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951 F. 2d 751 - United States v. D Lawrence
951 F2d 751 United States v. D Lawrence
60 USLW 2450
Shawn D. LAWRENCE, Defendant-Appellant.
Argued Feb. 14, 1991.
Rodney Cubbie, Office of U.S. Atty., Milwaukee, Wis. (argued), for plaintiff-appellee.
Thomas A. Gibbons, Ari M. Trubitt (argued), Kreiter & Associates, Chicago, Ill., for defendant-appellant.
Before COFFEY and EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judges, and ESCHBACH, Senior Circuit Judge.
COFFEY, Circuit Judge.
Defendant-appellant Shawn Lawrence was convicted on two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and was sentenced under the Sentencing Guidelines to 108 months imprisonment and an additional four years of supervised release. He appeals his conviction arguing that (1) that the "100 to 1 ratio" of cocaine to cocaine base, for purposes of determining sentencing levels under the Guidelines, has no rational basis and thus violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, and (2) the district court's assessment of a two-level offense level increase for obstruction of justice was clearly erroneous. We affirm.I. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW
On October 24, 1989, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the defendant, Shawn Lawrence, charging him with two counts of possession of cocaine base ("crack") with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Each count related to a separate incident in which the defendant was arrested for possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute. On appeal, the defendant does not contest the validity of his arrests nor the seizures of the drugs.
The defendant proceeded to trial on January 16, 1990. At trial, Officer Ferguson of the Glendale, Wisconsin Police Department, testified that he apprehended Lawrence on December 11, 1988 for possession of an alcoholic beverage by a minor (Lawrence was 19 at the time).1 During a pat down search, the officer discovered a clear plastic bag containing thirteen small packets (amounting to 6.42 grams) of cocaine and four larger resealable clear plastic bags containing crack (amounting to 2.327 grams) in Lawrence's right front pants pocket. Thereafter, some six months later on May 19, 1989, the defendant was arrested for possession of crack cocaine by Officer Riojas of the Milwaukee Police Department while responding to a domestic violence complaint in Lawrence's apartment at 2440A North 16th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Officer Riojas testified at trial that he met with a Miss LaDawana Norris outside this address. Miss Norris was limping and told Officer Riojas that her boyfriend, Shawn Lawrence, the defendant, had choked her and struck her with a hammer. Officer Riojas testified at trial that Miss Norris also told him during his investigation of the assault that Lawrence was selling crack and cocaine out of the 2440A North 16th Street address and that if Lawrence knew she was accompanied by a police officer he would not open the door and might attempt to flee by jumping off the balcony. Officer Riojas and Norris went to the apartment, Norris knocked on the door and proceeded to engage Lawrence in conversation. After several minutes, Lawrence opened the door and Officer Riojas advised Lawrence that Norris stated that he had been choking her and hitting her with a hammer. Lawrence denied abusing or attacking Norris and stated that there was no hammer or any type of weapon in his apartment. At this time Officer Riojas asked Lawrence if he could search his apartment for the hammer and Lawrence consented. While searching in the apartment for the hammer, Riojas discovered an opened brown paper bag behind a couch containing thirty small plastic packets of cocaine base (amounting to 7.049 grams), ninety-five similar plastic packets that were empty, and another plastic bag containing a one and one-half inch nugget of cocaine base (amounting to 14.236 grams).2
Detective Steven Spingola of the Milwaukee Police Department testified that following the May 19, 1989 arrest for crack cocaine possession, he interrogated the defendant on two separate occasions with the first interview taking place shortly after midnight on May 20, 1989. At this time the defendant-appellant, Lawrence, told Spingola that he lived alone at the 2440A North 16th Street address and that no one else had access to the premises as he was the only one who had keys for the apartment. The defendant further stated that he smoked powdered crack, and that the most he had ever purchased at one time was seven bags of crack, and that the large number of empty baggies found in the apartment were residual baggies accumulated from previous personal usage of crack. Lawrence related that he placed the paper bag behind the couch (the bag that Riojas discovered), and denied knowledge that the bag contained crack. Approximately nine hours later, Detective Spingola again questioned Lawrence, who changed his story again and stated that he had purchased one-half ounce of crack from a street dealer named "Solo" for $500.00 and still owed him $300.00 of the purchase price. The defendant further informed the officer that he prepared the cocaine base from the cocaine he purchased from Solo and that he planned to share the crack with several friends.
In contradiction of the statement he gave to the officers at the time of his arrest, at trial, Lawrence gave a third different story when he denied knowing anything about the drugs found in his apartment on May 19, 1989: He denied getting cocaine from Solo, and instead, Lawrence testified that when he arrived at home he found Norris in the apartment with Solo and that he picked up the paper bag that contained the crack and threw it behind the couch not knowing that there were drugs in the bag. The defendant called LaDawana Norris to testify on his behalf, who provided a fourth explanation for the crack found behind the couch and further denied telling Officer Riojas about the defendant selling crack from the 2440A North 16th Street address. She also stated that she was smoking crack with Solo at that residence on May 19, 1989 and that when Lawrence came home, Solo put his "stuff" behind the couch. The jury chose not to believe the testimony of the defendant and Norris and found the defendant guilty on both counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The district court sentenced the defendant to 108 months imprisonment on each count to run concurrently with each other followed by four years of supervised release.
II. ISSUES FOR REVIEW
The defendant argues on appeal that (1) the sections of the Drug Quantity Tables treating one gram of cocaine base the same as 100 grams of cocaine for purposes of determining sentencing levels under the Guidelines has no rational basis and thus violates the defendant's constitutional rights to Due Process and Equal Protection; and (2) the district court's two-level upward adjustment of his base offense level for obstruction of justice was clearly erroneous.
III. DISCUSSION
The defendant argues that the Drug Quantity and Drug Equivalency Tables incorporated into the Sentencing Guidelines Section 2D1.1(a)(3) that treats one gram of cocaine base the same as 100 grams of cocaine for purposes of determining sentencing levels violates his rights to Due Process and Equal Protection. The defendant states in his brief that "[t]he whole thrust of due process and equal protection is that persons similarly situated will be treated similarly [and] ... the current '100 to 1 Ratio' is so far from the mark that it amounts to overkill of cocaine base offenders as compared to cocaine offenders."
The defendant contends that if there were no statutory or Guidelines distinction between cocaine and cocaine base offenses, and the penalties for the quantity of a drug were the same, then pursuant to Guidelines Section 2D1.1(c)(15), the defendant would have a base offense level of 14 (25 to 50 grams of cocaine). With the two-level increase for obstruction of justice, and a Criminal History Category of II, the sentencing range for the defendant would have been 24 to 30 months, rather than the 108 month sentence he received, and thus, the defendant contends that he has been punished 4.5 times more severely for possessing cocaine base than if he possessed cocaine. Moreover, the defendant alleges that since cocaine and cocaine base are chemically the same drug, have the same pharmacological effects on the user, and present largely the same problems to law enforcement officials, the statutory and Guidelines scheme "has no rational basis and is in fact arbitrary in its inception, and violates due process...."
The defendant was sentenced under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A)(iii), which provides that anyone convicted of possession with intent to distribute "50 grams or more of a mixture or substance ... which contains cocaine base [crack]" shall be sentenced to no less than ten years in prison, and the same penalty is imposed on a defendant who possesses with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine. (Emphasis added). The Guidelines have adopted the same sentencing scheme, treating one gram of cocaine base the same as one hundred grams of cocaine ("100 to 1 ratio"). See Guidelines § 2D1.1(a)(3).
This court reviews acts of Congress with considerable deference. Acts do not affect principles of substantive due process if they bear "a reasonable relation to the proper legislative purpose and are neither arbitrary nor discriminatory." United States v. Buckner, 894 F.2d 975, 978 (8th Cir.1990) (quoting Nebbia v. New York, 291 U.S. 502, 537, 54 S.Ct. 505, 516, 78 L.Ed. 940 (1934)). This court has not ruled on the constitutionality of the greater penalty schedule for cocaine base as opposed to cocaine, but other circuits that have addressed the issue have rejected constitutional challenges very similar and in some instances identical to those raised by the defendant. In Buckner, the Eighth Circuit rejected the defendant's substantive due process challenge to whether the decision by Congress to apply a "100 to 1 ratio" is constitutional, concluding that the ratio of cocaine to cocaine base in the Sentencing Guidelines is rationally related to Congress' objective of protecting the public welfare:
"We do not believe that requiring more severe penalties for crimes involving cocaine base than for those involving cocaine was either arbitrary or irrational. Members of Congress considered cocaine base to be more dangerous to society than cocaine because of crack's potency, its highly addictive nature, its affordability, and its increasing prevalence.9 Senator D'Amato addressed specifically the reasoning underlying the '100 to 1 ratio':
'Because crack is so potent, drug dealers need to carry much smaller quantities of crack than of cocaine powder. By treating 1,000 grams of feebase [sic] cocaine no more seriously than 1,000 grams of cocaine powder, which is far less powerful than freebase, current law provides a loophole that actually encourages drug dealers to sell the more deadly and addictive substance, and lets them sell thousands of doses without facing the maximum penalty possible.' "
132 Cong.Rec. S8092 (daily ed. June 20, 1986).
Several drug abuse experts testified before Congress as to the comparative dangers of cocaine base and cocaine. See, e.g., "Crack" Cocaine: Hearing, note 2 supra. In explaining the difference between crack and cocaine, Dr. Robert Byck, M.D., Prof. of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, stated:
"[I]f you heat [cocaine base] to about the temperature of boiling water, it goes off into a vapor. [Then you can] inhale it into your lungs, and you can take a lot [in]. [By contrast, with cocaine, y]ou can pack your nose only so far.... As long as you keep breathing [the crack] vapor, you can get more dosage into yourself. That is the reason why crack ... is so dangerous. There is an unlimited amount that can go in.
The speed of the material going to the brain is very rapid.... [Y]ou get an intense change in the mood of the individual, which initially is extremely pleasant, and someone wants to repeat it. But because it has gone in so fast, the level drops down quickly, and ... somebody feels terrible.... So you take some more.
... [Y]ou realize that this is going to get you a bit edgy, so you take alcohol along with it. Multidrug abuse is very common.... Taking heroin ... along with crack is fairly common.
So here we have a substance that is tailor-made to addict people. What do we graft on to it? We graft on, first of all, this gigantic import industry of many billions of dollars. Second, our own American marketing methods ... [W]hat we have here is the fast food solution. It is not that McDonald's hamburgers are necessarily better, ... it is the fact that they are already prepared, they are ready to go, and they come in a little package. Here suddenly, we have cocaine available in a little package, in unit dosage, available at a price that kids can pay initially...."
Buckner, 894 F.2d 975, 978-79 n. 9.
In United States v. Cyrus, the D.C. Circuit also rejected a constitutional challenge to the "100 to 1" ratio of cocaine to cocaine base for sentencing purposes:
"A legislative body need not explicitly state its reason for passing legislation so long as a court can divine some rational purpose. Here, such purposes are readily apparent. Crack is far more addictive than cocaine. It is far more accessible due to its relatively low cost. And it has experienced an explosion of popularity. Any one of these factors would furnish a rational basis for the distinction."
890 F.2d 1245, 1248 (D.C.1989) (citation omitted). Similarly, the Sixth Circuit in United States v. Pickett, 941 F.2d 411, 418 (6th Cir.1991), concluded that the disproportionate sentencing of cocaine base to cocaine does not violate the substantive component of the Due Process clause:
"Given [the] problems caused by the special qualities of crack, it was not irrational for Congress to determine that substantially greater penalties for the sale and distribution of crack were necessary to counter balance a lure of profit that would otherwise attract persons into the crack trade."
We reject the defendant's claims and join those circuits holding that Congress' enactment of different penalties for cocaine base and cocaine evinces a rational purpose and does not violate the Due Process clause. Drug abuse is a cancer that threatens society, particularly in the form of increased criminal activity. The highly addictive nature of crack, its growing availability, and relatively low cost all serve to increase the risks associated with its use. Cyrus, 890 F.2d at 1248. Congress in its wisdom has chosen to combat the devastating effects of crack cocaine on our society, and we believe the disproportionate sentencing scheme that treats one gram of cocaine base the same as 100 grams of cocaine is rationally related to this purpose.
Our holding is consistent with this court's recent en banc decision in United States v. Marshall, 908 F.2d 1312 (7th Cir.1990), aff'd sub nom. Chapman v. United States, --- U.S. ----, 111 S.Ct. 1919, 114 L.Ed.2d 524 (1991), where we concluded that the statute, 21 U.S.C. § 841, and Sentencing Guidelines, 2D1.1(c), are not unconstitutional for basing their computation on the gross weight of a drug and carrier medium. In upholding this court's decision in Marshall, the Supreme Court determined that Congress reasonably established a sentencing system based on the "mixture or substance containing a detectable amount" of the prohibited drug:
"By measuring the quantity of the drugs according to the 'street weight' of the drugs in the diluted form in which they are sold, rather than according to the net weight of the active component, the statute and the Sentencing Guidelines increase the penalty for persons who possess large quantities of drugs, regardless of their purity. That is a rational sentencing scheme."
Chapman v. United States, --- U.S. ----, 111 S.Ct. 1919, 1927-28, 114 L.Ed.2d 524 (1991).
The defendant argues that the two-level upward adjustment of his base offense level for obstruction of justice was clearly erroneous. Specifically, the defendant asserts that the district court failed to find by a preponderance of the evidence that he obstructed justice by either committing perjury or suborning the perjured testimony of LaDawana Norris. A trial court's determination that a defendant obstructed justice is finding of fact, and therefore, "our review is under a clearly erroneous standard." United States v. Brown, 900 F.2d 1098, 1103 (7th Cir.1990).
Pursuant to Guidelines § 3C1.1, a defendant's offense level is increased by two "[i]f the defendant willfully impeded or obstructed, or attempted to impede or obstruct the administration of justice during the investigation or prosecution of the instant offense...." Application Note 1(c), in effect at the time of the defendant's sentencing hearing, provided that "testifying untruthfully or suborning untruthful testimony concerning a material fact ..." is a basis for an obstruction of justice adjustment.3
Following his arrest on May 19, 1989, the defendant told Detective Spingola that he lived alone at the 2440A North 16th Street address and that no one else had access to the premises as he was the only one who had keys. At this time he stated that he kept the cocaine base for his own personal use and denied any knowledge of the source of the "crack" cocaine found in his apartment. Later that same day, the defendant gave a second statement to Detective Spingola in which he claimed that he had purchased cocaine on consignment from a drug dealer named "Solo" and made crack from the cocaine. In the second statement, he again claimed that the crack was intended for personal use and that some of the packaging materials which were recovered from the 2440A North 16th Street address were present when he moved into the house. Several months later at trial, the defendant unequivocally denied any knowledge of the drugs which were found inside the residence. Thus, the defendant provided three different versions regarding the presence of "crack" in his apartment. LaDawana Norris also offered a fourth inconsistent statement regarding the crack found in Lawrence's apartment. Initially Norris told Officer Riojas that the defendant was selling cocaine and crack out of his apartment. However, at trial she contradicted her statement at the arrest scene and denied that Lawrence was dealing drugs and instead testified that she and "Solo" were the ones responsible for the crack in the apartment.
At sentencing, the trial judge clearly stated his reason for applying a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice:
"Well, since the standard in a trial, ... is beyond a reasonable doubt, and since the beyond a reasonable doubt standard does not apply to fact finding when it comes to the imposition of sentence, I'm in a little difficult position to now suspend in part the jury's verdict with regard to their findings since that standard was proof beyond a reasonable doubt. And to suggest that the defendant be given the benefit of any doubt with regard to LaDawana Norris's testimony or his own or his two statements to Detective Spingola of the Milwaukee Police Department I think that fails of its own weight [sic] because the jury has found to the contrary on the basis of a standard that is much higher than that which a sentencing court is obliged in employ in its determination as to [whether an obstruction of justice has occurred]. As I read the Guideline and the commentary, it is true that no defendant is obliged under the law to come forth and testify in his or her own defense, nor is any defendant obliged to come forth and produce any evidence or testimony. The fact is once that process has been put into place, there are certain consequences that flow from that....
So on the basis of the record that was made, including the comments of [the prosecutor] as well as the court's own recollection of the salient facts, the jury made its findings; and I have absolutely nothing before me to suggest that the jury was in error in their assessment of the totality of the facts and circumstances. And consistent with that I find that I have no alternative other than to adopt the probation department's determination as to the fact that an enhancement in this case of two points be added for obstruction of justice which results in an offense level of 30."
We agree with the trial court and hold that the district court's action in enhancing the defendant's offense level for obstruction of justice was not clearly erroneous.
The decision of the district court is
In Wisconsin, it is illegal for an individual under the age of 21 to consume or be in possession of alcoholic beverages
After discovering the crack cocaine, the officer subsequently found a hammer in Lawrence's bedroom in a space between the mattress on the floor and the bedroom wall
See, e.g., "Crack" Cocaine: Hearing (statement of Sen. Roth, Chair of Subcomm.) ("a frightening and dangerous new twist in the drug abuse problem [is] the growing availability and use of a cheap, highly addictive, and deadly form of cocaine known on the streets as 'crack' "); id. at 4 (statement of Sen. Nunn) ("crack cocaine [is] an unprecedented peril to the health and well-being of our Nation"); id. at 7 (statement of Sen. Chiles) ("the carnage that [crack] is going to leave in its path is something I don't know if this country can literally survive"); 132 Cong.Rec. S8091 (daily ed. June 20, 1986) (statement of Sen. D'Amato) (citation omitted) (" 'crack represent[s] a quantum leap in the addictive properties of cocaine' "); 132 Cong.Rec. S14282 (daily ed. Sept. 30, 1986) (statement of Sen. Kennedy) ("A new, cheaper--and far more dangerous--form of cocaine, called 'crack' or 'rock,' is easier to transport and use"); 132 Cong.Rec. S14293 (daily ed. Sept. 30, 1986) (statement of Sen. Bumpers) ("The recent introduction of 'crack' cocaine, an even more potent and dangerous substance [than cocaine,] has allowed [the] percentage [of children using drugs in the U.S.] to spiral upward").
The Application Notes to § 3C1.1 were amended November 1, 1990


2008 was the year it all began. We started seeing a chiropractor for my then two-year-old daughter's constipation. This was no ordinary snap-crackle-pop chiropractor. No, this one was educationally minded. She didn't just adjust patients' spines; she adjusted our minds too.
As part of our family's spinal care, we agreed to attend workshops and classes held monthly at her office. One time it was a parking lot health fair, complete with a balloon artist and a clown. Another time, we simply watched a video about the nervous system and discussed how chiropractic adjustments were holistic and beneficial for the entire body.
During that workshop, we were shown lists of ingredients found in the common vaccines given to our children today. We watched videos of how mercury vapor in amalgam fillings leached over decades and never actually stopped — the same mercury that is used as a preservative in vaccines. We turned page after page of scientific study, showing that vaccines were harmful to the body — never mind the argument of whether or not they contribute to autism.
My husband and I walked out of that workshop speechless. Sure, we were dumbfounded at the junk that's "approved" to go into vaccines. Of course we were shocked at the number of studies that proved vaccines contributed to health problems in adults and children.
We were speechless because we hadn't thought of these things before.
When I was pregnant with my children, I was so focused on baby names and nursery colors and Pottery Barn bedding ensembles and which brand of stroller was best that I never put any thought into what I ate, what types of toxins were in our home, or whether or not I would vaccinate.
Doesn't everyone vaccinate? I mean, isn't that just what you do?
When my two little bundles of joy were handed to me, freshly bathed and wrapped in their swaddling blankets, they had just come from the hospital nursery — and had just received their first round of vaccinations.
No one asked me if I wanted them vaccinated or not. No one handed me a pamphlet on the pros and cons of vaccines. No one even discussed delayed vaccination with me during our prenatal pediatrician consults.
Like any good mother, my children never missed a well-child check-up. At two weeks, two months, four months, six months, and 12 months, you could find us sitting in the pediatrician's office, me signing the permission form for my children to receive numerous shots, while two nurses gave two shots each in my babies' legs at the same time.
"To lessen the trauma of the experience," they said.
My conscience never flinched. I never questioned if this was the right choice for my family. I never even Googled anything on vaccines prior to my children receiving any of their shots.
And maybe you haven't either. Or maybe you're on the fence about it. Maybe you're totally against vaccines, and maybe you're totally for them. Maybe you're Googling and researching vaccines right now and whether or not they're right for you and your children.
After that vaccine workshop in 2008, we never gave our kids another shot. If the truth were told, that workshop was the catalyst for a lot of things in our lives that have never been the same since, including the way we eat. That workshop lit a fire under me, and for the first time in my life, I began to ask WHY. I went home and started researching vaccines for myself. I read countless blogs, news articles, FDA studies, CDC studies, magazine articles, and more. I talked to my mom, my friends, and my in-laws about them. I had to know what the right thing was.
And for my family, the right thing ended up being no vaccines at all. Our son was four and our daughter was three when we made the informed decision to stop administering vaccinations to our children.
We filled out the necessary legal paperwork, which for the state of Texas is a reasons of conscience form. We received our affidavits from the state, had them notarized, and they sit, to this day, in our files should we ever need them. My children can go to public or private school, camp, daycare, or anywhere else that vaccines are "required" even though they are unvaccinated because we have taken the legal steps to support our decision.
My husband and I have poured hundreds of hours of research from both sides into this decision. We are absolutely certain of our decision. ONLY if the ingredients used to manufacture vaccines were drastically changed –as in, totally and completely changed where not even a single thing remains the same except the live virus itself — we might be inclined to think about changing our minds. We've done our homework, and when we're questioned or criticized about it (which we are), it doesn't cause us to waver.
Really, I don't. As long as you know why you're vaccinating.
You see, I was a sheep. I followed the crowd. If everyone else's babies were getting Pottery Barn crib bedding, by golly, mine were too. If the Baby Bjorn was the best, then that's what we were going to use too (and I ended up hating it). I put more stock in what everyone else was doing, assuming that it must be the best thing because it's so popular.
I was fully vaccinated. My husband was fully vaccinated. And you know what our mothers said when we asked them about it?
I really believe that their generation (those who were parents in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) was one that did what it was told, followed the rules, and didn't ask questions. Unfortunately, that trait was passed down to many of their children.
I believe our generation is breaking out of that, though. More and more, I see people researching and asking questions before they make decisions about practically everything — from what kind of car they're going to buy to which running shoe is best. And that's a good trend!
I don't care if you vaccinate or not. I don't care if you eat organic food or not. I don't care if you homeschool or send your kids to public school. I don't care if you use a Mac or a PC.
But for goodness' sake, please just know WHY you're doing what you're doing.
Don't take my word for it. Don't take your chiropractor's word for it. Don't take your mother's word, your pediatrician's word, or your neighbor's word. Find out for yourself if vaccinating is for you or not by doing your own research. Only then will you be able to stand firm and give a ready defense when anyone questions your decisions — and believe me, they will. No matter which way you choose.
*I am certain this post will stir up strong opinions on both sides, as the vaccine argument usually does. Please remember that my post did not bash, criticize, or demean those who choose to vaccinate. If you choose to comment, I expect no less of you. I am moderating all comments, and I have no problems deleting any that I feel are posted to criticize or shame others. Thank you.


What started over 3000 years ago in Iran during the height of the great Achaemenian Zoroastrian kings— the celebration of the first day of spring — has now become a major festival of joy and love to herald the arrival of light, the rebirth of nature, and the renewal of life after the long, dark days of winter.
The origins of the celebration lie in Zoroastrianism, in which the return of spring symbolized the triumph of good over evil. It is also the start of the Zoroastrian New Year, called NoRuZ, meaning "new day" (also variously known as Novruz, Nowrous, Nooruz, or Nauroz.).
NoRuz in 2018 is Tuesday, March 20 when the sun crosses the Vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and Zoroastrians all over the world will mark this day as the official start of the Zoroastrian New Year.
In many places once part of the Persian Empire – including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – and across the world, over 190 million people will also celebrate this day. Over the last millennium, NoRuz has developed and expanded, incorporating new social and cultural influences as it is celebrated across cultures, religions, and national borders.
People begin preparing days before the festivities begin with a spring cleaning of the home (a custom that may have originated from the Zoroastrian tradition!) and buying new clothes for all in the family.
On the day of NoRuz, there is much feasting, visiting family members and exchanging gifts between friends. Children receive special gifts as lavish food is prepared and sweet "sherbet" flows all the time! The power of love is palpable.
Spenta Armaiti, Devotion, zeal and desire to be industrious.
Haaurvatat, Incessant striving towards perfection.
Ameratat, Eternal bliss and immortality in this journey of life.
Traditions passed down through generations make the first day of spring an opportunity to enjoy ancient cultural customs and traditional songs, music, dancing, rituals, foods and storytelling. Moreover, NoRuz celebrations promote peace and solidarity within communities and strengthen deep rooted bonds of friendship and exchange.
…In recognition of the importance of this ancient rite/celebration, NoRuz was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. And in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March International Nowruz Day.


text:
Rate hikes likely as insurers face string of catastrophes
Gavin Souter
October 11, 2017 Reprints
AIG Aon Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Lloyd's of London Willis Towers Watson Zurich Latin America Agents & Brokers Catastrophes Claims Management Disaster Management P/C Insurers P/C Pricing Property Reinsurance More + Less -
Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Texas./ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Underwriters will be pushing hard for rate increases across several lines of business in the next few months, particularly for catastrophe-exposed property risks, insurer and brokerage executives say.
The recent string of hurricanes in the United States and Caribbean, earthquakes in Mexico and other storm losses earlier in 2017 ended a four-year run of limited catastrophe losses, which was accompanied by a cumulative 50% drop in property insurance rates, they say.
As a result, insures will likely push for double-digit rate increases on average for properties in storm- and quake-exposed areas of the U.S., but other lines of coverage, including noncatastrophe property and general liability, could also see higher rates, according to executives meeting at the Insurance Leadership Forum, sponsored by the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, earlier this week.
The ILF is one of the biggest annual meetings of insurer, reinsurer and brokerage executives. Held at The Broadmoor resort, the event is composed largely of numerous individual meetings between senior executives where they discuss market trends and other business.
Whether rate increases will ultimately go through or be sustained remains uncertain because insurers and reinsurers still have plentiful capital, and more alternative capital is waiting on the sidelines ready to come into the market if rates rise, several executives said.
In addition, the final tally of the 2017 aggregate catastrophe losses remains unclear with wide bands of estimates from catastrophe modeling firms. While some of the largest insurers have released loss estimates for the catastrophes — including American International Group Inc., which earlier this week said it expected net pretax third-quarter catastrophe losses of about $3 billion — other insurers have yet to announce their estimates or have made only partial estimates.
In particular, many in the market are waiting to see how big Lloyd's of London's loss from Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico, will be. Late last month, Lloyd's said it expected losses of $4.5 billion for syndicates in the market from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, but it has not yet released its Maria estimate, which many expect to be sizable.
The huge variation in market loss estimates is producing equally large variations in the amount that insurers say property rates need to rise for catastrophe-exposed accounts, said Mike Rice, CEO of JLT Specialty USA, a unit of Jardine Lloyd Thompson P.L.C., in Denver.
"We're seeing some markets saying rates need to go up 8% or 9%, others saying 18% or 19%, and others saying 50% or 100%," depending on their view of what the ultimate aggregate loss will be for the year, he said.
Already, some rate increases have been applied for Oct. 1 property renewals, where increases have been in the high single digits to low double digits for property accounts, Mr. Rice said.
"That's mainly for multifamily and commercial habitational risks, but it's affecting anybody that has a cat exposure," he said. "Flat is the new low. If you get a flat increase, you're doing a great job in this market," Mr. Rice said.
"There's still a lot of accounting that needs to be done, but the industry has been underpricing the product for two or three years. So after three major (wind) events, you are going to have a pricing reaction," said Christopher Swift, chairman and CEO of Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
The ultimate effect on primary insurance rates may not be clear until after the Jan. 1, 2018, reinsurance renewals, he said. The Hartford's catastrophe reinsurance program was not affected by the recent hurricanes, so it is expecting to see little change in reinsurance rates, but on average reinsurance rates may rise 10% to 15% at year-end, Mr. Swift said.
Retrocessional reinsurance rates — the reinsurance coverage that reinsurers buy for their own books of business — are likely to increase, said Mike Schnur, Chicago-based partner at reinsurance broker Tiger Risk Partners L.L.C.
"Our sense is that retro will be up substantially — double digits — but it's early days to know much more than that," he said.
Property insurance rates have declined in recent years on the back of low reinsurance costs, said Jim Henderson, chairman and CEO of Lake Mary, Florida-based brokerage AssuredPartners Inc. "That seems to be changing, so while we have not seen increases yet, they're in the works," he said.
"Clearly there's a recognition that the market needs to see some correction," said Paul Kim, managing director and co-chief broking officer at Aon Risk Solutions in New York. But only about one-third of insurers have reported their catastrophe loss estimates for the third quarter, so it's too early to tell the level and extent of rate increases, he said.
In addition, some insurer and alternative capital providers may seek to increase their capacity if rates rise, Mr. Kim said.
"One of the key issues that we are recommending for our clients to consider is the claims handling philosophy of carriers … If they handle the hurricane claims well, then those are the carriers that clients should continue to do business with," he said.
Generally, the market remains orderly, and for most insurers the 2017 losses will be an "earnings event, not a balance sheet event," said Eric Joost, global head of property/casualty at Willis Towers Watson P.L.C. in London. And more capital may come into the market, he said. "You still have some providers of alternative capital with dry powder on the sides waiting for something like this, so there are dampening effects."
"These types of events show that the world is risky and getting riskier, and I think they make people realize that we need to get a little more rate," said Mike Foley, CEO of North America for Zurich Insurance Group Ltd.
Mr. Foley is retiring from Zurich early next year and is exploring opportunities in the insurtech area.
While alternative capital remains interested in insurance, "this will be an interesting test of (that capital) and how much they want to re-up," he said.
Property rate increases are already being quoted in the excess and surplus lines market, said Daniel J. Kaufman, corporate senior vice president and managing director at Burns & Wilcox Ltd. in Farmington Hills, Michigan. "Carriers are throwing them out to see what sticks," he said.
Going forward, property rates will likely increase about 10% on average and increases — or at least a leveling off or decreases — may extend to the general liability market, he said.
"In GL, the bleeding has stopped and rates will be flat at the very least going into 2018," Mr. Kaufman said.
Pricing beyond property will likely be affected by the change in the market, said Mark E. Watson, president and CEO of Argo Group in Pembroke, Bermuda.
"There's a recognition that we've let the price of the risks that we all assume drift a little bit … there are a lot of lines that are thin or underpriced," he said.
Mexico quake losses could reach $2 billion: AIR
Insured losses from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck central Mexico Sept. 19 will be between 13 billion and 36.7 billion Mexican pesos ($726.7 million and $2.05 billion), according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide.
Puerto Rico damage to push Maria losses to almost $30 billion
Losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria an earnings event for insurers: Moody's
AIG estimates third quarter pre-tax cat losses of at least $2.9 billion
Mexico to receive $150 million payout from cat bond after quake
Most Read in Risk Management
1. AIG unit off the hook for nonproperty damage arising from flood
2. Willis Towers Watson names construction broking leader
3. Commercial insurance rate hikes accelerate
4. Demand for active shooter cover growing: A.M. Best
5. Real estate firm sues AIG again for bad faith
6. Willis Towers Watson snags Marsh execs
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Home Publication & News AAJ News AAJ Recognizes Member Achievements at the 2018 Annual Convention
AAJ Recognizes Member Achievements at the 2018 Annual Convention
Sammi Swing
Samantha.Swing@justice.org
Washington, DC — The following is a statement from outgoing American Association for Justice (AAJ) President Kathleen Nastri acknowledging the dedicated AAJ members who were recognized during the 2018 Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado:
"It's an honor to recognize the outstanding achievements and hard work of all the 2018 award recipients," said Nastri. "Their achievements range from highlighting the need for a strong civil justice system, to contributing tirelessly to their communities, and to devoting their time to advancing the rights of those who have been wronged. I couldn't be more appreciative of their continued efforts to carry out AAJ's important mission."
Among the awards presented at the 2018 Annual Convention in Denver were:
Recipient Karen Beyea-Schroeder of Schroeder Law Office PLLC was recognized for her outstanding service following the devastation Hurricane Harvey caused in August 2017. On the ground in Houston, Karen helped collect and distribute 124 backpacks and close to 4,000 other items for schools, students, and teachers in need. Her commitment to the community is ongoing as Houston's classrooms work to get back on track.
Kent Emison, Brett A. Emison, Robert L. Langdon, and Mark A. Emison of Langdon & Emison were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty for their pro bono work through the Midwest Innocence Project, which seeks civil justice for the wrongfully convicted.
The AAJ Civil Rights Section recognized Bryan Stevenson, the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and professor of law at New York University School of Law, for his lifelong commitment to fighting poverty and racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.
The American Association for Justice works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Visit http://www.justice.org.


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Nickelodeon Benelux to Premiere LEGO® 'City Adventures' on Monday 23rd September 2019
NICKELODEON BENELUX TO DEBUT LEGO® CITY ADVENTURES, BRAND-NEW ANIMATED SERIES ON MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2019
Share it: @NickAnimation #Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon Benelux and the LEGO Group will premiere the brand-new high-stakes CG-animated comedy series LEGO® City Adventures on Monday 23rd September 2019 at 16:30 uur on Nickelodeon Netherlands (Nederland) and 16:45 uur on Nickelodeon Flanders. A premiere date for Nickelodeon Wallonia is yet to be announced.
LEGO® City Adventures is locally titled LEGO® City Avonturen in the Netherlands and Belgium.
A rollercoaster ride of fantastic fun, the series (10 episodes) depicts the funny, smart, and dynamic slices of life within the sprawling and diverse LEGO City community, following the absurd and action-packed adventures of its residents.
"LEGO CITY is our strongest evergreen property globally, and for the first time we are leveraging episodic content to establish characters and personalities that bring the city to life," said Jill Wilfert, Vice President, Licensing & Entertainment for LEGO Group. "We're thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon for this important evolution of LEGO CITY given how well positioned they are to engage children and families with relevant programming."
"The LEGO brand is known for creating imaginative and innovative content for kids, and we are excited to collaborate with the LEGO Group to bring the unique characters, style and humor of LEGO City Adventures to life on Nickelodeon," said Layla Lewis, SVP of Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, Nickelodeon.
LEGO City Adventures explores the intertwining paths of the city's everyday heroes as they work together to stop a mysterious master criminal who begins to wreak havoc on their town. In the premiere episode "Cubs and Robbers," a movie promotion stunt goes wrong, unleashing a humongous 'Cubby the Cop' balloon on the city. Then, in "Billy the Bug," Fire Chief McCloud accidentally buys a malfunctioning Twirly Hat for her nephew.
LEGO City Adventures – Extended Trailer
Citizens of LEGO City introduced throughout the series include: Sergeant Duke DeTain (Joe Zieja, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4), an overly heroic cop; Freya McCloud (Misty Lee, DC Super Hero Girls), a crisis-ready fire chief; Shirley Keeper (Alex Cazares, The Loud House), the grumpy street sweeper; Harl Hubbs (Daniel MK Cohen, Fixed), an overeager handyman; Tippy Dorman (James Arnold Taylor, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), an expert doorman with a secret; Solomon Fleck (Roger Craig Smith, Avengers Assemble), the dedicated city mayor; Percival "Wheelie" Wheeler (Mick Lauer, Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal), a skateboarding police chief and more.
Created and produced by LEGO Group, LEGO City Adventures is also produced by Flaunt Animation (Scotland) and Passion Pictures (France) and written by Jon Colton Barry (Phineas and Ferb), Steven Banks (SpongeBob SquarePants), Jamie Moyer (Modern Family) and Brian Hunt (Second City Chicago). Jason Oliveri is the executive in charge of LEGO City Adventures for Nickelodeon.
Fans can visit nickelodeon.nl and nickelodeon.be, as well as Like the official Nickelodeon Facebook pages (NL | BE), follow Nickelodeon on Instagram, and subscribe to the official Nickelodeon Nederlands YouTube channel for the latest Nick news, highlights, The Scoop about their favourite stars, and videos.
LEGO City Adventures made its world debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019, and is currently rolling out on several of Nickelodeon's international territories.
In additional news:
-- Nickelodeon Benelux is currently premiering brand-new episodes of Cool Factor Sundays at 17:30 uur (NL), 17:00 uur (BE)!
-- Nickelodeon is currently hosting Jijkiest, in which viewers can vote for their favourite shows to air each weekend!
More Nick: 'De Ludwigs' Returns with a Sixth and Final Season on Nickelodeon Benelux in October 2019!
About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids' basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company with headquarters in Billund, Denmark, and main offices in Enfield, USA, London, UK, Shanghai, China, and Singapore. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and based on the iconic LEGO® brick, it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials. Guided by the company spirit: "Only the best is good enough", the company is committed to the development of children and aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative play and learning. LEGO products are sold worldwide and can be virtually explored at www.LEGO.com. For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit http://www.LEGO.com/aboutus.
Additional sources: Anime Superhero Forum @Francisque, @Red Arrow.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Benelux News and Highlights!
Posted at 9/19/2019 11:49:00 PM No comments:
Labels: LEGO City Adventures, Nickelodeon Acquisitions, Nickelodeon Benelux, Nickelodeon Flanders, Nickelodeon Highlights, Nickelodeon International, Nickelodeon Netherlands, Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon Shows
Nickelodeon South East Asia to Premiere LEGO® 'City Adventures' on Monday 23rd September 2019
NICKELODEON ASIA TO DEBUT LEGO® CITY ADVENTURES, BRAND-NEW ANIMATED SERIES VERY SOON
Share it: @NickAsia @NickAnimation #Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon South East Asia and the LEGO Group will premiere the brand-new high-stakes CG-animated comedy series LEGO® City Adventures very soon, and to celebrate, Nickelodeon will air a super sneak-peek of the all-new show on Monday 9th September 2019 at 6.30pm on Nickelodeon Malaysia (MY), Nickelodeon Philippines (PH) and Nickelodeon Singapore (SG), and at 5.30pm on Nickelodeon Indonesia (WIB)!
Update (19/9) - Following the sneak-peek, Nickelodeon South East Asia will fully premiere LEGO® City Adventures on Monday 23rd September 2019 at 6.00pm on Nickelodeon Malaysia (MY) and Nickelodeon Philippines (PH), 6:30pm on Nickelodeon Singapore (SG), and at 5.00pm on Nickelodeon Indonesia (WIB). Following launch, Nick will continue to air brand-new episodes of LEGO® City Adventures every Monday at the aforementioned times.
Fans can Like the official Nickelodeon Asia Facebook page, follow Nickelodeon on Instagram, and subscribe to the official Nickelodeon Asia newsletter for the latest Nick news, highlights, The Scoop about their favourite stars, and videos.
Get ready to rock the block!! LEGO City Adventures is coming to Nickelodeon! Catch the sneak peek on Sep 9 at the following times 📺: 6.30pm (MY/PH?SG) / 5.30pm (WIB) #LEGO
A post shared by Nickelodeon Asia (@nick_asia) on Sep 8, 2019 at 4:30am PDT
More Nick: Nickelodeon South East Asia and goGame Announce 'Nickelodeon Pixel Town' Mobile Game!
Originally published: Sunday, September 8, 2019.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Asia News and Highlights!
Labels: Animation, LEGO City Adventures, Nickelodeon Acquisitions, Nickelodeon Asia, Nickelodeon Highlights, Nickelodeon International, Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon Shows, Nickelodeon Sneak Peeks, TV Shows
Indonesian Censors Think 'SpongeBob SquarePants' is Too Violent and Sexual
After censoring Sandy the squirrel's bikini, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission is sanctioning a network that broadcasts the show for other peculiar reasons.
The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) is now going after Nickelodeon's beloved animated series SpongeBob SquarePants for depicting what it deems to be violent and sexual situations.
The KPI sanctioned the television network Global TV for airing The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, the blockbuster 2004 movie inspired by the hit animated series, on August 22, 2019 because SpongeBob is shown throwing a tart at another character's face. The commission also called out the airing of Rabbids Invasion, another animated Nickelodeon series, during a SpongeBob time slot on August 6, 2019 because it contained "cartoonish violence".
Global TV received a written warning and must comply with a censorship order. It's still unclear whether SpongeBob will disappear entirely from Indonesian TV, or if it will be just the movie.
In a press release, KPI Deputy Head Mulyo Hadi Purnomo said that he found violations related to violence, demonic possession, "horror" scenes, "spirit summoning," sensual dialog and movements, and abuse of certain groups in various SpongeBob broadcasts.
"The Commission must pay attention to the conditions of violations and the limitation of programs with sexual content. Broadcasts may not contain content that pushes teenagers to act inappropriately or justify such behavior as being acceptable," Purnomo said.
The KPI's statement was immediately met with backlash by Indonesian netizens, but this isn't the first time that the Commission has attacked SpongeBob; at one point, they blurred out Sandy the squirrel's bikini.
SpongeBob SquarePants, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, has been the target of moralists worldwide long before the KPI got involved. For instance, in 2005, American conservative Christian group Focus on the Family attacked the show and called it a "pro-gay propaganda tool," which led to speculation on SpongeBob's sexual orientation. Two years later, creator Stephen Hillenburg declared the character to be asexual.
A study published in 2011 by the University of Virginia found that after nine minutes of watching SpongeBob, the cognitive abilities of 4-year-olds were significantly disturbed compared to kids the same age who watched other programs. Nickelodeon was quick to denounce those findings, claiming that the study relied on "questionable methods."
SpongeBob has continuously been accused of countless outlandish things, including demonising large corporations and supporting left-wing ideas. But those critics are probably forgetting why millions of people love the character: he radiates optimism in an increasingly pessimistic world. After all, what else is SpongeBob known for if not his "imagination?"
Screenshot via YouTube
The KPI has been criticised for its censorship in the past. In 2016, it banned all depictions of LGBTQ characters on TV. More recently in August, the KPI announced plans to monitor Netflix and YouTube content, even though they admitted that they don't actually have the right to monitor online content. This, even though Indonesian "charity" shows like Bedah Rumah (House Operation) and Uang Kaget (Cash Surprise), which exploit poverty for views, have evaded KPI sanctions.
Original source: VICE.
Labels: Nickelodeon Asia, Nickelodeon Indonesia, Nickelodeon Movies, Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon Shows, NickToons (Animation), SpongeBob SquarePants
Nickelodeon Has Reportedly Decided to Cancel 'Butterbean's Café' [Update: Report Confirmed as False]
Update (9/19) - Josh Haber has confirmed that Butterbean's Café hasn't - as far as he knows - been cancelled. In a Tweet, Haber said: "Nope. I definitely did not say anything about this show. I only wrote a couple of episodes. The folks were lovely and I hope it continues for them, but I haven't been involved for well over a year."
The Fans of Nick Jr, Disney Junior or PBS Kids Shows Facebook page is reporting the unfortunate news that Nickelodeon has decided to cancel and not renew the network's popular animated preschool series Butterbean's Café for a third season. Please note that this news has yet to be confirmed by Nickelodeon.
The news was reportedly revealed by Josh Haber, who served as a showrunner on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic alongside Nicole Dubuc. Once production wrapped on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Haber started writing episodes of Butterbean's Café for Nickelodeon, including "The Great Egg Hunt" and "Cricket's Treasure Hunt", plus many more to come.
Created by Robert Scull and Jonny Belt (Bubble Guppies), Butterbean's Café centers on a fairy named Butterbean and her adventures running her neighborhood café and bakery, and showcases creative cooking and features a curriculum with social-emotional lessons that highlight kindness and gratitude, and leadership skills.
In the series, Butterbean, her fairy friends--Dazzle, Poppy and Jasper --and her little sister Cricket take pride in serving up healthy snacks and sweet treats to the residents in their community of Puddlebrook. Butterbean's special magic beans, the fairies' enchanted kitchen tools and the team's can-do spirit all combine to make their cafe the most awesome eatery in town.
Butterbean's Café made its world debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Monday 12th November 2018 and has since rolled out onto Nickelodeon's channels and branded blocks globally.
Currently in its first season (40 episodes), Nickelodeon renewed Butterbean's Café for a second season (20 half-hour episodes) earlier this year. Season two will continue to follow Butterbean, her fairy friends - Dazzle, Poppy, and Jasper - and her little sister Cricket, as they use teamwork to successfully run their neighborhood cafe and whip up healthy snacks and sweet treats for the citizens of Puddlebrook.
The news follows Nickelodeon USA moving new episode premieres of Butterbean's Café to the Nick Jr. channel in August 2019.
Butterbean's Café seems to be the latest casualty following new management being introduced at Nickelodeon, which has also reportedly seen the cancellations of Sunny Day, Rusty Rivets, Top Wing, and Blaze and the Monster Machines, with the former three shows having their premieres moved to the Nick Jr. channel.
Nickelodeon has also moved premieres of Abby Hatcher and Corn & Peg - both of which have also been renewed for second seasons - to the Nick Jr. channel, however, the futures of these shows remain unclear at the moment.
Nickelodeon's upcoming preschool slate includes: Bubble Guppies season 5 (September 27, 2019) Blue's Clues & You! (November 11, 2019), Paddington (early 2020), Made by Maddie (Fashion Ally), Santiago of the Seas (formerly The Swashbuckling Adventures of Capitán Calavera), and an animated series based on Pinkfong's hit song, Baby Shark.
More Nick: Nick Jr. Live! "Move To The Music" U.S. Theatrical Tour To Debut Fall 2019!
Originally published: Thursday, February 05, 2019 at 1:09am GMT.
H/T: Special thanks to TV Shows Fan for the news; Additional sources: IMDb (II), Nickandmore!, @1mikie19.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nick Jr., Nickelodeon Preschool and Butterbean's Café News and Highlights!
Labels: Butterbean's Cafe, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon Preschool, Nickelodeon Shows, Nickelodeon Staff
BTS w/ Peyton Manning, GEM Sister Mercedes Lomelino, Nathan Janak's Ariana Grande & MORE! | All That
Nick are taking you behind the scenes of the newest All That featuring a despicably simple game show, a surprise school visit from Beyoncé featuring Mercedes Lomelino from GEM Sisters, Storytime with Ariana Grande, and a visit from Peyton Manning as himself! Kate Godfrey, Lex Lumpkin, Chinguun Sergelen, Gabrielle Green, Ryan Alessi, Reece Caddell, and Nathan Janak all bring their A-Game! Which sketch makes YOU laugh the hardest? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nickelodeon!
What celebrity impressions do YOU want to see next on All That?! 😂
Subscribe to the official All That YouTube channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UzskfVDPkJ5aSe755ZGgQ
More Nick: Nickelodeon Orders Up All That-Inspired Good Burger Pop-up with Team Behind Viral Saved by The Max; To Visit Chicago in 2020!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and All That News and Highlights!
Labels: All That, Behind The Scenes, Nickelodeon Parodies, Nickelodeon Shorts, Nickelodeon Shows, Nickelodeon Stars, Nickelodeon USA, Nickelodeon Video Clips
TOP 20 SpongeBob Adventures in Bikini Bottom! 🍍 | #TBT | SpongeBob SquarePants Official
TOP 20 SpongeBob Adventures in Bikini Bottom! 🍍 | #TBT
Are you ready for an adventure? How about 20?! SpongeBob and his friends are always up to something F.U.N. Check out this list of the top 20 best adventures ever adventured in Bikini Bottom! Do you agree with Nickelodeon's top choice? Let me know in the comments below!
Which adventure is YOUR favorite?! 🙌
Watch more SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon!
CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We're serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
Join the OFFICIAL SpongeBob SquarePants Facebook Group here!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpongeBobSquareFans
More Nick: Nickelodeon Announces 'SpongeBob SquarePants: The Bikini Bottom Experience' Pop-Up; To Open in LA in October 2019!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants News and Highlights!
Labels: Nickelodeon Mash-Up's, Nickelodeon Shows, Nickelodeon USA, Nickelodeon Video Clips, NickToons (Animation), SpongeBob SquarePants, Throwback Thursday
Annie & Hayley LeBlanc DIY School Outfits! 👗 Fashion Faceoff: Season 2 Ep. 1 | Nickelodeon
Annie & Hayley LeBlanc DIY School Outfits! 👗 Fashion Faceoff: Season 2 Ep. 1 | Nick
When Annie and Hayley LeBlanc find themselves in a thrift store, their surprise referee sends them on a thrift haul blitz to grab as much material as they can! Each of the girls will then have one hour to thrift flip their hauls into fashionable school outfits for a professional photo shoot. Only one sister will reign supreme; it's time for Annie vs Hayley: Fashion Faceoff!
Who do you think one this fashion faceoff? ANNIE 💙or HAYLEY 💜
More Nick: Viacom Digital Studios Readies Facebook Watch Slate, Including Three New Shows for Nickelodeon!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon News and Highlights!
Labels: Annie vs. Hayley: LeBake Off, Nickelodeon Digital Series, Nickelodeon Game Shows, Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon Shorts, Nickelodeon Video Clips, Viacom Digital Studios
Top Wing's Storytelling Mission 🐥 Nick Jr. en Español
Top Wing's Storytelling Mission 🐥 Nick Jr.
It's time to jump into a world of fun with your favorite Top Wing pals Brody, Swift, Penny, and Rod! Get your wings ready and get into a new adventure together!
Más Nick: Genius Brands International's Hit Preschool Series, 'Rainbow Rangers', Launches Across Latin America on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. Channel and Its Noggin Mobile Streaming App!
H/T: YouTube /@Kendall Nguyen; Additional source: Google Translate.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nick Jr. Español, Nickelodeon Preschool and Top Wing News and Highlights!
Labels: Nick Jr. Latin America, Nick Jr. Spain, Nickelodeon International, Nickelodeon Merchandise, Nickelodeon Preschool, Nickelodeon Shorts, Nickelodeon Toys, Nickelodeon Video Clips, Top Wing
Nicktoons UK to Premiere LEGO® 'City Adventures' on Monday 16th September 2019
NICKELODEON UK DEBUTS LEGO® CITY ADVENTURES, BRAND-NEW ANIMATED SERIES ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, AT 4:30 P.M. ON NICKTOONS
Share it: @NickelodeonUK @NickAnimation #Nickelodeon
London - Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and the LEGO Group will premiere the brand-new high-stakes CG-animated comedy series LEGO® City Adventures on Monday 16th September 2019 at 4:30pm on Nicktoons! A rollercoaster ride of fantastic fun, the series (10 episodes) depicts the funny, smart, and dynamic slices of life within the sprawling and diverse LEGO City community, following the absurd and action-packed adventures of its residents. Following the construction of the series premiere, newly constructed episodes will continue to premiere weekdays at 4:30pm on BRICKtoons. Each all-new episode will encore the following morning at 4:00am and at 7:30am.
Online at nicktoons.co.uk/legocity, fans can find out more about LEGO City Adventures, watch video clips from the show, including the show's theme song, and take the poll: Who's your adventure buddy? Freya or Harl.
Fans can also like the official Nickelodeon UK Facebook page, follow Nickelodeon on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to the official Nickelodeon UK YouTube channel for the latest Nick news, highlights, The Scoop about their favourite stars, and videos.
LEGO City Adventures | The Loud Song | Nickelodeon UK
Cubby's on the loose, and Duke's on a roll, well, he's being rolled over by a giant doughnut!
LEGO City Adventures | Theme Tune | Nickelodeon UK
Check out the awesome theme tune to Lego City Adventures!
LEGO City Adventures | Backyard Party | Nickelodeon UK
Chief McCloud is saving backyard parties and putting out fires, she has no time for questions, no time!
More Nick: Nicktoons UK to Premiere New Episodes of 'SpongeBob SquarePants' from Monday 2nd September 2019!
About Nicktoons
Available in over 13 million homes, Nicktoons showcases the world's best comedy animation. Launched in 2002 and part of the Nickelodeon network of channels, Nicktoons broadcasts the very best in funny cartoons to audiences across the UK and Ireland, featuring top shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Welcome to the Wayne and Fairly OddParents. More information is available at nicktoons.co.uk. Nicktoons is available on Sky 606, Virgin 717 and through BT Vision.
The Nickelodeon Network is a top-performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 (Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. Too, Nickelodeon HD, Nick+1, Nick Jr.+1) and their families, and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media Networks and BSkyB.
Originally published: Wednesday, August 28, 2019.
Schedule Source: Digiguide.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Back to School on Nickelodeon UK and Nicktoons UK News and Highlights!
Labels: Animation, LEGO City Adventures, Nickelodeon Highlights, Nickelodeon International, Nickelodeon Lego, Nickelodeon News, Nickelodeon UK Highlights, Nickelodeon UK News, NickToons UK, TV Shows
Ocean Animals Music Video w/ the Bubble Guppies! 🐠 | Nick Jr.
Sing along to the Ocean Animals song with your favorite underwater friends! The Bubble Guppies get to know all sorts of aquatic animals with this catchy tune. Check out all new Bubble Guppies adventures starting Friday, September 27th on Nickelodeon. Click the following link for more info!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2019/06/nickelodeon-renews-four-hit-series-from.html
What is YOUR favorite ocean animal?! 🐙🦑🦐🦀🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐋🦈
More Nick: Nickelodeon to Premiere 'Blue's Clues & You' in November 2019!
Kids can watch their favorite Nick Jr. shows weekdays on Nickelodeon and all week long on the Nick Jr. channel: http://nickjr.com/tvschedule/
Preschoolers can watch full episodes online, play games, and discover silly surprises in the free Nick Jr. App and at NickJr.com. Stream Nick Jr. for free in the Nick Jr. App on Roku and Apple TV or download full episodes for offline viewing on iTunes or Google Play.
You can also download premium apps featuring your child's favorite Nick Jr. shows on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon, including Nick Jr. Draw and Play and Nick Jr. Let's Learn!
Watch more Nick Jr. everyday for FREE on Nick Jr. Pluto TV!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nick Jr., Nickelodeon Preschool and Bubble Guppies News and Highlights!
Labels: Bubble Guppies, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. USA, Nickelodeon Mash-Up's, Nickelodeon Music Videos, Nickelodeon Preschool, Nickelodeon Songs, Nickelodeon USA, Nickelodeon Video Clips
Slimefest | Hunters Mission im Movie Park! 🧭 | Nickelodeon Deutschland
Unser SlimeSquad war auf den Spuren der Familie Hunter!
Neue Folgen von Das Geheimnis der Hunters gibt es ab dem 30. September Mo-Fr um 18:25 bei Nickelodeon Deutschland; Mo-Fr um 18:10 bei Nickelodeon Österreich & Nickelodeon Schweiz!
Das war unser SLIMESQUAD:
Chany Dakota
https://www.instagram.com/chanydakota/?hl=de
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOxky2jOLspuMCs85IhwtPQ
Jellina
https://www.instagram.com/jellina/?hl=de
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGyWo-AtJHVOXtlifd02JfQ
Schildi
https://www.instagram.com/schildi/?hl=de
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmKqVzHNnPBAIJ1TinuRY0g
https://www.instagram.com/typischkassii/?hl=de
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmFtCIOOmZuLJeZi5R0L1Q
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text:
Q: In d3.js , Is there any way to get the path length at particular point? I am new to d3.js , I can find that d3 api provides the way to get the svg point at particular length via method getPointAtLength(l) but i am looking for a way to calculate the the path length at specific point in d3?
Please share your suggestion if any.

A: There's no simple way to do this, like the SVG getPointAtLength method. However it is easy to get the total length of a path using getTotalLength().
Given that, the option I would suggest is to draw a new path, that follows the existing path up to the new point.
This is a working example: http://jsfiddle.net/henbox/b4bbgdnz/5/
Hovering the mouse over a selected point on the existing thin black path causes a 'sub-path' to be drawn (in red) up to the selected point. The text below shows the selected coordinates and the length of the path from (0,0), the first point to it.

Here I assume that points along the x axis are ordered, so that when I get the mouseover x-value from the event handler, I know that any points where x is lower than this value should be inculded in the sub-path. I add these points, plus the mouseover point coords, to a new array from which the sub-path will be created:
for (var i = 0; i < pathData[0].length; i++) {
    var coord = pathData[0][i];
    if ((coord.x <= mouse_coord.x)) {
        subPathData[0].push(coord);
    }
}

subPathData[0].push(mouse_coord);

Then I calculate the length of the subpath:
subpath_length = d3.select(".subpath")[0][0].getTotalLength();

A note on interpolation
The approach works when not using line interpolation. However it will fail if you replace, for example, .interpolate("none"); with .interpolate("monotone"); in the jsfiddle. That's because the sub-path won't follow the full path correctly in some cases, like this:

A solution that always worked on interpolated lines would probably be a lot more complicated

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Schools encouraged to sign up to virtual manufacturing events
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2020 manufacturing initiative is transitioning online and features a competition for pupils to create a Sanistation for use in schools and colleges.
The 'Creation of a Sanistation' will be open to pupils aged 14-18 and carries a cash prize of £500 for the winning school. It is part of a series of events held between 5-16 October to mark Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020, an initiative which aims to create more inspired, informed and 'work ready' applicants into the sector.
Nick Garthwaite, Chair of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, founder of the initiative and Managing Director of international chemicals and detergents manufacturer Christeyns, said there is an appetite from schools for the careers-focussed event to take place.
"We've had a number of online meetings with teachers across the district and correspondence with manufacturers and we know there is a desire to give students the opportunity to once again learn more about our wonderful world of manufacturing.
"Given the current interest in all things hygiene, we're asking students to tap into their inner manufacturer, partner up with their peers and, with the guidance of local manufacturing mentors, design and produce a Sanistation for use by their fellow students.
"We want to see solutions which include design, functionality, robustness and the creation of something which is fun to use – this will be a perfect demonstration of how IT is a key part of today's manufacturing research and development and we're expecting so see highly creative entries with cash prizes including £500 for the winner."
Delivered in partnership with Bradford-based school and career specialists Aspire igen, and sponsored by Barclays, E3 Recruitment, Naylor Wintersgill, Gordons LLP and Bradford Council, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 will showcase online activities including virtual tours of local manufacturing facilities, "Meet the Manufacturer" Q&A sessions, Apprentices Live with a panel of apprentices answering questions posed by students and online Barclays Life Skills sessions covering CV writing and interview guidance.
Nick added: "While the fortnight will run outside our normal methods of delivery with no physical meetings, networking or factory visits, we believe we can still make an engaging, educational and informative experience for secondary school pupils."
Lee Collinson, Managing Director and Head of Barclays Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics sector
said: "As Bradford Manufacturing Weeks evolves, so too do our ways of inspiring, informing and engaging with students and we're delighted to see the introduction of a research and development project."
Nick added: "I believe that Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 will support and encourage our district's young people to see the future opportunities within Bradford's manufacturers and in turn, ensure our sector is robust and has longevity with a pipeline of talented young people for generations to come."
Information on registering your school's interest for taking part in Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2020 please see the website www.bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk.
Audience: Secondary Schools
Contact: Rachel Percy


text:
Scientists from the University's Quantum Engineering Know-how Labs (QETLabs) have created an algorithm that presents useful insights into the physics fundamental quantum techniques – paving the way for considerable advancements in quantum computation and sensing, and probably turning a new site in scientific investigation.
In physics, techniques of particles and their evolution are described by mathematical types, necessitating the thriving interaction of theoretical arguments and experimental verification. Even a lot more advanced is the description of techniques of particles interacting with every other at the quantum mechanical level, which is often finished working with a Hamiltonian product. The approach of formulating Hamiltonian types from observations is created even more difficult by the nature of quantum states, which collapse when attempts are created to inspect them.
In the paper, Studying types of quantum techniques from experiments, posted in Nature Physics, quantum mechanics from Bristol's QET Labs explain an algorithm that overcomes these issues by acting as an autonomous agent, working with device finding out to reverse engineer Hamiltonian types.
The staff created a new protocol to formulate and validate approximate types for quantum techniques of interest. Their algorithm works autonomously, designing and carrying out experiments on the targeted quantum technique, with the resultant info staying fed back into the algorithm. It proposes prospect Hamiltonian types to explain the goal technique and distinguishes concerning them working with statistical metrics, namely Bayes factors.
The nitrogen-vacancy centre established-up, that was utilised for the very first experimental demonstration of QMLA.
Excitingly, the staff had been in a position to properly reveal the algorithm's capacity on a real-daily life quantum experiment involving defect centres in a diamond, a perfectly-researched platform for quantum details processing and quantum sensing.
The algorithm could be utilised to support automated characterisation of new gadgets, these kinds of as quantum sensors. This advancement, consequently, signifies a considerable breakthrough in the advancement of quantum systems.
"Combining the energy of today's supercomputers with device finding out, we had been in a position to mechanically find out composition in quantum techniques. As new quantum pcs/simulators turn out to be accessible, the algorithm becomes a lot more thrilling: very first, it can support to verify the overall performance of the machine alone, then exploit those gadgets to understand at any time-larger sized techniques," mentioned Brian Flynn from the University of Bristol's QETLabs and Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Schooling.
"This level of automation makes it doable to entertain myriads of hypothetical types ahead of picking out an exceptional 1, a activity that would be normally challenging for techniques whose complexity is at any time-expanding," mentioned Andreas Gentile, formerly of Bristol's QETLabs, now at Qu & Co.
"Understanding the fundamental physics and the types describing quantum techniques, support us to advance our information of systems suited for quantum computation and quantum sensing," mentioned Sebastian Knauer, also formerly of Bristol's QETLabs and now based mostly at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Physics.
Anthony Laing, co-Director of QETLabs and Affiliate Professor in Bristol's Faculty of Physics, and an creator on the paper, praised the staff: "In the previous we have relied on the genius and hard work of researchers to uncover new physics. Here the staff have probably turned a new site in scientific investigation by bestowing equipment with the capacity to study from experiments and find out new physics. The penalties could be much-reaching in truth."
The up coming step for the investigation is to prolong the algorithm to check out larger sized techniques and various classes of quantum types which symbolize various physical regimes or fundamental structures.
Resource: University of Bristol
Tags: Algorithm helps learning machine physics quantum systems underlying unravel
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Was pretty fun other than some toys were hard to get.
Well, I got kind of bored with this after a little while. Unlocked a few games, got 3 of the 20 toys. And I really don't like Up Ball.
It's a great set of mini-games, simple, yet challenging, and the toys kept me coming back for more. Not the best graphics...but who cares?
You said that getting exactly 1000 on Stop The Clock would get you a toy. I did it (I actually did it twice in one game once), but I got nothing. Is is something I did?
everything was fine, graphics were better than pacman, lots of games... and lots of games i couldnt reach and play... some minigames were too hard to unlock, well good job dude!