Black Esthetics, a Black African-American arts festival that later evolved into M.S.I.'s annual Black Creativity exhibition, opened on Sunday, February 1, 1970. It is the longest-running gallery of African-American art. Earl Calloway (1926-2014), an opera singer and fine arts critic for the Chicago Defender, organized Black Esthetics with the backing of Daniel Miller McMaster (1913-2005), the fifth President (1968-1978) and fifth Director (1951-1971) of the M.S.I. [Note that in his Chicago Tribune obituary for Mr. Calloway, Bob Goldsborough referred to its original named as the "Black Esthetic Festival." Getty Images referred to the "Black Aethetics Festival" in a picture dated February 1, 1974 that featured McMaster and Chicago Daily Defender publisher John H. Sengstacke (1912-1997).] Calloway recruited gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) to perform that first year. One artist whose initial submission was rejected, known as Mr. Imagination, was more successful later with a later submission of original jewelry design that launched his career.
McMaster's handpicked successor, Victor J. Danilov, the sixth President (1978-1987) and sixth Director (1972-1987) of the M.S.I., determined to broaden the scope of the affair beyond the display of art, and in 1986 added a seminar where high school students would hear about careers in science and engineering. One of the speakers was Joe Morgan, one of Commonwealth Edison's senior nuclear power plant operators, who told students that he had gotten to his position in society through "motivation and determination." The first Black Creativity Gala featured a performance by members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The exhibit Black Achievers in Science developed for the first year Black Creativity replaced Black Esthetics, traveled to eleven more museums under the banner of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
Anchored by the Museum of Science and Industry's Welcome to Science Initiative educational programs, M.S.I. executives have articulated four main goals for Black Creativity. Firstly, to provide exposure for African-American youths to careers, educational pathways, and other opportunities in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and medicine) fields. Secondly, to deepen students' engagement with S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) through hands-on learning. Thirdly, to increase access to the Museum of Science and Industry and its resources by African-American students and their families. Fourthly, to showcase African-Americans and their contributions, past and present, to the S.T.E.M. fields.
The Juried Art Exhibition consists of over 100 paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks from African-American artists across the U.S.A., chosen by a panel of five jurors. It runs from Monday, January 14, 2019 through Sunday, February 24, 2019.
For the eighth year in a row, a youth category will allow for the display of artworks produced by high school students. The Juried Art Exhibition is covered by Museum Entry (general admission) tickets.
The panel selects first, second, and third-place overall show winners, as well as a winner in each art medium category, and overall in the youth category.
The Innovation Studio is for guests six years of age and up. Guests make prototypes and test them. Those under twelve years of age must be accompanies by an adult. Families can participate in scheduled drop-in visits at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the workweek (Mondays through Fridays) and at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on weekends. Sessions are open during the workweek and thirty minutes long on weekends. School groups on field trips and community groups reserve sessions in advance at either 10:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. during the workweek. These are sixty-minute-long workshops. The Innovation Studio is recommended for students in 5th Grade and up. To reserve a workshop, call (773) 684-1414. The maximum capacity is fifty people, including parents or other chaperones.
Black Creativity overlaps with many of the 2019 Illinois Free Days. On Illinois Free Days, Museum Entry (general admission) tickets are free for all Illinois residents who show valid proof of residence such as a driver's license or state identification card. No further Chicago residence discounts apply on Illinois Free Days. In 2019, the Illinois Free Days are the 7th through the 10th, the 11th through the 17th, the 21st through the 24th, and the 28th through the 31st of January; and the 4th through the 7th, the 11th through the 14th, the 19th through the 21st, and the 25th through the 28th of February. This schedule is subject to change.
The Black Creativity Gala is on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Enter through the West Pavilion. There will be valet parking. The Juried Art Exhibition. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served in the West Pavilion. At 7:00 p.m., guests will move to the Main Level in the Central Pavilion. There will be dinner stations, live performances, and dancing. The Welcome Remarks will be at 7:15 p.m. in the Grand Rotunda. The Nanette Frank Jazz Orchestra, Chicago Children's Choir, and D.J. Nick "Nonstop" Nicholson will be performing. The Creative Cocktail Lounge will start at 8:00 p.m. on the Lower Level (ground floor). Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory, W.G.N.'s Mid-day News and Evening News weatherman (and husband of W.G.N. Evening News features reporter Erin Ivory), will be the Master of Ceremonies. Tickets cost $350 per person. Click here to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation.
The Black Creativity Career Showcase will be on Saturday, February 23, 2019. African-American artists, scientists, and engineers will be on hand throughout the Maine Level from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The M.S.I. stated on its Website, "This is an opportunity to learn from experts during dynamic demonstrations, hands-on activities and one-on-one conversations." This is included under Museum Entry tickets. Call (773) 753-1766 to register a group for this event.
Allstate; NextLevelHealth; and TWG Partners, L.L.C. are the Black Creativity Season Sponsors. ComEd, Dover, ITW, Nicor Gas, and Peoples gas are the Innovation Studio Sponsors. Sodexo and revel décor are the Event Partners. United Airlines is the Official Airline.
Figure 1 Credit: Seán M. O'Connor Caption: When I visited the Museum of Science and Industry for the Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 15, 2018 that opened Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, I noticed this bronze-and-steel mural had been added in the Lower Court of the Central Pavilion.
Regular hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) resumed on Saturday, January 5, 2019. The Museum of Science and Industry regularly makes small adjustments to this schedule, so when planning a trip there, check this Webpage and the M.S.I.'s social media for updates. Please note that on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, though, the Museum of Science and Industry will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Often stylized as the "Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago" or the "Museum of Science + Industry" the institution is located at the northern end of the Chicago Park District's Jackson Park, on the south side of 57th Street, between Lake Shore Drive to the east and Cornell Drive to the west, in the East Hyde Park neighborhood of the Hyde Park Community Area (Community Area #41) on the South Side of Chicago. The address is 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637. Founded by Sears, Roebuck & Company President Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932) in 1926, through The Commercial Club of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry opened in three stages between 1933 and 1940. It occupies the Palace of Fine Arts from Chicago's first World's Fair, the World's Columbian Exposition (1893). The M.S.I. is open every day of the year with two exceptions: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Website is https://www.msichicago.org/ and the phone number is (773) 684-1414.
Victor J. Danilov is not to be confused with Fr. Viktor Danilov (1927-2016), a Byzantine Rite Catholic archpriest in Belarus.
 On Illinois Free Days, Museum Entry (general admission) tickets are free for adults and children alike; Giant Dome Theater movie tickets, Coal Mine tour tickets, Fab Lab workshop tickets, WOW! Tour tickets, and Future Energy Chicago tickets are $12 each for adults and $9 each for children (ages three-to-eleven); and U-505 Onboard Tour tickets are $18 each for adults and $14 each for children (ages three-to-eleven). This is limited to six children under eighteen, per one adult.


text:
Q: stream_context_create Authorization not working If i login using brower it works but from code it gives Authorization error.
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if login with browser this username password works but not like this, Dont know if I am making some mistake.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
The Devil's Revolver - Cover Reveal
The Devil's Revolver
V. S. McGrath
(The Devil's Revolver Series, #1)
Publication date: September 5th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
She is Hettie Alabama — unlikely, scarred, single-minded, and blood bound to a revolver forged by a demon.
The first book in an epic, magic-clad series featuring the Wild West reimagined as a crosscultural stereoscope of interdimensional magic and hardship, The Devil's Revolver opens with a shooting competition and takes off across the landscape after a brutal double murder and kidnapping — to which revenge is the only answer. Hettie Alabama, only seventeen years old, leads her crew of underdogs with her father's cursed revolver, magicked to take a year off her life each time she fires it. It's no way for a ranch girl to grow up, but grow up she does, her scars and determination to rescue her vulnerable younger sister deepening with every year of life she loses.
A sweeping and high-stakes saga that gilds familiar Western adventure with powerful magic and panoramic fantasy, The Devil's Revolver is the last word and the blackest hat in the Weird West.
Vicki So, writing as V. S. McGrath, is a published romance author (as Vicki Essex) and has six books with Harlequin Superromance: Her Son's Hero (July 2011); Back to the Good Fortune Diner (January 2013), which was picked for the Smart Bitches Trashy Books Sizzling Book Club; In Her Corner (March 2014); A Recipe for Reunion (March 2015); Red Carpet Arrangement (January 2016); and Matinees with Miriam (November 2016). She lives in Toronto, Canada.
Website / Facebook / Twitter

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The culture of compliance efforts at LEADING EDGE is the promotion of ethical behavior by employees and corporate responsibility by the company.
In accordance with our values, the LEADING EDGE compliance function supports the development and implementation of practices to facilitate compliance with applicable laws and corporate policy. As importantly, due diligence in preventing and detecting misconduct or non-compliance with laws or regulations is supported by these effective compliance systems.
Our employees are encouraged to report concerns or suspected cases of misconduct without the fear of retaliation. Employees can do this through line managers or through our confidential Compliance Helpline reporting channels. All concerns and allegations are fairly and independently investigated, and disciplinary action, if applicable, is commensurate with the issues presented.
The LEADING EDGE Compliance Helpline enables employees to report a concern or receive information or advice anonymously. The Compliance Helpline can be reached by phone or online via the web–reporting tool. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and offered in 70 languages, the Compliance Helpline is operated by specially trained third–party representatives.


text:
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is now open from 8 am to 4 pm, daily. Please refer to our Health & Safety Guidelines prior to making reservations.
Please Note: Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is subject to change. Please monitor our website, social media posts, and e-newsletters for updates.
USS BOWFIN HISTORY
CREW ROSTER
BOWFIN SPECS
PARTS WISH LIST
INDOOR EXHIBITS
OUTREACH PROGAM
ON ETERNAL PATROL
Chester Payne
Dudley Walker Morton
William Christopher Hickey, Jr.
SEARCH FOR LOST SUBS
Grunion
Flier
We offer presentations on the history and science of submarines at schools or other educational groups on Oahu and the neighbor islands. There is no charge for this service, and weekday scheduling is flexible. Homeschooling and scouting groups are welcome to participate in this program, as well.
Objective: To familiarize 4th or 5th grade students with the history and functioning of U.S. submarines
Plan designed to fit into science and history studies
Hands-on, interactive demonstration of a diving and surfacing model submarine
Graphic and textual information, including photographs and posters
Educational handouts for each student
For more information, or to schedule a visit to your school or educational organization, please contact Charles R. Hinman, Education & Outreach, at (808) 423-1341 or email: education@bowfin.org
The first nuclear powered submarine was USS Nautilus (SSN-571), and was spearheaded by ADM Rickover. He became known as the father of the nuclear navy.
Open Daily 7am - 5pm HST
11 Arizona Memorial Drive
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818-3104
© 2020 USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park.


Make an impression in your living room with this traditional style chair and a half. It features bonded leather on the arms and inside back with matching polyurethane every else. Ornate feet, trim on the front of the arms, trim on the camel back, and a shaped base rail add to the classic look. A fabric covered reversible UltraPlush seat cushion and three accent pillows with fringe complete the style.
The Winnsboro DuraBlend Traditional Fabric/Bonded Leather Match Chair and a Half by Signature Design by Ashley at Conlin's Furniture in the Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
Sophisticated, traditional details are seen throughout the pieces available from this living room furniture collection. Reversible UltraPlush seat cushions on the sofa, loveseat, and chair and a half that are available provide high level comfort.
The Winnsboro DuraBlend collection is a great option if you are looking for Traditional furniture in the Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming area.
Browse other items in the Winnsboro DuraBlend collection from Conlin's Furniture in the Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming area.


text:
SA banks ease pace of unsecured lending
The market for unsecured loans, which are not backed by collateral, has grown rapidly in recent years.
Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus. Picture: AFP.
Standard Bank
Capitec Bank
Gill Marcus
Reserve Bank Governor
Eyewitness News | 3158 days ago
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's banks have cooled the pace of unsecured lending amid fears of rising impairments from weak growth in the continent's top economy, central bank data on Monday showed.
The market for unsecured loans, which are not backed by collateral, has grown rapidly in recent years as the country's leading banks such as Standard Bank joined niche lenders African Bank Investments and Capitec Bank Holdings in chasing their higher margins.
Unsecured credit rose by nearly a quarter in March, to 453 billion rand ($47 billion), from a year ago, the Reserve Bank said, easing back from a peak annual growth rate of 30 percent in November 2012.
The central bank repeated that levels of unsecured credit, accounting for over 12 percent of total banking assets in the economy, were still too small to pose a risk to the wider South African financial system.
But supervisors from the central bank have "engaged" with selected banks on the high growth rate of unsecured loans and continue to monitor the segment for any potential risk, Deputy Governor Lesetja Kganyago told reporters at a briefing.
Analysts and investors have been increasingly worried African Bank Investments and Capitec Bank Holdings could be hit by a wave of souring loans.
African Bank, which specialises in unsecured loans to low-income borrowers, posted a 26 percent drop in first-half profit this month and wrote off 445 million rand of bad loans, sparking a rout in its share price.
The Reserve Bank said that, overall, impaired advances fell to 4.1 percent of gross loans at the end of December 2012, from 4.7 percent a year earlier. It did not strip out the figure for unsecured loans.
Growth is slowing in Africa's largest economy due to weak global demand and unemployment levels stuck above 25 percent. Despite the tough climate, household debt averages more than three quarters of disposable income.
"Generally speaking, there is stress in the market in this specific segment and in this business line and it's obvious from the increased impairments and the pain that some smaller banks are taking from this," said Moody's senior analyst Nondas Nicolaides.
"For the bigger banks, although we will see increased impairments in this business line, their overall impaired loans to total loans is actually trending down, so it doesn't make a big difference."
The central bank said it was still comfortable with the levels of unsecured credit in the market.Retail unsecured credit exposure to gross credit exposure was 3.9 percent in March 2013, from 3.5 percent a year earlier.
For the "big four" banks - Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa and Nedbank - a big part of unsecured exposure is to middle-income earners, who are usually existing clients.
Capitec shares closed 3.7 percent lower and those of African Bank lost nearly 3 percent.
The National Credit Regulator, which also monitors credit extended by non-banking institutions such as retailers, has been holding workshops in low income areas encouraging those drowning in debt to get help.
Nersa urged to reject Eskom's application for electricity tariff increase
Prasa aims to complete upgrades at 39 train stations across SA in 2022
Soshanguve woodworker enjoys coming up with unique ideas for furniture
Geleza: The affordable scientific calculator brand
Ex-Eskom manager Mazibuko's appeal bid of R11.5m forfeiture order dismissed


text:
Mozambique revolution, no. 41 (1969 Oct.-Dec.)
.'■   '    ■     ■'   •:
The fifth anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle in Mozambique
was this year marked not only by the usual events in the liberated areas
of Mozambique - public meetings in all bases and villages, feasts and
dances, plays performed by school children - but also by our friends
outside - Tanzania, Zambia, England, Holland, etc.  The form and content
of their meetings varied considerably but they all had the same aim of
signifying 25 September as a very special date in the' lives of the
Mozambican people - the day on which the revolution really started.
Our friends in Holland, for example, organised several meetings in various
towns including the university of Leiden, attended by members of many
different organisations:  The Angola Committee,  the Labour Party, the
Youth of the Labour Party, the Committee of Mothers that Want Peace, the
Party of "Radikalen", the Pacifist Social Party, the Southern Africa
Committee, NESBIC, and the Workgroup on Southern Africa*  In Zambia
there was a public meeting in the African Liberation Centre and an
exhibition of photographs.  In Tanzania the University College Revolutionary Front organised a march and demonstration on the campus, followed
by an open-air meeting.  They also arranged an exhibition of photographs
illustrating the various aspects of the struggle in Mozambique.  From
England we have received the following report from the Committee for
Freedom in Mozambique:-
In England the 25 September v/as celebrated at an informal gathering
organised by the Committee for Freedom in Mozambique.  Film, poetry,
drama were used to illustrate the nature of the struggle in Mozambique
and a tape recording of Mozambican music was played.  These were followed
up by a brief report from the Secretary of the Committee on the development of the struggle over the past year.  The rest of the evening was
left open for a general discussion which v/as to concentrate on  the
relationship between the struggle in Mozambique and the struggle of
progressive forces in England.
The film Veneeremos was shown, and the poetry read was selected from the
work of poets from Mozambique,  Angola and Guin£.  The most controversial
item was a short play produced by members of Agitprop and CAST, two
groups which have been experimenting with drama as a means of political
mobilisation.  The performance was of special interest because it was the
first time that either group had worked on an external political issue,
Title Mozambique revolution, no. 41 (1969 Oct.-Dec.)
Description Contents: Editorial (p. 1); Communique of the Executive Committee (p. 5); War communique (p. 7); Elections - Caetano style (p. 11); Exit ASEA, enter English Electric (p. 18); The role of women in the revolution (p. 24); Portuguese soldiers in free Mozambique (p. 28); On the external front (p. 33); 25 September (p. 37); Kavandame meets the press (p. 40); Apartheid and racism in Mozambique (p. 41); Caetano-Nixon collusion (p. 49).
Creator Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). Department of Information. Dar Es Salaam, U.R. of Tanzania
Full text .'■ ' ■ ■' •: The fifth anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle in Mozambique was this year marked not only by the usual events in the liberated areas of Mozambique - public meetings in all bases and villages, feasts and dances, plays performed by school children - but also by our friends outside - Tanzania, Zambia, England, Holland, etc. The form and content of their meetings varied considerably but they all had the same aim of signifying 25 September as a very special date in the' lives of the Mozambican people - the day on which the revolution really started. Our friends in Holland, for example, organised several meetings in various towns including the university of Leiden, attended by members of many different organisations: The Angola Committee, the Labour Party, the Youth of the Labour Party, the Committee of Mothers that Want Peace, the Party of "Radikalen", the Pacifist Social Party, the Southern Africa Committee, NESBIC, and the Workgroup on Southern Africa* In Zambia there was a public meeting in the African Liberation Centre and an exhibition of photographs. In Tanzania the University College Revolutionary Front organised a march and demonstration on the campus, followed by an open-air meeting. They also arranged an exhibition of photographs illustrating the various aspects of the struggle in Mozambique. From England we have received the following report from the Committee for Freedom in Mozambique:- In England the 25 September v/as celebrated at an informal gathering organised by the Committee for Freedom in Mozambique. Film, poetry, drama were used to illustrate the nature of the struggle in Mozambique and a tape recording of Mozambican music was played. These were followed up by a brief report from the Secretary of the Committee on the development of the struggle over the past year. The rest of the evening was left open for a general discussion which v/as to concentrate on the relationship between the struggle in Mozambique and the struggle of progressive forces in England. The film Veneeremos was shown, and the poetry read was selected from the work of poets from Mozambique, Angola and Guin£. The most controversial item was a short play produced by members of Agitprop and CAST, two groups which have been experimenting with drama as a means of political mobilisation. The performance was of special interest because it was the first time that either group had worked on an external political issue, 37


text:
NPP "Start" left the Russian generals without toys
The Ministry of Defense demanded an advance back and will sue the plant, which previously often disrupted military orders.
FinNews.ru
Ekaterinburg NPP "Start", which is a part of the Holding "Technodinamics" of the state corporation "Rostekh", is compelled in courts to "fight off" from numerous statements of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on payment of penalties for the broken state contracts. Multimillion penalties were touched upon both orders for loading machines for S-300 air defense systems, as well as for new development projects commissioned by engineers of the state enterprise. Only in 2018 the company had to return to the budget more than hundreds of millions of rubles. The military department transferred this money as an advance for the development of some kind of universal multi-position facility, which was supposed to work on four types of weapons carriers. Engineers-designers had to admit that the task of the Defense Ministry is impossible in principle, but the advance for development was not returned within five years.
JSC "SPE" Start "them. AI Yaskin "(part of the company" Technodynamics "GC" Rostekh ") will pay a large penalty for failure to supply charging machines for S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. The state contract with the contractor was signed in 2014. The vehicles were transferred to the military with a delay of 77 days.
Under the terms of the contract, the company exhibited a penalty in the amount of 19.9 million rubles, but the Moscow Arbitration Court decided to reduce its size, since it found it unlawful to charge interest on the total value of the contract. The NPP "Start" was ordered to pay fines taking into account the cost of only overdue obligations. As a result, the amount of recovery was reduced to 3.6 million rubles.
"Currently, the penalty for this contract is paid in full. At the same time, the deadline for the order of 2014 was determined by the deficit of the production capacities of the enterprise formed at that time, with a steady annual growth of the GOZ starting from 2011, "explained in the parent company" Tekhnodinamika ".
Earlier, "Pravda UrFO" in detail told that in 2016 the company also did not finish the execution of the GOZ in a timely manner. The enterprise did not have time to complete the assembly of prototypes, according to which NPP "Start" acted as the co-executor of the contract together with the concern of the East-Kazakhstan region Almaz-Antey. Then the representatives of "Rosteha" were forced to remove the CEO of the "Start" Vladimir Tretyakov. The company was able to supply special products only in March 2017.
In early 2017, the general director of "Technodynamics" Igor Nasenkov announced the construction of new production workshops, so that more complaints about the terms of execution of the GOZ did not arise. In the middle of 2018, workshops will be commissioned to assemble transport and transport-loading machines for the Tor, Buk, S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.
The press service of "Technodinamics" Pravda UrFO "told that following the results of 2017, the state defense order was executed without any observations within the deadlines. "This year the enterprise also goes strictly according to the established schedule. At the same time, the renewal of production capacities within the framework of the FTP, which will be completed at the plant in 2018, will allow NPP Start to continue successfully fulfill its obligations, and develop new competencies in production, including civilian products, "the company.
Meanwhile, at the present time, the "granddaughter" of "Rostecha" is facing a bigger penalty. Lawyers of the Ministry of Defense demanded the return of 113 million rubles in advance to the budget of the advance payment listed in fulfillment of the state contract dated September 4, 2013. The military demands to break the agreement that was not implemented, and also to make an inventory and provide the department with documentation.
According to "Pravda UrFO", it is about ordering new developmental designs. The engineers of the NPP "Start" worked on what specific subject, they did not specify in the company, however they stated that the technical task for the ROC was recognized unfulfilled as early as in 2013. "The unused advance payment has already been returned to the customer," the press service of "Tekhnodinamika" stressed. However, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has not withdrawn its claim yet. The hearing on the merits is scheduled for May 24.
Earlier, the military already had claims to "Start" on this order for R & D. At the end of last year, representatives of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation demanded to pay more than 4 million rubles from the company for non-compliance with the terms of the contract, as well as 45 million rubles as interest for using the advance.
According to the materials of the court, from 2013 to 2015 the company was to develop a multipurpose installation (MAPU-79) in a universal version. The military expected that they would use it on four types of carriers, but during the work it became clear that it was technically impossible to achieve such a result. NPP "Start" was ready to execute the contract with the change of the technical assignment, with a decrease in the number of installation carriers, but in the Ministry of Defense TZ decided not to change and terminated the contract.
As a result, in March this year the court decided to meet the demands of the ministry in part. In recovery of the penalty was refused, since the contract was not completed due to the decision of the Defense Ministry not to make changes to the terms of reference. At the same time, the judge ordered the plant to return to the budget the interest for using the advance. The amount of payments was nevertheless adjusted to 17 million rubles. The management of SPE "Start", nevertheless, expects to withdraw from the payment of interest for the use of the advance 113 million rubles. In late April, an appeal was lodged against the decision of the Moscow arbitration. Consideration of the application is scheduled for May 28.
Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Corporation "Rostekh"
NPP "Start"
The Kremlin is cloning weapons programs
Governance | 20.09.2018
In Rostekhnadzor will deal with the causes of emergency at the plant Sverdlova
Officials | 10.07.2018
Marina Sechina started to develop the details of the MS-21 aircraft
"Rostegh" introduced a semblance of Skype for officials
"Motovilikha" does not pass through the competition
The head of Uralvagonzavod Alexander Potapov recognized the sanctions as "invigorating"
The Armata tank is not ready again
Oboronprom fulfilled its mission faster than expected
Siemens Plans Lost in the Russian Court
Prime Minister of the Russian Federation allowed state companies to hide their suppliers
Defective missile shields
Umakhan Umakhanov left Russia's nuclear forces without hydraulic drives


text:
package org.gearvrf.jassimp;

import java.nio.ByteBuffer;

/**
 * Wrapper for 3-dimensional vectors.

 *
 * This wrapper is also used to represent 1- and 2-dimensional vectors. In
 * these cases only the x (or the x and y coordinate) will be used.
 * Accessing unused components will throw UnsupportedOperationExceptions.

 *
 * The wrapper is writable, i.e., changes performed via the set-methods will
 * modify the underlying mesh.
 */
public final class AiVector {
    /**
     * Constructor.
     *
     * @param buffer the buffer to wrap
     * @param offset offset into buffer
     * @param numComponents number vector of components
     */
    public AiVector(ByteBuffer buffer, int offset, int numComponents) {
        if (null == buffer) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("buffer may not be null");
        }

        m_buffer = buffer;
        m_offset = offset;
        m_numComponents = numComponents;
    }

    /**
     * Returns the x value.
     *
     * @return the x value
     */
    public float getX() {
        return m_buffer.getFloat(m_offset);
    }

    /**
     * Returns the y value.

     *
     * May only be called on 2- or 3-dimensional vectors.
     *
     * @return the y value
     */
    public float getY() {
        if (m_numComponents <= 1) {
            throw new UnsupportedOperationException(
                    "vector has only 1 component");
        }

        return m_buffer.getFloat(m_offset + 4);
    }

    /**
     * Returns the z value.

     *
     * May only be called on 3-dimensional vectors.
     *
     * @return the z value
     */
    public float getZ() {
        if (m_numComponents <= 2) {
            throw new UnsupportedOperationException(
                    "vector has only 2 components");
        }

        return m_buffer.getFloat(m_offset + 8);
    }

    /**
     * Sets the x component.
     *
     * @param x the new value
     */
    public void setX(float x) {
        m_buffer.putFloat(m_offset, x);
    }

    /**
     * Sets the y component.

     *
     * May only be called on 2- or 3-dimensional vectors.
     *
     * @param y the new value
     */
    public void setY(float y) {
        if (m_numComponents <= 1) {
            throw new UnsupportedOperationException(
                    "vector has only 1 component");
        }

        m_buffer.putFloat(m_offset + 4, y);
    }

    /**
     * Sets the z component.

     *
     * May only be called on 3-dimensional vectors.
     *
     * @param z the new value
     */
    public void setZ(float z) {
        if (m_numComponents <= 2) {
            throw new UnsupportedOperationException(
                    "vector has only 2 components");
        }

        m_buffer.putFloat(m_offset + 8, z);
    }

    /**
     * Returns the number of components in this vector.
     *
     * @return the number of components
     */
    public int getNumComponents() {
        return m_numComponents;
    }

    @Override
    public String toString() {
        return "[" + getX() + ", " + getY() + ", " + getZ() + "]";
    }

    /**
     * Wrapped buffer.
     */
    private final ByteBuffer m_buffer;

    /**
     * Offset into m_buffer.
     */
    private final int m_offset;

    /**
     * Number of components.
     */
    private final int m_numComponents;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


As concerns build that an influx of Russian military aid to Syria could make the conflict there worse, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke Tuesday with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The U.S. Defense Department has said Moscow appears to be setting up an air base near the northwestern Syrian port of Latakia.
At the White House, Press Secretary Josh Earnest repeated the U.S. position that Russia's support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a "losing bet."
"The reason for that is we have seen over the years that because of his failed leadership and because of his willingness to slaughter innocent people using the mechanics of that country's military, he has lost the legitimacy to lead that country," Earnest said.
"We have made clear that the solution - despite the decision of Russians to build up their military - the solution in Syria requires a diplomatic strategy."
Earnest indicated President Barack Obama might phone Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the coming days.
Russian newspaper Vedomosti, citing a source close to Russia's Defense Ministry, reported Tuesday that Russian personnel are simply helping to repair and upgrade infrastructure at a Syrian airfield in Latakia and at the Russian navy's supply and maintenance facility at Tartus, farther south on the coast, its only base on the Mediterranean.
In a Russian television interview aired on Sunday, Foreign Minister Lavrov confirmed that Moscow is supplying and will continue to supply weapons to Syria's government. Addressing concerns over a build up of Russian personnel, he said the shipments are "inevitably accompanied by Russian specialists, who help to get the appropriate equipment up and running [and] to train Syrian personnel in the handling of these weapons."
Yet some observers in Moscow say Russian personnel in Syria are engaged in something more significant than routine repair work and training.
Alexander Shumilin, head of the Center for Analysis of Middle East Conflicts at the Institute for U.S. and Canada Studies in Moscow, said he is convinced Russia's actions are aimed at ensuring the physical survival of President Assad and his inner circle.
"The emphasis is on the survival of the president, not maintaining his power ... in Damascus," Shumilin told VOA's Russian service. "Because Assad is losing territory to the advancing enemies, and it cannot be ruled out that he will have to hide somewhere in the north, in the district of Latakia, if events on the battlefield [continue to] unfold in the same way."
This is why, according to Shumilin, facilities are being strengthened in Latakia district, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite co-religionists.
"Correspondingly, while Bashar Assad is still alive and has not yet been overthrown, it should be possible to start a political process of handing over power," he said. "Because only Assad can ensure Russia's role in this transition. With his departure, this role will sharply decrease."
In an interview with VOA Russian service, Mahmoud al-Hamza, a Moscow-based member of the Syrian National Council, a coalition of opposition groups, also argued Russia's behavior in Syria is aimed at preventing Assad from being toppled.
"Apparently, it is motivated by a desire to transfer Assad ... to Latakia and keep him there as the legitimate president of Syria," Hamza said, adding that if Assad's government falls, Russia "will lose virtually everything" it has in Syria.
"That's why they are rushing to gain a foothold on the coast, above all to help the Alawites and preserve their interests," he said, adding: "I don't think this is happening without coordination with Iran."
In Hamza's view, Moscow's intervention in Syria is only adding to the crisis. "There will be more war, blood, and the chances for a political solution will disappear. In Russia, they say all the time that the Syrians must solve their own problems" he said. "Why, then, do they choose to intervene, and so unceremoniously?"
Yet the Institute for U.S. and Canada Studies's Shumilin argued Moscow is inclined to carry out a purely defensive operation, not an offensive one.
"It is not a matter of helping Assad to regain control of the country," he said. "At least, no one in Moscow has declared such intentions."
Shumilin thinks Moscow's actions in Syria may also be providing a diversion from its controversies elsewhere. "The Kremlin would like to shift attention from the impasse in Ukraine to its actions in Syria," he said.
As a bonus, Shumilin added, the actions in Syria play well to the militaristic fever that has gripped a significant part of Putin's electorate for more than a year.


In my work, I observe the body, inside and out, as a natural system, landscape or small universe. Inspired by the physical commonalities within Nature and the human body, I create hybrid anatomical and botanical forms or scenes that evoke surreal, magical worlds. I am interested in the spiritual oneness and interconnectedness of body and nature as one living force.
Lina Puerta, born in New Jersey and raised in Colombia, South America, lives and works in New York City. She received her B.A. from Wells College with Honors in Studio Art (1992) and a M.S. in Art Education from Queens College (1998). She has been awarded fellowships, including the EAF: 2010 from Socrates Sculpture Park and Urban Artists Initiative/NYC (2009-2010). Puerta has received funding awards from the Association of Hispanic Arts AHA (2009), the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council- MCAF Program (2006) and the Queens Council for the Arts (2004) for the creation of her Public works. Her work has been exhibited in several institutions and galleries including El Museo del Barrio, New York, NY; Lehman College Gallery, Bronx, NY; Kawasaki City Museum, Kawasaki, Japan; Hampden Gallery at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA; Socrates Sculpture Park, LIC, NY; Praxis Gallery, New York, NY and has had solo exhibits at The Sage Colleges: Opalka Gallery, Albany, NY and the Gathering of the Tribes, New York, NY.
Reviews of Puerta's work have appeared in publications such as Public Art & Ecology (China) Sculpture Magazine, New York Times, New York Arts Magazine, Times Union, Craft Magazine, El Diario, Newsday, as well as online publications such as, Hyperallergic, NY ReMezcla and NBC NewYork.


text:
Eric Hofer, Staff Reporter|January 11, 2022
image provided by IMDb
The newest film in the Spider-man franchise premiered on December 17, 2021
After seven movies, three trilogies, and three different actors, Marvel Studios is ready to wrap up almost two decades of Spider-Man movies on December 17, with the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, and Zendaya as Michelle Jones.
One major claim to fame of Spider-Man: No Way Home, is bringing together all three trilogies of Spider-Man movies, with Green Goblin, Doc Ock and Sandman being from the original or Tobey Maguire trilogy; Lizard and Electro being from the Amazing Spider-Man or Andrew Garfield trilogy; and of course Peter and his friends being from the Marvel or Tom Holland trilogy.
The story immediately picks up from where Spider-Man: Far From Home left off: with Peter's true identity as Spider-Man being exposed to the world, thanks to former antagonist, Mysterio and news anchor, J. Jonah Jameson. Peter is being framed for the murder of Mysterio, and he has to defend himself, along with his friends and family from the public.
When a spell casted by Dr. Strange goes awry, several villains from previous Spider-Man films return with a thirst for revenge. Dr. Strange's solution is to send these people back to their own universes all at once, and Peter agrees. However, when Peter meets Green Goblin, or Norman Osborn, who explains that he has nothing in this new universe, having no family, business or home to return to, he changes his view on Dr. Strange's plan. Later, Peter also finds out that all of these villains are destined to die in their own universes, so he tries to convince Dr. Strange that sending these people home isn't the best solution.
Jon Watts, the director of the film, did a spectacular job of balancing all the villains, giving each one the appropriate amount of screentime, without any of them ever feeling like they're being pushed aside. Even if someone was not familiar with any of the returning villains, the film explains enough of their backstory and origins for the rest of the movie to make sense.
As for the critical and commercial success, so far Spider-Man: No Way Home has a rare Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 99 percent, a 4.9/5 rating from viewers on Google, and an astonishing opening day box office of over $121 million – the second best opening day of all time, trailing behind Avengers: Endgame.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is a strong contender for the best Marvel movie so far; there's the perfect balance between comedy and drama, plenty of twists and turns, the visual effects and musical score are both stunning, and tackles the emotional struggles of the protagonist better than any Marvel movie prior.
Female Celebrity Documentaries You Must See
Best April Fools' Day Prank?


The leafy village of New Ollerton in Nottinghamshire, is probably as average as any other rural village in England, surrounded in the main by farmer's fields and only a stone's throw from Sherwood Forest, but recently this small parish has hit the news as being the 'most seismically active town in the British Isles'.
Since mid-December, the British Geological Survey has recorded more than 35 earthquakes around New Ollerton (the average total for the UK in one year being 200-300) and that number is still rising. Despite the small magnitude of the quakes, the BGS reports that many of them have been felt by residents; this in a country where only 20-30 earthquakes are felt by people in total each year.
James Lawson said it sounded like "something was trying to get through".
Mr Lawson, who lives in New Ollerton, said: "It's rather surreal and my son likens it to the monster under the house because it sounds like something is trying to get through.
"There's an almighty boom followed by extra after-booms. Sometimes, the car alarm might go off in the garage. Pots might fall off the side in the kitchen.
"At first it was a little scary, you fear for your house and property, but we've learned to live with it. It's more a curiosity than a nuisance."
Also reported in January was a larger 2.9 magnitude earthquake in nearby Loughborough, which lasted for 20 seconds but was felt in New Ollerton, 30 miles away.
The BGS goes to some length to downplay the significance of this unusual activity and trots out the usual excuse of being caused by mining in the area, as usual with no corroborating evidence to back up the claim.
Their claim loses further credibility when you consider that New Ollerton is only a few miles away from one of the three remaining deep pit mines in the UK - the Thoresby Colliery. There have been no reports of any problems there and surely if mining in the area was causing so many earthquakes, they would shut down the nearby pit to ensure worker safety!
The UK experiences approximately 100 earthquakes each year of magnitude 1.5 or above. When the threshold is lowered, approximately 200-300 seismic events are recorded each year, but are not considered earthquakes, strictly speaking, as with all measurements that small taken by the seismic recorders, events other than earthquakes can register a reading.


text:
Bushfire grants and loans face shake-up over lengthy application process
By Kathleen Ferguson and Anna Henderson
Posted MonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 8:55amMonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 8:55am , updated MonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 10:03amMonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 10:03am
Dan Tarasenko said he was facing four months without an income after horrendous fires. (Supplied: Dan Tarasenko)
The Federal Government has conceded it is taking too long to get loans and grants into the bank balances of the victims of summer's devastating and deadly bushfires.
The Government has set aside $2 billion to help with recovery, including millions for businesses
A Bega Valley farmer said it took five or six weeks to assemble all the paperwork he needed for an application, while trying to rebuild his business
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud has defended disaster recovery payments but condeded there are issues with processing loans and grants
Those delays have left farmers and businesses in limbo as they wait for much-needed money to assist in their recovery.
The Government set aside $2 billion to help with the bushfire recovery, including millions for primary producers and small businesses.
It announced grants of up to $50,000 and low-interest loans of up to $500,000 for businesses who had lost assets or whose revenue had plummeted.
Bega Valley chicken farmer Dan Tarasenko lost half of his stock and about 50 head of cattle when a fire ripped through his property.
He said he was not optimistic about how long it would take to process his application.
"It took us five or six weeks to get the paperwork together to even attempt an application," Mr Tarasenko said.
"Time is not anyone's friend, certainly not a farmer like me trying to get back into business."
'It needs to be done better': Minister
Figures from the National Bushfire Recovery Agency showed 738 applications for small business grants had been received across New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
Of these, 147 had been approved as of the end of February, which adds up to about $2.9 million.
The rate of approvals was lower again for concessional loans, with just five of the 104 applications receiving approval so far.
The Tarasenko family said it took them about six weeks to gather the information needed to submit their application. (Bill Brown: ABC South East)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitted it was taking too long and said he had raised the issue with the head of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
"I met with Andrew Colvin last week and the Minister and we are currently in the process of looking to rephrase and revise how those grants are being constructed," he told Question Time.
There's no right or wrong way to deal with the bushfire crisis. But here are some tips to help
With images showing distraught families fleeing bushfires, blackened homes, dead animals and smoke-filled skies, it's hard not to be affected by the bushfires.
It came after concerns were raised by New South Wales Government MPs, including state Member for Bega Andrew Constance and the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro.
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud defended the Government's role in bushfire funding.
"Sixty per cent of the disaster recovery payment, $400 per child, was done within 30 minutes," he said.
But Mr Littleproud agreed there were issues with the time it was taking to administer other loans and grants, particularly for small businesses.
"The grant arrangements and the loan arrangements are administered by the states after an agreement with the states in how those loans should be administered and the criteria in which they should be administered under," Mr Littleproud said.
A cluster of fires devastated the Bega Valley in recent months. (Supplied: RFS)
He said other options for the application process, including the criteria and information forms, were being considered.
"We'll help them [the states] to do this better because it needs to be done better," Mr Littleproud said.
"No one is walking away from that but we walk hand-in-hand with every level of government in making sure we support farmers, small business and particularly those Australians that have lost it all."
Recovery a 'marathon'
Andrew Colvin has maintained the recovery process was a "marathon, not a sprint".
Mr Colvin said $205 million had so far been spent from the $2 billion national bushfire recovery fund, but he expected that figure to rise significantly before the end of the financial year.
He said there was no additional appropriation of $2 billion in estimates statements, but he understood departments were paying out of their existing funds and would have their costs reconciled at budget time.
Mr Tarasenko said he had hoped his bid for help would not take too long.
"Every day we wake up it is still a mess, there is still no cash, it does start to impact you," Mr Tarasenko said.
Labor Senator Murray Watt questioned whether the $2 billion fund actually existed, after National Bushfire Recovery Agency deputy coordinator Abigail Bradshaw told the hearing the fund was "notional".
"So, the Prime Minister's announcement on the 6th of January, when he was under a lot of pressure, was that he had established a national bushfire recovery fund. But there is no fund, is there, it's not anywhere within the budget statements?" Senator Watt asked.
Posted 2 MarMarch 2020MonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 8:55am , updated 2 MarMarch 2020MonMonday 2 MarMarch 2020 at 10:03am
PM pledges $2b in bushfire recovery funding but assistance can't pay the bills
Mental health services boost delivers $76 million for fire-affected communities
Farewell to the great Australian summer that never was
Climate Change - Disasters
Plan for BushfiresPlan for a Heatwave


Take an official exam and certify your level in a foreign language.
With Bell, you can take exams like DELF/DALF, DELE, IELTS as well as the language assessment fide (that certifies your level in French and allows you to get your "Passeport des langues" for Swiss naturalization).
All dates for all exams and registration procedures are available in this section.


Neat videos, but I really hate scientism. Science as a religion is far worse than spirituality as a religion.
When I break out a ruler and measure a piece of wood, I'm not required to pray to science nor to believe or not what 2 feet 3 inches are. I'm somewhat lucky to live in a time where scientists are not killed in the name of blasphemy. The computer you are using, was not the result of prayer but applied scientific methods and engineering.
You're arguing against some kind of weird argument I didn't make. I never said my computer was the result of prayer rather than scientific pursuits, that would be insanely stupid. Our society required religion to make it far enough and allow science to progress in spite of the occasional damage religion did to "scientific process" (and indeed, religion has helped just as much as it has hindered considering its fostering nature towards early scholars). Spirituality is an innate feature of the human brain, and diverting it away from the steady foundation which religion provides and towards "science" as some kind of weird, emergent entity and philosophy is a terrible mistake.
The videos you posted are spiritual in nature. They do not evoke rational, scientific ideas. Like it or not, your videos are the epitome of science as religion.
You're arguing against some kind of weird argument I didn't make. I never said my computer was the result of prayer rather than scientific pursuits, that would be insanely stupid. Our society required religion to make it far enough and allow science to progress in spite of the occasional damage religion did to "scientific process" (and indeed, religion has helped just as much as it has hindered considering its fostering nature towards early scholars). Spirituality is an innate feature of the human brain, and diverting it away from the steady foundation which religion provides and towards "science" as some kind of weird, emergent entity and philosophy is a terrible mistake. The videos you posted are spiritual in nature. They do not evoke rational, scientific ideas. Like it or not, your videos are the epitome of science as religion.


Statements can either be read in from a text file using the src attribute or from between the enclosing groovy tags.
Set an inline command to execute.
Returns a new path element that can be configured.
print any results in the statement.
Read in lines and execute them.
Sets the classpath for loading.
Set the classpath for loading using the classpath reference.
Sets the configuration script for the groovy compiler configuration.
Setting to true will cause the contextClassLoader to be set with the classLoader of the shell used to run the script.
Should the script be executed using a forked process.
Should the system classpath be included on the classpath when forking.
Set the output file; optional, defaults to the Ant log.
If true, generates metadata for reflection on method parameter names (jdk8+ only).
Set the name of the file to be run.
Enable compiler to report stack trace information if a problem occurs during compilation.
Should a new GroovyShell be used when forking.
Set an inline command to execute. NB: Properties are not expanded in this text.
Returns a new path element that can be configured. Gets called for instance by Ant when it encounters a nested <classpath> element.
Setting to true will cause the contextClassLoader to be set with the classLoader of the shell used to run the script. Not used if fork is true. Not allowed when running from Maven but in that case the context classLoader is set appropriately for Maven.
Should the script be executed using a forked process. Defaults to false.
Should the system classpath be included on the classpath when forking. Defaults to true.
If true, generates metadata for reflection on method parameter names (jdk8+ only). Defaults to false.
parameters - set to true to generate metadata.
Should a new GroovyShell be used when forking. Special variables won't be available but you don't need Ant in the classpath.


Bundles of Cheap Human Hair Is One Of The Most Popular Types In The Market. We Are Using 100% Unprocessed Virgin Human Hair Made It. Brazilian Hair Bundles With Good Quality At Affordable Price. Cheap Human Hair Weave, Double Weft, Softness, Silky, True To Length, Thicker Healthy End. No Shedding No Tangle.


(Washington, DC—April 8, 2013) Outages to the U.S. power grid caused by storms and other natural disasters cost an average of $150 billion in economic losses each year. Recognizing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, companies in a variety of industries—from telecommunications firms and banks to hospitals—are turning to fuel cells to provide an efficient, clean, and most importantly, reliable source of backup power, according to a new case study by Fuel Cells 2000, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.
"When the Grid Fails: Fuel Cells Power Critical Infrastructure in Disasters" profiles industries that are beginning to adopt fuel cell systems for backup power and examines how the fuel cells performed in recent catastrophic weather events, including Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Winter Storm Alfred.
Fuel cells can operate independently of the power grid, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity for businesses that rely on truly uninterrupted power. They have also demonstrated a higher level of reliability than diesel generators, which are more susceptible to mechanical failures. The report takes an in-depth look at four industries that are shifting toward fuel cell backup power: telecommunications, data centers, grocery and retail, and hospitals and highlights where fuel cells have successfully proven to operate when the grid has gone down. It also lists other sectors and services, including first responders such as police and fire stations and gas stations as sites where fuel cells can and have provided crucial power in times of need.
The full report is available for download at http://www.fuelcells.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Fuel-Cells-in-Storms.pdf.


text:
For similarly named United States Navy ships, see USS Waneta.

The second USS Wahneta (YT-134), later YTM-134, was a United States Navy yard tug in commission from 1939 to 1946.Wahneta was laid down on 29 September 1938 at Mare Island Navy Yard at Vallejo, California. She was launched at midnight on 3 May 1939 — as tide conditions were most favorable then — via an "aerial route:" Large cranes hoisted her up from her building way, swung her out over the water, and then gently lowered her into the channel.

Completed on 23 June 1939, and subsequently commissioned, Wahneta performed towing and fire-fighting duties in the busy 12th Naval District throughout World War II. During this service, she was reclassified as a medium harbor tug and redesignated YTM-134 on 15 May 1944.

After the close of World War II, Wahneta'' was declared surplus to Navy needs and was struck from the Navy List on 30 December 1946. She was transferred to the Maritime Commission on 2 June 1947 for disposal.

References

External links
Wahneta (YTM-134) ex Wahneta (YT-134) (1939 - 1944)

Tugs of the United States Navy
Ships built in Vallejo, California
1939 ships
World War II auxiliary ships of the United States

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
L.A. District Seeks Refund From Apple Amid Investigations
The Los Angeles Unified School District's ambitious plan to provide an iPad for every student has been derailed by questions about the contract bidding process and dissatisfaction with the software.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) this week asked Apple to refund fees paid for educational content licenses provided by Pearson Education, Apple's partner in a $1.3 billion iPad contract that began as a $30 million deal in June 2013. The goal had been to give every L.A. district student an iPad with instructional software.
In a letter sent to Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell, LAUSD general counsel David Holmquist says Pearson failed to deliver what it promised for the district's Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI), formerly referred to as the Common Core Technology Project.
"While Apple and Pearson promised a state-of-the-art technological solution for ITI implementation, they have yet to deliver it, " Holmquist wrote. "Despite issuance of cure notices to Apple and numerous meetings with Apple and Pearson, few improvements have been made."
Holmquist states that LAUSD will no longer use Pearson content for ITI and will no longer purchase Apple devices that contain Pearson content.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
In an emailed statement, Pearson extolled its long working history with the LAUSD and its investment in transforming instructional practices. "LAUSD oversaw a large-scale implementation of new technologies and there have been challenges with the initial adoption, but we stand by the quality of our performance," a company spokesperson said. "We took on this challenging work because of the opportunity to bring innovation of digital learning to scale in the most diverse district in the country serving large numbers of students living in poverty."
Following the resignation of LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy in October last year, his successor, Ramon Cortines, suspended the iPad program in early December, a day after FBI agents arrived at LAUSD headquarters and seized boxes full of documents.
We are transforming education! #allyouthachieving pic.twitter.com/dHoTgOoV03
— John Deasy (@DrDeasyLAUSD) August 27, 2013
According to the Los Angeles Times, the FBI was carrying out a federal grand jury subpoena seeking information on the contract and the bidding process as well as records related to other projects.
An LAUSD spokesperson confirmed reports that the SEC has opened an informal inquiry into the district's use of bond funds for the iPad deal.
A September 2014 report by the American Institutes for Research identified a number of problems with the district's iPad program, problems that indicate technology alone won't improve education.
The report cites complaints by some teachers that: Pearson's curriculum was incomplete during training sessions; training sessions didn't explain how to integrate the curriculum into classrooms effectively; and apps couldn't be accessed. It also cites a variety of technical roadblocks faced in classroom settings: poor connectivity; device problems; a lack of training among teachers; a lack of technology skills among teachers and students; a lack of district communication and guidance; problems with Apple IDs, login, and email; and various other issues.
The LAUSD's dissatisfaction with Pearson's curriculum has only partially affected Apple. While the LAUSD has put a hold on its plan to provide every student with an iPad, it continues to buy technology from Apple. But the district is also looking beyond a single vendor. According to the L.A. Times the LAUSD had been moving away from single vendor contracts since early 2014.
Over the winter break, according to LA School Report, the district spent $13 million to buy 21,000 iPad Airs and keyboards, along with 6,000 Chromebooks. Chromebooks became an option for LA schools after the iPad deal unraveled, at the approval of Cortines, and are expected to cost the district between $100 to $200 less than iPads (which cost about $768 apiece, curriculum included).


Since I moved to London in 2016 I've been wanting to go to Bristol. I finally did so last weekend. And I LOVED it.
My favourite part was the street art everywhere. So colourful and full of creativity. It reminded me a lot of my hometown in Brazil.


silver, analyst Johann Wiebe said.
percent to 212.5 million ounces.
industrial demand down 1 percent to 578.6 million ounces.
solar panels picked up and U.S. coin sales expanded.
falling again in the early 2020s.
Silver is currently trading around $15.25 an ounce.


Nominate your house! Nominate a neighbor's house!
Studies show that home upkeep and beautification by caring, committed residents keeps crime rates low and property values healthy, thereby benefiting the whole community.
You can help honor those Lakewood residents who go "above and beyond" to keep their home and yards looking beautiful.
Beautiful Home Award. This is the city's most traditional award, which has honored hundreds of Lakewood homes over three decades. This award recognizes the front-facing exterior and landscaping of a home, displaying exceptional care and pride of ownership.
Jackie Rynerson "Transformation Award." This will honor homeowners who have remodeled the front-facing exterior and landscaping of their property over the past three years. The rejuvenation need not have been expensive or elaborate, but something that improves or enhances the overall property. To be eligible, the bulk of the improvements must have been done or overseen by the current homeowner, not a prior homeowner. Nominations must include both "before" and "after" photos to demonstrate the transformation (digital photos may be uploaded to the online nomination form). Homes being marketed for sale are not eligible.
Jackie Rynerson was an original Lakewood resident who helped organize her fellow citizens to form the City of Lakewood in 1954. Jackie served as a city council member from 1978 to 1990, and she created the original Lakewood Beautiful to inspire and honor Lakewood homeowners.
Water-Wise Award. This honors beautiful homes nominated in one of the first two categories who deserve extra recognition for landscaping that utilizes water-conserving irrigation devices and plantings.
You can nominate your property or that of a neighbor by going to www.lakewoodcity.org/LakewoodBeautifulForm or by calling City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 3123. Nomination forms will also be in city utility bills over the course of March and April.
The nomination deadline is May 10, 2019.
After the nomination deadline, photos are taken by a professional photographer of the street-facing portion of each home and yard. A panel of judges then reviews the photos and determines if the home will be recognized. Winners will be notified and honored at a Lakewood Celebrates reception in the fall.
What does it take to be Lakewood Beautiful?


Maple Valley Creative Arts Council is now on Flickr! View our photos and albums from years past.
Join us from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, May 17th at the Tahoma Elementary School Auditorium to find out who Judges will select as this year's top winners!
"Audience Choice Winner" Ballots are a $5 suggested donation. One ballot per person only.
Maple Valley Idol, Jr. is a FREE community event produced by the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and help us to continue producing creative programs, like MV Idol, Jr.
Volunteers Needed for Arts Fest!
We need help from our community to make Arts Fest happen! From set-up to tear-down, MVCAC volunteers make it happen. Email us to let us know if you're willing to pitch in a couple of hours. Volunteer shifts are available on Wednesday, June 5th through Sunday, June 9th.
MVCAC has the following upcoming opportunities for local artists and MVCAC members. Email mvcac@comcast.net for more information or to sign up.
- Show, perform, and sell your work at the MVCAC Farmers' Market booth this season.
- Artist's Rotations at the Arts Center.
- Bi-monthly Four Corners Art Walk.
- Arts Fest during Maple Valley Days. See more information and the prospectus on our homepage. Cash awards and prizes available.
Maple Valley ArtWalk kicks off!
Check out our new sign on the front of the building!
We finally have a sign that is visible to everyone driving past our Creative Arts Center!


text:
Roll up! Roll up! It's the GIANT BESTIVAL REVIEW – 2018!
November 8, 2018 August 13, 2018 by Anna Hyams
Roll up, roll up! It's the most colourful show on earth! We're back at Lulworth Castle for Bestival's second year in it's new location and it's 15th Anniversary year, the UK is hotter than Mordor right now and we've packed enough glitter to ice an entire season of Drag Race.
Ok, first things first. Getting in. After a miscommunication about certain carparks being full (they weren't) and half our group being sent miles across site, we finally a few hours later manage to pitch up in Rainbow Rave camp. The first thing we notice after grabbing ourselves a lanyard (sans tote bag and programme, we really miss those!) and setting up the tents, is that there appears to be precisely ONE block of portaloos for the entirety of Rainbow camp. Seriously. It's by far the largest campsite too. That is so not going to be fun in the morning…
Heading into the arena for a first look around, we also notice that there are absolutely no food vendors in Rainbow either… meaning we can say goodbye to a nice morning stroll for breakfast before getting ready to go out for the day. Unimpressed is an understatement – it was considerably better on both food and toilet fronts last year, two things that can really make or break your camping experience.
However, one new development which we wholeheartedly approve of, is the new "integrated site" layout (which is actually just a return to Bestival's of old) whereby there's no discernable divide between campsite and arena. This crucially means that there are no bottle-neck lengthy security queues and you can take your camping alcohol along with you – anywhere!
It's also great to note that since last year's unfortunate drug-related death at the event, Bestival has immediately stepped up their game. There are police officers and dogs on the campsite gates, as well as 'The Loop' – a drug testing service on site and lots of very noticeable 'Chill Welfare' helpers dotted around the place, as well as an Amnesty bin. Drugs are always going to make it into events, no matter what precautions are put in place, so it's great to see Bestival addressing the problem from multiple angles.
Anyway as we walk through the site we immediately spot some differences from last years' debut – The Temple is now nestled at the bottom of a giant hill halfway between camping and the main arena, it looks absolutely stunning and now offers a place to sit back and take it all in, if you don't feel like getting in the middle of it. Previously it was at the top of a slope instead but we think this orientation is going to work out so much better, it looks like a beautiful secret club in the woods, with a hillside covered in fluttering silk flags. HMS Bestival has also moved to less of a thoroughfare spot, but it is still disappointingly tiny compared to it's original iteration as 'The Port'.
We also spy a frankly MASSIVE trapeze set up on the hill and a high-wire fenced off in the centre of 'Cuckoo Clump'. This whole area has changed completely, it's considerably more open and inviting than last year's higgledy piggledy maze of vendors and spaces. We spy Stacey's and House of Vans on our way past but we're heading straight for the Castle and The Feast Collective for some top notch grub. As we head through the lawn we pop over to say hello to DJ BBQ, who is enjoying a beer whilst standing in his own paddling pool. So jealous right now. He reliably informs us that he'll be slinging more meat on tomorrow, as well as giving us frequent air guitar shows on his own miniature stage.
Now I've raved about The Feast Collective every single year, the variety and quality are unparalleled at any other festival in the UK, but oh my gosh. It's hotter than hell in the tent but we are all overwhelmed by the smells and sounds, the long picnic tables down the centre and pretty fairy lights. My first festival meal has to be Shrimpy's – a tray of battered prawns, hand cut proper chips and a heap of samphire. It's effing decadent festival dining let me tell you. Following it up we give the edible cocktails a try, Blue Lagoon is horrific, but Espresso Martini is a delight, even if you do feel like you're joining the ill-advised tide pod craze.
After a quick look at the Castle field we head into the Old Mout Kiwi Camp for a singalong, it's always karaoke time in there and the tent is rammed, so we settle ourselves into a massive hammock thing and add our drunken voices to an absolutely dire rendition of Fugees 'Killing Me Softly'. After a few more songs and a couple of ciders we decide to check out Bollywood, where some guys unwisely decided to try and teach us (the perpetually uncoordinated) to 'tut'. Needless to say we were poor, and left laughing.
Over in my personal favourite space at Bestival; Caravanserai, we are mesmerized by Cirque Bijou's trapeze, silk and rope artists, spinning and dropping above us in sparkly outfits. The whole place is absolutely alive with wonder and awe – something I've come to really appreciate about Bestival. It's not often that adults allow themselves to be utterly swept away in the moment and give in to childlike feelings of amazement, I think that's what feels so special about it.
We also catch a little of The Roustabout Collection on the carousel stage, who are exactly as rowdy and fun as the name suggests, grab ourselves an Elderflower Gin Fizz from one of the little bars and have a sit down in one of the old waltzers. Everyone is chatting, laughing, dancing and sparkling here – I feel so at home. After filling up our souls in Caravanserai, we begin the walk back to our campsite and decide to go via The Temple which is truly even more beautiful at night, bathed in the pink light of the lasers. There's a sea of sweaty, uninhibited bodies jumping to the rhythm of beat, it's almost hypnotic. Half of me wants to rush in and join them but the other half of me has spotted another festival staple – Anna Mae's Mac n Cheese. It wins out and soon we're digging our way through mac whilst trekking up the big hill home.
Oh dear lord it's HOT. Wriggling into our first spangly outfits of the weekend (yes, we have brought theme-appropriate clothing for all three days) we head out as quickly as possible as we're all starving. Breakfast is smashed avo on toast (basic bitch alert) followed by several average attempts at the Mitchum Ball Pool, in which you have to collect golden balls which spell out the brand name. Definitely aren't going to be winners but they are pushing mini sample deodorant on us which we sincerely appreciate in this heat. Next door we grab ourselves free iced lattes from Nescafe Aezera and then truck up the hill to have a look at Gorilla Circus.
Little did we realise that you can just rock up and HAVE A GO. The trapeze is a giant hulking metal contraption that from the outside sort of resembles a bear trap, and is honestly no less terrifying. Some of my crew sign themselves up for a go and are pretty quickly let loose on skills like a leg-hold, back tuck and even a catch! It's amazing and insane that this is just freely available to do at a festival, every time you think you know Bestival – they come up with something else absolutely shockingly brilliant to add to the lineup.
After the heights of the Trapeze and being out in the sun for hours, we traipse over to the Castle field for an icy slushie and some shade to watch Oh My God! It's The Church. Having caught them last year in the Big Top, we knew they were not to be missed. The Reverend Birmingham Alabama in his gold suit is certifiably crackers, the band and vocalists are all incredible and we LOVE their rendition of Fatboy Slim's 'Praise You'. If we weren't trying to fend off sunstroke, we'd have been front and centre, but we take a precautionary manoeuvre and head up through Ambientland (the forest) in search of Slow Motion.
After a quick toot on the mushroom sound pipes (not a drug reference, one of the forest's art installations) we wind our way out into a grassy field with a tent where 'Bubble Meditation' is going on. Relaxing music, everyone lying down in a meditative state and um… small children walking around with bubble-guns. It's odd to say the least but hey, whatever floats your… bubble I guess.
We take a look inside The Frozen Mole, but can't spy any actual frozen moles in the ceiling, and then settle into some deck chairs in the shade of a small tree, as a peacock walks by and some other people are getting themselves a rejuvenating IV drip at the tent next to us. You really couldn't make it up, everything is weird and wonderful here.
Over on the main stage Idles are going absolutely berserk, yelling "This is a song about how much I love immigrants" and wearing the Choose Love refugee tshirts. I'll be honest, it's not my sort of thing – but I do appreciate the cute little circle pit that has sprung up in front of the stage. At The Feast Collective we're lured into the tent by a lady with fried jackfruit samples, which entice us to buy truly one of the best burgers we've ever eaten at a festival – and all vegan too.
Refueled we head back out to see our Bestival faves, The Cuban Brothers. If you've never experienced the CB's, you really need to. They're comedy kings, with a side of hip hop funk, crazy dance moves and fringed leotards. What's not to love? Bursting on stage Miguel notes that the CB's are "…the only band to play all 15 years at Bestival" and they indeed Bestival personified. Kenny (The Bastard) and Archerio bust out some duo disco moves "Together they are… Double Penetration!" and Miguel notes that Arch is "…sweating like a pregnant nun for you tonight" – as a mum on the front row quickly clamps her hands over her young son's ears.
We're treated to Kenny's artistic Whitney Houston 'I wanna dance with somebody' rendition, warm up our hip circles with Miguel and marvel at Juan Erection's flips and breaking during 'Ante Up'. Oh and a slew of families quickly escape the arena when Miguel takes all his clothes off except some very tiny pants, and starts banging the mic with his penis. Standard.
As the sun begins to set on this incredible first full day at Bestival, people are flooding into the arena in a host of sparkly costumes and accessories with glitter and smiles plastered all over their faces. We're scouting out our perfect dancing spot for tonight's headliner – Silk City.
READ OUR FULL SILK CITY REVIEW HERE!
After an incredible Bestival debut full of hard-hitting mixes, neon and raucous dancing, we really should be partied out… but at Bestival, the night is never really over. We head from the arena to The Temple to catch a bit of Kiwi, and drink in the image of all the gorgeous wild and free souls under the stars of Lulworth, there's nothing quite like it.
After choking awake in our furnaces/tents we dress in appropriately Circus-themed outfits (ringmaster plus circus animals and props) and head into the arena for Kojey Radical, who is busting up the Castle stage in sparkly red converse, he deserves a much bigger crowd than there is down the front – but there are pools of people crammed into every available patch of shade, hiding from the heat. We grab ourselves a slushie and watch Rodrigo Pérez, aka The Human Cannonball blast himself 25 metres through the air onto a giant inflatable crash-mat. It's exactly as mad as it sounds, even LoveBot looks concerned.
Stefflon Don is reportedly stuck in traffic and isn't going to make it so we head off in search of energetic delights in the form of The World's Biggest Bouncy Castle. It truly is humungous (taller than the Great Wall of China and roughly three times the size or the Berlin Wall, filled with 1143 cubic metres of air, in case you were wondering) and we are all giddy like five year olds hopped up on Birthday cake just looking at it. What we didn't realise, as we gleefully ditched our shoes and socks is that it would be HOTTER THAN HADES on that thing, the rainbow canvas scorching our feet as we attempt to bounce ourselves right out of it. Great photos, loved it anyway – a must do Bestival experience.
Over in The Big Top, Black Honey are the perfect blend of indie rock and sparkle with vocalist Izzy Phillips owning the stage in a rainbow sequin dress, the band are great and really kindly come out after their set to hand out free EP's and patches, even signing stuff and posing for selfies – they've definitely gained more than a few new fans on the back of this performance, a great pick from the Bestival team.
Up next are the funky and fun Superfood; we'd been pre-gaming with their stuff on the Bestival playlist and they certainly did not disappoint. We loved 'Unstoppable' and their eponymous song 'Superfood' has a very Radiohead-esque riff that we're into but it's you know… happier. We also have a quick catch up with the man Rob Da Bank himself, who just seems to be hopping around the site checking up on people and saying hello. Rob tells us that he hasn't had a go on the trapeze himself yet and SFG accuse him of being a fraidy-cat.
Over on the main stage we are blown away by the stunningly talented First Aid Kit, playing in the blazing sunshine in coordinated zebra-print outfits. The Söderberg sisters' vocals are unparalleled and they don't hesitate to bring a political message along for the ride, yelling "…That was our protest punk song… for women… we're really sick of being fucking afraid" and waxing lyrical about how rape crime is rife with victim blaming propaganda. The crowd roars in agreement as they gutsily shout "The blame and the shame always belong to the perpetrator, no more fucking excuses!".
We couldn't rave more about their Kate Bush 'Running Up That Hill' cover but our absolute favourite is the dark and brooding 'Wolf Mother' backed by cyclical wolf visuals on the big screen. The ambience is only slightly marred by the sight of two people wielding actual first-aid-kits attached to tent poles down the front; it did make us giggle. Finishing up with a crowd-wide crooning for Emmylou, their "little love song" and finally the outstanding 'Silver Lining' set against a galaxy backdrop as the sun begins to set gold over the whole arena. It is the perfect show.
We recharge with an insanely rich salted caramel brownie with ice-cream from The Green Brownie before bowling headlong into madness with the weird and wonderful, Grace Jones. Stalking on stage in a billowing black sheet and golden skull mask, she's dramatically striking in appearance with vocals to match. We have to laugh when she disparages her trip to Bestival; "I had to take a helicopter… helicopter… but I wasn't gonna miss it if I had to take some wings and fly myself…" and dons a metal feather mane whilst writhing on the floor of the stage. 'My Jamaican Guy' sees her casually whipping her extraordinarily beautiful pole-dancing man – who is covered in matching body paint, before she cracks out a massive pony-headdress and hops on the shoulders of a roadie to parade the pit area high-fiving fans on the front-line for 'Pull Up to the Bumper'. The confetti cannon sprays the crowd with rainbow ticker tape as Jones comes back to the stage shouting "Who's camping out? My God… let's go before they pull the plug on me" and we're all going crazy for 'Slave to the Rhythm' and a good 15 minutes of solid hula-hooping whilst singing. The woman is a machine.
As Grace Jones exits the stage we all turn around to face Lulworth Castle and are met with an audio-visual anniversary spectacular played out on the castle itself – Bestival themes over the last 15 years, a bombardment of amazing fireworks and a lot of oohing and aahing. 'Somewhere Beyond The Sea' plays and the final message reads "Sail safe shipmates" – is this a clue to next year's Bestival theme we wonder?
Strangely after this 'firework finale' which in previous years would mark the very end of the festival, we still have London Grammar to go on the main stage. It's a bit of an emotional whiplash going from the party vibe of Grace Jones and the excitement of the fireworks into the soft, ambient vacuum of London Grammar, but they are stunningly beautiful.
READ OUR FULL LONDON GRAMMAR REVIEW HERE!
As the Castle stage closes, we head out for the nightclubs of Bestival and oh we are spoiled for choice – Stacey's and House of Vans are jumping, Caravanserai looks like a glittering chandelier and HMS Bestival's lights pierce the darkness. Carpe PM!
Sunday morning at Bestival always feels slower. The toilet queue is visibly hungover and big sunglasses are a must. Luckily it's marginally cooler today because in the harsh light of day it's pretty clear a lot of little lobsters have been neglecting their sun-cream this weekend. We take a fortifying hike up to Slow Motion for a little life affirming Bollywood yoga and a wonky-veg slushie (which was a lot tastier than it looked, which is good because it looked like gators might live in it). Over on the Castle stage the soothing sounds of Songhoy Blues ring out over the site and bring us back to life, as we peep into The Frozen Mole where a tshirt design workshop is in full swing.
We tiptoe past aerial-yoga, where people appear to be fighting brightly coloured silks on A-frames in attempt to achieve inner peace, and head to the main arena for Gentleman's Dub Club for a boogie – albeit a gentle one whilst we're in recovery. Next up, with absolutely no remorse for our fragile states is the batshit crazy Dubioza Kolektiv, who appear to be dressed as crash-test dummies with boundless energy. Brandishing signs reading 'make', 'some' and 'noise' they yell "Find a person in the crowd to hug" and this being Bestival, that is exactly what happens – strangers hugging strangers, increasing the peace. We are in fits of laughter at their song 'Free.mp3' otherwise known as 'The Pirate Bay Song' with it's repetitive message "Our music is for free, you can download mp3, keep it playing on repeat, if you hate it press delete" and their unashamed Pirate Bay flags – it's going straight on our illegal playlists.
Hauling on stage a group of jump-ropers, they attempt to "teach the crowd some Bosnian lyrics" whilst skipping; "…jumping the rope is traditional Bosnian dance… we do this for 2 thousand years". They're mental, we love it.
Up next the arena is packed for Chaka Khan, who arrives on stage to backdrops of her signature, wearing a sparkly top also featuring her signature. You could say it's a signature look… ha. Despite an initial kerfuffle with her mic being off, she launches into the good solid disco music we've all been waiting for, in the sunshine. It seems the sun-facing stage is a bit much for Chaka though as she gripes "How you doin… damn I hate this shit, I hate the sun in my face… I'm brown enough!". The set is decent but in truth we've all been waiting for 'I'm Every Woman' which is exactly as fun as we'd hoped (there's a man wearing fluffy fringing who looks like he's been positively dipped in glitter, having the most fabulous time atop his friends' shoulders) and 'Ain't Nobody' is explosive with the addition of a confetti blast from the cannon. Magical.
Afterwards, the sad news about the passing of Barry Chuckle – a Bestival veteran, is screened on the main stage as sad "to me, to you" lines are spoken around the site, The Chuckle Brothers have been a big part of this festival for years, and indeed, most of our childhoods.
Plan B attacks the main stage with 'Grateful' wearing a curious outfit, half Peaky Blinders, half military tactical jacket, with a strange white chin-strap thing. It kind of looks like he's sprained his beard. I don't get it. As the tall tramway lights flicker, Drew asks "Can I get some vodka please?" and busts out fan favourite 'Prayin' and 'She Said' with the entire crowd singing along. It's amazing how many people actually know the entire rap section actually. Calling out "Who's drunk? No that's not enough… who's drunk?" Plan B can't hear this amusing response from the crowd; "You're drunk! You put your highlighter on wrong son, blend honey!" but we're all giggling as he heads into 'Welcome to Hell'.
After all that dancing we're desperate for nourishment and absolutely spoilt for choices still. Tonight it's grilled steak and chips from The South West Food Collective, whose proceeds go to charity and who are collecting leftover food from Bestival vendors and campsite hubs tomorrow to be distributed to a local food bank. Not only that, the steak is crazy good, restaurant good. It's things like this that Bestival draws in that really make the difference. The entire vibe of this festival is centered on its motto 'Increase The Peace' and rather than just say it, this is the festival that actually strives to model it.
Up next is the part artist, part activist, musically explosive M.I.A. smashing up The Castle Stage for the finale of Bestival 2018. She's a force to be reckoned with, emerging from her temple doorway under yellow billowing curtains;
CHECK OUT OUR FULL M.I.A. REVIEW HERE!
After M.I.A. we scurry over to the Cuckoo Clump for the grand finale, which begins with an incredible violinist in a glowing dress, surrounded by neon lit umbrellas dancing in unison at her feet. Above a perilous high wire, sans any form of safety net or harness sways ominously in the light breeze. We are utterly amazed by the three tightrope walkers from Cirque Bijou, who proceed to walk, lie-down, headstand and even climb over each other, but then they just continue to up the ante. There's a guy walking on the top wire – even higher than the original wire… then they set it on fire… then he rides a bike across… then a girl attached to a harness sails along it with a balloon and danger dances with the man who has no harness… It's nail-biting stuff. The accompanying fireworks exploding from three different locations, lighting up the helter-skelter are the cherry on top of the most fantastic layer-cake of this finale. I've seen some mad incredible things in my time at Bestival but I really think this has been one of the most incredible. I don't know of any other experience on this earth that is as chaotic, mysterious, bizarre and awe inspiring. With that, we are off to Caravanserai to hide out in a camper, drink cocktails and dance like we don't have to go home tomorrow. Rudimental are DJ'ing The Temple soon, and there are at least a few more heady hours of glorious freedom to be had. See you next year Bestival, you have well and truly got your mojo back.
Images © Andy McHardy for Summer Festival Guide
Categories Reviews Tags 2018, Bestival, Black Honey, Chaka Khan, Circus, First Aid Kit, Grace Jones, london grammar, Lulworth Castle, M.I.A, Plan B, Rob da Bank, Silk City, The Cuban Brothers Leave a comment
Bestival announces Invaders of the Future!
June 10, 2020 March 30, 2016 by Anna Hyams
Making Bestival the festival to discover new music is a big part of what keeps us buzzing. Finding an incredible new band that could change your life, or that one amazing unknown track that will blow everyone away is something that our intrepid curator Rob da Bank has made his life's work. With his monumental musical knowledge helping him to sniff out a cornucopia of mysterious gems, Rob's track record for discovering the next big thing is unparalleled, and the Invaders of the Future stage is Bestival's cathedral of cutting edge sounds where you'll find this year's selection of bright young things who could just be your new favourite band in The Future.
Rob da Bank says: "Yup, we all love a stonking big headliner at Bestival, and huge DJs and bands that have sold millions of records smashing it on our stages, but mostly where you'll find me across the weekend at Bestival is in our Invaders stage checking out the new bands. Once more we've gone mentally diverse from Radio 1 and SXSW darling's Danny L Harle, Pup and Sunflower Bean through the amazing Eska and a takeover from the hottest label out there, PC Music, to local island talent Born Ina Barn and Xockha. See you down the front!"
Out on a mission to capture your heart and keep your feet moving at the UK's official Best Major Festival, the Invaders of the Future stage will be bouncing all weekend long to sets from west London's All This Noise, high-octane punks Asylums, atmospheric four-piece Black Honey, Island b-boys Born Ina Barn, and soulful pop types Clean Cut Kid, with appearance from Coco, Creeper and Saturday's late night headliner Danny L Harle.
We'll also have singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eska, beguiling trio Fatherson, pop outfit Fickle Friends, rock n rollers The Greasy Slicks, the darkly inventive HÆLOS, visceral Spanish indie quartet Hinds and the swirling sounds of The Japanese House.
Getting those in the know all hot under the collar there will be more Invaders of the Future action from the golden voiced JP Cooper, Illinois's K.Flay, the folk musings of L.A. Salami, hotly-tipped Merseysider Louis Berry, emo four-piece Moose Blood, punk rockers Milk Teeth, hyperreal ultrapop label PC Music All Stars and Pinegrove.
Don't miss the chance to check out Merthyr Tydfil's Pretty Vicious, Toronto's Pup, the hypnotic and pulsing Rationale, off-kilter R&B producer Royce Wood Junior, epic indie upstarts The Sherlocks, Mancunian powerhouse Spring King, mesmerising 12-piece Stompy's Playground and incorrigible ravers Subgiant.
And make sure you catch amazing new music from Brooklyn trio Sunflower Bean, Smugglers co-founder Will Varley, purveyors of surf-doom The Wytches, alt rockers Vant, the Island's own Xockha and indie three-piece Zibra.
Collecting all our top tips for the future in one mind-blowing stage, head to the Invaders of the Future and discover what fires up Bestival's soul.
Categories Bestival, Festivals Tags 2016, All This Noise, Asylums, Bestival, Black Honey, Born Ina Barn, Clean Cut Kid, Coco, Creeper, Danny L Harle, Eska, Hinds, Invaders Of The Future, Iow, Isle Of Wight, Milk Teeth, Moose Blood, Pretty Vicious, Rob da Bank, Robin Hill Leave a comment
Clean Bandit, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim and more set for Croatia Rocks
November 18, 2018 December 11, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide
The pioneering Ibiza Rocks brand will travel to Zrce Beach to once again revolutionise the music holiday format with Croatia Rocks on 19th – 23rd July 2015. The festival marks a decade at the forefront of the Ibizan music scene for the group. Working with the team behind the monumental Hideout Festival and with Ibiza Rocks' Musical Director Zane Lowe at the helm, Croatia Rocks will welcome a handpicked selection of live and DJ heavy hitters and newcomers from the world-famous Rocks & W.A.R! stages.
By day, Croatia Rocks teams up with the biggest clubbing brands on the planet as revelers are treated to a myriad of DJ talent against the backdrop on the stunning Adriatic coastline. By night, The Rocks and W.A.R! stages deliver the best of live and electronic music into the early hours as the crowds party with the biggest names and hottest upcoming talent.
Live highlights at the inaugural Croatia Rocks include the standout live act of 2014 Clean Bandit, the funk-inspired Jungle who bring their extensive live show to the beautiful surroundings of Zrce Beach. Kwabsbrings his exceptional vocals and anthemic songwriting to sun-kissed revelers, while lyricist Kate Tempest, the hotly tipped Shura, Brighton-based surf-rockers Black Honey and high-energy London lads The Bulletproof Bomb, all fly the flag for innovative new UK music.
Croatia Rocks will also host DJ sets on the sandy beaches of Pag from double BRIT winner Fatboy Slim, who returns for the first time in three years to Croatia. After the roaring success of their number one debut album 'Home' Rudimental will fire up the Croatia Rocks crowds with a very special DJ set as well as a plethora of electronic music's finest including Wilkinson, Hannah Wants, Blonde, B.Traits, Soul Clap,Monki, Shy FX, Friend Within, Karma Kid, Waze & Odyssey, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Doorly, Mak & Pasteman, Eton Messy DJs, Jaymo & Andy George, Tom Shorterz and Lxury.
Categories Festivals Tags Anushka, b traits, Black Honey, Clean Bandit, Croatia Rocks, Fatboy Slim, Hannah Wants, jungle, Kate Tempest, Kwabs, Rudimental, Shura, Wilkinson, Zane Lowe Leave a comment