text:
The Powerful Secret College Women's Centers Can Teach Us that Might Save Higher Education
· Higher Education
Synopsis: When we think about the future of higher education, college women's and gender centers may not be the first places that come to mind, but college women's and gender centers have a powerful secret to teach educators about pushing back against the dehumanizing effects of neoliberalism in higher education. College educators who wish to resist the deterioration of educational values during this time of uncertainty could do well to follow the lead of campus women's and gender centers by clarifying why they do what they do and then proceeding to relentlessly pursue that purpose. In this essay, I share the powerful secret that college women's and gender centers can teach us that might save higher education. Additionally, I share insights from Jane Goettsch, Dr. Susan Marine, and Ashley Brown regarding their experience and expertise related to campus women's and gender centers. (20 min read, 7 min skim)
Many educators know what they do. For example, instructors know that they teach, program coordinators know that they organize educational initiatives, and advisors know that they provide guidance for student success. Some of these folks also have a deeper understanding of how they do what they do. Through training, professional development, and years of experience, some educators have developed a deeper knowledge of the inner workings of how to hone their craft.
Due to the current fear of scarcity, competition, and surveillance in higher education, however, some educators may be losing sight of the why that drives what they do and how they do it.
College women's and gender centers have a powerful secret to teach educators about pushing back against the dehumanizing effects of neoliberalism in higher education by staying grounded in the greater why of what they do and how they do it.
"College women's and gender centers have a powerful secret to teach educators about pushing back against the dehumanizing effects of neoliberalism in higher education by staying grounded in the greater why of what they do & how they do it."
Are Women's Centers Still Relevant?
When we think about the future of higher education, college women's and gender centers may not be the first places that come to mind. They are usually small offices with a handful of professional staff and even fewer resources (Boyd, Cavicchia, Lonnquist, Morrow, Robbins, Seasholes, & Wies, 2009; Brooks, 1988; Kasper, 2004). Furthermore, women are no longer the numerical minority among college goers (Goettsch, Linden, Vanzant, & Waugh, 2019; Touchton, Musil, & Campbell, 2008), and in an era of the cash-strapped university, some administrators are beginning to question whether or not women's centers are even necessary on college campuses anymore (Goettsch et al., 2019).
Due to declining student enrollment and shrinking budgets, many colleges and universities have shifted their priorities to focus primarily on maintaining functional areas that can either generate revenue or help retain students until graduation. As a result, many student support services within the university are being forced to adapt and evolve in order to survive. From using student data and analytics to evaluating the return on investment and key performance indicators for student engagement, creative strategies for doing more with less in student affairs abound. While it is always a good idea to be intentional and intelligent about how money is spent, an overemphasis on fiscal management in higher education may be resulting in a loss of educational purpose.
"While it is always a good idea to be intentional and intelligent about how money is spent, an overemphasis on fiscal management in higher education may be resulting in a loss of educational purpose."
The inspired educators who work at college women's and gender centers are among the few in higher education who consistently think, act, and lead with a focus on their mission for gender equity. Amidst the turbulent storm of anxiety and stress in higher education, those who work at campus women's and gender centers remain steadfast in supporting students, advocating for marginalized populations, and educating campus communities because they are driven by a greater purpose, namely to be spaces on campus for feminist activism, education, and empowerment (Brooks, 1988; Kunkel, 1994; Marine, Helfrich, & Randhawa, 2017). Of course, there are countless staff and faculty outside of women's centers who are motivated by a greater educational mission as well, but the alarming concerns facing most colleges and universities today seem to be driving many to think primarily about what they are doing to remain financially sustainable.
Grounded in a Common Purpose
While campus women's and gender centers take many different forms, most share a common set of commitments. In 2010, a group of college women's center leaders collaborated to write a shared philosophy statement that describes the collective vision:
"Women's centers reflect the unique needs of their institutions and communities, yet share a commitment to historically underserved individuals and groups. Additionally, women's centers play a leadership role in understanding the changing workplace and preparing members of the university community to engage successfully with an increasingly complex world. Women's centers are integral to transforming institutions into inclusive environments; through community-building, advocacy, education, support, and research, they encourage the full participation and success of women (Vlasnik, 2010, p. 5)."
The clarity and consistent striving toward this collective purpose is what has enabled college women's and gender centers to remain grounded as an important feature of higher education, despite consistently being underfunded, undervalued, and underappreciated (Boyd et al., 2009; Brooks, 1988; Kasper, 2004). College educators who wish to resist the deterioration of educational values during this time of economic, political, and social uncertainty could do well to follow the lead of campus women's and gender centers by clarifying why they do what they do and then proceeding to relentlessly pursue that purpose, just as college women's centers have always done.
"College educators who wish to resist the deterioration of educational values during this time of economic, political, and social uncertainty could do well to follow the lead of campus women's and gender centers by clarifying why they do what they do and then proceeding to relentlessly pursue that purpose, just as college women's centers have always done."
Indeed, those leading campus women's centers have always been driven by a shared vision. Growing out of the feminist movement, the first campus women's centers were founded in the 1960's with the purpose of addressing gender inequities and discrimination in higher education. College women's centers flourished throughout the 1970's and 1980's, alongside the expansion of women's and gender studies academic programs (Bethman, Cottledge, & Bickford, 2019). There are now over 500 college women's centers across the country (Marine et al., 2017). And though the what and how of their work has changed over the years, the why behind the work of campus women's centers has remained incredibly consistent.
Pockets of Continued Disparity
To learn more about how women's and gender centers can serve as an example of effective resistance against the rise of neoliberalism in higher education, I spoke with Dr. Susan Marine, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Higher Education at Merrimack College. "I try to stay aware about what women's centers are doing, how they are doing it, and how they're changing," noted Marine. She has a well-established professional career working at college women's centers, including serving as the founding Director of the Harvard Women's Center. Marine has also published several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters about college women's centers, "There is an ongoing issue where some people think there's no sexism in the world anymore. One of the things I'm having to think about now is why women's centers still matter, and to help amplify that the work they do is essential."
Dr. Susan Marine, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Higher Education at Merrimack College
I also had the opportunity to talk with Jane Goettsch, the Director of Women*s Initiatives at Miami University and author of numerous publications about college women's centers. "College women's centers have continuing relevance," shared Goettsch. She has worked with and at Miami*s Women's Center in various leadership roles for 25 years and was recognized for her professional accomplishments with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Women's Studies Association's Women's Center Committee. "The primary thing is that we cannot equate numerical majority with equal access. There are still pockets of continued disparity in access and opportunities that women experience when they come to campus."
Jane Goettsch, the Director of Women*s Initiatives at Miami University
"The primary thing is that we cannot equate numerical majority with equal access. There are still pockets of continued disparity in access and opportunities that women experience when they come to campus." - Jane Goettsch
Students who identify as women continue to experience significant challenges, barriers, and harm while in college (Bickford, 2019). Reports of sexual harassment and assault, chilly campus climates, and the underrepresentation of women in certain professional fields stand out among the many disparities experienced by college students with marginalized gender identities Goettsch, Linden, Vanzant, & Waugh, 2019; Kupo & Castellon, 2018; Lonnquist & Reesor, 1987). Research shows that women enter college with lower levels of academic self-confidence, higher levels of stress, and lower ratings of physical and emotional health compared to men (Sax & Harper, 2005). In a recent book, titled University and College Women's and Gender Equity Centers: The Changing Landscape (2019), editors Bethman, Cottledge, & Bickford examine the past, present, and future of college Women's centers. Authors throughout the text reiterate the fact that college women's and gender centers continue to play an important role in supporting students, building their fortitude, and educating campus communities about gender equity.
Ashley Brown is a Doctoral Candidate in the Higher Ed. PhD program at Loyola University in Chicago.
To learn about the most foundational research related to college women's and gender centers, I spoke with Ashley Brown, who is a Doctoral Candidate in the Higher Education PhD program at Loyola University in Chicago studying campus women's and gender centers. "Embedded in the work of women's centers is a feminist-oriented mission," she noted. Brown has spent a significant portion of her professional career developing college masculinities programming, and her dissertation research will examine masculinity-centered programs in college and university women's centers. "Based on the research that I've seen, the professionals who work in women's centers really prioritize their mission for advancing gender equity. It drives how they understand and negotiate the work as it continues to expand and shift."
"Embedded in the work of women's centers is a feminist-oriented mission." - Ashley Brown
Engaging Men in Campus Women's Centers
Working with college men is just one example of how women's and gender centers have adapted to the changing dynamics of higher education, while staying true to the enduring mission of gender equity. Although college women's and gender centers have historically focused their efforts on advocating for women and educating others about issues that impact women, many women's and gender centers have expanded their work to take on the task of engaging college men. From bystander intervention programs and sexual assault prevention efforts to men's gender identity workshops and dialogue groups, many campus women's and gender centers across the country are creating programs to involve men in their feminist efforts.
While this expansion has resulted in more involvement from men, it can also take away valuable resources and time that would otherwise be used to support women and other marginalized students. "Women's centers absolutely need to be partners in masculinities work," shared Goettsch. "One of the values of expanding the focus of gender is that it's easier to talk about the experiences of men, especially men of Color. But I don't know if women's centers need to take on the primary responsibility for men's work."
Dr. Susan Marine agreed about the role of masculinities work in women's centers by saying, "Women's centers often feel compelled to do programming for men, especially cis-gender men. While there is value in this type of programming, it can dilute the larger picture of supporting women on campus. I'm glad that women's centers do men's programming, but it should never be the focus."
"I'm glad that women's centers do men's programming, but it should never be the focus." - Dr. Susan Marine
Despite the risks associated with engaging college men in the work of women's and gender centers, it also allows these units to embrace a vital aspect of the overall commitment to serve marginalized groups. College men are not a monolithic group and approaching masculinity/ies from an intersectional perspective enables those who work in women's and gender centers to continue to pursue their mission by supporting and advocating for men of Color, Queer men, and Transgender men, to name a few (Kupo & Castellon, 2018).
Women's Centers and Neoliberalism
Again, the adherence to a greater mission is the underlying factor in how college women's center professionals think about their work. This has been the case from the very beginning. Focusing on gender equity is the primary reason why women's centers endure on college campuses, despite being historically underfunded. "A big theme in the research is the limited resources that women's centers have received throughout their history," shared Brown. "College women's center staff have to constantly navigate doing more with less. In many cases, women's centers experience organizational pressures that try to depoliticize their feminist-oriented mission. This forces them to adapt and make sure their mission stays central to their work."
"College women's center staff have to constantly navigate doing more with less. In many cases, women's centers experience organizational pressures that try to depoliticize their feminist-oriented mission. This forces them to adapt and make sure their mission stays central to their work." - Ashley Brown
Current political, economic, and social dynamics have increased doubt and suspicion about the work of college women's and gender centers (Goettsch et al., 2019). In some cases campus administrators have attempted to alter the mission statement of campus women's centers, and in other cases, leadership has pressured staff to eliminate programming and services related to women's reproductive rights (Kleinman & Ezzell, 2012; Parker & Freedman, 1999). These factors have resulted in college women's and gender centers receiving even less funding, making it difficult to sustain the services and staffing necessary (Boyd et al., 2009; Brooks, 1988; Kasper, 2004).
"Neoliberalism is a huge driver of what's happening with women's centers on college campuses," said Dr. Marine. Those who work at women's and gender centers are being asked to divert their time and attention away from supporting students to focus on survival, competing for resources, retaining staff, and justifying their work through assessment (Brooks, 1988; Girard et al., 1980; Marine, 2017; Vera & Burgos-Sasscer, 1998).
Finding Opportunities in Restructuring
Despite these pressures, however, college women's and gender centers remain grounded in their overarching commitment to feminist activism, education, and empowerment (Marine, Helfrich, & Randhawa, 2017). For example, many women's and gender centers are being moved within the organizational structure of the university in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Often these units are being renamed and merged with other identity-based support services, such as LGBTQ+ offices or multicultural affairs, resulting in units that serve a broad spectrum of students under one roof. "The thinking is that you don't need to separate pots of money," noted Goettsch. "But, when smaller units are merged into larger ones, those smaller ones can lose autonomy, decision-making, and access to key decision-makers."
Rather than viewing these forced mergers as detracting from the overall mission however, many who work at college women's and gender centers are embracing these new campus alliances and the possibilities they hold to continue pursuing a feminist mission. "The opportunity is that we can work better and more deeply together. We can better serve students. It doesn't make sense to ask students to choose which identities are most important to them," shared Goettsch.
"Rather than viewing these forced mergers as detracting from the overall mission however, many who work at college women's and gender centers are embracing these new campus alliances and the possibilities they hold to continue pursuing a feminist mission."
Innovating with an Intersectional Lens
Many women's and gender centers are choosing to frame the forced neoliberal restructuring as a chance to embrace the philosophy of intersectionality. Originally developed by legal scholar, Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989), intersectionality theory describes the unique ways that systems of oppression work together to marginalize Black women. In the context of college women's and gender centers merging with other units, intersectionality theory provides an incredibly powerful framework to focus on serving students who experience marginalization due to multiple systems of oppression (Davie, 2002; Goettsch et al., 2019; Vera & Burgos-Sasscer, 1998). "I've noticed that women's centers are doing more intersectional programming as a trend, due to merging with other identity centers," noted Brown. "This is how they are enacting their feminist mission through these mergers. Women's centers are staying grounded in equity."
"I've noticed that women's centers are doing more intersectional programming as a trend, due to merging with other identity centers. This is how they are enacting their feminist mission through these mergers. Women's centers are staying grounded in equity." - Ashley Brown
Many believe that standalone college women's centers of the past have historically struggled to support women with multiple marginalized identities, including women of Color, queer women, low-income women, and women with disabilities (Marine et al., 2017; Nare, 2019). In fact, early college women's centers expressed fear of including women with multiple marginalized identities because doing so might take away from the goal of gender equity (Bonebright, Cottledge, & Lonnquist, 2012). As a result, many women with multiple marginalized identities have historically felt alienated by college women's centers, fairly seeing them as exclusive spaces for White, straight, cisgender women (Dilapi & Gay, 2002).
"We talk a lot about the various commitments we have around practicing intersectionality," noted Dr. Marine. "The work of women's centers needs to be thought about differently. Many women's center directors tend to be White cisgender women. We are missing a lot of voices. How are we creating spaces that truly are for everyone?" Adopting an intersectional perspective is a powerful example of how college women's centers are navigating organizational restructuring brought on by neoliberalism, while also propelling them forward in the pursuit of their mission to support and empower historically underserved populations.
"The work of women's centers needs to be thought about differently. Many women's center directors tend to be White cisgender women. We are missing a lot of voices. How are we creating spaces that truly are for everyone?" - Dr. Susan Marine
Forward-Thinking Positions
As cash-strapped colleges and universities struggle with financial constraints, college women's and gender centers will continue to change and evolve. "No one can predict the future," shared Goettsch. "Given the pressing and likely not short-term trends that colleges and universities are facing, I don't know how much longer women's centers are going to exist in the way they do now. I can foresee more coupling and integration."
Despite these changes, however, college women's and gender centers will remain grounded in their mission to advance gender equity and social justice, as they always have. No matter what unfolds in higher education, the pursuit of this central purpose will allow women's and gender centers to adapt, while always looking ahead to what's next. "There is a lot changing in the field," concluded Goettsch. "We're having to reframe and rethink about our work, but we can always be in forward-thinking positions."
"There is a lot changing in the field. We're having to reframe and rethink about our work, but we can always be in forward-thinking positions." - Jane Goettsch
If colleges and universities are going to survive the current neoliberal assault on higher education and continue to support college student development into the future, educators must be willing to adjust while staying resolved to the greater purpose of their work. Those responsible for leading units within the university should follow the example that has been set by college women's and gender centers who continue to lead the way into the future by following the why that drives what they do and how they do it.
What are other examples of college educators following a greater mission?
How have you seen neoliberalism impacting college campuses?
What are other ways to push back against the changes impacting higher education?
Please leave a comment and share your thoughts below. Also, subscribe to the quarterly digest of Higher Education meditations to get a recap of the trends shaping higher education and student affairs today.
Bethman, B., Cottledge, A., & Bickford, D. M. (2019). University and college women's and gender equity centers: The changing landscape. New York, NY: Routledge.
Bickford, D. M. (2019). Introduction. In B. Bethman, A. Cottledge, & D. M. Bickford (Eds.), University and college women's and gender equity centers: The changing landscape (pp. 1-7). New York, NY: Routledge.
Boyd, C., Cavicchia, J., Lonnquist, P., Morrow, R., Robbins, C., Seasholes, C., & Wies, J. (2009). The role of women student programs and services: CAS standards contextual statement. In L. A. Deann (Ed.), CAS professional standards for higher education (7th Ed.) (pp. 390-392). Washington, DC: Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.
Bonebright, D. A., Cottledge, A. D., & Lonnquist, P. (2012). Developing women leaders on Campus: A human resources-women's center partnership at the University of Minnesota. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 14(1), 79-95.
Brooks, K. H. (1988). The women's center: The new dean of women? Initiatives, 51(2/3), 17-21.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1(8), 139-167.
Davie, S. L. (2002). How women's centers shape our journey: Transformation, education, Leadership. In S. L. Davie (Ed.), University and college women's centers: A journey toward equity (pp. 19-46). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Dilapi, E. M., & Gay, G. M. (2002). Women's centers responding to racism. In S. L. Davie (Ed.), University and college women's centers: A journey toward equity (pp. 203-226). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Goettsch, J., Linden, A., Vanzant, C., & Waugh, P. (2019a). Positioning campus women's and Gender equity centers for success: Structural issues and trends. In B. Bethman, A. Cottledge, & D. M. Bickford (Eds.), University and college women's and gender equity centers: The changing landscape (pp. 8-16). New York, NY: Routledge.
Lonnquist, M. P., & Reesor, L. M. (1987). The Margaret Sloss Women's Center at Iowa State University: A model. NASPA Journal, 25(2), 137-140.
Kasper, B. (2004). Campus-based women's centers: A review of problems and practices. Affilia, 19(2), 185-198.
Kleinman, S., & Ezzell, M. B. (2012). Opposing 'both sides': Rhetoric, reproductive rights, and control of a campus women's center. Women's Studies International Forum, 35(6), 403-414.
Kunkel, C. A. (1994). Women's needs on campus: How universities meet them. Initiatives, 56(2), 15-28.
Kupo, V. L., & Castellon, J. (2018). Integrating a gender equity lens: Shifting and broadening the focus of women's centers on college campuses. New Directions for Student Services, no. 164, 19-27.
Marine, S. B., Helfrich, G., & Randhawa, L. (2017). Gender-inclusive practices in campus women's and gender centers: Benefits, challenges, and future prospects. NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education, 10(1), 45-63.
Nare, J. (2019). Late to the game: The politics of opening a women's center in 2015. In B. Bethman, A., Cotttledge, & D. M. Bickford (Eds.), University and college women's and gender equity centers: The changing landscape (pp. 44-53). New York, NY: Routledge.
Parker, J., & Freedman, J. (1999). Women's centers/women's studies programs: Collaborating for feminist activism. Women's Studies Quarterly, 27(3/4), 114-121.
Sax, L. J. & Harper, C. E. (2005). Origins of the gender gap: Pre-college and college influences on differences between men and women. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research. San Diego, CA.
Touchton, J. G., Musil, C. M., & Campbell, K. P. (2008). A measure of equity: Women's progress in higher education. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Vera, M. H., & Burgos-Sasscer, R. (1998). Community college women's centers: A question of survival (Report No. 442-505). U.S. Department of Education.
Vlasnik, A. L. (2011). Historical constructs of gender and work: Informing access and equity in U. S. higher education. In J. L. Martin (Ed.), Women as leaders in education: Succeeding higher education (pp. 23-44). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.
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Rigler, Damir (2014) Ocjena točnosti metode uronjene granice u OpenFOAM. = Validation of Immersed Boundary Method in OpenFOAM. Master's thesis (Bologna) , Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje, UNSPECIFIED. Mentor: Jasak, Hrvoje.
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Jasak, Hrvoje and Rigler, Damir and Tuković, Željko (2014) Design and implementation of Immersed Boundary Method with discrete forcing approach for boundary conditions. = Design and implementation of Immersed Boundary Method with discrete forcing approach for boundary conditions. In: 11th. World Congress on Computational Mechanics - WCCM XI 5th. European Congress on Computational Mechanics - ECCM V 6th European Congress on Computational Fluid Dynamics - ECFD VI, 20-25.07.2014., Barcelona; Spain.
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These super fluffy strawberries and cream pancakes are pretty in pink and totally vegan thanks to Silk's almondmilk creamer -- and they're the perfect way to say "I love you" to your significant other and/or kiddos!
Silk's new motto is: progress is perfection.
These Hello Sunshine Pancakes will brighten any morning, especially those first few when the kiddos head, (dare I say it in July?!)... BACK-TO-SCHOOL. The pancakes' bright yellow color is all natural from farm fresh eggs and one other secret ingredient!
That might be a summer faux-pas.
Uttering those 3 little words.
These Carrot Cake Pancakes are reminiscent of your favorite decadent dessert, but totally acceptable for breakfast! With frozen organic carrots from Cascadian Farm, golden raisins, creamy cashewmilk, and walnuts, these pancakes are nourishing, uber filling, and perfect for Easter brunch or any weekend this Spring for that matter!
My family is obsessed with pancakes.


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Traitor to the Throne
by Arkham Reviews in Fantasy, Surnames A-H, Title R-Z Tags: Alwyn Hamilton, Arkham Reviews, Book Blog, Book Review, fantasy, fantasy novel, Fiction, Review, Traitor to the Throne, Young Adult, Young Adult Reviews
Please note that this review may contain spoilers for Rebel of the Sands. You can read my review of this novel [here].
Traitor to the Throne was written by Alwyn Hamilton and is due for release in February of next year. It is the sequel to the hugely successful Rebel of the Sands and picks up a few months after the first book left off, with Amani and the other rebels plotting to overthrow the Sultan of Miraji. I'm reviewing this novel based on an advanced copy that was kindly provided by the publisher so please bear in mind that there may be some small changes prior to publication.
Amani's life has been far from easy since she left Dustwalk. Now that she's fully in control over her power to manipulate sand, she's more important to the rebellion than ever. Her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit strikes fear into the hearts of the Sultan's men and the rebels have managed to take a firm hold over a corner of the desert. Yet, as the festival of Auraneb approaches and the Sultan prepares to renew his alliances with the leaders of the neighbouring countries, the rebels know that they must take their fight to the capital.
However, before they get their chance, their camp is attacked. In the confusion that follows, Amani is taken captive and sold to the Sultan's harem. The Sultan does not know about her ties to the rebels but he knows that she is a Demdji – powerful and dangerous – so he does the unthinkable and implants Amani's body with restraints of iron to remove her powers. To make matters worse still, one of these implants is engraved with her true name, the one that enables the Sultan to control her every movement.
Amani is in more danger than she has ever been in before. If the Sultan thinks to ask the right questions, she will reveal everything about her friends and the war will be lost. However, Amani's mind is still free. She realises that she still can use her situation to her advantage by spying on the Sultan and feeding information back to her friends. It's not long before she starts to realise that the Sultan is planning something huge – something that concerns humans, Demdji and even their immortal Djinni parents – and only she's in a position to stop him…
If you followed me last year, you may remember that I rather enjoyed Rebel of the Sands. It was a complex and refreshingly original novel with an amazing protagonist. If you were also captivated by Hamilton's debut, you'll be pleased to hear that Traitor to the Throne is equally as thrilling. The plot this time around is far more political. Following an exciting opening sequence, Amani is quickly captured and thrown into the centre of the Sultan's harem. Though decadent, this setting is really a den of snakes. Not only is Amani in constant danger of being outed as a rebel spy but she also under threat from the Sultim's wives, all of whom feel threatened by her presence and are eager to make her disappear.
The new setting enables the reader to see the war from a completely different perspective. The previous book is told entirely from a rebel's point of view. We saw how the Gallan armies threatened the people of poor towns like Duskwalk and first heard the story of how the Sultan murdered his way into power. Yet through Amani's many conversations with the Sultan, we start to see that things are not quite so clear cut. Now the reader has seen the Sultan, it's clear that he's surprisingly like Ahmed in both appearance and philosophy. While the novel doesn't lean far enough to make you truly sympathise with him, it does make him seem more human and make his motives seem more rational.
The novel also kept me on my toes. Hamilton is very talented when it comes to weaving an engaging story. While there is less action this time around, I enjoyed the way that this novel built and maintained tension. The story is very long by young adult terms but it never felt as though it was dragging. Early in the novel, it was revealed that the Sultan was capable of torturing people to the brink of madness. With every passing day, the stakes seemed to rise and put Amani in increasing danger of meeting the same fate.
Once again, Hamilton also proves that she is simply amazing when it comes to her twists. This novel had several, all of which were integrated perfectly into the tale and kept me guessing. She even managed to resurrect a few characters that I'd either forgotten about or assumed to be dead. While the novel this time did end on a rather abrupt cliff-hanger, I didn't find it to be especially offensive. In fact, it made me eager to find out how the series is going to conclude. I won't say anything more about it for fear of spoilers but, seriously, you won't be disappointed.
Yet Traitor to the Throne didn't quite grip me in the same way that Rebel of the Sands did. My first disappointment was the loss of the setting. The most unique thing about the first book was the way that it blended the feel of the Wild West with Arabian Nights. This time around, the scope is very narrow. After the opening mission, most of the action takes place in the harem in Izman. Because the story has moved away from the deserts and gunfights, a lot of the western influences on the story are unfortunately lost.
This book is also a lot more exposition heavy than the first. Whole chapters are dedicated to explaining character backstories and the legends of the First People. These sections are usually told in third person and so jarringly break up Amani's usual first person narrative. I personally felt that these details could have been better integrated into the novel. Worse still was the fact that one vitally important scene occurs off page, between the end of Rebel of the Sands and the beginning of this novel. As this event plays heavily into the development of Amani and Jin's relationship, it was incredibly frustrating that we did not see this event unfold, especially as every other character seems to be aware of what has transpired while the reader has been entirely cut out of the loop. This felt like very weak plotting.
There are also some issues in the characterisation of the principle cast. I complained last time that a lot of the Demdji characters felt a bit flat as they were introduced so late into the story last time. The trouble is, they're also not in this novel very much either. I still don't really feel much kinship towards Shazad, Hala, Delila and the rest because I haven't been given much chance to care for them. Even Jin doesn't appear much in this story, and he's the love interest.
Yet my biggest frustration of all was Amani. Last time around, I loved her. She wasn't portrayed as being perfect but she was relatable and strong willed. So much of the story last time focused on Amani discovering herself and her abilities. It was just disappointing that she lost this again almost immediately. To make matters worse, she was rendered almost utterly helpless. Amani last time was more than able to defend herself but the restrictions that the Sultan place on her this time remove this ability, leaving her at the mercy of everyone who wants to assault or publicly humiliate her. This left a very sour taste in my mouth and I really hope that Amani isn't made dependant on others for protection again in the next novel.
I think that pretty much sums everything up. While I did enjoy the plot of Traitor to the Throne, I unfortunately didn't find it quite as unique or compelling as the first novel. I am still optimistic about the final instalment, however, as I do think that the battle for the throne will make for some thrilling reading. At the very least, I am curious to see how Hamilton is going to tie up the series's loose ends.
Traitor to the Throne is due for release on 2nd February and is currently available to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk
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Student Finance Board
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Home News LiNK helps refugees
LiNK helps refugees
By Signal Contributor
Danny Lee stood on the banks of the Tumen River. It was a dark winter night. Snow covered the iced-over river.
His steps were tentative at first. He knew the dangers of being captured while trying to cross the border from North Korea into China. He could be shot on sight by Chinese guards, or sent back home to be made an example of.
The North Korean-Chineese boarder is an obstacle for escaping North Koreans. (AP Photo)
Urgency set in, he needed to get to cover, and quickly. His slow-paced walk turned into a sprint. Within minutes, he was on the Chinese side of the river, but the danger was not over yet.
Danny's story is a familiar one to North Korean refugees making their escape across the Tumen River to escape one of the most isolated countries in the world. Every year, thousands of refugees illegally escape from oppressive Kim Jong-un regime.
Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) is an organization dedicated to helping North Koreans defectors by giving them food and shelter and even finding them new places to live. LiNK came to the College to share their message with students.
"We're here to change the perception of North Korea from the politics to the people," said Greg Meyer, a LiNK traveling representative.
Meyer and his group travel throughout North America, showing documentaries to college and high school students to help them understand the crisis in North Korea. Danny is one of the examples they use in order to show people what is going on in one of the most closed-off regions in the world.
North Korea is known for being one of the most oppressive governments in the world. Citizens are taught to see their leaders as gods. During the mid '90s, the economy crashed, causing nation-wide starvation that continues to this day.
"I remember being so hungry I didn't even have the energy to leave the house," said Danny, who escaped in 2005 to China. He was later found by LiNK and they were able to fly him to the United States to start his new life with his mother. Danny now works as a photo journalist.
"Growing up in America, you only see one certain perspective about North Korea," said LiNK member Unis Kwon.
Much of the focus on North Korea in the media is often geared toward their nuclear weapons program.
"When North Korea is in the news here, the focus is always on weapons, violence or riding military power," said junior history major Ashley Isola. "The people themselves, who are struggling to survive within their own nation, are rarely mentioned."
The goal of LiNK is not only to bring refugees to safety but also to launch a social media campaign to spread awareness. They are seeking 50,000 signatures to prove that there is national interest in the cause.
Once they get enough signatures, LiNK will try to break into the mainstream media.
"We're going to lobby the media in an online protest, the likes they have never seen before," said Meera Kaushik, an Australian born member of the group.
So far, LiNK has been able to rescue and relocate 58 refugees. They estimate that there are between 30,000 to 50,000 refugees still living illegally in China with the possibility of being sent back.
"Until all people are free, none of us are," Danny said.
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Campus and alumni activists attend 2020 Women's Leadership Summit
McKenzie Collins - December 12, 2020 0
The School of Business hosted its tenth annual Women's Leadership Summit via Zoom on Nov. 11. Students, faculty, alumni and other interested parties were invited to convene and discuss social constructs and a variety of topics relating to their experiences both within and separate from the workplace.
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Kylie Jenner May Have Been Giving Hints About Her Baby's Name All Along
by Kelli Boyle
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Kylie Jenner is officially a mom, and if you thought her confirming her long-rumored pregnancy meant the Twitter conspiracy theories would stop, congratulations. You played yourself. After Jenner confirmed the birth of her and Travis Scott's daughter on Sunday, Feb. 4, fans immediately started diving in to name theories and they think they've cracked the code. Based on clues they think have been laid out by Jenner in the last nine months, fans think she named the baby Butterfly. And these hints Kylie Jenner named her daughter Butterfly actually hold some weight.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Feb. 6, Kylie Jenner confirmed she named her baby "Stormi" in a picture shared on Instagram.
EARLIER: Jenner revealed her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter on Feb. 4 in an emotional 11-minute video titled "To Our Daughter." She revealed in the video that the baby was born on Thursday, Feb. 1, around 5 p.m., and you actually hear the moments the baby was born at the end of the video. Throughout the video, you see Jenner in all the stages of her pregnancy as we get insight into what she's been up to over the last nine months. Fans noticed that Jenner was wearing a stunning gold chain covered in diamond-encrusted butterflies throughout the video. This necklace has made them think the baby's name is Butterfly.
The person holding the camera zooms in and focuses on Jenner's necklace, given to her by Travis Scott as a birthday present back in August. According to TMZ, the necklace is worth $60k.
Jenner also decorated her house with butterfly decals, has posted lots of photos of the other pieces of butterfly jewelry she has in the past, has a matching butterfly tattoo with Scott, and Scott has a song dedicated to Jenner called "Butterfly Effect."
These clue have fans convinced that the couple's butterfly obsession had a deeper meaning all along.
Honestly, this isn't that bad of a guess. Jenner could have very well named her daughter Butterfly based on all of these things. Or maybe she named her Mariposa (the Spanish word for butterfly), since "Mari" would be an objectively better nickname than "Butter." Don't get me wrong, I love, loveeeeee me some butter, but not as a name. No. That's not happening. That's over. It's canceled. Sorry, Ky!
Jenner hasn't announced the name of the baby yet, though, so once again, we're back to waiting for Kylie Jenner to confirm or deny baby rumors. *Eye twitches intensely*.
Jenner apologized to fans for keeping them in the dark about her pregnancy in a statement on Feb. 4., right after she announced the baby news.
She said,
I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark through all the assumptions. I understand you're used to me bringing you on all my journeys. My pregnancy was one I chose not to do in front of the world. I knew for myself I needed to prepare for this role of a lifetime in the most positive, stress free, and healthy way I knew how. There was no gotcha moment, no big paid reveal I had planned. I knew my baby would feel every stress and every emotion so I chose to do it this way for my little life and our happiness. Pregnancy has been the most beautiful, empowering, and life changing experience I've had in my entire life and I'm actually going to miss it. I appreciate my friends and especially my family for helping me make this special moment as private as we could. My beautiful and healthy baby girl arrived February 1st and I just couldn't wait to share this blessing. I've never felt love and happiness like this I could burst! Thank you for understanding.
Khloé Kardashian's response to Kylie Jenner's baby was the sweetest thing ever. The sisters were pregnant together for a time, and she posted an emotional Instagram of her and Jenner after the news came out.
She wrote,
Congratulations My Sweet Kylie! What a magical ride it's been! I'll miss you bumping along with me. Never in a million years did I think we would do this together but it's been that much more special because of it. God is so great!! He had His plan all along! I love you little mama 💕 love big mama
Kardashian unfortunately did not give any hints about the name. No butterfly emoji in the caption or anything. COME ON, KHLOÉ. THROW US A FREAKING BONE.
I guess fans will have to keep their eyes on Kylie's social media for any more hints about her daughter's name.
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Рорерсвилл () — обособленная местность (CDP) в США, в округе Вашингтон штата Мэриленд. Население составляет  175 человек (перепись 2010 года).

География
По данным Бюро переписи населения США в 2010 году, местность имела площадь 0,90 км², вся площадь местности занимала суша.

Население
Согласно переписи 2010 года, в переписной местности проживало 175 человек в 58 домохозяйствах в составе 46 семей. Плотность населения составляла 194 человека/км².

Расовый состав населения:

По возрастному диапазону население распределялось следующим образом: 29,7 % — лица младше 18 лет, 57,7 % — лица в возрасте 18-64 лет, 12,6 % — лица в возрасте 65 лет и старше. Средняя продолжительность жизни жителей составила 35,8 лет. На 100 человек женского пола в переписной местности приходилось 78,6 человек мужского пола; на 100 женщин в возрасте от 18 лет и старше — 89,2 мужчин также старше 18 лет.

Гражданское трудоустроенное население составляло 18 человек. Основные отрасли занятости: розничная торговля — 100,0 %.

Примечания

Статистически обособленные местности Мэриленда

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Diana Songs
Diana Lyrics
Just For The Record Friends There's Sixteen Songs On This CD…
A.W.S. Foyle Author And Lyricist
My Books of Interest...
Hello and welcome to the author's page I would like to introduce to you my first book that has the given name of, Lucifer Makepeace And Planet Of The Monniez. And I would appreciate any constructive feedback you may have on your mind. You can always find my eBook and Paperback on Amazon.com, which has been published by Kindle Direct Publishing. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading about Makepeace's adventures that form part of, This Incredible Futuristic Trilogy Regarding Lucifer Makepeace…
Welcome to Mission Control pleased to meet you, I would like to share my published books and my songs with you. I do hope you appreciate your first experience travelling through The Monniez Timeline. This will lead you to the revolutionary and futuristic Planet Monxania. And this is where you will discover
Lucifer Makepeace And Planet Of The Monniez for the first time. I know you will enjoy reading this exciting book that opens the gates of hell on The Supreme Planet. The old devils next adventure is when his taskforce comes to Planet Earth, this is book two in the series of these awe-inspiring ancient greats
Lucifer Makepeace And The Incredible Missions.
However the cutting edge of my website is so far eight unique Diana songs that were all written and recorded almost twenty years ago. Please enjoy your experience here when you investigate all of Diana's Musical Mission that is dedicated and committed to, Great Ormond Street Hospital , Children's Charity...
Welcome To The Devils Daunted Damned
Please allow me to introduce myself; my alter ego is the new science fiction super hero that's absolutely invincible my given name is, Lucifer Makepeace the public executioner yes I am... Makepeace and his task force flew out of The Gates of Hell 225 million light years ago with his right hand man Youngblood and Zaiden the leader of the notorious gothic Black Robed Spirits. On a mission to stamp the devils authority all over The United States Of The Universe that was created by the old devil himself. His ownership of all the planets in the universe meant the devil could excise his absolute power and protect and keep control of all the extraterrestrial life in the space solar system. Lucifer Makepeace is the first vigilante to be born with a stake driven in his blood soaked heart on The Supreme Planet Hell; and his everlasting life is his testimonial that the task force is the barer's of bad news. I am a die-hard killer with the power over life and death that roamed this great universe. I am Lucifer Makepeace Lord High Executioner of the universe that vanishes through the fires of hell! On the other side was the rocket 1st Time Explorer, and we were all singing the national anthem "Sympathy for the Devil'' and blasting out rock n' roll music...
Lucifer Makepeace and Youngblood and Zaiden the leader of the B R S… took off flying the super highways into the space age, which was the dark side of The Monniez uprising on Planet Monxania. Lucifer greased back his black hair millions and millions of light years ago when murder incorporated was a work of art and the fires of hell raged like a red force hurricaneMakepeace was born wicked with an everlasting life where weeping and wailing and the gnashing of teeth were horrifying. In The Basement and The Bunker at Whitsend City Central Headquarters on The Supreme Planet Hell where we all lived was so frightening. Lucifer Makepeace circled this great universe searching for The Monniez that were on Planet Monxania his timing was spot on as 1st Time Explorer takes a breath-taking dive and lands on, The Bridge Over The River Time. That leads to Monster Island and where we stumbled across a gold mine in the middle of a cavern but it's not all it seems in the gold district with The Monniez. Which Mr Big alias Bad Boy Billy ruled with his right hand man the old thug Punkenstein and his henchmen. But Lucifer Makepeace sends for Captain Benny Bigshot and his murderous squad of astronauts on The Supreme Planet Hell to put the frighteners on all the inhabitants that were roaming Monster Island. And they all made that same fatal mistake, they either ended up in a chain gang or they became part of the devils daunted dammed when they crossed Lucifer Makepeace the eccentric collector of evil souls. They were all fearful, nervous and unbelieving, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living devil there is no redemption. Unless of course you can form your own resistance movement swiftly before Lucifer's face is the last thing you ever see. But here's a word of warning don't ever think you can steal Lucifer Makepeace's thunder and lightning; with his dark and wicked sense of humour in this super hero's exciting and awe-inspiring space adventures.
And the devil lives on...
Please allow me to introduce myself; I am the new science fiction super hero that's absolutely invincible my given name is, Lucifer Makepeace The Public Executioner Yes I am! This new story is the second in sequence to the Lucifer Makepeace series that is called Lucifer Makepeace And The Incredible Missions.
There are fourteen missions that the devils taskforce except when Lucifer Makepeace discovers Planet Allied Space that would later became known in The United States Of The Universe as Planet Earth. And this is where all of these iconic warriors lived and ruled in mythical and ancient times. They created a formidable past and trampled on everybody that got in the way of their legend. The devil himself instructs the vigilante Lucifer Makepeace to execute these Machiavellian Hooligans one by one as he plundered through their Bloody Thirsty Timelines. And when they came face to face with Lucifer Makepeace The Public Executioner Yes I am! These Ancient Warriors all had one thing in common they all championed Lucifer Makepeace's given name, in Lucifer Makepeace And The Incredible Missions…
Invites You To Share His Dark And Wicked Sense Of Humour
The Old Devil Rises In Many Disguises
You Shall All Be Fearful, Nervous And Unbelieving
www.a-w-s-foyletheofficialwebsite.com
© Author and Lyricist


Thai Restorative is back! If you missed the last two sold out workshops, now is your chance to join Heather and Kate in two blissful hours of relaxation. Heather and Kate did their Thai massage training together and then later discovered that they both teach at Yoga Tree – and thank goodness! As a result they are able to provide a workshop that combines a restorative practice with Thai massage. The restorative class will allow you to relax into postures that provide a deep stretch supported by blocks, bolsters and blankets. You will have plenty of time to rest in each posture in order to relieve tension in targeted areas. As you get comfortable in these positions, Kate and Heather will come around and apply Thai massage which includes palm pressing and stretching to deepen the stretch. Space is limited in the workshop so that everyone will receive plenty of hands-on attention from the instructors – so be sure to sign up early!
My knowledge of Thai Massage is quite limited (unfortunately) so I asked one of the instructors, Heather, to tell me a bit more about it in case anyone out there is in the same boat!
Could you explain to be what Thai massage is?
Heather: Thai massage is practiced fully clothed on a mat on the floor. No oils are used, and the massage technique is compression rather than movement based. It also involves passive stretching – the practitioner moves the client through assisted yoga-like stretches to facilitate muscle and fascial relaxation.
What inspired you to get involved with Thai massage?
Heather: I've always been interested in massage and bodywork. I had an opportunity to do an intro Thai massage course, and it made such a difference to my injuries and chronic pain that I fell in love the first day!
How do you find that Thai massage complements a restorative practice?
Heather: Thai massage is a very mindful, meditative form of massage for both the giver and the recipient, so it ties in really well with the spirit of restorative yoga. Many restorative yoga poses lend themselves to the application of Thai massage touch techniques and facilitate getting deeply into tight areas of musculature in a slow, compassionate way for long-lasting relief from muscle tension and stress.
This workshop takes place on Sunday May 29th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Richmond and Spadina. See the Workshops page for more details and to sign up!


There are NO LIMITS to our growth!
Eat this: There are NO LIMITS to growth!!!
In the discussions here someone said "we have only one Earth, so our resources are finite and the growth must end one day FOREVER". We must stop the growth, because it is not sustainable. These malthusian ideas were revived in 1972 by the famous book "Limits of Growth".
How narrowminded! Why don't you ever raise your head on a cloudless night? You will see countless stars shining above. This is the future of our species.
There are no "Limits to Growth". The 1972 book by the Club of Rome is just a bad piece of fiction. A Jehovist doomsday rant.
To me it seems, that the environmentalists are a bunch of scared pessimists. They have no vision. They say, we must stop growth, because it brings problems. They give up, when our industrial revolution hits the very first environmental obstacle. Come on. Cheer up!
It reminds me of a scene from the commedy "Hot Shots 2". The hero is trying to liberate a kidnapped scientist Dexter (played by Rowan Atkinson) from a POW camp. And Rowan says weeping: "Sadly, I cannot go with you. It is hopeless. They tied the laces of my shoes together."
Such trivial obstacles must not stop us!
Yes, we could give up and stop growing. But such existence is pointless. To live just to survive to the next day like the rainforest savages? Moving in circles? What is the meaning? Sitting on your hands for the rest of eternity?
We must keep the growth of population and production. The ULTIMATE PURPOSE of existence is to grow. Read Richard Dawkins - he defines life as a "self-replicating entity". A replicator. Which means, that those, who are against Growth, are against life itself. Edward Abbey once said, that "growth for the sake of growth" is the philosophy of a cancer cell. He apparently knew very little about biology. Growth is the basic attribute of all life forms, for God's sake!
Gladly, we can keep growing, because our resources are NOT LIMITED. An endless source of solar energy is right above your head. It has been powering Earth vegetation for billions of years. And it can power our machines for eternity.
And another almost endless source of materials is under your feet.
The resources inside our own planet are unimaginable. We have just only scratched the surface of the Earth crust. We have not yet really started the real drilling. And we are able to drill deeper. The Kola superdeep bore in the USSR was a pioneering experiment and they got 8 km deep. (http://thexodirectory.com/2009/02/kola-superdeep-borehole-worlds-deepest.html). The whole planet we sit on is made of various minerals and metals we can use. Plenty of stuff for millions of years of industry maybe.
I would also like to point out, that the estimates of "how much tin we have left" (as an example) are pointless, because they are based on the "so far discovered reserves". But since we do not know how much reserves we will discover in the future, the predictions are worthless. Let me give you a test question: How much tin is 35.3 km below the Earth surface? You do not know, of course. Never been there.
In 1972 the "Limits to Growth" prophecy predicted we run out of tin by 1987, out of zinc by 1990 and petrol by 1992. Haha.
And if your protest against the idea, that we should plunder our Earth even deeper than now, hear this. Earth has no purpose. Its only meaning is to serve to us and our growth. Things have value only if there is a someone, who uses them.


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A property tycoon who sits on the board of Formula One team Lotus is facing one of the largest divorce settlements seen in the UK after it was announced that he was splitting from his wife after 18 years.
Andy Ruhan, who is estimated to be worth more than £200 million began divorce proceedings last year ending almost 20 years of marriage. However, according to the Sunday Times a divorce settlement may be delayed due to a disagreement with business partners. Mr Ruhan is being sued by his former business partners for a share of the profits from the sale of 37 Thistle hotels in the mid-2000s, but the case is not due to be heard at the High Court until next year.
Intergenerational living could be set to become the norm, with three quarters of UK adults saying they've lived with another generation of their family beyond age 18.