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Center for New Music – ACT WITHOUT WORDS: INTERVIEW WITH LUNA PEARL WOOLF
March 16, 2017 · by oxingalemusic	· in COMPOSERS, Concert Preview, Feature, NEWS, Uncategorized.	·
As a curator at C4NM, I am focusing my energies on presenting programs featuring women as primary creators. I recently connected with Luna Pearl Woolf, the Composer-in-Residence for this year's Bard Music West Festival. Woolf was commissioned to compose music for Samuel Beckett's Act Without Words I, which will be premiered as part of this inaugural festival, March 17-18.
Emma Logan: Thanks so much for speaking with me today, Luna. Can you tell me about your commission coming up with Bard Music West?
photo by Nadine Hennelly
Luna Pearl Woolf: This is one of the most fun projects I've have the pleasure to do, because it's a combination of chamber music and opera, or staged theatrical music, which is something that is very dear to my heart. Over the last few years I've been increasingly writing more opera and theatrical music, so this is a great combination of those interests. Bard Music West has given me the opportunity to work with Mark Streshinsky, a great director, and Renata Rakova, our terrific clarinetist, and to write new music intended for a powerful Beckett work. It's so exciting!
EL: What draws you to drama and music so much?
LPW: I think drama in music is inherently there, and it's part of what draws us to music. Music is storytelling. We are drawn to a piece of music, whether it's classical or another genre, because of the emotion it evokes in us. What I love about dramatic music is that it's a long form – it's not simply expressing one or two emotions, but it's constantly drawing you from one state into another through a transformational experience. Of course, in opera or forms with characters, you have empathy for the people you are seeing on stage. For me, that is an outward expression of what we are already experiencing when listening to music. Because I'm a very visual person and I grew up around the theatre, it's really very natural for me when writing to think of the progression of the musical structure as going hand-in-hand with an emotional journey or trajectory that takes you somewhere.
EL: This piece you wrote for Bard Music West is based on Samuel Beckett's Act Without Words I. Can you tell me a little about that?
LPW: Bard Music West is a new festival. They designed their events this year around György Ligeti, and Beckett was a great influence on him. They brought me on as composer-in-residence to write new music for Beckett's play, Act Without Words I, which is very cool. Act Without Words I is a short mime-play. It's entirely without words, as the title implies, but Beckett has been very specific about what you see on stage and what the character goes through. It's a one-man play and he goes through a really intense journey from a kind of affable innocence at the beginning to utter emotional paralysis at the end. Beckett makes that happen with the simplest means – he has a pair of scissors, blocks, a little jar of water. These and the man's environment put him through this emotional grinder.
Of course, there is a lot open to interpretation in the play, but what Bard Music West has allowed me to do is really craft what I wanted the music to be. They mentioned in their call for scores that they specifically wanted to feature the clarinet, so I immediately saw solo clarinet as the best instrumentation, because the man in Beckett's play exists as though there are no other humans in the world. We don't think of him as lonely, but more as a rat in a cage. I loved the idea of a solo instrument and especially the clarinet because it really has such a wide array of timbres and dynamics. The clarinet can transition from silly to serious without even blinking, which Beckett does as well. The play has really black humor, so we're going to laugh as this man is going through this horrible journey. I really loved the idea of solo clarinet for all of that.
EL: Did any other symbolism or elements from Beckett's work get directly translated into the music you created?
LPW: It's an interesting question. There are musical elements that relate to specific things happening in Beckett's play, but sometimes the relationship is very clear to the audience and other times I don't intend for it to be clear. The audience doesn't need things spelled out for them. The music serves to complete their sensual picture of what is happening. So they are in the room where they are getting the visual from the actor and I'm creating a sound world that completes that sensual journey.
I've tried to exploit the unique qualities of the clarinet to create music that relates to the desert and to the character's survival. For example, I used multiphonics, which is a terrific effect that the clarinet does so well. That music comes in and out of the play and coincides with the character's realization of the danger he's in. Similarly, there are objects that appear and there is music that I know relates to those objects, but the audience doesn't necessarily need to be aware of that specific relationship. On the other hand, if they do, the audience will realize that the scissor music, for example, will change as the man relates to the scissors in different ways throughout the play. I'm using musical building blocks that end up combining into a picture which doesn't need to be interpreted point-by-point by the audience. It's more of an impression that brings the whole drama together.
EL: You mentioned earlier that the message of Act Without Words I is subject to interpretation. Do you think there is a particular message you accomplish with the addition of your music?
LPW: I took certain musical attitudes that are definitely mine. Here's an example: you asked earlier if there are certain musical relationships to the play, and there's one that's kind of funny. The play calls for whistles that the actor reacts to on stage. Together with Mark, the director, we decided not to use an outside whistle, but to let the clarinet be the whistle. I wrote shrill, whistle-like gestures for the clarinet that are designed to have a personality. Whatever the presence is that's calling the man's attention to various things in the play has its own attitude – silly, flirty, angry – and becomes its own kind of character. Since Beckett does not include any description of the whistles, I've chosen to shape how the whistles behave and change over the course of the play.
Also, there's a bit of a dance that happens when the water appears in this desert environment and the man realizes he's thirsty. As the water continues to appear throughout the play, the man's efforts to get that water become more desperate and more futile. But in the middle of this very contemporary sounding score, I made a dance for the man and the jar of water. That's a particular interpretation that should be pretty interesting.
EL: My personal interest in contemporary music is the relation and opportunities women have in music. What kinds of challenges in music do you think women, especially composers, face today?
LPW: Well, one thing that I've had direct experience in recently that's been very interesting to me is being a beneficiary of Opera America's Opera Grants for Female Composers, which is a grant for opera projects that are ready for further development. They just started offering this in 2014 and I was one of their inaugural recipients. What they discovered in the grant projects they've offered for the past 20+ years is that only 5% of their grants had been awarded to projects associated with female-composer commissions. They decided to offer this new program to help change the direction. I think that now, the same kind of discovery is being made about orchestral music, so there's a little bit of a flurry of commissioning geared toward changing the ratio.
When I was in school, I was certainly a drastic minority; I think I was one girl out of ten or twelve composers in college. That was over 20 years ago and it seems like there has been a lot of progress since then. But maybe the progress we've made has been in the context of smaller ensembles and new music groups, and we weren't seeing that in these larger institutions. So now the opera companies and the big orchestras are working to rectify that.
I think one thing that's very interesting to me and has been coming to my mind more lately is motherhood and composing. Now I hope, and I think that it might be true, that there's an understanding in the world in general, not just in music, that real life – meaning kids, laundry, groceries, you know – is something that actually exists and everyone is responsible for. It is really inspiring when you meet a woman in the arts, or in any area, with success in her life where she's been able to balance home life with a career, but as the world begins to understand gender equality in the context of home life, I believe we can start owning up to those challenges while juggling our careers.
EL: Any final thoughts about the Bard Music West project?
LPW: I'm really excited to come back to the Bay Area, it has kind of become a second home to me. I've worked with soprano Lisa Delan on a bunch projects, and lots of other great musicians in the area. I'm so thrilled that Bard Music West has welcomed me into this new festival, and can't wait to see how the Act Without Words I comes together!
**C4NM fans are invited to take advantage of a 20% ticket discount to Bard Music West using the code "C4NM."
The music of composer Luna Pearl Woolf has been praised for its "psychological nuances and emotional depth," by the New York Times. Her works in opera, dramatic chamber music, silent film and music-storytelling have been commissioned by Carnegie Hall, Washington National Opera, Minnesota Sinfonia, Salle Bourgie, ECM+, as well as individual artists and festivals, collaborating with artists such as Joyce DiDonato, Frederica von Stade, Daniel Taylor, Lisa Delan, Christopher O'Riley, the Brentano String Quartet, and the Russian National Orchestra, as well as Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons and author Cornelia Funke.
This season the Washington National Opera, Francesca Zambello Artistic Director, premiered Better Gods, a new opera centered on Queen Lili'uokalani and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, with librettist Caitlin Vincent. The sold-out production was directed by Ethan McSweeny and conducted by Timothy Myers. Woolf is the featured composer in The Washington Chorus's New Music for a New Age series, performing Après Moi le Déluge, a post-Katrina lament for cello and choir, and The Pillar, recipient of Opera America's 2014 Discovery Grant, conducted by Julian Wachner. Cellist Matt Haimovitz commissioned a new work as part of his Overtures to Bach tour and recoding. The piece, for solo cello piccolo, was premiered at Miller Theatre in New York City and released on the PENTATONE Oxingale Series. Montreal's Musée des Beaux-Arts hosts a composer portrait evening of Woolf's music, including One to One to One, a new commission responding to a major work in the museum's permanent collection. Mélange à trois, Woolf's wordless opera for violin, cello and percussion, commissioned by the BIK ensemble, opens the program.
Woolf's recorded music is available internationally on the Oxingale and PENTATONE labels. She has been featured on NPR, BBC, CBC, MPR and WNYC and in the New York Times, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Opera News, Strings Magazine, New Music Box, and L'Opéra among others.
Woolf founded the ground-breaking Oxingale Records with cellist Matt Haimovitz in 2000, garnering several GRAMMY, INDIE and JUNO nominations, and launched Oxingale Music in 2010, publishing the works of award winning composers.
By: Emma Logan
Read at: Center for New Music
Tags: Act Without Words I, Bard Music West Festival, Beckett, composer, Composer in residence, Luna Pearl Woolf, Mark Streshinsky, Renata Rakova
← The Day: Haimovitz fuses new and old cello through the prism of Bach
San Francisco Classical Voice: The Dizzying World of György Ligeti →


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III RP

Ordery

Odznaczenia państwowe – krzyże

Odznaczenia państwowe – krzyże (nadawane do 1992)

Odznaczenia państwowe – krzyże (nadawane do 1999)

Odznaczenia państwowe – medale

Odznaczenia państwowe – medale (nadawane do 1992)

Odznaczenia państwowe – medale (nadawane do 1999)

Odznaczenia państwowe – gwiazdy

Odznaczenia resortowe (medale, odznaki – honorowe, pamiątkowe)

Odznaczenia samorządów terytorialnych (odznaki honorowe, medale)

II RP (nienadawane)

PRL (nienadawane)

Niepaństwowe (organizacyjne, pamiątkowe, honorowe itp.)

Kombatanckie

Pozostałe

Bibliografia

 Katalog wystawy. Ordery, odznaczenia, orły, odznaki i medale ludowego Wojska Polskiego 1943-1973. Warszawa 1973

 Artur Śniegocki (oprac.): Ordery i odznaczenia polskie. Kolekcja Stefana Oberleitnera. 2004

 Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 22 października 2018 r. zmieniające rozporządzenie w sprawie opisu, materiału, wymiarów, wzorów rysunkowych oraz sposobu i okoliczności noszenia odznak orderów i odznaczeń ()
 Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 15 listopada 2010 r. zmieniające rozporządzenie w sprawie opisu, materiału, wymiarów, wzorów rysunkowych oraz sposobu i okoliczności noszenia odznak orderów i odznaczeń ()
 Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 31 lipca 2007 r. zmieniające rozporządzenie w sprawie opisu, materiału, wymiarów, wzorów rysunkowych oraz sposobu i okoliczności noszenia odznak orderów i odznaczeń ()
 Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 10 listopada 1992 r. w sprawie opisu, materiału, wymiarów wzorów rysunkowych oraz sposobu i okoliczności noszenia odznak orderów i odznaczeń ()

Listy odznaczeń według państw

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Where should other css files be placed?
Where is the best place to put other css files, such as bootstrap.css etc? How does one make the custom widget refer to these stylesheets?
Putting them anywhere in the WAB folder and then doctoring the \client\stemapp\init.js by adding references in the resources object works, but feels like a hack.
If these CSS files are used by only one widget, it's better to put them in widget's folder. But if they are shared, resources array is a good place to put.
Here is a topic about loading 3rd resource.
So I created my css. in the custom widget/css folder.
1. do I need it in the stemapp section as well as the project section?
2. how do I call the new css so that it overrides a previous css?
Did you create a new .css file or did you just add you new css rules to the existing style.css?
If you want all new apps that use your widget to have this css then yes you need to place it in the stemApp as well.
That depends on the answer to my question above. Normally if you just add the css rule to the style.css then if you have the css rule selector correct it will just get applied. If you have created a new something.css then you have to import that css style sheet to your code (I have never had the need to do this as I always just add the rule to the existing style.css).
So I would like to just add the rules to the existing style.css. Where do I place the rule selector so that it overrides the dgrid.css? I would think the style.css for the widget I'm working on would get called somewhere but I'm struggling to understand where..
Assuming you are using the dgrid in your widgets code then the fact that you have a css rule in your widgets style.css means that it will override the default dgrids css. Once again assuming that you are using the proper css selector syntax.
This is what my style.css looks like. All I added was the .dgrid at the bottom.. Hoping it would override the previous css request but it seems to get overridden when I look at the developer tool. Here is a snap shot.
Is you post missing something or are you thinking that adding .dgrid to the css will overwrite the default? You have to specify the css properties that you want to overwrite or the default ones will always be used.
at the bottom of the style.css for the widget I'm working on..
Looks like the auto does not want to work but I put a fixed size of 7em and the !important made it override the dgrid.css.. Still not sure why auto size would not work as its listed for css as an option.


Will two Atlantic City casinos get a reprieve?
The game is almost over for Showboat and Trump Plaza, two Atlantic City, N.J., casinos that are slated to close over the coming weeks. That is, unless state regulators require them to remain open for four additional months to give them time to find buyers, which is exactly what three Atlantic City-area state legislators want, according to a letter they've sent to the Casino Control Commission.
Showboat's expected Aug. 31 shutdown and Trump Plaza's Sept. 16 closure is "simply not enough time for potential buyers to do the appropriate research that acquisition of either property may require," wrote State Senator Jim Whelan (D), Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D) and Assemblyman Chris Brown (R). The legislators wrote that while the casino operators have followed the law in their notification process, the state has a "moral obligation" to help save the jobs of thousands of workers.
Whelan, a former Atlantic City mayor, Mazzeo and Brown asked the commission to order Showboat and Trump Plaza, whose parent companies both operate other Atlantic City casinos, to keep the doors open to give buyers a real opportunity to do the necessary due diligence.
Commission Chairman Matthew Levinson, while sympathetic to their request, said he wasn't sure if his agency can do anything to delay the closures.
"While our authority is broad in some respects and our ability to direct business decisions of the casinos is limited under the Casino Control Act, the current circumstances are unprecedented and present novel issues which we have been and will continue to review," Levinson said in a statement.
Trump Entertainment, whose other Atlantic City property is the Taj Majal, declined to comment for this story as did a spokeswoman for Caesar's, the largest Atlantic City casino operator.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump hasn't been involved in the day-to-day management of the casinos that bear his name though he retains a small position in them. He has been quoted in the press as saying he was glad to be out of the business. Trump Plaza has struggled for years and might have a better chance attracting a buyer if the sale process wasn't so rushed, says Whelan, who was Atlantic City mayor from 1990 to 2000.
"Trump Plaza, by all accounts, needs a significant amount of renovation work," Whelan said in interview. "We have talked to people about the sales. My sense is that they would like more time."
About two-dozen casinos have been built in recent years within driving distance of Atlantic City, oversaturating the market. As a result, gaming revenue in the Jersey Shore town plunged 45 percent between 2006 and 2013 to $2.86 billion. Even the town's biggest supporters, such as Whelan, admit the city's casino industry will never reach those heights again.
Analyst Alan Woinski, who has followed the industry for 30 years, told CBS MoneyWatch he didn't think the regulators could delay the closure of the Showboat or Trump Plaza.
"They can't say 'no you can't,'" said Woinski, who heads the consulting firm Gaming USA. "If anyone buys these properties, they're going to be in the exact same position as the previous owners."
Showboat, however, is a "decent property" that might attract a buyer, while Trump Plaza may have to be converted into a hotel if it hopes to survive, according to Woinski.
Caesar's was criticized for closing Showboat as it builds a new $750 million casino resort in Orange, N.Y., a decision Assemblyman Brown criticized in a recent press conference as "certainly not acting in good faith on behalf of the people of New Jersey."
Besides Showboat and Trump Plaza, the $2.4 billion Revel Casino Hotel filed for bankruptcy protection in June for the second time in as many years. If the property, which cost $2.6 billion to build, can't find a buyer, it will also have to close, forcing more than 3,000 people out of work. However, Woinski said Revel has been mismanaged and might do better under new owners.
Leaders in Atlantic City are scrambling to prevent such massive job losses and the prospect of large chunks of the city's famous Boardwalk filled with the remains of closed casinos.
"The worst thing that could happen," said Whelan, "would be for those properties to sit there and be vacant."


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Empower Your Ride
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Motul Joins Subaru Motorsports USA With Double Podium at Ojibwe Forests Rally
The signature Subaru blue and gold rally livery returned to the team in 2019 and this weekend at the Ojibwe Forest Rally, Subaru Motorsports USA announced the return of a partnership from the same era with Motul joining the program as the Official Oil Partner. This partnership restores a deep connection between the Subaru and Motul brands that stretches back to victories in WRC from the likes of Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.
In 2009, the Motul and Subaru connection was extended to North America with a partnership to support Subaru Rally Team USA, including drivers Travis Pastrana and Ken Block. "We had a great relationship with Vermont SportsCar and Subaru Motorsports USA in the past, testing and developing our 300V and performance products for the Subaru WRX STI platform," stated Joey Cabrera, Motul USA's Technical Director of over 13 years, "Motul is proud to be back and believe we have the products needed to best support the success of the rally and rallycross programs."
The renewed Motul partnership started on a highlight with a double podium finish at the Ojibwe Forests Rally, the first full two-day event on the ARA calendar since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Travis Pastrana and his brand-new #199 WRX STI and a new co-driver in Rhianon Gelsomino would take the top spot at the end of two days. Brandon Semenuk and John Hall in the #180 WRX STI fought back from a tire puncture in the opening three-stage loop to retake third place by the end of the rally.
As the Official Oil Partner, Motul will provide products, technical, and marketing support for Subaru Motorsports USA in all American Rally Association Championship (ARA), rallycross, Hillclimb, and marketing events across the United States.
About Subaru Motorsports USA
Subaru Motorsports USA is managed by Vermont SportsCar and proudly supported by Subaru of America, Inc., MOTUL, Yokohama Tires, Method Race Wheels, DirtFish Rally School, KÜHL and RECARO. Follow the team online at www.subaru.com/motorsports.
Follow Subaru Motorsports USA on Facebook, on Instagram @subarumotorsportsusa, and on Twitter @subarums_usa.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.
About Motul
Motul is a world-class French company specialized in the formulation, production and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants. Present in more than 120 countries, Motul USA was established in 1989 as a subsidiary of Motul France and is based in Southern California. Motul is recognized as the global specialist in synthetic lubricants. In addition to supporting Subaru Motorsports USA, Motul 300V can be found in the Subaru S209 and the Motul brand has partnerships globally with the SUBARU/STI MOTORSPORT team in Super GT, Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI), and Subaru UK.
Follow Motul USA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @MotulUSA
Yoshimura SERT Motul: new Franco-Japanese alliance for the World Endurance Championship
OTSFF/MOTUL's Adam Fitza to race UTV World Championship
Crawford created the gnarliest Subaru Crosstrek imaginable!
Brabus Classic: "We operate in a different way to most restoration companies"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league coach Michael Marum says they need to win all of their remaining games in the Queensland Cup to have any chance of sneaking into the post-season.
The Hunters have won three straight matches at home to consolidate sixth place and play their final game in Kokopo this Saturday against the fifth-ranked Ipswich Jets, who currently fill the final playoff position.
Michael Marum says all they can do is keep on winning.
"We're still out of the top five by three points so if we can close this down this weekend will be good and then we expect [other teams] to come up and one of those two other top teams will probably lose their games too and that should create a way for us but we still have to win all our remaining games - even our away games - and we've got one bye there".
After this weekend, the Hunters round off their season with away matches against Wynumm Manly Seagulls and South's Logan Mapgies and a bye, before the start of the finals series.


Taking your child to the dentist can be a daunting task, especially if they're on the autism spectrum. Many adults find the dentist a scary place, and now you're supposed to take your child there?
But don't worry, a trip to the dentist doesn't have to be a nightmare. Pediatric dentists have special training and kid-friendly offices that can make the dental experience fun for children. If you have an autistic child, there are several things you should consider when choosing a pediatric dentist.
It's important to take your child to the dentist on a regular basis. Good oral hygiene is essential to a healthy lifestyle because you don't want tooth decay and pain to hold them back.
Pediatric dentists receive two to three additional years of training after dental school. This additional training helps them understand the unique needs and best methods to treat young children, including children with autism.
The dental room is designed to be kid friendly, and they typically use smaller and "less scary" dental tools to help children feel more comfortable.
Their offices are typically brightly decorated and stocked with the best toys and games, giving children something to look forward to.
They communicate throughout the appointment to keep children informed and engaged.
As you can see, there are many great reasons to look for a pediatric dentist for your child. But how do you find the right one for your autistic child?
If you know other parents with autistic children, ask them about their dental experiences. Have they had good or bad ones, and if good, where did they go? What made it a great experience? If you find some great recommendations, then that is a great place to start!
If you're struggling to find any good references, you can always search online. Many modern dentists will have a review page on their website, and checking these reviews and testimonials can also give you a good indication about the dentist's ability to treat the special needs of children.
Do they have experience with children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Do they have special procedures in order to optimize each visit for your child?
Can you accompany your child in the room during the dental exam?
Can you schedule your appointment at a time of day when your son or daughter is at his or her best?
Can you see the same staff at every visit for consistency?
You know your child and what they will be comfortable with, so if you're not happy with the answers to your questions, consider another dentist. Be aware that some dentists may not be willing to treat your child because they're unsure how to make them comfortable. If this is the case, they might be able to refer you to a dentist who is great with autistic children.
Children with autism often struggle with certain sensory issues. It's important to discuss these with your pediatric dentist and look for strategies to deal with them. For instance, if your child doesn't like the sensation of being moved backwards, you should recommend the dental chair starts in the leaned back position before they arrive. If they're sensitive to light, let them wear sunglasses as the dental chair can be quite bright.
Whatever your child's unique needs are, you should discuss them with your dentist. If you've found a good pediatric dentist, they will have coping strategies for reducing sensory issues and can help you think through potential issues and solutions.
You don't want your child to receive extensive dental work on their first visit. Instead, schedule some easy and quick visits to the dentist first. This will help you and your child get to know your pediatric dentist and build trust. It will help your child get used to the dentist and the things that will happen in the office.
If those early visits don't go well, you might need to consider choosing another pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists are great at communicating with children. We tend to follow the "tell, show, do" method.
First, we tell your child what we are going to do.
Next, we show the tool or action we are going to use and might even let them touch the tool.
Last, we actually do the action we've discussed.
Communicating in this way helps eliminate uncertainty for your child and puts them more at ease. If your child struggles with communication, we might ask the parent to help communicate, or allow them to watch their brother or sister receive the same treatment so they get an idea of what is about to happen.
Does your child struggle with seizures? If so, your dentist should be aware for treatment, and can also discuss tactics for protecting your child's teeth during seizures.
Should some form of sedation be considered? It can help relax your child without causing them to go to sleep.
Can your pediatric dentist help with good oral hygiene habits? Sometimes getting your autistic child to brush their teeth can be a real challenge. A good pediatric dentist can provide strategies for improvement.


Martinique and Guadeloupe have unquestionably been the center of activity musically for the French Antilles. The popular music of Martinique and Guadeloupe that is currently best known internationally is zouk. Although it is a relatively recent musical genre (born in the late 1970s), zouk's roots and historical heritage include earlier traditional genres that go back to the music of the Afro-Caribbean populations of the 19th century.
Among the most prominent influences on zuok are biguine and gwo ka of Martinique and bèlè of Guadeloupe. Gwo ka and bèlè were popular musical traditions in Martinique and Guadeloupe in the early 20th century. They were festival or carnival music in which percussion played a central role, particularly the tambour, a conga or barrel drum, and the ti bwa (a percussion instrument made of bamboo that was held horizontally and struck with sticks). During Vaval or Carnival, music and dance groups of 50 to 100 people formed and passed through the streets singing and dancing. The dance developed as a dialogue structure between the singer and the dancers, with a pattern of questions and responses. The tambour and the ti bwa (along with the accordion), are central parts of various ancestral musical genres of the Afro-Caribbean populations of Martinique and Guadeloupe, as well as in traditions that developed later throughout the 20th century, including biguine and chouval bwa, and later, zouk.
It was biguine, however, that achieved international popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. Between 1920 and 1950, biguine music was the most popular dance music in Martinique and Guadeloupe. But biguine also became popular in Paris and was the music in style in the clubs of Montparnasse. The key figure in the popularization of the genre was clarinet player Alexandre Stellio, who emigrated from Martinique to Paris in 1929 and whose music went beyond biguine in the cultural circles of France.
Biguine remained a central part of the music of the French Caribbean region until the early 1950s and influenced a series of musical genres that appeared in later years in Martinique and Guadeloupe, including kadans, cadence-lypso (or kadans-lypso) and zouk.
Zouk was conceived as a genre that would combine or synthesize elements of various musical influences from Martinique and Guadeloupe, such as Haitian kompa, gwo ka, tambour and ti bwa, as well as biguine and cadence-lypso. Zouk's origins are closely tied to the group Kassav, and especially to its first record in 1981 titled Love and Ka Dance, with such popular songs as Zouk-la-Se and Sel Medikaman Nou Ni. Perhaps the best known zouk song at the world level, however, is Maldon, by the group Zouk Machine. It is unquestionably the biggest hit of all time among French Antillean music with more than a million singles sold. It was the number one single in France for nine weeks.


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COMMUNITY HERO: JOE BORG
The award winning volunteer opens up on his work at Living Positive Victoria
Shannon Power — December 5, 2016
Joe Borg, volunteer at Living Positive Victoria. Photo: Supplied
ABOUT nine years ago, Joe Borg was roped into helping pack the Pozlink – the quarterly magazine of the organisation now known as Living Positive Victoria (LPV).
After he was diagnosed with HIV in 2008, Borg became a regular visitor at the Positive Living Centre (PLC) in Melbourne. It was there he met Vic Perri, LPV's long serving Health Promotion Officer, who convinced him to come and help out in the office by packing the magazine.
At the time, LPV was known as People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and had just moved into new offices.
"As a joke I said to Sonny (Williams) who was the executive officer at the time, 'who is going to finish unpacking?'," Borg remembers.
"So I walked in there the next day and started unpacking and putting things away and then I turned into a piece of furniture."
Borg, 53, describes himself as "more or less a glorified office assistant to everyone" at LPV but his work is vital because he takes care of "the small niggly things the guys don't have time to concentrate on because they've got bigger things to worry about'.
"I take care of things like making sure we've got enough stationery, making sure the photocopier is constantly full, all the little fiddly things that seem insignificant don't stop them from doing what they need to do," Borg explains.
In 2012 he won the Volunteer Commitment Award for this contribution and commitment to HIV positive people through their volunteer work.
LPV staff say Borg is always the first to put his hand up to help out and is always full of creative ideas to get things done.
When he won the volunteer award, Borg was commended for his enduring and consistent support to the organisation as an office volunteer.
"He played an active role during the relocation process of PLWHA Victoria to Southbank in April last year and worked long and tirelessly at providing logistical and practical support to ensuring the office was set up and running within days of the move," LPV said at the time.
"His experience, knowledge and love of the organisation has supported new staff and volunteers to immediately feel welcome within the organisation, and his ability to locate any item within offices, cupboards and the darkest recesses of the building is legendary."
Borg loves volunteering at LPV because he wants to be able to help people living with HIV (PLHIV) and to give something back.
"Being HIV isn't exactly troubling me, but I've got the type of brain that has to keep learning and I've learnt the disease is extremely lazy, it hides in obscure places in the body and since my HIV diagnosis my panic disorder has surfaced," he explains.
"Since I've been disowned (by family), they (LPV) have become my life.
"First we're ostracised because we're gay, but we're also HIV, we are also ostracised by our own community.
"We come to rely on each other and support each other and that's why it's so important."
Leading up to December, Borg goes into the office everyday to help fill the very important Christmas hampers to deliver to PLHIV who are isolated at home or in hospital.
"It gives them something to look forward to," he explains.
A few years ago, the creative Borg came up with the bright idea for LPV to collaborate with lolly manufacturer Suga to make some custom World AIDS Day candies that were red on the outside and featured a picture of the iconic red AIDS ribbon on the inside.
"We went ahead and ordered 30 kilos of them, and I still have one bag left as a reminder of what I put forward and did, because I was very proud of that," he says.
"What I saw and what I envisioned actually came to fruition. I got to see the entire process not only from an idea, but I got the support from everyone to see it through."
Tags: hivJoe BorgLiving Positive VictoriaLPVpeople living with HIVPLHIVPozlinkSouth MelbournevolunteerWorld AIDS Day
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About the Author Shannon Power
Shannon is Star Observer's senior journalist covering NSW and national news. Originally from Melbourne, she has lived and worked across Cape York and far north Queensland reporting on issues important to remote Australia. In her spare time she's a RuPaul's Drag Race fanatic and a Carlton Blues tragic. She tweets @shannonjpower
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Comprehensive solutions for your kitchen & bathroom remodeling, basement waterproofing, prefab room additions, and bathroom renovations.
Whatever your design considerations are, Brunette Home Improvement has the experience to make it happen. We have been doing home improvement for over 35 years, and we have the expertise to help you with your additions or home remodeling in Lansing, MI. We want to work alongside you to create a space that reflects you, your family, and your lifestyle.
Only a handful of your life's moments can compare to the feeling of walking into a new portion of your home. Being able to see your vision as a reality for the first time is a moment of pure joy. Whether you have been dreaming of a new kitchen or four season addition, we want to help you realize your vision for your home.
Call our company at Brunette Home Improvement remodeling to discuss your next home renovation project.
Through decades of putting our clients' needs first, we at Brunette Home Improvement have grown from a two-man operation into one of the most trusted home remodeling companies in Lansing. Serving thousands of customers in Lansing throughout the years has helped us grow into a team of local home remodeling and addition contractor to deliver the highest quality services with a wide range of products.
Whether you want to build a new home, renovate your existing home, design your next work space or studio, or remodel for new energy saving solutions, our design team and hard-working home renovation & remodelling contractors can help! We will see your project through to the end, starting with the drawing and design phase and continuing all the way down to the very last nail. Click through our Home additions & remodels portfolio to see our latest renovations.
In terrible situations such as wind or hail damage, our company can help get your home back to its beautiful self by working with your insurance company. Our exterior remodeling specialists provide these services in and around the Greater Lansing / Mid-Michigan area.
While every potential project requires specific analysis of the situation, we have worked all over Lansing and beyond to help families with their projects.
Some houses need a face lift, while others need a complete restoration to protect the integrity and historical value of the building. As a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Lansing, Brunette Home Improvement remodeling will provide the highest quality services in either of these cases. Our friendly team composed of good renovation and remodeling contractors will help you plan your renovation to make your home gorgeous, as well as significantly boost the value of the property.
Interior projects produce the most heart-warming results for the homeowners, who get to enjoy the space every single day. As a bonus, renovations and additions are also among the biggest home value boosters Consult our home renovation contractors for exceptional services.
Your house needs to be well-ventilated for fresh air and to let out stale air. A 'breathing' house prevents bad odors and mold, as well as ensures the longevity of your roof and the lasting quality of any of your projects.
A guest room, a home office, or an additional living room for your growing family our home remodeling contractors in Michigan have done this type of work many times. There are many ways to use a four season room, and we can help you optimize it for your needs with elegant home remodeling in Lansing, MI.
We've done quite a few decks over the past decades. We have dozens of deck designs to offer you. If you already have something in mind, our home renovation contractors will happily advise you and provide anything else you may need.


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Florida Probate Litigation Lawyer Blog
Published By Chepenik Trushin LLP
Bart H. Chepenik
Bradley H. Trushin
Daniel F. Bachman
Adam M. Nicoll
Jessica S. Pomeraniec
Bryan A. Giribaldo
Danielle Kaboudi
Debra Haley
Lillian Hernandez
Patricia Grant Hoskin
Peter C. Leighton
Dailyn Falcon Rey
Yvonne Gary
Estate Planning (Domestic and International)
Undue Influence and Lack of Testamentary Capacity
Elder Law and Medicaid Planning
Attorney's Fees Dispute Experts
Call Us Now - Se Habla Español
info@ctllp.com
Same Sex surviving spouses, a recent Florida law change
April 6, 2017 | by Chepenik Trushin LLP
Florida same-sex surviving spouses may be added on a death certificate without a court order
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued its pioneering decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015), holding state laws prohibiting or refusing to recognize same-sex marriages unconstitutional. After Obergefell, Florida started recognizing same-sex marriages and began to list a same-sex surviving spouse on the deceased spouse's death certificate, where the marriage was lawfully entered into in another jurisdiction. However, the surviving spouse was out of luck if the marriage was entered into before Obergefell, unless the surviving spouse obtained an individual court order approving the correction.
This obtrusive situation has changed for now. In a recent order from March 23, 2017, a federal judge granted a summary judgment to a certified class, ordering that Florida must amend any death certificate without a court order when the decedent was lawfully married to a person of the same-sex at the time of the death. The same judge issued an order striking down Florida's marriage ban in August 2014. The plaintiffs in this case were two gay surviving spouses, married before Obergefell, who filed the case not only on their behalf, but on behalf of other similarly situated persons as well. The plaintiffs sought to have their spouses' death certificates show they had been married, but the state argued that Florida law prohibited amending the death certificates without a court order.
According to the court's ruling: "Not so." The court sided with the plaintiffs and held that a same-sex surviving spouse does not need a court order to amend the deceased spouse's death certificate. In its analysis, the court cited Harper v. Va. Dep't of Taxation, 509 U.S. 86, 97 (1993) which held that "[w]hen this Court applies a rule of federal law to the parties before it, that rule is the controlling interpretation of federal law and must be given full retroactive effect in all cases still open on direct review and as to all events, regardless of whether such events predate or postdate our announcement of the rule." Applied to the case at hand, the State of Florida cannot differentiate between same-sex marriages entered into before and after Obergefell. The court pointed out that if the law were otherwise, the schools might still be segregated.
The implications of listing a surviving spouse on a death certificate can be far-reaching such as qualification for social security survivor benefits. Do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of Chepenik Trushin LLP, who are ready, willing, and able to assist with your estate planning and probate litigation needs.
by Chepenik Trushin LLP
Posted in: Beneficiaries, Estate Administration, Estate Planning and Documents, Legislative Updates, Personal Representative, Pretermitted Spouses, Probate Litigation and Same Sex couples
Updated: April 10, 2017 9:26 am
Estate Planning and Documents (152)
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Will Contests (52)
Probate Disputes (48)
Types of Trusts (33)
Opening an Estate (28)
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Intestacy (23)
What happens when your chosen beneficiary, heir or personal representative (PR) dies before you do? January 17, 2020
Lack of Testamentary capacity and undue influence – what are the legal standards? December 23, 2019
Four important reasons to update your estate plan and/or your trust documents December 2, 2019
Copyright © 2020, Chepenik Trushin LLP


6 company profiles found for Packaging and Shipping Services in El Dorado Hills, California(CA).
FedEx Kinko's, The UPS Store, Pak Mail Centers of America, Postnet, Norcal Direct Mktg., Tri Valley Packaging, etc.
2 "Packaging and Shipping Services" business profiles are rated as good, 5 "Packaging and Shipping Services" companies in El Dorado Hills are rated as acceptable. 44% of El Dorado Hills consumers were satisfied with El Dorado Hills "Packaging and Shipping Services" businesses' performance. That is 5% higher compared to "Packaging and Shipping Services" in Empire, CA.
El Dorado Hills Forum is currently viewed by 2 visitors. El Dorado Hills Blog received 34 comments last month. FedEx Kinko's was rated as Great, The UPS Store as Outstanding. Reviews on "Packaging and Shipping Services" El Dorado Hills Blog are posted daily.


On Friday, 19 October 2018, MILE partnered with Umgeni Engineering Services in hosting a Strategic Planning Session at Protea Hotel Hilton. It was attended by the complete staff component of the Department consisting of Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Quality Assurance, and Administrators.
The Strategic Session aimed at crafting a road departing from operations and towards strategy. With the imminent restructuring of Engineering Services, the consideration of the Department's strengths and weaknesses while aligning to the Umgeni Water Board's Vision and Mission is pertinent.
As the Session unfolded, there was a reflection of the journey travelled to date, highlights, challenges, progress made and future aspirations. The highly esteemed participants also worked in groups to identify the key strategic opportunities and challenges that affect the Department. Towards the end of the session, some progress was made in shaping an action plan. However, this was not taken forward as there will be follow-up session to delve into further issues.
In closing the Session, Engineering Services Manager, Mr Alan Kockott assured the participants of a follow up session to facilitate the steps towards a strategic direction amidst the imminent Departmental restructuring.


I would like to make a reproduction of a "keepsake box" from the 1800 to 1850 period as a gift to our daughter on her up coming birthday. Searching the forum has given me some basic ideas, as well there was some limited information on the internet. Mr. Follansbee site offered quite a bit on a carved box that is nailed together. He did note that there may be some that were dovetailed, but that is rare. I assume that this was from an earlier period. There is a "history of dovetails" post on the forum that contained much information. However, I have not stumbled on any specific information regarding period keepsake boxes. There is much information on British and French boxes of this nature, within that period, but they all seem to be highly finished, with inlays and marquetry. I had planned to make a simpler, but dovetailed box out of either cherry or walnut. Now I am not sure if that would fit historically or not.
Any help in guiding me to information that would get me started is appreciated. Size, joinery, hinges, mortise lock(?), species , finish, inlays or veneer?
I am new to this forum and hope that these questions are within the intent of the forum. Thank you for providing such a great place for information.
Jim, I would recommend a miniature blanket chest. A dovetailed case with two drawers on the front of the bottom. A lid that would lift up revealing a tray that would lift up out of the case. Welcome to the forum!!
If you ae a member go to the SAPFM home page and sign in. Go to the P4 antiques link. When you get in search "bible box" , that is what they are generically called. several good samples.
Another possibility is the Lonnie Bird Tea Caddy which he describes in his Bandsaw book. Its a small box, I think much smaller than the ones described in the other posts.
I tried but was unable to post a link to his furniture gallery, but there is a picture of the Tea Caddy posted there.
How about this? Its a reproduction of a miniature blanket chest made in Centre Co. PA circa 1830. Features dovetailed case, lift lid, till inside, on turned feet. 12 3/4 long x 6 wide x 8 high. Hope this helps.
Thank you all for your replies, they have helped me in my search.
One question that has presented itself is that when I search through old bible box pictures I note two things. It seems that the simpler boxes, i.e. pine or poplar have very little embellishment and used carving as the means of decoration; whereas the nicer woods or veneered boxes had finer hardware and etc. On the plainer boxes I see the bottom end-grain showing at the sides. So my question is how was the case attached to the bottom? The sides of the cases were dovetailed. Long grain glueing, nails, rabbet to form a half-lap joint all the way around? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.


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home Feature, Front Page, Movies, Music, Retro Reviews, Reviews, Reviews 5 Great Concert Films
5 Great Concert Films
By Sam Posted in Feature Front Page Movies Music Retro Reviews Reviews Reviews
Posted on August 29, 2012 December 29, 2012
There's something about this season that brings back the memories of summers gone by. Memories of friends. Memories of particular nights. Memories of particular songs, sung along to, full-throated, beside 10,000 strangers who, for that one moment, could be considered close friends. And while film can never completely capture that feeling, there are a few that at least replicate it enough to warrant multiple viewings. The following list shares a few of these films.
The Last Waltz- I only got to see the second incantation of The Band perform live, after Robbie Robertson's departure and Richard Manuel's passing, at an in-store at Tower Records, where they played a series of 12 bar blues songs. Nothing in that performance came close to matching some of the highs hit in this film. I'd list the songs, but you should know them by now. Director Martin Scorsese also does a great job with behind-the-scenes interviews, where the group (in pairs or separately, never all together) reminisce about their early days on the road.
Gimme Shelter- Directed by the Maysles brothers, this film captures on-camera, the moment the peace and love movement of the 1960s came to a terrible end. Following the Rolling Stones on their 1969 US tour, which culminated in a free concert at the Altamont Speedway in California, planned as a west-coast version of Woodstock. Unfortunately, hiring the Hell's Angels as security didn't work out as planned and shortly after the Stones took the stage, Meredith Hunter was stabbed and killed. The film is a fascinating concert film, showing the Stones sitting in the editing room, watching the footage from that terrible night.
Truth or Dare- Love her or hate her, you have to give Madonna credit for what she's contributed to the live performance format. Following her on the Blonde Ambition tour, the film shows the elaborate stage presentations of some of the singer's biggest hits, while also showing what it takes for a tour of that size to travel around the globe.
Don't Look Back- DA Pennebaker's 1967 documentary follows Bob Dylan around the UK on his1965 tour. Showing Dylan shortly before he plugged in, the live performances feature Dylan alone on-stage, singing some of his best known folks songs. Behind-the-scenes, you see Dylan dueting with Joan Baez, mocking popular British folk singer Donovan (kinda awkward when Donovan shows up) and banging away on a typewriter, working on another round of songs. While no documentary on Dylan finds the legend opening up (and that includes Scorsese's three-hour No Direction Home,) anytime watching Dylan is time well spent.
Stop Making Sense- There could be an alternate list of great concert films, with the connecting tissue being that they were all directed by Jonathan Demme. Stop Making Sense was his first concert film, presenting Taking Heads on tour to support the Speaking in Tongues record. Every concert by Talking Heads (and lead-singer David Byrne after the group's split) is also performance art, and this film is no different, with band members joining one at a time, one song at a time. It worked out nicely that this was the band at their creative peak, before things turned ugly. Turn it up and bask in the glory that is Talking Heads live.
There's also a great number of documentaries following the creative process and lives of bands. Here are a few worth checking out.
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart- Capturing Wilco recording what would be considered their first masterpiece, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart shows a band at a crossroads, musically, creatively, emotionally and physically. It's painful to watch at times, but it shows all too well that rock music is more than just groupies and encores. It's also migraines, in-fighting and record labels doubting your creativeness. Dark stuff, but also incredibly fascinating.
Runnin' Down a Dream- Three hours about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers may seem like overkill, since they have been one of those bands that seemed to avoid a lot of drama in their career. However, in Peter Bogdonavich's film, you see Petty and his cohorts doing everything they can to continue to live their childhood dream. By the end of the film, when you see the band on stage, you can truly appreciate what they went through to get there.
Beyond the Lighted Stage- I'm not a Rush fan, (though I did love their cameo in I Love You, Man) but Beyond the Lighted Stage showed the three members and how they interact and, in some cases, don't. It's interesting because it shows sometimes the best way to get along is to let the music do the talking.
The Beatles Anthology- I will watch anything about The Beatles, even if it's just footage of Paul and John scowling at each other. (I think that's the alternate title of Let It Be.) I'm not going to go into anymore details, you know who The Beatles are. And if they have touched you at all, I highly recommend this six-hour film.
Living in the Material World- All that being said, who knew that the least interesting thing about George Harrison was that he was in The Beatles? A fascinating study of "the Quiet Beatle" and his love of Buddhism, ukuleles and gardening.
TAGS: 5 great concert movies best concert movies Bob Dylan Concert Films documentaries George Harrison List Madonna Music Rush Talking Heads The Band The Beatles The Rolling Stones Tom Petty Wilco


text:
package core.datavisualistaion;

import java.util.ArrayList;

public class DataHigDim {

	private int dim;
	private int dimRow;
	private double valueSpan;
	private int numOfSamplePt;
	private double[][] samplePt;

	// temporary arrays
	ArrayList<int[]> in;
	int[] tDepth;

	public DataHigDim(int _d, int row) {

		dim = _d;
		dimRow = row - 1;
		valueSpan = 1.0;

		in = new ArrayList<int[]>();
		tDepth = new int[dim];

		numOfSamplePt = (int) Math.pow(row, dim);

		samplePt = new double[numOfSamplePt][dim];

		// if there are to be only one sample point generate one in the middle
		// of value span
		if (numOfSamplePt == 1) {
			for (int j = 0; j < samplePt[0].length; j++) {
				samplePt[0][j] = valueSpan * 0.5f;
			}
		} else {

			goDepper(0);

			for (int i = 0; i < samplePt.length; i++) {

				int[] indices = in.get(i);

				for (int j = 0; j < samplePt[i].length; j++) {
					samplePt[i][j] = (valueSpan / dimRow) * indices[j];
				}
			}
		}
		// erase unused data;
		tDepth = null;
		in = null;
	}

	public double[][] getUniformDist() {
		return samplePt;

	}

	public int getNumOfPt() {
		return numOfSamplePt;
	}

	public int getNumOfDim() {
		return dim;
	}

	private void goDepper(int depth) {

		if (depth < dim) {

			int i = 0;
			while (i <= dimRow) {
				tDepth[depth] = i;
				goDepper(depth + 1);
				i++;
			}
		} else {
			int[] array = new int[tDepth.length];
			System.arraycopy(tDepth, 0, array, 0, tDepth.length);
			in.add(array);
		}
	}

	@SuppressWarnings("unused")
	private void printArray(int[] array) {
		String out = "[";
		for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
			out += array[i];

			if (i != array.length - 1) {
				out += ";";
			}
		}
		out += "]";
		System.out.println(out);
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Newt Gingrich Faces Blowback for Threatening Jan. 6 Insurrection Committee Members
Keith Girard January 27, 2022 POLITICS
Newt Gingrich has become a leading Donald Trump sycophant. (Photo: Gage Skidmore)
Newt Gingrich, the former GOP House Speaker who resigned in disgrace, has been on a 20-year bender to restore his relevance largely through adhominen attacks. But he's facing significant blowback for his latest tirade.
The former congressman suggested on Fox News last weekend that members of the bipartisan committee investigating the January 6 insurrection might be jailed if Republicans take back Congress in November.
"Gingrich even likened the January 6 investigators — not the violent seditionists who stormed the Capitol chanting 'Hang Mike Pence!' — to a lynch mob (in flagrant disregard for the actual and heinous history of lynching in America)," said Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen.
The non-profit group bills itself as a "progressive consumer rights advocacy group and think tank," based in Washington, D.C.
It was founded in 1971 by legendary consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader, who single-handedly launched the consumer rights revolution.
Newt Gingrich Set Up as Moon President on SNL (watch!)
The organization has been around long enough to be intimately familiar with Gingrich's record and his descent into hyper-partisanship.
He dwelled in the netherworld of politics, largely out of the limelight, until Donald Trump's foray into presidential politics in 2016.
Since then, he's lifted his public profile by becoming one of Trump's most sycophantic lackeys. As such, he's become a favorite of right-wing news shows.
He appeared more than 20 times on Fox News in December and this January alone and can be counted on to make damning, and often false, claims about President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress.
Jon Stewart in Rare Form on Newt Gingrich Wife Swapping (watch!)
He's most persistent lie is his support for Trump's claim that the 2020 election was stolen. The assertion was rejected more than 60 times by courts across the country for lack of evidence.
Even the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Trump's bogus claims.
The 78-year-old former Congressman, however, holds a unique niche in history.
Fox News Follows Trump Down Rabbit Hole: Ingraham Humiliated; Tucker Humbled
He is the architect of the "Contract with America," a political platform that helped the Republican Party reclaim a majority in the House for the first time in 40 years.
During the 1994 mid-term elections, Republicans scored a net gain of 54 seats in the House, and eight seats in the Senate.
The change, while significant, came after Democrat Bill Clinton won the White House in the 1992 election. He was relected in 1996.
Gingrich became House Speaker and political experts say it marked the beginning of the GOP's abandonment of democratic norms. But Gingrich wouldn't survive his own revolution.
He was caught up in the House banking scandal and Congressional Post Office scandal that exploded during his tenure. Gingrich was among House members who had written personal checks on the House bank, including 22 overdrafts to pay personal bills.
Jon Stewart on Newt Gingrich's Florida Kick in the Balls (watch!)
Among them was a check for more than $9,000 to the Internal Revenue Service in 1990.
In 1997, the House officially reprimanded Gingrich by an overwhelming vote of 395 to 28. He was ordered to reimburse the House for some of the costs of the investigation in the amount of $300,000.
Among the ethics violations was a shady and unpopular book deal.
It was the first time a Speaker was disciplined for an ethics violation in the history of Congress.
Gingrich personally led the campaign to impeach President Clinton for his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The impeachment failed and was widely cited for costing Republicans 36 seats in the 1998 House elections.
Gingrich was also ensnared in a sex scandal that ultimately doomed his career.
He admitted cheating on his first and second wives, including having an affair while leading the Clinton impeachment proceedings with a woman 23-years his junior.
Gingrich's first marriage was to his former high school teacher, Jackie Battley, in 1962.
Gingrich married his second wife, Marianne Ginther, months after he divorced Battley in 1981.
Gingrich divorced Ginther in 2000 and soon married Callista Bisek, with whom he began an affair when she was a former congressional aide.
The day after the 1998 congressional disaster, Republican House members rebeled against his leadership, and he agreed to resign from Congress.
"Without Newt Gingrich, we may well have been spared the likes of Mitch McConnell in the Senate and Donald Trump in the White House," said Weissman.
Gingrich ran for president in 2012, but after a bruising GOP primary, he suspended his campaign and endorsed front-runner Mitt Romney.
His second ex-wife Marianne told ABC News Gingrich lacked the moral character to serve as President.
She said his campaign positions on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family values do not square with what she saw during their 18 years of marriage.
President Obama went on to win a second term in office with Biden repeating as his vice president.
In more recent years, Gingrich has worked behind the scenes in Republican politics, vociferiously supporting Trump as a frequent talking head on conservative news shows.
On Fox News, Gingrich has repeatedly attacked Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats, largely based on supposition and inuendo.
But his comments on the Jan. 6 Commission were off the scale.
"Does it matter when a painfully attention-starved egomaniac like Newt Gingrich spouts off like this?" Weissman asked in a statement.
"When a former Speaker of the House aims to intimidate sitting members of Congress and urges the weaponization of criminal law against political adversaries, you bet it matters.
"That we've heard this kind of language from Donald Trump doesn't mean it's inconsequential for others to echo it. To the contrary, it makes it more dangerous.
As Representative Liz Cheney (a Republican) said in response to Gingrich, "This is what it looks like when the rule of law unravels."
Check out the video below:
This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Donald TrumpFox NewsGingrichJan. 6 CommitteeNewt Gingrich
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Keith Girard
Keith Girard is Editor and Publisher of The New York Independent, the progressive New York web magazine. Read the latest on Celebrities, Politics, Fashion, Music, Arts, Film, TV, Theater & Pop Culture. Before that, he was editor-in-chief of Billboard magazine and a reporter for the Washington Post among other media positions.


My name is Lauren Mathie, I am 21 years old, I am a student from the University of Salford and I am currently in my final year studying Business Information Technology.
For my final project I wanted to combine my love of all things crafty and my technology degree to create a new platform for crafters to share their tips and tricks and create a community in the process, I know what I would like out of a new community platform but I need lots of opinions to create a platform that is inclusive for everyone.
I have created a questionnaire in order to gather some feedback about current online platforms and would be grateful if you could take 5 minutes out of your day to answer just 10 questions.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, If you have any question please do not hesitate to ask.


text:
Second new local testing site opened in Derby
A second walk-through coronavirus testing facility for the city has opened
v for those with symptoms to book appointments at West End Community Centre, in Derby, as part of the Government's UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
This comes after the opening of a local testing centre at Morleston Street Day Centre on Wednesday 14 October.
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test online or by calling 119. From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks.
The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Those with access to a car should attend the nearby testing centre at Toyota or one of the mobile units in the county. These are also bookable online or by calling 119.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new site will start today, on Saturday 17 October, with appointments made available each day.
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK, including 77 drive-through sites, 172 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health for Derby City Council, said:
Unfortunately, cases are on the rise within the city and part of doing the right thing for Derby is us all following the guidance of staying home and applying for a test if we develop COVID-19 symptoms. Local testing sites of this kind will be incredibly useful in ensuring that those who are not able to reach drive-through sites are still able to follow this advice and apply for a test. We want to thank West End Community Centre for all their help and hard work to ensure that this site was able to open.
June Hughes, Secretary and Registrar at the University of Derby, said:
This is great news for the community and our students, many of whom live in this area of the city, who now have ongoing access to a walk-through testing facility, allowing them to easily get tested if they have coronavirus symptoms. This means they can make sure they are taking the necessary action to protect themselves and the people around them if they do test positive.
Community, Health, Public safety


Go about your day feeling relaxed and confident by wearing Spiritual Gangster clothing. Expand your casual wardrobe by selecting pieces that match your "live and let live" attitude. Select tops, bottoms and jackets that are flirty and bring out your inner warrior in a good way. Start building your collection with cool T-shirts that feature interesting words and slogans. Our logo shirts make a bold declarative statement that's mysterious and charming. Choose tees with meaningful statements to say what you feel without uttering a word. For an alternate top choice, go with long-sleeve Spiritual Gangster sweatshirts.
Find pairs of Spiritual Gangster pants that match your chosen T-shirts, creating a great look for shopping and hanging out with friends. Dab on a touch of your favorite perfume to increase the memorable impact you have on those around you. If you're into leggings, pick up a pair or two with wording on the back or side legs, just for fun. When the weather turns warm, find cute shorts to wear to the gym or the park.
Prepare for exercise by pairing Spiritual Gangster hoodies with black or grey sweatpants. These pieces look great with comfortable athletic shoes in an array of styles. Once you have several pieces, you can easily mix and match different tops with bottoms to create numerous unique causal outfits. On days when you want to feel free to work up a sweat, pair a loose-fitting sleeveless tank top with slim leggings or shorts. Spiritual Gangster clothing blends chic fashion with practical comfort.


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        EXIT=1
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done

exit $EXIT


Building relationships with journalists might be the cliché hear you most in PR. Take it seriously. Whether you're trying to sell content or position your company, as PR pros we need to maintain a level of professionalism. We also need to make sure that journalists can trust the content and information we provide.
From outreach strategies, to press releases and prospects, the list is endless and making sure every detail is perfect can start to drive you crazy - leaving a massive gap for errors. There are simple tasks you can perform to limit the stress of outreach and close the gap on human error. Below are some everyday tips and tricks to help you limit the embarrassing hiccups.
Grammar and spelling count. Yes, I know, we're in a fast-moving world, but a study shows 11 percent of complaints from journalists centered on language errors that communicators make in pitches. You can imagine, after the 100th email of the day with a spelling mistake, it can drive even the most sane people slightly loopy.
A massive pet peeve for journalists is the common spelling or language mistake, especially as writing is something they do on a daily basis. It not only shows a lack of interest but also preparation. If the journalist is taking the time to read your content and email, you should ensure it's professional and concise.
Microsoft spell check is always a winner with long documents, but I find Grammarly, an online extension, is also a perfect tool to ensure your spelling and grammar are on point.
Another trick is to walk away from your current environment and read your press release, email or any other press material aloud. This way you are able to listen to the tone, structure and flow - highlighting any possible errors that you may have missed.
This mistake can either pop up during the prospecting stage or when you're getting your outreach set up. It's happened to us all. From messing up the autofill to writing down the wrong name, it's the one error that I constantly see popping up on Twitter rants.
The same study noted above found 12 percent of journalists were annoyed with the wrong name mistake. Using the wrong name shows a level of disrespect and carelessness.
A simple tip: Test email before sending it. If you use outreach platforms like Buzzstream or Vocus, there will most likely be a preview function. Use it.
Another trick is most of the time, journalists' names will be in their email addresses. Cross referencing with their email addresses or double-checking those that aren't can help avoid embarrassing emails.
Something that keeps dodging many of our minds: Journalists are people too. In addition, they actually have lives.
Whether you're working in a traditional or digital environment, contacting journalists at inappropriate times should carry with it the social taboo that we apply to our friends and family who drop in unannounced or contact us too late at night.
Unless the journalist is a weekend reporter, try to avoid emailing during the weekend - they're not at work and don't need to be disturbed. In addition, they might read your email on Saturday and forget about it by Monday morning.
Since arriving on site unannounced is taboo, send the journalist an email first. Ask if it would be possible to drop something off, make an appointment with them or if they could discuss an article or campaign over the phone. This not only makes you look considerate of their time, but also allows them to pick a time that they would be able to give you 100% of their attention and respect.
Another mistake is sending a pitch that's not relevant to the journalist's niche or even the publication's. This far outweighs the mistakes mentioned above. I know this can be partially due to a lack of research, but it is something that as PR pros we need to improve.
A key factor when pitching is time. We're all pressed for time and working in PR is stressful. Still, take the time to research, learn and understand your prospects and journalists. It will help you build relationships and trust.
A PR pro's relationship with a journalist should be a mutually beneficial one. While we hope for and expect coverage, we also need to respect their needs and time and ensure we're developing quality, worthwhile stories.


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This will be a shitpost about the future of World of Warcraft. In it, I wish to compile various thoughts and conversations I have had of late. Read on at your own peril. I am using bullets to highlight the fragmented nature of these ideas and I will also warn you that I do not read quests, books, or typically care at all about lore.
Battle for Azeroth needs no "big bad". It should being an increasing series of one-ups in wartime atrocities. There should be no grey area left.
I vote it ends with Dalaran's Downfall, a raid where the opposing side has overtaken Dalaran, outfitted it with a dangerous amount of azerite, and intend to use it as a nuclear bomb of sorts (regardless of ramifications) on the opposing side's stronghold.
In the raid, neither side wins and the city has to fall somewhere in between which further exacerbates Azeroth's degradation after the events of Legion.
This causes a second cataclysm of sorts, only in a world where there is no banding together, no central governments, and complete chaos. Both the Alliance and Horde fall when their armies and leadership are decimated by the events of Battle for Azeroth.
The pre-expansion patch for the follow-up, World of Warcraft: Azeroth Reborn, focuses on this complete breakdown of society.
Azeroth Reborn, similar to Cataclysm, rewrites the entire world and catches it up to a current timeline to include Allied Races, etc. Much of the old content can be timewalked to for giggles.
The expansion focuses on recruiting opposite faction races and repairing homelands. The player's are tasked with rebuilding Azeroth in peace, not in war.
It would see the effective end of factions and allow all players to coexist.
It would also have a massive level crunch, resetting the game to 60 levels and putting players back at 40 to start.
Two new enemy factions arise: the New Horde and New Alliance. In addition to fighting one another, they also fight the players and the rest of Azeroth.
The expansion ends with a tease for invading Void Lords who have found ways to more easily come to Azeroth through the collective strife, mistrust, and chaos of the post-war era.


The concept Friendship -- Drama represents the subject, aboutness, idea or notion of resources found in Laredo Public Library.
Daniel Tiger's neighborhood, Big brother Daniel.
Dora and friends, Season 1.
Dragon Ball Z Kai : the final chapters, Part three.
Dragon Ball Z Kai : the final chapters, Part two.
My little pony friendship is magic : hearts and hooves.
My little pony, friendship is magic, Friends across Equestria.
My little pony, friendship is magic, Rarity.
Pretty little liars, The complete fourth season.
Sofia the First, Dear Sofia-- a royal collection.
Thomas & Friends, Enciendan sus motores!.


The right mindset multiplies success with hypnosis. If you know what it is and put it to work for you, you can be oodles more effective. What's the mindset, then?
Well, to understand how this mindset works and use it effectively, it's good to understand how hypnosis works. One definition of hypnosis is bypassing the part of the mind that makes judgements and concentrating on a particular idea. Now, why would we need to bypass the part of the mind that makes judgements? Isn't that dangerous? Don't we want to be able to use our logical brains?
When Is Critical Factor Bypass Unsafe?
It's good to realize that the part of the mind that makes judgements (the 'critical factor', or 'critical faculty') is regularly bypassed. When you're watching a movie, you usually let yourself "pretend" that the movie is real. You know it's not, but in order to enjoy the movie more, you allow yourself to think of the characters as real people and the situation as a real situation. That's a critical factor bypass.
And yes, it can be dangerous. Children don't have a fully developed critical factor. So, it's dangerous when a kid grows up in a situation where a parent (or other authority figure), is constantly telling a child that the world is a bad place or that the child is not worth anything. As an adult, it's best to have your critical factor up and running when you're exposed to advertising or propaganda.
It's when you don't know a suggestion is being given (such as in an advertisement) that you're in danger of taking on ideas you don't want. Why do you think ads often show beautiful people having fun with the product? They do their best to plant the suggestion that you too will have fun and be surrounded with attractive people if you just drink that soft drink. It's good to remind yourself that those specific, attractive people probably won't appear in your mom's basement, just because you pop open a can there.
When Is Critical Factor Bypass Safe?
But if you're in the office of a hypnotist/hypnotherapist, you're in just about the safest place you can be for letting go the judgmental mind.
When you're watching a movie, at any point, you can direct yourself to remember that it's a movie. You can imagine where the cameras are, how the shot was set up and edited and wonder where the microphones are hidden. The same is true in an office, under hypnosis. At any point you can bring your critical factor back into play and reject any suggestion you don't like.
While in hypnosis, you're conscious, you can hear and you're aware. If you're working with a good hypnotist, they'll work out any suggestions with you in advance. That way you already know what the suggestions are and agree with them. Plus, you can block suggestions you wish to block. Which brings up the point — your mindset has a great deal to do with how effective a suggestion is. You can block it, or you can have a mindset that multiplies the success, strength and effectiveness of an hypnotic suggestion.
So, What's That 'Success Attitude'?
I noticed an attitude of mine the other day in Yoga class (I started doing Yoga a few weeks ago). My goal, when I've given an instruction, is to follow the instruction as accurately and as completely as I can. And I do it right away. That got me thinking about all the other times I am focused on doing exactly what another person asks me to do, without question.
The best way I can describe it is if you have a coach you really trust. Let's say it's a baseball hitting coach. You're standing at the plate, with a bat in your hands, ready for the pitch. The coach says, "lift your left elbow." If you're smart, you don't question. You just do it. You accept it and do it immediately.
It's the same way with the vocal lessons I take. My goal is to carry out instructions as best as I can — no questions.
Think about in what types of situations you act that same way. There's an old quote, "No matter how tough you are, if a toddler hands you their ringing toy phone, you answer it." Does that apply to you? When the dentist says, "Open your mouth," do you do it instantly? When you hand your movie ticket to the ticket taker and she says, "It's the 3rd door on the left," do you automatically go where she pointed?
The point is, you can make a decision to follow suggestions in just that way. Your job is to think, "Yes!" when you hear a suggestion. Now, if you hear something you don't like, you can always say "cancel that one" to yourself. You have that power.
So, a bypass of the critical factor (which should be in your induction) and this attitude will go a long way toward ensuring your suggestions have maximal impact. And if you're a hypnotherapist working with clients, explain this to your clients and let them know their attitude plays an important role.


Mumbai, 12th May, 2010: As testament to its mission of integration and building bridges between countries, IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) will spearhead a charity initiative in Sri Lanka as a part of the IIFA Weekend and Award celebrations in Colombo. Recognizing the magnitude of the recent conflict in Sri Lanka, the IIFA Charity Initiative, in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, Habitat for Humanity and UNICEF, aims to positively impact those afflicted in the country. Identifying with the aims of the initiative, Indian cinema star, Salman Khan has agreed to be the brand ambassador of the IIFA Charity Initiative.
After the success of IIFA in Macau, Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani will once again don their roles to play hosts for the Micromax IIFA Awards 2010. Both, Lara and Boman will play hosts for the fourth time at the Awards, while this is Riteish's third time teaming up with funnyman Boman Irani.
Through the efforts of IIFA, the UNICEF and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, contributions in lieu of financial resources are being made to the "Cricket for Change" project wherein former child-soldiers are being rehabilitated. These child soldiers, who have borne the scars of war, are being educated, cricket-trained and will also get an opportunity to participate as volunteers. The charity cricket match between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers is scheduled to take place on the 2nd day of the Videocon IIFA Weekend.
As a symbol of solidarity with the Sri Lankan people, IIFA in partnership with Habitat for Humanity will adopt and rebuild a village in for refugees, with the proceeds of the cricket match being donated to this cause. Habitat for Humanity is an organization initiated by US President Jimmy Carter that is already doing considerable work in the region.
For the first time, Shoppers Stop in association with IIFA will present an Indian cinematic inspired exclusive line – IIFA Bling for its exclusive brands Insense, Kashish & Mario Zegnoti. This collection is available at all stores of Shoppers Stop across the country, encapsulating the exuberance and glamour of the Indian Film Fraternity style icons.
Videocon will sponsor the IIFA Weekend, while Micromax will be first time sponsor of the IIFA Awards. Star TV will once again showcase the IIFA Awards to global audiences. Panasonic will continue the Greening of the IIFAs and Sri Lankan Airlines will be partnering IIFA as the Official Airlines Partner. The Literacy Partner for IIFA 2010 is Linc Pens.
We will have more from Tony Senewiratne, National Director – Sri Lanka, Habitat for Humanity so watch this space for more.


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HomeNews & EventsNewsApt App to soothe Hearts of Gold!
Apt App to soothe Hearts of Gold!
"There are mysteries which men can only guess at, which age by age they may solve only in part" ? Bram Stoker
They will never kill anyone. They will never intentionally hurt anyone. They will never verbally abuse anyone. They will never emotionally abuse anyone. They will never physically abuse anyone. But they will steal our hearts. They are part of the 40,000 people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Sri Lanka and the 17 million around the world, and others with Down syndrome or other developmental disorders.
Now there is an Innovative Teletherapy App to support these children with disability. Dilmah's CSR wing – the MJF Charitable Foundation has joined hands with Millennium IT, Microsoft, Sarva and World Vision Lanka and have launched disABILITY – an App that is designed to support children with disability and their families by connecting them to expert guidance. This App is the first of its kind globally. It is available in Sinhala, Tamil and English. It offers invaluable teletherapy services for people with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
This is the power of collaboration for the common good. Microsoft provided access to its Azure platform, initiating the collaboration amongst Millennium IT and the MJF Foundation. Sarva designed and produced an infomercial which will be broadcast to help Sri Lankans overcome the stigma and isolation of people with disability.
The stigma needs to be addressed and only that will pave the way for acceptance, respect and inclusion. The Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD) is a joint venture with the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation opened in 2016.
World Cerebral Palsy Day fell on October 6th this year.
CEO Dilmah, Director, Trustee MJF Charitable Foundation and NCCCPDD (Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders) Dilhan. C. Fernando stated that this is an exciting time and cause for celebration because these kids are getting the support and help that they badly need. Fernando added that this collaboration is indeed powerful, improving the quality of life for thousands. Fernando has nothing but sympathy for families affected by the stigma that these children have to suffer. He laments the fact that there is a lack of understanding. The problem is intensified by the lack of access to knowledge and advice. He proudly stated that the dream of his father, Merrill J. Fernando must come true. The beauty of it all is that these essential therapies will be made available to those who cannot afford those services. The greatest joy for all involved is that their efforts will touch the lives of those who really need it – the children.
"Today is a very special day as it is World Cerebral Palsy Day. But it is also a day where we take the service to our community to a whole different level! These families are often forgotten and that is the tragedy of the story. We cannot imagine the suffering faced by parents whose children are affected by CP. The burdens and difficulties faced by these parents are really heart wrenching. Our collaboration and our passion to help these children is what really makes a difference. The expertise that we provide can create real change. It takes many different personalities to form a society. If society is prejudiced towards these children and attaches a mark of disgrace, then that I feel is an injustice. I say this because these children are different in their abilities," explained Fernando.
Fernando went on to say that we can help these children by sharing knowledge about them and how to engage with them. So, people can see them for what they really are. We need to understand, then accept and then include them.
"We must not underestimate the power of collaboration. Covid19 showed us one thing and that is without cooperation nothing can be accomplished. And this applies to all levels. What we are doing with these children, we have accomplished through team work and unity. We could never have done it alone. This is the very best of Sri Lankan expertise. This is cutting edge technology. It is all about commitment and getting the message out. We must bring about the change which is so crucial," pointed out Fernando.
Head of Rehabilitation Services MJF Charitable Foundation/ Director NCCCPDD (Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders), Gopi Kitnasamy,pointed out that the Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD) is a joint venture with the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation opened in 2016.
"Since then two additional centers have opened in Kalkudah and in Kandy. Approximately 400 children and youth with disability receive daily support from the four centers. These centers offer educational and therapy services. We work with the community even offering a special kind of wheelchair designed to accommodate their unique disabilities. These services are offered where and when it is needed. We also offer screening camps, where in different regions we identify children with these unique disabilities through our multi-disciplinary team. The biggest need is reaching out to these children. By saying that, I feel that there is a bit of a gap where this is concerned. There is a barrier when it comes to reaching out to these children. So, we are studying how to bridge this gap and make our services available for these children. Some of these children in wheelchair camps have never been to a hospital or seen by a doctor. This is shocking," lamented Kitnasamy.
He said that the wheelchair camps had been started to somehow get these children out of their homes. Otherwise they are housebound. With the lockdown, the services offered to these children got interrupted. This caused a decline in the services offered. So then came the teletherapy initiative. So, through a Whatsapp group we started a teletherapy initiative. This proved successful with benefits.
"So, we decided to take this approach to the society itself – teletherapy and tele-screening. So, we got together with Millennium IT and decided to design an APP- or a solution platform. Then this was also introduced to the You Tube channel. We then did the first trilingual You Tube channel to support the families of the disabled. The good thing about this disABILITY App is that it can screen every disability and identify developmental disorders. Most parents have no knowledge about these disabilities. Here time is of the essence when identifying these disorders. The therapy needs to be started as soon as possible. Early intervention is the best way to handle these disorders," explained Kitnasamy.
The progress of the child can also be monitored here through this APP. There are no multi-disciplinary teams in every hospital in rural areas. Through this APP whichever district you are in and whichever town you are in, you can obtain these services. This is a gift to these families who can directly obtain help.
"They can send their details to us and after answering a simple Q&A the team can identify what problem this child actually has," stated Kitnasamy.
National Director World Vision Lanka, Dr. Dhanan Senathirajah,in his statement said that the way we treat our children and the most vulnerable in society defines our culture, society and who we are. That is why he stressed that nobody should be left behind.
"Since 1977, World Vision Sri Lanka has been serving the people of Sri Lanka in development and relief programmes. The Area Development Programme (ADP) is a long- term program spanning from 12- 15 years that primarily focuses on children and communities. We are a child focused organization. We work in 31 locations across 15 districts in Sri Lanka. We are perhaps the largest international NGO to operate in Sri Lanka. We are proud to say that we have made a significant impact in this country when it comes to the welfare of vulnerable Sri Lankan children," said Dr. Senathirajah.
He went on to say that it is the desire and focus of World Vision to work in the most vulnerable areas in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has also changed a lot since the end of the war against the LTTE. However, there still are pockets of vulnerability and pockets of poverty in Sri Lanka.
"So, there are children who really suffer because their parents do not have the necessary resources or knowledge. So, this is why we are involved in this collaboration. Our work has always been community driven. We work with local government bodies and communities in identifying the needs of these communities. We have field teams who work with communities and they are able to identify where these vulnerabilities are. Cerebral Palsy is one of those needs which we have identified. So, we want to bring the fullness of life to these children. The responsibility of building up the next generation is not only in the hands of the parents but it is a responsibility of the entire community," explained Dr. Senathirajah.
Head of Creative, SARVA, Nishantha Shantha Deva, explained that these children are extremely sensitive. They are possibly more sensitive than those who are considered 'normal'. Deva revealed to us that he too has a sister who is disabled. But he pointed out that though these children are disabled they have pure hearts - Hearts of gold.
"We all love people who are compassionate because they are able to receive and give love. These children are sensitive and love to be loved. They are innocent and trusting. They are more sensitive that the rest of us. I have personal experience. In a way I feel that what this world needs, is humans who are sensitive. A world with so many of these people is truly a beautiful world. These children have those qualities," said Deva.
This article was taken from Daily News