text:
MD, MS
Home Patient Care Faculty & Leadership Erika Augustine, MD, MS
Associate Chief Science Officer and Director of the Clinical Trials Unit
Clinical Trials Unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute
Batten Disease Clinic
Dr. Augustine received her A.B., Biological Anthropology from Harvard College, and her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Rochester and then trained in Pediatric Neurology at Boston Children's Hospital, serving as Chief Resident. She returned to the University of Rochester for parallel fellowships in movement disorders and experimental therapeutics. She is regarded highly as a clinician, scientist, mentor, and leader.
At Kennedy Krieger, Dr. Augustine will work closely with Dr. Amy Bastian, our chief science officer, to help develop our clinical and translational research strategy and oversee research operations. Dr. Augustine will be responsible for the development, growth, structure and financial management of our clinical trials functions. She will direct the Institute's clinical trials unit, be the primary liaison with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), and work closely with the Office of Human Research Administration on human subjects trials oversight and regulatory compliance.
Related Links and Research
U01NS101946 (PI: Augustine)
Meaningful Outcomes and Multi-Site Readiness for Clinical Trials in Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
This project will validate sensitive measures of how patients feel and function, validate neuroimaging biomarkers of disease progression, and prepare these tools for multi-site use to set the stage for rigorous and efficient clinical trials in CLN3 disease.
Role: Principal Investigator
P50NS108676 (PI: Dorsey)
A Udall Center at the University of Rochester
Goal: To establish a Udall Center at the University of Rochester. The Center will work collaboratively with other Udall Centers as well as independently to define the causes of and discover improved treatments for Parkinson's disease. The major goals of this project are to develop novel digital biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of progression in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson disease.
Role: Associate Director, Administrative Core
U24 TR002260 (MPI: Zand and Ossip)
CTSA Coordinating Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC)
The University of Rochester's Coordination Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC) aims to maximize the potential of the CTSA Consortium in advancing translational science by actively catalyzing Consortium activities to promote efficiency and high quality research, training, and network building.
U10NS077265 (PI: Holloway)
NINDS NeuroNEXT
University of Rochester Clinical Site within the NEXT Network of Clinical Trial Sites
The goal of this project is to partner with other centers and the NIH, and to work with the Data and Clinical Coordination Centers, to implement and develop early-stage clinical trials, covering a broad range of disease entities, whether from academic, foundation or industry discoveries.
Role: Co-Investigator (URMC), Chair, Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity Committee (network-wide)
5 UL1 TR000042 (PIs: Zand and Bennett)
5 KL2 TR000095 (PIs: Zand and Bennett)
5 TL1 TR000096 (PIs: Zand and Bennett)
NIH/National Center for Research Resources and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
The University of Rochester's Clinical and Translational Science Institute
The major goal of this project is to make the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute an academic home for clinical and translational sciences, providing a centralized, integrated infrastructure.
Role: Strategic Leadership Group Member, Approach and Governance Key Function
1K12NS098482-01 (PI: Augustine)
Child Neurologist Career Development Program
The overarching goal of this national program is to provide support for training talented, young, child neurologists interested in pursuing a clinical research career.
Role: Diversity Officer; Founder- Minority Research Scholars Program
1R01NS094292-01 (PI: Bankiewicz)
The Regents of the University of California / NINDS
A Single-Stage, Adaptive, Open-label, Dose Escalation Safety and Efficacy Study of AADC Deficiency in Pediatric Patients (AADC)
The overall objective of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of AAV2-hAADC delivered to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
Role: Medical Monitor
Active Research Support – Industry
Houston Methodist Research Institute (PI: Ashizawa)
NIH U01 Subcontract
Clinical Trial Readiness for SCA1 and SCA3
The goal of this study is to enroll preclinical and early-phase research participants with SCA1 or SCA3 repeat expansions to assist networks in preparing for clinical trials.
Role: Site Investigator
Completed Research Support
Biohaven Pharmaceutical (Schneider
BHV4157-201
A Phase IIb/III, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of BHV-4157 in Adult Subjects with Spinocerebellar Ataxia
The goal of this study is to compare the efficacy of BHV-4157 versus placebo on ataxia symptoms in subjects with spinocerebellar ataxia.
Role: Site Principal Investigator
T32NS007338 (PI: Griggs)
Experimental Therapeutics of Neurological Disorders
The major goals are to train clinical neuroscientists in: 1) the clinical pathophysiologic and pharmacologic aspects of neurologic diseases, 2) the design, implementation, data management and statistical analysis of controlled clinical trials, and 3) methodologies for quantification of the natural history of nervous system disease.
Role: Fellow (7/1/08-6/30/09)
U01NS43128 (PI: Kieburtz)
NIH/NINDS
Neuroprotection Studies in PD: A Coordinating Center
This project establishes an academically based clinical trials coordination center to handle all aspects of performing trials in experimental treatments in PD.
Role: Medical Monitor (2008-2014)
K12NS066098 (PI: Mink)
Neurological Sciences Academic Development Award
The specific aims of this project are: 1) to give junior faculty the opportunity to transition from mentored trainees to independent investigators in clinical research, 2) to foster thinking skills and a knowledge base that will allow supported candidates to apply basic neurobiological principles to achieve a mechanistic understanding of disease so they can translate them into therapeutic and diagnostic options for disorders of the developing nervous system, 3) to foster the academic careers of junior faculty by providing the guidance and framework necessary to conduct scientifically sound, ethical, and clinically relevant research in neurobiology with the mentoring necessary for career planning as future leaders in academic child neurology. Role: Scholar
Batten Disease Support and Research Association (PI: Augustine)
Phase II, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Mycophenolate in JNCL
The major goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of short-term administration of mycophenolate mofetil in ambulatory children with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL).
Role: Principal Investigator. Active study conduct complete, manuscript in development.
Note – trial was supported by grants from the FDA and Batten Disease Support and Research Association
R01FD003908 (PI: Augustine)
International Essential Tremor Foundation (PI: Augustine)
Clinical Characteristics of Essential Tremor and Enhanced Physiologic Tremor in Childhood
The overarching aim of this study is to evaluate clinical, physiologic, and functional aspects of Essential Tremor and Enhanced Physiologic Tremor in children and adolescents.
New York State Department of Health (PI: Holloway)
Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program
Optimizing Patient Journey, Improving Outcomes
The goal of this project is to promote development of clinician researchers, provide seed funding for future center grants and to improve research teams around the Center's theme: Optimizing Patient Journey, Improving Patient Outcomes. One project of this program will be establishing clinical trial outcomes in Juvenile Batten Disease.
Role: Investigator
Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PI: Casaceli)
A Randomized MC, DB, PC Efficacy Study of ACTIIMMUNE in Children and Young Adults with Friedreich's Ataxia (STEADFAST)
The goal of the study is to evaluate the effect of ACTIMMUNE (interferon [IFN]-γ 1b) versus placebo on the change from Baseline to Week 26 in neurological outcome as measured by Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale.
NBI-98854-1403 (PI: Augustine)
Neurocrine Biosciences
A Phase 1b, Open-Label, Multiple-Dose study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and, Pharmacodynamics of NBI-98854 in Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome
The goal of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple, ascending (increasing) doses of NBI-98854 in pediatric subjects with Tourette Syndrome.
Meaningful Endpoints for Phase III Clinical Trials in Juvenile Batten Disease (PI: Adams)
Batten Disease Support and Research Association
The major aim of this project is to develop clinically meaningful endpoints for efficacy (Phase III) clinical trials in Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis.
A Phase 2, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of NBI-98854 in Children and Adolescents With Tourette Syndrome The goal of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continued doses of NBI-98854 in pediatric subjects with Tourette Syndrome.
Role: Site Principal Investigator.
An Open-Label extension to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of NBI-98854 in Children and Adolescents With Tourette Syndrome
The goal of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continued doses of NBI-98854 in pediatric subjects with Tourette Syndrome.
Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program (ECRIP) (PI: Holloway)
Utilizing New Tools to Improve Population Health
The goal of this project is to foster the development of new clinician researchers, and to unify new and existing research teams around the Center research theme of Improving Population Health through Enabling Technologies and Biomedical Informatics using new tools, in the form of telemedicine and biomedical informatics, to expand access to clinical care and to improve care delivery, across NYS.
Role: Trainee Mentor, Laurie Seltzer, DO
U54TR001456 (PI: Mink)
Dystonia Coalition / NIH
Pilot Study of Dystonia Rating Scales in Children with Primary (Isolated) Dystonia
The major goal of this study is to determine a valid and reliable clinical rating scale for childhood dystonia to improve capture of natural history studies, assess the efficacy of new therapies, and improve individual patient care by facilitating an objective assessment of disease progression and treatment response.
U01DD001007 / 17-3236/PO #2000029934 (PI: Adams)
University of South Carolina's Center for Disease Control & Prevention-funded Disability Research and Dissemination Center
Screening for Tics and Tic Disorders
The major goal of this study is to improve identification of tics, tic disorders, and co-occurring conditions in children, by evaluating new screening and diagnostic measures.
17-3236/PO #2000029934 (Adams)
University of South Carolina's CDC-funded Disability Research and Dissemination Cntr
Batten Research Alliance (PI: Mink)
Natural History and Biorepository Database for INCL and LINCL
The major goal of this study is to establish and maintain a linked database containing quantitative natural history data and biorepository links for individuals with Infantile and Late-Infantile Forms of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Batten Disease).


text:
Latest on the five-month closure of major Gloucestershire road dubbed the 'Valentine's Day Massacre' for businesses
Severn Trent were planning to close the road for five months
(Image: Mark Watkins)
Severn Trent Water are still working on plans to avoid the five-month closure of one of Gloucestershire's busiest commuter routes while a £3million scheme goes ahead.
There was uproar when it was revealed in December that the water company planned to close the main road between Newent and Gloucester for nearly half a year.
But after public meeting and the intervention of politicians, Severn Trent announced last month that the company would halt plans dubbed the 'Valentine's Day Massacre' by local businesses.
Creepy haunted museum collection is coming to Gloucester with these scary objects
The company has confirmed it will not be closing the B4215 next week on February 14 as planned in the original closure orders granted by Gloucestershire County Council.
But it has yet to come up with an alternative to replace old cast-iron water pipes to safeguard future supplies for people in the area without closing the road.
Bacon sandwiches will be back at Gloucester bus station and this is when
A spokesman for Severn Trent confirmed the project is still "on hold" but has not given any details of what schemes are being looked at.
"The project is currently being reviewed, so we can look over our plans and find the best way to carry out the work," said a spokesman.
"When we have a new plan, we'll share further details then, with a new start date."
The B4215 outside Trioscape Garden Centre near Newent, which Severn Trent has said will be closed for five months from February next year (Image: Mark Watkins)
Both traders and residents were furious when the utility company revealed its £3million scheme to install new pipes on the Gloucester to Newent road from February to July.
The plans would have meant some people being forced to take a 50 mile diversion route until the middle of July this year.
'Chilling' Channel 5 documentary will show how stalker betrayed Hollie Gazzard
Triospace Garden Centre said it would ruin their businesses at the busiest time of year and bosses said the news was the last nail in the coffin for the now closed down Malswick Inn.
Forest of Dean MP, Mark Harper MP discussed B4215 closure with senior team from Severn Trent. He was joined by Cllr Brian Robinson. (Image: Facebook: Mark Harper)
MP Mark Harper and town councillors backed appeals for the water company to think again and more than 1,000 people signed a petition against the move.
At the time Gareth Mead from Severn Trent said the decision to close the road had not been taken lightly but was essential for the safety of the teams carrying out the work as well as pedestrian and road users.
Since then there has been continued debate about how it would be possible to carry out the work without a full road closure.
Gloucestershire County Council
GloucesterLive updates from Gloucester's brand new Greggs and what's on the menuThe unit will be twice the size when it reopens

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Corporate GovernanceCorporate Social Responsibility
Product SecurityCommitment to QualityR & D
HAI (Healthcare Associated Infections)
Biopharmaceutical Control
Lab Efficiency
At the Patient's Point of Care
Systems of Tomorrow
Investor RelationsLocationsMedical Affairs
When a cardiovascular emergency occurs, the time for action is measured in minutes, not hours. We are developing tests that help physicians make the most appropriate treatment decision.
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the world, causing 17.5 million deaths in 2005 (WHO, 2007), which represents approximately 30% of deaths for that year.
It is estimated that in 2015, cardiovascular diseases will cause nearly 20 million deaths.
From an economic perspective, these diseases are costly in terms of healthcare spending but also at a broader level: for example, it is estimated that between 2006 and 2015, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes will represent a burden of $558 billion dollars for China's national income.
Our strategy is to enable physicians to constantly deliver better diagnoses and prognoses and to monitor cardiac and thromboembolic diseases. Our R&D is aligned with the clinical guidelines established by professional societies.
In this field, current trends are clear: physicians tend not to resort to invasive techniques and treatments that are costly in human and financial terms unless they are certain of their usefulness. This evidence-based medicine follows the credo "do what is necessary, but no more." The faster the patient is diagnosed, the lighter the treatment will be, which is why diagnostic techniques are increasingly important.
Our work in this field focuses on two main areas:
The identification and clinical validation of new biomarkers, often in collaboration with partners in the scientific community and industry.
The development of new tests on bioMérieux's systems and the continuous updating of the tests to take into account the most recent clinical guidelines.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These life-threatening diseases require fast and reliable diagnostic tools to enable doctors to make a nearly immediate medical decision. Approximately 30% of patients who present at the emergency room with VTE symptoms do not actually have the disease, which is difficult to diagnose. Diagnostic tests make it possible to rapidly rule out the risk of VTE.
To identify patients suffering from VTE, emergency room doctors rely on our VIDAS® D-DIMER EXCLUSION™ test. If the test is negative, VTE can be ruled out; if the test is positive, the patient will undergo tests based on imaging methods in order to be diagnosed and receive rapid treatment.
Ours was the first test for this indication, and the first to receive approval from the FDA (American public health authority). It represents a milestone in patient care and also generates considerable public health savings.
Results are obtained in 35 minutes with the VIDAS D-DIMER EXCLUSION test.
Acute coronary syndrome: heart attack (myocardial infarction) is the leading cause of death worldwide and an important cause of disability.
Victims must be attended to as quickly as possible: when a patient arrives at the emergency room presenting symptoms typical of an acute coronary event, such as a heart attack (chest pains, for example), he must receive immediate care. In this situation, serum measurement of cardiac markers using very reliable, sensitive and rapid tests plays a decisive role in determining the treatment strategy. In the hours and days that follow, measurements are also very important to ensure patient monitoring.
Our VIDAS immunoassay platform makes it possible to screen for and quantify different biomarkers secreted by myocardial cells during a heart attack. Time to results ranges from 17 to 30 minutes, depending on the biomarker.
Myoglobin levels
results in 17 mn
Troponine I Ultra


The U.S. Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Warehouse Supervisor.
Please note: This position is being re-advertised with clear driver's license requirement (B, D, or E). All applicants must reapply.
Basic Function of Position: Incumbent is responsible for a full range of program management responsibilities relating to Post's warehousing operations. S/he oversees receiving, storing, re-ordering, and issuing expendable (EXP) and non-expendable (NXP) supply items to support the Embassy and serviced International Cooperation Administrative Support Services (ICASS) agencies at Post. NXP is $1.8 Million and EXP is $0.5 Million. Incumbent reports to the Locally Employed Staff (LE Staff) Property Management Unit (PMU) Supervisor and directly supervises five LE Staff.


text:
Оризовите бунтове (, коме содо) представляват масово гражданско неподчинение в Япония, продължило от юли до септември 1918 г. В резултат на бунтовете, правителството на Тераучи Масатаке подава оставка.

Причини
Основната причина за недоволството е рязкото покачване на цената на ориза, който е основен хранителен продукт в Япония. Това води до изключителни трудности за населението в селските райони, където това е основен поминък. Производителите на ориз биват разгневени от ниските изкупни цени, наложени заради държавния контрол над цените, и изключително високите цени, на които се препродава впоследствие стоката им. Първоначално те насочват гнева си към прекупвачите и към правителствените служители, които позволяват цените на ориза да излязат извън контрол. Скокът на цените идва в момент на инфлация, свързана с края на Първата световна война, която засяга, останалите стоки за бита и наемите в градовете, което води до недоволство и сред градското население. Интервенция на японската армия в Сибир допълнително нажежава обстановката, след като правителството изкупува излишъка от ориз за да изхранва войските, като по този начин способства за увеличаването на цените. Правителствените регулации на цените и намесата в икономиката (ниски цени на ориза заради регулациите) водят до протести в провинцията и впоследствие и в градовете.

Бунтове
Оризовите бунтове са без паралел в новата японска история по отношение на своя обхват и насилие. Искрата на недоволството е запалена в малкото рибарско градче Уозу в днешната префектура Тояма на 23 юли 1918 г. Първоначално всичко започва с мирни демонстрации, но бързо прераства в бунтове, стачки, разграбвания и подпалване на полицейски участъци, административни сгради и въоръжени сблъсъци. Бунтовете се разрастват в Киото, Нагоя, Осака и Кобе. Участие вземат и различни работнически организации. През 1918 г. има регистрирани 417 инцидента с повече от 66 000 работници. Около 25 000 души са арестувани, от които 8200 са осъдени за различни престъпления. Присъдите варират от глоби до смъртно наказание.

На 29 септември министър-председателят Тераучи Масатаке подава оставка като поема отговорност за нарушения обществен ред.

Бележки

Литература
Beasley, W.G. (1991). Japanese Imperialism 1894 – 1945. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-822168-1

Период между световните войни
Военна история на Япония
Въстания

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
HELP! Video disappeared!!!!! URGENT!
Michael Jackson Death Hoax Investigators :: Help me out! ~ Questions, polls or info/opinion needed from other members
by parakeet on Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:26 am
I need your help. I have been looking for a video since ages. It simply disappeared. The video was taped by a fan 2nd of June in front of Burbank Studios. It shows Michael saying things which were denounced by Randy Phillips shortly after the video has been pulled off.
Here is a transcript (and you may remember that these news made its way to the the public):
This appears to be a transcript of the video. Pasted from http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/michael-jackson-may-not-do-50-shows-as-planned/
Michael Jackson has already upset fans when it was announced he pushed back his July 8 opening performance five days. Some of those dates will now be scheduled for March. Michael is also making fans uneasy about his commitment to do the full 50 shows when he said to fans today who were waiting outside Burbank Studios where Michael was practicing his dance moves:
"Thank you for your love and support, I want you guys to know I love you very much."
"I don't know how I'm going to do 50 shows. I'm not a big eater, I need to put some weight on."
"I'm really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do 10, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place."
"I went to bed knowing I sold 10 dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50."
Michael says he wanted to do 10 shows at the 02 arena, and do the remaining shows in other countries. After the first 10 shows sold out, another 40 shows were added, and also sold out. We've known about the 50 shows since before Michael made his first in person public announcement to do the shows, but Michael now claims he just learned about all the shows this morning. Michael always has an excuse to get out of work, and contracts, which is why he could get sued for this set of gigs, as he is also facing a lawsuit for agreeing by word of mouth to do a family comeback show with the Jackson five, but may not do it.
Has anyone seen this video as well? Does anyone have a link? Can anyone re-upload it or share it via rapidshare? It seems gone, but in the age of internet, I strongly believe that some copies should still be around.
Re: HELP! Video disappeared!!!!! URGENT!
by MJonMyMind on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:12 am
Wow that is very interesting !!!!! I knew it... I have had that very same feeling since day 1.....It also backs up my belife that it wasnt MJ
announcing his concerts!!!
Ask your selfs this question.....How long has MJ really been gone?
Please hear what Im saying ...All this is a set up !!!!
Whether is good or bad its a setup!!!
Who do you think was controlling MJ? By reading the above post is dosent
sound like MJ was. The drugs, the weight loss, not eating, Mj saying he thought someone was out to get him, what the hell are we missing????
Think about this, if these bad guys were feeding MJ drug after drug
then it does explain Mjs health which I do belive wasnt the best
and I pray to god that no one has hurt MJ... MJ was not able to do his 50 shows he said that!!! WHY DID HE SAY THAT??????
becasue he knew he couldnt !!!!! He was unwell.
All i can say now is this!! I pray with all that i am, that this is Mjs
own doing and its not something that has been done for him!!!
if that report is above is correct then...I dunno
The we have the Double Theroy.....Could all this be about the double and not MJ at all???
Last edited by MJonMyMind on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:21 am; edited 1 time in total
MJonMyMind
by ILuvUMoreMJ on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:20 am
It's funny, because I could have sworn I saw that video before he died, and then it didn't seem to exist anymore, so I thought I must have just read about it and made the scenario up in my mind. Did you see it? If you did, I'm glad I'm not going crazy.
by LizzieBee on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:27 am
Oh my gosh!! This is such craziness because I've also been looking for a video that has disappeared. Probably not nearly as important as this one but does anyone remember seeing a video of the TII dancers and auditions? It was about 8 min. long and good quality. It showed interviews with the dancers and MJ watching them audition etc. I watched it around July 3 yet now I can't find it anywhere!! The only answer I can think of is that maybe they took the video off because something in it might not have been consistent with the TII movie. What do you guys think??? Here are 2 clips I found that I think were included in the video I saw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M0a7EJFYw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NvWUQ0thx8
But the vids I linked above aren't professional. The video I watched in early July was. And it's probably been gone for quite some time. I just never thought to check. Arrgg...
by labkomj7 on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:32 am
oh, wow interesting post, maybe they pulled it out..
labkomj7
by Confused on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:36 am
I never heard of this. I knew about Michael not wanting to the 50 shows but really hearing him talk about it on video... This is really fishy if some of you guys have seen it and know for sure that it was around back then and now simply dissapeared. I would love to see it for myself so please people start googling It would be a big thing if this video would resurface. Just remember that everything we have seen in the last few months can be looked at totally differently knowing what we know now. So it is also interesting to research everything we have seen before..It may look different to our eyes now.
And ofcourse Randy Phillips would denounce it..It is his job to do so. Disgusting really.
by marsheliamorgan on Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:48 am
i had heard he made these statement to the ones that are called the "followers" some specific fans who have followed him around for A long time. made pics with them and etc. i didnt know there was a video. too bad its missing,as could be compared to the michael in the movie and etc. makes one go hhmmmmmm?
marsheliamorgan
LizzieBee wrote: Oh my gosh!! This is such craziness because I've also been looking for a video that has disappeared. Probably not nearly as important as this one but does anyone remember seeing a video of the TII dancers and auditions? It was about 8 min. long and good quality. It showed interviews with the dancers and MJ watching them audition etc. I watched it around July 3 yet now I can't find it anywhere!! The only answer I can think of is that maybe they took the video off because something in it might not have been consistent with the TII movie. What do you guys think??? Here are 2 clips I found that I think were included in the video I saw.
I love that second video of him at auditions chewing gum and fixing his hair.
And yes I've seen that one Lizzie. Weird that it was pulled down, unless it's going to be in the DVD or something.
Edit: Is this the one you were looking for? http://michaeljackson-videotribute.com/michael-jackson-interviews-documentaries-awards-perfomances-news/this-is-it-auditions/
Cheers for looking for this video. It does exist. I saw it, but didn't think of saving it and it's gone. I am not the only one looking for it unsuccessfully.
ITN and Hollywood 441 (or 144 - dunno) included it in their news, but I wasn't able to find the video clip in their archive. It is really weird that in some video archives for news broadcast there is a time gap between end of May and mid June. That is really, really weird.
I can't believe that you can just make a video disappear - it must be somewhere...maybe on foreign video hosting websites.
Keep looking, it might be very, very important.
by juliet on Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:20 am
Pulling out vids is really a nasty move by whoever is in control.
There must be something very important in them that might expose whoever these people are. That's what I call their damage controll.
I'll try to help and look for them.
by Soosie Woosie on Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:28 am
It appears a few people are talking about this. I've just been searching to see if I can find anything because I do have some faint recollection of it and came across this forum, where there seems to be a few people who remember him actually stating he only wanted to 10 at the O2 announcement. I don't remember that personally.
MJ Fan Club
I can paste the actual link if the above doesn't work - not sure I have done it right
Soosie Woosie
by andrea_garay2005 on Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:52 am
I really didn't know there was a video of Michael saying he couldn't do 50 concerts!! I heard about it at the time but honestly I couldn't believe Michael would be doing something he doesn't want to. So I supposed it was just a rumour.
Now I'm really sad....I didn't want to believe he wasn't feeling well....What if they distroied him...what if he didn't make it?
oh GOD!!!
When I saw the no of concerts went up to 50 , I thought "Oh Michael will be angry when they tell him!" This was my first reaction. Then I let it go when I saw he went along with it. He obviously was forced into this....
God I cant believe this happened....
I hope he is well...oh my God...
That's the main reason I think he faked his death!
by Kirsche on Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:10 am
marsheliamorgan wrote: i had heard he made these statement to the ones that are called the "followers" some specific fans who have followed him around for A long time. made pics with them and etc. i didnt know there was a video. too bad its missing,as could be compared to the michael in the movie and etc. makes one go hhmmmmmm?
Maybe we can find that on the This is not it- Site?? I think these are the fans your're talking about, right? The "followers". Because these fans there talked to Michael before the shows and he told them that he's not ready to do 50 shows and he's not feeling well....I can't open this site right now, but here is the link. Maybe there you can find the video
http://www.this-is-not-it.com/
I found a news link of FOXNews.com dated June 2, 2009. http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/06/02/report-michael-jackson-says-hes-concert-tour/
Here's what's written :
Michael Jackson has told fans he is angry with concert promoters for booking 50 shows in London.
The Thriller star told fans outside his Los Angeles dance studio he wanted to take his live extravaganza across the globe - and only perform a handful of gigs at the O2 arena in London.
But he didn't get his wish, and a deal was struck for Jacko's monster 50-date residency after the initial block of 10 he'd agreed to sold out
He claims he only learned of the extra 40 bookings when he awoke to the news one morning.
The ailing King of Pop is now panicking he's not physically strong enough to cope with the grueling schedule, insisting his small appetite makes it hard for him to perform.
After practicing his moves at the Burbank Studios, Jacko, 50, greeted devoted fans waiting outside - and blew off some steam in the process.
"Thank you for your love and support, I want you guys to know I love you very much," he said, before adding, "I don't know how I'm going to do 50 shows. I'm not a big eater - I need to put some weight on."
I am still looking for the vids.
by CantStopLovingU on Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:30 am
My friend from work posted the TTI Dancer Audition video on Facebook months ago because her nephew CHRISTOPHER was one of the dancers chosen.
I remember her posting it saying how excited he was because he had been a huge fan of Michael since he was a little boy and how his dream came true.
I could probably ask her a question - but I dont know what to ask her?
by Skeletonjar on Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:33 am
SPEAKING OF MISSING VIDEOS
has anyone else noticed the videos linking the illuminati and MJ on youtube are slowly being deleted?!
Some of the really great ones I've seen are now gone.
It's getting a little bit scary :/
Skeletonjar
by salvatora on Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:01 am
im soooo confused....i think some powers, and i mean POWERS are behind this and im scared
salvatora
by juliet on Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:06 pm
salvatora wrote: im soooo confused....i think some powers, and i mean POWERS are behind this and im scared
The confusion is what they, whoever the controllers are, want and are causing with all the feeds they give.
To be scared, well I think the way we've been handling and speculating and putting things in perspective scares them so much that they definitely have to do something to cover up their tracks. IMO. They have to clear up the mess they've created since JUNE 25. All the slip ups and inconsistencies will never fool the public.
So, hold on guys, I think there'll be a showdown between the bad guys and the good guys and the coming months IMO will be the remaining period for control because the internet is THE IMMEDIATE PULSE of the TRUTH, and no matter how they used to handle the media, they can't do the same with the other medium of communications.
by smoothcriminal2792 on Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:18 pm
MJonMyMind wrote: Wow that is very interesting !!!!! I knew it... I have had that very same feeling since day 1.....It also backs up my belife that it wasnt MJ
I agree, either way something is up, it's hard to know what to believe. But what if AEG hired a "double" to announce the shows since they knew Michael was upset about them scheduling 40 more shows??
smoothcriminal2792
Woonplaats : SW Florida
by LizzieBee on Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:35 pm
smoothcriminal2792 wrote:
Well, no. Because didn't they only have 10 shows scueduled at that time? And as soon as he made that announcement the tickets sold out in VERY little time. That's when they decided to add more shows. I'm not saying that it couldn't have been a double, just saying that I don't think MJ knew they were planning on 50 shows then. Love. <3
[quote="ILuvUMoreMJ"]
Edit: Is this the one you were looking for? [url=http://michaeljackson-videotribute.com/michael-jackson-interviews-documentaries-awards-perfomances-news/this-is-it-auditions/
Yuppers! That's it! Thank you for finding it love! I remember watching it months ago and wanted to see more because it was so awesome. And then when I couldn't find it on Youtube I got freaked out. I wonder if they will put some of it on the dvd. That dvd is something I'm really excited aboout. Can't wait to see all of the "extra footage" they left out of TII. Hmm...it just makes things look more suspicious when people delete videos and posts...BUT they keep doing it!
LizzieBee wrote:
oh sorry about that! thanks for clarifying
Lol. No problem. Thank you for the thoughts and ideas. Keep em' coming. And keep the faith! Love. <3
by LiberianGirl on Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:45 pm
I love the second vid. I love the way he chews the gum And he takes his shades off and to see his eyes is so nice.
About the 50 shows, I never believed that he was going to have those 50 concerts! And who can force Michael to do something??? Please this is Michael Jackson we're talking about! There never was going to be any concerts. It was just a part of the big plan
LiberianGirl
by Zen on Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:31 pm
I also did see that video and it haunted me. It was like he was appealing to the fans in some way. It struck me as genuine and that he was being controlled.
I would think that whoever published the video on-line in the first place, would still have a copy of it..but they might be scared right now.
Also, if I can find the link, there is a story by a reporter who said that Michael did not want to do the O2 announcements. He closed himself up in a hotel room. I don't think he wanted to do ANY of these concerts.
This is most difficult for me..THE most difficult of times to think about because I don't want to face up it if he was forced.


Well, if I was there in person I'd probably pass you a business card, so to do this over the Internet, so as to save international postage, you can PRINT THIS OUT if you like!
This also helps my publicity for my website, having business card printed out and distributed at long-distance!
I give away these Zyra business cards in person. The "cards" are not on card exactly, and are more usually on brightly coloured paper in different colours. I give these items away to people I meet, so they can be introduced to my website. Then in 2012, I had a banner advertising campaign, so I wrote a website front-end which has an introduction known here as the Welcome Feature. Giving you a business card online is now practical, if you can print it out!


Camo is out. If you really want to be invisible, you've gotta go stealth. Since they're not white, you can take these into the woods and get 'em dirty, where wimpy roadies are scared they'll crash or something.


text:
SEIS / EIS
Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits
Creative Industry Tax Relief
Media & Agencies
Sport & E-sport
Tech & Business Startups
Morison KSi
NLP Far East
Bitesize reads
Samir Thantrey
Director of Business Services
Samir Thantrey joined NLP as Director of Business Services in January 2019. He qualified at Prager & Fenton LLP (now Prager Metis LLC, a top 60 firm in the US) spending time in their Audit & Financial Reporting, Business Services and Taxation departments. He has since continued his career at a mid-tier firm where he was involved in the setup of their international office.
Being a general practitioner, Samir has worked closely with SMEs and high-net-worth individuals. He works closely with clients to understand their circumstances and tailors plans to help them meet their financial and business goals. He believes you must care about your client in order to be successful, which is proven by his strong client relationships.
Samir focuses on a range of industries some of which include the following;
Television, Music and Entertainment; where he has managed world-renowned artists, bands, writers, producers and comedians.
Literature; where he has managed one UK's most prolific fantasy authors.
Away from work, Samir enjoys spending time with his family, eating out, travelling and experiencing new cultures. He is also an avid collector of sporting memorabilia, rare coins and antique carpets.
Three things to know about Samir
If you could invite 3 people (living, dead or fictitious) to a dinner party, who would they be?
Muhammed Ali
What is your favourite quote?
"Riches are not from an abundance of worldly good but from a contented mind."
Which cartoon character would you be?
Stay informed on the latest finance and tax developments with regular emails from Nyman Libson Paul. We also offer Budget Summaries to unpick the Chancellor's statements.
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text:
Introducing the Piaget Altiplano 60th Anniversary Pocket Watch
Doubles as a desk clock in a straw marquetry stand.
Cheryl Chia
Ultra-thin watchmaking has become, to some extent, a more dynamic category in the market today, with several brands joining the arms race. But it's been 60 years since the watchmaker synonymous with ultra-thins, Piaget, unveiled the first of its fantastically slim Altiplano watches. It was powered by the 2mm-high calibre 9P, then the world's thinnest hand-wound movement.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the first Altiplano, the brand had earlier introduced a handful of brightly coloured limited-editions and a slim tourbillion at SIHH. And now it has just followed up with a limited edition Altiplano pocket watch.
This is not the first Altiplano pocket watch from Piaget, which launched a square pocket watch to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the same timepiece, making it something of a tradition. But this is perhaps the first time that the historical styling of the Altiplano has been fully incorporated into a pocket watch.
Measuring 50mm in diameter, the timepiece features a white gold case with the same deep blue sunburst dial found on the anniversary models launched at SIHH. It bears all the hallmarks of the first Altiplano watches including the flat polished bezel, applied gold indices, slim baton hands, as well as the fine blue crosshair and "automatic" in italics on the dial.
Inside its slender case is the 1200P movement – the world's thinnest self-winding movement when it was first introduced in 2010, measuring just 2.35mm thick.
The movement's 22k gold micro-rotor, circular Côtes de Genève, bevelled bridges, circular-grained mainplate and blued screws can be viewed through its exhibition case back.
The pocket Altiplano comes with a blue calfskin strap and matching blue leather pouch, de rigueur accessories for a pocket watch. More unusual is the straw marquetry stand.
A craft similar to wood marquetry, the segments of the circular frame are inlaid straw veneer, with the stalks arranged to radiate outwards, just like the brushed finish on the dial. Each stalk of straw was selected based on their shade to match the metallic sunburst effect of the dial.
The frame is punctuated with elongated markers that serve as an extension of the dial when the pocket watch is hung in its centre, transforming it into a table clock.
The Piaget Altiplano 60th Anniversary Pocket Watch (ref. G0A42108) is a limited edition of 26 pieces. Prices are to be confirmed.
SIHH 2017 Personal Perspectives: Piaget - A Guide to the 60th Anniversary Altiplano Ultra-Thin
Piaget marks the occasion with new, brightly coloured dials for the Altiplano, as well as a slim tourbillon.
SIHH 2017: Introducing the HYT Skull Pocket Watch
A titanium pocket watch with a miniature dynamo that lights up the liquid time display.
News: Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Only Watch - first ultra-thin with black PVD movement and case


The Geneva etch is a popular glass etching that has the words "Wine Cellar" with a decorative bunch of grapes in the middle. It is complemented by the arch above the glass but enclosed within a traditional rectangular door with a straight rail. The etching is carefully applied on the glass of the wine cellar door.


text:
1Research
2Sexual assault
Defensive attribution hypothesis
The defensive attribution hypothesis (or bias, theory, or simply defensive attribution) is a social psychological term where an observer attributes the causes for a mishap to minimize their fear of being a victim or a cause in a similar situation. The attributions of blame are negatively correlated to similarities between the observer and the people involved in the mishap, i.e. more responsibility is attributed to the people involved who are dissimilar to the observer. Assigning responsibility allows the observer to believe that the mishap was controllable and thus preventable.[1]
A defensive attribution may also be used to protect the person's self-esteem if, despite everything, the mishap does occur, because blame can be assigned to the "other" (person or situation).[2] The use of defensive attributions is considered a cognitive bias because an individual will change their beliefs about a situation based upon their motivations or desires rather than the factual characteristics of the situation.[2]: 112
Research[edit]
Walster (1966) hypothesized that it can be frightening to believe that a misfortune could happen to anyone at random, and attributing responsibility to the person(s) involved helps to manage this emotional reaction.[1]
Shaver (1970) recognized that the similarity of the witness to the person(s) involved in the misfortune – in terms of situation, age, gender, personality, etc. – changes the amount of responsibility one is ready to ascribe. Where Walster's work suggested increases in attributed responsibility, Shaver's concept of "defensive attribution" argued for minimization of assigned responsibility based on perceived similarities between the attributor and the person(s) involved. Shaver was able to demonstrate this response by describing events to test subjects; varying the situations and people described to either match or be significantly different from the subjects: as similarity with witnesses increased, attributions of responsibility decreased.[2]
In 1981 Jerry Burger published a meta-analysis of 22 peer-reviewed studies on the defensive attribution hypothesis, in which he found strong evidence to support Shaver's hypothesized negative relationship between similarity and responsibility.[3]
Sexual assault[edit]
Researchers examining sexual assault have consistently found that male participants blamed rapists less than female participants did, and that male participants blamed the rape victims more than female participants did.[4] These findings support Shaver's similarity-responsibility hypothesis: male participants, who are personally similar to (male) rapists, blame rapists less than female participants who are dissimilar to rapists. On the other hand, female participants, who are personally similar to (female) rape victims, blame the victims less than male participants.
Attribution bias
Just-world hypothesis
Omission bias
Self-serving bias
Victim blaming
^ a b Walster, E. (1966). "Assignment of responsibility for an accident" (PDF). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 3 (1): 73–79. doi:10.1037/h0022733. PMID 5902079. Archived from the original on 2010-06-04. {{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ a b c Shaver, K. G. (1970). "Defensive Attribution: Effects of severity and relevance on the responsibility assigned for an accident". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 14 (2): 101–113. doi:10.1037/h0028777.
^ Burger, J.M. (1981). "Motivational biases in the attribution of responsibility for an accident: A meta-analysis of the defensive-attribution hypothesis" (PDF). Psychological Bulletin. 90 (3): 496–512. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.90.3.496. Archived from the original on 2016-06-05. {{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ Grubb, A.; Harrower, J. (2008). "Attribution of blame in cases of rape: An analysis of participant gender, type of rape and perceived similarity to the victim" (PDF). Aggression and Violent Behavior. 13 (5): 396–405. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2008.06.006.
Aronson, Elliot; Wilson, Timothy D.; Akert, Robin M.; Sommers, Samuel R. (2015). Social Psychology (9th ed.). Pearson Education. pp. 107–108. ISBN 9780133936544.
Greenberg, Jeff (2007). "Defensive Attribution". In Baumeister, Roy F.; Vohs, Kathleen D. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Social Psychology. SAGE Publications, Inc. doi:10.4135/9781412956253.n137. ISBN 9781412916707.
Weiten, Wayne; Dunn, Dana S.; Hammer, Elizabeth Yost (2014). Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century. Cengage Learning. p. 208. ISBN 9781305172081.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Defensive_attribution_hypothesis&oldid=1134907149"


Now it is all fine, until I apply blendshape, which makes my character - for example - larger.
As you can see, hands are very oddly stretched. Its like skinning information is not consistent with new blend shape vertex position. Any idea, how to handle that?


text:
Q: No active transaction in EJB @Schedule method I have an EJB with a @Schedule marked method, that persists an entity to a database. Within this method, when I'm calling EntityManager.flush() after persist(), I'm getting javax.persistence.TransactionRequiredException: No transaction is currently active
AFAIK all EJB methods are transactional, but I'm getting this error even if I additionally mark the method with @TransactionAttribute(REQUIRED).
When I manage a transaction manually by EntityTransaction.begin() and commit(), everything works OK.
I'm using Wildfly 10.0 Final on JDK 8u74, EclipseLink 2.6.0.
Here is  my persistence.xml:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<persistence xmlns="http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/persistence" version="2.1">
    <persistence-unit name="mainPU" transaction-type="JTA">
        <provider>org.eclipse.persistence.jpa.PersistenceProvider</provider>
        <jta-data-source>java:/datasources/ExampleDS</jta-data-source>
        <class>com.example.MyEntity</class>
    </persistence-unit>
</persistence>

MyEJB.java:
package com.example;

import javax.ejb.*;
import javax.ejb.Timer;
import javax.persistence.EntityManager;
import javax.persistence.PersistenceContext;

@Startup
@DependsOn("AppUtils")
@Singleton
public class MyEJB {
    @PersistenceContext(unitName = "mainPU")
    private EntityManager em;

    @Schedule(hour = "*", minute = "*", second = "*/20", info = "", persistent = false)
    private void doStuff(Timer timer) {
        MyEntity entity = new MyEntity("Test" + Math.random(), "Test value");
        em.merge(entity);
        em.flush();
    }
}

A: When you use JTA it commit and flush the changes into the database and close the current transaction. So, when you do em.flush(), the transaction is already closed.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Having just around 48 hours to spend in Tuscany on a stopover in Italy meant that we needed to choose our destinations well. Fortunately our travel advisor George who was with us on the trip is an Italy expert and a Tuscany guru. Montepulciano was decidedly the first stop and here's what impressed us about the place.
The Tuscan countryside at the foothills of the city is considered some of the most beautiful in all of Italy. Its hard to make it into the city for wanting to stop every five minutes and take panoramic photos. There are great restaurants in the city itself, but if one prefers even more dramatic dining, head to a nearby farm to have a picnic right in the vineyards like at Caseficio Cugusi Silvana, where you can have a full view of the city too.
Nestled among the dramatic Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana drive your car up the winding roads into Montepulciano itself. There were plenty of public parking lots available even with a city holiday in full swing.
The city itself offers many Medieval wonders perfectly preserved and if you're lucky enough to see a cultural display (like on the last sunday of August) of noble families dressed in their medieval wardrobe celebrating the various neighborhoods. It can easily be seen in around 2 hours giving enough time to explore a little bit of everything.
Walking the streets there is the typical array of churches, restaurants, cafes and museums. Montepulciano a tourist vibe to be sure, although it is not as inundated as some other top tier Tuscan destinations. It feels very authentic and inviting.
The roadways are at a pretty steep incline as the city winds ever upward. The Vino Nobile wine is cherished and sold with gusto and local shops showcase the field and forest goods which the abundant landscape produces, from wild board salami to the most beautiful truffles and cheeses.
A great way to end your tour of Montepulciano is by taking in the vast valley below from a panoramic cafe. With an unmistakably Italian cappuccino in hand and the amber valley dotted with pointy cypress trees life can't seem to get much more perspective.


text:
This Day in History – November 13 – Hijinx, Humor, and Insight
9 November 2021 by Gary Jenneke
THIS DAY IN HISTORY… NOVEMBER 13
1775 – From History.com: "Continental Army Brigadier General Richard Montgomery takes Montreal, Canada.
"Montgomery's victory owed its success in part to Ethan Allen's disorganized defeat at the hand of British General and Canadian Royal Governor Guy Carleton at Montreal on September 24, 1775. Allen's misguided and undermanned attack on Montreal led to his capture. Although a failure in the short term, Allen's attack had long-term benefits for the Patriots. Carleton had focused his attention on suppressing Allen's attack, while refusing reinforcements to Fort St. Jean, to which Montgomery's expedition laid siege from August 21 to November 3, 1775. Fort St. Jean's commander surrendered on November 3, fearful of the hardship the town's civilians would face during a winter under siege. With the final fortification between Montgomery and Montreal in Patriot hands and Carleton's defenses depleted by the conflict with Allen, Montgomery's forces entered Montreal with ease on November 13."
On December 31st, Montgomery and Carleton's forces battled at Quebec and the Americans were defeated, assuring that Canada would remain part of the British Empire.
I hadn't known the U.S. was that close to having had Canada as part of our nation. That would have been one huge nation. And we wouldn't have to worry about eventually building a wall to keep all those Canucks from sneaking across the border.
1789 – Benjamin Franklin's famous quote of "Nothing is certain…except death and taxes" is uttered.
Well, the part about taxes apparently isn't true any longer. It must be galling to the rich that, despite all their money, lobbying has no effect on the other half of Franklin's famous quote.
1969 – Vice President Spiro Agnew's speech criticizing the television networks and network commentators.
It was the famous speech where he used the weirdly crafted phrases of "effete intellectual snobs" and "nattering nabobs of negativity." It was the first salvo fired at the media for being biased.
A very effective salvo indeed. It laid the groundwork for what is now the generally accepted concept and term "liberal media." It was genius in the making, the laying of seeds questioning the media's intent, especially when a conservative administration is being criticized.
Now I'm not a lockstep admirer of the mainstream media. I am highly critical of its performance. While I think there is a lot of sloppy journalism taking place, I do not think it has a left-leaning bias. I think it has more of a money-leaning bias. The story that might have the most importance is set aside for the story that might draw the most viewers/readers.
Just remember, this whole liberal bias began with the media being critical of the U.S.'s involvement in Vietnam, which ultimately turned out to be factual.
1833 – Edwin Booth.
The brother of John Wilkes Booth, Edwin was also an actor, a more famous and successful one. The brothers had different political views with Edwin loyal to the Union, and John an avowed secessionist. On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln at the Ford Theater. In what seems like more than a mere coincidence, Edwin Booth had earlier saved the life of Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Robert Lincoln lost his balance on a train platform and Booth grabbed his jacket collar, thereby pulling him from the path of the oncoming train. Further coincidences: Robert Todd Lincoln was witness to three presidential assassinations. Besides being present at his father's deathbed, he was with James Garfield in 1881 in Washington DC and William McKinley in 1901 in Buffalo, NY when they were shot.
I'm starting to wonder if coincidences are in fact coincidental, or is it synchronicity? Here is a brief explanation of synchronicity. That is when the boundary dissolves between the inner and the outer. One of those moments in which there is a fissure in the fabric of what we have taken for reality and instead there is a bleed through from a higher dimension outside of time. I may address this in more depth at some future time.
1869 – Helene Stöcker.
An early leader in the fight for women's rights. She believed women should have control over their own bodies. A native of Germany, Stöcker became the head of the League for the Protection of Mothers in 1905.
From SaintsSistersandSluts.com: "One attack common to many feminist groups of the time was the accusation that they promoted 'free love.' While the focus of the group was traditional heterosexual relationships, they insisted on the need for equality between men and women in marriage, but also legal recognition of what they called 'free relationships,' which included not only support for single mothers, but homosexuality, and the right to divorce."
Beginning during WWI, Helene shifted much of her energy to the Peace movement. She was involved in the founding of an organization known as War Resisters' International that still exists. During WWII she fled Germany and eventually came to the U.S. where she died in 1943.
If she were alive today I imagine she would be appalled at the resurgence of everything she fought against.
1920 – Jack Elam.
The actor with the lazy, wandering left eye, the result of a childhood accident. He played the heavy in many westerns, and later turned to comedy.
One of my guilty pleasures is re-watching him and James Garner in "Support Your Local Sheriff."
SaintsSistersandSluts.com
Biography.com
* Lead-In Image ($100 Bills) – Wojciech_Zalewski / Shutterstock.com
* Spiro Agnew (video) – Solomon Sixmillionowitz / YouTube.com
Section: News | Tags: Benjamin Franklin, Edwin Booth, gary jenneke, Helene Stöcker, history, humor, Jack Elam, Richard Montgomery, Spiro Agnew, this day in history


China's trade surplus rose to another record level in November, as its export growth weakened and imports declined substantially. The weak trade figures suggest that the economy is unlikely to reach its 7.5% 2015 growth target.
The world's second largest economy registered another record monthly trade surplus of $54.5bn for November, up from $45.4bn in October.
China's export growth slowed significantly to 4.7% in November compared to 11.6% in October. Economists expected an 8% increase in exports.
Meanwhile, imports declined by 6.7% during November, compared to a 4.6% increase in the previous month and analysts' expectations for a 3.8% increase. The decline in imports reflects weak demand for commodities, given their falling prices.
The recent decline in oil prices has prompted a wait and watch approach among importers. They are expecting the commodity to become cheaper and delay purchases.
China, which is one of the largest net importers of oil, imported $16.42bn of crude oil in November, down from $18.43bn in the same month last year.
"While large trade surplus should add pressures on the RMB exchange rate to appreciate, the recent strong USD purchase flows in the onshore market indicate a risk of weakening going forward," said economists at ANZ bank.
"On the monetary policy front, we believe that the RMB exchange rate will likely become more volatile given the global fluctuation of USD. A more flexible RMB exchange rate will help China's balance of payment position more balanced and therefore increase the independence of monetary policy."
The People's Bank of China earlier lowered lending and saving rates for the first time in two years and increased the ceiling for deposit rates, as the country looks to maintain a prudent monetary policy to keep economic growth rate within a reasonable range in 2015.
China's top policymakers are expected to convene in Beijing this week for the country's annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC). They are expected to reduce the 2014 growth target to 7% -- the lowest in a decade.


Dr Rupert Sheldrake, writing as both a scientist and a spiritual explorer, looks at seven spiritual practices that are personally transformative and have scientifically measurable effects. He combines the latest scientific research with his extensive knowledge of mystical traditions around the world to show how we may tune into more-than-human realms of consciousness through psychedelics, such as ayahuasca.
Ex-Harvard Fellow Sheldrake was Director of the Trinity College Cambridge project which investigated unexplained human and animal abilities. He bridges science and spirituality uniquely, and is included in a Zurich think tank's list of the most important Global Thinkers, alongside Gladwell, Zizek, and Daniel Dennett. His new book is informed by a year spent at an Indian ashram.


MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - In a season when NBA teams are scoring more and playing faster on offense, the Memphis Grizzlies are taking the opposite approach - relying on their defense.
"That's exactly what this win represents," Memphis guard Garrett Temple said. "Holding this team - as hot as they've been - to 87 points at home ... it was a big win for us."
Nuggets: Murray was limited to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting in the first half. He missed his first four 3-pointers before converting one near the 9-minute mark of the third quarter. ... Jokic, who averages 11 shots a game, took just one - his 3-point try in the closing seconds. "I'll have to look at the tape to see what they are doing for him to only take one shot," coach Michael Malone said. "Obviously, I would like him to take more shots, but right now he isn't shooting the ball and we will have to figure out why."