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Home » Avoiding Mold Related IAQ Liability
Avoiding Mold Related IAQ Liability
Recent media coverage of large-award indoor air quality (IAQ) lawsuits has led to a flood of homeowner and building occupant lawsuits. These lawsuits have triggered coverage changes in policies intended to protect insurance companies from huge claims.
The vast majority of these complaints involve both property damage and personal injury claims resulting from fungal (mold) exposures. The typical property damage claim entails extensive removal of contaminated building materials such as drywall, carpets, and ceiling tiles, all done under carefully contained atmospheres resembling asbestos abatement procedures.
Often, personal property must be discarded or carefully cleaned and disinfected. Such cleanups often do not satisfy the occupant because they feel that his symptoms have not subsided after the cleanup has been completed.
Personal injury claims often allege toxic effects from exposure to mycotoxins ("mold poisons"). Symptoms include damage to the immune system, personality changes, short-term memory loss, and pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding from the respiratory system).
Claims can also arise due to the development of sensitivities and allergies. Due to the size of the awards, avoiding IAQ liability has become a major concern to all stakeholders, especially those professionals with responsibility for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings. The vast majority of these problems are preventable.
Recent Lawsuits
In June 2001, Melinda Ballard and Ron Allison, of Dripping Springs, TX, were awarded $32 million for bad faith in claims handling practices in regard to water damage and resultant mold growth in their 22-room mansion. In addition to the damage to the structure, the couple requested damages from neurocognitive injuries to both Allison and the couple's son, Reese. Allison claimed cognitive impairment, resulting in loss of his job as an executive-level investment advisor. Farmer's Insurance was accused of delaying action on the claim and inadequately warning the homeowner of the risks of exposure to toxic molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum. The case is currently on appeal.
In Nov. 2001, the largest mold-related injury award to date was made to a Sacramento, CA, family. The Mazza family was awarded approximately $2.8 million in a landlord/tenant dispute. Because the family was a tenant, no property damages were claimed. Two family members had only transitory symptoms and the third required treatment for fungal infections to his mouth.
Other mold-related cases are springing up all over the country. One attorney in California has over 1,000 cases pending in his firm. In an ironic twist, Erin Brockovich, a legal aide who was crucial in the resolution of a toxic chemical lawsuit (and the title character in the film based on that lawsuit), has had to abandon a home purchased by the settlement funds from that lawsuit because of toxic mold contamination.
Health Symptoms
The medical literature reports that health effects from mold exposure can be wide-sweeping and dramatic. Health effects associated with mold exposures include allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity diseases, infections, and toxic effects. Allergies are hypersensitivity diseases where the body overreacts to certain environmental stimuli, including molds. Typical allergic symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches, and congestion.
Asthma is a disease in which there is an airway restriction, and can be fatal. There is an alarming increase in childhood asthma and an equally alarming increase in adult-onset asthma. Experts opine that these increases are due, in part, to mold and bacteria exposures.
Hypersensitivity diseases include inflammation of deep airways, sometimes with lesions in the lungs. Hypersensitivity diseases are typically associated with outdoor occupations and are commonly known as Farmer's Lung, bagassosis (sugar cane worker's disease), Brown Lung (cotton workers), and Pigeon-Fanciers disease. It is also known as Organic Dust Syndrome in office workers where the ventilation system has been identified as the source of the particulate matter.
Fungal infections are of great concern in hospitals where pulmonary at-risk patients are treated. For example, the literature suggests that Aspergillus fumigatus is a highly opportunistic mold that can readily colonize the lungs of immunocompromised people, chemotherapy patients, transplant recipients, and respiratory disease sufferers. Antibiotics are basically ineffective against such fungal infections; treatments usually consist of anti-inflammatory drugs that promote the body's natural defenses against the infection.
No other effect has received as much attention as the toxic effects of molds. A spate of infant deaths in the Cleveland area focused attention on Stachybotrys chartarum, a black mold. Investigation has shown that this mold is capable of producing up to eight different toxins, virtually all of which are very potent in even small quantities. The effects of exposure to these toxins can vary widely and can be devastating. The infants, all under six months of age, died of bleeding from the nose and mouth.
In adults, very recent studies suggest that exposure can cause cognitive impairment so severe that those affected cannot hold jobs and function normally. Short-term memory can be dramatically impaired to the extent that memory retention is reduced to only a few seconds. Dramatic personality changes can occur. There is also evidence that exposure to toxins can damage the immune system. At present, victims seem to partially recover after leaving a contaminated building, but some symptoms may linger indefinitely. Additional new research has shown many molds are capable of producing mycotoxins.
Mold Abatement Procedures
Removing mold contamination can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Removal is usually done by trained workers wearing Tyvek(r) suits, respirators, and gloves. The New York City Department of Health has published guidelines for removal of con-taminated building materials and most abatement contractors follow these procedures. Costs for abatement can be as high as $150/sq ft.
In addition to removal of building materials, mold abatements often require cleanup of other building areas near the site of removal due to the likelihood of cross-contamination. It is typical to completely vacuum all surfaces not removed using high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) vacuum cleaners. These surfaces are then further treated by wiping with one of a variety of biocides available for decontamination or generating a fogging mist of biocide into the space.
Personal possessions and clothing may have to be meticulously cleaned and treated, or discarded and replaced. The final step in an abatement usually involves cleaning of the air-handling system, because the air handler and ductwork likely become contaminated by moving mold- and bacteria-contaminated air throughout the building.
Liability Issues
The biggest liability threat is through a lawsuit. When property damage is alleged, the building has either been subjected to water damage or high relative humidity. These conditions favor the growth of mold on any support media capable of acting as a nutrient source: the paper on either side of drywall, cellulose ceiling tiles, the organic matter (dirt and debris) trapped in carpet, wood studs, plywood or particle board sheathing, cardboard boxes, and paper files. Sometimes the water and mold damage are so severe that the structural integrity of the building is threatened.
Claims and lawsuits have also been asserted against third parties such as architects, building contractors, subcontractors, maintenance companies, and expert consultants engaged to evaluate the complaints. In such claims, the building itself is viewed as a finished product and may be subject to claims of strict liability; that is, if the building can be shown to have injured its occupants, any party involved in any aspect of design, maintenance, and operation of the building can be held responsible for the injuries caused by the building. Major third-party claims have asserted construction defects, damage related to building product failures (windows, plumbing, etc.), floods, fires, and other water-related claims.
Insurance is Not a Guarantee
Many building owners rely on insurance policies to protect them from the liability exposures described above. This can be extremely risky because coverage may be vague or ambiguous, or worse, may entirely exclude coverage for mold-related claims. First-party insurers are faced with claims for both property damage and business interruption resulting from the presence of mold.
Carriers are also facing claims for personal injuries, as an extra-contractual claim. These claims stem from the assertion that the insurer failed to properly respond to an otherwise straightforward water damage claim in a timely and effective manner. They further assert that the failure to respond responsibly resulted in collateral damage to both the property and its occupants. Such complaints have tended to prevail and have resulted in large damage awards.
Coverage triggers are the key factors in settling mold-related claims, and triggers can be extremely complex. Such factors as the nature of the damage (structure vs. contents), causation, date of discovery of damage, policies in effect at the time of loss/discovery, whether damage is continuous or intermittent, collateral damage (e.g., business interruption costs), and personal injury, all influence insurance coverages. Professionals with experience in handling and settling such claims are essential to prompt, equitable settlement.
Avoiding IAQ Liability
The best ways to avoid liability exposure in these cases is two-fold: maintain the building in a clean, dry condition, and have adequate insurance coverage to handle all water-damage and mold-related claims in the event of catastrophic damage beyond the normal scope of building maintenance.
Adequate maintenance of roofs, building facades, windows, basements, and crawlspaces to prevent water intrusion is critical to preventing mold contamination. Proper operation of building systems also minimizes the possibility of chronic water damage triggering mold growth. Even small amounts of water or condensation can generate mold contamination.
In the event of accidental water releases such as plumbing failures, it is critical to aggressively remove water from the building as soon as possible. Standing water can generate heavy mold colonization in as little as 24 hrs. Therefore, removal of standing bulk water, aggressive dehumidification, removal of saturated building materials, and drying of wall cavities immediately after disaster strikes is extremely critical.
Another way to avoid mold-related IAQ complaints is to engage experts to test and inspect the building on a routine basis. An industrial hygienist or professional engineer with experience in IAQ issues can be engaged to inspect the building.
Visual inspections often reveal water leaks and mold growth. Moisture meters, fiberoptic imaging systems, infrared imaging, destructive sampling, and other techniques can be used to find "hidden" mold. Specialized air tests can be useful in identifying mold problems that cannot be pinpointed by the above methods. In the event of a mold-related complaint, the expertise of these individuals can be invaluable in avoiding large damage awards.
Scrutiny of insurance coverage is as important as the physical maintenance of the building itself. It is highly advisable to have an attorney experienced in mold claims review coverage before a loss to ensure that coverage is sufficient. After a loss, it is critically important to remove water and dehumidify the building as quickly as possible. When any indication of mold contamination is detected (e.g., odors or occupant complaints), it is highly advisable to engage experts to evaluate and manage the problem. In the event that the building owner becomes aware that complaints or claims related to IAQ may occur, an attorney experienced in mold litigation should be consulted. ES
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Forecast the impact of multiple scenarios. Quickly identify where, when and why actuals differ from plan, so you can take appropriate action.
Intelligent planning lets you make intelligent contributions to the business –drawing useful insights from financial data and guiding the leadership team toward better decisions.
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Drill down from summary to detail level to understand risks, variances and opportunities, and initiate faster changes in response to actual and predicted results.
An intelligent planning solution operates as an extension of your GL and automatically generates accurate forward-looking Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements that are synchronized to actual results and the underlying budget.
See the effect of cash flow from any area of your operation – from sales to workforce, loans and capital asset plans.
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All plans, to a certain extent, are based on assumptions. You gather input from each department head, set goals, lay out steps for achieving those goals, and estimate expenses. Scenario planning lets you test multiple assumptions and predict their impact on the financial statements.
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There are several issues regarding minor children and dependents that need to be addressed when drafting your estate planning documents. New Mexico law places restrictions on the ability of minor children to receive property by inheritance. In addition to appointing a personal representative to administer your estate, it is important that you identify who will help raise your children and look after their personal well being after your gone. (This person is called the guardian.) It is also important that you indentify who will be responsible for supervising the property you leave to your children. (This person is called the Trustee / Conservator).
Estate planning documents should name a "personal guardian" to care for minor children if both parents are deceased or if the surviving parent is unable to care for the children. The personal guardian will have legal guardianship over the minor children until they reach the age of 18.
Leaving a written explanation may be important if you think that a judge could have reason to question your choice for personal guardian. Faced with conflicting wishes, a judge would have to make a choice based on the evidence of what's in the best interests of your child. This is why we recommended that any estate planning documents also include a letter of explanation.
You should name one personal guardian (and one alternate, in case your first choice can't serve) for each of your children. Legally, you may name more than one guardian, but it's generally not a good idea because of the possibility that the coguardians will later disagree. On the other hand, if you prefer that two people care for your child — for example, a stable couple who would act as coparents — name both of them, so that they each have the legal power to make important decisions on behalf of your child.
Managing your financial matters and care for your children should be addressed as two different issues.
You can name the same person as guardian and conservator/ trustee or different people. Some parents name one person to be the children's personal guardian and a different person to look after financial matters. Often this is because the person who would be the best surrogate parent would not be the best person to handle the money.
Conservatorship refers to the legal right given to a person to be responsible for the assets and finances of a person deemed fully or partially incapable of providing these necessities for himself or herself.
health, education, and living expenses. When the child reaches the age you specified, the trustee ends the trust and gives whatever is left of the trust property to the beneficiary.
We recommend parents establish a trust for each child in their will.
Sometimes it may be necessary to petition a court to appoint a legal guardian for a person. When an individual is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs or other reasons, it may be necessary to appoint a guardian as a means of providing continuing care and supervision of the incapacitated individual.
Barnett Law Firm, PA will help you solve the difficult issues surrounding the incapacitation of a loved one. Our experience handling numerous guardianship proceedings throughout the New Mexico area enables us to resolve these matters quickly and cost-effectively.


"Lodger" was third in Bowie's Berlin trilogy, his collaboration with legendary producer/experimentalist Brian Eno, which began with "Heroes" and "Low" (both released in 1977). While those dark records were heavy on alien-sounding instrumentals, "Lodger" had none, and even contained songs that seemed relatively straightforward. Considered inaccessible at the time, "Lodger" now sounds like a classic, transitional Bowie album, if only for its rich spirit of experimentation. From the Middle Eastern strains of "Yassassin" to the bizarre wordplay of "African Night Flight," "Lodger" feels like a journey through strange lands.
Songs like "Boys Keep Swinging" (later covered by ex-Bangle Susanna Hoffs) and "DJ" have the structure of traditional rock songs, but the odd textures, rough edges and dissonant elements make them into something richer and stranger. "Look Back in Anger," with fierce guitar playing by Adrian Belew, became a staple of Bowie's live concerts for years to come. "Red Money" is Bowie's adaptation of Iggy Pop's decadent, futuristic "Sister Midnight" from "The Idiot". The anthemic "Red Sails" (co-written with Eno) has a majestic sense of forward motion, its glorious crescendo and fadeout providing the record's most spine-tingling moments.
Carlos Alomar, guitar, drums on "Boys Keep Swinging"
Dennis Davis, drums, percussion; bass on "Boys Keep Swinging"


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Steve Reynolds named ASU 'President's Professor'
/ 18 October 2018 / 0 Comments
Submitted byfmconway on18 October 2018
Steve Reynolds, Professor of Geosciences at Arizona State University - and long-time member of the Arizona Geological Society - was honored recently by ASU President Michael Crow as a 'President's Professor'.
The 'President's Professor' honorific is one of Arizona State University's most prestigious faculty honors. It rewards "enthusiasm and innovation in teaching, the ability to inspire original and creative work by students, mastery of subject matter and scholarly contributions".
Steve has been a prolific innovator in geoscience education. He engages students in hands-on personal experience observing and experimenting to pique their curiosity and encourage them to query their environment, i.e., geologic setting. He has done research in how students learn and in how they think about geology (the new field of geocognition). He gives a dozen or so talks each year to other universities and colleges about how cognition research informs the best teaching strategies.
A prolific author of scientific papers and book chapters, Reynolds collaborated with J.P. Jenney in editing AGS' Digest 17 – Geologic Evolution of Arizona (the Big Red Book). You can peruse an abridged list of Steve's published books and journal articles at http://reynolds.asu.edu/reynrefs.htm. Over the past decade, he turned his hand to writing college textbooks. He has written three introductory geoscience textbooks (Exploring Geology, Eaxploring Earth Science, and Exploring Physical Geography), which have won awards for their innovative design based on cognitive and educational research. He is also coauthor of the Davis and Reynolds Structural Geology textbook.
Dr. Reynolds received the ASU Department of Geology Outstanding Teacher Award four times. (Note: the ASU Dept. of Geology is now called the School of Earth and Space Exploration.)
Outside the teaching arena, Steve Reynolds' research involves the structure, tectonics, stratigraphy, detrital-zircon provenance studies, and mineral deposits of the Southwest.
From 1981 to 1992, Steve was employed at the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS). According to AZGS' Jon Spencer (Senior Geologist, retired), "Steve led the geologic mapping program at the AZGS for 11 years (1981-1992) and demonstrated his excellent mapping skills and understanding of metallic mineral deposits. He also took the lead in moving the AZGS into the computer era."
Among his many contributions to AZGS maps and reports – Steve appears as an author or co-author on dozens of AZGS geoproducts - he was sole author of the 1988 Geologic Map of Arizona. As a member of the Arizona Geological Society, Steve served on the Executive Committee as a councilor, VP of Programs, and as President of AGS in 1990.
Select publications of Steve Reynolds available at the AZGS Document Repository.
Reynolds, S.J., 1985, Geology of the South Mountains, Central Arizona. Arizona Geological Survey Bulletin-195, 75 p., 1 map plate, scale 1:24,000.
Johnson, J.K., Reynolds, S.J., and Jones, D.A., 2003, Geologic map of the Phoenix Mountains, Central Arizona: Arizona Geological Survey Contributed Map CM-04-A, map scale 1:24,000, 16 p. and 1 map sheet.
Spencer, J.E. and Reynolds, S.J. (eds.), 1989, Geology and Mineral Resources of the Buckskin and Rawhide Mountains, West Central Arizona. Arizona Geological Survey Bulletin 198, 272 p.
Cover image: Steve Reynolds leading an AGS field trip to the Dreamy Draw area of the Phoenix Mountains (2012). Interior image - Steve at South Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Author: Michael Gannon
Tagged: Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm, NRL
Headless Chooks ready to defend their coop
Roosters v Storm
NRL Odds: Sydney Roosters $2.25 (+2.5) / Melbourne Storm $1.67 (-2.5)
Two of the most dominant teams of the modern era will clash this Sunday night at ANZ Stadium, in one of the most anticipated Grand-finals of recent times.
Last year, the Roosters momentarily hijacked the Storm's 2018 premiership hopes by luring Cooper Cronk to their club.
Despite the fact Cronk's move to Sydney was imminent, there was no love lost between Storm captain Cameron Smith and Cronk, with the bad blood evident to all.
Cronk's first meeting with his old club came at Adelaide Oval back in round 16 where Smith had the last laugh, kicking a field goal to secure a 9-8 victory on a cold, wet Adelaide night.
Highlights of the Round 16 Roosters vs Storm clash
The severity of Cooper Cronk's shoulder injury has been the talk of the town this week, with every pundit having their opinion on whether he'll line-up for the big dance or not.
One thing is for certain though. Cronk will move heaven and earth to be there. And if he's not, his presence and the lessons he's taught in 2018, may well be enough to get the tri-colours over the line.
Such is the value of Cronk's influence that many of the Roosters' key players have seen a vast improvement in their game this season.
The likes of James Tedesco, Blake Ferguson, Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell have all come of age this season, playing with more patience and producing more consistent performances off the back of it.
The Roosters welcome back two State of Origin representatives this week in Latrell Mitchell and Dylan Napa, who both look primed to produce a season-best performance.
Coach Trent Robinson, in an interview after last week's Rabbitohs clash, noted there was still plenty of improvement in his men and said they were well and truly ready to take the next step up into the Grand Final.
But the question remains, how effective can the Roosters be without Cronk? Let's just hope for Roosters and Rugby League fans that come Sunday night, they won't have to ponder this question.
Get access to a professional NRL Punter's betting system here.
The boot is on the other foot for Melbourne fans, who already know their fate.
As the entire country argued the ruling of Billy Slater's judiciary hearing, Storm fans would have no doubt been relieved as news filtered through that their star fullback will take to the field this Sunday.
While the Storm has shown in recent years they can win without Slater, there is no doubt of the value he adds, and without him, Melbourne would struggle to break the Chooks' strong defensive line.
Melbourne haven't been without their own injury concerns of late, with prop Tim Glasby now cleared to play after suffering a rib injury in last week's clash with the Sharks.
The Storm come into this game as deserved favourites and will be looking to give Billy Slater the fairytale send off. Slater has proved himself as arguably the best fullback in Rugby League history and will provide the inspiration for his teams mates to leave nothing on the field.
Melbourne have had little success in their milestone games this season, failing to celebrate a win on two significant occasions this year
Billy Slater's 300th game - 8-10 loss to the West Tigers in Week 2
Craig Bellamy's 400th game - 11-10 loss to the West Tigers in Week 5
For the Roosters to win..
The catalyst for the Roosters win last week was their extraordinary defensive effort with James Tedesco proving himself as the best defensive fullback in the game.
Tedesco's influence has taken effect off the back of a strong Origin campaign which propelled him into career-best form, in both attack and defence.
The Roosters have conceded a mere 8.5 points per game in their last four outings and will look to their defence to get them home in this one.
The Roosters Defence over the past 4 weeks
Opposition Team Points Conceded vs Roosters Points Scored Season Avg
Rabbitohs 4 24.25
Sharks 12 21.62
Eels 10 15.58
Broncos 8 23.16
For the Storm to win..
The Storm produced another workmanlike performance against the Sharks in their Grand Final qualifier last week, with retiring fullback Billy Slater stealing the limelight with a try-scoring double in his final ever home game.
Coming up against the defensive force of the Roosters, Melbourne will need to be patient this week for the full 80-minutes. They will have plenty of opportunities - as did the Bunnies - however, don't be surprised to see their points earned in twos until they get into a groove.
Craig Bellamy will look to his most experienced players in Cameron Smith and Billy Slater to lead from the front.
Smith has led his team into the last two Grand Finals and is the most experienced player in the NRL when it comes to the big moments, having played an impressive 6 Grand Finals and 42 State of Origins. And Slater isn't far behind, with an equally impressive 5 Grand Final and 31 State of Origin appearances.
The Storm has 37 Grand Final caps between them, compared to the Roosters who without Cooper Cronk have only 9.
Finals Appearances from Storm players
Player NRL Grand Final Appearances Wins Losses Win %
Cameron Smith 6 4 2 67
Billy Slater 6 4 2 67
Dale Finucane 4 1 3 25
Will Chambers 4 2 2 50
Where the game will be won..
The yardage game. The battle of the middle will determine the winner of this one.
There are two key components to winning the yardage battle. The first is the effectiveness of the back three and how many metres they can make running out of their end on kick-return. The second is the devastating ball running of the forwards.
Both of these factors lead to quick play the balls, which is key to controlling ruck speed and exposing defensive lines.
This leads to fatigue and missed tackles which then opens up holes in the defensive line, and in turn, lessens the ability of teams to implement their wrestling techniques that are so heavily relied on by both clubs.
Check out the tables below to see who holds the edge in the yardage game between the back three and both forward packs heading into the Grand Final.
The Roosters back three hold a clear edge over their rivals and have proven themselves as the premier back three in the competition.
Look for Cameron Smith and the Storm halves to kick to Daniel Tupou as often as they can, keeping the ball away from James Tedesco and Blake Ferguson who have proven to be the strongest kick-return runners in the league.
The forward packs are more evenly matched. Both teams will look to their bench for impact and break the game open, the Roosters will be hoping for a huge performance from Origin representative Dylan Napa, while the Storm will have a big expectation of big boppa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
L Mitchell (Roosters), D Napa (Roosters)
C Cronk (Roosters), L Collins (Roosters)
Fine and 14 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Roosters 22.1 / Storm 22.6
Average points conceded: Roosters 14.5 / Storm 15.3
The Storm have won 4 their last 5 games against the Roosters
Sydney have won 8 of their last 10 games
Melbourne have won 7 of their last 10 games
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Roosters have covered the line at 61.5% this season: Roosters +1.5 @ $1.90
Latrell Mitchell (6) leads both teams in first try scorers this season: Latrell Mitchell first try @ $9
56% of the games involving either team have resulted in 'Under' total match points: 'UNDER' match points line of 32.5 @ $1.90
The reigning premiers have failed to cover the line in 12 of the last 13 finals games
The Storm have won at 75% as favourites this season
The Roosters have won at 93.8% when leading at half-time this season
The Roosters have scored the first try in 73.1% of games
The Storm have scored the first try in 53.8% of games
NRL Betting Tip: Sydney Roosters win @ $2.20
Reasoning: The Roosters defence has been out of this world in recent weeks, and this should continue on Sunday.
With or without Cooper Cronk, the Roosters back three can still dominate the metres game, which will lay a solid platform for their forwards to roll through the centre of the park.
If Cronk manages to play the full 80-minutes, it will be a huge bonus and will go a long way to securing the Roosters a Premiership.
AFL Betting Tips: West Coast vs Collingwood Qualifying Final Preview 2018
NRL Betting Tips: Panthers vs Warriors Qualifying Final Preview 2018


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Tag Archives: The men they couldn't hang
Dublins I am a car crash provide the starting point today. Atmospheric rhythmic noise rock and sharing a drummer with paranoid visions which gets my head moving along nicely at this lunchtime.
I had to cut them short to go and see slice of life who certainly aren't atmospheric noise rock. They have piano, acoustic guitar, bass and Steve ignorants voice. This is punk rock to me. Steve was in Crass, is collaborating with paranoid visions but this is a challenge, for those playing and not listening i may add It has a vaudeville feel (be it s punk version) at times with words that asks questions. This is what the crass war was for. The last time I saw slice of life at rebellion it was at the end of a long day for Steve and the beer had probably for the better of him. The crowd were there out of respect as it was a new enough project. We are now here for the bands songs and Steve puts his heart and soul into this performance as he raps along at times. "This world is full of hate but a bit of love is alright"
Wonk unit have their breed of London diy fun punk which is getting bigger by the year. They blasted the large stage of the Tower Arena and had a great community feel from them. Watching Wonk Unit it just seems like they are your mates on stage and at any moment they could either be dancing alongside you or your could be playing alongside them on stage.
Wolf Bites boy had the new band stage staged packed. Three piece punk oi anthems. Temperature in the room was hot, pavilion wasn't much better with Loaded 44 on stage. Their sound has a rockier rezillos feel to it, guitar solos and all.
One of the (many) things I love about rebellion festival is that the time of day doesn't seem to matter. Empress ballroom was packed with anticipation for Reagan youth at 3.20 on a Friday afternoon. Let me say it again Reagan youth!!! Blistering set from the U.S. hardcore band. The songs weren't really written for ballroom arenas but they still pack some power even if therms have only 25% of their original cohort (only guitarist Paul Bakija remains from the original line up)
Back to the literary stage for a bit of Pauline Murray talking about punk scene of the 70s. Fascinating stuff. Interesting take on the music business "every time I get involved in the music business something horrible happens" artists get treated really badly as it is all about profit motive. Bands are having to work harder for themselves which is difficult but that's where it is.
Alex brindle was on next talking of punk rock today and his time in the flying medallions. It was an interesting juxtaposition comparing old with the current (can't really call it new). The enthusiasm of Alex in marked contrast to Pauline's cynicism. Johnny wah wah was the host but preparation seemed to be minimal
The not sensibles single I'm in love with Margaret thatcher will go down in the punk rock annals as on of the snottiness of a generation. Their rnb brand of punk saw the crowds flocking to the opera house. Vice squad were on in the outdoor setting of the Tower Street Arena at a similar time. Still sounding as good as ever these could well be the last rockers of rebellion as they blasted their tunes with the blackpool tower standing strong in the background.
Speaking of the Tower, I managed to get my hans on a copy of Blackpool Rox 2, complete with cover of the Tower falling into the sea. Interviews with Simon Wells, Ted Diabase, Poly-Esters and Cock sparrer made for great bedtime reading.
The a heads bring it back into more basic punk rock mode. They first appeared on the Wessex 7″ on Bluurg records in 198, alongside Subhumans and it is to see them still screaming for change.
Attila the stockbroker has been demanding change since Joe strummer inspired him to pick up a ukulele 35 years ago. His audience treated him like punk royalty tonight. Technical problems meant it was back to the original rapping poet tonight, no music just one man and his angry words, and some pieces from his excellent Autobiagraphy.
This rebellion introducing stage is great. The x ray eyes were completely new to me. Not quite of the standard of youth man last night (that bar is very high) but this was a set full of energy in a garage pop punk kind of way. Another album I look forward to giving plenty of time to.
Penetration took on a different meaning for me after listening Pauline Murray earlier. They had some great songs on that first album and well worth hearing once more. Now that they are back playing they have a new record out with solid songs and a sound that carries through. Not the energy and excitement of x Ray eyes but still good to listen to.
I'd been told a few times to catch the dictators so it was for other people that I went to see them. Rightly labelled as the "corrective tissue between stooges, mc5 and the punk scene" dictators still have a lot of hair on show. More rock than punk but songs that resonate around the vast expanse of the empress ballroom.
Brix Smith spoke on the literary stage and told us how she changed her name from laura to brix after the clash track Guns of Brixton. Brix liked to speak so I'm sure that made it easier for the conversation with john Robb to flow. And flow it did. Brix read out a chapter from her book, her take on her arrival into manchester. It was some culture shock for the u.s reared woman. With a kitchen the size of her freezer at home in Chicago.
As I was comfy i stayed to hear johns in conversation with Peter Hook. There was a great moment when Peter hook came on stage and took a picture with Brix. The crowd were ignored for a few minutes as what seemed like two old friends catching up. There's a book coming out on new order that Peter hook has written, all 700+ pages. Sounds like it could be a new order encyclopaedia. Peter tells us about joy division being formed as they were walking out of the pistols first gig in Manchester and how he still can't play bass. It was the attitude of the pistols that changed these Manchester lads, "knowing that anyone can get up and stage and play a gig. You didn't care what anyone thought, you just believed and went up there and did it "
A quick run into the acoustic room then for Swill from the men they couldn't hang. This is a perfect surroundings for swill. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar and a companion on stage this was country shining through but sing along and inclusive. I feel at home in this room, my reclusive self can smile as there's a sing song going on
Seeing swill meant that I missed the start of paranoid visions but when I got to the pavilion it was on fire. Perfect surrounding and a great set from my home town boys. The visions are very much part of rebellion, like tv smith but a outburst of energy like a zit being forced off your face. They have a menacing almost haunting feel. The sound has opened out and the killing joke influence seems stronger than ever. Of course for any band that has been playing on and off for thirty years you can't really take the lazy option and state their influences. They are the influencers now. Paranoid Visions want to challenge you, I'm reminded of the first time I saw them. I was terrified and completely captivated. The fear has now gone as I've gotten to know them but the captivation still holds true
As my formative years in the 1980s were spent listening to punk rock, you could call it an education of sorts. The Newtown neurotics were a semester (we call them terms back home) the neurotics and Attila were going to travel to Dublin but then realised the ferry cost was too prohibitive. We nearly had them but had to make do with listening to the brilliant live album instead. Miscalculations on time meant I missed the q*a with Steve Drewetr earlier. A shame to miss it as his band were very important. Now I've seen him live a couple of times. I came to rebellion specifically to see the neurotics a few years back (after travelling to Harlow to see them too) so I'm completely biased. Steve is getting more acclimatised to acoustic gigs and has his daughter back up on stage with him but the damn treble is still turned up in the guitar. We sang along to Kick Out The Tories and wondered if the new empowered Labour Party will make the breakthrough they are promising to and what i can achieve.
While the neurotics had a whole semester I most definitely took a few classes on the men they couldn't hang. They toured ireland and we went to see their folk punk rebel songs songs a few times. It seemed fresher at the time than many of the oi bands that I was listening to. Intelligent lyrics doesn't just have to come from the spiky or skinhead punks, it's all about the spirit and the men they couldn't hangs set was definitely full of punk spirit without a spike to be seen anywhere. As I stood here beside Atilla the stockbroker watching him mouth every word as swill spoke about hanging around afterwards to talk to everyone I'm reminded why I'm indeed part of this community. We are all equals and we are mainly in it for the right reasons. Sentiment along these lines was stated when shirt of blue was dedicated to all those fighting for union or human rights throughout the world. The battle continues
Before the men I listened to Dick Manitoba's talk about the New York scene and his time with the dictators whose album was released a year before the ramones debut. Of course this being rebellion dick had to be asked about the bar he runs in New York, his own place. He has photos all over the walls of New York and uk punk. Sounds like aa aesthetically pleasing place. There was confusion over his next steps when Richie asked about an upcoming book. Turns out it's a comic book!! Might be a book on the way of money can be got.
I was hanging on for dear life at this stage but was determined to see Naked Aggression. The men they couldn't hang express their anger through folk music but naked aggression use it through all their power and force with electric guitars. In the smaller arena the songs still sound a s aggressive and relevant as ever. I wonder if Reagan youth had of played in a smaller room on a smaller stage would it have been different. Naked aggression songs Janet lost their anger. Full on assault, just what' you need at the end of a long day. I2 hours after the first band of the day I didn't have the stamina for dublins lee Harvey's. Next time
Tagged as attilla the stockbroker, blackpool r, blackpool rox, blackpool tower, I Am A Carcrash, naked aggression, Newtown Neurotics, penetration, reagan youth, rebellion 2016, Rebellion festival, slice of life, Steve Drewett, Steve ignorant, The men they couldn't hang, wonk unit
by Niallhope | September 21, 2013 · 8:15 pm
Hope Show 37 – The lowdown
Hope SHow 37 the Lowdown
Pre-All Ireland Football final nerves
1. Brier – Fields of Athenry
2. Luke Kelly – Dublin IN The Rare Oul Times
3. Jinx Lennon – Big Protest Day
4. The Men They Couldn't Hang – Ghosts of Cable Street
5. Beastie Boys – Sabotage
6. Minor Threat – Salad Days
7. Great Western Squares – Ace Of Spades
8. Chumbawamba – Bankrobber
9. Tommy McCook – Heatwave
10. Operation Ivy – Take Warning
11. Snuff – Do Nothing
12. The Damned – Neat Neat Neat
13. Damien Dempsey – Patience
It's the night before the all-ireland football final, i have to mention it. Football plays a huge part in my life. On New years Day this year my dad, my 2 sons and I went to see Dublin play in their annual blue stars game. We have been at every one since and tomorrow is the last of the season.
I'm so emotional I could play Aslan. There has been some grerat times along the way but none of them avoided the reality that the system stinks. It didn't take away the hurt of what is happening but it helped bring a smile to our face.
Jinx Lennon has some great protest songs, he has been kicking against the pricks for a number of years now.
I played the roughneck riot 2 weeks ago and said they remind me of the men they couldn't hang. Well I've finally got one of their songs in digitla format. Punk it up and you've got the roughneck riot (well not really but they are two great intellignet bands). Wonder if they would get caught up with a football game??
I wouldn't say the Beastie Boys would, but I'm happy damnit. Sabotage makes me even happier. So do Minor Threat, indulge me will you.
Great Western Square is a lovely place in Phibsoboro' Dublin, maybe that place will be hopping tomorrow night. For now I will play a song from the band of the same name. Their cover of Motorheads Minor Threat
I can't play Joe Strummer or the Clash every show so I've gone a step away, a small one in Chumbawambas cover of the classic bankrobber.
I was at a game earlier today and man it was warm. End of September and all anyone wanted to do was get water into them when the game brokedown. Will it be that warm in Croke Park?
Take Warning say Operation Ivey, but who shall heed that?
Do Nothing say Snuff, but who and why
The Damned are Neat Neat Neat but is there a reason
And finally Damo, he's Northsides favourite son. It was either him or Aslan!!!!!!
Up the Dubs
Tagged as all-ireland football final, beastie boys, damien dempsey, Dublin, Great Western Squares, luke kelly, Minor Threat, radioactive international, Snuff, The men they couldn't hang


What does the biggest human migration on earth look like on a map?
(CNN) — Although Lunar New Year in China doesn't officially start until February 19, the epic homecoming party began earlier this month.
Chunyun, or spring migration, is the world's largest annual human migration.
It's triggered in part by millions of Chinese workers heading to their hometowns for the holidays.
The migration lasts for 40 days -- from February 4 to March 15 this year.
Baidu, often referred to as China's version of Google, has released an interactive map tracking chunyun movements around the country.
On February 17, Beijing Capital International Airport was the most frequently used airport in the migration, followed by Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen -- major cities with significant populations of migrant workers -- have been seeing the biggest departures in the country.
Since February 11, Chongqing has welcomed the most returnees home.
The most traveled route is from Shanghai to Lu'an in Anhui Province (a 550-kilometer journey).
Some 2.8 billion trips using public transport networks are expected to be made this year.
If private vehicles are included, 3.7 billion trips in total will be made during the 40 days, an increase of 100 million trips over last year.
These trip figures equal the combined population of the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania, according to a report on Chinese website People.cn.


text:
Bio & Medicine
Models begin to unravel how single DNA strands combine
by Renee Meiller
(PhysOrg.com) -- Using computer simulations, a team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified some of the pathways through which single complementary strands of DNA interact and combine to form the double helix.
Present in the cells of all living organisms, DNA is composed of two intertwined strands and contains the genetic "blueprint" through which all living organisms develop and function. Individual strands consist of nucleotides, which include a base, a sugar and a phosphate moiety.
Understanding hybridization, the process through which single DNA strands combine to form a double helix is fundamental to biology and central to technologies such as DNA microchips or DNA-based nanoscale assembly. The research by the Wisconsin group begins to unravel how DNA strands come together and bind to each other, says Juan J. de Pablo, UW-Madison Howard Curler Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
The team published its findings today (Oct. 5) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition to senior author de Pablo, the group included David C. Schwartz, a UW-Madison professor of chemistry and genetics, and former postdoctoral research fellow Edward J. Sambriski, now an assistant professor of chemistry at Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania.
The three drew on detailed molecular DNA models developed by de Pablo's research group to study the reaction pathways through which double-stranded DNA undergo denaturation, where the molecule uncoils and separates into single strands, and hybridization, through which complementary DNA strands bind, or "hybridize." In Watson-Crick base pairing, A (adenine) pairs with T (thymine), while G (guanine) pairs with C (cytosine). Reaction pathways are the trajectories single DNA strands follow to find each other and connect via such complementary pairs.
The researchers studied both random and repetitive base sequences. Random sequences of the four bases — A, T, G and C — contained little or no regular repetition. To the researchers' surprise, a couple of bases located toward the center of the strand associate early in the hybridization process. The moment they find each other, they bind and the entire molecule hybridizes rapidly and in a highly organized manner.
Conversely, in repetitive sequences, the bases alternated regularly, and the group found that these sequences bind through a so-called diffusive process. "The two strands of DNA somehow find each other, they connect to each other in no particular order, and then they slide past each other for a long time until the exact complements find one another in the right order, and then they hybridize," says de Pablo.
Results of the team's study show that DNA hybridization is very sensitive to DNA composition, or sequence. "Contrary to what was thought previously, we found that the actual process by which complementary DNA strands hybridize is very sensitive to the sequence of the molecules," he says.
Knowledge of how the process occurs could enable researchers to more strategically design technologies such as gene chips. For example, says de Pablo, if a researcher wanted to design sequences that bind very rapidly or with high efficiency, he or she could place certain bases in specific locations, so that the hybridization reaction could occur faster or more reliably.
Ultimately, the research could help biologists understand why some hybridization reactions are faster or more robust than others. "One of the really exciting things about this work is that the hybridization reaction between two strands of DNA is really fundamental to life itself," says de Pablo. "It is the basis for much of biology. And it is amazing to me that, until now, we knew little of how this reaction actually proceeds."
Provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison (news : web)
Nanoscopic gold spheres can be reversibly bound to DNA strands reversibly bound to DNA strands
Citation: Models begin to unravel how single DNA strands combine (2009, October 5) retrieved 20 January 2020 from https://phys.org/news/2009-10-unravel-dna-strands-combine.html
Change in perspective for Natural Selection
Meet the xenobots - reconfigurable organisms
Pre-Eukaryotic Cells of the Asgard Superphylum Cultured in Japan!
Why is the Exact Cause of Preeclampsia still Unclear?
Plasmacluster technology
Viruses in Vaccines that can mutate and spread
More from Biology and Medical
Unraveling the physics of DNA's double helix
Adenine 'Tails' Make Tailored Anchors for DNA
Researchers use 'nanopore channels' to precisely detect DNA
Nanotechnology meets biology and DNA finds its groove
Detection of DNA on nanotubes offers new sensing, sequencing technologies
Chemists find fungal shrapnel in the air
Complex, porous, chiral nano-patterns arise from a simple linear building blocks
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Copper-based nanomaterials can kill cancer cells in mice
Bandage material helps stop bleeding without adhering to the wound


text:
"""
This module holds differents implementation of Player like : local, remote and stream (coming soon)
"""
import sys
import os
from PySide import QtCore, QtGui
from PySide.QtCore import *
from PySide.QtGui import *
from networking import RemoteClient
from content import Mock, Track
try:
    from PySide.phonon import Phonon
except ImportError as error:
    print error
    sys.exit(1)

LOCAL_PLAYER = None

def getPlayerByType(device):
    if not device:
        return None

    if device.type == "local":
        global LOCAL_PLAYER
        if not LOCAL_PLAYER:
            LOCAL_PLAYER = LocalPlayer(prefinishMark=0)
        return LOCAL_PLAYER
    if device.type == "remote":
        return RemotePlayer(device.host, device.port)

class PlayerStates:
    STOPPED="STOPPED"
    PLAYING="PLAYING"
    PAUSED="PAUSED"
    ERROR = "ERROR"

class LocalPlayer(QtCore.QObject):
    """
    The LocalPlayer uses the QtPhonon module to play music files
    """
    #Emit a signal whenever the player state changes
    stateChanged = QtCore.Signal(str)

    #Emit a signal whenever the player source changes
    sourceChanged = QtCore.Signal(Track)

    #Emit time elapsed in ms since the current source started playing
    ticked = QtCore.Signal(int)

    #Holds a list of hosts interested by the player state
    hostsInterestedByState = []

    _playlist = []
    _playlistIdx = 0

    def __init__(self, loadForClient = False, prefinishMark=5000, log_played_tracks=True):
        QtCore.QObject.__init__(self)
        try:
            self.app = QtGui.QApplication(sys.argv)
        except RuntimeError:
            """
            Only one QApplication can be active.
            """
            self.app = QtCore.QCoreApplication.instance()
        self.app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.exit)
        self.log_played_tracks = log_played_tracks
        self.init(prefinishMark)

    def init(self, prefinishMark):
        self.audioOutput = Phonon.AudioOutput(Phonon.MusicCategory, self.app)
        self.player = Phonon.MediaObject(self.app)
        self.player.setPrefinishMark(prefinishMark)
        self.player.setTickInterval(1000)
        Phonon.createPath(self.player, self.audioOutput)
        self._bindEvents()

    def registerToStateChanges(self, target):
        print target
        #print "Registering host for state change {0}".format(target)
        if not target in self.hostsInterestedByState:
            self.hostsInterestedByState.append(target)
            return True
        return False

    def unregisterToStateChanges(self, target):
        if target in self.hostsInterestedByState:
            self.hostsInterestedByState.remove(target)
            return True
        return False

    def setHeadless(self):
        self.app.setApplicationName('headless-player')

    def seek(self, timeInMs):
        print "Seeking track at: {0}".format(timeInMs)
        self.player.seek(long(timeInMs))

    def currentPlaylist(self):
        return self._playlist

    def hasNextTrack(self):
        return self._playlistIdx + 1 < len(self._playlist)

    def hasPreviousTrack(self):
        return  self._playlistIdx > 0

    def currentlyPlayingTrack(self):
        return self._playlist[self._playlistIdx]

    def playTrack(self, track):
        self.clearPlaylist()

        trackPath = track.getFilePath()
        print "Playing track: ", track.title.encode('utf-8')

        self.player.setCurrentSource(Phonon.MediaSource(trackPath))
        self._playlist.append(track)
        self.player.play()
        return self.getState() == "PLAYING"

    def playTracks(self, tracks=[]):
        self.clearPlaylist()
        for track in tracks:
            self.queueTrack(track, emit=False)

        firstTrack = Phonon.MediaSource(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx].getFilePath())
        self.player.setCurrentSource(firstTrack)
        self.player.play()
        return self.getState() == "PLAYING"

    def playNextTrack(self):
        print "Playing next track..."
        if self.hasNextTrack():
            self._playlistIdx = self._playlistIdx + 1
            nextTrack = Phonon.MediaSource(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx].getFilePath())
            print nextTrack
            print self.player.setCurrentSource(nextTrack)
            print self.player.play()
        return self.getState() == "PLAYING"

    def playPreviousTrack(self):
        if self.hasPreviousTrack():
            self._playlistIdx = self._playlistIdx - 1
            previousTrack = Phonon.MediaSource(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx].getFilePath())
            self.player.setCurrentSource(previousTrack)
            self.player.play()
        return self.getState() == "PLAYING"

    def queueTrack(self, track, emit=True):
        print "Queuing track: ", track.title.encode('utf-8')
        self._playlist.append(track)
        if emit:
            self.stateChanged.emit(self.getState())
        return track in self._playlist

    def queueTracks(self, tracks):
        for track in tracks:
            self.queueTrack(track, emit=False)
        self.stateChanged.emit(self.getState())
        return True

    def clear(self):
        #stop playback
        self.player.clear()

        #Reset playlist
        self.clearPlaylist()

    def stop(self):
        print "Stopping player"
        self.player.stop()
        return self.getState() == "STOPPED"

    def resume(self):
        currentSource = self.player.currentSource()
        print Phonon.MediaSource.Type.Empty
        if currentSource.type() == Phonon.MediaSource.Type.Empty:
            self.player.setCurrentSource(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx].getFilePath())
        print self.player.play()
        return self.getState() == "PLAYING"

    def pause(self):
        self.player.pause()
        return self.getState() == "PAUSED"

    def getCurrentTime(self):
        self.player.currentTime()

    def getState(self):
        playerState = self.player.state()

        if playerState == Phonon.StoppedState:
            return PlayerStates.STOPPED
        if playerState == Phonon.PlayingState:
            return PlayerStates.PLAYING
        if playerState == Phonon.PausedState:
            return PlayerStates.PAUSED
        if playerState == Phonon.ErrorState:
            return PlayerStates.ERROR

        return "INVALID"

    def togglePlayState(self):
        """
        If the player is playing, it will be paused.
        If the player is paused, playback will be resumed.
        If the player is stopped, do nothing.
        """
        state = self.getState()
        if state == PlayerStates.PAUSED:
            self.resume()
        elif state == PlayerStates.PLAYING:
            self.pause()
        self.stateChanged.emit(self.getState())
        return True

    def notifyStateChanged(self):
        print "changed"

    def _stateChanged(self, state, state1):
        self.stateChanged.emit(self.getState())

    def _sourceChanged(self, source):
        self.sourceChanged.emit(self.getState())

    def _aboutToFinish(self):

        if self.log_played_tracks:
            import statistics
            statistics.addPlayedTrack(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx])

        print "Player is about to finish playing the current track..."
        if self.hasNextTrack():
            if self.getState() == "STOPPED":
                self.playNextTrack()
            else:
                self._playlistIdx = self._playlistIdx + 1
                nextTrack = Phonon.MediaSource(self._playlist[self._playlistIdx].getFilePath())
                self.player.enqueue(nextTrack)
        else:
            print "It was the last track, do nothing."

    def _bindEvents(self):
        #self.player.currentSourceChanged.connect(self._sourceChanged)
        self.connect(self.player, SIGNAL('tick(qint64)'), self._tick)
        self.connect(self.player, SIGNAL('stateChanged(Phonon::State, Phonon::State)'), self._stateChanged)
        self.connect(self.player, SIGNAL('aboutToFinish()'), self._aboutToFinish)

    def _tick(self, timeSinceBeginInMs):
        self.ticked.emit(timeSinceBeginInMs)

    def clearPlaylist(self):
        self._playlist = []
        self._playlistIdx = 0
        self.player.clearQueue()

    def start(self):
        """
        This is a blocking call.
        When the player is used without an interface,
        it must run it's own app event loop to enable QtEvents and QtSignals.
        """
        self.app.exec_()

    def exit(self):
        """
        When the player is used without an interface,
        this stops the app event loop.
        It will unblock the start() call.
        """
        self.app.exit()

    def getCurrentTrack(self):
        """
        Returns the currently playing Track.
        If the playlist is empty, returns None
        """
        if len(self._playlist) > 0:
            track =  self._playlist[self._playlistIdx]
            return track
        return None

    def getFullState(self):
        mock = Mock(
            hasNextTrack = self.hasNextTrack(),
            hasPreviousTrack = self.hasPreviousTrack(),
            currentTime = self.player.currentTime(),
            state = self.getState(),
            currenTrack = str(self.getCurrentTrack())
        )
        return mock

class RemotePlayer(QtCore.QObject):
    """
    The RemotePlayer redirects all requests to an host using a RemoteClient
    """
    stateChanged = QtCore.Signal(str)

    #Emit a signal whenever the player source changes
    sourceChanged = QtCore.Signal(Track)

    ticked = QtCore.Signal(int)

    def __init__(self, host, port, remoteClient = None):
       QtCore.QObject.__init__(self)
       if not remoteClient:
            self.remoteClient = RemoteClient(host, port)
       else :
            self.remoteClient = remoteClient

    def setRemoteClient(self,remoteClient):
        self.remoteClient = remoteClient

    def setParent(self, parent):
        print "Remote player has no use for a parent..."

    def seek(self, timeInMs):
        request = "player;seek;{0}".format(timeInMs)
        answer = self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)
        return answer

    def setHeadless(self):
        print "Remote player has no use for a parent..."

    def currentPlaylist(self):
        print "Play list requested"
        return self._playlist

    def hasNextTrack(self):
        request = 'player;hasNextTrack'
        result = bool(self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request))
        print result
        return result

    def hasPreviousTrack(self):
        request = 'player;hasPreviousTrack'
        return bool(self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request))

    def getCurrentTrack(self):
        request = 'player;getCurrentTrack'
        result = self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)
        return Mock(eval(result))

    def playTrack(self, track):
        request = 'player;playTrack;{0}'.format(track)
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def playTracks(self, tracks=[]):
        request = 'player;playTracks;{0}'.format(self._encodeTracks(tracks))
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def queueTrack(self, track, emit=True):
        request = 'player;queueTrack;{0}'.format(track)
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def queueTracks(self, tracks):
        request = 'player;queueTracks;{0}'.format(self._encodeTracks(tracks))
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def playNextTrack(self):
        request = 'player;playNextTrack'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def playPreviousTrack(self):
        request = 'player;playPreviousTrack'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def stop(self):
        request = 'player;stop'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def resume(self):
        request = 'player;resume'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def pause(self):
        request = 'player;pause'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def getCurrentTime(self):
        request = 'player;getCurrentTime'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def getState(self):
        request = 'player;getFullState'
        return Mock(eval(self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)))

    def togglePlayState(self):
        request = 'player;togglePlayState'
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def notifyStateChanged(self):
        print "changed"

    def registerToStateChanges(self, target):
        request = 'player;registerToStateChanges;{0}'.format(target)
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def unregisterToStateChanges(self, target):
        request = 'player;unregisterToStateChanges;{0}'.format(target)
        return self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)

    def getFullState(self):
        request = 'player;getFullState'
        return Mock(eval(self.remoteClient.sendRequest(request)))

    def _encodeTracks(self,tracks):
        requestData = ""
        for track in tracks:
            requestData = requestData + str(track) + '|'
        requestData = requestData[:-1] #remove last |
        return requestData

def test():
    import time
    import content as content
    tracks = content.getTracks()

    player = RemotePlayer(qapp)
    player.playTrack(tracks[1])
    player.queueTrack(tracks[0])

    assert player.currentlyPlayingTrack() is tracks[1]

    time.sleep(5)
    player.playNextTrack()
    assert player.currentlyPlayingTrack() is tracks[0]

    sys.exit(qapp.exec_())

if __name__ == "__main__":
    test()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Souris Glenwood Foundation is a charitable organization set up to administer funds and property left by citizens for the benefit of our local area. The purpose of the Foundation is to improve quality of life in our community by providing financial assistance to support recreational, medical, cultural, educational and social services.
The Foundation has grown through the generosity of many donors, both large and small. The donations are retained as capital with the interest generated used to provide grants to enhance the quality of life in the community. Scholarships are presented at graduation in June and other community grants are presented in November or December.


text:
The Evolution of Matt Damon From 'Mystic Pizza' to 'Downsizing' (Photos)
The actor has changed remarkably through the years, from his first film role to his work in the Bourne franchise
Thom Geier | December 22, 2017 @ 8:05 PM	Last Updated: December 23, 2017 @ 7:31 AM
Matt Damon was just 18 when he made his movie debut with a small role in 1988's "Mystic Pizza," which was also the second feature of Julia Roberts.
In 1992's "School Ties," Damon played a prep school bully who antagonized a Jewish student played by Brendan Fraser in a naked shower room fight.
Damon grew a peculiar, Ethan Hawke-like goatee for his role as Lt. Britton Davis in 1993's "Geronimo: An American Legend."
Damon played a drug-addled Gulf War veteran opposite Meg Ryan in 1996's "Courage Under Fire."
For the "Courage Under Fire" role, Damon famously dropped 40 pounds off his already thin frame -- without a doctor's supervision.
Damon was back in fitter, hotter form in the 1997 John Grisham adaptation of "The Rainmaker."
Damon and his childhood buddy Ben Affleck co-wrote the script for 1997's "Good Will Hunting," and the two starred opposite Robin Williams.
Affleck and Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting," delivering a memorably enthusiastic speech at the podium. (He was also nominated for Best Actor.)
In 1998's "Rounders," Damon had an unfortunate blond dye job to play a law student struggling with a poker addiction opposite Edward Norton.
Damon played the title character in Steven Spielberg's 1998 WWII epic "Saving Private Ryan."
In 1999's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," Damon was a creepily seductive sociopath who pined for Jude Law's trust fund lifestyle (and his body). Damon's wasn't so shabby either, despite the bright yellow bathing suit.
Damon teamed with George Clooney and Brad Pitt for the first time in the star-studded 2000 caper "Ocean's Eleven," which spawned two sequels.
In 2001, Damon reteamed with Ben Affleck to executive produce "Project Greenlight," a reality series that aired on HBO and chronicled the making of an indie film.
In 2002, Damon showed surprising action-hero moves as a trained government agent with amnesia in 2002's "The Bourne Identity."
Damon had an uncharacteristic punkish look (including a shaved head) in a cameo in 2004's "EuroTrip." He played the lead singer of a band whose main song, "Scotty Doesn't Know," reveals that Damon's been banging the longtime girlfriend of the movie's high school grad lead. Foreshadowing of his later Jimmy Kimmel stunt?
On December 9, 2005, Damon married Luciana Barroso, an Argentine-born woman he met while she was bartending in a Miami nightclub. (Two days later, they were together at the New York City premiere of "The Good Shepherd.")
In Martin Scorsese's 2006 thriller "The Departed," he goes mano a mano with Leonardo DiCaprio.
He was back in fighting form in 2007's "The Bourne Ultimatum" -- which looked like it might be the final installment in the franchise.
In 2007, People Magazine named the self-described "aging suburban dad" the Sexiest Man Alive.
Damon has long been the affectionate target of ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who ended his show with apologies for running out of time for the actor. But Damon turned the tables in 2008 when Kimmel's then-girlfriend Sarah Silverman introduced a videotaped song declaring, "I'm F---ing Matt Damon."
Damon packed on 20 to 30 extra pounds to play a schlubby corporate whistleblower in Steven Soderbergh's 2009 comedy "The Informant!"
Damon earned an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor portraying the captain of South Africa's championship 1995 rugby team in 2009's "Invictus."
Starting in 2010, Damon had a recurring role on "30 Rock" as an airline pilot named Carol who tried to woo Tina Fey's TV exec Liz Lemon.
Damon got buff (and tatted) to play a paroled car thief fighting to survive in a dystopian future in Neill Blomkamp's 2013 sci-fi movie "Elysium."
Damon earned an Emmy nomination for the 2013 HBO movie "Behind the Candelabra," camping it up as the much-younger boyfriend of the flamboyant pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas).
Damon earned his third acting Oscar nomination for Ridley Scott's 2015 space drama "The Martian" -- playing solo for much of the film as an astronaut stranded on the red planet.
After nine years, Damon returned as "Jason Bourne" in his fourth installment in the action franchise.
Damon stumbled with a big-budget dud -- and a freaky ponytail -- in Zhang Yimou's 2017 fantasy epic "The Great Wall."
Damon reteamed with director George Clooney for the 2017 period drama set in an all-white suburb in 1959.
In Alexander Payne's high-concept 2017 movie "Downsizing," Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig play a couple who decide to shrink themselves -- literally -- to live in a more affordable micro-world.


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text:
Breaking MuscleUK
Phelps Goes Out a Winner
Breaking Muscle HQ
Real Athletes. Real Coaches. Real Knowledge.
In Phelps' finale, he helped earn the U.S. gold in the swimming medley relay. The Americans trailed when Phelps dove in, but he pushed them into the lead. The U.S. finished with a time of 3:29.35, taking the gold. Japan touched in 3:31.26 to take the silver medal and Australia finished in 3:31.58 to take bronze. Phelps earned his 4th gold of the London games, as well as two silvers. Phelps ends his career with 22 overall medals, 18 of them gold.
The men weren't the only ones who showed out in the medley relay. The U.S. women's team set a world record on their way to gold in the event. The Americans finished with a time of 3:52.05, which beat China's world record by 0.14 seconds. The 17-year-old Franklin, who starts her senior year in high school this fall, finished the meet with four golds and a bronze, while Schmitt leaves with three golds, silver and a bronze. Australia touched in 3:54.02 to take the silver medal and Japan finished in 3:55.73 to take bronze.
Serena Williams won her first singles gold in tennis in dominating fashion. Williams beat Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1, to secure the most lopsided women's final in Olympic history. Williams became the second woman in history to win the Golden Slam earning all four major titles in tennis this year. The career Golden Slam was first achieved by Steffi Graf, who did it when she won at the Olympics in 1988 after sweeping all four major titles. Serena is the first woman to ever win the Golden Slam in both singles and doubles. Serena and her sister Venus will try to earn the gold in doubles against the Czech Republic on Sunday.
After a stellar performance against Nigeria, the men's basketball team followed it with a scare against Lithuania. The men managed to pull off the victory, with a score of 99-94. The U.S. was in trouble until LeBron James stepped up and took control. James scored 9 his 20 points in the final four minutes for the U.S. (4-0).
As expected, all five top contenders won their opening 100-meter heats on the track: Tyson Gay of the U.S., 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin of the U.S., and Jamaica's Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Yohan Blake. It's worth noting that Bolt was the least impressive of that bunch, with a time of 10:09. Ryan Bailey of the U.S. actually came on the scene with the fastest heat time of 9.88.
The U.S. leads the way with 54 overall medals, and 26 golds. China is close behind with 53 total medals and 25 golds.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
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FIRE > University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
School Spotlight
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Tell University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire to revise its speech policies by filling out this form.
Speech Code Rating
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire has been given the speech code rating Yellow. Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more
This school has adopted the chicago statement for free speech.
Speech codes
Full Excerpt View
Solicitation on University Premises
Speech Code Rating: Yellow
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Solicitation shall be defined as selling, peddling, and /or distribution of material, free or otherwise. The hawking of newspapers or similar printed materials outside University buildings is not regulated by this policy. … Solicitation on the University grounds will require approval of the Assistant Chancello... Read More
Dean of Students: Bias/Hate Incident Reporting
Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
What is a bias incident? Something a person does, says, or otherwise expresses that is motivated by bias related to age, race, ethnicity, sex, color, creed, religion, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, or any combinat... Read More
Affirmative Action: Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Discriminatory Harassment is a form of discrimination consisting of unwelcome verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct that: Is directed at an individual or group of individuals on the basis of the individual or group of individuals' actual or perceived protected status, or affiliation or association with... Read More
Residence Hall Judicial Code: Disorderly Conduct, Sexual Assault and Harassment
Harassment is unwelcome physical, verbal, or visual conduct (including posted literature) that unreasonably interferes with an individual's living environment or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Harassment directed at residents, resident assistants, or other Housing and Residence Life staff is subject... Read More
Affirmative Action: Sexual Harassment Policy
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when … such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offen... Read More
Chapter UWS 18: Conduct on University Lands
Speech Code Category: Internet Usage Policies
No person may, with intent to harass, annoy or offend another person, send a message to the person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system and in that message use any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggest any lewd or lascivious act. Read More
Computer and Network Usage Guidelines
Speech Code Rating: Green
Examples of inappropriate and unacceptable use of computing and networking resources include: … Harassment of other users (e.g., continuing to send electronic communications when the recipient has requested that you cease, sending threatening messages). Read More
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Free expression of ideas is central to the academic process. Read More
University of Wisconsin: Students' Due Process Rights
FIRE successfully persuaded the University of Wisconsin's Board of Regents to affirm due process rights for students, including the option of a hearing before a committee including student peers, attorney representation in the case of serious allegations, and both e-mail and paper notification of proceedings. The Board had proposed changes to the State Administrative Code… Read more
University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire: Ban on RAs' Leading Bible Studies
The University of Wisconsin's (UW) Board of Regents voted to uphold religious liberty on campus under its jurisdiction by permitting resident assistants (RAs) to hold Bible study groups in their dormitory rooms. Six months before FIRE advocated on the RAs' behalf, a residential life official from UW Eau-Claire sent Christian RAs a letter notifying them… Read more
University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire: Unconstitutional Student Fee Funding Amendment
FIRE protested the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's (UWEC) Student Senate's decision to withhold student fee funding from any student organization that espouses a "particular ideological, religious, or partisan viewpoint." The rule, passed in March of 2005, came after a controversy regarding the approval of a new student magazine, The Flip Side, in December of 2004…. Read more
This Month in FIRE History: Religious Liberty Vindicated Across University of Wisconsin System
In March of 2006, FIRE scored an important victory for religious liberty across the University of Wisconsin System. The case began in July of 2005, when an administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire sent a letter to the school's Christian resident assistants (RAs) ordering them to stop leading Bible studies in their dormitories. More… Read more
Professor Donald Downs Discusses 'Religion in the University'
Last Monday, University of Wisconsin at Madison Professor Donald A. Downs had an interesting post at the National Association of Scholars forum, "Religion and the University." Professor Downs divides the history of the American university into three eras: the proprietary, the liberal, and the post-liberal. The proprietary university, to use the American Association of University… Read more
Calling all Student Activists!
The Spectator, the student newspaper of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC), ran an article today on how UWEC's policies fared in FIRE's recent speech codes report. As I told the student reporter with whom I spoke, UWEC's sexual harassment policy is overbroad because it prohibits certain types of speech—including "humor or jokes about sex"… Read more
University of Wisconsin Sued for Derecognizing Religious Organization
In non-Columbia-related news, the Alliance Defense Fund has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, which was derecognized by the University of Wisconsin for allowing only Christians to serve as leaders of the group. This case closely resembles another case recently decided by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction… Read more
Professor Under Review for Saying 9/11 Might Be an 'Inside Job'
The provost of the University of Wisconsin at Madison announced last week that the university would conduct a "review" of an instructor who has publicly stated that he believes the 9/11 attacks were an "inside job." The instructor, Kevin Barrett, was a guest on a radio show last week where he defended his controversial views…. Read more
The Media Condemn Censorship at NKU
Today, the Cincinnati Enquirer published an editorial concerning an incident at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) where a professor invited a class "to express their freedom-of-speech rights" to destroy a "Cemetery of Innocents," an anti-abortion display consisting of 400 crosses and a sign explaining its purpose. The editorial is right on point in saying: Northern Kentucky… Read more
Bible Studies: Not So Bad After All
FIRE's press release today announces a tremendous victory for religious liberty throughout the 13 schools in the University of Wisconsin System. Since last November, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has been under attack for a policy that banned RAs from leading Bible studies—or studies of any other holy book—in their dorm rooms, on the… Read more
Religious Liberty Vindicated Across University of Wisconsin System
MADISON, Wis., March 14, 2006—On Friday afternoon, the University of Wisconsin's (UW's) Board of Regents voted to protect religious liberty and freedom of expression on every UW campus. After six months of public pressure from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), the Regents finally approved a policy that allows resident assistants (RAs) to… Read more
Wisconsin Regents' Education Committee Approves New Bible Study Policy
In a fantastic development for religious liberty and freedom of association on campus, the Education Committee of the University of Wisconsin's Board of Regents yesterday approved a new policy governing activities by RAs that would acknowledge that they have the same right to lead or participate in Bible studies or any other group activities as… Read more
Kersten Lauds FIRE's Religious Liberty Efforts
An excellent column by Katherine Kersten of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune recently called attention to FIRE's efforts to protect religious liberty on campus. She writes: The Foundation for Individual Rights (FIRE) is a Philadelphia-based organization that defends constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, due process and religious liberty, on college campuses. In 2003, FIRE commissioned twin… Read more
Editorials Endorse Repeal of 'Bible Study Ban'
Today, the Education Committee of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents is set to vote on repealing UW-Madison and UW–Eau Claire's infamous "Bible study bans." It was FIRE, of course, that brought this issue to the surface. As the Education Committee votes—and, hopefully, as the full board prepares to vote tomorrow—it's an appropriate time… Read more
The 'Right' Not to Be Offended, Part 3,590,328
Today, The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting (subscription required) the following: The U.S. Supreme Court ended a two-year legal battle on Monday, when it declined to hear an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a sculpture at Washburn University that some considered anti-Catholic. A bronze bust of a sneering, corpulent Roman Catholic… Read more
University of Wisconsin Poised to Repeal 'Bible Study Ban'
MADISON, Wis., March 1, 2006—The University of Wisconsin (UW) System is poised to restore the First Amendment rights of its student resident assistants (RAs). UW campuses at Madison and Eau Claire currently have policies banning RAs from leading Bible studies in their dormitories, but a newly proposed policy would repeal them. This move comes after… Read more
The UW Waiting Game Begins
Yesterday, the Badger Herald at the University of Wisconsin–Madison featured an article on the letter recently sent to UW System President Kevin Reilly by ten Wisconsin legislators. As the article points out, FIRE's public exposure of UW–Eau Claire's ban on RAs' holding Bible studies in their dorms (which is also in force at UW-Madison) resulted… Read more
Legislators Renew Call for Religious Liberty at UW
FIRE recently received a copy of a letter sent on February 7 to Kevin Reilly, the president of the University of Wisconsin System, about the ongoing "Bible study ban" controversy there, which FIRE brought to public attention. It's from ten Wisconsin state legislators and it's so good that it's worth quoting in full: Dear President… Read more
Nine Days Left to Set UW Straight
An article in yesterday's edition of The Spectator, the student newspaper at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, provided some useful information about FIRE's battles against UWEC's and UW-Madison's nationally infamous "Bible study bans." As you may recall from FIRE's January 16 press release: The University of Wisconsin (UW) has missed yet another opportunity to demonstrate… Read more
Lecture to Address Student Rights at UWEC and Beyond
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., January 25, 2006—Greg Lukianoff, interim president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), will speak at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) on Wednesday, February 1. Free copies of FIRE's Guide to Free Speech on Campus, which Lukianoff co-authored, will be available. Lukianoff's speech, entitled "Liberty in Danger: The All-Too-Frequent… Read more
More on UWEC's Double Standard
FIRE is in receipt of an e-mail and attachment just sent to faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire by a student organization called Making Our School an Intercultural Community (MOSAIC). As we have discussed on The Torch before, UWEC's own website calls MOSAIC a "Housing & Residence Life Organization," which means it is charged… Read more
'Badger Herald' Gets It Right
Check out the excellent editorial from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Badger Herald on the ongoing debacle at UW-Madison and University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire: This board feels that RAs within the UW System have the right to lead ideological discussions in their own dorm rooms so long as such sessions remain strictly voluntary. To ban an… Read more
Bring Your Moral Outrage to Bear on UW
Monday's press release noted the University of Wisconsin's latest missed chance to abolish once and for all its Eau Claire and Wisconsin campuses' now-infamous "Bible study bans." As we pointed out then, a UW committee has ludicrously recommended that the individual campuses be allowed to determine their own policies vis-à-vis Bible studies—which they haven't exactly… Read more
The University of Wisconsin committee charged with making recommendations for a final, system-wide policy on whether RAs should be allowed to lead Bible studies in their dorms put out its Resident Assistant Working Group Final Report late last week. The committee's recommendation: each school in the UW System should make the decision for itself. The… Read more
University of Wisconsin Committee Misfires on RA Bible Study Ban
MADISON, Wis., January 16, 2006—The University of Wisconsin (UW) has missed yet another opportunity to demonstrate that it respects its resident assistants' (RAs') basic rights. A UW System committee recommended late last week that two UW campuses be allowed to maintain policies banning RAs from leading Bible studies on their own time and in their… Read more
FIRE Advises UW System to Heed the Constitution
In the wake of FIRE's successful campaign to end the ban on RA-led Bible studies at UWEC, and the subsequent lawsuit filed by Christian RA Lance Steiger against UWEC, the University of Wisconsin System is scrambling to put together a definitive, system-wide policy on whether RAs should be allowed to lead voluntary Bible studies on… Read more
FIRE Advises University of Wisconsin on RA Bible Study Policy
On Friday, January 6, FIRE wrote to University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly, who requested that interested parties weigh in on the development of a system-wide policy to determine whether RAs may lead Bible studies in their own dormitories. FIRE's letter to Reilly pointed out that the UW System not only can but must allow… Read more
Maybe It's Something in the Cheese?
The University of Wisconsin (UW) System schools have had their share of problems when it comes to complying with the Constitution. In 2000, one of those problems made it all the way to the Supreme Court, in Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System v. Southworth, 529 U.S. 217 (2000). This case was… Read more
The War on Christians (and Muslims)
There has been a lot of talk the past few months about the "war on Christmas," by which people generally mean the replacement of the religious symbols and language of Christmas with secular language and symbols of the holidays. This is often extended into an argument that there is a growing cultural hostility to the… Read more
The Next Step for UWEC
For months now, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor Kent Syverson has been a stalwart FIRE ally. He has brought several examples of repression to our attention and has been truly amazing with disseminating news articles, updates, and other key information about the ongoing scandal of UWEC's crackdown on its resident assistants' First Amendment rights. As… Read more
UWEC's Edifice of Repression Begins to Crumble
Today's FIRE press release announces that the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) is now in federal court over its unconstitutional ban on RA-led Bible studies in those RAs' own dormitories. Since FIRE exposed this shameful example of religious repression last month, UWEC and the UW system have been taking enormous hits from all sides for… Read more
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Sued Over RA Bible Study Ban, Suspends Ban
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., December 1, 2005—The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has "suspended" its ban on resident assistants' (RAs') leading unofficial Bible studies in their own dormitories after a Christian RA filed a federal lawsuit challenging the policy late yesterday. The lawsuit and policy suspension follow weeks of intense public pressure on UWEC since the… Read more
Hey, UWEC: Had Enough Yet?
FIRE's case at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has been all over the news in recent weeks, and things just keep getting worse for the UWEC administration. As if having its Bible study ban exposed on Fox News Channel's Special Report with Brit Hume again on Monday wasn't bad enough, UWEC's latest attempt to salvage… Read more
UWEC: It Gets Worse and Worse
Last Friday, I received the following e-mail written by a former RA at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. While I have had to redact certain portions to protect the writer's identity, it speaks for itself: I am frustrated by the university's claim that [the Bible study ban] has been a "long-standing policy." I was an… Read more
Wisconsin Readers: Watch FIRE on TV Tonight!
FIRE President David French will be appearing tonight on the Wisconsin Public Television program Here & Now, which airs at 7 p.m. (CT). It does not seem to be available online, but friends of liberty in Wisconsin should tune in. During the appearance, David will debate Mike Rindo, UWEC's executive director of university communications. It's… Read more
UWEC Cannot Run from Its Record
One of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire's (UWEC's) central contentions is that it has for some time applied a policy that limited the political and ideological speech of its RAs, and thus the Bible study ban is not only nothing new, but also perfectly consistent with past practice. This contention is untrue; it is difficult… Read more
Newspaper Editors Denounce Wisconsin Bible Study Ban
Editors at two newspapers in Wisconsin have recently taken FIRE's side—and the side of freedom—in the current dispute at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC). In case you haven't seen our two recent press releases, noticed Robert's three most recent blog entries, read any of the many media accounts of the case, or heard any… Read more
Have RAs Surrendered Their Religious Rights?
FIRE's case at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC), where Christian RAs have been told that they may not lead Bible studies in their own dorm rooms or dorms, has captured a great deal of attention in the national media, including syndicated columnist Suzanne Fields' latest. Condemnation of UWEC has generally been widespread, and for… Read more
UWEC and the Purpose of Principles
There's a reason it's usually a compliment to be considered "principled." It's because principles, such as respect for freedom of expression and freedom of religion, serve as moral guideposts that enable a person or institution to make consistent and fair judgments. Conversely, when a person or institution forgets about principles, it usually means trouble. Such… Read more
God and Man in Wisconsin
From today's FIRE press release: In a shameful attack on freedom of religion, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has banned resident assistants (RAs) from leading Bible studies in their own dormitories. The university claims the ban is necessary because some students might not feel RAs who lead Bible studies are "approachable." While they were… Read more
Bible Studies Are Endangered Species at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., November 2, 2005—In a shameful attack on freedom of religion, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has banned resident assistants (RAs) from leading Bible studies in their own dormitories. The university claims the ban is necessary because some students might not feel RAs who lead Bible studies are "approachable." "As a state… Read more
Lukianoff in 'Inside Higher Ed'
FIRE Legal Director Greg Lukianoff has an article in today's Inside Higher Ed discussing constitutional confusion at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, where FIRE has been working to get administrators to overturn an unconstitutional student government decision regarding viewpoint neutrality: In cases across the country…administrations have stood idly by while student governments pass… Read more
UWEC Responds to FIRE
Last Wednesday, FIRE put out a press release dealing with the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire's Student Senate legislation that bans funding for any student-organized activity that promotes a "particular ideological, religious, or partisan viewpoint." The next day, a letter from the University of Wisconsin's Office of General Counsel arrived in FIRE's mail stating, in part,… Read more
The 'No Viewpoint' Viewpoint: University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire's Campaign Against Students' Rights
In a disturbing decision last month, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) Student Senate decided to prohibit student groups from receiving student-fee funding for activities that "endorse a particular ideological, religious, or partisan viewpoint." FIRE issued a press release today about this blatant disregard for students' First Amendment rights. Furthermore, the decision took place in light… Read more
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Wages Campaign Against Student Viewpoints
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., April 27, 2005—The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) Student Senate has amended its rules to forbid any student-organized activity that promotes a "particular ideological, religious, or partisan viewpoint" from receiving student-fee funding. This new policy directly contradicts the university's First Amendment obligation to distribute student funds regardless of viewpoint and violates the… Read more
The Un-Freedom of Association
A reader just wrote in to inform us of a recent student government proposal at Princeton University to add a "nondiscrimination" statement to its constitution that may infringe on students' rights to freedom of association. The Daily Princetonian reports: The amendment as it stands would add a non-discrimination clause to the [University Student Government] constitution… Read more