text:
Tanner to Fully Prohibit Visitation at Higgins General Hospital
In response to the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, Tanner Health System is moving to fully prohibit visitors at Higgins General Hospital in Bremen.
This comes after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued an executive order closing visitation at all Alabama hospitals, including Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama in Wedowee.
The visitation closure at Higgins General Hospital will go into effect Saturday, March 21.
Full visitor limits may ultimately extend to its other facilities in Carrollton and Villa Rica as well.
Higgins General Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital. The hospital offers an active rehabilitation program that includes patients at increased risk of severe illness, including older patients.
"The safety of our patients, staff, visitors and the community at large is our top priority," said Ben Camp, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Tanner. "Closing this facility to visitation is a crucial step in that regard, freeing up resources we need for patient care and the safety of our staff."
Dr. Camp urged loved ones to make use of available technologies to stay in touch with loved ones in the hospital, including Facebook Messenger, Facetime and Google Duo.
"We're all working with a new reality that encourages social distancing," he said. "This is another way to leverage our technologies to stay involved while keeping everyone safe."
"We appreciate the community's support as we work to ensure everyone's safety," said Dr. Camp. "These are not measures we take lightly. We value including loved ones in our patients' care. But protecting our patients, staff and visitors must be our priority."
Dr. Camp noted that the hospital would continue to make some compassionate exceptions, including for patients facing end-of-life care choices or those of limited capacity who need a caregiver around-the-clock.
More information on Tanner's COVID-19 response can be found at tanner.org/ncov.
More from the WLBB Newsroom
Carroll County man convicted for felony murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery
On May 20, 2021, a verbal dispute over a card game led to Sherrod Sinteze Montgomery (age 41) striking Ricky
Senator Mike Dugan to Serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security
ATLANTA (January 18, 2022) | Last week, Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton) was assigned by the Senate Committee on Assignments to
Rep. Tyler Paul Smith Named Chairman of House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives' Committee on Assignments named State Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen) as the Chairman
Local School Districts 'Pleased' With Governor's Budget Proposal Suggesting Additional Spending For Education
Administrators with both the Carrollton City Schools District and Carroll County District say they are pleased to see heavy spending
NAACP Appoints Dominique Conteh As New Branch President
The First Woman To Lead The NAACP Carroll County Branch Is Determined To Lead With Transparency, Compassion and Pride On
Carroll County Board of Education Approves Three Attendance Zone Adjustments
Reflecting growth in the northern portion of the district, the Carroll County Board of Education approved changes to three school
more local news articles

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
package io.vertx.ext.auth.htdigest;

import io.vertx.core.json.JsonObject;
import io.vertx.ext.auth.User;
import io.vertx.ext.unit.Async;
import io.vertx.ext.unit.TestContext;
import io.vertx.ext.unit.junit.RunTestOnContext;
import io.vertx.ext.unit.junit.VertxUnitRunner;
import org.junit.Rule;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;

@RunWith(VertxUnitRunner.class)
public class RegressionTest {

  @Rule
  public RunTestOnContext rule = new RunTestOnContext();

  @Test
  public void authTest(TestContext should) {
    final Async test = should.async();
    HtdigestAuth authProvider = HtdigestAuth.create(rule.vertx(), "regression.htdigest");
    JsonObject authInfo = new JsonObject()
      .put("username", "usain")
      .put("realm", "jcrealm@host.com")
      .put("nonce", "28ee8d494b645014eefcd66ac3ddcade")
      .put("method", "GET")
      .put("uri", "/private/private_page.html")
      .put("response", "373408962ca454892aba7c236af6d7a9");
    authProvider.authenticate(authInfo, res -> {
      if (res.succeeded()) {
        User user = res.result();
        should.assertEquals("jcrealm@host.com", user.principal().getString("realm"));
        test.complete();
      } else {
        should.fail(res.cause());
      }
    });
  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings: A new direction for the MCU
In our exclusive interview, we speak to Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton and its stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina about creating a unique movie for the MCU.
By Rachael Harper	 02-09-21 29,907
"I think it really is a story about a boy and his father, and about this tragedy that has shattered a family," Simu Liu tells us of his new movie Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. "It's really a story about grief and how a family deals with grief and loss. It's got a lot of heart.
"But, of course, it's also got some of the best action sequences that you'll ever see in the MCU!"
Liu plays the boy in question, Shang-Chi, who thought he'd left his past behind him before he's violently forced back into the situation via an epic fight on a moving bus (we'll get to that bit later).
Based on the comic book character created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin, it's this relationship between Shang-Chi and his father, Wenwu, that the movie's director, Destin Daniel Cretton really wanted to make sure transitioned over from the source material.
"The parts from the comics that we definitely wanted to cling to was the relationship between the father and son. We knew we wanted to update it in a way in our movie that grounded it in a more realistic father-son relationship with all the conflict that's there," Cretton tells us. "But we didn't want to lose sight of Wenwu, Shang Chi's father in our movie. Of Wenwu's love for his kids. It's a warped love. It's a broken love and it gets dark sometimes but that's something that we didn't want to forget."
The character of Shang-Chi debuted in Special Marvel Edition #15 back in December 1973 in the Bronze Age of Comic Books. Creating a movie based around a comic book character that debuted almost 50 years ago, Cretton and the writing team at Marvel wanted to update some of the ideas within the original source material without diverting too much from its themes: "I initially wrote the story alongside one of our co-writers, Dave Callaham who is Chinese American, and it was a big combination of going through the comics, and seeing what we wanted to update, see what type of characters we wanted to round out.
"We knew from the get-go that we wanted to break every stereotype that we could in this, and that to me started from tapping into our own experience, our own upbringing as Asian Americans and infusing some of that into the story."
Though adapting a decades-old comic for modern day audiences may be a daunting task, Cretton had fun gathering together a plethora of influences to incorporate in his film. "We pulled from a lot of references. At Marvel, you kind of get your own little conference writing room, and we just plastered the walls with visuals from our favourite martial arts movies and fantasy movies and wuxia movies and things from the comics that we were into exploring. It's actually a very fun creative process where there's just ideas flying around everywhere and you just grab them and start figuring out how you can piece them into a story!"
The story that's resulted from that hallowed Marvel conference room focusses on 'Shaun' a mild-mannered valet whose biggest concern is how many drinks and songs he can squeeze into a night's karaoke session with his best friend Katy.
Just kidding, Shaun is actually Shang-Chi (yep, as Katy notes, it's the worst alter ego name ever), a kung-fu master who has been trained from birth to be an assassin by his father, the leader of the nefarious Ten Rings organisation.
After a tragedy in his childhood and being unable to take part in some of the questionable deeds as part of his father's organisation as a teenager, Shang-Chi runs away to San Francisco and starts a new life. But his past doesn't stay hidden for long…
Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is hiding out in San Francisco, working as a valet with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina).
"This movie is about our main character learning how to deal with pain, and learning not only how to redefine it for himself, but he's learning that ignoring it doesn't really help," Cretton says. "Facing it and repurposing that pain to actually become his superpower is a theme that I really relate to. I hope it is something that a new generation of fans and kids can carry with them."
Both Cretton and Liu knew that to focus the movie on this complex character meant some digging into who Shang-Chi really is: "What I really loved about working with Destin is we started from a place of humanity and kind of built outwards from there, before all the superhero stuff, before all the spectacle and the martial arts and the action," Liu says. "As an actor that becomes the entry point to the character and then we build the other pieces of that character as layers."
Cretton (pictured, left) and Liu (right) wanted to delve into the character of Shang-Chi to tell his story.
A huge part of Shang-Chi's life in San Francisco is his relationship with his best friend Katy, who has no idea her friend 'Shaun' is secretly a badass trained assassin. "Katy is a really fun character," says Awkwafina who plays her. "She has a sense of humour, very similar to mine. She's impulsive, she's a little crazy, but I think at the same time she is a really grounded and loyal friend to Shang-Chi. I think that their friendship means a lot to her."
That friendship is really put to the test when Shang-Chi's past catches up with him in a violent way when he's attacked while they're riding home on the bus. This scene (which you can see in the trailer here) is not only a turning point in the movie, it also sees Awkwafina taking on a few action moments of her own when Katy is forced to drive the bus while an epic, if claustrophobic, fight is happening behind her: "I definitely wanted to make sure that it looked like I relatively knew what I was doing and I think I definitely got there," she laughs. "I was on the race track. I took driving lessons just to get the feel of the movement!"
An epic fight scene in a downtown bus forces Shang-Chi to confront the demons of his past.
Speaking of epic fight sequences, Liu really had his work cut out for him when taking on that element of Shang-Chi's character: "Shang-Chi wouldn't be who he is without the incredible martial arts skills. He's trained by his father, Wenwu from such an early age to be an assassin so there was a physicality that I knew that I had to get to," he tells us. "[There was] just lots of stunt training – like three to six hours a day working among the stunt team. It was kind of like: 'Day 47, I am still among the stunt team. I'm trying to blend in' [laughs]. Thankfully they were kind enough to just include me in their regiment.
"Then I would do an hour/an hour and a half of strength and conditioning five times a week making sure that I had the quote unquote 'Marvel body'. You know, the body that is so iconic for all Marvel superheroes. I feel like it's a rite of passage for so many of us.
"Then the second part is just to build up the endurance to be able to shoot this monster of a movie. I mean if an actual human being had gone through what Shang-Chi goes through in the first 45 minutes of the movie, he would be dead! He would at the very least be in the hospital recuperating in some sort of a coma because it's a lot. Obviously, we play with heightened reality in the Marvel Universe, even for characters without superpowers, but it's really tough stuff and he's doing a lot!"
Speaking of the Marvel Universe, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings takes place after Avengers: Endgame which [spoilers] see many of our established characters taking a back seat for the new generation of heroes and this latest movie from Marvel is making sure it makes its mark in the MCU: "It's a unique movie within the MCU," Liu nods. "I think it's first of all very culturally significant. It's a celebration of Asian-ness, of our culture, and even for those outside of our community. I think it's just such a wonderful way to share in those beautiful visuals and the language and so many other things."
"I think it really is the first of its kind in that [Shang-Chi] is the first Asian superhero of the MCU," Awkwafina adds. "You have a body of stories that are of a different context, [from] a different kind of voice. But it's also an origin story so I think that there are just themes that are going on that I haven't seen in really any movie."
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten rings is carving its own unique spot in the MCU.
For Cretton, ushering a new generation of Marvel heroes and stories was something he took seriously and is happy to pave the way for more superheroes to come: "I think you can see by the end of this movie that there is a clear direction that the franchise is headed. But I also know that with every new streaming show that's coming out and all the new characters that are being introduced into this new phase, the emphasis on character and relatable, flawed superheroes that we've come to love since the first Iron Man, is always going to remain consistent. That to me is the magic of the MCU."
Another big part of that MCU magic is the spectacle and immersive experience audiences have when watching their heroes kick butt and save the world, and you should expect the same with its latest addition.
"I hope [audiences] go through a whole roller coaster of emotions," Awkwafina enthuses. "That essentially they have fun and maybe that they're affected, they're impacted. And that they just remember what it's like to have this kind of very special experience at the movies."
"I hope that people who experience this movie are experiencing something new and fresh and that they leave with a little boost of joy and, hopefully, a bit of hope," Cretton agrees. "We've all been through a lot in the last couple of years and this movie is a celebration of culture. It's a celebration of the MCU and entering a new phase in the MCU. I hope people just have a really good time."
We're sure they will!
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is released in cinemas on 3 September.
Captain Marvel actor Rune Temte talks Starforce and more Memory: The Origins Of Alien director Alexandre O Philippe on Egyptian mythology, chestbursters and more It Chapter 2: Andy Muschietti & the Losers talk blood, growing up & more
Tags: Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings


text:
Website of Frank Zahn
Home Bio Books Other Writings Favorite Poem Photos Contact
Q&A with Charlie
Charlie delights in stirring up the pot—any pot.
Question: I hear you like to dance, Charlie. Is that true?
Answer: Yes, it is. Besides being a lot of fun, especially after a couple of drinks, dancing is a way for me to vertically express a horizontal desire.
Question: So, Charlie, who or what is God?
Answer: When you close your eyes and wish for something, God is the one who ignores you.
Question: Charlie, woke people say you are an oppressor because you're white. How do you feel about that?
Answer: I agree with them, and it makes me sick inside, like I'm trapped in a body that doesn't reflect the real me. So, from now on, I will identify as transracial. That is, I will identify as a person of color. More precisely, I will identify as a black man. And to that end, I will darken my skin, frizzle my hair, puff up my lips with injections of Botox, and get butt implants. I don't have to develop a taste for fried chicken and watermelon because I already have that. But I will support Black Lives Matter, play basketball in my hood, speak Ebonics, add motherfucker to my vocabulary, and address other guys as Bro. And anyone who objects to my efforts is clearly transphobic.
Question: So, Charlie, when do you believe life begins?
Answer: I agree with someone who once said, "Some people believe life begins at conception while others believe it begins at birth. Neither is true. Life begins when the last kid leaves home, and the dog dies."
Question: Charlie, what do you think of Juneteenth, our new national holiday?
Answer: It's long overdue. We need to celebrate The Emancipation, which was made possible by the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln, a white man and a Republican, and the mostly white 620,000 union army soldiers who gave their lives to free black people from the slavery that was supported by Democrats not only in the South but the North as well.
Question: There are all kinds of beliefs about what heaven is like. What's yours, Charlie?
Answer: That's easy. I believe heaven is a happy place where we can all run around naked and fornicate at will.
Question: So, Charlie, what do you think about people who identify as transgender?
Answer: As long as it doesn't disadvantage or cost others, I say let them identify anyway they wish. I've always thought gender and sex were synonyms, but they're not. Gender is a social or cultural distinction, and sex is a biological distinction.
To identify as a member of the opposite sex or to transgender is to change the appearance of your biological sex. You can do that by changing your behavior, style of dressing, name, and physical appearance with hormone injections and surgery.
But as much as you may want to change your biological sex, it—your chromosomal makeup—remains unchanged. For example, a biological male is still a biological male regardless of how he identifies socially or culturally, and a biological female is still a biological female regardless of how she identifies socially or culturally. Science says.
Question: So, Charlie, now that you're single again, what kind of a woman are you looking for to replace the one you had?
Answer: Well, I want one that's modern enough so that she doesn't depend on me for everything but traditional enough so that she does exactly what I tell her to do.
Question: Okay, Charlie, so what do you think about the allegation of white privilege?
Answer: I think it's true, although black privilege has been gaining in strength and seems to be replacing it. I guess everyone has to take a turn in the barrel eventually.
Question: So, Charlie, what do you think about homosexuality?
Answer: Well, if that turns you on, go for it as long as it's between consenting adults. But to my way of thinking, if a couple is going to get down to some serious sex, at least one of them has to have a pecker, and if both of them have peckers, it's one pecker too many.
Question: So, Charlie, what do you think about all the people who are moving to Texas?
Answer: I can see why they want to get out of states like New York, Illinois, and especially California. But moving to Texas is not all it's cracked up to be. I admit the cost of housing is relatively low, and the barbecued brisket and ribs are great. And there's no state income tax.
But property taxes are out of sight. The heat and humidity are ungodly. There are problems with frequent flooding in the southern part of the state, most notably the Houston area. And the people moving there include Democrats, who oddly enough seem hell-bent on turning the state into the same kind of economic and political mess that exists in the Democrat-controlled states they left behind.
But perhaps the worst thing about Texas is the native Texans. They are racist and sexist as hell, loud, vulgar, arrogant, and ignorant bordering on stupid.
Question: So, Charlie, are you Pro-Choice or Pro-Life?
Answer: Definitely Pro-Choice. We don't want the kind of women who would kill their unborn children reproducing.
Question: Charlie, you once said you liked dating religious women. Why?
Answer: Because they are wound up so tight that if you take them out and loosen them up with a couple of drinks, you have to race them to the bedroom.
Question: Are you afraid of dying, Charlie?
Answer: Not a bit. I believe that when we die, we'll stink up things until we're buried or cremated, and then we'll go to my idea of heaven—a place where we'll all run around naked and fornicate at will.
Question: It seems like you're getting a little heavier every day, Charlie. When you die, do you think you'll fit into your coffin?
Answer: When the time comes, I'll probably have to be stuffed into it, and a couple of guys will probably have to sit on the damn lid to hold it down long enough for the mortician to drive in all the nails.
Question: I take it, Charlie, you don't think much of traditional weddings. Why?
Answer: Traditional weddings in general are littered with landmines of gender politics—from the bride wearing virgin white to the taking on of the groom's name to the asking of permission for the bride's hand. It's certainly no secret that the tradition of having a father walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day and "give" her away is deeply rooted in sexism, basically symbolizing the passing of a woman—the "property" of one man, her father—to the next man, her husband. And if weddings are sexist, the marriages that result may well be sexist as well.
Question: So, Charlie, what do you think of people who stress that the U. S. is a land of immigrants?
Answer: I agree with clarification. The United States is a land of LEGAL immigrants. ILLEGAL immigration is invasion. And the duty of the federal government is to repel invaders.
Question: How do you feel about people in general, Charlie?
Answer: I agree with Ernest Hemingway: "The only thing that can ruin a good day is people."
Question: Hey, Charlie, do you prefer dating widows or divorcees?
Answer: Windows tend to make saints of former husbands while divorcees tend to make rotten bastards of them. So, I prefer dating divorcees. It's easier to follow rotten bastards than it is to follow saints.
Question: Have you ever tried cocaine, Charlie?
Answer: No, but a friend of mine has. And he told me it made him feel so horny that he made love a radiator and sent it flowers the next morning.
Question: I heard you are an atheist, Charlie. Is that true?
Answer: No, it's not. I agree with Carl Sagan when he said, "An atheist is someone who is certain that God does not exist, someone who believes he has compelling evidence against the existence of God. I know of no such compelling evidence. Because God can be relegated to remote times and places and to ultimate causes, we would have to know a great deal more about the universe than we do now to be sure that no such God exists. To be certain of the existence of God and to be certain of the nonexistence of God seem to me to be the confident extremes in a subject so riddled with doubt and uncertainty as to inspire very little confidence indeed."
And in response to an atheist that pointed out to Carl that there is no evidence that God exists, he said, "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."
Question: Hey, Charlie, are you a monogamist?
Answer: Hell no. I agree with Errol Flynn: "I can't imagine anything more boring than monogamy."
Question: Charlie, what do you think about holy books like the Bible and the Koran?
Answer: The Christian Bible and other holy books, including the Muslim Koran and the Hindu Vedas, are but human perceptions or concoctions of God. To believe otherwise is the height of human arrogance.
Question: Charlie, what do think about public policies that permit transgender females to compete in female sports.
Answer: The separation of men's and women's sports are based on biological differences. And for good reason. It is the biological differences that create differences in the ability to perform. In general, science says males have a biological advantage. And changing your identity or gender does not change your biological sex.
If you paint an orange red, it doesn't make it an apple. Neither does rolling horse manure in powdered sugar make it a donut. And changing your appearance to that of the opposite biological sex doesn't make you the opposite biological sex. Your XX or XY chromosomes remain unchanged.
That said, however, go ahead a transgender if it makes you feel better about yourself, but it is simply unfair to make it the basis for public policies that disadvantage others. That includes public policies that disadvantage biological XX females when biological XY males, who identify as transgender females, are permitted to compete with them in sports.
In short, regardless of gender identity, biological XY males have a physical advantage over biological XX females, so it is simply unfair to permit them to compete in biological XX female sports.
Question: What do you see as the main difference between the temperaments of Asians and Westerners?
Answer: I agree with an old Asian expression: "Asian like water—long time to boil but once hot take lifetime to cool down. Westerner like sand—fast hot and fast cool. Do not last."
Question: Charlie, why is it that sometimes, good wins out over evil in some people while evil wins out over good in others?
Answer: An old Cherokee legend answers that question best. It's a tale of two wolves that was told by an old man to his grandson one evening:
"A fight is going on inside me," the old man said. "It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked, "Which wolf will win?"
The old man replied simply, "The one we feed."
Question: Charlie, is belief in the existence of God at variance with science?
Answer: You've asked me this question before. Let me put my answer to you another way. Anyone who understands the scientific method knows there are no credible arguments against the existence of God. Because his existence is neither capable of proof nor disproof, it is accepted (theism) or rejected (atheism) on the basis of faith. Science does not, and cannot, address the question because science only addresses that which is capable of disproof.
Question: The Bible says fornication is a sin, Charlie. What have you got to say about that?
Answer: I don't believe it. Nothing that feels so good could be a sin. God would not give us the urge and opportunity and then say it's wrong to do it. That would be sadistic. Besides, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than marriage.
More to Come……..
Copyright © 2021 Frank Zahn


The International Master Disaster Management aims to train managers able to anticipate and manage major crises which can have health and environmental consequences for the affected countries. It will allow students to deepen their knowledge base by integrating an international dimension on large-scale crises. It also incorporates the emergency humanitarian concept that is organized in crisis situations, usually conflicts or natural disasters. The Master International DAMAGE rests on two pillars : risk analysis and crisis management. The students will incorportate update competences and skills enabling to assess the on-site risks (risk analysis methods), to propose solutions for risk reduction, preparedness planning, and to evaluate the vulnerability.
the different types of risks and their potential consequences.
Over two academic years (three semesters), the master is 120 ECTS credits. Practical training courses (offered by professionalists) are representing 90 credits. The year M1 is constituted by the UE1 to UE 6, year M2 consists of UE7 to UE10. A Master internship (6 months) is representing 30 credits.


text:
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea Shares The Special Invitation From Kobe Bryant
Flea, who is the iconic bass guitarist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, took to his official Instagram account to share a new photo and unveiled the unknown invitational ticket he got from Los Angeles Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant.
Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died on January 26, 2020, while they were traveling to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. The helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, but the cause of the crash is still unknown.
As you might already know about Flea's love for basketball, he is also a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. Also, we all know the admiration he has for the legendary NBA player Kobe. After the tragic death of Kobe, Flea appeared on the lots of TV programs to remember his legacy.
Also, Red Hot Chili Peppers made a 'The Getaway World Tour' in between 2016-2017, and they got around 40.000 people attended to their show in the Staples Center, which is the stadium that Los Angeles Lakers uses.
Today, Flea shared the special guest invitation tickets he got to be used for the entrance of the Staples Center, and one of them was featuring the image of Kobe. Because of that, there is a high chance Flea got this ticked from Kobe Bryant himself.
Here is what writes on the ticket:
"Red Hot Chili Peppers March 10, 2017, Staples Center, special guest."
You can check out the post below.
Photo Credit: Flea – Instagram
Flea News
Kobe Bryant News
Previous articleRolling Stones Singer Mick Jagger's Daughter Shares Powerful Message About Racism From Her Neighborhood
Next articleArch Enemy Guitarist Michael Amott Announces Cancer Diagnosis Of A 'True Metal Soldier,' LG


text:
Home > Walks > Thames Path
Thames Path Stage 1: Thames Barrier to Greenwich
Thames Path
Stage: 1
Distance: 4¼ miles, 7km
Walked on: 2 March 2013
In many ways, the Thames Barrier is a curious place for the eastern end of the Thames Path National Trail. It makes no real sense. The western end is obvious, being at the source of the river as it makes its 215 mile journey from the Cotswolds towards the sea, but ending the trail at the Thames Barrier, well that is less so. The River Thames itself still has another thirty miles to go until it reaches the estuary at Canvey Island. So why does the Thames Path National Trail start, or end, at the Barrier?
Every now and then there's talk of extending the Thames Path all the way to the estuary; of connecting up a myriad of existing rights of ways down the river and allowing the walker to connect source and sea together. Indeed, there's already an official yet unofficial 13 mile extension from the barrier down through Woolwich and on to Crayford Ness. It's official in that it appears on signposts named as the "Thames Path", but unofficial in that it's not formally part of the National Trail itself, and has its own logo of a Thames Barge rather than the standard acorn.
But for now the idea of extending the route all the way to the sea is just that: an idea. The official trailhead stands firmly at the Thames Barrier, and that's not changing anytime soon. On the other hand, the Thames Barrier is perhaps one of the most majestic structures on the Thames, and is certainly a sight to behold. With its row of piers, each topped with a large metallic shell shaped construction which gleams and glistens in the sun, the Thames Barrier looks like something out of the future. The addition on each of the nine piers of a bright yellow crane-like contraption, adds to the whole mystique, making the whole caboodle look almost unreal.
Spanning the third of a mile width of the Thames and completed in 1982 after eight years of building work, the barrier is the second largest movable flood barrier in the world. Only the Oosterscheldekering barrier in the Netherlands beats it, with the movable section of that barrier coming in at two and a half miles long.
Naturally this all means that behind the Thames Barrier's shiny façade is some serious power; the power required to hold back huge amounts of water. Yet, standing on the banks of the Thames looking out at it, that power is mostly hidden. The barrier gates spend most of their time resting on the bed of the Thames, only coming into view when circumstances, or routine maintenance, requires them to be raised.
Whilst an individual gate can be brought up to the closed position in around fifteen minutes, it's not actually possible to close the whole thing so quickly; to do so would risk a massive tidal wave hitting the capital which, for some reason, those in charge don't think is a particularly good idea. In fact it takes many hours before the gates can be raised safely. Shutting the gates is a slow process with many steps. Shipping needs to be alerted and secondary defences along the river activated first; the Barking Barrier, the Dartford Barrier and the Tilbury Dock Gates to name just a few. Only once every step on the ticklist has been checked off can the barrier be safely closed.
When all is said and done, the Thames Barrier doesn't look like something designed in the 1970s. The 70s is, after all, a decade best known for geometric shaped skyscrapers and brutalist architecture, and one where concrete reigned supreme. Indeed when the barrier was being designed, it must have felt to some that it would look incredibly out of place. With its sleek curved metal, and bright yellow cranes, it must have looked like a shining beacon from the distant future; revolutionary in fact. Either that or just plain weird. Now, all those years on, the Thames Barrier seems to fit in more neatly with the 1990s; maybe even early 21st century. In terms of style, it was ahead of its time and doesn't seem to have aged one bit.
I stood at the barrier, trying to show Sam this, although at three months old, his vision wasn't particularly good. No doubt he could make out some strange grey blobs in the distance, but to be honest he seemed far more interested in squinting at the small fluffy red elephant attached to his pram.
The Thames Path sets off from a simple sign next to the barrier and above a subway tunnel. 180 miles to the source, it says. Come on, what are you playing at? Time to get walking, it might as well add. The subway takes it all a bit more seriously, showing a map of the river and all the places that those who follow it could visit.
The first few paces on the trail are a reminder, should the walker ever need one, that the Thames is a working river. On the other bank, the mighty Tate and Lyle refinery stands; opened in 1876, the massive site specialised in sugar cube production and sugar refining continues here to this day, even if it's no longer owned by Tate and Lyle themselves. It's the Americans who own it now after Tate and Lyle sold off their refining business in 2011.
On the south side, things weren't quite so sweet. Aggregate recycling is the principal business here, with huge piles of rock and rubble piled up waiting to be sorted before being taken away by ship. Some of it still travels by river from nearby Peartree Wharf; peering through a fence I noted that one barge was busily being filled up as we walked by.
It didn't take too long for the Thames Path to change in nature. Turning a corner, the path takes the walker past the glamorous world of the Greenwich Yacht Club, one of whose buildings stands on stilts on the Thames, surrounded by moorings of its members. Nearby, the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park provides some greenery. Sitting on what was once the polluted site of a large gas works, the park now contains two large ponds and meadows with a thriving eco-system
It's a story that is repeated throughout the river in London: one time undesirable land, tarted up for those with lots of cash. Whilst warehouses and wharves once filled the banks of the river, now huge swathes of it is taken up by residential properties. Hosting luxury apartments with riverside views, the so-called Greenwich Peninsula, with its fine views of Canary Wharf, City Airport and a sugar refinery, offers plenty of options for those that can afford the premium prices. Every few years someone erects some more apartment blocks, allowing more people to spend their hard earned cash for their spot near the water.
Yet as we walked on, it was noticeable how the river was also an obstacle too. It was only a short hop to the north bank in terms of distance, but those wanting to cross the river would face a significant detour. For years the nearest crossing was the busy Woolwich Ferry a few miles away. Only in 1999 did the tube arrive, with the Jubilee Line connecting Canary Wharf with the new Millennium Dome, which loomed up ahead from us. However in 2012 another option arrived in the form of a giant cable car spanning the Thames.
Mockingly nicknamed the Arabfly Dangleway by one prominent London blogger, and routinely derided by both the press and Londoners alike, the Emirates Airline has a capacity to transport 2,500 people an hour, yet as we walked past in spring 2013 its ridership was a mere 4,500 people a day. Recent headlines in the local press had screamed that the system had just a handful of regular passengers and it was mostly being used by tourists wanting a view of the river and nearby Canary Wharf. Initial proposals claimed the system would be built entirely through private finance, but in the end the taxpayers of London had to stump up half the cost.
Like many I'd always seen it as a massive white elephant, created by Mayor Boris Johnson who seems obsessed by high profile projects with limited value. But despite my views on its worth, there's no denying that the Dangleway is a mighty and imposing sight on the Thames. Spanning a 1km distance, its three pylons tower over the river; the tiny cars moving over the water at a height of 90m. I'd never ridden it, and had no need to today given the Thames Path stuck distinctly to the south side of the river, but as the sun came out and glistened on the river, it was, for a moment, tempting. We could shell out a few pounds and make those passenger totals up to 4,503, no problem.
Just how do you do a walk with a three month old baby? It was a question we'd pondered before setting out. The paved nature of the London stretches of the Thames Path had certainly given us options, and our first trip out proved to be a time for experimentation. We'd taken no chances, providing young Sam with the option of moving in a baby carrier, a baby wrap carrier or a pram. As we approached the Dome, now long renamed The O2 Arena, he was travelling in his pram, fussing around and making a lot of noise. So much so that the entire of the Greenwich Peninsula could hear his screams.
It had been a while since he'd been fed so we wandered up the riverside path looking for a bench, eventually finding one at the rear of the Dome, next to the odd sight of a cross section of an old ship, moored in the river.
As Sam fed happily, I took the opportunity to admire this strange monument. The cut up ship is a piece of art called "Slice of Reality". The artist took an old ocean-going sand dredger, and carved a vertical slice from it, focused around the habitable sections of the ship. About 85% of the ship was discarded, leaving the poop deck, bridge and engine room moored up on the Thames. Part of it has been screened off, creating an inside room encased in clear perspex, and as Sam powered up we sat and watched as people played on the pool table inside.
Slice of Reality was created and installed for the Millennium Dome, along with a number of other art works dotted around the local area. When the Dome closed up, all the art was supposed to be removed, and most was. However the Slice of Reality remained after artist Richard Wilson pointed out that it wasn't on the Dome's land and that therefore they had no rights to insist on it being removed. Clearly the stubborn type, he arranged for an extended mooring license and his bit of cut up ship has remained on the river ever since.
The slightly rusting remains of the old sand dredger stood in sharp contrast to the shining, nay gleaming, backdrop of Canary Wharf on the other side of the river, but even that mighty complex of glass and metal was about to be upstaged. Slowly manoeuvring up the river was far more interesting sight; HMS Lancaster. As we sat on our bench (and Sam slurped some more) it got closer and closer, brought into position by two tugs who were taking it up to West India Quay. Its grey paintwork seemed to almost merge into the backdrop of a cloudy sky and the grey metal of the business district. It wasn't hard to picture why the boat had been painted as it had. On first glance it didn't feel like grey would be the right colour for naval camouflage, but there was no mistaking that it worked perfectly.
The Dome sits at the top of the Greenwich Peninsula. From here the Thames double backs on itself, meaning the Thames Path walker comes close to walking a full circle all the way round the Arena. It's possible to take a shortcut of course; lop the walk off by heading through the Arena grounds, perhaps stopping off for a burger or coffee inside. The true Thames Path walker stands resolute against such temptations. The true walker continues to walk on the river bank, just as the Thames Path's creators intended. And they continue to follow it all the way down to Greenwich. Well unless they find a big sign telling you that the footpath is closed.
As we rounded the large white tent, we suddenly found that the proper route from the Dome was blocked off, hidden behind a large metal fence, with a terse yellow sign informing us about "Thames Path Repairs and Improvements." For a mile and a half or so, the riverside route was shut. Indeed, not even shut: it didn't exist.
It wasn't the Thames Path that was being repaired or improved. In fact the whole area had become a massive building site. Nothing of what was there previously seemed to remain. There was just mud and rubble, and that meant that the riverside path was gone too. A small map on the yellow sign gave us instructions of what to do instead. Go inland and follow the Thames Cycle Path seemed to be about the gist of it.
So that's what we did, leaving the water glimmering and glistening in the sun whilst we headed past a bus station and down a near-empty dual carriageway named, inevitably, Millennium Way. The road took us past empty land and car parks offering parking for Arena events at the bargain price of £28 for the evening. The resulting traffic jam when everyone all tried to leave at once, well that's free.
Sam bounced up and down merrily in his baby carrier as his empty pram was pushed down the road. His head spun from side to side rapidly, doing his best to see everything he possibly could, even if there wasn't much to see besides massive car parks and wasteland, waiting for redevelopment. Yet for all the emptiness of Millennium Way, this was no quiet area. Off in the background cars queued up to cross under the river in the Blackwall Tunnel. It's a key crossing for those wishing to get to the other side of the river; the last for 16 miles until Dartford with only the Woolwich Free Ferry in between.
At the end of Millennium Way sat a giant roundabout that seemed to do its best to ensure that pedestrians didn't cross quickly, before the Thames Path's diversion led us down another road. Blackwall Lane was distinctly busier with buses and lorries thundering along. This was certainly not going to be the Thames Path's finest hour. With the river well hidden behind urban sprawl there was little of interest to look at. Just rows of houses and shops. Oh and a small sign outside a modest and modern looking industrial unit.
"The Meantime Brewing Company. Brewery shop open, brewery tours available!" My eyes lit up.
"We could pop in," noted Catherine casually.
"We shouldn't really."
"Remember when we used to drink their Chocolate Porter and eat Battenberg?" was the only obvious response.
"Well I'm sure we did."
"If you say so. Let's pop in then."
Fifteen minutes later we left again; the basket under the pram now groaning under the weight of several bottles of beer. Well prams have to have their uses, and Sam had not been particularly keen on spending time in it that day. And who could blame him. What can a three month old baby see from a pram? Nothing but the sky and the tops of lamp posts. Much better to be carried and be able to see all the delights of London. And the odd brewery too.
The sun was getting low as we arrived back on the riverside path. Off in the distance, the dome of the O2 shone brightly in the early evening sun. Outside the Cutty Sark pub, a giant anchor stood, although the many paragraphs of explanatory text which explained just why there was a giant anchor there, were in an awkward position and especially difficult to read when you have a baby strapped to your chest and the sun's shining in your eyes. Only later did I find out that it was a sculpture by artist Wendy Taylor, and that the inscription gave a brief history of East Greenwich.
The Cutty Sark pub was pulling in the punters, as was the Trafalgar Tavern next to the Royal Naval College. The Trafalgar had a long and distinguished career, gaining fame as a meeting place for politicians in the 19th century, who would enjoy a whitebait supper there, washed down with plenty of ale no doubt. Now it attracts visitors from across the globe, as demonstrated by a long line of Japanese tourists who were making their way through the front door.
I've always loved the centre of Greenwich with its quaint foibles and historic buildings. It may be a massive tourist attraction of a town, but it's a particularly pleasant one. Not surprisingly the place was bustling as we walked the short distance along the Thames Path to the Cutty Sark itself, standing tall and proud.
Built in 1869, the former clipper ship had once travelled the world carrying cargoes of tea to its mother country, before becoming a tourist attraction in Greenwich in the 1950s. It had recently undergone restoration, a process lengthened by a dramatic fire on the site in the 2007. Now re-opened for business once more, it was proving to be the tourist draw that it ever was, and we quietly battled our way through the throngs of visitors waving their cameras and generally enjoying themselves.
Evenings though aren't a time for babies. They tend to get in the way of your social life, what with their needing food and an early night. Still with Sam sleeping happily in the baby carrier (the pram still being used for the transportation of beer) we headed inland for a quick pint. And where better than a pub owned by the same brewery we'd visited earlier in the day. Tucked up a side street near the railway station we popped in to the packed Greenwich Union and toasted our success. Our first day on the Thames Path was complete. We'd made it, baby and all.
On the train home, Sam celebrated too. His celebration technique being just a bit different, coming in the form of a massive screaming fit. Well, each to their own.
A couple of weeks after our walk in March 2013, the section between the Dome and Greenwich along the riverside re-opened. Diamond Geezer was there.
Next time: tourists, famous bridges, tourists, famous buildings and tourists.
Rambling Man Walks The Thames Path
The whole Thames Path adventure is available to read now for Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Kobo, and Google Play or other e-readers.
Hi there did you use any map for the route? Thanks! Jo
Hi Jo – I used the maps in the two official guide books, Thames Path in London and Thames Path in the Country, both published by Aurum Press. The books contain Ordnance Survey mapping. The London one is very high scale and includes street names, so is very worth it.
Thames Path: Introduction
Thames Path Stage 2: Greenwich to London Bridge
Thames Path Stage 3: London Bridge to Vauxhall
Thames Path Stage 4: Vauxhall to Putney
Thames Path Stage 5: Putney to Kew
Thames Path Stage 6: Kew to Teddington
Thames Path Stage 7: Teddington to Hampton Court
Thames Path Stage 8: Hampton Court to Shepperton
Thames Path Stage 9: Shepperton to Staines
Thames Path Stage 10: Staines to Windsor
Thames Path Stage 11: Windsor to Bourne End
Thames Path Stage 12: Bourne End to Henley-on-Thames
Thames Path Stage 13: Henley-on-Thames to Tilehurst
Thames Path Stage 14: Tilehurst to Cholsey
Thames Path Stage 15: Cholsey to Culham
Thames Path Stage 16: Culham to Oxford
Thames Path: An evening in Oxford
Thames Path Stage 17 (Part 1): Oxford to Pinkhill Lock
Thames Path Stage 17 (Part 2): Pinkhill Lock to Newbridge
Thames Path Stage 18 (Part 1): Newbridge to Buckland
Thames Path Stage 18 (Part 2): Buckland to Lechlade
Thames Path Stage 19 (Part 1): Lechlade to Inglesham
Thames Path Stage 19 (Part 2): Inglesham to the Source
Thames Path Epilogue: Southend-on-Sea
The Thames Path – setting off from the Thames Barrier
Thames Path Gallery
Monkey Island: Thames Style
The Thames Path: A better ending?
At the start of the Thames Path
Planning your Thames Path walk
Tower Bridge at Night
Crossing a boundary, London style
Related links for Thames Path
Thames Path National Trail website
Thames Path Accommodation
LDWA's Thames Path page
First Published: 13 November 2013. Last Updated: 19 August 2015.


Based in Lafayette, LA and servicing the gulf coast from Houston to New Orleans, we are the oldest and strongest copier dealer in the area.
We offer the latest technology from top of the line brands such as Canon and Riso.
How can we help you to streamline your business?
Our core business is providing office equipment to the gulf coast area. Thanks to our top quality copiers and our focus on customer satisfaction, we have built a large client base with high retention, propelling us through more than 55 years of business.
With offices in Lafayette, Houma, and Beaumont, Texas, Copy & Camera Technologies is able to service the entire gulf coast region from New Orleans to Houston, maintaining a four hour or less response time to your location.
Use our convenient online forms to quickly and easily submit your meter readings, enter order details, or ask service questions. A representative will respond to your submission shortly after it is received.
Our product line consists of Canon multifunction black & white and color copiers, fax machines, laser printers, wide format printers, finishing equipment, and scanners. We are also authorized Riso and Oki dealers, offering Riso digital duplicators and a variety of full color, high speed inkjet printers, as well as document imaging software such as eCopy, imageWare, and Laserfiche.
Join our over 3,500 satisfied customers by talking to a representative about how we can streamline your business!
Check out this Canon video featuring our own service manager, Todd Landry!
© 2019 Copy & Camera Technologies. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Posted by admin on Jul 16, 2019
Grammy-nominated and Gold-selling hard rock heavyweights Killswitch Engage have just dropped the new song 'I Am Broken Too.' Listen and watch the lyric video now. The song appears on the band's eighth album, 'Atonement', out August 16th on Metal Blade Records.
Batushka
Last week, Batushka released its sophomore album 'Hospodi' through Metal Blade Records. Today, they have just unleashed the fifth video for 'Pierwyj Czas.' Watch and listen here: youtu.be/ZWrZsPxGIb4
Metal Blade Records is proud to welcome Intronaut to its worldwide roster! Currently working on the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'The Direction of Last Things' (2015), Intronaut plans to release their new album - and Metal Blade Records debut - in 2020.
Posted by admin on Jul 9, 2019
International extreme power metal superstars DragonForce have announced new live dates in the USA, Canada, UK and Europe starting the fall of 2019/beginning of 2020. After a festival run this summer, DragonForce will kick off their North American tour on October 1st!
On September 13th, RAM will unleash their new album, 'The Throne Within', via Metal Blade Records. For a preview of the record, a lyric video for the first single, 'Ravnfell', can be viewed at metalblade.com/ram - where 'The Throne Within' can also be pre-ordered
Posted by admin on Jun 27, 2019
Endseeker
Hamburg's finest death metal act Endseeker have just announced September 13th as the release date for their debut Metal Blade Records full length album, 'The Harvest'. Music and videos can be heard now at metalblade.com/endseeker
Legendary thrash metallers Sacred Reich have announced the release date for their highly anticipated new album 'Awakening'. The band's first new music in twenty three years will drop on August 23rd via Metal Blade Records.
Posted by admin on Jun 5, 2019
Amon Amarth released their 11th full-length, 'Berserker', last month to critical acclaim via Metal Blade Records / Sony Music. Today, the band has unleashed the final clip in their trilogy of music videos for the album: 'Mjolnir', which can be viewed at: youtu.be/MKNMMRI57yU
"Long Night's Journey into Day"
"Ecstasy"
"My Midnight Things"
"Carnage"
"Messe Noire"
"Red Before Black" - $9.99
"Nightbringers" - $11.99
"Two Paths" - $9.99
"The Blood of Gods" - $9.99
"Fight the Fight" - $9.99
"Equilibrium"
"Exile Amongst the Ruins"
"Where Owls Know My Name"
"Cobra Speed Venom"
"Chapter I"
Swedish Viking Death Metallers KING OF ASGARD premiere 'The Nine Worlds Burn' video clip via website of Rock Hard Germany! '…to North' out July 31st!
- July 16th, 2012 – Swedish Viking Metallers KING OF ASGARD made an...
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME debut album art and announce street date
- July 16th, 2012 – *photo by Justin Reich from The Antimatter...
BATTLECROSS Kicks Off the TRESPASS AMERICA FESTIVAL with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and More Today!
- July 13th, 2012 – Detroit, MI's self-touted "blue collar...
JOB FOR A COWBOY Prepare For Summer Slaughter Trek
- July 12th, 2012 – The Red Chord's Mike "Gunface"...
Swedish Viking Metallers KING OF ASGARD premiere second single 'Gap Of Ginnungs' from '…to North' exclusively via website of Metal Hammer Germany!
- July 3rd, 2012 – Swedish Viking metal act KING OF ASGARD made an...
Final Band Line-Up Set For GWAR-B-Q, Tix To Go On Sale July 9th
- July 3rd, 2012 – Today, Ring Dog Rescue and Slave Pit Inc. released...
WHITECHAPEL Kick Off Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival In Front of Record Setting Crowd
- July 3rd, 2012 – "They build unforgiving walls of riff, and...
GYPSYHAWK announce "Reverly & Resilience" album release party / in store performance at Vacation Vinyl in Los Angeles
- July 3rd, 2012 – Pasadena, CA's Gypsyhawk will be celebrating...


We have an effective competition policy. It's called free trade.
It is not impossible that there may be persons disposed to look with a jealous eye on the introduction of foreign capital, as if it were an instrument to deprive our own citizens of the profits of our own industry; but, perhaps, there never could be a more unreasonable jealousy. Instead of being viewed as a rival, it ought to be considered as a most valuable auxiliary, conducing to put in motion a greater quantity of productive labor, and a greater portion of useful enterprise, than could exist without it.
We recently learned that NAFTA negotiations between the United States and Canada broke down after Vice President Mike Pence demanded a five year sunset clause — a no-go for Canada for the obvious reason that sunsetting destroys the policy certainty required for cross-border investment.
In general, we should separate out trade agreements – which are about tariffs – and investment agreements, which are about financial flows and placing control of assets in foreign hands. I don't see why we want to encourage cross-border investment.
The statement is bewildering given that Stoller is best known for his writing on monopoly power and weak U.S. competition policy. Yet if he truly cared about eroding monopoly power, it seems to me that liberalizing trade and foreign investment would be, while not a replacement for anti-trust enforcement, a top priority nevertheless. That's why they're called open markets in the first place.
Trade agreements increase domestic competition in two main ways: By directly increasing competition among firms for investment and customers; and by leveraging outside political pressure for domestic reforms. The impact of trade on competition can be quantified in terms of falling markups, i.e., the price firms are able to charge above marginal cost. According to one estimate from a 2015 article in the American Economic Review using firm-level Taiwanese data, "…opening up to trade strongly increases competition and reduces markup distortions by up to one-half…". Foreign investment is crucial to competition because foreign owned firms represent new entrants in local markets, above and beyond the competition provided by imports of tradable goods.
Among NAFTA countries, the effect of trade protections on monopoly power is easily seen within one of Canada's strongest cartels, the "supply managed" dairy industry. Supply management is a euphemism for the coordinated restriction of dairy output, leading to a significant markup on Canadian dairy products relative to those made in the United States. The system is propped up by exorbitant tariffs on competing imports, so every time Canada enters a trade negotiation, its dairy industry is forced to fight tooth and nail to limit concessions. Absent the exogenous pressure provided by such trade talks, it's hard to imagine Canada's dairy cartel ever being broken — Ontario's farming regions are simply too powerful. If Trump gets his way on this particular issue, it will be a massive boon for Canadian consumers and the competitiveness of the North American dairy market. A similar trade-induced process facilitated the slow reform of Japanese cartels, or keiretsu, which have faced continual pressure from foreign investors and, more recently, from American TPP negotiators.
Conversely, airlines have witnessed significant consolidation over the decades, as Stoller himself has noted. But at the same time, foreign investment in the industry is severely curtailed by a prohibition on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines, effectively sheltering the industry from international competitors. Similar restrictions on foreign investment pervade other consolidated industries, as well, from shipping to communications. Mileage varies on the "national security" arguments for limiting foreign investment in these particular industries, but no one disputes that such restrictions reduce competition.
Elsewhere, Stoller seems to see government-protected cartels as benign examples of "the ability of democratic forces to arrange labor markets." This raises the question of what competitive markets even mean in Stoller's worldview. Rather than removing barriers to entry, Stoller seems to prefer the idea of entrenching monopolistic industries with "democratic" regulation. Yet it should go without saying that protectionism combined with syndicalism (democratic or worker control of industries) leaves a lot to be desired.
In the background of the Trump-Stoller trade agenda is the notion that free-trade orthodoxy is based on a lie. There's a grain of truth to that. The growth miracles in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan relied on significant government intervention, particularly in areas like technology diffusion and export promotion. Yet far from eschewing foreign investment, the East Asian growth model thrived on it, drawing in Western capital and know-how that was lacking domestically. The mechanism for growth was not a simplistic mercantilism or trade protectionism, but rather an accelerated process of learning-by-doing enabled by technology transfers, and mediated by the intense discipline provided by international markets.
While superficially similar to the East Asian approach, protecting domestic industries from imports and foreign ownership is not at all the same as pushing domestic industries to export. The key distinction lies in the boot-strapping power of foreign direct investment and international competition — a distinction which appears to have been lost on both the Trump administration and our competition policy expert du jour.


Fast and Even Power Defrost helps you defrost frozen foods quickly and evenly. Triple Distribution System helps allow for even cooking and defrosting. Easy cleaning, scratch and rust resistant ceramic enamel interior also helps reduce certain common bacteria. Tested against Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli by AMS Laboratories, Dec 2011.
The one minute plus button offers a convenient and quick way to heat food in one minute increments on the high power level. 1,000 watt power output Ceramic enamel interior 10 power levels o Sensor cook Popcorn o Potato o Fresh vegetables o Single entrees 2 stage cooking One touch cook menu o Pizza reheat o Beverage One minute plus Auto defrost x 5 Auto reheat x 5 Auto cook menu o Rice / pasta o Snack bar o Meat / fish Clock / timer Child safety lock.
The Soften/Melt function lets you melt food items such as chocolate and butter and soften food items such as cream cheese with practically one touch of a button. 555 x 313 x 439. 667 x 387 x 514.
375 x 249 x 408. Colour of items may be different from the picture, depending on stock availability. We will substitute a different colour, if the one pictured is not in stock. Whilst we do our best to keep the description as accurate as possible, sometimes manufacturers change their product without advising us.
Any difference to the photo or description is unintentional. Orders may be collected direct from our store located at. Unit 2 / 37 Rose Crescent, Auburn.
The item "Samsung 40L 1000W Stainless Steel Microwave Oven Ceramic Interior ME6144ST" is in sale since Wednesday, March 21, 2018. This item is in the category "Home Appliances\Small Kitchen Appliances\Microwave Ovens". The seller is "onlinedeal2015" and is located in Auburn, New South Wales. This item can be shipped worldwide.


Being listed among the cheapest countries to visit in Asia makes Vietnam sounds like the must-go destination. Here is the holiday, here is the vacation that you're longing for. But " When is the best time to visit Vietnam " and you start doing some search.
Tony is fun. But don't assume that Vietnam is a tropical country with hot climate and sunshine all year round. The weather in Vietnam is as diverse as its geography and it's variable, local and complex.
Overall, the North Vietnam has four seasons with a cold winter and a hot summer. The South Vietnam tends to be warmer and more humid with a dry season and a rainy one. Trying to understand about Vietnam weather? I suggest that you imagine the country as three different areas from the North, the Central and the South. Welcome to the country which the more than 200 miles coastline and three different weather patterns!
Those months have the best time in Vietnam with the spring in the North and dry season in the South. While Hanoi and Halong temperatures ranges 15-22 degrees (59-72 Fahrenheit), Hue and Hoian ranges 22-32 degrees (72-89 Fahrenheit), the beaches are enjoying hot weather with the clear skies and sunshine. At the same time, the climate in Sapa and the mountainous regions in the North is good with 10-15 degrees (50-59 Fahrenheit).
What to expect: Pleasant weather with less crowded tourist attractions. January to March is the dry season of Vietnam and close to winter, especially in the North like Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa. Expect for the best trekking adventure in the far North.
April to June is an unpredictable time when witnessing a transition from spring to summer. Since there are fewer travelers, those months is still among the best months to visit. The mountainous regions like Sapa is still a bit chilly. But the sun regains its warmth and the crops start to bloom. June is still a good month to visit Vietnam despite it being a pretty mixed bag in terms of weather. June in the capital city Hanoi is hot and wet while the Central hit peak temperatures and the South has daily afternoon rain.
What to Expect: April to June in Vietnam comes with fine weather and fewer tourists. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh will be a bit empty than usual due to the holidays during April 30th to May 2nd. Perfect to visit the tourist spots and museums this time. Hue city in the Central Vietnam will have a festival in May. April to June period is also perfect to visit beaches and islands.
July to September comes with harsh weather in the North Vietnam and crowded beaches. This time is school vacations of the local kids, which means that there is a high record in domestic tourist volume, crowding in beaches and mountain retreat.
Halong Bay and the North will be the wettest. Traveling there during July-September is not recommended. Sapa also experiences heavy rain between May and August so any outdoor activities during this period would not be advised.
What to Expect: Wet weather in the North Vietnam and thunderstorm in Ho Chi Minh city, crowded beaches. Remember to bring a light raincoat or you can buy one in Vietnam. Don't just pack shoes, a pair of flip-flops is good to walk in the rain.
In case of typhoons, Halong Bay cruises are often canceled. Thus, early October is a good time to visit Nothern Vietnam as the rainy season is usually over the chance to get typhoons is minimal. This is also the harvesting season of Sapa's terraced rice fields. You will see Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai are deluged in the golden color. The first week of September is the best time for photography.
In short, we can describe the North Vietnam weather from October to December as "romance and tranquility" when the capital Hanoi is charming and the mountainous areas come to their best time to trek and take photos. While the North comes to its best time, the Central Vietnam is the opposite story with the high rainfall and stormy weather.
In December, things get brighter for all three regions of Vietnam when the Central Vietnam weather starts to improve with a significant drop in rainfall and the Southern beaches and islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao are blessed with sunshine.
What to expect: Perfect weather in the North Vietnam, wettest months for the Central when the clear sky with sunshine will attract you to the beaches and islands of Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne and Con Dao.
Tet is the biggest festival of the country which takes place the same day with Chinese New Year. Generally speaking, the Vietnamese prefer foreigners to call their holiday Tet than Chinese New Year. If you visit Vietnam during Tet, you will notice that the big cities will be less noisy and people come back to their hometown for the family reunion for around a week.
If your visit is short, avoid Tet holiday because a big number of businesses like restaurants, shops and markets are closed within some days before and after Tet. But from 7 to 3 days before Tet, the cities changed themselves into an energetic and beautiful Tet-themed decorated which bring the happiness and joy around.
More insight: If a public holiday falls on a weekend, workers have the following day off as compensation. Businesses are normally off 2 days before Tet and back after 5 days. If any day falls on a weekend, the days off will last for 2 or 3 days a bit longer. Sound easy to plan for your trip?
Christmas is one of the best time to visit Vietnam due to the pleasant weather throughout the country. During holidays and festivals, the price for tourists will rise up a bit.
Although the dominant religion of Vietnam is Buddhism, Christmas music and decoration are as crazy as everywhere else and it's fun to see that almost everyone from all religions celebrate Christmas by going out on the streets. Local ladies wear red and white clothes to take photos in District 1. Christmas is surely not a national holiday of Vietnam but it seems that the locals love it.
What to expect: Christmas atmosphere is everywhere with a bit chilly in the North and pleasant weather in the South.
Easter doesn't even exist in Vietnam and you won't have the chance to find an Easter egg here. In a country that the dominated religion is Buddhism, the chances to find the eggs or bunny chocolates for your kids is minimal. Some luxury hotels and high-end shops in District 1 may pay attention to this details for their guests. But if you are not willing to hunt around for the Easter eggs and chocolate, pack solid eggs and chocolate with you to surprise your kids.
April is the beginning of the dry season with hot weather but you can expect that it's pleasant. The weather in the North Vietnam may not as good as it is in the South but don't take it seriously.
Northern Vietnam weather is distinct than the South. If Hanoi is hot, it's hotter and drier than Saigon. If it's cold, it's always colder. In general, the winter lasts from November to April with the average temperatures from 17-23 degrees (62-73 Fahrenheit) and the coldest months fall in January, February and March where it freezes with the overnight temperatures is down to 4 degrees (39 Fahrenheit). Summer in the North Vietnam between May and August is a pretty harssh with the average temperatures 30 degrees (86 Fahrenheit) and the maximum temperature of 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit). One thing to note is that the summer also comes with the high rainfall. Generally, summer in the North Vietnam is hot and sticky.
The summer comes from May to October with hot temperature, high humidity and rain. July to September may cause hash weather that may lead to the cancellation of Halong Bay cruises.
For that reason, the best time to visit Vietnam in the North including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong and Mai Chau when expecting the lovely weather with warmth and sunshine is during its spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November).
There is no best time to visit Vietnam in the mountainous provinces like Sapa or Ha Giang. It's possible to trek or cycle all year round. Although the winter time can be cold and frosty in December and January. If you wish for the pleasant weather, visit from October to April which is the dry season.
Those mountainous areas of Vietnam are well-known for its charm with the ethnic minority communities and its seasonal flowers.
During September to December, the Central Vietnam including Hoi An, Danang and Hue have a considerable rainfall. There are some years Hoi An ancient town has flood from October to November. Affected by the typhoons, the areas can have storms. For that reason, it's not advisable to visit there during those months.
However, the Southern coastal cities like Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne is less affected by the rain. Those cities have a longer dry season and more sunshine.
For those reasons, the best time to visit the Central Vietnam is between February and August.
While North Vietnam charm travelers with its four seasons, the South Vietnam experiences warm and pleasant all year round. Basically, there are two seasons in Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta. The dry season lasts from December to May.
Temperatures during daytime is rarely below 20°C and sometimes hit 40°C during the hottest months from March to May. The rain season lasts from May to November when the transport will be a bit affected by the floods. However, the rain is often short bursts and pretty sudden. The rainfall is short enough to clean the air putting the hustle and bustle of the city at ease. From my experience, the good and stable weather in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong delta mostly support your trips. In June and July, floods can happen in Ho Chi Minh and poor weather for Phu Quoc island.
The weather in the Central Highlands of Vietnam is the same as South Vietnam but with cooler temperatures.


text:
Q: If $f(2x)=2f(x)$ and $f'(0)=0$ then $f(x)=0$ Recently, when I was working on a functional equation, I encountered something like an ordinary differential equation with boundary conditions!

Theorem. If the following holds for all $x \in \mathbb R$
  $$\begin{align}
f(2x) &=2 f(x) \\
f'(0) &=0
\end{align}$$
  then $f(x)=0$ on $\mathbb R$.

Intuitively, it is evident for me that $f(x)=0$ but I cannot show this by a formal argument. In fact, I don't have any idea to work on it! :)
I will be thankful if you provide me a hint or help to show this with a nice formal proof.

A: Setting $x=0$ in $f(2x)=2f(x)$, $f(0)=0$.  Now fix $x\neq 0$ and consider the values $f(x/2^n)$.  By induction, $f(x/2^n)=f(x)/2^n$ for all $n\in\mathbb{N}$.  But by the definition of the derivative, $$\frac{f(x/2^n)-f(0)}{x/2^n-0}=\frac{f(x)/2^n}{x/2^n}=\frac{f(x)}{x}$$ must converge to $f'(0)=0$ as $n\to\infty$.  It follows that $f(x)=0$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------
// <copyright file="MemoryStorage.cs">
//      Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
//
//      THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
//      EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF
//      MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT.
//      IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
//      CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT,
//      TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE
//      SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
// </copyright>
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------

namespace Orleans.Storage
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Simple in-memory grain implementation
    /// of a storage provider.
    /// </summary>
    public class MemoryStorage : IStorageProvider
    {
        internal const int NumStorageGrainsDefaultValue = 10;

        /// <summary>
        /// Name of the provider.
        /// </summary>
        public string Name { get; private set; }
    }
}


text:
Besiktas District & Besiktas Inonu Stadium
The Besiktas literally means "cradle stone" and is the name of the historic center of the municipality. According to a story, a cleric when turn back from pligrimage brougt a cradle-shaped stone used in the baptism of Jesus and placed it in the church in todays Besiktas. According to another story Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa erected five masts used for mooring ships here. Because of it here was called "bes tas" means "five stones". And Besiktas is corruption of "bes tas". The Besiktas district located on the European shore of the Bosphorus.
Besiktas history go back to the Ancient History. The first inhabitants of the region were Thracians. In ancient times the villages on the Bosphorus shore were isolated communities in the forest that lined the water-side. In Byzantine period the area was called "Diplokionion" means double column in Greek. The tradition of having a summer palace on the Bosphorus was began by the Byzantines with their Ayios Mamas palace complex. In the Ottoman period once the emperors had established control of the Black Sea coasts, the Ottoman navy was docked in the Bosphorus and the Bosphorus villages began to improve. For caravans and the Ottoman armies want to cross the Bosphorus, the area was a meeting place. Some of the most important hunting logdes and palaces was constructed in the district : Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace and Ihlamur Pivillion.
Following the declaration of Turkish Republic in 1923, the Ottoman ruling family was deported. The palaces and mansions along the coast were emptied out. Some of these buildings were given to new government ministries and some used as schools and other public buildings, other were pulled down. Besiktas, in 1930 separated from Beyoglu district and became an independent district of Besiktas.
Besiktas Inonu Stadium
Besiktas Inonu Stadium is the home of the football club Besiktas J.K. It is located next to the Dolmabahce Palace. It was designed by Italian architect Paolo Vietti Violi who collaborated with Turkish architects Sinasi Sahingiray and Fazil Aysu for preparing the project. The stable of the Dolmabahce Palace was chosen as the location to build the stadium. The first foundation was laid in 1939, but the construction works were frozen due to the outbreak of the Second World War. The stadium was inaugurated in 1947 by Ismet Inonu, the second President of Turkey and himself a Besiktas fan, and Lutfi Kirdar, the Governor of Istanbul. In 1952, the stadium was named as the Mithat Pasa Stadium, later in 1973, it was renamed as the Inonu Stadium. For many years Galatasaray S.K. and Fenerbahce S.K. have share the stadium with Besiktas J.K. Later years for Galatasaray S.K. Ali Sami Yen Stadium was constructed in 1964 and for Fenerbahce S.K. Sukru Saracoglu Stadium was constructed in 1982. The stadium has a capacity of 32,000. It is the only stadium in the world from which a football fan can view two continents : Europe and Asia, which are separated by the Bosphorus.
Inonu Stadium is a holy place for Besiktas fans, because it has seen many victories against famous European football clubs, such as FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Marseille, Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan, and many others. Inonu Stadium holds the record for highest decibel level (132dB) ever recorded in football, in a match against Liverpoo breaking the previous record which was held by the Liverpool fans in Anfield. The football team wears black and white shirts and is nicknamed the Black Eagles. The club has earned notoriety for its faithful fans. Besiktas J.K. also has basketball, volleyball, and other sports teams.
Besides football, BJK Inonu Stadium can be configured to hold many other events, particularly major concerts. The first stadium concert in Turkey was performed by Bryan Adams at the Inonu Stadium on July 28, 1992. Madonna performed on October 7, 1993.
Besiktas District on Google Maps


text:
Top Biden officials encourage transgenderism in kids, vow to punish states resisting transmania
The Biden administration slammed state laws seeking to protect children from transgenderism and promised to make the federal government a 'model employer' for gender-confused people.
Biden education secretary Miguel CardonaYoutube screenshot
Mainwaring
Tue Jul 6, 2021 - 5:27 pm EDT Fri Jul 30, 2021 - 3:57 pm EDT
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) — On the final day of "Pride Month," the Biden White House hosted an online event pandering to gender-confused persons, during which top members of the administration urged children to report transgender "discrimination." The Biden administration also sent out a warning that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is coming after states instituting laws resisting transmania.
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the DOJ, declared that state laws protecting girls' sports from infiltration by gender-confused boys "single out and target transgender youth" and "violate both the Constitution and Title IX." She added that state laws banning "gender-affirming" procedures for youth are "rooted in bias and prejudice."
"We're ramping up law enforcement training and coordination at all levels of government," said Clarke.
Addressing her comments specifically to youth, Clarke said, "If you or someone you know is facing discrimination because you are transgender, we want to know."  Her statement leaves plenty of room for interpretation, seeming to invite kids to incriminate their parents for not being "gender-affirming" enough.
"You can file a complaint now," she added.
Wearing a pin with the new LGBTQ+ "pride" flag, Biden Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona also said he wants to "create school environments for transgender students that are nurturing, welcoming, and affirming."
"Transgender students must be afforded the same opportunities as their peers to participate fully in and experience the joy of school, including extracurricular activities," continued Cardona. "I am proud to share that the Department affirmed this month that Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation in all education institutions that receive federal funding."
"We are on your side, we've got your back," said Cardona, who didn't mention whether or not his Department of Education has the backs of biological female student athletes.
Last month, despite his vocal support for "non-binary" students, Cardona refused to state how many genders there are after being challenged to come up with a number by a Republican member of Congress.
Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services Richard Levine — known as "Rachel" in the Biden administration and in secular media — said he is "truly humbled to be the first openly transgender individual to serve in a Senate-confirmed position."
"I will do everything that I can to support and advocate for our community," said Levine, who promised to "conduct investigations" of complaints by gender dysphoric individuals who want all health practitioners to affirm their chosen "gender identity," despite religious beliefs or secular knowledge that there are precisely two sexes.
Levine dismissed all objections to transgenderism as nothing more than politics.
Levine is "one of the 14 percent of all appointees in the Biden administration who identify as LGBTQ+," a spectacularly disproportionate representation when contrasted with the total number of self-identified homosexual or gender dysphoric individuals in the general population, which hovers at less than 5 percent.
The Biden administration sees itself as making history by manufacturing 'trans rights'
Dubbed a "Convening on Transgender Equality," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki kicked off the June 30 livestream event by announcing that her personal pronouns are "she, her, and hers."  President Joe Biden previously informed the nation that his preferred pronouns are "he and him."
The White House simultaneously announced the creation of a new White House-led "Interagency Working Group on Safety, Inclusion, and Opportunity for Transgender Americans" to combat what it sees as "epidemic levels of violence, discrimination, and stigma."
One of the Biden administration's main goals is to "ensure the federal government is a model employer for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary employees."
PETITION: Support Texas Dad risking everything to save his son from being "transitioned" into a girl
9684 have signed the petition.
In 2019, LifePetitions launched a similar petition on behalf of Jeff Younger (the father) and his son James, asking for support and for the Texas state authorities to intervene in a unbelievable case in which the Dallas courts keep flip-flopping over which parent has parental rights and, ultimately, whether or not James must be forced to live as a girl and suffer the trauma of so-called gender "transitioning," as his mom believes he is a girl.
Incredibly, we now seem to be back at square one.
Jeff Younger currently has a gag order put on him, which prohibits him to speak out in defense of his son. But, because he has recently decided to ignore that order, to save his son from irreversible surgery, this brave Dad now faces possible arrest.
Please SIGN and SHARE this urgent petition which does two things: 1) Supports Jeff Younger (again, the Dad) in his fight to save his son, James, from so-called gender "transitioning;" and, 2) Calls on Texas' Attorney General to intervene in this case and quash the gag order against Mr. Younger.
CLICK HERE to WATCH the latest LifeSite interview with Jeff Younger. Hear about the latest developments with his son, as well as the real dangers of gender reassignment surgery and other "transititioning" methods.
Currently, even though he shares 50/50 parental rights to James, which has allowed him to stop the chemical castration of his son, Jeff's ex-wife recently sued to have full parental rights and to "give her sole medical and psychological decision making."
Jeff is also being threatened with jail time from the gag order, which he believes was intentionally done to stop him from helping pass legislation in Texas to ban sex-change surgeries for minors.
Jeff says that the gag order "prohibits me from speaking on all manner of political topics. And I'm not even allowed to tell you in that gag order whether my son's a boy or girl."
But Jeff is speaking out, no matter what, because of the real danger that his son is in if he undergoes "transition" surgery.
Indeed, so-called gender "transitions" present many unsafe effects, some desired, some undesired, though all dangerous for one's physical and mental health.
Puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones have not been proven safe. For example, the FDA has NOT approved Lupron and GnRH analogues for use in blocking puberty.
Risks associated with these pharmaceuticals include: low bone density, high blood pressure, weight gain, abnormal glucose tolerance, breast cancer, liver disease, thrombosis, and cardiovascular disease.
And, additional risks and potential harms include:
For Males: Stunting of penile and testicular growth, sexual dysfunction, prevention of spermatogenesis, and disruption of normal brain and bone development.
For Females: A menopause-like state, blockade of normal breast development, decreased blood flow to vagina and vulva, sexual dysfunction, thinning of vaginal epithelium, vaginal atrophy, prevention of menses/ovulation, and disruption of normal brain and bone development.
In other words, these medications can sterilize and cause medical harm to vulnerable, confused children.
And, the stunning part about this: studies show that 85% of gender confused children eventually become comfortable with the sex of their bodies.
Please SIGN and SHARE this urgent petition which supports Jeff Younger, a Texas Dad, who is fighting to prevent his son, James, from being "turned into a girl." At the same time, we appeal to Texas State Attorney General, to intervene in this case and quash the gag order against Jeff.
'Save James: Father risks arrest to save 9-year-old son from forced gender-transition': https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/save-james-father-risks-arrest-to-save-9-year-old-son-from-forced-gender-transition
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/mommy-says-im-a-girl-a-fathers-final-chance-to-save-his-son-comes-in-court-in-october
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/6-year-old-boy-forced-to-live-as-a-girl-while-mom-threatens-dad-for-not-goi
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DANGERS OF PUSHING GENDER IDEOLOGY ON CHILDREN:
Many eminent psychiatrists are now speaking against the faulty notion that sex is fluid and a matter of choice. In particular, they are concerned about the welfare of children and young people in this regard.
Dr Paul McHugh, former psychiatrist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins University, who has researched the occurrence of gender dysphoria for 40 years, has stated that the notion of gender fluidity "is doing much damage to families, adolescents, and children and should be confronted as an opinion without biological foundation wherever it emerges". [See more below.]
And, the American College of Pediatricians (ACP) is definite about the promotion of transgenderism as being harmful public policy:
"Human sexuality is an objective biological binary trait: 'XY' and 'XX' are genetic markers of health – not genetic markers of a disorder. The norm for human design is to be conceived, either male or female…Conditioning children into believing that a lifetime of chemical and surgical impersonation of the opposite sex is normal and healthful is child abuse. Endorsing gender discordance as normal via public education and legal policies will confuse children and parents…" [Read more below.]
Here is what Dr Paul McHugh said on this topic: https://www.cnsnews.com/blog/michael-w-chapman/johns-hopkins-psychiatrist-transgendered-men-dont-become-women-they-become
This is the ACP statement on Gender Ideology: http://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/gender-ideology-harms-children
About the medical risks associated with medical interventions to attempt to change the sex of the body: https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/01/59422/
About some of the unconscionable practices some medical professionals are engaged in:
https://www.christianpost.com/news/testosterone-being-given-to-8-y-o-girls-age-lowered-from-13-doctors.html
https://www.christianpost.com/news/parents-of-gender-confused-kids-demand-investigation-govt-funded-study-puberty-blockers.html
"The Working Group will include participants from the Departments of Justice, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Education, Homeland Security, Labor, Interior, Veterans Affairs, and Defense," continued the White House statement. "Today's announcements build on the Administration's historic actions to advance" transgender "equality."
"The President of the United States and his advisers are lifting you up on this pedestal and calling you an activist and making this an important part of your identity — at a time when (young) people's psyches are fragile because they're in adolescence, and it's a time of a lot of turmoil," feminist Natasha Chart told Breitbart.
"They are encouraging these kids, 'Come out as this, and someone will make you famous,'" said Chart.  "In other contexts, such as when you're talking about the school-to-prison pipeline, these same progressives would describe it as dehumanizing to give an adult prison term (to children)."
While everyone participating in the White House online conversation about transgenderism claimed that this was a vitally important topic for the nation, after nearly a week, the YouTube video has garnered less than 15,000 views. A White House tweet about the video has received less than 2,400 "likes."
Gender Confusion
Richard Levine
Transgenderism


text:
#9 in Literacy
#19 in Education Reform & Policy
#34 in Educational
#34 in Education
#43 in Education Professionals
Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute
A globally recognized voice in education, Tony Wagner is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Prior to this appointment, Tony held a variety of positions at Harvard University for more than twenty years, including four years as an Expert in Residence at the Harvard Innovation Lab and the founder and co-director, for more than a decade, of the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His previous work experience includes twelve years as a high school teacher, K-8 principal, university professor in teacher education, and founding executive director of Educators for Social Responsibility.
Tony is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and a widely published author. His work includes numerous articles and six books. Tony's latest, Most Likely To Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, co-authored by Ted Dintersmith, was published by Scribner in 2015. Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, was published in 2012 to rave reviews and has been translated into 17 languages. His 2008 book, The Global Achievement Gap continues to be an international best seller, with more than 140,000 copies in print.
Tony served as the Strategic Education Advisor for a major new education documentary, "Most Likely to Succeed," which had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. He also collaborated with noted filmmaker Robert Compton to create a 60 minute documentary, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside The World's Most Surprising School System" in 2010.
Tony earned an M.A.T. and an Ed.D. at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Tony Wagner Keynote - 7 Habits of Successful Change Leaders ...
Tony Wagner on skills for modern world | XSEED Education ...
Tony Wagner Ted Talk - 4 Min. Video - YouTube
Reinventing' America's Schools
Starting Points for Reinvention
Educators Are From Mars; Business Leaders Live on Venus: How Are We Going To Get Down To Earth Together?
Seeing the School Reform Elephant: What Policymakers Need to Know
Seeking Higher Moral and Academic Standards: A Response to Character Education
Strategies for Building Community Partnerships
What is The Aim of Educational Reform?
Are Schools 'Failing'?
Successful Strategies for Community Involvement
Charter Schools: Policy Implications for Educational Refor Why School Reform: Making the Case for Change
Change, Creativity, Personal Growth, Authors, Education Professionals, Motivational, Leadership, Innovation, Sociology, Literacy, Family & Parenting, Children, College & University, Education Industry, Education
Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era
The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need--and What We Can Do About It
Change Leadership: A Practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools (Jossey-Bass Education)
Change Leadership: A Practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools (Jossey-Bass Ed
Making the Grade: Reinventing America's Schools
DR. TONY WAGNER IS ANNOUNCED AS ACTFL 2013 OPENING GENERAL SESSION KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ACTFL is excited to announce the Keynote Speaker at the 2013 ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo opening general session. The opening session will take place in the morning of Friday, November 22, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Tony Wagner will be this year's speaker. He will deliver the keynote address on the topic of "Creating Innovators with Passion, Play and Purpose".
Tony Wagner addresses CA, community
Harvard University's Tony Wagner spoke at Cary Academy Dec. 15 on the topic of creating innovators.
Erin Gruwell
Inspirational Educator & Author of "The Freedom Writ...
Educator & Social Justice Advocate
Dr. Bertice Berry
Sociologist, Author and Educator
Former Microsoft Marketing Executive & Founder and B...
Stedman Graham
Chairman & CEO of S. Graham & Associates, Leadership...
Erik Wahl
Internationally Recognized Graffiti Artist, Entrepre...
Linda Darling-Hammond
CEO of the Learning Policy Institute & Founder of th...
Alan November
International Leader in Education Technology & Autho...
Actor, Author & Philanthropist; Best Known For "CSI:...
Motivational Leader & Best-selling Author of 'A Chil...
Founder of Famous Amos Cookies
James Vollbracht
Author of "Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand: How to ...
Judge Greg Mathis
Civil Rights Activist / Television Personality
Andy Stefanovich
Chief Curator and Provocateur at Prophet & Author of...
Founder & President of the Children's Defense Fund
Al Duncan
Motivational Speaker for At-risk Youth; Authority on...
Milton Chen
Former Executive Director of the George Lucas Educat...
Literacy Advocate & Actor Known for "Roots"," Star T...
Murray Banks
Triathlon Champion / Motivator
More like Tony


Martin Basiri was a student in Iran when he came upon the inspiration for what would become an incredibly successful startup venture. Martin knew he wanted to study in Canada and was looking for the best possible place to advance his education.
There were many obstacles Martin had to overcome before being able to study in Canada, and the process wasn't always easy. Not only did he need to apply for a visa, but he also needed to search for the best school and chose the program that best fit his career goals. Information on academic programming is sometimes fragmented, making it very challenging for prospective students to find the information they need.
With a firm belief that students everywhere have a right to the best possible education, Martin had high standards. Eventually, he chose the University of Waterloo based on its reputation for excellence and inclusive programming. Martin soon graduated with a Master's in Mechatronics Engineering and began looking towards the next phase in his life – entrepreneurship.
In 2011, the brothers got their visas and by 2015 they had used their combined experiences to create ApplyBoard, an artificial intelligence-enabled educational marketplace designed to help match international students with the best universities and programs that meet their unique needs.
ApplyBoard constructed its platform as a service (PaaS) with students and educational partners in mind. Its AI aligns the interests of students and partner schools by matching each student with their most suitable program. The platform is intuitive, personalized and designed to help everyone succeed.
ApplyBoard has partnered with over 800 institutions and is rapidly expanding their global presence.
The process starts with a screening with ApplyBoard experts to ensure the students are serious about looking to continue their education and helping them start to identify what they are looking for in an institution or an academic program. From there, students can submit their profile and information to the platform, and the AI will consider those inputs and suggest a list of highly correlated schools and programs.
The ApplyBoard team walks the student all the way through the process, including helping with visas and post grad work permits. The company has a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant on staff who is an expert on partnerships with universities and governments. This ensures ApplyBoard's recommendations are up to date with any changes in legislation.
The platform has a 95% success rate attaching students to academic institutions.
The International Student Education Industry is impressive. In fact, it is the fourth largest export in the Canadian economy and ApplyBoard is responsible for contributing over $100 million to the Canadian economy so far. "In 2016, international students contributed $15.5 billion to the economy in tuition, books and accommodations." says their PR Specialist Adrianna Dyczkowsky.
Along the way, the innovation ecosystem in Waterloo gave ApplyBoard a tremendous amount of support. "Velocity gave us a home and the Accelerator Centre helped us with our visas and gave us funding." Martin recalls.
"With the help of Clinton Ball, [Director of Client Programs and Initiatives] and the staff in the AC's Startup Visa Program, we were able to get Canadian permanent residency status in six months and through AC JumpStart we were able to get the critical funding to get us started." Martin says.
From the initial team of brothers: Martin Basiri, CEO; Meti Basiri, Co-Founder and CMO; and Massi Basiri, COO, the team has grown to 75 people and continues on a growth trajectory.
Diversity is a key pillar of their talent strategy. In an industry where typically only 22% of women are represented in the tech workforce, 50% of ApplyBoard's team are women.


All games on Saturday will be played at Woodbury High School and Lake Middle School.
All games on Sunday will be played at Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School.
The brackets along with the addresses for the schools are on the following page (all schools are within a 3 mile radius).