments all blissfully co-mingle.
The star of Coimbra is its UNESCO-listed Coimbra University. Perched on the town's hilltop, it's one of the oldest universities in the world, older than Oxford University. It boasts some of the most ornate, richly decorated buildings of any university.
the Se Velha Cathedral in Coimbra
Carlos Thomas pottery studio, where I picked up some authentic Coimbra souvenirs
What you can't miss in Coimbra:
Coimbra University: Be sure to see the Royal Palace, the Hall of Great Acts, the Private Exam Room, and the glorious Baroque Joanina Library. Climb the 18th century bell tower for panoramic views.
Se Velha Cathedral: The austere 12th century Sé is one of Portugal's finest examples of Romanesque architecture.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: This 17th century Gothic convent was founded in 1330 by the saintly Queen Isabel.
Coimbra pottery shops: Stop in at Carlos Tomás Studio to inspect the unique style of Coimbra pottery.
How to get to Coimbra from Lisbon: Coimbra is a 2 hours drive from Lisbon on the A1. High speed trains run every hour, taking 2 hours.
Coimbra can be combined with: Coimbra really merits an entire day. The best attraction to combine it with is the Conimbriga Ruins, just 30 minutes away. Conimbriga was a large Roman settlement, which still has exquisite floor mosaics. Coimbra also makes a good base in Portugal. From there, you can easily access Tomar, Batalha, Alcobaca, or Aveiro.
the Baroque facade of Queluz Palace, with the Neptune Fountain taking pride of place
7. Queluz National Palace: the "Versailles of Portugal"
Often referred to as Lisbon's Versailles, this gorgeous 18th century palace is located 15 minutes from either Lisbon or Sintra. It's a national monument and hidden jewel-like gem in Portugal.
In 1747, Dom Pedro III (then prince regent) commissioned an architect to transform his hunting lodge into a swishy Rococo residence. Queluz Palace was later extended to add a pavilion, gardens, a throne room, and music room.
Dom Pedro lived there with his wife Maria. But there history is sad. Maria reputedly suffered from severe bouts of melancholy. When her son Jose died of smallpox, she went mad, suffering hallucinations and was confined to the palace.
The palace facade is stately and sober. It overlooks the spectacular Neptune's Fountain. The formal gardens were decorated with mythological statuary and used for entertaining. There's also a canal decorated with azulejos depicting the royal family.
The highly decorated interiors are stunning. The highlights are the Ambassadors Hall, the Throne Room, and the Music Room.
How to Get to Queluz Palace from Lisbon: Queluz is located between Lisbon and Sintra. It's a 20 minute drive from Lisbon. The train ride from Rossio Station is 20 minutes, with a 15 minute walk from Queluz train station.
Queluz Palace can be combined with: Sintra, although it's best done as a day trip from Sintra or Lisbon.
historic walled city of Marvao
8. Marvao: Hidden Gem in the Alentejo Region
Marvao is a tiny medieval hamlet. It's got a dramatic setting, on a craggy escapement facing Spain. It was formerly an impregnable stronghold occupied by the Romans, the Moors, and then the Christians.
The city walls enclose a collection of white sugar cube homes. The village is dominated by the well preserved Marvao Castle, built by King Dinis in 1299 to help push out the Moors. Now, there's an artist's shop inside. This is a proper castle indeed, with breathtaking views.
Marvao Castle
What you can't miss in Marvao:
Marvao Castle: Marvao Castle itself is a perfect example of a crusader era medieval castle.
Marvao Museum: The museum is housed inside St. Mary's Church and boasts quirky artifacts.
How to get to Marvao from Lisbon: The easiest way to get to Marvao is by car. It's a 2.5 hour drive.
Marvao can be combined with: Marvao is pretty remote. But the pretty spa town of Castelo de Vide is just 20 minutes away. It's a better spot to find restaurants and such.
9. Cascais: Beachy Paradise
Only 19 miles from Lisbon, Cascais is an incredibly beautiful place, dressed in blues and yellows. Cascais boasts some incredible beaches nearby -- Carcavelos Beach and Guincho Beach. It's a great place to sunbathe near Lisbon.
In addition to its pristine white beaches, Cascais' historic town center is quite pretty. It's home to 19th century villas of the Portuguese nobility. If you're an art lover, there's plenty of museums and other artsy enclaves. It's also a culinary delight. Try Sentidos Casa do Largo, hidden away on a side street, for authentic Portuguese cuisine.
the main square in Cascais
What you can't miss in Cascais:
Cascais Fortress: The Cidadela de Cascais is a 15th century fortress offering lovely views of the harbor.
Condes de Castro Museum: A museum housed in a Revivalist style mini-palace, with paintings and ancient artifacts.
Parque Marechal Carmona: Pretty park in Cascais, the perfect place for a stroll amid peacocks and turtles.
How to get to Cascais from Lisbon: Cascais is a 35 minute drive from Lisbon. Use one of the public car parks. Trains leave frequently from Lisbon's Cais do Sodre train station, which is connected to green line metro. Get off at the last stop, Cascais Station.
Can be combined with: Estoril, another resort town with gleaming white sand beaches, is only 15 minutes away.
aerial view of Tomar Convent of Christ and aqueduct near the Templar castle in Portuga
10. Tomar: Architectural Wonderland
Often overlooked, Tomar is hidden away in central Portugal. It's a history's buffs paradise. For 700 years Tomar was the headquarters of the Knight's Templar, an elite crusading force. They were later renamed the Order of Christ.
As such, Tomar boasts one of Portugal's most important buildings -- the complex of the Convent of Christ. As an ancient building, it has Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural elements. It became a UNESCO site in 1983.
Tomar itself is also charming, sliced in two by the Nabao River. The main square is Republic Square. It's filled with lovely homes, a 15th century church, and a black and white checkerboard pavement. Head down the Via Rea de Serpa Pinto for a picturesque stroll of the town. Try one of Tomar's special sweets, Beija-me Depressa (kiss me quick).
What you can't miss in Tomar:
Convent of Christ: Founded in 1160, the UNESCO-listed convent is a magnificent complex consisting of a medieval castle, churches, and Manueline cloisters.
Basilica Nossa Senhora da Conceicao: This is a beautiful 16th century basilica on the slopes of a hill. It's the oldest medieval cathedral in Portugal. The interior boasts three towering naves, Corinithian columns, and Manueline designs.
Pegoes Aqueduct: Dating from the 17 century, this is a four mile aqueduct that was used to transport water from Pegoes to the Convent of Christ.
Tomar Synagogue: This 15th century building is also a Portugeuse national monument.
Pegoes Aqueduct near Tomar
How to get to Tomar from Lisbon: 1:30 drive on the A1 and IC9. You can take a 2 hour train ride from Lisbon's Santa Apolonia and Oriente stations.
Tomar can be combined with: A visit to the nearby Almourol Castle, a hidden gem on an island of the Tagus River just 20 minutes from Tomar. You can also combine Tomar with a visit to Portugal's other must see architectural/religious sites: Fatima, Batalha, or Alcobaca.
the Sanctuary of Fatima, built in a Neo-Classical style with a tall central tower
11. Fatima: Modern Religious Architecture
The tiny town of Fatima, like so much else in Portugal is steeped in legend. This particular legend holds that three shephard children saw visions of Mary, the so- called Marian Apparition. They returned to the same spot and learned three secret prophecies. The final one was stored in the Vatican until 2000.
From 1928-54, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima was built on the miraculous site. It's now a popular pilgrimage stop for Catholics. The architecture is impressive with a sweeping circular courtyard, a basilica housing the children's tombs, and the chapel of apparitions.
How to get to Fatima from Lisbon: Fatima is a 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon on the A1. Rede Express buses run from Lisbon's Sete Rios station, taking about 90 minutes. There are no train stations in Fatima.
Combine Fatima with: Batahla or Obidos. Or channel your inner paleontologist and visit the Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints, Pedreira do Galinha.
the town of Aveiro filled with Art Nouveau architecture
12. Aveiro: Art Nouveau Lagoon Town
On the shore of a lagoon, Aveiro is a popular stop on the way from Lisbon to Porto. Aveiro is a buzzy town with Art Nouveau architecture and plenty of tony eateries. If you're arriving by train, you'll be dazzled by the old train station adored with azulejo tiles.
Aveiro is occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal (which is an exaggeration) thanks to its small network of canals. Italians use gondolas, but Aveiro has moliceiros – colorful boats formerly used for seaweed-harvesting now used cruising tourists.
Stroll down the lovely patterned streets, enjoy the pretty pastel architecture, and wile away time in one of Aveiro's cute eateries.
an art noveau facade in Aveiro
striped houses on Costa Nova Beach
What you can't miss in Aveiro:
Igreja da Misericórdia de Aveiro: A pretty 16th century church completely tiled in blue and white azulejos.
Mosteiro de Jesus: Built between the 15th to 17th centuries, this is Aveiro's prized historic monument.
Art Nouveau Museum: Aveiro has six museums, but I liked this one best. It's worth it just to see the highly decorated interior. There, you can pick up a map of Aveiro's Art Nouveau buildings.
How to get to Aveiro from Lisbon: 2.5 hour drive. Or
Aveiro can be combined with: Costa Nova Beach, with its pretty striped homes and fresh seafood, is only 20 minutes from Aveiro. Or combine Aveiro with Coimbra, only 50 minutes away.
intricate floors of Mafra Palace
13. Mafra: Grand Palace Town
There's really one reason to visit Mafra -- to see the enormous, extravagant and grand Palace of Mafra. It's one of Europe's largest palaces. Built in the mid 18th Century by the Portuguese ruler King John, it was intended to impress and intimidate.
A lavish display of wealth and power, the palace was built when Portugal's maritime fortunes were at their zenith. You can spend hours exploring the chambers, corridors and rooms.
How to get to Mafra from Lisbon: Mafra is an easy day trip, just 45 minutes from Lisbon by car. Buses to Mafra depart from Campo Grande station and take 1:20.
Mafra can be combined with: Obidos, which is about 30 minutes away. Ericeira, a seaside resort famous for its beauty and surf break, is 10 minutes away.
the Luis I bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
14. Porto: Postcard Perfect Azulejo City
Colorful vintage-y Porto Portugal is a travel photographer's dream. Or just a dream. It's so dreamy that, right now, Porto is one of Europe's hottest destination.
It's doable as a day trip from Lisbon. But it will be a lengthy day indeed. Start early. Porto is overflowing with cultural sites and its historic center is itself a UNESCO-listed site.
Porto boasts Baroque churches, azulejo tiles, and dreamy cobblestone streets. And hills. While those hills may make your quads burn, they provide amazing vistas to view some of Porto's visual treats.
Take a romp around the hilly backstreets and alley-woven mazes of Miragaia, Ribeira and Massarelos. Visit Porto's best photo spots, sky high miradouros (lookouts) and roof terrace bars. Head across the iconic Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to sample port and lounge in the Jardim do Morro.
Capela das Almas and its Instagrammable tiled exterior
the Cais de Ribeira riverfront of Porto
What you can't miss in Porto:
Porto Cathedral: This hilltop cathedral boasts one of Porto's best views from its terrace and has a pretty Gothic cloister.
Bolsa Palace: This Neo-Classical monument was Porto's former stock exchange. Inside, you'll be dazzled by the Hall of Nationals and the gilded Arabian Hall.
Livraria Lello: This bookstore is a neo-Gothic fantasy full of carved wood, boasting a stunning stained glass ceiling and a Harry Potter association.
Igreja de São Francisco: Outside its austere, but inside this ornate church is smothered in gold.
Capela das Almas: This little charmer of a church is completely wrapped with an ornate blue and white tile mural on its entire exterior.
How to get to Porto from Lisbon: It's a 3 hour drive from Lisbon to Porto. Frequent trains leave from Santa Polónia and Oriente stations. The high speed train takes 3 hours. Buses leave from the Sete Rios bus terminal or Oriente station and take 3.5 hours.
the UNESCO-listed Tower of Belem
15. Belem: Lisbon's UNESCO Suburb
In the architecturally-rich suburb of Belem, you'll have a respite from the hustle and bustle of glamorous Lisbon. Atlantic breezes flow, grandiose Manueline monuments dazzle, and boats glide along the wide Tagus River. You'll be cast back to the Age of Discoveries, when the world was Portugal's colonial oyster.
At dusk, the crowds subside and return to Lisbon. The softening light paints the monastery's Manueline turrets gold. And the riverside UNESCO neighborhood is yours alone for exploring. Belem is an unmissable destination in Portugal, and an easy day trip from Lisbon.
Here's my guide to the 10 must see sites in Belem.
the marina in the Belem neighborhood of Lisbon
the elaborate Manueline south portal of the monastery
my daughter and I admiring the Manueline cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery in Belem
What you can't miss in Belem:
Jeronimos Monastery: The monastery is a glorious 500 year old UNESCO site. It's the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal and the #1 site in Belem. The church is free. But you have to pay to visit the absolutely dazzling cloisters.
Tower of Belem: UNESCO has listed the bewitching Game of Thrones-like building as a World Heritage monument.
Monument to the Discoveries: Monument to the Discoveries is the cement and rose-tinted stone monument poking out over the Tagus River. It honors Portugal's maritime age.
Pasteis de Belem: Portugal is famous for its custard tarts. The best place to taste these treats is at the Pastéis de Belém.
Berardo Collection Museum: A hidden gem museum just packed with modern and contemporary art.
How to get to Belem from Lisbon: Take the number 15E tram or 729 bus from Praca do Comercio. This journey takes 20- 30 minutes. It's a quick drive, but you need to leave early to secure a parking space.
If you'd like to day trip from Lisbon, pin it for later
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Hemectant Moisturizing Oil was developed for the more single coated breeds, and very fragile textured coats, or when there is not going to be very long between groomings. This oil is a complete oil and Conditioner and has a long lasting fresh scent. It contains evening oil of primrose and detangling conditioners. Hemectant Moisturizing Oil has a high tech emulsifier which allows it to mix readily with water and can be shampooed out easily.


agate geodes // approx. size: 1" - 2"
CORE VIBES: Balance, Courage and Insight.
Agate's most noticeable properties overall are balancing yin/yang energy, courage, protection, healing, and calming. Emotionally, agate gives courage, emotional strength, self-confidence, and dispels fears. It can also lessen feelings of envy by grounding the emotions. In the same way, it assists with acceptance of all things.
Agate enhances creativity and strengthens the intellect, making it a beneficial stone for both students and artists. As a stone of harmony, Agate can also increases energy. However, because it is a grounding stone, it does not increase energy at all times, but rather enables bursts of energy as needed. In this way, agate is a conservation stone, and enhances longevity.
USES: Placed on the heart, Agate will heal the emotional blockage that intercepts acceptance of love. Placed on the abdomen or taken as an elixir, Agate stimulates the digestive process, heals the eyes, stomach and uterus.


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The History of Computer Role-Playing Games Part III: The Platinum and Modern Ages (1994-2004)
by Matt Barton [Design]
April 11, 2007 Page 8 of 12
Diablo and the Rise of "Action Role-Playing Games"
Given the unmitigated success of Blizzard's Diablo, even the dimmest market analyst could predict the inevitable rush of clones that would follow in its wake.
Many of these games were just flashes in the pan. These include Silver Lightning's Ancient Evil series (1998, 2001), Iridon's Dink Smallwood (1998), Strategy First's Clans (1999), and Sierra's Throne of Darkness (2001). Though each game has qualities that set it apart from Diablo, none have matched its success.
Dink Smallwood was programmed by Seth Robinson, whose Legend of the Red Dragon game we discussed in the last installment. Like that game, Robinson loaded up the game with humor and satire, but it failed to make much impression on the market. Clans introduced more adventure-style puzzles into the mix, whereas Throne of Darkness is set in Japan's Middle Ages, just as Pixel Studio's later Blade & Sword (2003) took players to ancient China. Rebel Act Studios' Blade of Darkness (2001) is known only for its outrageous gore.
Better known Diablo clones include Gathering's Darkstone (1999), Electronic Art's Nox (2001), Irrational Games' Freedom Force (2002), Larian's Divine Divinity (2002), and Encore's Sacred series (2004). Darkstone introduced 3D graphics and the ability to control two characters, though only one at the time (the other is controlled by the computer). The ability to zoom and spin the camera around eliminated many of the problems introduced by Diablo's isometric view (such as objects getting lost behind structures.
Nox, developed by the famed Westwood Studios, met with good reviews and enjoyed modest success. Westwood even offered an expansion for the game, Nox Quest, and in a surprising move made it available for free download. Freedom Force introduced comic book style superheroes and is probably the best of the bunch. It offered a viable alternative to the "dark" fantasy of Diablo and more tactical combat. Vivendi published the sequel in 2005, Freedom Force vs The 3rd Reich. Divine Divinity and its sequel, Beyond Divinity (2004), are essentially Diablo on steroids, with huge worlds and a massive number of skills (500!). These games also improve on Diablo's sometimes confusing navigation interface. Reviewers tended to scoff at their derivative nature, but praised them for their addictive gameplay and attention to detail.
Sacred goes a step further, offering full 3D views and a world that take hours to cross. This game met with plenty of praise from critics as well, who applauded its more open-ended structure, but its bugs haven't gone unnoticed. In any case, Sacred seems to be the best action CRPG going, even if its depth and complexity go far beyond the model established by Blizzard's Diablo.
No doubt it will be interesting to see how far developers can continue to push the boundaries of the action CRPG, since each layer of complexity alienates the type of gamer who was so strongly drawn to Diablo, where the only thing you needed was a fast button finger.
Taylor has, in essence, reinvented the fantasy adventure by creating a world that isn't attached to stereotypical races and archetypes that are often more, than merely, inspired from the works of Tolkien or Dungeons & Dragons.
– Peter Suciu on GameSpy, Apr. 12, 2002.
Perhaps the best known of the more recent action-CRPG is Gas Powered Games' Dungeon Siege series, which debuted in 2002. Conceived by Chris Taylor and published my Microsoft Game Studios, Dungeon Siege features a large, diverse gameworld rendered in real-time 3D. Furthermore, the game's custom engine allows the gameworld to "stream" rather than pre-load, which helps make it feel more like a coherent whole rather than a collection of discrete areas.
Dungeon Siege's leveling system is determined by the character's actions rather than a pre-selected class, an innovation also seen in the Elder Scrolls series. Although the player can only create one character, he or she can add up to eight other pre-rendered adventurers or loot-carrying mules to the party.
Although critics appreciated the lack of loading times and open-ended leveling system, they chided the simplistic "hands off" gameplay and straightjacket plot. An expansion called Legends of Aranna followed the next year, introduced a new campaign and several improvements, such as a global map tool, but was greeted with lukewarm reviews.
Dungeon Siege looks great, but many critics panned the "click and watch" gameplay.
Gas Powered Games released the first full sequel, Dungeon Siege II, in 2005. Although the bulk of the gameplay is similar to the first game, a new Diablo II-like skill tree system gives players more refined options for leveling their character.
The first expansion to this game, Broken World, was published by 2K Games in 2006. Although it's a bit early to tell what impact these games will have on the genre, along with Sacred they are at least keeping the "action CRPG" alive and well on the PC.
Interplay Goes Platinum
After Daggerfall and Diablo, the typical CRPG fan probably assumed that real-time gameplay, whether 3D or isometric, was the way of the future. However, as we saw in the last article after the publication of FTL's Dungeon Master, the evolution of CRPGs is anything but linear.
Ultimately, craft trumps innovation, and even though Dungeon Master demonstrated as early as 1987 the feasibility of first-person perspective in real-time, SSI's turn-based Gold Box games sold well into the 1990s. Therefore, there's really nothing surprising about Interplay's breakthrough success with Fallout, a turn-based isometric game set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Wasteland Revisited: Fallout
Let's cut right to it. Fallout and its sequel, Fallout 2, are two of the finest CRPGs ever made, and if the era that produced them isn't worthy of the name "Platinum," I need a new dictionary. Like Interplay's previous masterpieces The Bard's Tale and Wasteland, Fallout is one of those preciously rare games that represents more than just the sum of its parts.
I'll offer the standard disclaimer--Fallout is one of my favorite games, and my love for it has no doubt blinded me to at least some of its flaws. My advice is that if you suspect that my praise is overblown, seek out the game and try it yourself. These are tremendously creative games that continue to win over new players nearly a decade after they first appeared on the shelf.
But what is about Fallout that makes it so great? Haven't there been plenty of other post-apocalyptic games, such as the aforementioned Wasteland, Origin's Autoduel, and even Interstel's Scavengers of the Mutant World? Doesn't it also rip its leveling up system from games like Mandate of Heaven and Daggerfall?
"Welcome to Vault-13, the latest in a series of public defense works from Vault-Tec, your contractor of choice when it comes to the best in nuclear shelters. Vault-Tec, America's Final Word in Homes."
-from the Fallout manual.
If I had to sum up Fallout's appeal in one word, it'd be "style." The governing aesthetic is a surreal mix of cheerfully morbid 1950s Cold War imagery and movies like Mad Max, Planet of the Apes, and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. There are even hints of The Evil Dead tossed in for good measure.
This juxtaposition makes for some of the most compelling moments in gaming history, and I doubt there is anyone who doesn't get goosebumps the first time he witnesses the introductory cut-scenes. Furthermore, the aesthetics run all the way through the game, including the interface.
Most games switch to a boring menu screen full of numbers when it comes time to level up. Fallout presented skills on "information cards" complete with chillingly cheerful illustrations to keep up the disturbing ambiance. Even the game's manual stayed "in character," presenting itself as a "survival guide" designed to look like a government publication.
Indeed, the manual refers to the game as a "simulation" to help long-term Vault-Dwellers more comfortably prepare themselves for a return to the outside world. It even includes some "survival recipes" for "Mushroom Clouds" and "Desert Salad." It's more than obvious that the development team had a blast creating Fallout, and their enthusiasm radiates throughout.
Few games are as aesthetically pleasing--and disturbing--as Fallout. Besides, ain't it cool to kill rats with brass knuckles?
The story is an intriguing blend of alternate history, dystopia, and science fiction, and good enough to keep the wheels of your imagination spinning long after you've completed the game. It goes something like this. Some 80 years ago, a nuclear holocaust wiped out most of the civilized world, but your people survived by moving into a giant underground vault, where they eventually developed their own society and culture (think Logan's Run).
However, now the vault's water purification chip has worn out, and it's your character's job to find a new one, fast. That means leaving behind everything you've ever known. What seems like a fairly straightforward fetch quest soon becomes much more, and I'm not going to ruin the story here by giving away any of the many twists and turns. Suffice it to say, no one who has played this game will have trouble remembering what happens when you complete this mission.
Fallout 2 was developed by Black Isle Studios, Interplay's new division that specialized in CRPGs. The second game is set 80 years after the conclusion of the first game, and has echoes of the movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome running through it. Your avatar's tribe is on the verge of extinction, and has been assigned the task of hunting down the G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit).
Once again you quickly find yourself immersed in a moving and captivating story, and it's hard not to get personally invested in its outcome. The game culminates in one of the most heart-pounding (and difficult) climaxes of any game I've ever played. Fallout 2 also offered better dialog options and plenty of new items and characters. However, the bulk of the game's engine was left intact.
Although both Fallout games were critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, Interplay did not produce a third game. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001) is a strategy game based on Fallout's combat mode, though it does have some CRPG elements. A Diablo clone called Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel appeared for the PS2 and Xbox in 2004, but most fans of the first two games don't care to acknowledge it.
According to an official 2004 press release, Bethesda is currently developing Fallout 3, though it may sadly turn out to be only radioactive dust in the wind. In any case, it would be nothing short of a miracle for another team to match, much less surpass, Black Isle's post-apocalyptic masterpiece.
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A 'movie fan' posted a comment to my Awesome Max Payne Review. I was suspicious, because, let's be honest here, this blog isn't exactly high-caliber reading material, despite the eloquence of that particular review.
I searched for his comment in good ol' google, and it looks like the same text, "i suspect the storyline for Max Payne is a lot more exciting when it's happening in the form of a video game…", has been posted everywhere else, with minor variations.
Looking at movie fan's link, Kingdom of God Media, and the typical motivation for blog spam simply isn't there: there is no money to be made.
He has a donate link, but I have difficulty imagining that gets much action.
He does link to an Amazon.com page selling a book he wrote, but that's only on his other blog, Books By Patrick.
And, true to its tag line, "The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through Movies, Music and Television", it does interpret movies, music, and television with a religious frame, but not a 'convert the heathens' frame.
So, why? Why, Mr. Patrick Roberts, why do you post the same comment everywhere? It is not a bad comment, sure, but what do you have to gain from it?
By process of elimination, or perhaps by process of lack of imagination, I'm only left with 'self promotion'. At the very bottom of his blog, there are several links to 'blogtoplist', 'blogtoparea', and other such blog-ranking web sites. By posting the same comment to multiple web sites, he is probably google-bombing his blog to a higher ranking.
And, because of the very minor variations in the comment, and the fact that my anti-spam filter did not flag it, I am under the assumption that he went to each site and posted the comments himself, without the aid of a spam bot.
So, I wondered how he found my eloquent review. While my review is perhaps the lowest ranked item in a standard Google Search, it is in the first few dozen hits for Google Blog Search.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 5:23 pm	and is filed under Blog, Investigation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
or …something. Doesn't it? And too bad about the Max Payne movie.


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Obama Presents Presidential Citizens Awards
Feminist Majority Foundation Blog | August 6, 2010
President Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Citizens Award, the second highest civilian award in the US, to thirteen people yesterday. According to the Times-Standard, Obama asked the American people to nominate the recipients for the first time since the award's inception in 1969, resulting in over 6000 nominations. Eleven of the thirteen recipients were women, which caused Obama to joke that it "tells you something about who really gets stuff done in the neighborhoods", reports the Chicago Tribune. Previous recipients include Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Powell. One recipient is Lisa Nigro, a former police officer who founded Inspiration Corp. The organization assists the homeless with services, such as Inspiration Café, which serves meals, holds support groups and provides case management services. Another recipient is Daisy Brooks, who founded Daisy's Resources and Developmental Center in North Chicago. Begun after a pregnant teenager sought her help, Brooks' center now serves as a dormitory, school and support network for struggling young women. Brooks described winning as "exciting and a blessing…I didn't think I deserved this type of award," according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Susan Retik Ger, a 9/11 widow who founded "Beyond the 11th", a group that raises money for Afghan widows and their families, was also among the recipients. Retik, who was pregnant with her third child when her husband died on one of the planes used to attack the US, was in awe of the incredible support she received afterward. The Associated Press reported Retiz said, "I just thought to myself, 'Who's helping them over there?' So many people here were helping us." Other exceptional service activities honored include a breast cancer support network, the improvement of science and technology education for Los Angeles students, and care for wounded soldiers overseas. "For these men and women, serving others isn't just the right thing to do," Obama said, "it's the obvious thing to do."
Times Standard 8/5/10; Chicago Tribune 8/4/10; White House; Chicago Sun Times 8/5/10; Associated Press 8/5/10


Katrina Kaif is trying to get rid of being only Salman Khan's girl friend. She is busy in making her own images. And with recent hits with Akshay , it helps her lot. Here is a Maxim India March Edition where she looks absolute wonderfull.


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Biden to wealthy donors: I don't want to demonize the rich
Jennifer Epstein
Tue, 18 Jun 2019 23:04 UTC
© Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
Former Vice President Joe Biden told affluent donors Tuesday that he wanted their support and -- perhaps unlike some other Democratic presidential candidates -- wouldn't be making them political targets because of their wealth.
"Remember, I got in trouble with some of the people on my team, on the Democratic side, because I said, you know, what I've found is rich people are just as patriotic as poor people. Not a joke. I mean, we may not want to demonize anybody who's made money," Biden told about 100 well-dressed donors at the Carlyle Hotel on New York's Upper East Side, where the hors d'oeuvres included lobster, chicken satay and crudites.
"Truth of the matter is, you all know, you all know in your gut what has to be done," Biden said. "We can disagree in the margins. But the truth of the matter is, it's all within our wheelhouse and nobody has to be punished. No one's standard of living would change. Nothing would fundamentally change," he said.
Former Clinton Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and former Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman, both of whom spent decades on Wall Street, were among the attendees at the event.
Invoking Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders's goal of political "revolution," Biden suggested that he would be the antidote by making marginal changes that would improve the lives of working and middle class Americans without slapping onerous taxes on the rich.
"When you have income inequality as large as we have in the United States today, it brews and ferments political discord and basic revolution," he said. Also perhaps hinting at President Donald Trump he continued: "It allows demagogues to step in" and blame what's wrong in voters' lives on "the other."
"You're not the other," Biden told the assembled group, most of whom were wearing suits. "I need you very badly."
Comment: Biden is an elite just like the group of people he was speaking to, so it shouldn't be surprising that he would try to comfort their fears. There's also the little fact that Biden needs their campaign contributions for his presidential run.
Baybars · 2019-06-19T17:04:37Z
Joe is marginalizing himself and drawing battle lines. At this point it seems the upcoming 2020 election will represent more of a 'class' struggle than the last.
I wonder what Joe's 'marginal changes' will be? There is nothing marginal about the cost of repair to America today and it will be higher next year, and the year after that.
After careful consideration, Joe makes Donald look good.


The part of the Dutch government that is responsible for the main infrastructure facilities in the Netherlands is Rijkswaterstaat. This includes the main waterways and systems.
As a consultant via Alten, I created the interaction- and graphical design for an information sharing and communication and training system on water safety for multiple levels of safety boards.


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Town Raises $300K To Restore One Of Last All-Fieldstone Barns
By Adam Schrager | December 18, 2015
Town of Chase in Oconto county raised money to restore one of the last European-style barns constructed completely out of glaciated field stones. The 100+ year old stone barn is a 100 feet long, 60 feet wide with walls that are two feet thick.
Adam Schrager
Adam Schrager is an Investigative producer and reporter with WISC-TV, the CBS affiliate in Madison.
CLEE252018-01-19T17:52:47-06:00
"We just want to be part of the American dream": Cuban exile talks troubled past and hopeful future
Wisconsin's first African-American mayor
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Prinses Akiko van Mikasa (Japans: 彬子女王, Akiko Joō) (Tokio, 20 december 1981) is een lid van de Japanse keizerlijke familie.

Akiko is de oudste dochter van de in 2012 overleden prins Tomohito en prinses Nobuko. Ze behaalde aan de Gakushuin University in Tokio een bachelorgraad in geschiedenis. Tijdens haar studie bracht ze het academisch jaar 2001/02 door in het buitenland, aan het Merton College in Oxford, om zich te verdiepen in de Japanse kunstgeschiedenis. De prinses keerde in 2004 terug in Oxford voor het behalen van het doctoraat. Haar onderzoek richtte zich op de William Andersen-collectie in het British Museum en de westerse interesse in Japanse kunst in de 19e eeuw. Prinses Akiko kreeg in 2011 als tweede lid van de Japanse keizerlijke familie ooit een doctoraat uitgereikt.

De prinses onderneemt regelmatig activiteiten voor de keizerlijke familie: in 2013 bracht ze een officieel bezoek aan Chili. Maar ze zet zich vooral veel in voor het onderhouden van de diplomatieke banden tussen Turkije en Japan. In 1998 bezocht zij voor het eerst Turkije. Ze bracht toen onder meer een bezoek aan Kalehöyük. Na het overlijden van haar vader nam zij enkele van zijn taken over. In 2014 werd ze in Turkije benoemd tot voorzitter van het Japan-Turkije-genootschap, in 2018 werd ze erevoorzitter van de prins Mikasa-stichting.

Prinses Akiko werkt de laatste jaren als onderzoeker en hoogleraar voor verschillende universiteiten. Ze is niet getrouwd.

Japanse keizerlijke familie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Forrester, Neustar and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) commissioned Forrester Consulting to survey 150 marketing decision makers from US companies that are members of the ANA to understand their analytics cultures.
Marketers already know the importance of data. However, becoming truly data focused relies on more than just implementing the tools and technology. To empower your teams and see stellar business results you need to develop an analytics culture.
The companies that are mastering the analytics culture are those where their employees are fully aligned on using data and analytics as the primary factor behind decision making.
Not surprisingly, the findings from our survey, in partnership with the ANA, reveal the strong advantages companies realize who are mastering measurement and analytics compared to those who are just beginning to build out their cultures.
Download your copy of the Forrester study, How An Analytics Culture Drives Exceptional Business Results.


Earl's uses a highly efficient aluminum stacked plate design to construct their Ultrapro fan pack coolers. We use state of the art brazing techniques to create a durable, long lasting cooler with maximum flow and minimal pressure drop.
The key to cooler temps is air flow, so we use high quality Spal electric fans to get the job done. Our fan motors designed to provide longer service life, and they're fully sealed for increased reliability and performance in even the most extreme environments. A premium fan shroud finishes out the Earl's fan pack coolers, directing the air flow where it's needed the most.
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Don't lose your cool, protect your high performance investment with a premium Ultra Pro oil cooler and fan pack from Earl's.
When doing an engine swap with a GM LS engine and installing an aftermarket oil pressure gauge it can be tough to find the right fitting for the top rear port on the engine. Luckily for us, Earl's GM oil pressure gauge adapter fittings make it an easy task.


Josh Segarra (born June 3,1986) is an American actor. Segarra is best known for his television roles as police officer Billy Cepeda in Sirens, Hector Ruiz on the 2009–11 television show The Electric Company, and Adrian Chase, a main character in Arrow. He potrayed Justin Voight in the NBC series Chicago P.D.
Segarra is from Orlando, Florida, and is of Puerto Rican descent. He speaks English and Spanish.
Segarra is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where he received a degree in theater.
In October 2014, Segarra married long-time girlfriend, Brace (née Rice). They have a son together, Gus Maine Segarra, born in September 2016.
Segarra's height is 5' 11" (1.8 m).
He was in an acapella group.


We would like to thank the sustaining members below for their support.
Use the form to the right to apply for membership in GAA-SC as an active or sustaining member.
An active member is an individual who currently represents a local government organization as a primary decision maker or a member of senior staff in geographic information systems and related information technology. He/she is involved in defining and establishing geospatial direction and policy (Director, Manager, Administrator, DBA, Sr. Analyst, etc.). A sustaining member is an individual representing a non-local government organization or firm, with interest in the objectives of the Association. A Sustaining Membership may be granted to the individual, not the organization, and the total membership of the organization or firm is limited to a maximum of two (2) concurrent memberships.
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Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres is made from 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah.
Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper … all are present in this authentic French country wine. There are also some aromas of Garrigue (Rosemary, thyme and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well. The wine is a perfect match with a nice rosemary marinated roasted lamb.


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Home Uk / International Pakistan to continue getting GSP Plus facility from UK
Pakistan to continue getting GSP Plus facility from UK
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan has shared with the business community that Pakistan would continue to benefit from the UK's trade preferences scheme at par with the EU GSP Plus facility after Brexit. He was delivering a key-note address at a Webinar on "Post-Brexit UK's GSP Scheme and Potential for Pak-UK Trade", jointly organised by the Pakistan High Commission, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and Ministry of Commerce on 07 December 2020. Besides officials of the Ministry of Commerce, TDAP, and Chambers of Commerce & Industry, a large number of businessmen from Pakistan and UK attended the webinar.
LONDON: Pakistan High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan addressing a webinar on Pakistan-UK trade on Monday.
While speaking during the event, the High Commissioner highlighted the significance of the UK market for Pakistan and stated that the duty-free access to Pakistan on more than 90% of Pakistan's exports is a good omen for UK-Pakistan future trade and investment relations. To make effective utilisation of the concessions available to Pakistan, and increase its market share post Brexit, he underlined the need for a comprehensive strategy, and effective public-private cooperation to leverage this potential. Mr Khan apprised the participants about the efforts undertaken to address regulatory and non-tariff barriers on Pakistan products. He also shared his outreach plan to create awareness about the trade and investment potential of Pakistan.
The High Commissioner stated that it was encouraging to see remarkable growth in Pakistan's exports to the UK and increased remittances to Pakistan during the current fiscal year. In order to sustain the current momentum, he urged the Pakistani businesses to diversify export products, establish long term business contacts with the buyers, develop compliance mechanisms, and acquire certifications. He shared that given the potential of the UK market, products like pharmaceutical, healthcare & PPE, surgical instruments, IT enabled services, processed food and, agriculture products possess immense potential and need to be exploited. He assured all possible assistance and facilitation from the Mission to the Pakistani business community in their marketing efforts.
Earlier, Minster (Trade), Mr. Shafiq Shahzad made a comprehensive presentation on the UK's trade preferential scheme for Pakistan & other developing countries, and highlighted potential for enhanced trade between Pakistan and the UK. Mr Kamal Shahryar, Adviser TDAP spoke about the issues related to compliance with international conventions and rules of origin. During the event, Ex-Chairman PREGMEA, Mr. Ijaz Khokhar, Mr. Amjad Pervez, Chairman JumpStart Pakistan, and Mr. Atta ul Haq, Secretary General, Pakistan-Britain Business Council shared their views and gave proposals for expansion of UK-Pakistan trade and economic ties in the post Brexit period.
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Saad M - June 19, 2020


text:
Open A Book
Pour A Glass
Patrick Teate
Book Review: Ender's Game
Author's Webpage: Orson Scott Card
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Reminds Me Of: Armada, The Expanse, Star Trek
Warnings: The whole books about teaching a kid about discipline and team building but I don't believe this is a children's novel
Triggers: In my opinion there's like some child labor issues going on here
Publisher Synopsis:
In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut--young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.
Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers, Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister.
Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If the world survives, that is.
I work around military folks all the time for my work. Never seen a kid. Nor had any notion that a kid would be the solution for an alien invasion. Carry on though Orson.
Ender's Game was difficult for me to get into mostly because I couldn't wrap my head around the concept of a child being of sound mind to control an army and the human race being cool with that as their strategy. However, I pushed past that and enjoyed this classic 80s novel for what it was. Military science fiction is such an interesting genre. Its one of the more relatable of the sci-fy genres because weapons development and technology is always towards the forefront of making fiction reality. That hyper realism factor is what draws me in to think about things that might actually be possible for the future.
In this world that same concept lies. What would the human race do faced with an undoubtedly larger force against it? Obviously we'd fight back, but how? What technology would arise from such an attack? What strategies would the human race use to band together and defeat the enemy? Ender's Game portrays we'd use the unhindered mind of a child to push past the decision blockages of adulthood. We'd use virtual reality and video games to teach them skills and play "pretend" battles. We'd have space battle schools to train our soldiers in zero gravity and learn techniques in fighting in that terrain. Some decisions made by humans would be questionable. Like isolating the child from their families at an early age until mid teens. Practicing day in and day out sometimes with little sleep. Locking them in rooms to sleep with no adult supervision. And other choices would be just plain idiotic. Like planning your global fight with Russia and their alleged "Warsaw Pact" after you defeat the "buggers"...oh 1980s geopolitical drama.
Besides Ender's story was what I thought was such an interesting dialogue I'd much rather have had much more of it than the bugger drama. Ender's two siblings were using the internet to create these warring ideological factions. They would write under pseudonyms and submit their opinions to the net. This reminds me of current day social media and troll farms on twitter. Some of these accounts have massive followings and can sway opinions of a large swath of humanity in under 140 characters. Peter, the more devious of the two siblings took on the more structure empathetic politician whilst Valentine was the more populist and boisterous war monger. Three guesses on who had the larger following. I found this storyline to be so intriguing because of how poignant it gelled with our modern day discourse online. #SocialMediaWasAMistake
SPOILER ALERT: The twists in this book were really well written though. I loved the usage of the video game and the virtual reality simulations to be revealed as actual battles in the end to be really clever. Heartbreaking in the sense that Ender didn't really want to kill anybody and was actively avoiding becoming his brother Peter but oh well, screw Ender's feelings amiright?! Finally, the concept on human cruelty when it came to the buggers was powerful. Of course one of the decisions to be made would be revenge for the previous two attacks. The buggers claimed in a sudo mind meld with Ender that they didn't understand who or what we were and so perceived us as a threat. Much to what humans would do as well. They however had no way of also communicating an apology and asking for forgiveness.
"War is what happens when language fails."
-Margaret Atwood
Well that probably wasn't going to fly anyways with humanity. I'm eager even through my criticism to continue on to the next book in the series; Speaker for the Dead. It follows after Ender wrote the two novels The Hive Queen and The Hegemon towards the end of this book. Those fictional writings that encompass the feeling of the bugger queen (The Hive Queen) and his overlord brother Peter (The Hegemon). Ender writes under his own pseudonym "Speaker for the Dead" and basically convinces humanity to see him not as a hero but a killer of races and xenocidal pawn. This feels like a call out to the Vietnam war which would've ended about a decade before this. Public opinion heavily swayed in the opposite direction once fighting was televised. Or more recently you could make that connection to the war in Afghanistan which was widely criticized upon its completion. I think the concept portrayed through that is that war seems just and proper in the beginning, much like the issues between Russia and America during Ender's Game, but quickly devolves once fighting begins.
Drink Pairing: Beetlejuice
A drink about bugs for a book fighting the "buggers". Yea that sounds pretty good.
Buggers
A COUPLE OF GIN LOVERS WITH A READING PROBLEM
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Hobbico is a well-known RC manufacturer in the USA and has made quite a lot of rc products, some of which happen to be rc drones.
This particular model is one of the best beginner quadcopters on the market, it has a self-stabilization system that prevents the drone from losing control, it sure is a fun product that can be used for both filming videos and killing some free time.
Overall, it sure is a very fun toy from beginners, it's small in size which makes it very easy to take it anywhere, moreover, it can fly at a great speed due to it being lightweight, it sure has its ups and downs but I'd say it's definitely worth the money.
You can also fly it indoors, and thanks to its stabilization technology, crashing this drone is a pretty hard thing to do, but even if you manage to crash it while you're still getting used to the controls, it'll bounce right back into action thanks to the durable and flexible material used to manufacture it.
This mini drone by Parrot packs quite the punch, it is small enough to be held in your palm but it generates quite a lot noise too, it's a fun little gadget that you can use to kill some time and enjoy yourself.
It is supposed to be an easy-to-use drone, but you'll have to assemble it first before you could fly it, which can be a little bit tricky unless you give the instructions a good read.
It does indeed qualify for the best beginner quadcopter thanks to it being very easy to control and also being quite durable.
If you're looking to become an expert in flying drones but don't want to ruin a hundreds of dollars worth of drone in the process, then buying this drone is a very good idea as you'd be able to brush up your quadcopter flying skills using this product.
Overall, its a very beginner-friendly product that is relatively easy to assemble and very easy to control. But keep in mind that you'll need your smart-phone to control this drone.
This particular product is absolutely loved by the customers, it costs such a low amount of money that buying this drone is a no-brainer, it comes with quite a lot of features for its price and is built to last for up to years which is quite amazing.
It can however, take you quite a while before you get familiar with the controls as they aren't the easiest ones around in the drone industry, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be flying this drone like a pro.
It's the perfect product for people looking to learn how to fly drones or just trying to have some fun, it definitely is a solid contender of the best beginner quadcopter title.
It is made out of an ABS plastic body that is quite strong, it wont break unless you accidentally step on the drone, crashing it somewhere is not enough to kill this drone which is really great.
You can also fly this drone indoors and relieve some stress, it is a very fun way to get your mind off of stressful thoughts and just enjoy yourself.
This hubsan nano drone is definitely one of the smallest drones around that are also fully functional, therefore it is perfect for beginners looking to just get the hang of flying drones.
Hubsan is a well-known quadcopter manufacturer that is known to product durable and high quality drones, and this product is no exception either.
This drone is perfect for both indoor and outdoor flying, but because of its small size and not so powerful motor, it won't be able to perform well in a windy situation, therefore it is better to just fly it indoors if there's a wind blowing, or you mind loose control and end up breaking your drone.
The price tag of this drone is very impressive indeed, making it a very good contender for the best beginner quadcopter title, it is built out of high quality material and should last for quite a long time should you take proper care of it.
It comes with two modes, the beginner and expert mode, in the expert mode, the drone will fly at greater speeds but you will need to focus a bit more in order to keep it from crashing, the beginner mode makes sure that the drone doesn't fly too quickly or loose control.
A downside of this drone is that the flight times are very low at just being around 5 minutes, so you'll need to buy quite a few spare batteries in order to enjoy a fun flying session. But the good thing is, charging the battery only takes about 30 minutes using the USB cable that comes with the drone.
The drone can be hard to control due to its small transmitter, so if you have big hands, you might want to think twice before buying it. Moreover, flying it in dark is almost impossible because it'll be very hard to spot the drone due to its small size.
Overall, its a fun little toy that is definitely one of the best beginner quadcopter, if you're just looking to get used to drone flying and don't want to spend too much money in the process, this product is perfect for you.


text:
Louis Foisil ( à Domfront -  à Orgeval) est un poète français.

Biographie

L'Académie française lui décerne le prix Caroline Jouffroy-Renault en 1935 pour son ouvrage La chouette sur mon berceau.

La Varende, qui avait préfacé Saint-Michel des périls, a écrit un hommage posthume, avec quelques éléments biographiques,  dans "Je Suis Partout" du 29 janvier 1943. Pour lui, "C'est notre dernier poète chouan". Foisil était militant royaliste.

Œuvres
 Saint-Michel des périls (1939)
 Feu ma grand'mère me contait..., poèmes... (1936)
 La Chouette sur mon berceau, poèmes. Bandeaux et culs-de-lampe de la collection Poésie (1935)
 La Légende du Mont Saint-Michel (1911)

Références

Bibliographie
Lucien Viborel,Les fleurs du bien: Anthologie de poésie catholique des XIXe et XXe siècles, Fernand Lanore, 2005
Gilbert Delahaye, Poètes normands, florilège, Unimuse, 1966

Liens externes

Naissance en juin 1880
Naissance à Domfront
Poète français du XXe siècle
Décès en janvier 1943
Décès en Seine-et-Oise
Décès à 62 ans


If you know any seniors who still haven't finalized their college decisions, forward this guest blog by Jewel Walwyn, a professional college counselor.
It's April and you have done the hard part-or so you thought. On your desk at home, or your inbox, sits a cluster of acceptance letters from colleges! You are college bound, but the problem is, to which one. You carefully chose the colleges to which you will apply and are now faced with options. Options can be great, but you have less than a month to decide which college will help to steer you in the correct trajectory for the rest of your life. No big deal, right?
As you and your parents ponder over and analyze your schools, here are some things to consider that may help to objectively compare the schools beyond that attractive admissions officer that plays the same sport you do!
First, why May 1st: May 1 is National College Decision Day, so called because the vast majority of U.S. colleges and universities set this as the deadline for students to notify them of their decision to attend. This date determines if you will accept or deny that financial package that is coupled with your acceptance letter.
· How many students stick around after freshman year?
· How many students actually graduate?
· How many students find good jobs after graduation?
· Which school offers the stronger academic program in which I'm interested?
· Are there extracurricular activities and social clubs that appeal to me more at one school than another?
· What kinds of students enjoy attending this school?
· If you haven't already done so and the campus is nearby, visit the campus. A campus visit reveals far more about a college than any website will.
· Go through the college's website with a fine toothed comb. Read between the lines to learn about the college's atmosphere and values.
· Look over the school newspaper (most are available online). The school paper often offers a glimpse of campus life and available activities.
· Access the course catalogue (if not available online, most schools will gladly provide one). If the school doesn't offer interesting courses, you probably don't want to attend.
· Contact the admissions officers with any unanswered questions. People who work for the college may be biased, but they also know more about the school than anyone else.
Compare Your Options Once you're fully informed, it's decision time. Choosing which college to attend is the first major life decision most students make – it's a harrowing, terrifying, and exciting experience. Many students are tempted to make this decision purely based on emotion (i.e. "I got into my dream school! It's expensive, but who cares?"), but this decision must be made in a logical and thoughtful manner.
· Compare financial aid packages. This can be trickier than it sounds- rule out any schools that are too far beyond your family's means.
· Make a pro and con list for each school. Sometimes seeing all of the possible benefits and consequences in black and white can make the decision easier.
· If you are still stuck, go with your gut. You will spend roughly 4 years living and studying at this school – ultimately, it is you who will have to decide what is right for you.
· Send your Statement of Intent to Register and your deposit to your chosen college. Make sure to re-read all the materials that came from the colleges so that you submit every required document!
· Notify the other colleges that you will not be attending. Many schools will already have sent a form that essentially asks you to "check yes or no" – if so, simply submit that form. If there was no form, notify the colleges in writing. Don't feel obligated to include an explanation – a brief note stating that you have carefully weighed your options and decided to attend another school will suffice. Notifying your reject colleges might seem like a massive waste of time, but it's the polite thing to do. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of other students on the wait list, and by notifying the college that you will not attend, you open your spot to another student.
· Review any and all paperwork your college has sent. Make note of any additional applications and deadlines (such as housing applications). Check to see whether the college requests a final transcript, immunization documents, or other documentation and submit the appropriate documents in a timely manner.
Jewel Walwyn, M.Ed. is a college counselor at School Counseling Group located on Mac Arthur Blvd in Washington, DC. With over 15 years of experience, Jewel guides students and families through the college process. She specializes in helping students with learning disabilities as well transfer students, adult students, and those seeking a gap year.


We are organizing a variety of events at HIAS GLECS. Event categories are summarized here.
We have published more than 80 discussion papers as of the end of 2018.
4 research projects are now going on at HIAS GLECS.


Indicating that the prevalent education system in the state is incapable of preparing the local youth to answer the competitive as well as job-oriented examinations, chairman of Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC) José Manuel Noronha said that even though the Goan students are bright enough, they fall short while performing at such exams as they lack in analytical reasoning, knowledge of scientific application and general knowledge including current affairs.
Reacting to the poor performance of the local candidates at the exams conducted by the GPSC as well as other job-oriented examinations, Noronha said that these candidates have been prepared to answer the examinations by way of rote, with memorisation being the main element of their study. "And when they are made to answer the competitive as well as job-oriented exams, where one of the four options is the correct answer, they falter," he observed.
Speaking to 'The Navhind Times', the GPSC chairman said that such papers are set by people from the academics or those highly experienced in a particular field. "In fact, the GPSC now conducts Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) for all government posts, which it has to fill, and the result of such tests is immediately announced, so that the candidates without any delay know how they have fared," he informed, pointing out that the CBRT is a multiple choice exam, which provides four options to every question asked.
"Now what happens is that because of this multiple choice – which should actually have been easier for the candidates – they need to adapt themselves to a new way of answering exams," Noronha stated, adding that the mugging up technique prevalent for school examinations does not allow these candidates to adapt to the CBRT. "Therefore, it is required that these candidates answer the paper by way of application of their knowledge to a practical situation, rather than just read a question and write down the answer from what they have memorised," he noted.
As per the available statistics, the examination conducted by GPSC on March 5, 2017, for the posts of lower grade officers was answered by 1,506 candidates, out of which only seven could pass. Furthermore, the GPSC exam conducted on September 24, 2017, for the same posts was answered by 1,092 candidates, out of which only 12 could clear the same.
On November 5, 2017, altogether 324 candidates answered the examination for the posts of mamlatdar, with 30 of them passing in it. Another examination for the same posts was conducted on March 9, 2018, which was answered by 202 candidates, with 17 of them clearing the exam. Yet another examination for the posts of sales tax officers was conducted on November 26, 2017, with 287 candidates appearing for the same and only seven managing to clear it. An exam was again conducted for these posts on March 4, 2018, for which 269 candidates appeared and 37 cleared the same.
The most shocking results came for the examination conducted in January 2018, for the 80 advertised posts of accountants, in the department of accounts. As many as 8,000 candidates, who appeared for this exam, flunked it.
The GPSC chairman further said that the application of mind can take place only when a candidate has the power of reasoning. "Now, lot of competitive exams as well as job-oriented exams focus on reasoning, where the intelligence of the candidate is reviewed," he added, maintaining that general knowledge about the world around is also necessary, which can be attained only through serious reading; in-depth reading of philosophy and current affairs.
"Any question paper set by the GPSC has 60 questions, 30 related to the subject matter of the post for which the test is conducted, while rest 30 are divided for English language, general knowledge and reasoning," Noronha informed, pointing out that the candidate, therefore, should have holistic knowledge, which includes sound knowledge of his core subject, acquaintance with the English language, understanding the reasoning and general knowledge.
"If any candidate is prepared in these segments, then there is no way he can fail in such examinations," he added, observing that the qualifying percentage for the GPSC papers is 60 that is 36 marks out of the total 60 marks, which should ideally be achieved by the candidates, but that's not happening.


text:
Wallach: má více významů:

 Wallach – původní německé jméno osady Bylochov na Litoměřicku, části obce Strachaly
 Wallach (kráter) – impaktní kráter na přivrácené straně Měsíce

 příjmení osob
 Eli Wallach (1915–2014) – americký herec židovského původu
 Jochanan Wallach (* 1945) – izraelský fotbalista a fotbalový funkcionář
 Otto Wallach (1847–1931) – německý chemik židovského původu, laureát Nobelovy ceny

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