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CBCK Newsletter No.47 (Summer 2004)
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From the Editor: "Dignity of Human..."
Dignity of Human Life
The contempt of human life still exists today. We hear that terrorists often commit self-destruction in other parts of the world and there are also people who take their own lives for various reasons in our country. Some abuse others' lives as material of experiments. Others trade human organs for transplant operation. Murders and experiments on human beings are taking place under the pretext of the development of science, welfare of humanity or treatment of incurable diseases. Decades ago, Vatican Council II already pointed out that whatever is opposed to human life is supreme dishonor to the Creator (cf. Gaudium et Spes, n. 27). Pope John Paul II also warned against the "culture of death" (cf. Evangelium Vitae, n. 13-14).
It is time for us to reflect the dignity of human life. There is a song which says, "Humans are more beautiful than flowers." The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights clarifies that human dignity, the basis of all human rights, is "inherent." The Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates in Article 10 the fundamental and inviolable human rights of all citizens. The Old Testament ascribes the reason of human dignity to their creation "in the image of God." Jesus tells us humans are precious because they are "children of God." Thus he says "the sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath (Mk 2,27)." Christian theology teaches that humans are worthy of respect because they are affirmed and loved by God inasmuch as God personally became man.
Humans are precious. The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, the UN declaration, the Scriptures all agree on this argument. And also, this dignity should be guaranteed for the least; there is no discrimination among men and women, the old and the young, the handicapped and the non-handicapped, and the unborn and the born. We should cherish the words of Jesus who loved man so much that he personally became man like us. "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (Matt 25,40)." For those who consider humans valuable Jesus promises great grace, saying, "You that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt 25,34)." At the same time, we cannot forget His warning against those who disregard humans, especially the weak and least. "Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones (Matt 18,10)." "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matt 18,6)."
Fr. Basil Cho Kyu-man
Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea
Message for the 2004 Prayer Day for Reconciliation and Unity of ...
Message for the 2004 Prayer Day for Reconciliation and Unity of Korea People
Let Us Demolish the Wall between the South and North!
At present both South and North Korea experience profound change in all aspects of living, such as political, economic and social life. In North Korea, formal or informal changes in economy and social life are being made speedily. In South Korea, "mutual benefit" is being pursued between political parties, generations, spheres and regions.
We heard in April the news about the train blast near the Ryongcheon Station in North Korea. It was a terrible accident but offered a good opportunity for all Korean people to be united. At the sight of the tragedy of our brethren in North, people from all spheres of life in South Korea, regardless of the conservative and the progressive, man and woman, and the old and the young, became one heart. We did what we could do for them and shared in love and charity what we had. Ryongcheon area is recovering its original image with the aid from many parts of the world, in particular, with the help from South Korea. Our concern cannot stop at the restoration of Ryongcheon but should extend to all our brothers and sisters in North Korea who are still in suffering and hardship.
Today, when we pray for the reconciliation and unity of Korean People, I ask you to think first about the reconciliation with ourselves and with neighbors, the reconciliation among regions and among social classes and the unity in the Church.
Only those who sincerely love themselves can love neighbors and others. Our Lord also said, "You shall love your neighbors as yourself (Matt 19,19)." It would be better for us to accept and love ourselves as we are than to hate or fight against our defects. For this we should reconcile with God who is present inside ourselves and receive the peace of Christ.
The relationship of two Koreas also changes. The two Koreas cooperate in important economic projects, such as the re-construction of Gyeongui railroad, offering tour services around Mt. Geumgang and the construction of manufacturing complex in Gaeseong, and improved agreements are made at military talks. In a sense, the signs of the national division are gradually fading away in the shadow of history. However, the real meaning of reconciliation and unity is to recognize and accept the others as they are. Therefore, both South and North Korea should first try to understand the other part as it is.
The Catholic Church in Korea has the duty to look after the changes in and between two Koreas and strive to settle social conflicts. To this end the unity in the Church is strongly urged. We all know that our Lord prayed for the unity of believers. "(I ask) that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us (Jn 17,21)." Our Church should respond to this prayer of Jesus with concrete practice of reconciliation and unity.
I pray that the peace of Christ may be with all the brothers and sisters in South and North Korea.
Prayer Day for Reconciliation and Unity of Korean People
+ Lucas Kim Woon-hoe
Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People of the CBCK
New Apostolic Nuncio in Korea Appointed
On May 22, 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, Apostolic Nuncio in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Granada, Guyana, Surinam, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint-Vincent and Granadinas, Santa Lucia and Apostolic Delegate in the Antilles, as Apostolic Nuncio in Korea.
<Brief History of Archbishop Nuncio>
Born in Unterems, Switzerland
Ordained Priest
Appointed as Titular Archbishop of Voli
Appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi
Ordained Bishop
Appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Bahamas and Apostolic Delegate in the Antilles
Appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Surinam, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Apostolic Delegate in the Antilles
Appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Korea
Message on Domestic Violence
Let Us Make Domestic Violence Disappear
and Build the Family of Life, Community of Peace!
to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk 1,79)
In May, the Month of Mary and of the Family, we honor the dignity of life and desire family peace in a special manner. On this good occasion, we present this Message to urge the end of domestic violence.
1. We Appreciate All Organizations and Individuals Who Work for Family Peace and Human Dignity
The Catholic Church in Korea, along with Popes, episcopal conferences in Asia and in the world, has incessantly emphasized the importance of the family. Besides, many movements and associations in the Church in Korea are committed to defending values and peace of the family. Nevertheless, to our disappointment, we now watch the family collapsing. Therefore, we should recognize the importance of the family anew and make effort to build a peaceful family.
2. Family, the Community of Life and School for Social Life
The family is the place where life is born and nurtured. The family becomes "the sanctuary of life" (Evangelium vitae, n. 92) through the love and communion between husbands and wives and between parents and children. Husband and wife experience the dignity and equality through their conjugal life and children learn from their parents about human relationships and what the society is like. "Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society"(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2207).
"Children are a living reflection of the conjugal love"(Familiaris Consortio, n. 14). Children who grow up in unstable families lacking in trust and love are apt to become violent adults. On the contrary, those who experience and learn personal dignity and healthy relationships at homes are likely to practice these in social life as well. Accordingly, the family is the basis of society. Then, if the life in family is peaceful, so is the life of society and if the family becomes unstable, so does society. The problems of the family directly become the social problems. And one of the elements threatening the peace of family is domestic violence.
3. Domestic Violence Includes Violences against Spouses, Child Abuse and Elder Abuse
It also includes violent mind and emotion, causing suffering to family members over money and verbal abuses as well as exercising physical violence. According to a survey, the situation of domestic violence in Catholic families is not different from that in the families of non-believers. Over 30% of Catholic families answered they have experienced violence. We often see people who do not aware of the gravity of domestic violence and just regard it as personal family affair. However, it is a social crime which threats the respect for life and peaceful society. It is also an act contrary to the will of God who created humankind "in the image of God"(Gen 1,27) in equality and dignity.
We should pay special attention to child abuse and elder abuse because they are the most vulnerable ones both in family and in society but often neglected or abandoned. In some cases children are even treated as the possession of parents and accompanied by parents who are taking their own lives. They become the victims affected by materialism and the trend despising life. Wife abuse is also a big problem. Even though we see many signs showing the progressive improvement in the dignity and rights of women, the most victims of domestic violence is still women. In reality, we still find sexual inequality and discrimination in our society. This is contrary to the teachings of the Church that the relationship between husband and wife should be understood as "mutual subjection out of reverence for Christ (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem, n. 24).
4. The Members of the Church Should Be Faithful Guardians of the Family Peace
"God, who called the couple to marriage, continues to call them in marriage …… in and through the events, problems, difficulties and circumstances of everyday life"(Familiaris Consortio, n. 51). Therefore, the couple should nurture conjugal love and faith with consolation and sacrifice in adversities and difficulties. We also hope that the victims of domestic violence believe in God, who is always with the suffering people, and get courage from Him. We also hope that those who destroy the family peace can resolve to live a new life, bearing in mind that only their conversion can restore love-filled relationships in family. The lay faithful should consider the suffering and the marginalized as their neighbors and offer them constant assistance and care. The pastors and religious also should strive to give systemic assistance to the victims of domestic violence and to educate the couples about the meaning of the family and proper relationships between spouses. The family as well as the Church is the community of a destiny.
We once again give thanks to all who are trying to defend the peace in the family and society and to protect human dignity from violence. We pray through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Life and Peace, that every Christian family can "by its example and its witness accuses the world of sin and enlightens those who seek the truth"(Lumen Gentium, n. 35).
+ Peter Lee Ki-heon
President Committee for Family Pastoral Ministry of the CBCK
+ Andrew Yeom Soo-jung
President Committee for the Laity Apostolate of the CBCK
Message for the Day for Life
"I am the Life"(Jn 14,6)
This year we celebrate the tenth Day for Life that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea instituted to conquer the "culture of death" prevailing in our society. Reflecting the past and the present, however, we only find that threats to life are still present among us. Abortion, suicide, euthanasia, domestic violence, animal cloning and genetic manipulation, war, terrorism, and environmental pollution are all driving us to death, not to life.
1. Human from the Moment of Conception
"The human being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception; and therefore from that same moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life"(John Paul II, Encyclical Evangelium vitae, n. 60).
At present the Korean society faces a serious crisis of life with regard to abortions. Even though the positive law bans abortions, punishment for performing an abortion is not executed at all. Rather, the Mother and Child Health Law gives rise to 4,000 to 5,000 cases of abortions a day in Korea. "The Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. …… Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law"(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2271.2274).
"The first right of the human person is his life"(Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Declaration on Procured Abortion, n. 11). This right to life equally belongs to all human beings, including fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses. This right should be recognized and respected as a sacred and inviolable right because it comes from God.
2. Suicide, Denial to Love for the Living God
One of the noticeable proof of anti-life phenomenon is the increasing cases of suicide. Not a few people took their lives because of financial or living difficulties and sometimes social leaders also took their lives for various reasons. It seems that suicide is the last option for those who are in a tight corner financially, socially or psychologically. However, suicide is absolutely an anti-life, immoral and inhuman act.
Each and every human person should take responsibility for his own life before God who has granted life to him. We are not the owner of our life; we are just the steward of life which is entrusted to us by God. Therefore, our life is not at our disposal (cf. Evangelium vitae, n. 66). Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2281)
3. God, the Lord of Every Life
Every living creature, including human being, comes from God (cf. Gen 1,11-13.20-31). Seeing these lives, God thought that it was "good." Hence, life itself is the good gift of God. God willed this life abundant in the world and let His Only Son be incarnated specifically for human life. The Incarnated Word said, "I came that the sheep may have life, and have it abundantly"(Jn 10,10). For this reason, human life should be protected and respected in any case. Man's life comes from God; it is his gift, his image and imprint, a sharing in his breath of life (Evangelium vitae, n. 39).
4. Way of Life, Life 31 Movement
The way of Christ leads to life (Mt 7,14) and the way contrary to it leads to destruction (Matt 7,13). In brief, one is the "way of life" and the other is the "way of death" and the distance between the two ways is far (cf. Didache 1,1).
The Life 31 Movement which the Catholic Church in Korea launched last year is a movement to choose the way of life. The Movement started on the 31st anniversary of the institution of the Mother and Child Health Law, to express the strong will to put an end to the culture of death especially distinguished for last 30 years and to start the first year toward life. We should promote this Movement actively and become the People of Life, who appreciate and serve the life God gives to us.
5. Save One More Life!
When Christ prayed for his disciples at the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, "Holy Father, while I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. …… and not one of them was lost …… (Jn 17,12)." We can see from this prayer that the purpose of incarnation of Christ is to protect all lives created by God, especially the human life.
This year the Life 31 Movement tries to take roots deeply among people with the motto "Save One More Life!" This motto urges us to consider each and every life more precious. The culture of death will fade away when we are aware of the value of every life.
We, the people of life, should take the way of life and serve life so that we can properly respond to the will of God who is the Lord of life and who loves life. To do so, we should value our own life as well as others' lives. We also should recognize that God is the Lord of all lives and should firmly face the challenges to God's precious gift of life, such as abortion, suicide, euthanasia, domestic violence, cloning, genetic manipulation, war, terrorism and environmental pollution.
Let us build the culture of life, praying that the Lord of life may let the world have life abundantly.
Tenth Day for Life
Message for the Day for the Environment
Simple Life for God
The universe, the world created by God, is full of mystery and beauty. Diverse species are living and diverse ecosystems are providing habitats for all living things, including human being. All of these are the precious gift of God.
However, the earth, once clean and pure, has been miserably damaged and contaminated in a very short time and is causing all sorts of disasters to humanity. Thus, Pope John Paul II pointed out in his Encyclical Centesimus Annus, "In his desire to have and to enjoy rather than to be and to grow, man consumes the resources of the earth and his own life in an excessive and disordered way (n. 37)."
The greed of human beings knows no boundaries unless they restrain themselves. As people want to possess more and more rather than share what they have, non-renewable resources are on a rapid road to exhaustion and plenty of contaminating material is produced in the process of manufacturing and consuming goods. As a result, the ecosystem is being damaged, animals and plants are dying and human life itself is being threatened.
First of all, we should pay attention to the environmental changes. Global warming and extreme weather events are causing disasters in many parts of the world. The reason of global warming is excessive emission of greenhouse gases, most of which is carbon dioxide emitted in using fuels like oil and coal. To eliminate this phenomenon, the UN Conference on Environment & Development (UNCED) adopted the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and set up provisions to the Convention, "Kyoto Protocol," in 1997. This Protocol, however, is not in full effect because of the unwillingness of some advanced countries.
In many summers we have witnessed flood damages due to torrential rains and typhoons which also claimed lots of lives. According to the 100-year analysis of weather by the Korea Meteorological Administration, the average temperature of the Korean Peninsula is 13.5℃, which is 1.5℃ higher than 100 years ago. This increased rate is still higher than the average increase of temperature of the earth, which is 0.6℃. If this warming keeps going on, the temperature will reach 6.5℃ by 2100 and it means the present subtropical climate in the Peninsula will shift to tropical climate.
To reduce the damage of global warming, we should positively practice the following things. First, we should reduce the use of fossil fuels emitting greenhouse gases. For one thing, we should take public transportation more and operate heating or air conditioning less. Second, we should make efforts to develop and use alternative energy resources like solar power, wind power and tidal power and to create renewable resources through rainwater recycling and tree planting. Third, there is a need to encourage energy efficiency when constructing churches as well as houses or buildings. For example, solar energy can be used for heating or lighting, and rainwater can be reserved and utilized later.
People say that the 21st century is the time of the environment. The Holy Father already said that, "Modern society will find no solution to the ecological problem unless it takes a serious look at its life style."(Message for the World Day for Peace, 1990, n. 13). Hence, we should pursue true happiness by a simple way of living, that is, a life style wanting less and spending less. Even though it is not easy, we should enter into this way of living with deep sense of responsibility to respond to the will of God who keeps his eyes on us.
+ John Choi Young-soo
Auxiliary Bishop of Taegu
President Committee for Justice & Peace of the CBCK
News from the Church in Korea
○ Church Helps the Train Blast Victims in North Korea
For the victims of the April 22 train blast around Ryongcheon Station in North Korea, the Catholic Church in Korea took a lead in helping the victims and in giving aid to the relief and reconstruction work.
The Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, issued a statement on April 26 and called on the faithful to practice charity to North Korean brethren who are deeply suffering from the tragic accident.
Saying that, "To share the suffering of our brothers and sisters is the essential mission of the Church," he ordered an extra collection to be made for this purpose in parishes in the Archdiocese of Seoul on May 9, the fifth Sunday of Easter. Earlier, the Archdiocese sent USD $ 80,000 to North Korea as emergency relief aid via the Archdiocesan Committee for the Reconciliation of Korean People.
In addition, the CBCK Committee for "Caritas Coreana" has been promoting nationwide donation from April 27, in collaboration with Caritas International, which on behalf of the entire Catholic Church promotes relief work in North Korea. Caritas International already spent a fund of USD $ 200,000 as the first step.
The CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People also held an ad-hoc meeting on April 27 and decided to request dioceses and the conferences of major superiors of religious to make contributions. The official channel of aid shall be the CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People and the Association of North Korean Catholics (Chairperson: Mr. Samuel Jang Jae-eon).
On April 26, on the other hand, Mr. Paul Kang Ji-young, Vice Chairperson of the Association of North Korean Catholics, sent a reply to the April 24 letter of consolation by the Most Rev. Lucas Kim Woon-hoe, President of the CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of Korean People, and appreciated the "fraternal support" of the Church in South Korea.
○ Diocese of Andong Dedicates Its New Cathedral Church
On April 25, the Most Rev. John Chrysostom Kwon Hyok-ju, Bishop of Andong, dedicated the newly remodeled church of Mokseong-dong Cathedral of Andong.
Some 1,000 people attended the dedication Mass, including the Most Rev. John Choi Young-soo, Auxiliary Bishop of Taegu, and the Rev. Bernard Tschang In-san, Vicar General of the Diocese of Cheongju and diocesan priests of Andong.
The old building was established in 1927 and relocated to the current site in 1949. However, it deteriorated with the passage of time and came to need more space to play role as a Cathedral.
The new premises include a chapel, a grand hall, meeting rooms, residence for priests and a house of sisters and the chapel can accommodate some 600 people. There are also a socializing place for the elderly and free funeral facilities for the local community.
Bishop Kwon said at the Mass, "The Cathedral is now newly completed. Therefore, it should try harder to become the center for the diocese as well as for the local community and to proclaim the Gospel values to them." He also stressed that the Cathedral be a living church for all those who visit the church.
○ Mass to Mark the 20th Anniversary of Canonization of 103 Korean Martyrs
On May 1, the Archdiocese of Seoul offered a Solemn Mass for the 20th Anniversary of Canonization of 103 Korean Martyrs, presided by the Most Rev. Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, Archbishop of Seoul, at Jeoldusan Martyrdom Shrine.
In the Mass, prepared by the Archdiocesan Committee for Korean Martyrs, some 8,000 Catholics participated, including His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, three Auxiliary Bishops of Seoul, and other priests.
Archbishop Cheong recalled in his homily, "The canonization of 103 Korean Martyrs by His Holiness Pope John Paul II at Yeoido Plaza, Seoul, in 1984 was the first canonization taking place outside the Vatican and was a very honorable and monumental event where more than 100 martyrs were canonized at a time."
He continued, "Like martyrs, we can be the witnesses of God if we keep our faith in adversity," and called on the faithful to "willingly bear the daily cross for the glory of God."
During the Mass, the faithful prayed that the Catholic Church in Korea may be rearmed with the spirit of martyrdom for the evangelization of Korean people and reborn as 'Church of witnesses', being faithful to her mission to be the salt and light of the world.
In addition to the Mass, there was a recitation of Rosary for the beatification and canonization of other Korean martyrs, cultural performances and veneration to the remains of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean priest who was martyred in 1846 and canonized in 1984.
○ 'Agreement on Fidei Donum Priests' Concluded between Korea and U.S.A.
The CBCK Committee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (President: Most Rev. Peter Kang U-il, Bishop of Cheju) and its counterpart of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) agreed on the 'Agreement on Fidei Donum Priests' on May 4.
The agreement was made between Bishop Kang and the Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski, President of the USCCB Committee on Migration, at San Petro Retreat Center in Orlando, Florida.
If the agreement is approved by the 2004 Autumn General Assembly of the CBCK, each diocese and religious institute in Korea should conclude the Agreement with the local ordinary of the receiving diocese in the States before sending Fidei Donum priests.
The agreement clarifies that the "receiving diocese" should provide entrance expenses and documents necessary for issuing visa to the Korean Fidei Donum priest and that the receiving Bishop should grant the canonical status as a Catholic priest to the Fidei Donum priest, who, in his turn, should be obedient to the Bishop and follow the norms and provisions of the receiving Diocese.
In addition, regarding the cases of the nullity of marriage of overseas Korean faithful who married in the States, the two Committees confirmed that the competence cannot be delegated to the episcopal conference in Korea and consented that the USCCB would assign Korean priests as 'procurators for marriage cases' to give pastoral help to the Korean respondents considering the difficulties caused by different cultures and languages.
○ Nationwide Eucharistic Congress Held
The third nationwide Eucharistic Congress was solemnly held on May 26, 2004, at the Martyrs' Mountain, a shrine in the Diocese of Chonju, with some 11,000 Catholics participating.
Prepared by the Association for the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration of the Diocese of Chonju (President: Mr. Simon Chae Su-hyeon, Director: Rev. Joachim Kim Gwang-seok), the Congress became the place where the faithful worshiped Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament and made a resolution to become apostles proclaiming His teachings.
H.E. Stephen Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, who presided the Solemn Mass, said, "Let us deeply appreciate the love of our Lord present in the Eucharist and be sanctified by his love so that each and every person in the world can enjoy the genuine peace of Christ."
During the Congress, there was also a special lecture by the Most Rev. Vincent Ri Pyung-ho, Bishop of Chonju, on the "Eucharist and the Family," as well as the benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic procession.
○ Archdiocese of Seoul to Support Child Care System in Parishes for Christian Education in Childhood
The Episcopal Council of the Archdiocese of Seoul held its regular meeting on June 2 and decided to encourage the establishment of child care facilities in parishes, given the importance of Christian education in childhood and to give assistance to working couples with their parenting.
Accordingly, the Archdiocese decided to support some part of the cost when parishes set up such facilities and to listen to the opinions of pastors on the spot to prepare more detailed plans.
"This decision reflects the concern of the Archdiocese for families and working parents. If the Church wants to encourage parents to give birth to more children, it should first take care of the realistic difficulties they face in bringing up children," said a source of the Archdiocese.
○ 2003 Statistics of the Catholic Church in Korea Published
The 2003 Statistics of the Catholic Church in Korea, published June 7, 2004 by the Catholic Conference of Korea, clearly showed the aging of Catholic population in Korea, calling for multifaceted pastoral programs for the elderly and at the same time for the youth.
According to the Statistics, the number of faithful aged 50-59 and 60-69 increased 22.9% and 36.7%, respectively, while the number of those aged under 40 decreased as a whole. In particular, those aged 6 and under and aged 7-19 showed rapid drop of 18.4% and 9.1% and age groups of 20-29 and of 30-39 also decreased by 7.7% and 7.2%.
The total number of the Catholics in Korea was 4,430,791 or 9.1% of the total population (48,823,837) as of December 31, 2003. Compared to the previous year, it increased 83,186 or 1.9%.
The rate of the newly baptized also decreased; the number of those baptized in 2003 was 135,379, 1.7% decreased from 137,723 in 2002. However, for the Military Ordinariate, 18,912 persons were baptized, showing 11.9% of increase. In fact, among the 21,183 newly baptized men in their 20s, 17,815 persons belong to the Military Ordinariate. The rate of Sunday Mass attendants was not changed much as 26.9% and the rate of lethargic faithful was still high as 35.7%.
The Statistics also indicated that the number of parishes was 1,359, increased by 56 places and that of mission stations was 989, decreased by 53 places from the year of 2002. Besides, in the Catholic Church in Korea there is one cardinal, four archbishops, 26 bishops (including two foreigners), 19 monsignors, and 3,584 priests (3,396 Koreans and 188 foreigners). The number of men and women religious was 1,352 and 9,343, respectively.
○ Family Pastoral Ministry Emphasized at an Inter-Committee Symposium
The family pastoral ministry should be given a priority in the Church and illuminated by diverse perspectives, said the participants of an inter-committee symposium.
On June 10, the Committee for Family Pastoral Ministry, Committee for Social Communications, Committee for Women, and Bioethics Committee of the CBCK jointly held a symposium with the title "The Family toward Life," to examine the reality of families in Korean society and present desirable images and measures for Christian family.
This symposium was also in line with the preparation for the 8th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, which will be held in Korea in upcoming August with the theme "The Asian Family toward a Culture of Life."
Presenters and commenters remarked that the family pastoral ministry should be studied and treated in the broader perspective of "Christian family within the society" and that it is necessary to take into consideration the social phenomenon, circumstances and view of value. They also noted that structures for the family pastoral ministry should be organized in each diocese since only four dioceses have pastors who are exclusively in charge of the family pastoral ministry.
Saying, "The family is the place where life is conceived and gets in bloom but it cannot play its proper role," the Most Rev. Peter Lee Ki-heon underlined in his keynote address the value of teachings of the Church on the family and urged families to "understand the meaning of marriage and family and live out Christian life in each family."
○ News in Brief
-The CBCK Committee for the Pastoral Care of the Migrants and Itinerants published in April 2004 the Statistics of the Overseas Korean Catholics in 2003. According to the Statistics, as of December 31, 2003, there were 133,853 overseas Korean Catholics in 151 parishes in 60 countries throughout the world and among them were 172 priests, 121 sisters and two brothers. Over half of the overseas Korean Catholics live in North America (81,999 persons in the U.S.A. and 14,840 in Canada) and others live in Oceania (10,310 in Australia and 4,567 in New Zealand), South America (3,600 in Brazil), and Europe (3,385 in Germany).
- Twenty five Catholics from the Diocese of Amiens, France, made a ten-day visit to Seoul from April 20 to 29, at the invitation of the Galhyeon-dong parish in Seoul. The pilgrims, led by the Most Rev. Jean Luc Bouilleret, Bishop of Amiens, visited Galmaemot Shrine in the Diocese of Daejeon, the martyrdom place of St. Daveluy, who was from the Diocese of Amiens and served as the fifth Vicar Apostolic of Joseon until he was martyred in 1866 during the persecution in Joseon Dynasty. After the Mass offered at the Shrine, there was a benediction ceremony of the bronze statue of the St. Daveluy and Bishop Bouilleret presented the surplice of the Saint to the Shrine.
-The Most Rev. Paul Tschang In-nam, Apostolic Nuncio in Bangladesh, sent a letter on April 3 to his native Diocese of Cheongju, appreciating the spiritual and material help from the Catholic Church in Korea. Since he took the position of the Apostolic Nuncio in Bangladesh the Catholic Church in Korea has given aid to the Church in Bangladesh amounting to 278 million won (USD $ 242,000). The fund was appropriated for various works, such as establishment of the building of Episcopal Conference, formation of priests and religious, education and medical services, construction of church buildings and support for priests and religious, he said.
-The Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea announced on May 31, 2004 that the Institute of Cell and Gene Therapy of the Catholic Medical Center, a general hospital affiliated with the Medical School of the Catholic University in Korea, was selected as the government-supported research institute on cell therapy and will be granted 12 billion won (USD 10 million) for six years. With this government grants, the Institute is likely to be more dedicated to the research on cell therapy and on the adult stem cells, which has been constantly recommended by the Catholic Church as an alternative to embryonic stem cell study.
Marie Nicholas Antoine Daveluy was born on March 16, 1818, in Amiens, France, of an influential family.
His father was the owner of a factory and a town council member as well as a government official. His family was well known in the town for devotion and faith. Three sons of the family became priests. At the age of seven Antoine began to study Latin and in 1827 he went to a Jesuit school. After the Jesuit school had been closed by the king's decree, Antoine went to a grammar school. He made up his mind to become a priest when he was in the second grade. He finally entered St. Sulpice Seminary near his home town in October 1834. He wanted to become a Jesuit priest despite his poor health.
In October 1836, Antoine went to St. Sulpice Seminary in Paris for further studies. In 1841, he was ordained a priest and was assigned to the parish of Roye as an assistant priest. After successful work in the parish for 20 months, Father Daveluy joined the Paris Foreign Mission Society in October 1843.
In February 1844 Father Daveluy left for Macao and arrived there six months later. Meanwhile Bishop Ferreol was attempting to go to Joseon. The bishop persuaded Father Daveluy to go along with him. In Shanghai, Bishop Ferreol and Fathers Kim and Daveluy left for Korea in a small wooden boat. They safely arrived at Ganggyeong in Chungcheongnam-do after a long, stormy voyage.
Father Daveluy started his pastoral work in 1846. He administered the sacraments to more than 700 Catholics in the first two months, and later baptized more than 1,700 in two years. Due to the unhealthy environment his poor health became worse. During his illness he taught Latin to young seminarians. During this time he wrote a Korean-French Dictionary, which was lost during the persecution in 1866.
Bishop Berneux, who succeeded Bishop Ferreol in 1856, made Father Daveluy a coadjutor bishop as soon as he arrived in Korea. He was consecrated a bishop in a private house on March 25, 1857. He volunteered to take care of the more difficult remote areas. He also printed and published Catholic books. Most of the Catholic history books available today were written by him. After Bishop Berneux was martyred in February 1866, Bishop Daveluy became the fifth Vicar Apostolic of Korea for a short period of 23 days.
On March 11, 1866, Bishop Daveluy and his assistant, Hwang Sok-du Luke were arrested. When the police arrived in his village, Bishop Daveluy called them into his house and surrendered himself to them. On March 14 of the same year, Bishop Daveluy and two other missionaries Fathers Aumaitre and Huin were sent to the Seoul prison. The missionaries were tortured and interrogated. Bishop Daveluy who could speak Korean well was treated more severely and defended the Catholic faith eloquently.
It was decided that the site for execution of the death sentence should not be in Seoul but in Galmaemot, a naval base in Chungcheong-do, about 100 kilometers away from Seoul, because the king was sick and was getting married. He did not want to have the missionaries' blood shed in Seoul. By his own request, Bishop Daveluy was beheaded on Good Friday, March 30, 1866, at Galmaemot, with his companions, Father Aumaitre and Father Huin. He was 49 years old.
For three days the bodies of the three martyrs were abandoned on the beach but it has been said that their bodies were not corrupted until their burial. On the third day, non-believers in the neighborhood buried them.
In mid- June of that year, believers moved their bodies to Sojukgol in Hongsan, about 1,000m from Galmaemot, and buried them there.
Daveluy came to Korea with Bishop Ferreol and spent his life spreading the Gospel for 21 years in Korea. He wrote biographies of martyrs and collected materials on the history of the Church. He prepared many books on religious teachings. He was assistant bishop for nine years under Bishop Berneux, and after Berneux' death, he was appointed the fifth bishop of Korea.
The remains of the three martyrs were transferred to Nagasaki in 1882 but were moved again to Yongsan Seminary on May 22, 1894. On September 10, 1900, they were placed in the basement of Myongdong Cathedral. They are now preserved in the crypt of Jeoldusan Church.
These glorious martyrs were beatified at St. Peter's, Rome, by Pope Paul VI on October 6, 1968. They were listed among the saints on May 6, 1984. They are honored by all who believe in the Lord.
http://english.cbck.or.kr/2133/48b/trackback
CBCK Newsletter No.61 (Winter 2007)
CBCK Newsletter No.60 (Fall 2007)
CBCK Newsletter No.58 (Spring 2007)


There's an old story about the rich man who learns from an angel that his time on earth was at its end. The rich man asked for special permission to take his wealth with him. Of course, that violated the rules-- "you can't take it with you." He applied for an special exemption, and wonder of wonders, it was approved. He was told that he could take one suitcase with him to heaven. So he quickly converted all his assets to gold, packed a huge steamer trunk and off he went to heaven. Of course, St. Peter was there at the pearly gates ( he always is in these stories) and stopped the man from entering, "Sorry, but we don't allow luggage." The man produced the paperwork and said, "But I have special permission." Well, Peter was intrigued, "What do you have in there that is so important?" The man opened up the trunk stepped back proudly as Peter looked in. Peter looked up totally puzzled, "Pavement? You brought pavement?"
We have a very hard time seeing gold as only pavement, but that's what it is in heaven. But down here in the "real world," money and the things it buys is what makes the world go 'round. In a recent class I quoted Woody Allen who supposedly said, "Money is important if only for financial reasons." But we stress money for far more than mere financial reasons. For us, money is a gauge of value ("How much is he worth?") and a symbol of freedom (as in "independently wealthy"). At times we are all that guy from Jerry McGuire running around yelling, "Show me the money!"
In our reading for today from 1 Timothy 6, Paul warns us about the spiritual dangers of being that guy. He reminds us of the rule the rich man tried to get around in our story-- "We can't take it with us." Because that rule has no exceptions, we need to be very careful how much value we place on money and the things of money. Paul says that when we love money too much, we fall headlong into Satan's trap.
There's nothing wrong be having money; later in this chapter Paul will counsel the rich on how to invest their money so that it shows up on their balance sheet in heaven (1 Tim 6:17-19). Here the warning is to those who aren't rich but want very much to be so. When we focus too much on money and the stuff it buys, we are just too open to Satan's temptations. Like the Rhinestone Cowboy, "There'll be a load of compromising on the road to my horizon…" The more we focus on stuff, the less we focus on God.
So what are we supposed to do? Paul says the key is to "be content." Not just be content, but be content with having food to eat and clothes to wear. Not just content with food and clothes, but be content while realizing that not being content gives Satan a target in our lives at which to shoot his flaming arrows.
We're all a bunch of Jerks. Or at least, we are all a lot like Steve Martin in this scene from The Jerk. It is so hard for us to be content with the things that we have. All we need is just one more thing. And the more we focus on that one more thing, the more we miss God in the process.


When Thomas S. Flowers asked me to name my two favourite books and why, it was the same as asking which of my children I love best.
Being the owner of close to four thousand books, along with a growing collection on my Kindle, the question is anything but simple. My reading life started out with horror, but along the way I've also enjoyed many, Thrillers, Crime, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, the latter of which I love almost as much as the blood and gore that regularly slips through my fingers.
So how does a person wean out a possible two from such an enormous collection? Well. I have to be practical, I have to be honest, and more than anything, I have to take you right back to where it all started. I could have sat back and chosen horror all day long to fill this very short list but if I did that I'd be a fake and the actual reason for my choices would never be known.
As I said above, my reading life started late, nineteen to be exact, and using a book for anything other than to prop up a wonky leg on a table seemed ridiculous and certainly a waste of time, for a young party animal like myself.
Then something strange happened. My brother, who was the total opposite and found joy sitting for hours in his own head, left a copy of James Herbert's, The Dark on a chair in our bedroom. Thinking that I could use it for no good, I picked it up and for whatever reason, I opened it and started to read. Over the next few hours, the horror within, ignited something. The scenes that were obviously fictitious, didn't matter, because to me they were real, and I wanted more. My arrogance had completely disappeared along with my ignorance, and in their place, a revelation took place, one, I'm pleased to say, has never left. I became a person who looked at books the same way my brother did, using them to transport me off to different lands and for a long time, the outside world failed to exist. So for that reason, The Dark is the first of my two.
The second is again down to my brother. He became my unofficial go to guy when I wanted something new to read. It had become like a drug. Nothing else could satisfy my cravings more than paper and words. This time it was Terry Brooks who shared his work with the recently converted.
In 1986 he released a book called, Kingdom for sale, his first in what was to become the Landover series, about a Chicago lawyer, who's lost his way and is bored with life and where it's taking him. He comes across an advert claiming a kingdom is being sold for the sum of one million dollars. Ben, (the lawyer) has lost his wife and unborn child in a car accident and with nothing to lose takes up the offer to buy and rule this magical kingdom.
This book for me, held something more than, The Dark. It combined both real world and fantasy world, and the struggles of a skeptic, coming to terms with his loss while at the same time asking himself if he really 'has' lost it and needs to be locked up for good.
I'm pleased to say that I've accumulated quite a collection of Terry Brooks's work, as well as James Herbert. There are so many more books I could have chosen, and in time I hope to share them all. For now, a more fitting question would have been to name my top one hundred. But Thomas is a writer of horror and somewhat twisted himself, hence the difficult task of naming just two.
Though, I'm happy to say, that what this has done is take me back and remember how those two books made me feel. They made me feel comfortable, and in a sense, relieved, that I'd finally found something, in reading that is as strong today as it was in a quiet bedroom reading, The Dark.
I want to thank D.K. Ryan for taking the time and letting us know a bit about his favorite two books and the history behind his choices. D.K. Ryan is the author of two Zombie Rodent Tales (Egor and the Cruise Ship Nasty, and Egor and the Ouzo Taverna) and a soon to be re-released novel, Family Perfect. But D.K. Ryan is probably best known for his spectacular work on Dead as Hell Horror Podcast with his book review segment, Paper cuts. D.K. Ryan also co-pilots Horror Worlds, a site dedicated to helping promote up and coming horror authors.


This research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and capability of the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as a candidate adsorbent for storage and separation of greenhouses gases. The performance and effectiveness of various synthesized MOFs were explored for the selectivity of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4. The research contributes to the advances in synthesis of different MOFs and their application for gas uptake. This has potential advantages than other materials for future environmental science and materials applications.


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Former freeholder, code enforcement director to run for county seats
By Chris Sykes on February 22, 2019 Comments Off on Former freeholder, code enforcement director to run for county seats
Photo Courtesy of Royston Allman
Prospective East Orange 5th Ward City Council candidate Royston Allman, third from left, collects signatures on his nominating petitions on Monday, Feb. 18, for the Democratic Party primary on Tuesday, June 4, along with former Essex County Freeholder and current prospective Essex County registrar candidate Carol Clark, second from left, and former East Orange Code Enforcement Director and current prospective Essex County Freeholder candidate Dwight Saunders, second from right. Allman, Clark and Saunders are trying to form a full ticket to run in the city and county primary races.
EAST ORANGE, NJ — Former Essex County Freeholder Carol Clark has joined forces with former code enforcement director Dwight Saunders to run for two countywide elected positions in the Democratic Party primary on Tuesday, June 4. Both formerly served as council members.
Clark intends to run for the office of county registrar and Saunders will run for Essex County freeholder at large in District 3.
"Carol picked up our nominating petitions already," said Saunders on Monday, Feb. 18. Cynthia Brown, the city clerk, confirmed this.
Best known for transforming the city's Code Enforcement Department into an efficient, revenue-generating entity during his four years as director for former Mayor Lester Taylor, Saunders added, "I'm running for District 3 freeholder at large. I will focus on the issues that have an impact on everyday lives of Essex County residents, including promote greater civic engagement; road safety and transportation infrastructure; improving transportation safety; more money for bridge rehabilitation and county roadways to ensure optimal accessibility and safety; supporting excellence and efficiency in law enforcement, schools, community colleges and regional infrastructure planning; lowering taxes through shared services with neighboring towns; being responsive to my constituents; supporting a 2 percent tax levy cap; focusing on parks, recreation and open space; supporting the county ban on unnecessary release of toxins into the air; and supporting legislation on federal revenue sharing policies to get more governmental aid to Essex County."
Saunders also said he wants to "help make Essex County a great place to live, work and raise a family."
On Monday, Feb. 18, Saunders said, "I did throw my hat into the ring for registrar of mortgages and deeds. That is an open seat. The current registrar is not going to be seeking re-election. I'm not expecting that the Democratic Party is going to come offering that seat to me. There's no expectation and that's fine."
Former Newark Councilwoman Dana Rone is the current county registrar but, according to Clark, will not seek re-election.
"It's a very small ballot this year," Clark said. "There are really only five spots being contested. In East Orange, there are only five slots, including the unexpired freeholder at large, because of Lebby Jones' death. The only reason there are six seats being contested in the 4th Ward is because Councilwoman (Tyshammie) Cooper was selected to fill Brittany Timberlake's old freeholder seat."
Clark said Jones' death and Timberlake's appointment to fill former Assemblywoman and current Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver's vacant seat have led to a domino effect, when it comes to open seats in East Orange and Essex County.
"When the election for Timberlake's seat was held and Tyshammie won," said Clark, "They swore her in in January. Now Brittany is running in earnest for her Assembly seat."
Clark said she and Saunders are heading up a full slate of candidates.
"We're putting together a ticket," Clark said. "Of course, Dwight and I will be running countywide, because the two county seats are up. In order for us to be bracketed in East Orange, we will need to have a banner to run under and a ticket, so that's why we're putting it together."
Both Clark and Saunders said they are challenging the East Orange and Essex County Democratic committees and Chairman Leroy Jones because of their recent political dominance in elections.
"The main thing is people need to have a choice," she said. "The seats for elected office have been being selected and there's really not a whole lot of democratic process going on. What happens, when you play musical seats the way it's been happening, you get to put people in place without an election and that person is able to function in that position until the election and it puts a chilling effect on would-be contenders."
Clark said she and Saunders are running in 2019 to add some heat to the elections.
"We're giving it a shot," said Clark. "It's tough when you have to run against party candidates like that. Running countywide is tough. It's a tough race. But hey, if we can be of assistance and help some local candidates, that is good as well."
"I'm actually excited about putting my name out there," continued Clark. "I think I have a really good rapport with people in Orange, East Orange, Newark, Irvington and other parts of the county. The one thing that I'm excited about is, it's not about being contentious."
Clark said she is looking forward to running for an elected public office again. The last time did so was in 2013, when she ran a mayoral campaign against incumbent East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser in a crowded field of contenders, including local businessman Kevin Taylor.
Attorney Lester Taylor got the nod from Jones and ran for mayor at the top of the East Orange Democratic Committee ticket in 2013 and won. Four years later, Clark and Kevin Taylor united behind council Chairman and 3rd Ward Councilman Ted Green's run for mayor and helped him get elected mayor in 2017.
Now Clark is teaming up with Saunders and other prospective East Orange City Council candidates, including Royston Allman, again challenging the regular city and county Democratic Party line. She said, regardless of the outcome, she plans to enjoy the race, which might be her last.
"We're going to enjoy this campaign," Clark said. "It's important to enjoy talking to your neighbors and friends and everybody. The whole idea of giving people a choice is exciting. We need to bring some excitement back. This business of appointing people is undemocratic and we're all Democrats and the process is in a primary election. That's when you choose which candidate will represent the entire party. They want to make it seem like it's a foregone conclusion, but it's not. It's not decided until we have an election and people get to cast their votes for their candidates of choice."
Carol Clark, Cynthia Brown, Dwight Saunders
Former freeholder, code enforcement director to run for county seats added by Chris Sykes on February 22, 2019
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Norway in Kosovo Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina
Visa Application Centre
Norway and Kosovo
News and statements
Norway has provided extensive development assistance to Kosovo since the late 1990s, and today you find Norwegian footprints all over Kosovo.
Whereas much of the early assistance was of a humanitarian nature, related to the build-up after the Kosovo war in 1998-99, Norway has since supported activities within education, rule of law, good governance, environmental protection, safety and security, peace and reconciliation, human rights, culture and the arts. Norwegian assistance has had a particular emphasis on improving the situation for minorities, women and youth.
The overarching objective of Norwegian support to the Western Balkans today is to promote the development of lasting stability and democracy. To this end, Norway supports a series of initiatives in Kosovo and the wider region, to foster:
Closer regional cooperation, also including countries that are EU members;
Reconciliation and implementation of transitional justice;
Socio-economic development through enhanced economic growth and competitiveness, increased capacity in the field of environment/climate/energy, and increased social and economic inclusion of marginalised groups;
Good governance through support for development of the rule of law, defence sector reform, civil society and the media, minorities, and the fight against organised crime and corruption.
2019 Call for proposals - The Civil Society Programme for Albania and Kosovo
The Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) invites Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from Kosovo to apply for project grants.
Norway is announcing an open call for proposals for the Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo. The deadline has been extended to April 27.2018.
FAQ regarding the 2018 Call for proposals
The Embassy is receiving a number of requests for clarifications regarding the 2018 Call for proposals. In this FAQ we try to answer some of these questions. Please review this page before you contact the Embassy.
Current active Norwegian projects in Kosovo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' grants portal provides an overview of all grants from the Ministry and Norad for which agreements have been entered into, and for which disbursements are planned for this year and for up to the next four years.
Statistics on past Norwegian assistance to Kosovo
Norwegian Aid Statistics gives you easy access to all official statistics about Norwegian development cooperation from 1960 until today.
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pristina
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina
Rr.Sejdi Kryeziu nr. 8 Qyteza Pejton
10000, Prishtina
Republic of Kosovo
Visa information:
The Norwegian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey handles all visa applications from Kosovo and Albania. However, visa and immigration related questions should always be adressed to VFS Global via email or telephone:
+381 381 38 412 712 / +381 38 412 812 or info.kosovonor@vfshelpline.com.
Opening hours: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, except Holidays.
In your request, please mention your full name, date of birth and passport number. If you already have applied, please also submit your reference number.
Phone: +383 (0) 38 232 111 00
E-mail: emb.prishtina@mfa.no
Fax:+ 383 38 232 111 22
Opening hours for the Embassy:
Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: the Embassy is currently not open to visitors. Please contact the Embassy via phone or e-mail if you need the Embassy's assistance.


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Of Making Many Books
is co-author of the Dark Mountain manifesto and was at the core of the project for a decade. Originally from the northeast of England, he now lives in central Sweden. He co-hosts The Great Humbling podcast and is slowly creating a school called HOME.
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end…
(Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Does the world need more books?
The fourth Dark Mountain book went to press this week. I read through the final proofs a few days ago, and – from the opening line of Amir Naaman's poem 'The Future' to the closing dialogue between dead scientists, extinct creatures, poets and children that is Christina Bodznik's 'Concentric Plots' – the words explode off the page. I don't want to try to describe this book to you, I want to put a copy of it into your hands and watch you leaf through it and feel how much further this Dark Mountain expedition has ranged. It is less pastoral, less English. Wilder, stranger, queerer…
Yet the question remains. Given the horror that lies a quarter-inch below the surface of everything we see – given the determination to bear witness to this horror, to seek out those kinds of action that still make sense – why should we imagine there is any point in adding to the unthinkable excess of words already in print?
My first answer is the one that any writer or artist, or other victim of such compulsions, will give if you can get them at an honest moment: we don't end up doing the work we want to do, but the work we can't not do. At the back of Dark Mountain, there are a set of convictions: about the practical power of culture; the roots of today's ecological, economic and social crises in the stories we've been telling ourselves for generations; the importance of retelling the stories, of finding other ways of seeing, coming to terms with loss and reaching a humbler understanding of our relation to the world – but at the back of all this, there are also four editors who have been cutting and pasting and stapling together publications of one kind or another since we were eight years old.
I have been thinking about this question, though – why books? – because it's time to make some announcements about our newest book, and about our decision to start publishing two books a year, and to ask you to consider setting up a subscription to Dark Mountain.
Perhaps you don't need any convincing, in which case feel free to go straight to the new Subscriptions section of this site.
Still, this is something of a threshold – we are asking for more commitment from our readers than we have done before, choosing to focus more of our energy on publishing, and to leave behind the one-off crowdfunding campaigns by which we covered the costs of previous books. So it feels like a good moment to reflect on why we continue to devote large amounts of our lives, mostly unpaid, to the making of these books.
The most powerful reflections as to why the books matter come not from us as editors, but from readers and contributors. I've noticed several themes that people often mention when describing what makes Dark Mountain special and important to them:
Honesty: When we published our original manifesto, Sharon Astyk wrote that 'It may be the most honest attempt at literature we've seen.' That's a lot to live up to, but it does seem that one reason these books matter to people is the space they offer for a particular kind of honesty. We encourage writers to voice their doubts, to puzzle through what troubles them, rather than rehearsing familiar arguments, and to put into writing things that have been felt but unspoken – taboo, even – in the different worlds of environmentalism and literature.
Unexpected juxtapositions: 'Left to my own devices,' writes Marmaduke Dando, 'I would have just gone for the essays, but I have been so glad to be exposed to and challenged by the poetry and stories.' There are few publications where you will find the diversity of types of writing you get in our books. This is not done for the sake of eclecticism, but because of the way that different approaches – intellectual, visionary, or earthily grounded – start to speak to each other, so that somehow, between them, they get closer to the most difficult subject matter than any single approach could do. As Allen O'Leary put it: 'You feel as you read that you are turning a problem around in your hands, rather than using a scalpel to cut it open as you would in, for instance, a themed philosophy magazine.'
A sense of life, joy and beauty: I sometimes meet people who have never read our books, who have an impression of Dark Mountain as some kind of death cult, or at least a collective of the doom-laden. Now, some of the most powerful writing we have published has been about grief and loss – yet readers often express surprise, as Mark Newton did in The Ecologist's review of Issue 2, that the result 'isn't as depressing as you might imagine.' We won't hide from the epic of extinction taking place around us – nor from the personal reality of death that is coming to each of us, sooner or later – but in facing these things, there comes also a heightened sense of beauty, of joy entangled with sadness, and the impossibility of fully separating the serious from the absurd.
No party line. 'There are aspects of the Dark Mountain manifesto I cannot support,' writes Jay Griffiths, one of our regular contributors. 'And that is precisely why it is a brilliant manifesto: it is provocative, difficult, troubling, and uneasy, and I salute the spirit of it wholeheartedly, in its untameness, its wilful, searching fury.' People don't write for Dark Mountain because they have signed up to an ideological position, but because, from wherever they are coming, they feel drawn to the conversation that started with that manifesto. There is room for disagreement, without that always having to turn into an argument over who is right. Reading one of our books should be like listening in on a great conversation, rather than sitting through a series of speakers on a platform.
Those are a few of the reasons why these books seem to matter to people. If you have held a copy in your hands, you may well have your own reasons – and we would like to hear more about them.
There is plenty more to say: we will come back, soon, in another post, with some snatches of the voices that you will hear in the pages of our latest collection. We will also have more to say about the decision to start producing two books a year – one that has been driven by the quantity, quality and variety of material that people are now sending us, as well as by the desire to focus more of our energy on the work of making books, which has always been at the heart of this project.
For today, let me just add that, while we have taken the decision not to run another crowd-funding campaign, we still need your help to fund the costs of publishing this book.
We invite you, then, to set up a subscription to Dark Mountain. You will get each of our books as soon as it comes out, for less than it would normally cost – and we won't have to hassle you each time to make a pledge through IndieGoGo. You'll also be making an important contribution to giving Dark Mountain a kind of security that it has not had until now, ensuring that we will be able to go on producing these books and hosting the conversation which they represent in the years ahead.
This is a big deal for us – and we will be banging the drum about it, on this blog, over emails and various other parts of the internet for the next few weeks. We will do our best to avoid tedious repetition and exhortation, to reflect the spirit of this project in the way that we extend this invitation. And we will be glad of any help that you might feel inclined to offer in telling the story of what Dark Mountain has done so far and why others might find it worth keeping company with.
We know that not everyone will be in a position to make an ongoing commitment right now – and so, for those who prefer, we are also making Dark Mountain: Issue 4 available for pre-order through our regular online shop. (Also, for those with existing subscriptions to Dark Mountain, we will be in touch with you personally within a few days about how the new subscription service will work for you.)
Finally, thanks again for all the support that you have given us over the past four years – none of what Dark Mountain has done would have been possible without it.
Find out more about the range of subscriptions on offer on our new Subscriptions page.
Have you decided not to release volumes as PDFs now? The two most recent don't seem to be available.
Dougald Hine says:
Hi David –
Sorry, we were slow in uploading the last couple of books, but they're all available here:
https://gumroad.com/darkmtn
I think we need to update some links on the site to make the PDFs easier to find. Thanks for the reminder.
Dougald
Is the latest volume likely to be available as a PDF soon?
24.08.15 at 12:22 pm
'E-BOOKS: We don't produce e-books: this blog post explains why not.'
Except it doesn't even mention ebooks. If the whole article was meant, it still fails to explain why, as ebooks can be created from the files used to produce a paper/printed book – I should know, I've been professionally producing both for thirty years. If your books were available in Kindle format, for instance, they could be uploaded to Amazon and sold to Kindle owners, widening your reach. Since they cost little to make available like this, they can be sold without the overheads of print [not to mention the trees and the ink] for as little as 99p, making them an easy download.
leoboiko says:
On the one hand, ebooks seem counter to the project's sensibilities somehow: ethereal and electric, dependent on devices that in turn depend on the whole of civilization.
On the other hand, surely the negative impact of transferring electronic files is much less than the price of making and shipping paper books?
Peter – apologies. Your comment belatedly drew my attention to an error on the site. As you point out, this post does not explain our decision not to publish eBooks. The correct link is here:
https://dark-mountain.net/blog/these-companions-that-speak-silently-to-our-eyes/
The End of All Things
Weylyn Wolfe
22nd April, 2021
Hospice chaplain Weylyn Wolfe contemplates the final journey at a traffic intersection in Silicon Valley. With artwork by Wild Conspiracy in Minneapolis.
From Our BooksIssue 19Uncategorized
Requiem in a World-Wood
Anna Hatke
From Our BooksIssue 19
Announcing our New Spring Journal Dark Mountain: Issue 19
Our nineteenth collection of writing and art, revolves around the theme of death, loss and renewal
Submissions call for Dark Mountain Issue 18: Fiction
Deadline 20th May 2020
Introducing Dark Mountain: Issue 16 – REFUGE
Our anniversary edition, Dark Mountain: Issue 16 - REFUGE, is a celebration of ten years of uncivilised writing and art 'The search for a lexicon that not only explores the existential crisis we share, but also ... a deeper story about being human'.
Issue 16: REFUGE


I spend a fair amount of time drawing from life with my students. Starting very early we talk and practice finding common shapes, lines, and letters to help us draw objects.
Being in a new school, I'm spending a little more time than I usually would with the upper grades finding a common language and skill set for basic drawing techniques.
With leaves being so plentiful and the trees putting on a spectacular show the third graders did some quick blind contour warm up drawings before moving on to a longer, more involved final drawing. The kids enjoyed the old school art lesson and it was a quiet, relaxing class.
A great trick is to laminate a bunch of leaves and then you can re-use them and not worry about them deteriating over a drawing period.
Third graders enjoyed warming up with a Blind Contour activity. I had the students place their paper, pencil, and drawing hand in a large paper bag to prevent peeking. I also find this keeps kids drawing for longer periods of time. Students really enjoyed working on these and I do believe that this makes even the youngest students observe longer and more carefully.
Third graders moved on the week after to trees. We observed trees outside, noticing that they are thicker on the bottom and thinner at the top. We discussed that the branches made shapes that looked like the letters V and Y. Students drew simple deciduous trees and added changing foilage with yellow and red paint that we applied with a sponge.


text:
Q: How can I assign different actions for different submit buttons in same html form? I am trying to assign different actions to same html form according to different submit buttons.
Can I do something like this ?
<FORM>
------
<INPUT type="submit" value="DoSomething" action="DoSomething.pl" method="POST">
<INPUT type="submit" value="DoSomethingElse" action="DoSomethingElse.pl" method="POST">
<FORM/>

A: Just in case someone else finds this post:
If you're using HTML5, this is now easier thanks to the formaction attribute. This attribute applies to input and button elements of type="submit" and forces the form to submit to the location specified in the formaction attribute of the clicked element.
Then only drawback of this attribute is that it's not supported by Internet Explorer 9 and lower, but this limitation can be easily overcome using a little JavaScript.
Example:
<form method="post" action="go_default">
    <input type="submit" value="Go Left" formaction="go_left" />
    <input type="submit" value="Go Right" formaction="go_right" />
</form>

For IE 9 and lower:

A: No. A form has only one action (action being a property of the form, not the submit button).
The target of the action can do different things on the basis of the values in the form. So, you might want to start naming your submit buttons.
Learn HTML before you even think about writing and deploying a CGI script.
<form method="POST" action="/cgi-bin/script">
<input type="submit" name="action" value="DoSomething">
<input type="submit" name="action" value="DoSomethingElse">
</form>

Note also that choosing an action based on the value of the submit button is a losing strategy if you wish to internationalize the application because the value of a submit button is what the UA displays to humans.
Therefore, script should decide what to do on the basis of some other input element's value.
For example, CGI::Application looks at a run_mode parameter.
Alternatively, you can use different names for your submit buttons as Alec suggests. In that case, you need to check which submit button was pressed by going through the names of the parameters passed to your script which, IMHO, makes the dispatch slightly more cumbersome. It also means it is possible for someone to pass values for all submit buttons to your script (not via the user interface, but via curl or wget or similar programs.
For example, given the HTML
<form method="POST" action="/cgi-bin/script">
<input type="submit" name="submit_left" value="Go Left">
<input type="submit" name="submit_right" value="Go Right">
</form>

here is how your script may handle form submission:
#!/usr/bin/perl

use strict; use warnings;

use CGI::Simple;

my $cgi = CGI::Simple->new;

my %dispatch = (
    left  => \&handle_left,
    right => \&handle_right,
);

my @actions = grep s/^action_(right|left)\z/$1/, $cgi->param;

my $handler = \&handle_invalid_action;

if ( @actions == 1) {
    my ($action) = @actions;
    if ( exists $dispatch{ $action } ) {
        $handler = $dispatch{ $action };
    }
}
else {
    $handler = \&handle_too_many_actions;
}

$handler->($cgi);

sub handle_left { }
sub handle_right { }
sub handle_invalid_action { }

# because it may indicate someone trying to abuse your script
sub handle_too_many_actions { }

A: You can also use Ajax for this, and every button has assigned an ajax function that calls it's own php script and you don't even need to refresh the page or redirect, like in this example that i have tried:
HTML:
<input type="submit" value="Make other thing" onclick="ajax_post1();"/>
<input type="submit" value="Make something" onclick="ajax_post2();"/>

Javascript functions:
//the first function
function ajax_post1(){
var hr = new XMLHttpRequest();

//take the values from the html input elements you want to use
var v1=document.getElementbyId("element1").value;
var v2=document.getElementbyId("element2").value;

//the script that will process the data
var url="php_script1.php";

//the variable that will contain the information for the php script
var dataVar="var1="+v1+"&var2="+v2;
hr.open("POST", url, true);
hr.setRequestHeader("Content-type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded");

// Access the onreadystatechange event for the XMLHttpRequest object
hr.onreadystatechange = function() {
    if(hr.readyState == 4 && hr.status == 200) {
    var script_response = hr.responseText;
    document.getElementById("script1Response").innerHTML = script_response;
    }
   }

// Send the data to php_script1.php
hr.send(dataVar); // Actually execute the request
document.getElementById("script1Response").innerHTML = "processing...";
}

//the second function
function ajax_post2(){

var v1=document.getElementbyId("element1").value;
var v2=document.getElementbyId("element2").value;
var url="php_script2.php";
var dataVar="var1="+v1+"&var2="+v2;
var hr = new XMLHttpRequest();
hr.open("POST", url, true);
hr.setRequestHeader("Content-type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded");

hr.onreadystatechange = function() {
    if(hr.readyState == 4 && hr.status == 200) {
    var script_response = hr.responseText;
    document.getElementById("script2Response").innerHTML = script_response;
    }
   }

hr.send(dataVar);
document.getElementById("script2Response").innerHTML = "processing...";

}

The php files will have to contain some variables that will store the values sent by dataVar parameter like this:
$var1_=$_POST['var1']; //the var1 from the dataVar parameter
$var2_=$_POST['var2']; //the var2 from the dataVar parameter

The example I used can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woNQ2MA_0XU.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Oban and Lorn
Tyndrum & Dalmally
Inveraray & Lochgilphead
Cowal and Dunoon
Kintyre and Tarbert
Show all Scotland
Activities & Guides
Argyll Hotels
Inveraray Hotels
Hotels in Inveraray, Lochgilphead and the Heart of Argyll
Please note that all accommodation in Scotland is currently closed to tourists.
People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. Bookings can still be made for the future.
Browse by area:
All Argyll Hotels
Oban Hotels, Appin, Seil and Lismore
Tyndrum Hotels, Dalmally and Bridge of Orchy
Inveraray Hotels, Lochgilphead and Knapdale
Cowal and Dunoon Hotels
Kintyre Hotels, Tarbert and Campbeltown
Isle of Bute Hotels
The Inveraray Inn Inveraray
Designed by John Adam and opened in 1755, The Inveraray Inn is the oldest and most historic hotel in Inveraray as well as being one of the most iconic hotels on the west coast of Scotland. It occupies an unrivalled location on Inveraray's Front Street, overlooking Loch Fyne. This famous hotel, which has also been known in the past as The Great Inn, The Argyll Arms Hotel and The Argyll Hotel, Inveraray, now offers 36 comfortable, en suite bedrooms, excellent local produce and traditional Highland hospitality.
Crinan Hotel Crinan
With a stay at Crinan Hotel, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Loch Fyne and Moine Mhor Nature Reserve. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and an elevator.
The Grey Gull Hotel Ardrishaig
With a stay at The Grey Gull Hotel, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Loch Fyne and Dunadd. Free self parking is available onsite.
The Horseshoe Inn Bridgend
With a stay at The Horseshoe Inn, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Loch Fyne and Kilmartin Glen. Free self parking is available onsite.
Kilmartin Hotel Kilmartin
With a stay at Kilmartin Hotel, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Loch Fyne and Kilmartin House Museum. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
The George Hotel Inveraray
With a stay at The George Hotel in Inveraray, you'll be a 3-minute walk from Loch Fyne and 12 minutes by foot from Inveraray Castle. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa Inveraray
When you stay at Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa in Inveraray, you'll be on the waterfront, a 1-minute drive from Loch Fyne and 6 minutes from Inveraray Castle. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
Cairnbaan Hotel Cairnbaan
With a stay at Cairnbaan Hotel, you'll be a 5-minute drive from Loch Fyne and 6 minutes from Kilmartin Glen. Guests will find features like wireless Internet access.
Cuilfail Hotel Kimelford
Located in Oban, Cuilfail Hotel is a 1-minute drive from Kilmeford Church and 7 minutes from Arduaine Garden. Free self parking is available onsite.
The Inveraray Inn Inverarary
With a stay at The Inveraray Inn, BW Signature Collection in Inveraray, you'll be just steps from Loch Fyne and 10 minutes by foot from Inveraray Castle. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Lochgair Hotel Loch Gair
With a stay at Lochgair Hotel, you'll be a 2-minute drive from Loch Fyne and 8 minutes from Crarae Garden Argyll. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Want your accommodation business listed above with commission-free referrals sent direct to your own website? Advertise now.


text:
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Opinion + Voices
UCLA faculty voice: Advocates of criminal justice reform must frame race carefully
Luskin Dean Franklin Gilliam says statistics about racial disparities must be properly contextualized to be effective persuasive tools
Zocalo Public Square
Franklin D. Gilliam Jr.
Franklin D. Gilliam Jr. | August 20, 2014
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. is the dean of UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, professor of public policy and political science and senior fellow at the FrameWorks Institute. This article appeared Aug. 20 in The Huffington Post.
Criminal justice experts routinely point out a set of facts to show that the system is in need of serious reform. They frequently cite things like: incarceration rates are at an all-time high and disproportionately higher for Latinos and African Americans; the U.S. is the world's leading jailer; and too many of those in prison are convicted of non-violent crimes. The operative assumption is that these facts will help convince the public that reforms are needed.
A much-touted recent study by Stanford psychologists Rebecca Hetey and Jennifer Eberhardt seriously calls this assumption into question. In a series of experiments, the authors report that, "... exposing people to extreme racial disparities in the prison population heightened their fear of crime and increased acceptance of the very policies that led to those disparities." Hetey and Eberhardt conclude that "... bombarding the public with images and statistics documenting the plight of minorities" is unlikely to increase support for progressive reform policies.
These findings are at once confirmatory, but also incomplete. The result is a misleading takeaway for criminal justice advocates.
Why is the Stanford study confirmatory?
First, it substantiates earlier research. In a series of experimental studies conducted by Stanford political psychologist Shanto Iyengar and myself in the late 1990s and early 2000s, we found that exposing white viewers to actual television newscasts featuring African Americans in the role of perpetrators significantly increased their beliefs that "bad people" cause crime and amplified their support for punitive policies such as the death penalty and "three strikes and you're out".
Second, in a recent paper I wrote with Adam Simon for the FrameWorks Institute we found that participants in an experimental survey study who were exposed to racialized fact patterns (i.e., disproportionate minority incarceration rates) evidenced little to no significant effect on their criminal justice policy attitudes. While our results are a little different from the Stanford study, they do support the argument that using facts about racial disparities in the criminal justice system is not a very effective advocacy strategy.
Why is the Stanford study incomplete?
In short, it doesn't systematically consider the concept of framing. In the first instance, there is no such thing as an "unframed" fact. When people are confronted with a set of facts or numbers they instantly search for a frame to contextualize the data. If one is not present, people default to the most chronically accessible frame. Put differently, people use what is "top of mind".
In a set of studies conducted with the FrameWorks Institute we discovered that the public's default frame when it comes to matters of race is characterized by a belief that racism is a thing of the past (for the most part), that government policies and laws have "leveled the playing field", and that any disparities that exist are because some groups don't adhere to fundamental American values of hard work. In short, when people are confronted with unframed information about racial disparities, they quickly default to ways of thinking about race that are not supportive of reform policies and programs (i.e. blaming the individual; blaming the dysfunctional culture of "certain groups").
The introduction of values plays an important role in influencing public opinion about criminal justice. In particular, when exposed the to the value of pragmatism (e.g., it just doesn't make good sense to keep building prisons and incarcerating people for non-violent offenses), people are much more likely to support a reform agenda. More to the point, the FrameWorks experimental studies show that you can productively inject facts about racial disparities into the conversation, but only when those facts are preceded by the orienting value of pragmatism. The data suggest that sequencing information in this way significantly increased a belief that incarceration is caused by systemic factors; that remediation should focus on systemic factors; and that racial disparities should be addressed. This is a much better way, we believe, to advocate for criminal justice reform.
Why is the takeaway from the Stanford study misleading?
Many advocates have contacted us wondering if this means that you can't talk about race in the context of crime. The important question isn't whether or not you can talk about race and crime, but rather how and in what order you talk about it. We have found that starting a conversation with the American public by essentially claiming the system is racist does, in fact, dampen support for progressive reforms. But, and this is an important finding, our research also shows that starting the conversation with the values that many Americans adhere to, and then pointing out racial disparities, is effective in garnering support for progressive reforms.
In a recent piece in Slate, Jamelle Bouie argues that, "... advocates might want to try different language (or a different approach) in their campaign to reform the criminal justice system."
We believe we have identified a better strategy that allows advocates to both use facts and talk about race. Paying attention to values and order in criminal justice reform communications is an important framework for moving public will. By contrast, giving up on talking about race or facts because of the Stanford study would be a sad hijacking of criminal justice discourse in our country.
Tags: opinion | criminal justice | race and ethnicity
Les Dunseith
ldunseith@luskin.ucla.edu
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text:
Then & Now: Girl Bands
Boy bands like One Direction and Emblem 3 are taking over as the era of boy bands commences. Their fandoms continue to grow more and more as the groups produce not only music but movies, TV ventures, and worldwide tours. However, it's not just the guys that are rising in fame.
Girl groups have been prominent since the 1960s and have continued to become more popular. Starting with groups like the Supremes, girl groups have evolved over the years to become prominent influences in pop and r&b music. From TLC to The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child to Fifth Harmony, girl groups from the past and present tend to be positive upbeat role models that get us dancing!
1960s- The Supremes:
As the golden girls of Motown, The Supremes hit the Motown scene in the 1960's. Originating from the projects of Detroit, Michigan, the original members of Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Betty McGlown, and Diana Ross went on to have 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The group cycled through 10 members during its 18 year career and started Diana Ross' solo career. With songs such as 'Baby Love' and 'Stop! In The Name of Love', the Supremes definitely served as pioneers for girl groups to come.
1990s- TLC:
Trio TLC rose from Atlanta, Georgia to incorporate hip hop and r&b to create a distinctive sound. With iconic songs such as "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs", TLC has continued to remain one of the most listened to girl groups. Despite the death of member Lisa Lopez "Left Eye" the band continues to still participate in the music scene. In 2013 they had a feature on J. Cole's single "Crooked Smile" as well as embarked on a 2 date tour. They also released an album TLC: 20th Anniversary Hits as well as released a biopic on VH1 entitled 'CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story'. The band currently is signed with Epic Records and is working on an album that is set to release this year.
1990s- Destiny's Child:
Renowned for producing superstar Beyonce, Destiny's child originated in 1990 as 'Girl's Tyme'. After going through member changes, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams became the most notable lineup for the group. After struggling with label and management problems, the group prevailed to be a big figure in the legacy of girl groups. They released 5 studio albums, won 3 Grammys, and have a star on the Walk of Fame. Most recently, the group performed during Beyonce's halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVII.
1990s- Spice Girls:
Scary Spice, Sporty Spice, Baby Spice, Ginger Spice, and Posh Spice came out of the UK to become one of the most successful girl groups to date. Considered by some to be the advent of the second British Invasion, the Spice Girls plowed through worldwide markets with numerous endorsements, partnering with companies such as Cadbury Chocolate, Pepsi, Polaroid, PlayStation, and Target. The shocked the world when they made a big move by firing their own manager Simon Fuller in 1997. The group continued on to do numerous tours and even perform at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.
2000s- Pussycat Dolls:
What started as a burlesque girl group expanded into an entire franchise. Robin Antin led the way for The Pussycat Dolls to have a successful TV show, Vegas show, albums, and numerous product endorsements. Songs like 'Don't Cha, 'Buttons' and 'When I Grow Up' threw them into superstardom. The group may have disbanded, but member Robin Antin is currently working with new girl group G.R.L.
2010's- Little Mix:
Some call them the girl equivalent of One Direction, and as a product of UK's X Factor and labelmates, this is a fair comparison to draw! One Direction aside, the group surely undoubtedly makes a name for themselves. With upbeat melodies and girl-power themed lyrics, the group provides a great message for girls, which is one a large draw for fans. Songs like 'Salute' and 'Move' have proved that they are ready to be big stateside. They recently opened for Demi Lovato on the Neon Lights Tour and are about to embark on a tour of their own!
2010s- Fifth Harmony:
Product of the second season of X Factor US, the five members of Fifth Harmony have been nonstop since the show. After opening for Demi Lovato, and headlining MTV's Artists To Watch concert, Fifth Harmony is about to start their own tour and secured an opening spot for artist Austin Mahone on his tour as well. Their debut full length album is set to release later this year, and should deliver some strong vocal performances.
2010s- Haim:
Los Angeles natives Haim, is a trio of sisters that provide a different girl group feel. With folk rock vibes, Haim differentiates itself from other girl groups. Their song 'The Wire' is a great example of the chill demeanor their tracks.
2010s- G.R.L.:
What started as an audition to replace members of the Pussycat Dolls by member Robin Antin in 2011, ended up creating an entirely new girl group. G.R.L. The 5 high energy members, provide the typical upbeat tunes you'd expect from a girl group. The added plus: the members have a background in dance. Check out the video for their bubblegum pop song 'Vacation' for positive lyrics and impressive dancing.


-The Profile Racing Chrome Moly Race Crankset(RHD) is everything you need to run Profile cranks except the bottom bracket (which is sold seperately).
-Right hand crank arm has sprocket boss.
-RHD crankset includes crank arms, 19mm GDH heat-treated CrMo axle, GDH CrMo axle bolts, flush washers, sprocket bolt, and crank installation/removal tool.
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It has been proved that smoking kills. In some countries it has been made illegal for people to smoke in public places except in certain areas. All countries should make these rules.
Smoking is injurious to health. It can even cause deadly diseases like cancer. Many countries have already banned smoking in public places. In my opinion, others too should follow suit and ban it.
There are several benefits to banning smoking in public places. Smoking ban will definitely improve the quality of air we breathe. Cigarette contains nicotine which is a cancerous substance. In addition to cancer, smoking causes several other health problems. In fact, statistics have shown tremendous rise in the occurrence of mouth cancer among people who smoke regularly. Some studies have also shown that people who smoke more than 3 cigarettes a day have increased chances of developing cancer. Smoking may also cause other problems like heart attack and respiratory illnesses.
The biggest problem with smoking is that in order to suffer from its ill effects, you don't necessarily have to be a smoker. Passive smoking also kills. It is particularly harmful for young children and pregnant women. If people are allowed to smoke in crowded public places like railway stations or bus stands, its harmful effects will have to be borne by all people standing next to the smoker. Banning smoking in public places is the only way to solve this problem.
Pollution is one of the biggest problems that we face today. Smoking not only aggravates this problem but it also causes the depletion of the ozone layer which protects us from sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. It is evident that smoking plays a significant role in damaging our health and our environment.
In conclusion, I personally believe that all governments should ban smoking in public places. This might cause some inconvenience to chain smokers, but ultimately this ban will benefit them as well.
Next story Band 9 essay sample: Should subjects like mathematics and philosophy be optional at school?


Dance music DJ [artist id="2539409"]deadmau5[/artist] has been forced to cancel several upcoming shows after the producer collapsed onstage during a performance on Friday (July 30).
A statement posted on deadmau5's website explained that the beatsmith, who regularly rocks events sporting a giant, tricked-out mouse head, suffered "exhaustion and vomiting" after performing at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC. The DJ was rushed to the hospital and placed under medical supervision and the incident has caused the house music star to nix several live appearances.
"Deadmau5 is sad to advise his fans that on the strict advice of the doctors, he now has no choice but to cancel the next [nine] shows of his [summer] tour schedule to allow for his recovery," read the statement on his website.
Upcoming shows in Canada, Japan, Italy and Spain, among other dates, have been scrapped. However, according to his website, the DJ plans to reschedule the dates and "thanks all his fans for their understanding and support."
The Grammy-nominated producer has become a fixture in the international dance music scene, known for speaker-rattling tracks such as "Ghosts N Stuff" and "Strobe." Earlier this year, the DJ explained the origin of his singular name to MTV News as a headliner at this year's Winter Music Conference in Miami.
"Long story short, a mouse went into my computer and died, and I found him in there when I was changing my video card," he said. After news of the incident lit up chat rooms and blogs, "everyone just started calling me 'that dead mouse guy' because of he story, and it just stuck. And the 5 was because I couldn't spell out D-E-A-D-M-O-U-S-E because it was too long to have as a name in the chat room, so I had to trim a character, so I was just like, whatever, and I put a 5 in there and it stuck."
Leave your get well wishes for deadmau5 below.


← History lessons: Zimmermann on tour in Azerbaijan, Part III.
The President of the Global Labor Organization (GLO), Klaus F. Zimmermann, was visiting Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 10-13 to discuss research and policy issues. MORE DETAILS. On November 10, he was visiting modern Baku and enjoyed some of the local culture. On November 10 in the afternoon, he has been in the old city of Baku, and on November 11, among others, in the Gobustan National Park, saw the Petroglyphs and investigated the Zoroastrian temple of Ateshgah (Part III). At the end, he inspected Yanardag, the burning mountain. Why is Azerbaijan called the "Land of Fire"?
A national dish at fire.