text:
May 27, 2021 by ztevetevans
Celtic Lore: Shapeshifters of Myth and Legend
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874 – 1951), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This article was first published 11 March 2021 on #FolkloreThursday.com titled, Shapeshifters from the Celtic World by zteve t evans.
Shapeshifters are found in most mythologies and folk traditions around the world from ancient to modern times. In such traditions, humans change into vampires, werewolves, frogs, insects, and just any about any other creature imaginable and back again. Sometimes the transformation is controlled by the transformer who shifts shape at will. Other times it is an unwelcome event such as a punishment and sometimes it is forced by a magical spell but there are many other reasons besides. Shapeshifters can be good or bad, often moving the story forward in a novel way or have some kind of symbolism that the teller wants to get across to their audience. There are many different kinds of shapeshifting and here we look at different examples from Ireland, Wales and Scotland that provide differing glimpses of shapeshifters in action in the myth, folklore, and tradition of these three Celtic nations.
Irish Shapeshifters
In Irish mythology, the Morrigan was a shapeshifting war goddess who could transform into a woman of any age and also change into animal or bird form. She had the power of prophecy and as a war goddess would sing her people to victory in battle. Sometimes she could be seen swooping over the battlefield in the form of a raven or crow and devouring the bodies of the slain.
In the story of the "Táin Bó Cúailnge", or "The Cattle Raid of Cooley," the Morrigan appears as a crow to warn the bull named Donn Cuailnge that Queen Medb is plotting to abduct him. Queen Medb attacks Ulster after the bull but is resisted single-handedly by the hero Cú Chulainn fighting a series of duels with her champions at a ford. In battle, Cú Chulainn undergoes a spectacular change in his form described as ríastrad or "warp-spasm" that sees him his body twist and contort into the most grotesque and fearsome appearance terrifying his opponents.
Posted in British folktales, Celtic Mythology, Folklore, Welsh legends	| Tagged #FolkloreThursday, Cú Chulainn, Celtic, Irish, legend, lore, Morrigan, myth, Queen Medb, Scottish, Shapeshifteing, Shapeshifters, Táin Bó Cúailnge, The Cattle Raid of Cooley, Welsh, zteve t evans | 9 Comments
April 30, 2021 by ztevetevans
Celtic Lore: Cauldrons – The Magical, the Mythical and the Real
Image from Gundestrup Cauldron – Public Domain
This article was first published on #FolkloreThursday on 11th February 2021, titled , "Ancient Celtic Cauldrons: The Magical, the Mythical, the Real," by zteve t evans.
In the ancient mythologies of the Welsh and Irish Celts, the cauldron played an important role in some of their most enduring stories and myths. In these, they were often attributed with magical properties but in the everyday life of the Celts, they were also very useful and versatile utensils. Here we take a brief look at the everyday usage of cauldrons followed by a look at five mythical cauldrons. To conclude we will discuss one real, very ancient and very special cauldron found in a bog in Denmark.
The Cauldron of Ceridwen
One of their most famous cauldrons was the cauldron of knowledge, inspiration, and rebirth. It belonged to a sorceress named Ceridwen. She used her cauldron to brew a potion that would imbue knowledge and wisdom to whoever drank of it, yet she intended it solely for her son. The concoction had to be boiled and stirred for a year and a day. She tasked a blind man named Morda with the job of feeding the fire, and a boy named Gwion Bach with stirring the brew. Many people see the continuous stirring of the cauldron as blending the attributes of divine wisdom and inspiration with the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth to create the perfect brew of existence.
The Gundestrup Cauldron
The Gundestrup cauldron is most spectacular of real ancient Celtic cauldrons so far recovered, dated to the Iron Age. It is made of silver and beautifully and intricately decorated with many fine images. The silversmiths are unknown, but in those days few craftsmen could produce such craftsmanship in silver. They may not even have been Celts, but the best available craftsmen at the time. However, because of the Celtic iconography, it displays it was thought to have been commissioned by an unknown, high-ranking Celt, probably for purely ceremonial purposes. The imagery was believed to express one or more Celtic myths, and possibly display several deities mixed with other images of a different style.
The Importance of Cauldrons
Many scholars think in Celtic times people came together around a cauldron to engage in the enjoyable, sociable activity of eating. The Gundestrup cauldron, being made of silver, was probably not used for cooking on a fire, but may have held pre-cooked food or drink or was purely ceremonial.
Posted in Ancient symbols, Celtic Mythology, Folklore, Welsh legends	| Tagged Cauldron, Celtic, Ceridwen, Dagda, Diwrnach, Dyrnwch, Gundestrup, Gwion Bach, inspiration, Irish, lore, Morda, mythical, myths, plenty, real, rebirth, renewal, The Pair Dadeni, Welsh, zteve t evans | 10 Comments
August 19, 2020 by ztevetevans
Bee Folklore and Superstition: Telling the Bees
Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay
Bee Lore
Bees are a familiar sight around the world being native to al continents except Antarctica. There are 16,000 known species and the most common is the western honey bee, also known as the European honey bee. It is this species that this work mostly refers to. Since early times humans have watched bees go about their everyday business and marveled at their sheer industry while being intrigued by the mystery of their societies. This has led to the evolution of a rich body of folklore and tradition and many superstitions and customs. Present here are a few small samples of this bee lore mingled with a few facts.
Bees provide us with many different useful products including honey, royal jelly, pollen propolis, wax and even bee venom. However, there are many other less obvious products of bees we depend on that are more important and more widely used. Bees help pollinate many different fruits, vegetables and plants of all kinds which we make into many different products such as jam, dried fruit, even alcoholic beverages such as mead and much more. They are not just useful to humans but also other animals and plants and are an essential part of local ecosystems which integrate into the global system. An army of bees and other insects help pollinate these products and many other vegetables and plants used by humans. Without bees this army would be sorely depleted. Our ancestors may not have realised the full extent of their usefulness but knew enough to want to develop an intimate relationship with them.
Telling The Bees
It was seen as important for a beekeeper to keep his bees updated on any important information as news came in. This was because bees could become upset and stop producing honey, abandon the hive or even die if not kept informed. Therefore, it was seen as important that news that might affect them was broken gently but not withheld. The origin of this custom is not known but there is an idea it may have evolved because people in many countries in ancient times thought bees had the ability to bridge the living world with the afterlife.
There is a longstanding custom of telling the bees important events such as births, deaths and marriages that happen in the life of a beekeeper. This tradition is found in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland and other European countries as well as North America.
When someone in the household passed away it was deemed essential that the bees should be informed so that they could mourn properly. Furthermore, it was essential that the bees were informed of any death in the family otherwise some tragedy would afflict the keeper's family or perhaps jinx the hive.
Image by Charles Napier Hemy – Public Domain
An English custom required the wife of the house, or housekeeper, to drape something black over the hive while humming a sad tune. In Nottinghamshire the words to one such tune were,
"The master's dead, but don't you go;
Your mistress will be a good mistress to you." (1)
Whereas in Germany the song was,
"Little bee, our lord is dead;
Leave me not in my distress." (2)
In some places the head of the household was required to knock on each hive until he thought he had the attention of the bees. Next, in a sombre and serious voice he explained a certain person had died revealing the name of that person. Sometimes the key to the family home was used to tap upon the hives.
Where it was the case that the beekeeper had passed away food and drink from the funeral was left near the hives for the bees. Sometimes the hive would be lifted and then put down at the same time as the funeral. It was draped in a mourning cloth and rotated to face the funeral procession.
In parts of the Pyrenees they buried an old piece of clothing belonging to someone who had died under the hive. Many people believed the bees and hives should never be given away, sold or swapped after their keeper had died as it brought bad luck.
In the USA in parts of New England and Appalachia it was important to tell the bees when a family member died. Whoever was the family beekeeper would ensure the bees were properly informed of the death so that the news could be passed around.
In some regions it was believed bees liked to be told about weddings and happy events as well as funerals. A tradition from Westphalia, Germany says to ensure good fortune in their married life, when moving into their new home, newlyweds must first introduce themselves to the bees. A Scottish newspaper, the Dundee Courier reported on the tradition in the 1950s, stating that the hive should be decorated and a slice of wedding cake left for the bees near the hive. A custom from Brittany involved decorating the hive with scarlet cloth which would allow the bees to join in with the celebrations.
Messengers of the Gods
There was a belief in ancient Greece and Rome that bees were the messengers and servants of the gods. Romans avoided a flying swarm of bees but not for fear of being stung. Instead they thought they were swarming at the command of the gods and bearing their messages and did not want to impede them in their work for the divinities.
Ancient Egyptians believed honey bees had been generated from the tears of Ra, their sun god, that had fallen to earth becoming his messengers between him and humanity. Between 3000 b.c.e. and 350 b.c.e., the honeybee was used as a symbol by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Similar to the Egyptian and Roman view, the ancient Celtic people saw the honey bee as a messenger between heaven and earth.
Importance of Bees
Bees continue to play an important role in the ecosystems and their importance to humans is undiminished, if anything, as we learn more about the world around us it increases.
Reference, Attributions and Further Reading
Copyright August 19th, 2020 zteve t evans
(1), (2), W. Kite, "Telling the Bees," The Magazine of American History with Notes and Queries 21 (A. S. Barnes & Company, 1889) – Telling the bees – Wikipedia
Legends of the Bees – Moray Bee Dinosaurs
Why Are Bees Considered Such Good Luck In Folklore? – Icy Sedgwick
Bee – Wikipedia
Sacred Texts – THE ORIGINS OF POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS – BY T. SHARPER KNOWLSON
Edwardes, Tickner. The lore of the honey-bee . London, Methuen. Kindle Edition
Bee Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay
File:The Widow by Charles Napier Hemy.jpg from Wikimedia Commons – The Widow by Charles Napier – Public Domain
Posted in Folklore	| Tagged bee keeper, Bees, Customs, deaths, European, Folklore, funerals, gods, honey, lore, messengers, products, superstition, tell the bees, tradition, weddings, western | 16 Comments
July 15, 2020 by ztevetevans
Medieval Lore: The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries
The Lady and the Unicorn: Sight – Source
This article was first published 28th May, 2020 on #FolkloreThursday.com titled, Unicorn Lore: Interpreting the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries, by zteve t evans
The Mythical, Magical Unicorn
The rare and elusive, mythical, magical unicorn has been part of folklore and legend for centuries, evolving spectacularly into the modern age. Despite its reputed elusiveness and rarity you do not need to go far to find one these days. Unicorns appear in a range of products such as toys or works of art sold in high streets and feature in literature, films, television and much more. In the distant past it was a very different creature but it has grown into the very embodiment of purity, elegance, innocence and beauty that we are familiar with today.
Many of today's perceptions of the unicorn evolved from the medieval and Renaissance eras where they appeared in works of art, tapestries, and coats-of-arms of the rich and powerful. Presented here is a brief look at a set of six late medieval tapestries known as La Dame à la licorne, or The Lady and the Unicorn. Today reproductions of these designs appear in various places but notably adorning the walls of the Gryffindor Common Room in the Harry Potter films.
Interpreting the Lady and the Unicorn
The tapestries are believed to have an original meaning and purpose that has been lost over time and their interpretation is uncertain today. Medieval people would have understood what each of the figures, motifs and symbols in each scene meant and how they were all part of an extended allegory that came together to create an overall meaning or message …
Posted in Ancient symbols, European folktales, Folklore, Mythology	| Tagged #FolkloreThursday, Gryffindor Common Room, Harry Potter, Interpreting, Lady, lore, medieval, Sight, Tapestries, tapestry, Unicorn, Unicorn and the Lady, zteve t evans | 14 Comments
March 16, 2014 by ztevetevans
North American Legends: Johnny Appleseed
In North American folklore apples are strongly associated with the legendary Johnny Appleseed who is affectionately remembered for his wandering lifestyle planting apple tree nurseries across the great American frontier. His real name was John Chapman and he was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774.
His father, Nathanial Chapman, had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Sadly, he lost his mother to tuberculosis during that war. When he was old enough to work he became apprenticed as an orchardist to a local orchard where he learnt the trade that made that him a legend in his own lifetime.
Johnny Appleseed – Author: H. S. Knapp – Public Domain Image
Folklore paints a picture of him dressed in rags with a tin pot on his head striding across the land with a pocketful of apple seeds. These he planted on his way, for all to enjoy out of his sheer generosity. In fact the planting of orchards, or more accurately apple tree nurseries, was his business and he grew apples trees as a business enterprise. His plan was to plant nurseries along the frontier where ever he thought settlers would build new communities. When his trees were between one and two years old he would sell them to the settlers for six cents each. He travelled and planted apple tree nurseries in many places along the Ohio Valley with bases in Western Pennsylvania and in Ohio, in Richland County.
One of the folk stories about Johnny Appleseed tells how during the War of 1812 many Indians took the British side looking to avenge themselves against the settlers who they believed had done injury to them. Although they attacked many settlements they did not threaten or interfere with Johnny Appleseed. However, he would often warn the settlements of imminent Indian attacks.
A legend tells of how he made a desperate run of 26 miles through the wilderness from Mansfield, Ohio to Mount Vernon in a bid to bring help to the beleaguered settlers besieged by Indians. It is said that as he ran he blew a horn to warn other settlers of the danger along the way. Thanks to his desperate run and courage the settlers at Mansfield were reinforced and saved.
Chapman followed the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg and was a member of the Church of New Jerusalem, which was based on Christian teachings and followed Pacifist principles and advocated individualism and simple living.
As he travelled he would spread the message of his church to those he visited and would tell stories to the children in exchange for a meal and a place to sleep on the floor of the house.
Love of Animals
Despite his rather rough and rustic appearance and his eccentricities Johnny Appleseed was a gentle and kind man with great intelligence and charisma and a heart of gold. Indeed, he was also a rarity for his time as he was a vegetarian; not wishing animals should suffer for him. His kindness and concern for animals was legendary.
One story is told of how he extinguished his campfire when he saw mosquitoes flying to their deaths into it. He believed that none of God's creatures, no matter how small, should have to suffer to alleviate his discomfort. Another story tells of the time he set up camp in one end of a hollow log and built a fire for warmth. On discovering the log was already inhabited by a bear with her cubs, rather than disturb them, he moved his camp to the other end, sleeping unsheltered in the snow.
Folktales tell how he would buy a horse that was about to be put down and purchase some grassland for the animal to recuperate on. When the horse had recovered he would give the horse to a poor settler on the sole condition that it was to be treated properly and with kindness.
Entering into Folklore
One can well imagine how this rather wild, raggedy man, may appear as a larger than life figure to the settlers along the frontier as he came and went about his business growing apple nurseries. He may have been regarded as eccentric but he was well received and seen as a welcome relief by the isolated settlers bringing news and helping out where he could. On 18th of March, 1845, John Chapman died of pneumonia and was buried near Fort Wayne, Indiana, entering into American folklore.
References and Attributions
Image - File:Johnny Appleseed 1.jpg From Wikimedia Commons - Johnny Appleseed - Author: H. S. Knapp - Public Domain Image
Johnny Appleseed from Wikipedia
Bio.True Story - Johnny Appleseed
Posted in North American Mythology	| Tagged apples, folk, hero, Johnny Appleseed, legend, lore, North Amercian Legends, North American Mythology, seed, stories, tales | 5 Comments


text:
Mahfooz September 7, 2020 Will Trumpism survive the election?2020-09-07T09:04:55+02:00 Articles, International No Comment
AN important debate underway in the US and beyond is whether Donald Trump's defeat in the upcoming election will also spell an end to Trumpism. Some cast the election as a referendum on Trumpism. What constitutes Trumpism is itself at issue in this conversation.
With the presidential election less than two months away the Democratic contender Joe Biden is leading in the polls. Just as one day is a long time in politics, 60 days are even more so for an election whose outcome remains wide open. Despite the uncertainty, discussion has intensified about the implications if Trump fails to be re-elected.
Views differ about what Trumpism stands for even though there is general agreement that it doesn't represent any coherent ideology. It is too wrapped up with an egotistical and demagogic personality to be regarded as an intelligible or consistent set of ideas. Nevertheless, Trumpism has come to be identified with a syndrome of characteristics and attitudes, some of which have long been present in American society, that Trump did not create but are embodied in him.
In the debate Trumpism has variously been described as 'right-wing nationalist, anti-establishment populism', an "amalgam of a narrative of Trump's business career and articulation of right-wing populist rhetoric mixed with previously fringe conservative philosophies", a form of 'plutocratic populism' and a 'zero-sum view of politics and the world'.ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
A decisive Trump defeat will set back right-wing populism but not end its appeal.
Consideration of four interrelated aspects from the cluster usually associated with Trumpism would enable an assessment of whether these will fade away with his defeat or survive beyond the election. They are: authoritarian right-wing populism, anti-establishment outlook, thinly veiled racism infused with white supremacist notions, a xenophobic, anti-immigration stance, and a unilateralist America-First paradigm of dealing with the world. The point about these strands of thinking is that they didn't emerge with Trump but were manipulated and mainstreamed by him — and magnified. The question is will they vanish that quickly?
If we consider right-wing populism, it appears that while Trump's defeat will be a setback to the phenomenon it will hardly end its appeal in the US or elsewhere in the world witnessing similar populist movements. In America it has deeper roots than Trump's revival of ideas associated with it, previously found mainly in fringe thinking. Its invocation by Trump has partly been a reaction to America's relative global decline and erosion of its economically predominant position. 'Making America Great Again', Trump's slogan in the last election, aimed to address a 'weakness' he attributed to Obama and his policies rather than to changing structural realities in the US and global and domestic shifts in economic and political power.
The rise of Trumpian populism is also often regarded as reflecting public alienation with traditional political parties and the establishment for their inability to meet expectations especially in times of disruption caused by the uneven impact of 'elitist' globalisation. It seems that the underlying factors that fostered Trump's political rise are not going to easily fade away as they now inform attitudes of significant sections of American society.
What about anti-establishment sentiment which Trump has also mobilised? Again, there are reasons for the emergence of popular disaffection in recent decades as manifested in eroding trust in public institutions, which Trump has played off and fuelled by his portrayal of the deep state's anti-people conduct. Having sought to delegitimise public institutions, can that trend be reversed if Trump loses? Probably not in the near term, while the longer-term outlook will depend on what the next president does to revive this trust. As examples from elsewhere show, once institutions are undermined it takes a long time and much effort to restore confidence.
As for the racial component of Trumpism this has long been a troubling though enduring aspect of America's social landscape, with racism a systemic problem. The centrist policies pursued by both political parties in recent decades prevented racism from rearing its head. But with Trump appropriating and according respectability to white supremacist ideas a resurgence of racism occurred — evidenced in the most serious civil unrest that recently swept the country in over half a century. Again, Trump fed off and fed into the unease among a section of white society who felt that minority numbers were rising so fast as to eventually swamp them. The Trumpian slogan in the previous election of 'Taking our country back' was an unsubtle way of conveying this — taking it back from minorities who ostensibly 'seized it' in the Obama era.
If Trump loses, a President Biden will certainly try to play a healing role, as he has repeatedly affirmed, and seek to unify the country after the polarising and divisive Trump years. But race will continue to be a complicated issue in a country where racism remains deep seated, especially when a racist minority has amplified its voice in national affairs.
Trumpism, like right-wing populism elsewhere in the world, is strongly infused by xenophobia and a viscerally anti-immigration stance — illustrated by Trump's desire to build a wall along the Mexican border to shut out 'illegal' migrants. Its xenophobic and Islamophobic attitude is also exemplified by Trump's infamous 'Muslim travel ban', which suspended travel from several Muslim countries. One of Biden's campaign statements was that he would end this ban on his first day in office. But little change can be expected in America's tighter immigration policies as this remains a politically charged issue, even if polls show a majority of Americans believe migrants make positive contributions to their economy.
On engaging with the world, a Trump defeat would likely mean a departure from extreme unilateralism as a Democratic president would return to multilateralism, rejoin global bodies, restore partnerships and repair ties with allies. Washington would arguably start dealing with the world with some respect. Perhaps on this Trumpism would see the most significant reversal.
But of the domestic trends evaluated above, only some and not all, will likely wane if Trump loses. A decisive defeat and bold actions by his successor may set back some ideas of right-wing populism but they would not disappear. It remains an open question whether America has been transformed — and deeply divided — by Trumpism in ways that will endure much beyond the election.
The writer is a former ambassador to the US, UK and UN.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
require 'google/protobuf'

require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/classification_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/detection_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/regression_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/tables_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/text_extraction_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/text_sentiment_pb'
require 'google/cloud/automl/v1beta1/translation_pb'
require 'google/protobuf/timestamp_pb'
require 'google/api/annotations_pb'
Google::Protobuf::DescriptorPool.generated_pool.build do
  add_message "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.ModelEvaluation" do
    optional :name, :string, 1
    optional :annotation_spec_id, :string, 2
    optional :display_name, :string, 15
    optional :create_time, :message, 5, "google.protobuf.Timestamp"
    optional :evaluated_example_count, :int32, 6
    oneof :metrics do
      optional :classification_evaluation_metrics, :message, 8, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.ClassificationEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :regression_evaluation_metrics, :message, 24, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.RegressionEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :translation_evaluation_metrics, :message, 9, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.TranslationEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :image_object_detection_evaluation_metrics, :message, 12, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.ImageObjectDetectionEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :video_object_tracking_evaluation_metrics, :message, 14, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.VideoObjectTrackingEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :text_sentiment_evaluation_metrics, :message, 11, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.TextSentimentEvaluationMetrics"
      optional :text_extraction_evaluation_metrics, :message, 13, "google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.TextExtractionEvaluationMetrics"
    end
  end
end

module Google::Cloud::AutoML::V1beta1
  ModelEvaluation = Google::Protobuf::DescriptorPool.generated_pool.lookup("google.cloud.automl.v1beta1.ModelEvaluation").msgclass
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


2007 Toyota Camry Owners Manual – Toyota's perennially best-offering family members sedan receives a comprehensive facelift for 2007. Among the features are a roomier interior, additional high end-oriented features, a readily available 268-hp V6 paired to a 6-pace auto transmission, and a gasoline-electronic hybrid model that makes EPA gasoline economy quotes of 43 mpg town/37 mpg road.
Although it nevertheless won't win the name of "world's sexiest family sedan," the new 2007 Toyota Camry's combo of comfort, refinement and dependability will most likely allow it to continue to keep the name belt for "America's finest-offering sedan." Anybody shopping with this section will want to give the Camry thing to consider.
The 2007 Toyota Camry arrives as a midsize a number of-entrance sedan in several trim levels. The base CE counts 16-" rims, air cooling, strength Microsoft windows and decorative mirrors, cruise management, a lean and telescoping steering wheel, and a half a dozen-lecturer sound system with a CD gamer and auxiliary feedback jack as conventional gear. The Camry LE adds keyless entrance plus an 8-way energy vehicle driver seat. The SE consists of a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and unique interior and external surfaces design specifics. The high quality XLE pampers its occupants with a 440-watt JBL audio system that incorporates Bluetooth technology, a moonroof, wood-strengthen accents, reclining rear seats, an automatic twin-zone climate management program with a great-technology air flow filter and, on the V6 model, leather-based seats. The a variety of trim levels ought to gratify most buyers' needs, nonetheless, a couple of significant alternatives are readily available, this sort of as balance management and, on the XLE toned, a menu system and warmed seats.
The average on all trim levels is a 2.4-liter inline 4 (158 horse power and 161 lb-feet of torque) paired to either a 5 various-velocity manual or five-rate automated transmission. A effective 3.5-liter V6 (268 hp and 248 lb-feet) mated to a new six-speed automatic gearbox (which offers handbook-change capacity) is seen on the LE, SE and XLE trims. With the V6, the Camry can get to 60 miles per hour within just 6.5 moments.
Every Camry comes with seven airbags (double-stage front safety bags, front-seat area and full-size area curtain airbags and a car owner leg airbag), a tire-stress keep track of and anti lock braking system with BrakeAssist (BA) and Digital Brakeforce Syndication (EBD)., Balance management (consisting of grip handle) is optional all over the range.
As well as more room for travelers, the 2007 Toyota Camry offers other features that increase cabin comfort. XLEs with towel upholstery have an exclusive treatment method making use of silkworm cocoon extract that coats the textile, which makes it very smooth to the effect. Additionally, XLE rear-seat travelers can recline their seatbacks. All Camrys have a getaway computer, bigger devices than before and a double-tiered dash which enables for a far more heavy feel. Lots of cubbies and pockets help to carry CDs, mobile devices, and garage charge cards. The Camry's trunk area holds 15 cubic ft . of freight.
A peaceful, smooth trip nevertheless characterizes the Camry's on-street manner, even though this year's changes give the dealing with dynamics a slightly sportier feel. Nevertheless, the primary effect is 1 of refinement, and a somewhat remote feel from the streets compared to a lot more sports competition like the Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima. Toyota is aware that the vast majority of buyers in this marketplace section are keen on secure, anxiety-cost-free traveling than tearing by way of corners, and the enhanced and very capable 2007 Camry must once again end up being a hit along with them.


text:
Q: AS3 - Free memory (Loader, BitmapData)? For some reason my app is using more and more memory as it runs, and I can't figure out how to dump old data I dont need anymore.
I use a Loader to load a .png
I then use a BitmapData to store the image, so that I can go over and check each pixel and store the result.
Then I loop this x times.
When I start on the second run I don't need the old information anymore, but it looks like my app is still storing the data (the images loaded)..
Here's some of my code:
        public function loadImage():void{
            myLoader = new Loader();
            myLoader.contentLoaderInfo.addEventListener(Event.COMPLETE, imageLoaded);

            if (currentFrame.toString(10).length == 1){
                currentFrameURL = txtFolder.text + "\\" + txtImageName.text + txtImageNum.text.substr(0, txtImageNum.text.length - 1) + currentFrame + txtImageType.text;
            }
            if (currentFrame.toString(10).length == 2){
                currentFrameURL = txtFolder.text + "\\" + txtImageName.text + txtImageNum.text.substr(0, txtImageNum.text.length - 2) + currentFrame + txtImageType.text;
            }
            if (currentFrame.toString(10).length == 3){
                currentFrameURL = txtFolder.text + "\\" + txtImageName.text + txtImageNum.text.substr(0, txtImageNum.text.length - 3) + currentFrame + txtImageType.text;
            }
            trace(currentFrameURL + " sent to loader...");

            myLoader.load(new URLRequest(currentFrameURL));
        }

        public function imageLoaded(event:Event):void{
            myLoader.contentLoaderInfo.removeEventListener(Event.COMPLETE, imageLoaded);

            myBitmapData = new BitmapData(parseInt(txtWidth.text),parseInt(txtHeight.text),false);
            myBitmapData.draw(event.currentTarget.content);

            //Generate preview of current image being processed..
            //myPreviewImage.source = myBitmapData;
            labelProgress.text = "Current process: " + (currentFrame + 1) + "/" + (parseInt(txtFrames.text));

            for(var y:int=0; y < parseInt(txtHeight.text) ; y++){
                for(var x:int=0; x < parseInt(txtWidth.text) ; x++){
                    currentPixelColor = myBitmapData.getPixel(x,y);
                    myTabelClass.recordPixel(currentPixelColor);
                }
            }//ett bilde ferdig scannet og lagret

            currentFrame++;

            if(currentFrame < parseInt(txtFrames.text)){
                myTabelClass.newImg(currentFrame);
                trace("sending newImg command: " + currentFrame);
                loadImage();
            }else{
                //All frames done..
                //myTabelClass.traceResult();
                Alert.show("All images scanned!\n\nClick 'OK' to add new data to XML.", "Images scanned", Alert.OK, this, insertDataToXML);
                btnSave.enabled = true;
                btnTest1.enabled = true;
            }

        }

A: Once you're done with myBitmapData, call myBitmapData.dispose() and myBitmapData = null. Keep in mind that after you call dispose(), your BitmapData object is not usable anymore, so you have to create a new instance (myBitmapData = new BitmapData()).
By the way, I did not analyze you code much, but I've noticed that you copied each image's bitmapData with draw() and then worked on it. You could work directly with loaded images content, that would save memory as well:
myBitmapData = Bitmap(event.target.content).bitmapData;
and don't forget to null each image before proceeding to the next frame if you do not intend to use them later.

A: Unfortunately, there is a bug preventing Loader from ever freeing memory, see here: https://bugbase.adobe.com/index.cfm?event=bug&id=3071138 . As per my tests, it may be related to how fast do you want to dispose the previously loaded content, but this is a guess, don't take it for granted.
Other things: calling BitmapData.dispose() frees memory "immediately", but if you don't, then BitmapData instances are still GC'ed, however, that may take longer, and the loitering bitmaps may create an impression of a memory leak.
System.gc() is only available in debugger, which means that your end users will not be able to use it.
Setting variables, especially local variables to null, after the object is no longer used makes no sense, if the compiler was only a little smarter, it would probably identify it as a dead code and remove altogether. Setting data members to null is only useful if you actually want them to be null for whatever reason, which is as they call it, "a business logic reason", don't try to "help" the GC, all chances are you will do more harm then good. When I come across a code that assigns null, this usually lights a red bulb, it is rather a bad design, or redundancy. If your code is good, you shouldn't need to do it.

A: You're in recursion, so yes, you don't release the preview image loaded.
Try to set myBitmapData = null before call loadImage() again.
If nothing happen you can try force a garbage collector by calling System.gc() before loadImage:
myBitmapData = null;
System.gc();
loadImage();

But thats not a good practice they say. :P
If nothing works just remove the recursion thing that may help.

A: Other answers have covered how to deal with BitmapData but I've noticed that Loaders seem to hold on to memory as well. Unfortunately I cannot point to any specific sources other than my experience. You can give this a try to see what shakes out:
Move the line
myLoader = new Loader();

out of the loadImage() function and instantiate that variable in the class constructor. This will allow you to reuse the same Loader instance over and over again.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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This is not a stuffed toy uterus or some chernobyl octopus it is the decollette bra, the anti-aging bra. I call it the boobster and I can't live without it!
This "device" is especially designed to prevent wrinkle formation on your cleavage while you sleep, with a breast separation method. It is comfortable, totally safe, non-invasive very effective and sustainable.
A few years ago I was starting to be very concerned about the look of my cleavage, because It began to look like I've just hit 100. Yeah 100. I've always had problems with wrinkling my cleavage during sleep, but after my 30th it went significantly south. Due to natural decrease of collagen and elastin my skin just couldn't get back to the normal smooth state during the day, and as night went by, the wrinkles just got deeper. If you think I'm being rather dramatic, take a close look at the before & after photos below. The before photo was taken recently after only one night without the bra.
Can you imagine how my cleavage would look like night after night? I can't even…You can still see some thin wrinkles on my after photo, but I really tend to »squish« my poor cleavage and I can see those little ones in the morning that vanish during the day. There are also silicone decollete pads (that work like patches) that might be even more effective, but I opted out for a more permanent, cheaper and environment friendly option. I have it for 4 years now.
Do you need it? I actually don't know many women who really need it, it just seems that I'm in the minority that crinkles her cleavage while sleeping in such extent, that transforms into grandma material. If your decollete is wrinkled after sleeping like mine, than this is the product that absolutely beats any cosmetic solution and I highly recommend it! There's no cream nor treatment, that can beat prevention.
It is made from high quality, European materials. Unfortunately only the inner lining is of cotton and I'd certainly prefer less synthetic materials but I really can't say I experience any material related discomfort in terms of heat, itching, stickiness etc. I was a little concerned also about the hygiene and maintenance, as it shouldn't be washed in the machine, but one day I just threw it in on the hand wash program and it turned up just fine. I can't be bothered with hand wash, and you shouldn't be either, if you decide to give it a chance.


This article aims to reflect on the experiences and challenges of a mentor, which brought about by subject-specific mentoring within mathematics for English as a second language (ESL) classes for 16-18-year-olds. This article has provided a mentor's perspective on the enactment of mentoring in a specific context. The author has demonstrated how specific guidance in the mentoring literature may be enacted and provided support. Furthermore, the author emphasized the importance of mentors' and mentees' attention to the detail of the particular context, notably – in this case – the issues faced by ESL learners of mathematics in post-compulsory education in England.


Serving the Mid-South for more than 45 years.
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Doug Gilmore and his team of design and installation professionals have been building custom kitchens for more than 30 years, and he is considered one of the best planners and designers in the region.
What makes a Gilmore Kitchen so special? Customers say there are several words that apply, such as classic, beautiful, irreplaceable, elegant, functional, custom-built, modern, unique and sensible.
But it's clear that every Gilmore kitchen has one thing in common: They are timeless.
Copyright 2019 - Gilmore Kitchens. Website by The Solutions Group.


text:
Home » THE HARPER DECADE
THE HARPER DECADE
Xtra (Toronto);4/21/2011, Issue 691, p16
The article looks at the likely legacy of the Conservative Party of Canada and its leader Stephen Harper after 10 years of running the federal government.
Follow the Leader. // Hotelier;Mar/Apr2006, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p4
Reports on the stated commitment of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to helping the tourism sector. Issues considered by hoteliers in the nation as most pressing to them; Support to be given by Harper's Conservative Party to the Canadian Tourism Commission.
The real wisdom of this political spring. Atkins, Michael // Northern Ontario Business;May2011, Vol. 31 Issue 7, p4
The article focuses on the issues surrounding the majority win of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Tory political party in Canada in the 2011 elections such as the scandal of ex-Cabinet Minister Helena Guergis and the allegations of fraud to two Tory senators.
Reinventing Canada. Smith, Jordan Michael // World Affairs;Mar/Apr2012, Vol. 174 Issue 6, p21
The article focuses on how Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has changed Canadian politics since taking office in 2006. Topics include his criticism of Libya, Iran, and North Korea in a United Nations speech in September of 2011, his aggressive advocacy of Canada in international and...
He must please both friends and foes to get a majority. Russell, Ellen // CCPA Monitor;Dec2009, Vol. 16 Issue 7, p29
The article focuses on the author's view on the political move of Stephen Harper in Canada. She says that Harper is facing a problem wherein he wants to position the Conservative Party for a majority in the Canadian mainstream at the same time assuring the interest of the Conservative. She notes...
Editorial: Stop the madness. // Windspeaker;Jan2009, Vol. 26 Issue 10, p5
The author comments on the victory of the Conservative Party lead by Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the October 14, 2008 election in Canada. The author questions the ability of Harper to address economic recession as well as his relationship with the other political parties. The author...
Stephen Harper and the Theo-cons. McDonald, Marci // Capital Xtra (Ottawa);9/17/2008, Issue 193, Special section p4
The article discusses the rising influence of Canada's religious right and how the convictions of Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper could turn government into a kinder, gentler guarantor of social justice for all. According to the author, the extent to which Harper believes his evangelical...
The best veteran is a dead veteran. Nickerson, Michael // Esprit de Corps;Apr2012, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p15
The author discusses the programs initiated by the administration of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to address issues concerning the veterans. He asserts that the government has been using the military for political and partisan gains. The author also contends that the Conservative Party...
Frozen out. // Nature;3/1/2012, Vol. 483 Issue 7387, p6
The article reflects on the need for Canadian government to let its scientists speak to the media as the U.S. government has. The author says that since the victory of the Conservative Party of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2006, scientists have experienced a gradual tightening of...
Age of consent legislation back on. Creelman, Brent // Xtra (Toronto);10/25/2007, Issue 600, p13
The article reports on the plans to raise the age of sexual content to 16 from 14. This was on again after the Conservative government announced a "Tackling Violent Crime" omnibus bill in its Throne Speech on October 16, 2007. Bill C-22 died on the order paper when Prime Minister Stephen Harper...


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Vlnožil velký (Laticauda semifasciata), v Japonsku známý jako erabu umi hebi (japonsky エラブウミヘビ) a na Okinawě jako irabu, je mořský had, patřící do rodu Laticauda. Vyskytuje se v teplých vodách západního Pacifiku, především v oblastech korálových útesů. Had má krátkou hlavu, tlustý trup a sotva rozeznatelnou krční část. Ocas je tvořen jednoduše vytaženou kůží ve tvaru rybího ocasu, a není v něm již žádná podpora. Pouze u jednoho ze tří jedinců se vyvinou jedové zuby. Žaludek je poměrně velký. V období rozmnožování se tito hadi přesouvají ve velkém množství do pobřežních vod, kde se páří v proláklinách útesů a různých dutinách. Je to noční had, kterého lze jen výjimečně spatřit během dne. Dýchá vzdušný kyslík, takže se potřebuje vynořit pro nadechnutí nejméně každých 6 hodin.

Je příliš pomalý na to, aby ulovil kořist (rybu) při přímém útoku, takže loví především ze zálohy skrytý v korálech. V některých případech také loví v hejnech společně parmicemi žlutopruhými a kranasy modroploutvými a vyhánějí potenciální kořist z úzkých proláklin v útesech podobným způsobem jako murény. Kousnutí je vysoce jedovaté a kořist je paralyzována. Jeho jed je desetkrát silnější než jed kobry, což z něj dělá extrémně nebezpečného hada. Obyčejně neútočí na člověka, pouze v případech kdy se cítí v ohrožení, i tak jsou ovšem známy dva případy úmrtí člověka. Samice kladou vejce na souši.

Tento had se během zimy hojně konzumuje v jižním Japonsku, kde věří, že posiluje ženství. Polévka irabu-jiru (japonsky イラブー汁) prý chutná podobně jako polévka miso a trochu jako tuňák. Tato polévka je součástí královské kuchyně království Rjúkjú. Věří se, že má analeptické účinky.

Život
Samci a samice dosahují pohlavní dospělosti, jakmile dorostou 70, resp. 80 cm. Samice kladou 3–7 vajec, z nichž se háďata líhnou za 4–5 měsíců. Had dorůstá maximální délky 170 cm.

Rozšíření
Vlnožil velký se vyskytuje v teplých vodách západního Tichého oceánu, převážně na Fidži, v jižním Japonsku a Singapuru. Nedávno ale vědci objevili tyto hady také ve vodách kolem Jižní Korey. Tato lokalita je mimo jejich obvyklé rozšíření (Japonsko, Čína a Taiwan, Filipíny a Indonésie). Vědci se domnívají, že tito hadi se přesouvají více na sever v důsledku klimatických změn, které způsobují destrukci jejich původního prostředí (korálové útesy).

Reference

Externí odkazy

Korálovcovití

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Michael Levin
On May 7, 2009, Glimmerglass lost its concertmaster of 22 years, Michael Levin, of complications after surgery. Mr. Levin joined the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in the same year he came to Glimmerglass,1987. Prior to that, he had been Assistant Concertmaster of the North Carolina Symphony and had participated in many summer festivals as both an orchestral and a chamber musician, including the New Hampshire Music Festival, the Skaneateles Festival and the Eastern Music Festival. He collaborated over his career with many artists, among whom were Leonard Rose and Jeffrey Solow, and was an active recitalist and chamber musician in the New York area.
He was a graduate of the New England Conservatory, where he worked extensively with composer Gunther Schuller and violinist Rudolf Kolisch, founder of the Kolisch Quartet, the group which premiered Bartok's Fifth and Sixth String Quartets.
Michael had a great love for both animals and the outdoors. One of his favorite things to do after a matinee performance on a hot day was to swim the two miles across Lake Otsego and back, solo. As a college student, he had participated one summer in the Outward Bound program in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, where he learned to rappel off mountains and to ford streams. This experience affected him profoundly and was one he never forgot.
He is survived by his mother Jeanne and sister Cynthia, who is producing artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, MO, as well as by his wife Christine Ims, Principal Violist of Glimmerglass Opera.
Charles W. England
Glimmerglass Opera's Principal Tubaist, Charles W. "Chuck" England, passed away on January 11, 2009. He had been the tubaist for the orchestra since the company began in 1975, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A giant of a man with a heart to match, he had a profound and positive impact on the hundreds of students he taught over the course of his career, as well as on his colleagues in the many musical groups with which he played.
A native of Iowa, Chuck spent his undergraduate years at the University of Illinois and at Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois. He began studies as a chemistry/pre-law major, but later switched to music education, with a tuba major and a voice minor, graduating in 1967. After a 3-year tour of duty in the United States Army Band ('Pershing's Own') in Washington, D.C., he began graduate studies at Yale University, earning a Master of Music degree in Performance and Pedagogy in 1973. Always one to acknowledge his teachers, Chuck had the opportunity to study with several of the outstanding tubaists of the 20th century, stretching all the way back to the legendary William (Bill) Bell, who had begun his career with the Sousa Band and ended it with the New York Philharmonic.
Chuck married fellow Iowan Janet Gowing in 1974, and the couple moved to Oneonta, N.Y., to allow him to join the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and the newly-formed Catskill Conservatory, where he became a founding member of the Catskill Brass Quintet, along with his one of his college housemates, trumpeter Ben Aldridge, and the three already-existing members of the group, trumpeter Carleton Clay, horn player Julia Hasbrouck Clay and trombonist Donald Robertson, Jr. This group remained intact with the same five players until soon before Chuck's death. He also worked extensively as a free-lance musician throughout the Central New York-Northern Pennsylvania area, and held regular positions not only with the Glimmerglass and Catskill Orchestras, but also with the Northeast Philharmonic, in Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Utica Symphony Orchestra. Through the course of his career he also played with the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, the New Jersey and Chautauqua Symphonies and with Barnum and Bailey's Circus Band. As a teacher, he was engaged at such institutions as Hartwick College, SUNY-Binghamton and Colgate University, and he was director of the brass choir at Hamilton College, in Clinton, New York, from 1978-2000.
From 1994-2000 Chuck taught instrumental music at Delaware Academy in Delhi, N.Y. (along with GOT principal bassist David Irvin), and from 2001 until his death he taught elementary instrumental music in the Oneonta City Schools, alongside another GOT colleague, violist Megan Newman Dyer. He had a true gift for teaching and loved all his students and colleagues at the schools where he taught. After learning of his illness, in late summer of 2008, and after having been forced to relinquish his teaching, he mentioned to his colleague, Megan, that is he could leave his students with just one message, it would be for them to "be good to each other."
At Glimmerglass, Chuck not only played tuba in the orchestra pit, but he also used his years of vocal training to good advantage when he appeared onstage in the chorus for the company's production of Manon Lescaut in 1981. In addition he was elected to serve on the Orchestra Committee, a duty he fulfilled with distinction. His fellow orchestra members held him in high esteem for his wisdom, intelligence and musicianship. The company's founding Music Director, Charles Schneider made the following remarks (excerpted) at Chuck's funeral: "Chuck was the consummate professional in every regard - both as a performer and as a superb educator. It's been my experience as a Music Director that the best players are always better prepared than the others and that, no matter how well they play, they are never satisfied. Therein lies the successful art of musicmaking. He was one of the real leaders in the orchestra, and set the very highest standard of performance as the anchor on the bottom of the brass section! And he was loved by everybody!" Upon hearing of Chuck's death, Schneider's successor, Stewart Robertson, echoed those sentiments succinctly when he wrote that he was "a real gentleman and a first-rate musician."
In addition to his wife, Janet, Chuck is survived by the couple's two children, Eli and Valerie. He will be buried in the summer of 2009 in Shenandoah, Iowa. His death leaves a great void in our orchestra and in our hearts.


Thank you for your interest in our agency. Everyone here at Gadsen Insurance Services can't wait to learn how we can help you with your insurance coverage needs. Please call us, stop by our office, or fill out the contact form below.


text:
Home › Meetings & Events › 2022 › Employees Bolt When Supervisors Make these Five Mistakes
Employees Bolt When Supervisors Make these Five Mistakes
Date: November 17, 2022, 8:00am – 9:30am
Please join us for
Nancy Maki
Open Gate Consulting
Research consistently demonstrates that frontline leaders are significant in the success of a work team. The supervisor's approach to leading does make a difference to people. All workers have basic needs. They may thrive or whither depending on whether those meets are met in the workplace. If those meets are not met, employees are a flight risk. The key to solving this puzzle is the supervisor.
The supervisor who understands, and can meet, an employee's essential needs has a strong foundation. The supervisor who can demonstrate empathy builds on that strength. The supervisor who communicates with clarity, consistency, and respect has the goods to create a lasting team.
Grasp the deeply powerful, and often untapped, influence in frontline leaders
Understand five key action steps that supervisors can take to build loyalty, trust, and longevity
Take away practical tools to grow competence and confidence in key leader competencies
We will start promptly at 8:00 am.
This program is pending for 1.0 PDCs toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
1.0 Credit pending through HRCI.
Nancy Maki, LMHC, SPHR, has a long history in leadership, management, and performance development. In her early career, Nancy honed her leadership skills as an Army officer, often in harsh, demanding environments. She developed skills in legal analysis, negotiation, and risk management while as a claim superintendent in the insurance industry. Transitioning to the entrepreneurial side of the insurance industry, Nancy earned the opportunity to open her own agency.
She later earned the credential Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As an employee assistance professional, she drew on her mental health and human resources experience to guide managers through their challenges leading people. Nancy has helped leaders navigate issues as diverse as substance abuse, workplace violence, conflict, domestic violence, performance maangement, and mental health in the workplace. She's supported many of the largest employers in Western Washington including construction, manufacturing, government, tech, healthcare, and tribal organizations.


Merry Kiss: Saya-chan and Natsu-kun are models who have been hired for a photo of a romantic kiss. How can these two strangers take a convincing photo together?
Perfect Doll: Kenji learned the magic of puppetmastery from his father. Together with his "doll," Miyu, he will fight against evildoers.
Twinkle Twinkle: By day, Mashiro-chan is an ordinary student. By night, she's the beautiful thief Star Drop. What will Mashiro-chan do when she discovers that her crush, Mamoru, is working with the police to capture Star Drop?
Cupid's Love Arrow: Whenever someone has relationship troubles, they go to Aya-chan for her advice. Despite her expertise, Aya-chan herself can't stay in a relationship.


Bathrooms are for relaxation, for quiet time, and for Monday morning chaos as the week begins. You may not realize it now – but a well-constructed and designed bathroom can make your morning routine much more pleasant.
At AZ's Best 4 Less Home Services, we help you with everything from resurfacing that old shower from 1979 to bringing in a fresh new look from top to bottom. Whether you're looking for a small change or a complete renovation, we're simply the best in the valley. Give us a call today to see why we guarantee our work at a fair price.


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Derrida's Seminars: writing before writing before the letter
Posted on Thursday, Sep 22, 2016 1:01PM Friday, December 8, 2017 by Robin Varghese
Jonathan Basile in 3:AM Magazine:
After beginning with the end, we have ended up at the beginning. The newest of Jacques Derrida's seminars is the oldest yet published, Heidegger: The Question of Being & History,which pre-dates the philosopher's 1967 debut, the year he published three of the twentieth century's most influential works of philosophy. Derrida died in 2004 and left behind more than 14,000 pages of lectures and notes from a half-century of teaching. Thanks to the critical work of the editors of the French editions and the Derrida Seminar Translation Project, five of his seminars have now appeared in book form in French and four in English translation. The editors began with the last seminars before his death, The Beast and the Sovereign andThe Death Penalty, courses taught from 1999-2003, before returning to 1964-5, to a young scholar's inchoate reflections on Heidegger, who would endure as a focus of Derrida's career and the frequent subject of his close reading practice, which came to be known as deconstruction.
There's an intuitive sense to this distribution. The seminars served as a sort of laboratory for Derrida's published work, often presaging and developing the themes that would appear there. The final seminars, however, had not yet been elaborated in book form. The Beast and the Sovereign, begun in November of 2001 after the attacks of September 11th, dealt in particular with political themes that Peggy Kamuf, member of both the French editorial team and the translation project, described as "most pressing."
a new biography of marx
It is and it isn't
"Just wanted you to know I'm one of many who reads and enjoys 3 Quarks....almost daily."
—David Byrne, musician, former lead-singer of the Talking Heads, artist, intellectual.


REBECCA SANTANA | 1/25/2016, 6:23 a.m.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Leah Chase has spent her culinary life on the cutting edge of history, mixing fine dining with her southern Louisiana roots at her classic New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase's.
She broke the city's segregation laws decades ago by serving White and Black customers, including civil rights leaders like Thurgood Marshall. She offered an upscale, white-tablecloth dining experience at a time when none existed for Blacks in the city. Her jambalaya, fried oysters, shrimp Creole and Gumbo des Herbes have introduced countless people to Creole cooking.
The woman who's been dubbed the Queen of Creole Cuisine says she has few regrets – maybe just one.
"Maybe I should have worked harder. I don't know. But I did the best I could do," said Chase, sitting in the dining room during a recent lunch rush, while fielding tourists' requests for autographs of her cookbooks or photos.
The notion that Chase hasn't worked hard enough would shock her customers. Using a walker, she still goes table to table and greets diners and steps into the kitchen to make sure her fried chicken is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Chase, who turns 93 on Wednesday, has spent most of her life cooking and directing the restaurant named after her husband in Treme, a historic African American neighborhood. New Orleans restaurateur John Besh calls her an "ambassador of our food, our people of south Louisiana," where she prepares classic dishes like red beans and rice or shrimp Clemenceau.
The restaurant opened in 1941 serving sandwiches and lottery tickets. Not until after Chase married her husband Dooky in 1946 was it gradually redesigned to offer more upscale dining: tablecloths and silverware set on the table, for example, and Creole dishes.
Segregation meant that fancy restaurants were off limits to Black patrons in the city. But those same restaurants were staffed by Black employees, and Chase waited tables in the French Quarter during World War II.
"I worked in a restaurant so I knew what they did in them. I said well, why we can't have that for our people? Why we can't have a nice space?" she said.
Dooky Chase's also became the meeting spot for Black and White civil rights activists.
Ernest "Dutch" Morial, the city's first African American mayor, courted his wife Sybil Morial during lunches at Dooky Chase's. Sybil Morial recalled how Marshall and other lawyers would visit New Orleans and work with her husband and fellow NAACP lawyer, A.P. Tureaud, to plot legal strategies after the 1954 landmark ruling of Brown vs. Board of Education. The Black and White lawyers would go to Dooky's for lunch or dinner.
"It was a haven for them to refresh themselves with wonderful gumbo and it was a place where they could strategize after a hard day's work," Morial said.
Chase doesn't boast about it, saying simply that she did what she thought she had to do.
"All I had to do was feed them. If they were in jail in New Orleans I would send food to jail. They didn't eat that prison food," she said.


Founded in1997, Frederick Biehle Erika Hinrich viaARCHITECTURE is an interdisciplinary partnership dedicated to exploring and realizing their particular approach to making.
Erika Hinrichs' original training was in ballet and fine art. Having grown up in Chicago, Green Bay, and Minneapolis, she moved to New York city in 1982 to attend Parsons School of Design. Focusing on the discipline of architecture, she moved to the Cooper Union to study under John Hejduk and earn her professional degree. She has practiced in architecture since 1990, working for seven years with Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Architects. She was responsible for several highly acclaimed projects including the auditorium building for the Neuroscience's Institute in La Jolla, California which received a national citation from the AIA. She maintains an avid interest in materials- new, natural and recycled, and in the detailing of form at all scales of invention. Her own work has been published widely. She has been an adjunct Professor of Architecture at Pratt Institute since 1999 and since 2010 served as the departmental chair of undergraduate Architecture, the largest private professional degree program in the United States.
Frederick Biehle brings a complementary role to the studio. He represents the fourth generation of a family dedicated to the fine and decorative arts. He has degrees from the University of Virginia and the Harvard GSD after which he relocated to New York City. In 1986 he was awarded the Prix de Rome Fellowship in Architecture allowing him to live and study in Italy for two years. He has traveled extensively in the Mediterranean region researching the architecture and urbanism of antiquity. His drawings have been exhibited in Europe and the United States and published by Places, Space Magazine, and the Harvard Architectural Review. His architectural works have been published widely. He founded his own firm in 1988 and his partnership with Erika Hinrichs ten years after. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Architecture and as the Director of the Rome Program at Pratt Institute.
Altering the fabric of enclosure by opening- window, door, threshold, aperture can transform the role of a particular space. Multiplicity of openings introduces choice, and with choice of movement comes individual empowerment. Choice engages the inhabitant and therefor contributes to the construction of meaning. We are all the sum total of our choices.
Engaging both the tactile and visual senses, how one material is joined together with another is where form takes on character. Thoughtfulness is expressed in the delineation of material relationships. It is in the craft of making that a distinction is made between inhabiting and dwelling.
"Interior space constitutes the basis of architectural experience" said Le Corbusier in his seminal publication Vers Une Architecture. He was referring not to the design of that which is indoors but to all architecture, from the scale of the room to the urban condition, where a sense of enclosure offers the spatial possibility of "being within". A conscious awareness of the space of figuration is the foundational motive for our work.


Time to Party at Soiree!
Come join the after party brought to you by all the cool folks at Collabor88! Look for fabulous creations from some of your favorite designers. Dance on over soon, though, because after April 19, the party's over!
Posted by Chelle Moore on Feb 20, 2019 in Soiree | Comments Off on You're Invited To Soiree!
The after party starts now and you're invited! Soiree is back with more creations hand-picked just for you by fabulous designers! There is something for everyone, so check it out while you can because this party ends on March 19th!


These days, there is an extra layer to our lives that permeates everything we do, from personal, to professional to even the romantic aspect of our life. That is our digital life, with the social media accounts we maintain, and the direct chat lines we have to friends and family.
On the one hand, this is a great way for us to maintain connections with the people close to us, no matter what time it is, or how far we actually live from each other. Relatives in another country can be easily reached through text, audio or video chat. Social media allows us to capture a single, happy moment of our life and share it with everyone who matters instantly.
But this ability to instantly update friends, family—and even the public at large—about our activities while both fulfilling and convenient, also serves another purpose that few people think about. It is a timeline and often legally admissible testimony of our attitudes and activities.
It's a sad truth of the 21st century that "distracted driving," that is, the act of driving while engaging in some other activity, is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in the country. In fact, because distracted driving actually incurs far less legal punishment than drunk driving, the incidences of drunk driving have been steadily dropping with each passing year, while distracted driving related injuries and fatalities have been on the rise.
It's now gotten to the point where distracted driving is now responsible for more injuries and deaths than drunk driving, but despite that, it wasn't until 2013 that the most common form of distracted driving, text messaging on a phone, was even declared illegal in Florida. But that illegality comes with some conditions, and while distracted driving can still be a major factor in a personal injury case, it doesn't help before the accident occurs, which is when it would do the most good.
What Happens If You Ignore A Recall?
A product recall is usually a voluntary action taken by a company when it is discovered that something they manufacture may inadvertently contain a design defect that can cause injury to people. In some cases, this is a purely accidental situation, such as a recent recall from the Disney corporation where it was discovered the some children's wear posed an injury threat through accidental strangulation from a particular line of clothing. In other cases, such as the Volkswagen "dieselgate" scandal, deliberate deception was involved and eventually uncovered proving false performance claims on a supposedly fuel efficient vehicle.
In cases where a product recall is announced due to injury risk, the company is taking a very aggressive, proactive stance to try and prevent personal injury lawsuits. They understand that this is a widespread, manufacturing defect, and they are taking responsibility by trying to get the dangerous product away from the public so that no one will get harmed.
The mechanical components of the inside door latch may not fasten securely in high temperatures. What does that mean for you? Your door may unexpectedly open, increasing your risk of injury. Falling out of a vehicle that is parked is bad enough, but if it happens while the vehicle is moving, your injuries can become life altering.
If you become injured due to a malfunctioning part, you should not have to pay for a company's mistake. You may be entitled to compensation that will help with medical bills and other expenses. This information is designed with the intent of making you aware to avoid such accidents, but if you become hurt, contact our lawyers for a free case review.
Hurricane season is right around the corner and you can never be too prepared. There is so much going on before, during and after the eye hits that it is easy to sustain a personal injury. This could be from your own property, a neighbor being negligent or simply from an act of nature. You can never be completely prepared for every accident or incident that may occur, but planning ahead can reduce the instances of a personal injury occurring.
It is a good idea to always have an emergency supply of food and a fully stocked first aid kit on hand. If the lights go out, for an extended period of time, non-perishable food in your stockpile can be a game changer. Regardless of what time of year it is, you should keep at least one first aid kit in your home. It can also be helpful to have a second one made up to stay in your car. This will ensure that you are ready to face many of the obstacles that life throws your way.
Ford is issuing a recall for certain 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks. These vehicles are equipped with 6.2L engines and 6-speed automatic transmissions. There is a potential problem with the park rod actuating plate. This damage plate can result in unexpected vehicle movement, which increases the chances of you becoming injured or involved in a crash.
To make matters worse, there are no parts available yet to correct the problem. The company is expected to notify owners of the potential hazards sometime in April. As soon as remedy parts become available, owners will be notified a second time through the mail. There are a potential 48,443 affected units involved. Ford's recall number is 17C06 and owners should contact their customer service department for more information.
Being involved in a car crash can leave you feeling disoriented and alone. It is a confusing time and if you have sustained injuries, that only adds to these feelings of desperation. For drivers that have never experienced this situation first hand, this list of things to do immediately after a car crash can help you through the process.
The health and safety of you and any other passengers, or drivers involved should always be the top concern of everyone. Vehicles are only material items that can be replaced, but life is irreplaceable. Attempt to make contact with other passengers in your vehicle, if any are present. Having them sound off one by one, is an effective method to make sure that everyone is conscious. Once this is done, you can proceed with other matters.
Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs come in a variety of colors which include pink, purple or blue. When water is added into the equation they become either a white or brown bunny or a butterfly. The Easter Grow Toys include a yellow chick or a white or brown bunny. The Hatch Your Own Dino toys are either green and yellow, or purple, and they include 1 of 11 dinosaurs.
It seems as if recalls have become a way of life in modern society. We have come to accept the fact that anything man-made can have imperfections. However, when it comes to things like mislabeled packaging or negligence by a company, someone should be held accountable if you are injured by the product.
Food allergies are an unfortunate part of life that many of us have to deal with. A company that does not include items, such as peanuts, to the label is putting these people's lives in jeopardy. Our lawyers are knowledgeable about all aspects of the law. We are big enough to have the financial needs to handle your case, but we also handle every case on an individual basis to give you the best possible outcome.
Many times, automotive recalls get all of the headlines. Air bags have gotten most of the attention lately, but what about other items that are recalled? Consumers need to be made aware of them to help them remain safe. Stay informed and keep you and your loved ones safe.
While actually owning a home is often a long term goal for most people, it's not something that can usually be achieved right away. For some, home ownership is something will eventually happen with a more stable income and a family to look after. For others, in dense urban centers, homeownership may not even be practical, and a downtown lifestyle makes more economic sense when you rent.
Renting a place to live involves a mix of responsibilities. You may live in an apartment or house, but you don't own it, someone else—your landlord—does. And that means that there's a division of who is responsible for what. You may be responsible for paying only some of your utilities, such as electricity, but not water, or none at all. You will usually be responsible for maintaining the residence in the same general condition that you found it in, so you can't simply knock down a wall in order to make a room bigger for your home office needs.
A product recall from a car manufacturer may seem to a car owner to be a big inconvenience in both time and the ability to travel. In reality however, a product recall is simply a car manufacturer being responsible—and scared enough—of the possibility of a lawsuit that they are doing the right thing. Car recalls mean that there is a widespread manufacturing defect with a product, and, when used under certain conditions, people can come to harm through no fault of their own.
If you own last year's Mitsubishi Outlander, then you will definitely want to give this some serious thought, as the car manufacturer has announced a recall.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport SUVs have been publicly recalled. Mitsubishi has discovered a flaw in approximately 36000 vehicles in this series that put Florida drivers in particular at risk.
In an ideal world, when mistakes are made, such as two drivers getting into an accident, or, worse yet, one driver hitting a cyclist or pedestrian, things would get resolved quickly. The person responsible for the accident, having accepted his or her role in the incident, would obey the law, provide identification, and remain at the scene until the police arrived and due process takes place with assessing the exact events. A subsequent legal case will be required for something like negligence, personal injury, or, for more severe situations, drunk driving and/or vehicular manslaughter if deaths are involved.
Unfortunately, some people, because they know they are responsible for a serious injury, do not want to deal with the consequences of that action. They may decide that they can't be punished if they aren't present to deal with the police and so choose to leave instead.
For some people, applying for social security disability insurance, or SSD, is a comparatively simple process. If a worker suffers a clear, debilitating, life-long injury that makes it difficult or impossible to receive gainful employment, this is the exact reason that SSD was created. It is unfair for someone to receive a permanent injury as a result of responsibly doing a job, and having a future forever crippled because of that. SSD ensures that people in this position are not financially punished for simply doing a job and provides the income necessary to continue to live an honest life.
However, for others, an injury at work may not as obvious as something like the loss of a limb, or sight. Some conditions, such as fibromyalgia are permanent muscular injuries, but they are inconsistent, coming and going unpredictably. It can mean a person appears able bodied one moment, but is then unable to complete even simple physicals tasks the next. These more ambiguous injuries may garner more skepticism during an application for social security, and may even result in a refusal.
These are soft and cuddly stuffed animals that kids enjoy keeping close to them. However, it has been brought to the company's attention that the eyes may detach or loosen from the toys. Cuddling, and playing with them, could pose an increased choking risk to your child. Personal injuries can be sustained and that is never acceptable when our children are involved.
While the majority of Florida personal injury law focuses on things like automobile accidents or slip and fall injuries that fall under premises liability, there are more facets to personal injury law than just these basic things. A perfect example of this is product liability, and understanding more about it could help those who have been injured due to defective products get the compensation that they deserve.
However, a number of people who have been injured due to these types of accidents never even realize that they have the right to seek financial restitution for their injuries. With this in mind, we think it's well worth giving it a closer look.
What Is Product Liability Personal Injury?
The first thing you'll want to understand is simply what product liability actually is. Product liability is a type of law wherein the seller or manufacturer of a defective product is held responsible for injuries that their defective product causes. In these situations, injuries sustained because of a defect or improper design will lie with the creator or seller of a product.


As a professional chef, I have several passions in life! I love spending time with my lovely bride Kate and we love riding our motorcycle everywhere we can. Whether on vacation or simple day/weekend trips. I love to golf, spend time in the outdoors in the woods but obviously besides my wife I love to cook! It's what I think about on a daily basis and I love to try new techniques, come up with delicious recipes and how I can help others smile through my food!
I have worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years from casual to high end restaurants and as a chef working on private estates with several personal clients. I have even had the privilege to cook for two world presidents and a few celebrities!
I fell in love with cooking when I was young. My dad was a professional wrestler and was on the road a lot when I was young, thus I spent time with my mom and grandmother in the kitchen but I really loved watching PBS and learning from Gloria Child. I remember coming home from football or wrestling practice and turning her on the television to see her delightful show. Not sure why but I would watch it rather than the afternoon sitcoms and other programming.
I didn't really start out in the field but finally about the age of 22 I owned a small catering truck and realized I love serving the public. From there I got into running restaurants and haven't looked back! Now at 53, I have scaled down a bit and love cooking for small intimate events, private clients while doing restaurant consulting. Since I no longer work directly in the professional kitchen I had to find an outlet to share my love of cooking with others and what a more perfect way than sharing this blog with you!
My cooking can run the table from simple comfort food, clean eating, grilling, roasting, braising to breakfast, lunch and dinner! I want this blog to be your everything! Recipes, kitchen tools, pantry items to make your kitchen a place of pleasure to be in and hopefully grow your love for cooking as mine or at least make life a little easier for you. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced cook, I hope you will enjoy this site and use it on a regular basis for your go to recipe site!


Melody Loveless is a Brooklyn based composer and creative technologist who experiments and creates works for digital media, and acoustic and electronic instruments.
Her work is influenced by story-telling, science, crossing between mediums and genres, and interactive art. She has had the opportunity to work with many great musicians such as So Percussion, the JACK Quartet, Cadillac Moon Ensemble, Barnard-Columbia Ancient Drama Group, NEXTET New Music Ensemble, Washington Square Winds and NYU Contemporary Ensemble.
She holds a M.M. in Music Composition from New York University – Steinhardt and a B.A. in Music from University of Nevada – Las Vegas. Currently, she is pursuing a M.S. in Integrated Digital Media from New York University – Polytechnic School of Engineering. Her past composition instructors include Joan La Barbara, Julia Wolfe and Jerica Oblack. She has studied percussion with Timothy Jones, Alex Stopa and Dean Gronemeier.


ARDMORE, Okla. (AP) A judge in Oklahoma has delayed the sentencing for Justin Blackmon after the suspended Jacksonville Jaguars receiver said he is in the process of completing court-ordered alcohol abuse courses.
Blackmon was set for sentencing Wednesday in his hometown of Ardmore, about 100 miles south of Oklahoma City. Blackmon pleaded guilty in April to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.
Authorities arrested the former Oklahoma State standout in December after an officer said he smelled alcohol in Blackmon's vehicle.
The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/1PiRHGU ) that Blackmon said in court Wednesday that he's now living in Dallas and is completing two court-mandated courses. Judge Dennis Morris reset the sentencing until Aug. 24 so Blackmon can finish the courses.
Blackmon declined to comment to reporters at the hearing.


Kinda Catchy Tech business name that is looking to provide a tech service to customers or to solve their issues.
Problem is, it's just a brand and a long one at that. Not much value as it will be hard to find an end-user buyer and you will likely never get a wholesale buyer.
End-user is someone who buys the domain to make it into a website.


BERLIN (AP) — Angela Merkel set off Monday on what could be a three-year countdown to the end of her leadership of Germany, a stint that has made her the European Union's longest-serving leader and a key figure in facing the continent's many crises.
That's a title she herself objected to, saying leadership is never up to one person or country. But she has been a stalwart face of Western democracy through turbulent times, including the European debt crisis, the migrant influx of 2015, Britain's decision to leave the EU and escalating trade tensions with the United States.
With her announcement, she indicated she has no intention of shirking from the "major foreign policy challenges" ahead, suggesting by taking the question of her future out of the picture her often rancorous coalition might govern better.
Merkel, 64, has led the CDU since 2000 and Germany since 2005. She governs Germany in a "grand coalition" of what traditionally has been the country's biggest parties — the CDU, Bavaria's conservative Christian Social Union and the center-left Social Democrats.
She announced her decision the day after voters punished both her CDU and the Social Democrats in an election in the central state of Hesse. It came two weeks after a similar debacle for the CSU and Social Democrats in neighboring Bavaria.
Her announcement comes amid growing concerns about far-right nationalist parties making inroads in Europe, including Germany. Sunday's result in Hesse means that the Alternative for Germany party now holds seats in every state legislature and federal parliament.
Many in Europe also have looked to Merkel as U.S. President Donald Trump has increasingly called into question traditional trans-Atlantic ties with his announcements of trade tariffs, repeated criticism of European contributions to NATO, and other issues. Merkel has walked a fine line, criticizing some of Trump's decisions while emphasizing that a good relationship with Washington is "central" to her government.
At the moment, it is still too early to tell whether she will be able to govern effectively as a lame-duck chancellor, or if it will strengthen her coalition, said Thorsten Faas, political science professor at Berlin's Free University.
For her part, Merkel said she sees "many more opportunities than risks for our country, the German government and also my party" in setting a transition of power in motion.
She said she hopes to open the way for "new success for the CDU" by letting it prepare for her departure as chancellor, and she won't interfere with the choice of a successor.
"Not so much because new is always better but rather because it could give Merkel the freedom and the tail wind — freed from party ties — to put a final stamp on her legacy, possibly with bolder steps to reform the German economy and the monetary union," he said.
Merkel will now concentrate on smoothing over the differences in her government to keep it running until the end of the parliamentary term in 2021, which is far from guaranteed. The Social Democrats only reluctantly joined her coalition in March, and another crisis or an already-agreed midterm review next fall could spell its end.
Two prominent candidates immediately threw their hats in the ring: Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, the party's general secretary, who is viewed as a Merkel ally and largely backs her centrist approach; and Health Minister Jens Spahn, 38, an ambitious conservative who has talked tough on migration and has criticized Merkel.
Another more conservative figure, Friedrich Merz, also reportedly planned to seek the leadership. Merz lost his post as the party's parliamentary leader to Merkel in 2002 and has been absent from front-line politics in recent years.
It had been widely assumed this would be Merkel's final term in office, but the comments were the chancellor's first public confirmation.
Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, stepped down as leader of his Social Democrats in 2004 but remained chancellor until narrowly losing a re-election bid 18 months later.
Merkel said she has been mulling her decision for months. Her one-time mentor, Helmut Kohl, sought a fifth term in 1998 and lost power after 16 years.
Merkel has dragged the CDU to the political center, dropping military conscription and abruptly accelerating the shutdown of Germany's nuclear power plants following Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011.
In one of her most debated moves, Merkel allowed large numbers of migrants and asylum-seekers into Germany in 2015, many of them fleeing the fighting in Syria, before gradually pivoting to a more restrictive approach.
That decision has led to lasting tensions in her conservative Union bloc, particularly with Bavaria's CSU, and helped the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party gain support. At the other end of the spectrum, the traditionally left-leaning Greens also have gained.


A sampler box featuring 8 of our blends in our compostable individually wrapped pyramid bags.
Perfect for trying out our teas or as a gift.
The Mini Sampler has 2 of each of the 8 blends in a small box - so 16 in total.
The Master Sampler has 6 of each of the 8 blends in a black presentation box - so 48 in total.
I ordered this set as a birthday gift for a friend who is an avid tea drinker. I was so impressed with the presentation and selection that I then ordered more tea for myself! The taste is amazing, a great gift for any tea lover. There is something to suit everyone and a great way to try something new. Super speedy delivery too!
Joy of joys - arrived super-fast. And when I opened the lid - yummo! All are delicious - can't wait to top up.
This is my second order following discovering the brand at Congham Hall.
No dust, just identifiable ingredients. Have bought loose teas and pyramid teabags. All high quality and great taste. Would not hesitate to order again.
The large teabag box was bought as a gift and really looks good, very well presented.
Bought for a friend at work who is a dedicated tea drinker and he's really happy with it. Hasnt tried all the flavours yet but has loved them all so far.
My favourite brand of tea!
I tried Shibui tea for the first time in an Edinburgh cafe this month, loved it so much I bought a whole load of their teas online, including the sample pack. I love the smell of the teas, the fact their bags are compostable, and the flavour and quality of the teas are second to none. Will definitely order again!


These items are compatible with the SkiErg 2, manufactured from August 2014–present (shown below with optional floor stand).
SkiErg 2 There are 3 products.
For use with the black SkiErg. The SkiErg Handle Hooks attach to both sides of the SkiErg near the monitor and hold the SkiErg handles in place lower on the machine so that the handles are within reach for people using the SkiErg from a wheelchair or seated position.


text:
With Improving COVID-19 Numbers, Austin-Travis County Drops Back Down to Stage 4 Restrictions
Escott: "It's not time to burn the masks yet"
By Beth Sullivan, 10:25AM, Tue. Feb. 9, 2021
A second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is administered at a drive-thru clinic on Feb. 6 (photo by Jana Birchum)
Austin Public Health officials announced today that the city and county have moved to Stage 4 of Austin-Travis County's COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines.
This is the first time that local health officials have lowered the local pandemic precautions since Austin entered Stage 5 – the highest risk level – the day before Christmas Eve. Under Stage 4, local health officials are recommending that high-risk residents should stay at home, except for essential trips such as buying groceries, as well as avoid gathering socially and in groups of two or more. Additionally, businesses are recommended to limit capacity to 25-50%, and schools are encouraged to limit attendance at sporting events to only players, coaches, and parents. "If we can maintain these protections, we can continue to push down the positivity rate, our admissions to the hospital, and certainly put us in a better position for spring break and Easter," said Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott.
Escott announced the transition during a COVID-19 briefing to City Council this morning. The decision to shift to Stage 4 comes amid improving numbers in local disease metrics, including Austin's positivity rate, hospitalizations, and ICU bed usage. "The projections continue to look promising," said Escott. As of Feb. 8, the seven-day moving average for new hospital admissions stood at 55, with 133 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in local intensive care units.
Still, Escott cautioned, "It's not time to burn the masks yet." He said APH is concerned about the possible impact of Super Bowl celebrations last weekend, Valentine's Day gatherings, and the B.1.1.7 variant of the novel coronavirus which APH confirmed the first case in Austin last Wednesday.
Read more in this week's issue, on stands and online Thursday.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin's independent news source for almost 40 years, expressing the community's political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
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judge faqs
We have 3 judges available for ABODA and directors.
Lauren Denney Wright
Dr. Lauren Denney Wright is the current Director of Wind Ensemble activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Berry College where she conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches clarinet. Prior to her arrival at Berry College, Dr. Denney Wright was the Director of Bands, clarinet instructor, and taught Instrumental Music Education courses at Oklahoma Baptist University.
A native of Marietta, Ga., Dr. Denney Wright earned her bachelor of music degree in clarinet performance from Vanderbilt University, the master of music degree in clarinet performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the bachelor of music degree in music education from Kennesaw State University. Dr. Denney Wright completed her doctoral studies in instrumental conducting at the University of Miami Frost School of Music under the mentorship of Gary Green, where she conducted the Frost Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Chamber Winds and Concert Band. In addition, she taught conducting courses, worked with the Band of the Hour marching band and ran the men and womens basketball pep bands. Dr. Denney Wright has worked with such composers as John Corigliano, David Maslanka, Michael Daugherty, John Mackey and Steven Bryant. Dr. Denney Wright made her international debut conducting chamber music with members of the Berlin Philharmonic in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Dr. Denney Wright holds professional memberships with College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society and Music Teachers National Association. In addition she is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Tau Beta Sigma, a founding member of Sigma Alpha Iota at Vanderbilt University, and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi.
Educational Background:
B.M., Vanderbilt University - Clarinet Performance
M.M., University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Clarinet Performance
B.M., Kennesaw State University - Music Education
D.M.A., University of Miami Frost School of Music - Conducting
ABODA: Band: 0921 Concert Solo or Duet
Paul Barber
Buena Park, CA
Paul has played the trumpet for over twenty years and in that time has seen his musical talents take him across the United States and even overseas into Hong Kong and China. As an educator he has given masterclasses, taught privately, worked as a section coach, brass caption and music ensemble caption head, visual instructor for individuals and as a caption head, and been a full-time band director for over 6 years. He has had the privilege of conducting elementary, middle and high school Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Indoor Percussion (marching and non-marching). He has also had the opportunity of working with small/chamber string ensembles as well as full symphony orchestras. Mostly recently he added Music Director and Pit Conductor to his resume, working on the musicals Bye, Bye, Birdie and Little Women. He received a BA Music degree from Biola University (07) and a California State teaching credential from California State University Dominguez Hills (11).
As a performer Paul has performed as a member of many small ensembles ranging from solo work to brass quintet to small mixed wind ensembles up to a brass ensemble of 16 members. He has also performed with many large ensembles including jazz bands, concert bands, wind ensembles, symphony orchestras, marching band, and even several concert choirs and small ensemble mens groups. Paul has studied with many fine trumpet teachers over the years, most recently Robert Feller and David Washburn.
Over the last ten years as an adjudicator, Paul has given clinics to individuals, groups of all sizes and instrumentation in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Canada and China. He has provided regular adjudication for the last four years through the Southern California Judging Association circuit in the fall for marching bands and the spring for jazz bands.
ABODA: Band: 0921 Jazz Solo or Duet
Phil Mortensen
Phil Mortensen currently serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in southern California and is the Director of Orchestras at Yorba Linda HS. Previously he was the Director of Instrumental Music at Valencia High School in Placentia where he directed the award winning Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensembles.
Mr. Mortensen earned his A.A. degree from El Camino College, a Bachelor of Music degree from Long Beach State, and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Cal State Fullerton. Mr. Mortensen is a Past President of the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), serves on the Board of Directors for the Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization, and is a head judge serving the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association. Mr. Mortensen has judged throughout California, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington State, and in Paris, France.
Mr. Mortensen is an active judge, clinician, & conference presenter and is enjoying his 30th year in Music Education!
ABODA: Band: 0921 Orch. Guitar Solo or Duet
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