This book was quite enjoyable. It is the story of a Indian prince who must, to free his family from a curse, remove a vampire from a cemetery and carry it/him to a wizard. The vampire is quite a funny fellow and tells a series of stories. At the end of each story, Prince Vikram must either hold his tongue or at least reply politely to the vampire's story. This proves impossible for him, so many tales end with the vampire escaping Vikrams bag and returning to his tree, only to be collected and carried away again, for the length of another story, until finally the prince learns wisdom.
Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS (19 March 1821 – 20 October 1890) was a British geographer, explorer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer and diplomat. He was known for his travels and explorations within Asia, Africa and the Americas as well as his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures. According to one count, he spoke 29 European, Asian and African languages.


Four more shows to go before I hunker down and get the stats out to see who will be ranked in each of my charts. I have a good deal of HOLIDAY music that will be heard on the penultimate show for 2012, coming up the week of 12/16. I still have room for more. Anything appropo for the time of the year (doesn't have to be Christmas!!) from indie/underground/DIY/touring artists will be considered.
I'm seeking at least one more show to cover in the first half of December.
RCB Novus Ordo: The Silver Snails present a most unique world music sound, filled with spacy electronics, mutiple languages, darkness and humor all at once. I had spun "Beatrice Russo" from their CD. To get a further idea of their sound you might want to try "Dancing With The Stars", complete with Fellini-esque video. Irina is a dance-oriented songstress on the rise. Sarah Solovay returns to RCB airwaves with a song from her new EP. Veteran songwriter Richard Thorne also heard in this show.
RCB proper: Everyone knows the anti-war and anti-Thanksgiving tune "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie. But did you know he rerecorded it some 30 years later? I spun that recording for you to open the show, followed by another RCB staple for the holiday, Lara Herscovitch's "Tequila Over Turkey" (we're not talking basting). Segment 1: Sirsy & Bound By Substance perform at The Bitter End in NYC on 11/30. Reintroduced a segment I used to do in the years before RCB Novus Ordo, where I would spin brand new music within the rotation instead of separately. Notable: The Nite Lights I first saw a months ago here in Philly, opening for Beaucoup Blue. Drew Schultz is drummer for The Four Tops and likewise keeps time for similar soul music acts that make appearance on his new album. Segment 2: Spun new tune from Social Hero, during a generally rocking period of songs. Segment 3: Segued between Tweed Funk's funk and horns, and Remember September's brand of guitars and horns. New Music Sampler #2 includes the latest from superstar Atlanta sister act von Grey. Also: Hat Check Girl (Peter Galway, Annie Gallup), and Chase Gassaway's music for the soundtrack to indie film "Take Two". Final segment: Listen for Teresa Storch's "Holiday" which also takes place on Thanksgiving, along with Vance Gilbert, with more cold-weather memory. Aztec Two-Step's tune to close the show, written in 1983, still rings true.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged Aztec Two-Step, Beaucoup Blue, Bound By Substance, Chase Gassaway, Crown Point, Dan Herman, Drew Schultz, GoGirlsMusic, Hat Check Girl, Lara Herscovitch, Radio Crystal Blue, Remember September, Richard Thorne music, Sarah Solovay, Sirsy, Social Hero, Teresa Storch, The 1861 Project, The Nite Lights, The Silver Snails, Tweed Funk, Vance Gilbert, von Grey. Bookmark the permalink.


HÀ NAM – Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình took part in a traditional ploughing festival to pray for a year of abundant harvests and prosperity yesterday at the annual Tịch Điền (Ploughing) festival in Đọi Sơn Commune, Duy Tiên District, the Hồng (Red) River Delta province of Hà Nam.
Speaking at the event, Bình stressed the development of Việt Nam's agriculture, from traditional cultivation to modern production.
In 2018, the sector witnessed 3.7 per cent growth, the highest level in the past seven years. This achievement not only ensured the nation's food security but also placed Việt Nam in the world's top 15 largest agricultural product exporters.
Bình urged Hà Nam Province and other localities to restructure the agriculture sector, accelerate co-operation among enterprises, apply innovations in production and set up consumption chains.
In 2019, Việt Nam's agriculture growth goal is set at 3 per cent, which would see export value hit US$43 billion and achieve the 2016-2020 goal of building new-style rural areas ahead of schedule.
Tịch Điền festival, which dates back to year 987 during the Lê Dynasty, is held annually on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year.
King Lê Đại Hành started the ploughing festival in Đọi Sơn Commune to encourage farmers to cultivate rice.
The tradition was kept alive through many dynasties before ceasing under the reign of King Khải Định of the Nguyễn Dynasty.
Tịch Điền festival was restored a decade ago.
During the festival, processions of drummers and Lê Đại Hành's ancestral tablet from Long Đọi Sơn pagoda merge with processions from the village's guardian god and the father of Đọi Tam drum-making at the foot of the Đọi Mountain.
The march proceeds to the spot where King Lê Đại Hành used to plough, and then a ceremony is held to worship the God of Agriculture.


With the increasing number of regulatory requirements being imposed on utilities, it is important to have a relay protection simulation software package that can assist with meeting these voluminous requirements. CAPE offers support for a number of NERC PRC standards, including: PRC-001 (System Protection Coordination), PRC-002-2 Identifying Required BES Buses for Events Recording (SER) and Fault Recording (FR) Data, PRC-019-1 (Coordination of Generator Voltage Regulator Controls with Unit Capabilities and Protection), PRC-023-2 (Transmission Relay Loadability), NERC PRC-024-2 (Generator Frequency and Voltage Protective Relay Settings), PRC-025-1 (Generator Relay Loadability), PRC-026-1 (Stable Power Swing Relay Loadability), and PRC-027-1 (Protection System Coordination for Performance During Faults).
Electrocon developed a macro to evaluate coordination between the primary distance element on a line and backup overcurrent element at a generator, in small increments out to the reach point of the primary element. This macro was originally written at the request of a CAPE user and is now included in the CAPE software for all customers.
The purpose of PRC-002-2 is to have adequate data available to facilitate analysis of Bulk Electric System (BES) Disturbances. To comply with NERC PRC-002-2, it is required that the Transmission Owners �identify BES buses for which sequence of events recording (SER) and fault recording (FR) data is required by using the methodology in PRC-002-2, Attachment 1,� with the purpose of having adequate data available to facilitate analysis of Bulk Electric System (BES) disturbances.
Electrocon has developed a macro in CAPE that implements the methodology for finding and reporting which BES buses are required to have SER and FR data available.
NERC PRC-019 requires verification of generator voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities, and protection system settings. The verification study must be done at least every five years or within 90 days of making relevant settings or equipment changes.
Supporting features in CAPE include a Database Engine tool for digitizing capability and limiter curves, CG P-Q & R-X displays of capability, limiter, SSSL curves, CAPE-TS Link� module for LOF simulation, and models for V/Hz and PSB/OOS relay elements.
CAPE macros to evaluate and report relay loadability have evolved since 2004. The latest version may be accessed through the CAPE Sensitivity Checking macros in the System Simulator module. A macro for switch-onto-fault (SOTF) evaluation is also included in CAPE.
The CAPE-TS Link module evaluates the behavior of OOS blocking elements together with the distance elements that should operate. This may be more than the standard demands, but combined with CAPE�s detailed relay models, this is arguably the most convincing analysis available.
NERC PRC-024-2 was written to �ensure Generator Owners set their generator protective relays such that generating units remain connected during defined frequency and voltage excursions.� The frequency and voltage protection characteristics do not touch the area marked up as �no trip zone� from Attachment 1 and 2 in the standard. Each Region has different criteria for generator performance during frequency excursions. The CAPE PRC-024-2 application allows the user to select the appropriate Region when determining the frequency excursions. PRC-024-2 replaces PRC-024-1.
This standard is supported in CAPE through a Relay Setting macro that incorporates loadability criteria.
The purpose of this standard is to �ensure that load-responsive protective relays are expected to not trip in response to stable power swings during non-fault conditions.� Compliance must be demonstrated on BES elements within 12 months of [annual] notification by Planning Coordinator, unless this was done in the previous five years.
The CAPE macro for plotting swing trajectories has been significantly upgraded to support PRC-026 with advice from a senior member of the PRC-026 development committee.
The CAPE-TS Link module, in combination with the detailed PSB/OOS relay models of CAPE, can prove likely operation/non-operation in critical cases.
The purpose of the as-yet-unratified standard PRC-027-1 is �To maintain the coordination of Protection Systems installed for the purpose of detecting Faults on BES Elements and isolating those faulted Elements, such that the Protection Systems operate in the intended sequence during Faults.� To achieve this purpose, several requirements are laid out which include: (1) reviewing and updating the data used in the calculation of relay settings; (2) reviewing the relay settings themselves to verify that desired coordination is achieved, and (3) communicating proposed protection settings with other entities (neighbors) that need to coordinate with the devices.
One part of the standard states that relay settings should be reviewed if (1) 6 calendar years have passed or (2) the bus fault current deviates by 15% or more from the time when the settings were established. Knowing if 6 years have passed is easy. All you need is the settings calculated date, which can already be stored with the relay in CAPE. The second criteria is more difficult since it requires knowing the bus fault current at the time when the settings were generated.
Several macros have been created to perform various tasks to help fulfill requirements of PRC-027-1. The macro �PRC_027_1_FAULT_STUDY_CREATE� allows creating a new fault study and storing fault results for all buses in a bus set. The macro �PRC_027_1_FAULT_STUDY_UPDATE� will modify the fault values stored with an existing fault study.
The macro �PRC_027_1_COMPARE_AGAINST_BASELINE� allows comparing the present SC network fault results with a stored fault study. The macro �PRC_027_1_COMPARE_2_STUDIES� allows comparing results from two stored fault studies.
The macro �PRC_027_1_COMPARE_SUBSTATION� allows comparing SC results for the presently built SC network with the �baseline� fault results associated with each device in the selected substation.
CAPE is constantly being updated to provide support for future NERC PRC standards and other regulatory requirements faced by our customers. Contact Electrocon for the latest information on NERC PRC compliance support within CAPE.


Python skin, Soft Leather; rubber sole, round toeline, two-tone, flat, no appliqués, buckle, leather lining.
Heel height 4.29 inches; Textile fibres; leather sole, stiletto heel, solid colour, covered heel, velvet, narrow toeline, leather lining.
Heel height 4.29 inches; Textile fibres; leather lining, narrow toeline, no appliqués, spike heel, denim, solid colour, covered heel.
Heel height 3.9 inches; Soft Leather; leather lining, narrow toeline, laminated effect, spike heel, leather, solid colour, covered heel.
Heel height 4.29 inches; Soft Leather; stiletto heel, solid colour, nappa leather, wrapping straps closure, leather, no appliqués, round toeline.
Heel height 2.73 inches; Soft Leather; leather sole, round toeline, bow-detailed, stiletto heel, leather, two-tone, leather lining.
Heel height 2.34 inches; Soft Leather; leather sole, square heel, solid colour, covered heel, metal applications, round toeline, leather lining.
Heel height 2.34 inches; Soft Leather; covered heel, solid colour, bow-detailed, round toeline, suede effect, studs, square heel.
Boot length 6.63 inches; Boot width 11.7 inches; Textile fibres; leather lining, zip, no appliqués, round toeline, velvet, solid colour, flat.
Heel height 4.29 inches; Soft Leather; leather, covered heel, narrow toeline, leather lining, solid colour, stiletto heel, leather sole.


A California broker is promising to bring a "first-of-its-kind financial resource" that pays homeowners after an earthquake for a low monthly premium whether there's damage to the home or not.
A Berkeley, Calif.-based firm called Jumpstart Insurance Solutions Inc. recently made known its plans to launch the new product in late August on its website.
The Jumpstart site touts that the coming product provides "Revolutionary Coverage with No Deductible, No Exclusions, and No Paperwork." It also has a disclaimer that the product does not yet exist.
Under what appears to be a parametric product, which does not indemnify the pure loss but makes a payment upon the occurrence of a triggering event, policyholders pay a monthly amount and are promised they will get paid a set amount automatically if there is an earthquake in their area, even if they do not suffer damage. The payment would be enough to help pay for minor repairs but not be sufficient for a major loss or rebuild.
A spokesperson declined to discuss the firm, its product or what the premium or payout would be prior the launch.
Jumpstart is licensed with the California Department of Insurance as a property insurance broker-agent, casualty broker-agent and surplus lines broker. All licenses were issued in 2016 and are still active.
Nancy Kincaid, a CDI spokeswoman, couldn't offer much detail on the broker or the product the firm may be offering.
"They are properly licensed as a surplus lines broker, but we don't have any products filed from them with the Department of Insurance," Kincaid said.
According to the Surplus Lines Association of California, Jumpstart received its license on Dec. 7, 2016, but it has not yet submitted any filings to the SLA.
Jumpstart is headed by Kate Stillwell, who is the founder and CEO. Stillwell is a former structural engineer and earthquake risk consultant. From 2010 to 2012, she was an earthquake products manager for EQECAT Inc., a catastrophe risk modeling firm acquired by California-based data and analytics firm Corelogic in late 2013.
Another co-founder and advisor on the team is Alan Hampton, who is also the founder and CEO of Recoup Financial, a catastrophe emergency funds startup, which was reportedly acquired by Jumpstart. The Recoup Financial website is currently previewing a product similar to what Jumpstart is promising that gives "cash the day after an earthquake." Consumers can choose from $1,000 up to $30,000 in coverage as well as select the quake intensity at which they want the funds paid — all for a small monthly payment that is calculated on the site.
The website for Jumpstart, a surplus lines broker that has promised to bring a new earthquake product to California, hints at what the firm will be offering.
Stillwell's team also includes others with a background in data and risk analysis. Joseph Kim, listed as Jumpstart's head of technology, was formerly the vice president of software development with RMS, while Michael Shilman, the lead developer, was the former chief technical officer of Lab80.
According to Crunchbase, which tracks venture capital activity, Jumpstart received $400,000 in angel funding on Sept. 1, 2016. The investors are listed as Berkeley Angel Network and an undisclosed investor. The Berkeley Angel Network is a group of angel investors who are alumni, faculty and former faculty of U.C. Berkeley. The group has invested in a craft beer company, a business in the healthcare industry, a biotech company and an environmentally friendly product maker.
Stillwell's LinkedIn profile lists her as a graduate of U.C. Berkeley's Walter A. Haas School of Business.
However, he emphasized that buyers must be made to realize the risk they are taking by accepting a fixed payout in lieu of compensation for the rebuild value on their homes.
It's one thing for a sophisticated buyer, such as a large company, to purchase a parametric product because they often buy a wrap-around type of insurance product to cover their loss from a given peril, he said.
A consumer buying only the parametric product for earthquake is relying on luck, he added.
He drove home his point about the randomness of damage that occurs from an earthquake and the difficulty knowing just how much coverage will be enough in the event a temblor strikes.
Not all earthquake damage is total, he noted.
The executive who is the face of the state's earthquake insurance business has heard about what Jumpstart is trying to do, and he has no problem with it.
"We've heard of companies like Jumpstart that are exploring offering some sort of parametric product," said Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA).
He said the product may have a few regulatory hurdles to clear but he welcomes it.
While the CEA board has not taken an official stance on parametric products, Pomeroy's attitude is that the more people in California who are covered for earthquake loss, the better.
A little over 10 percent of California homes have earthquake insurance, according to the California Department of Insurance. This makes California's market ripe for firms like Jumpstart, Pomeroy said.
"Uninsured risk invites innovation," he said.
Both Larsen and Pomeroy see the upside in Jumpstart's business model being that the firm can offer products cheaply because of low overhead.
"They can put a fair amount of coverage out there cheaply because they don't have all the cost of underwriting or claims adjusting," Pomeroy said.


Assume an epistemological foundation of sorts that admits rational intuition and empirical evidence. Then you can gain new beliefs through experience/sense perception, or extrapolating from prior beliefs.
Suppose that through the course of normal events (lived experience, etc) you learn new things and adjust your base belief system. For example, say your political beliefs evolve over the span of decades. Call these "the rational beliefs", the ones being contrasted by the title question.
How do you know whether to accept this new belief or not, especially in light of the fact that you already accept other new beliefs on some kind of rational/empirical basis?
At first glance, this looks like a rather trivial problem: don't accept contradicting beliefs (some benign and some religious beliefs would be allowed). But I think it would be possible to engineer a series of rather benign beliefs that end up leading to one of the other (irrational, immoral, or inconsistent) choices. If so, then which benign choices should be allowed, and which not? The ones that don't contradict your belief system at time X, or your belief system at time Y? And how to determine X and Y? etc.
Question: How do you decide what new beliefs can be accepted into an existing belief system?
Denying the distinction between rational and emotional process, since the brain is all of one piece, one can immediately answer by analogy: In the same way you decide whether to be scared or not when you are scared.
The answer to that question is equally inaccessible, but at least we accept that it is inaccessible. We are tempted to imagine rationality has rules that are significantly different from all other emotional processes. And in that we are deluded by centuries of history.
The first reasonable answer is that once you are scared, you are already scared, and you aren't making any choices. But that evades the question, because you do decide, once you realize the fear is affecting you, whether it is consonant with your view of yourself: Is it the kind of fear you are not suppose to have to begin with? Is it the kind of fear that one should act on immediately? etc.
This same sort of process, accessing your values and expectations, naturally occurs when you discover that you are acting on new information. But it is not the same across individuals, and it is deeply historical, so it is unlikely to be the kind of thing over which one has conscious control.
The only answer that can really be given is the Existentialist one "As authentically as you are able."
It is almost impossible to prove/disapprove transcendental things. While your original question ("Do I look good/bad in green shoes?") could be answered with let's say psychological research, religious question (about the nature of God for example) are based on some presumptions that could not be verified using the perception.
Is it possible for radical skeptics to have internally consistent beliefs?


The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is reminding drivers to be aware of the dangers of car fires.
Although relatively rare, car fires can and do happen and it is important drivers are prepared. When a vehicle catches fire, it happens very quickly.
Vehicles are very complicated pieces of equipment with lots of electrics and combustible liquids such as fuel, so we ask that all motorists take note of simple safety tips to prevent life threatening incidents.
Usually, the smell of smoke inside a car is the first indication that a fire may have started within the vehicle. If you smell burning, pull over in a safe place, turn the engine off and get out the vehicle. Move a safe distance away and call 999.
Never return to the vehicle to try and put out the flames yourself. Lifting the bonnet of the vehicle is also dangerous as the severity of any flames can quickly increase when exposed to fresh air.
Try to stand upwind from a fire which will help prevent breathing in any fumes from the smoke. When the fire service arrives, explain exactly what happened as this will help when tackling the flames.
Never leave your vehicle running while unattended, especially with a child or other people in the car. Many vehicles have child locks on the rear doors which totally restrict any opening of the doors from the inside, this could have tragic consequences. It is against the law to leave a vehicle unattended and running.
Had any work done or had newly installed equipment added such as a radio.
If the vehicle is running differently or breaking down.
Whether the vehicle needs or has recently had a service.


text:
SHARING THE STAGE
By Molly Powers, marketing and communications coordinator, School of Dance
The ballet and modern dance programs at the U will share the stage for the first time ever in the School of Dance's inaugural gala concert March 23-25 and March 30-April 1 at the Marriott Center for Dance. Formed in 2016, the School of Dance is dedicated to the continued legacies of the individual disciplines. In honor of the creation, the gala concert will feature a diverse program, incorporating four unique perspectives on the art of dance including an excerpt of "Swan Lake," two original faculty works and an excerpt of Stephen Petronio's iconic masterwork "MiddleSexGorge."
The program opens with act III of the legendary ballet, "Swan Lake," boldly adapted by professor Jay Kim and assisted by professor James Ady. The version that will be performed is the 1895 revival staged for the Imperial Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
School of Dance Director Luc Vanier's "Triptych Octet" is a distillation of his full-length work, "Triptych." Created in 2008, the piece was created in collaboration with composer Chris Burns and painter Leslie Vansen.
"The dance's movement focuses primarily on allowing the body to arch to its full capacity and what this means to the balance between the head, spine and pelvis," said Vanier. "The clockwork precision timing of the crisscrossing patterns of the two trios was inspired by Vansen's paintings and the duet explores what it means to be tri-legged. Burn's percussive score set the spacious rhythmic tone for the work."
"Enough," a new work by Stephen Koester, modern dance program coordinator, contrasts visceral, aggressive movement and his signature partnering with a serene sound score by composer Max Richter. The piece begins by asking the question, "As civilization advances, have we become any more civilized or humane?"
"Our history can be said to be littered with our inability to treat others with humanity, kindness and care as beliefs, faiths, greed, need and want trump responsibility to each other," said Koester. "Juxtaposing a solo figure against a quartet, the dance evokes images of injury, injustice, offense and defeat, building to a sense of desolation and disconnection."
The exciting final dance on the program is an excerpt of the groundbreaking work, "MiddleSexGorge." First debuted in 1990, it is the choreographer Stephen Petronio's signature anthem to gender and power. With heat and volatility, it propels the dancers through space in bold encounters inspired by Petronio's involvement with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) in the late 80s. The piece is set to a commissioned score by the British post-punk band, Wire.
This is the first time "MiddleSexGorge" will be performed by any university, and it is a great honor for the School of Dance students from both programs to have the opportunity to perform this technically demanding piece together.
Tickets are available online at tickets.utah.edu, by phone at 801-581-7100 or at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain. A celebration dinner precedes the April 1 evening performance. For dinner tickets or more information please visit dance.utah.edu.
How are you getting your art fix this winter?
Be moved by their movement
Off season: A virtual fundraiser
Utah Ballet brings fresh choreography, live music and a romantic story to the stage

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
La station Wazemmes est une station de métro de la ligne 1 du métro de la ville française de Lille. Inaugurée le , la station dessert depuis le quartier lillois Wazemmes.

Situation
La station est la deuxième qui dessert le quartier de Lille, Wazemmes sur la ligne 1. Cette station se situe sous la Place Verte qui est encadrée par les rues d'Iéna, Corneille et Racine.

Elle est située sur la ligne 1 entre les stations Gambetta et Porte des Postes à Lille.

Histoire
La station est inaugurée le , lors du prolongement vers CHR B-Calmette.

Service aux voyageurs

Accueil et accès
La station est bâtie sur deux niveaux souterrains. Le niveau -1 est le hall permettant le choix de la direction du trajet (en plus de la vente et compostage des billets) tandis que le niveau -2 contient les voies centrales et les quais opposés.
De son inauguration jusqu'en 2018 où un nouvel accès a été aménagé dans le cadre du doublement de la longueur des quais, la station ne possédait qu'un seul accès par escaliers et deux ascenseurs.

Desserte

Intermodalité
Au 25 décembre 2021, aucune ligne de bus Ilévia passe à proximité de la station.

Vélos en libre service
Une station de vélos en libre service V'Lille, opérée par Ilévia est implantée à quelques mètres de la sortie de la station

Parking Relais Vélos
Un box accessible 24/24h et 7/7j, télésurveillé et opéré par Ilévia via la carte Pass Pass est situé sur le square ou se situe la station

L'art dans la station
L'architecture de l'Atelier Neveux est sobre autant dans le choix des matériaux que dans la forme. Le but était de mettre en avant la sculpture de Fleckenstein, appelée la Source de vie.

À proximité
 Maison folie de Wazemmes
 Salle des sports Montebello
Siège administratif de la CPAM de Lille Douai
Mairie de quartier de Lille Wazemmes
Marché de Wazemmes
Halles de Wazemmes

Annexes

Articles connexes
 Métro de Lille Métropole
 Liste des stations du métro de Lille Métropole

Notes et références

Station de la ligne 1 du métro de Lille
Station de métro mise en service en 1984
Station de métro à Lille
Station du métro de Lille équipée de portes palières
Wazemmes

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Keepin' It Country - Live At Red Rocks
DVD | Visual | 15 Jul 2016
Alan Jackson performs in front of a capacity crowd at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado for his 25th Anniversary 'Keepin' It Country Tour.' This tour was a memorable celebration for his longtime fans, as well as legions of new fans, who are discovering his music through the many songs that have withstood the test of time and influenced many new artists of today. Fans will hear the songs they love from the man who wrote them and made them famous including "Gone Country," "Good Time," "Chattahoochee," "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)," "Remember When," "Where I Come From," "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," as well as songs from his 15th studio album, 'Angels and Alcohol.'
Title: Keepin' It Country - Live At Red Rocks
Artist: Alan Jackson
Catalogue No: EREDV1218
Category: Visual
Transfer Format: DVD
Video Format: Country
Primary Audio: EREDV1218
Language: 5034504121874
Subtitles: Universal Music
Gone Country
I Don't Even Know Your Name
Livin' On Love
The Blues Man
Who's Cheatin' Who
Little Bitty
Drive (for Daddy Gene)
Where Were You (when The World Stopped Turning)
Don't Rock The Jukebox
Here In The Real World
Chasin' That Neon Rainbow
Song For The Life
Pop A Top
Angels And Alcohol
As She's Walking Away
It's Five O'clock Somewhere


LAND-PAK Complete Survey System | NavCom Technology, Inc.
The LAND-PAK system provides an unprecedented level of performance and flexibility by including both RTK and StarFire™ capabilities as standard. Ultra RTK™ provides cm level performance up to 40 km from the base station while StarFire™ provides 5cm operation anywhere, anytime without the need for a base station. With NavCom's patented RTK Extend™ feature, users can work in challenging environments and maintain RTK-level accuracy even during base station radio outages.
Available with the LAND-PAK system are choices in ruggedized controllers and easy to use application software. The core of the system is the SF-3040 GNSS receiver that includes all needed receiver accessories to complete the job. The rugged, waterproof and shock proof design coupled with hot swappable batteries ensures continuous operation in the harshest of environments. UHF and GSM communication links with support for multiple RTK formats allows the LAND-PAK rover to work with a variety of base stations. The Sapphire GNSS technology with multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS) support and superior signal sensitivity allows operation even in shaded environments. Quick setup, ease of use and superb performance allows LAND-PAK to meet the needs of even the most demanding surveyor.
In addition to traditional RTK accuracy, LAND-PAK adds a powerful combination of RTK add-ins that help reduce outages while providing extended coverage, saving our users valuable time and effort. Ultra RTK provides RTK-level accuracy up to 40km away from a base station and RTK Extend allows for continuous RTK positioning during radio outages by allowing StarFire™ to take over when the RTK radio communication signal is blocked or out of range.
Available with the LAND-PAK system are choices in ruggedized controllers, easy to use application software, and office software. The core of the system is the SF-3040 GNSS receiver that includes all needed receiver accesories to complete the job. The LAND-PAK comes with an industry leading three year manufacturer's warranty. LAND-PAK also includes a lifetime license for our StarFire™ global satellite-based augmentation system providing five centimeter accuracy worldwide, enabling users to utilize both Ultra RTK & RTK Extend.
The LAND-PAK system comes in two configurations for maximum flexibility: the LAND-PAK Survey System that includes both a base and rover with integrated UHF radios plus 3G for use with Network RTK. Also available is a 3G RTK Network rover system.


Lets understand why and where scuba is done in India..and how can we all be part of this sport.Discover the charismatic blue water world,interact with fishes,swim with fins.
SCUBA DIVING IN INDIA, WHERE?
Scuba diving is the new attraction of Kankaria Carnival this year 25th-31st Dec.Scuba & Sports Club Dwarka affiliated with Thane Scuba Diving Club is offering Snorkeling, Scuba Diving.You can also check with Planet Scuba for Scuba in Gujarat.
The Scuba In The City program offers you the opportunity to begin the training despite busy city-bound schedules. So if work, school, kids and commitments have been holding you back then we can help you work towards your scuba certification starting now!!Currently in Mumbai,Bangalore,Tarkali,Shimla and Panchkula the in pool session is a fun dive which let you experience underwater in the city and makes you understand how comfortable you are in the water.Can be done by anyone above 10 years.
Netrani (also known as Pigeon Island) is a tiny island in India located in the Arabian Sea. It is off the coast of Karnataka. It is situated approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) from the temple town of Murudeshwara. Top view of this island similar to heart shape.Besides pigeons, the other inhabitants of the island are wild goats. This Island has some of the best sites for scuba diving easily accessible from Goa, Mumbai or Bangalore.Netrani is a coral island and therefore suitable for snorkeling and diving activities. Many varieties of coral, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps can be seen here.
15 – 40 meters / Mid October to mid May.
In Goa we have a few different dive sites, including Cabo de Rama, Polem Beach, Butterfly Beach and Grande Island. Although all these places are easy to dive and rich in marine life, you have to be aware of the fact that the visibility anywhere in Goa can be limited or sometimes very poor (1-2 meters) due to sandy sea beds and the several rivers in the area. According to tides, wind, status of the Moon and the experience of the local fishermen we can predict the conditions but only one day in advance. Therefore if you choose to dive in Goa you should be flexible but if you pick the right day, the place is perfect for a first diving experience, a refresher dive or even a course.
Clear and unspoiled water in the Lakshwadweep makes it a neat and perfect destination for diving. Lakshadweep has grown to a wonderful stature with unique diving facilities. Lakshadweep is a sports paradise for adventurous tourist. Scuba diving is practiced here with much vigor and dynamism. Diving is currently suspended at Lakshwadeep due to security reasons.
SCUBA DIVING IN INDIA,WHO DOES IT?
Dreamz Diving started the Dive Operations from Murudeshwar in December 2007. The dive centre was started by Mr. Dhirendra P. S. Rawat, and is the first and only Scuba Diving Centre to open in the state of Karnataka. In January 2009 the dive centre at Palolem Beach was opened after finding the potential and discovering the dive sites near Palolem Beach in Goa.Dhirendra is a Leisure, SPA and Adventure consultant. He has 21 years of experience in the Leisure and Adventure Industry.
Dive Goa is a diveshop and training centre established by Ajey Patil - marine engineer, naturalist, raconteur and PADI certified dive instructor. Dive Goa prides itself on dive experiences that are customized to client requirements: small groups of no more than 5 people, flexible schedules, and personalized attention.
BARRACUDA DIVING INDIA began operations in 1993 to promote the sport of recreational diving in India. Affiliated to PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) of California, USA, the leading dive education organization in the world, we are the first PADI Resort (Membership No-6023) within the entire Indian sub-continent. Our membership, held since 1997, recognizes the high standards of diver education, staff training, safety, equipment and service maintained and denotes a quality control assurance to divers worldwide.
Equipment: We are India's first and foremost distributor of state-of-the-art diving and snorkelling equipment. Visit our retail shop for the best advice or shop online right here.
Education: We provide PADI courses at all levels from beginner through to Divemaster and beyond. Whatever your interest in the underwater world, you can learn to enjoy it with us.
Enjoyment: We organise and run dive trips to all the best dive locations around India and overseas. Whatever your budget or level of experience, we can find you a diving holiday that you will remember for a lifetime.
Environment: We are the first dive operation in India to be certified as 100% AWARE to recognise our total commitment to conserving the marine environment. You will be given the opportunity to take part in fun activities that make a difference to our world.
Lacadives has come a long way since it's inception on Kadmat in 1995. Our Lakshadweep chapter covers a 16-year history of some of the most remote and exclusive diving in the country, including a 10-year partnership with CGH-Earth on the beautiful island of Bangaram.In 2008 we opened a dive center on Havelock in the Andaman Islands, as well as 2 pool-training facilities in Mumbai and Bangalore. We also began partnering with some of the best liveaboard operators in Asia.
Barefoot Scuba Dive Resort (formerly known as Cafe Del Mar) is Havelock's premier dive resort. Our property on Beach No.3 comprises an elegant and comfortable Resort with several categories of room appealing to all budgets, an upbeat lively restaurant, and a full-fledged PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Facility. The resort, with its comfortable Sea-Facing Duplex Cottages, Tented Cottages and A Frame Huts makes an ideal base from which guests can explore the beauty of Havelock, both above and beneath the waves.
Andaman Bubbles is a friendly dive centre located at Beach #5, at the Wild Orchid Resort on Havelock Island in the Andamans. We opened our doors in December 2008. With a strong emphasis placed on safety, we offer professional quality service, but in a flexible relaxed manner. We here at Andaman Bubbles have a strong passion for the island and the sea that surrounds it. We look forward to sharing that passion with you, not just as our customers but also as our friends.
@Jug:I agree Andamans is the best place in India for diving.
Hi Ankita, intresting read here..
could you please help me out with some good and economical options near Bangalore.
Netrani Island seems nice. How about Tarkali in Maharashtra???
if there are other options too besides these two kindly tell about them.
I was actually looking forward for some contacts of people who are active divers and also have a live blog of him/her self !
I recommended West Coast Adventures 100%.. Jack, Jason & Pawan... Guys are good... You have to meet those guys for PADI course...!!!


Happy New Year's Day everybody! I hope your NYE was filled with champagne, kisses and happy memories :) I'm a little sad to see 2014 end. I can say without hesitation it was the best year of my life. Looking forward to 2015, my biggest resolution is to be more present. Since becoming a mom, I've noticed that time flies! I feel like Oliver was just born, and he already has two teeth and is army crawling around the living room! This year I want to stop, breathe, and soak up the happy moments with my family and friends. As far as this blog goes, in the last few weeks have reminded of what a happy thing it is in my life. I love having such a visible record of my memories, and the connections I make through it really enrich my life. I've met some of my favorite people through this. I hope you will stay with me as I write more in 2015! I appreciate your support so much!
Holding Oliver for the first time.


text:
HHV-6
Twenty years after the discovery of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) a new herpes virus was reported by Salahuddin and his associates (1). This new virus was isolated from Patients with AIDS and other lymphoproliferative disorders and was eventually named as human herpesvirus type-6 (HHV-6). HHV-6 is the smallest of herpesviruses (170 kb) and has been classified as beta-herpesvirus. HHV-6 has been reisolated by many laboratories and a consensus conference has classified them into subgroups A and B. The subgrouping is based on restriction endonuclease sites, and biological and immunological characteristics (2,3). Antibody to HHV-6 and therefore, possible exposure/infection is detected in <80% individuals in the Western world. (4,5). From all indication it appears that the infection by HHV-6 takes place very early in life after the acute phase the virus becomes dormant to be activated at a later time. HHV-6 can be reactivated by the usual factors e.g., immunological and environmental (6).
HHV-6 is exclusive T-cell tropic, induces and upregulates CD4 receptors and cytokine expression, enhances the killing of cells infected with other lytic viruses such as HIV-1 (4,5,9,10,15-21). There is evidence for the association of HHV-6 with at least three lymphoproliferative diseases; causative agent for childhood disease Roseola (Exanthem subitem) (7), febrile illness in young children (8), and EBV- and CMV- negative cases of mononucleosis in young adults(4,5). This is an important pathogen that can initiate pathologies mentioned before, it may also be a cofactor in several other diseases such as AIDS, cervical carcinoma, and oral carcinoma (9,13,14). HHV-6 is reactivated in infectious diseases, proliferative disorders, and immune deficiencies (4,5,8-12).
A variety of pathogens either co-infect the same cell or are present in the same environment. Type and level of viral antigens for example and the duration of their presence in that milieu can be important factors that my give rise to a particular disease. Whereas HHV-6 and HIV-1 may give rise to AIDS-like disease, HHV-6 in conjunction with HPV may result in malignancy of the cervix. HHV-6 becomes latent after the initial infection and can be reactivated by a variety of viruses and vice versa. Interaction between the viruses may take place after the reactivation of these agents.
For information on testing please see our Clinical Laboratory.
1. Salahuddin, S.Z., et.al., (1986) Science 234, 596-601
2. Ablashi, D.V., et al., (1993) Arch. Virol. 128, 363-366
3. Inoue, N., (1994) Infect. Agents Dis. 29, 343-360
4. Pellet, P.E., et al., (1992) Adv. Virus Res. 41, 1-52
5. Krueger, G.R.F., et al., (1994) In Vivo 8, 457-485
6. Yaminishi, K., et al., (1994) Lancet i, 1065-1067
7. Prukananopda, P., et al., (1992) N. Engl. J. Med. 526, 1445-1450
8. Asano, Y., et al., (1993) Cur. Opin. Pediatr. 5, 14-21
9. Lusso, P. and Gallo, R.C., (1995) Imunol. Today 16, 67-71
10. Lusso, P. and Gallo, R.C., (1994) Lancet 343, 555-556
11. Cone, R.W., (1993) N. Engl. J. Med. 329, 156-161
12. Drobyski, W.R., (1993) J. Infect. Dis 167, 735-739
13. Leach, C.T., et al., (1994) 169, 1281-1283
14. Yadav, M., et al., 91994) J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 86, 1792-1794
15. Razzaque, a., 91990) Oncogene 9, 1365-1370
16. Thompson, J., et al., (1994) Oncogene 9, 1167-1175
17. Lusso, P., et al., (1989) Nature 337, 370-373
19. Ensoli, B., et al., (1989) EMBO J. 8, 3019-3027
20. Horvat, R.T., Wood, C., and Balachandran, N., (1989) J. Virol. 63, 970-973
21. Martin, M.E.D. et al., (1991) J. Virol. 65, 5381-53


text:
Q: Wrapping socket connections I'd like to wrap an insecure connection (this one: http://culturedcode.com/things/) with a secure tunnel, a bit like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stunnel does, just using UNIX tools.
What's the best way to intercept insecure traffic, encrypt it and deliver it to the insecure socket at the other end of the communication channel?
I am used to wrapping/tunnelling VNC connections using SSH port forwarding, how would you do something to the same effect with an application such as Things for Mac/iPhone? Namely: a generic application using known ports to exchange unencrypted data?
Bonus points for step-by-step instructions ;)
Thanks!

A: Have a look at ncat (which is part of nmap).
ncat -l 80 -c "ncat (ip-address) (port) --ssl"

For more information see: Using ncat to provide SSL-support to non-ssl capable software

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Serra's installation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011.
The United States Destroys Art (1989) is on right.
According to The Art Newspaper, Richard Serra is threatening to remove a piece from the Eli and Edythe Broad Collection. The issue boils down to dating.
Serra is well known for reworking and recreating works that are damaged and destroyed. Recently, Serra resurfaced The United Stated Government Destroys Art in the collection of Eli and Edythe Broad. The Broad's, now the Broad Art Foundation, plan to date the work to reflect the changes. Yet, Serra is arguing that the work should remain dated to 1989 when the work was originally completed.
Serra's sensitivity to VARA is understandable, but he has never exercised his right to disclaim authorship of a work. He previously threatened to disclaim authorship of Titled Arc during government proceedings to remove the work from Federal Plaza in New York City. The installation was removed, following massive controversy, in March 1989. Since VARA became effective in December 1st, 1990, Serra had no moral rights over Titled Arc. The naming of The United States Government Destroys Art drawing, created itself in 1989, reflects his feelings toward the incident and is possibly the motivation behind Serra's potential VARA claim. The action would certainly be symbolic.
When The Art Newspaper questioned Serra about his plans he only answered, "That's hypothetical." The issue has yet to be resolved and legal action is possible down the road. It is a situation to watch carefully since VARA is still being tested in court and has only recently begun to build precedent.


This past weekend, I spent a few hours helping my future father- and brother-in-law opening their family's pool. This was a completely new experience for me. I'm not the first person that people think of when they need help with physical labor or mechanical reasoning, but I volunteered because I like to learn new things.
Growing up, my family didn't have a pool. My mom occasionally lived in an apartment with a pool, so we could reap the benefits of having one. I just had never done any of the required maintenance to open one. And this work reminded me of what my students must feel when they encounter a new task for the first time.
Watch out for the spiders! Maybe there aren't gigantic arachnids in our classrooms, but there were in the pool. Asking kids to step outside their comfort zones can be scary. You won't want to do it, but the more you do it, the less scary it is.
You're going to be sore. Although most of the work we do in the classroom doesn't ask kids to exert much physical labor, the mental work we do is tough. It should leave their brains exhausted and "stretched." I'm feeling this now two days after helping with the pool. Much like the reading and writing we do in my classroom, it might feel foreign, sore, or strange to students at first. When it becomes routine, they'll get used to it and can handle it.
You'll learn along the way. I never would've imagined that there's such a strict process involved with preparing a pool for the fall/winter and opening it in the spring/summer. Too often we just see the finished product and forget about the hard work involved along the way. I think this is true for our students, too. They have to be reminded that process is more important than product, and we have to teach them to be methodical in their thinking.
With all that said, I approached my classroom a little differently today. It's good to be reminded every once in a while that there are things you don't know and muscles you haven't used.


text:
Q: Show all post for a given category I want to be able to show all post for a given category using my default category template category.php. The problem is the code I'm using sets the specific category ID. So, whenever I click on CAT2... all the post for CAT1 shows. I want it to just show for CAT2 or CAT3... whichever is clicked.
Code:
$args = array (
    'cat'            => 1,
    'orderby'        => rand,
    'post_type'      => 'post',
    'post_status'    => 'publish',
    'posts_per_page' => 1000
);

$my_query = null;
$my_query = new WP_Query($args);

if( $my_query->have_posts() ) {
    while ($my_query->have_posts()) {
        $my_query->the_post();
        // Some code
    }
}

A: You can use the WordPress Template Hierarchy.
Copy your category.php file and rename it.
category-{slug}.php – If the category's slug is news, WordPress will look for category-news.php.
category-{id}.php – If the category's ID is 6, WordPress will look for category-6.php.
category.php

You can also use template_include to conditionally display a template
add_filter( 'template_include', 'category_page_template', 99 );

function category_page_template( $template ) {

if ( is_category()  ) {
    $new_template = locate_template( array( 'your-template.php' ) );
    if ( '' != $new_template ) {
        return $new_template;
    }
}

return $template;
}


After being forced to deal with a sick Sheldon, the rest of the gang try to treat themselves to a Sheldon-free weekend.
Bernadette reveals her pregnancy to Howard and the rest of the gang.
The gang convince Sheldon to celebrate his birthday and throw him a party.


text:
Industry and Technology
Help Your Business on Internet
Overview of Zimbabwean Banking Sector (Part One)
September 16, 2020 industry, Manufacturing Production, Manufacturing Solutions
Entrepreneurs build their business within the context of an environment which they sometimes may not be able to control. The robustness of an entrepreneurial venture is tried and tested by the vicissitudes of the environment. Within the environment are forces that may serve as great opportunities or menacing threats to the survival of the entrepreneurial venture. Entrepreneurs need to understand the environment within which they operate so as to exploit emerging opportunities and mitigate against potential threats.
This article serves to create an understanding of the forces at play and their effect on banking entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. A brief historical overview of banking in Zimbabwe is carried out. The impact of the regulatory and economic environment on the sector is assessed. An analysis of the structure of the banking sector facilitates an appreciation of the underlying forces in the industry.
At independence (1980) Zimbabwe had a sophisticated banking and financial market, with commercial banks mostly foreign owned. The country had a central bank inherited from the Central Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland at the winding up of the Federation.
For the first few years of independence, the government of Zimbabwe did not interfere with the banking industry. There was neither nationalisation of foreign banks nor restrictive legislative interference on which sectors to fund or the interest rates to charge, despite the socialistic national ideology. However, the government purchased some shareholding in two banks. It acquired Nedbank's 62% of Rhobank at a fair price when the bank withdrew from the country. The decision may have been motivated by the desire to stabilise the banking system. The bank was re-branded as Zimbank. The state did not interfere much in the operations of the bank. The State in 1981 also partnered with Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) as a 49% shareholder in a new commercial bank, Bank of Credit and Commerce Zimbabwe (BCCZ). This was taken over and converted to Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) when BCCI collapsed in 1991 over allegations of unethical business practices.
This should not be viewed as nationalisation but in line with state policy to prevent company closures. The shareholdings in both Zimbank and CBZ were later diluted to below 25% each.
In the first decade, no indigenous bank was licensed and there is no evidence that the government had any financial reform plan. Harvey (n.d., page 6) cites the following as evidence of lack of a coherent financial reform plan in those years:
– In 1981 the government stated that it would encourage rural banking services, but the plan was not implemented.
– In 1982 and 1983 a Money and Finance Commission was proposed but never constituted.
– By 1986 there was no mention of any financial reform agenda in the Five Year National Development Plan.
Harvey argues that the reticence of government to intervene in the financial sector could be explained by the fact that it did not want to jeopardise the interests of the white population, of which banking was an integral part. The country was vulnerable to this sector of the population as it controlled agriculture and manufacturing, which were the mainstay of the economy. The State adopted a conservative approach to indigenisation as it had learnt a lesson from other African countries, whose economies nearly collapsed due to forceful eviction of the white community without first developing a mechanism of skills transfer and capacity building into the black community. The economic cost of inappropriate intervention was deemed to be too high. Another plausible reason for the non- intervention policy was that the State, at independence, inherited a highly controlled economic policy, with tight exchange control mechanisms, from its predecessor. Since control of foreign currency affected control of credit, the government by default, had a strong control of the sector for both economic and political purposes; hence it did not need to interfere.
Financial Reforms
However, after 1987 the government, at the behest of multilateral lenders, embarked on an Economic and Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP). As part of this programme the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) started advocating financial reforms through liberalisation and deregulation. It contended that the oligopoly in banking and lack of competition, deprived the sector of choice and quality in service, innovation and efficiency. Consequently, as early as 1994 the RBZ Annual Report indicates the desire for greater competition and efficiency in the banking sector, leading to banking reforms and new legislation that would:
– allow for the conduct of prudential supervision of banks along international best practice
– allow for both off-and on-site bank inspections to increase RBZ's Banking Supervision function and
– enhance competition, innovation and improve service to the public from banks.
Subsequently the Registrar of Banks in the Ministry of Finance, in liaison with the RBZ, started issuing licences to new players as the financial sector opened up. From the mid-1990s up to December 2003, there was a flurry of entrepreneurial activity in the financial sector as indigenous owned banks were set up. The graph below depicts the trend in the numbers of financial institutions by category, operating since 1994. The trend shows an initial increase in merchant banks and discount houses, followed by decline. The increase in commercial banks was initially slow, gathering momentum around 1999. The decline in merchant banks and discount houses was due to their conversion, mostly into commercial banks.
Source: RBZ Reports
Different entrepreneurs used varied methods to penetrate the financial services sector. Some started advisory services and then upgraded into merchant banks, while others started stockbroking firms, which were elevated into discount houses.
From the beginning of the liberalisation of the financial services up to about 1997 there was a notable absence of locally owned commercial banks. Some of the reasons for this were:
– Conservative licensing policy by the Registrar of Financial Institutions since it was risky to licence indigenous owned commercial banks without an enabling legislature and banking supervision experience.
– Banking entrepreneurs opted for non-banking financial institutions as these were less costly in terms of both initial capital requirements and working capital. For example a merchant bank would require less staff, would not need banking halls, and would have no need to deal in costly small retail deposits, which would reduce overheads and reduce the time to register profits. There was thus a rapid increase in non-banking financial institutions at this time, e.g. by 1995 five of the ten merchant banks had commenced within the previous two years. This became an entry route of choice into commercial banking for some, e.g. Kingdom Bank, NMB Bank and Trust Bank.
It was expected that some foreign banks would also enter the market after the financial reforms but this did not occur, probably due to the restriction of having a minimum 30% local shareholding. The stringent foreign currency controls could also have played a part, as well as the cautious approach adopted by the licensing authorities. Existing foreign banks were not required to shed part of their shareholding although Barclay's Bank did, through listing on the local stock exchange.
Harvey argues that financial liberalisation assumes that removing direction on lending presupposes that banks would automatically be able to lend on commercial grounds. But he contends that banks may not have this capacity as they are affected by the borrowers' inability to service loans due to foreign exchange or price control restrictions. Similarly, having positive real interest rates would normally increase bank deposits and increase financial intermediation but this logic falsely assumes that banks will always lend more efficiently. He further argues that licensing new banks does not imply increased competition as it assumes that the new banks will be able to attract competent management and that legislation and bank supervision will be adequate to prevent fraud and thus prevent bank collapse and the resultant financial crisis. Sadly his concerns do not seem to have been addressed within the Zimbabwean financial sector reform, to the detriment of the national economy.
The Operating Environment
Any entrepreneurial activity is constrained or aided by its operating environment. This section analyses the prevailing environment in Zimbabwe that could have an effect on the banking sector.
Politico-legislative
The political environment in the 1990s was stable but turned volatile after 1998, mainly due to the following factors:
– an unbudgeted pay out to war veterans after they mounted an assault on the State in November 1997. This exerted a heavy strain on the economy, resulting in a run on the dollar. Resultantly the Zimbabwean dollar depreciated by 75% as the market foresaw the consequences of the government's decision. That day has been recognised as the beginning of severe decline of the country's economy and has been dubbed "Black Friday". This depreciation became a catalyst for further inflation. It was followed a month later by violent food riots.
– a poorly planned Agrarian Land Reform launched in 1998, where white commercial farmers were ostensibly evicted and replaced by blacks without due regard to land rights or compensation systems. This resulted in a significant reduction in the productivity of the country, which is mostly dependent on agriculture. The way the land redistribution was handled angered the international community, that alleges it is racially and politically motivated. International donors withdrew support for the programme.
– an ill- advised military incursion, named Operation Sovereign Legitimacy, to defend the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998, saw the country incur massive costs with no apparent benefit to itself and
– elections which the international community alleged were rigged in 2000,2003 and 2008.
These factors led to international isolation, significantly reducing foreign currency and foreign direct investment flow into the country. Investor confidence was severely eroded. Agriculture and tourism, which traditionally, are huge foreign currency earners crumbled.
For the first post independence decade the Banking Act (1965) was the main legislative framework. Since this was enacted when most commercial banks where foreign owned, there were no directions on prudential lending, insider loans, proportion of shareholder funds that could be lent to one borrower, definition of risk assets, and no provision for bank inspection.
The Banking Act (24:01), which came into effect in September 1999, was the culmination of the RBZ's desire to liberalise and deregulate the financial services. This Act regulates commercial banks, merchant banks, and discount houses. Entry barriers were removed leading to increased competition. The deregulation also allowed banks some latitude to operate in non-core services. It appears that this latitude was not well delimited and hence presented opportunities for risk taking entrepreneurs. The RBZ advocated this deregulation as a way to de-segment the financial sector as well as improve efficiencies. (RBZ, 2000:4.) These two factors presented opportunities to enterprising indigenous bankers to establish their own businesses in the industry. The Act was further revised and reissued as Chapter 24:20 in August 2000. The increased competition resulted in the introduction of new products and services e.g. e-banking and in-store banking. This entrepreneurial activity resulted in the "deepening and sophistication of the financial sector" (RBZ, 2000:5).
As part of the financial reforms drive, the Reserve Bank Act (22:15) was enacted in September 1999.
Its main purpose was to strengthen the supervisory role of the Bank through:
– setting prudential standards within which banks operate
– conducting both on and off-site surveillance of banks
– enforcing sanctions and where necessary placement under curatorship and
– investigating banking institutions wherever necessary.
This Act still had deficiencies as Dr Tsumba, the then RBZ governor, argued that there was need for the RBZ to be responsible for both licensing and supervision as "the ultimate sanction available to a banking supervisor is the knowledge by the banking sector that the license issued will be cancelled for flagrant violation of operating rules". However the government seemed to have resisted this until January 2004. It can be argued that this deficiency could have given some bankers the impression that nothing would happen to their licences. Dr Tsumba, in observing the role of the RBZ in holding bank management, directors and shareholders responsible for banks viability, stated that it was neither the role nor intention of the RBZ to "micromanage banks and direct their day to day operations. "
It appears though as if the view of his successor differed significantly from this orthodox view, hence the evidence of micromanaging that has been observed in the sector since December 2003.
In November 2001 the Troubled and Insolvent Banks Policy, which had been drafted over the previous few years, became operational. One of its intended goals was that, "the policy enhances regulatory transparency, accountability and ensures that regulatory responses will be applied in a fair and consistent manner" The prevailing view on the market is that this policy when it was implemented post 2003 is definitely deficient as measured against these ideals. It is contestable how transparent the inclusion and exclusion of vulnerable banks into ZABG was.
A new governor of the RBZ was appointed in December 2003 when the economy was on a free-fall. He made significant changes to the monetary policy, which caused tremors in the banking sector. The RBZ was finally authorised to act as both the licensing and regulatory authority for financial institutions in January 2004. The regulatory environment was reviewed and significant amendments were made to the laws governing the financial sector.
The Troubled Financial Institutions Resolution Act, (2004) was enacted. As a result of the new regulatory environment, a number of financial institutions were distressed. The RBZ placed seven institutions under curatorship while one was closed and another was placed under liquidation.
In January 2005 three of the distressed banks were amalgamated on the authority of the Troubled Financial Institutions Act to form a new institution, Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group (ZABG). These banks allegedly failed to repay funds advanced to them by the RBZ. The affected institutions were Trust Bank, Royal Bank and Barbican Bank. The shareholders appealed and won the appeal against the seizure of their assets with the Supreme Court ruling that ZABG was trading in illegally acquired assets. These bankers appealed to the Minister of Finance and lost their appeal. Subsequently in late 2006 they appealed to the Courts as provided by the law. Finally as at April 2010 the RBZ finally agreed to return the "stolen assets".
Another measure taken by the new governor was to force management changes in the financial sector, which resulted in most entrepreneurial bank founders being forced out of their own companies under varying pretexts. Some eventually fled the country under threat of arrest. Boards of Directors of banks were restructured.
Economically, the country was stable up to the mid 1990s, but a downturn started around 1997-1998, mostly due to political decisions taken at that time, as already discussed. Economic policy was driven by political considerations. Consequently, there was a withdrawal of multi- national donors and the country was isolated. At the same time, a drought hit the country in the season 2001-2002, exacerbating the injurious effect of farm evictions on crop production. This reduced production had an adverse impact on banks that funded agriculture. The interruptions in commercial farming and the concomitant reduction in food production resulted in a precarious food security position. In the last twelve years the country has been forced to import maize, further straining the tenuous foreign currency resources of the country.
Another impact of the agrarian reform programme was that most farmers who had borrowed money from banks could not service the loans yet the government, which took over their businesses, refused to assume responsibility for the loans. By concurrently failing to recompense the farmers promptly and fairly, it became impractical for the farmers to service the loans. Banks were thus exposed to these bad loans.
The net result was spiralling inflation, company closures resulting in high unemployment, foreign currency shortages as international sources of funds dried up, and food shortages. The foreign currency shortages led to fuel shortages, which in turn reduced industrial production. Consequently, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been on the decline since 1997. This negative economic environment meant reduced banking activity as industrial activity declined and banking services were driven onto the parallel rather than the formal market.
As depicted in the graph below, inflation spiralled and reached a peak of 630% in January 2003. After a brief reprieve the upward trend continued rising to 1729% by February 2007. Thereafter the country entered a period of hyperinflation unheard of in a peace time period. Inflation stresses banks. Some argue that the rate of inflation rose because the devaluation of the currency had not been accompanied by a reduction in the budget deficit. Hyperinflation causes interest rates to soar while the value of collateral security falls, resulting in asset-liability mismatches. It also increases non-performing loans as more people fail to service their loans.
Effectively, by 2001 most banks had adopted a conservative lending strategy e.g. with total advances for the banking sector being only 21.7% of total industry assets compared to 31.1% in the previous year. Banks resorted to volatile non- interest income. Some began to trade in the parallel foreign currency market, at times colluding with the RBZ.
In the last half of 2003 there was a severe cash shortage. People stopped using banks as intermediaries as they were not sure they would be able to access their cash whenever they needed it. This reduced the deposit base for banks. Due to the short term maturity profile of the deposit base, banks are normally not able to invest significant portions of their funds in longer term assets and thus were highly liquid up to mid-2003. However in 2003, because of the demand by clients to have returns matching inflation, most indigenous banks resorted to speculative investments, which yielded higher returns.
These speculative activities, mostly on non-core banking activities, drove an exponential growth within the financial sector. For example one bank had its asset base grow from Z$200 billion (USD50 million) to Z$800 billion (USD200 million) within one year.
However bankers have argued that what the governor calls speculative non-core business is considered best practice in most advanced banking systems worldwide. They argue that it is not unusual for banks to take equity positions in non-banking institutions they have loaned money to safeguard their investments. Examples were given of banks like Nedbank (RSA) and J P Morgan (USA) which control vast real estate investments in their portfolios. Bankers argue convincingly that these investments are sometimes used to hedge against inflation.
The instruction by the new governor of the RBZ for banks to unwind their positions overnight, and the immediate withdrawal of an overnight accommodation support for banks by the RBZ, stimulated a crisis which led to significant asset-liability mismatches and a liquidity crunch for most banks. The prices of properties and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange collapsed simultaneously, due to the massive selling by banks that were trying to cover their positions. The loss of value on the equities market meant loss of value of the collateral, which most banks held in lieu of the loans they had advanced.
During this period Zimbabwe remained in a debt crunch as most of its foreign debts were either un-serviced or under-serviced. The consequent worsening of the balance of payments (BOP) put pressure on the foreign exchange reserves and the overvalued currency. Total government domestic debt rose from Z$7.2 billion (1990) to Z$2.8 trillion (2004). This growth in domestic debt emanates from high budgetary deficits and decline in international funding.
Due to the volatile economy after the 1990s, the population became fairly mobile with a significant number of professionals emigrating for economic reasons. The Internet and Satellite television made the world truly a global village. Customers demanded the same level of service excellence they were exposed to globally. This made service quality a differential advantage. There was also a demand for banks to invest heavily in technological systems.
The increasing cost of doing business in a hyperinflationary environment led to high unemployment and a concomitant collapse of real income. As the Zimbabwe Independent (2005:B14) so keenly observed, a direct outcome of hyperinflationary environment is, "that currency substitution is rife, implying that the Zimbabwe dollar is relinquishing its function as a store of value, unit of account and medium of exchange" to more stable foreign currencies.
During this period an affluent indigenous segment of society emerged, which was cash rich but avoided patronising banks. The emerging parallel market for foreign currency and for cash during the cash crisis reinforced this. Effectively, this reduced the customer base for banks while more banks were coming onto the market. There was thus aggressive competition within a dwindling market.
Socio-economic costs associated with hyperinflation include: erosion of purchasing power parity, increased uncertainty in business planning and budgeting, reduced disposable income, speculative activities that divert resources from productive activities, pressure on the domestic exchange rate due to increased import demand and poor returns on savings. During this period, to augment income there was increased cross border trading as well as commodity broking by people who imported from China, Malaysia and Dubai. This effectively meant that imported substitutes for local products intensified competition, adversely affecting local industries.
As more banks entered the market, which had suffered a major brain drain for economic reasons, it stood to reason that many inexperienced bankers were thrown into the deep end. For example the founding directors of ENG Asset Management had less than five years experience in financial services and yet ENG was the fastest growing financial institution by 2003. It has been suggested that its failure in December 2003 was due to youthful zeal, greed and lack of experience. The collapse of ENG affected some financial institutions that were financially exposed to it, as well as eliciting depositor flight leading to the collapse of some indigenous banks.
Banking, Overview, Part, Sector, Zimbabwean
Categories Select Category industry Manufacturing Production Manufacturing Solutions
Rexcon Concrete Plant Review – Concrete Plant Marketplace
Principles of Agile Manufacturing
Polypropylene Bags Production Process
The Reflective Supply Chain in Manufacturing
Types of Production Planning
How Trump's Trade War Will Hurt You
Benefits Of Manufacturing Paper Bags Using An Eco-Friendly Paper Bag Making Machine
Computer Use in the Food Manufacturing Industry
3 Hidden Benefits of Precision Machining
Experience Enhanced Productivity With Lean Six Sigma, Here Is How
Advantages of Tablet Contract Manufacturing Services
An Overview on Contract Manufacturing and Its Role in Chemical Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Steps for Production of Medicines
Shoe Industry Steps Into Green Manufacturing
Fields Utilizing Low Volume Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing – Improving The Bottom Line
Important Manufacturing Metrics That Help in Increasing Efficiency
China Mass Production Inferiority Strikes Acai Berries As Well?
How Manufacturers Are Benefitted Highly by Warehousing Solutions
Ion Exchange Water Filters – The Best For Family and Industrial Water Need
Hydrostatic Testing FAQs
Pharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing
What Is Additive Manufacturing and What Are Its Applications?
Production Linearity – Eliminating the "Hockey Stick Syndrome"
How Manufacturing Will Benefit From Total Integration?
Low Volume Manufacturing: The Uses and Benefits
10 Tips for Easy Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Oracle Production Scheduling Vs Manufacturing Scheduling
The Effects Of Balance Of Trade Surplus And Deficit On A Country's Economy
Effective Method of Negotiation
Intellectual Property Issues Within the Supply Chain
The Importance of Encoders Product in Your Company
Ignorance in Marketing – Is Poor Grammar Making You Look Stupid?
Trade, Jobs and Growth: Facts Before Folly
Formulation of Coaching Themes
It's Time To Rethink Leadership Development: Building Momentum For A Leadership Culture
The Case of Thai Joint Venture With Japanese Partner in Construction Business
Economic Relations Between the Western Balkan Six Countries
Emerging Business Opportunities in the Renewable Energy Sector in India
Ineffectiveness of Development Aid For Developing Countries
9 TYPES OF MAINTENANCE
The Challenges Faced by International Business
Commodities Research Reports – An Opportunity to Enhance Your Financial Front
Understanding Commercial Real Estate Leases
Eleven Development Laws to Consider Prior to Purchasing Your Development Property
The Role of Customers in Your Business Success
Ford Motor Company – Case Study
India – A Future Warehouse of the World
Diversification in Agriculture Sector: A Catalyst For Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Conveyor: The Smart Tips
Dyestuff Industry In India And China
Your Guide to Resin Flooring
How To Boost Your Agency Profits With A SEO Reseller
Indian B2B Clients – An Insight on Procurement Behavior
Wal-Mart – What Makes Them America's Number One Company?
The Latest Long Island MacArthur Airport Developments
How to Implement GPS Vehicle Tracking
Textiles Exports: Post MFA Scenario Opportunities and Challenges
Forex Trading -The Power of Round Numbers
Cosmetics Business in Uganda: Will the Real Black Beauty Come Forth
Umeshu – The Wonderful Japanese Plumwine
Ten Important Lessons From the History of Mergers & Acquisitions
Warehouse Ownership Classification in the Interlining Industry
4 Ways for J Nuts Manufacturers to Boost Their Sales
A Guide to Transforming Your Software Product into a Service – Software as a Service
Who is Using Software-as-a-Service?
Partners & Suppliers in the Oil & Gas Services Sector – Part 2
Understanding Marketing – An Overview of Strategies, Costs, Dangers and Risks
Niches Lead to Riches
4Ps & 6Ps – Marketing Mix
Strategy of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Nypro Case Study
Forces and Trends in Business
Mergers & Acquisitions Can Result from Strategic Alliances
Things You Don't Know About China Shoe Industry
What Have We Done To Our Industrial Base In The USA – Why Did We Do It?
Urethane Products For Many Industries
Rubber Seals Designs
The Use of Laser Marking
Appropriate Marketing Strategy for Manufacturing Company
Important Machine for Turned Parts Manufacturer – CNC Turning
What's Expected for Oil & Gas Prices in 2020
All About Expansion Joints
Toilet Partition Style – Chose the Right One for You
Industrial Marketing Company – Reliable For Marketing Industrial Products
What Determines Oil and Gas Prices
Mezzanine Racking System – When Should You Use It?
Used Spiral Freezer
Static Mixer for Your Industry
How to Choose the Hose as Needed
Best Hygrometer Recommendations
How to Find the Best Epoxy Floor Coating
Affordable Pet Care
Rexcon is an old line company that is well respected throughout the concrete production industry. They have produced quality equipment based on proven designs for a Read More »
When facing competition-particularly fierce competition, it's important to know all you can about your adversary and their weapons, the battlefield on which the fight will take Read More »
Manufacturing of tapes: The granules of polypropylene bags are fed to the extruder hopper, where they are plasticized and the melt flow is passed through a Read More »
The well publicised plight of manufacturing companies in the United Kingdom has led to an ever increasing demand for reduction of internal costs and now, more Read More »
If you work in a manufacturing plant as a supervisor you have heard the words "production planning" many times. This is the procedure that they use Read More »
© 2021 Industry and Technology


text:
    {{alert.msg}}

Resource Pool Users

                Show Pool
                Show All

                        #

                            Name

                        Type

                            EMP ID

                            Pool Name

                        Pool Since Date
                        Pool Since Weeks
                        Pool Since Days
                        Action

                        <input class="form-control" type="text" ng-model="vm.search.userName" />
                        <select class="form-control" ng-model="vm.search.userResourceType" ng-options="opt.id as opt.label for opt in [{id:'',label:'All'}, {id:'Billable',label:'Billable'}, {id:'Non-billable',label:'Non-billable'}]"></select>

                            <select class="form-control" ng-model="vm.search.poolSinceDays"
                            ng-options="opt.id as opt.label for opt in [{id:'',label:'All'}, {id:'L30',label:'Less than 30 Days'}, {id:'L60',label:'> 30 Days and <= 60 Days'}, {id:'L90',label:'> 60 Days and <= 90 Days'}, {id:'G90',label:'Above 90 Days'}]"></select>

                        {{$index + 1}}

                                {{user.name}}

                        {{user.userResourceType}}
                        {{user.employeeId}}
                        {{user.poolName}}
                        {{user.poolSinceDate | date : format : timezone}}
                        {{user.poolSince}}
                        {{user.poolSinceDays}} Days

                            Logs
                            Release To Pool
                            Release From Pool

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman, produced many works of poetry. The following poem was written by his mother. Reading it sure does give insight as to where he may have gotten some of his writing skills. Also, his mother's work is a wonderful guide for everyday living. It may even serve as a great philosophy of life.
If the doors are too low, I bend.
If it is too heavy, I go around it.
I find something in every day that pleases me.
The cornerstone, my belief in God, makes my heart glad and my face shining.
Some good advice from a mother and Jesus for these days.


text:
Artist Project
Share Objectum-Love At First Sight
Issue 14: Objects
Objectum-Love At First Sight
Alexander Provan
Dr H is a sexologist specializing in fetishism and neo-sexuality. In recent years, he has done extensive studies of objectum-sexuality, or objectophilia, in which the attraction to particular objects completely displaces the desire for romantic relations with other people.
Here, Dr H considers the origins and significance of this phenomenon, reflecting on interviews with objectophiliacs, self-identifying and otherwise, across the world.
The increasingly common occurrence of objectophilia is most often attributed to the decline in human intimacy: people isolate themselves from others in favor of communion with their desired objects. Objectophilia is not to be confused with mere fetishism, in which the subject's relation to a class of object — wigs or diapers, stockings or shoes — becomes eroticized. In any case, such behavior is becoming socially acceptable, as the injection of libidinal value into the world of objects is increasingly seen as a fundamental characteristic of our age.
The original love-object is, of course, the mother. Upon separation from the mother, one begins to seek out the ideal other to incorporate into one's self—this is the immature object-love of the narcissistic self. As children develop, they learn to accept their failings as well as those of others. They learn to perceive themselves as human and direct their love toward other imperfect humans, identifying with them. In love, the self is ceded; another self overwhelms it.
When this process of psychological maturation fails to occur or is not completed, when the conditions for identification are not met, when the adolescent stage is prolonged in perpetuity, a person might direct his or her love toward things that have no failings or imperfections: ideal objects.
The subject here is not concerned with reciprocity, so the object need not exhibit consciousness. Thomas Mann wrote, "He who loves the more is the inferior and must suffer." In objectum-love, this is not so; the subject stipulates the terms of interaction and controls the environment, extinguishing the possibility for such suffering. The object will never want to "just be friends." Conversely, the subject is rarely ambivalent as to the object of his or her desire; most objectophiliacs describe their objects as spouses, and infidelity seems to be rare.
But what to make of objectumlove beyond this narrow observation? Is it the result of increasing asexual tendencies? The hyperliberalization of social mores? Or is it simply the logic, made suddenly visible, of a consumer culture so advanced that objects are no longer fetishized for their supernatural powers, but loved for their mundane qualities?
It remains uncertain. More research needs to be done. One thing is clear: we are witnessing a breakdown of the apartheid between people and things, which will have consequences for both sides. Remember the broomsticks of Fantasia, which quit the dust-covered floors, refusing to submit any longer to the oppressive regime of utility. Then as now, the objects have become the protagonists of our story; or, we now tell their story. Perhaps it is not the human who is in crisis, but the object. As Rainer Maria Rilke noted, "Relations of men and things have created confusion in the latter."
The Rocket man: m, Libya, 2003 Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi announced his design for the Jamahiriya Rocket in 1999, to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of his rise to power. (Jamahiriya, Qaddafi's own coinage, evokes "the nation/state of the masses.") A few years later I found myself in Tripoli visiting an acquaintance who works at Al-Fateh University. It was not a work trip, but after my friend, a folklorist, told me the story of M, I was determined to investigate. Luckily, she knew where to find him, having employed his services as a mechanic in the past, and offered to come along and serve as translator.
M worked in a body shop in the suburbs east of the city and had fallen in love with the Jamahiriya Rocket. He was tentative when I first approached, but when I explained to him that I simply wanted to know more about his beloved and knew many others who loved similar objects, he became cross. "There is no object like this one," he said. He took a deep breath, then invited us to sit with him for tea in the garage. "I heard on the radio it would be the safest car on earth," he recounted, "that the leader himself had said we must have the air bags, the built-in electronic defense system, the collapsible bumper. Most of the cars here are junk," he complained, surveying the rusted skeletons strewn about the shop's yard. "The cars I normally work on, they are scraps of metal hung like a gypsy tent over an engine that burns you alive when your brakes fail, and they usually do."
During the years after sanctions were imposed, Qaddafi announced he had been "thinking of ways to preserve human life all over the world." The "State of the Masses" car reflected his desire to make rockets for the safety and well-being of ordinary Libyans, while other countries continued making rockets to kill. But for whatever reason, the cars never went into full production. M had obtained his, a prototype, out of luck and conniving. "There is a government official who comes to me to fix his car," he recalled. "One day he is waiting here with the car. It is the most beautiful and powerful thing I have ever seen—a thing that challenges you, makes you powerless." According to the official, the Rocket looked like "a James Bond car." M disagreed. "I told him the leader would not design a car to look like a British killer of our Soviet allies. To me the car looks a little like Nancy Ajram — but she is Lebanese, and this car is more Libyan, with that metallic green color, the front and back looking like a very nice rocket or spaceship."
The official needed a full inspection of the vehicle, and M obliged. Once he had inspected it, though, he vowed never to part with it. "I just felt the contours, put my hand on the steering wheel, examined the chassis, looked under the hood—I knew I was in love. I know what a beautiful car looks like, and how it performs. But this wasn't just beauty, it was perfection."
When the official returned for the Rocket, M stalled. "I told him there was something wrong with the exhaust system and that I had to wait for a part," he recalls. "We cursed the engineers together." The official came back again, but the car still wasn't done. "Then there was a miracle," M says. The man disappeared. Another customer told M that the official had been taken away for saying bad things about the leader's car. M expressed regret at the man's misfortune. But he and the Jamahiriya Rocket have been together ever since, and he is happier than he has ever been. Once a year, on their anniversary, he takes the Rocket out for a ride. But mostly he keeps her under wraps in his garage, obsessively fine-tuning her components, safe from prying, covetous eyes.
Sexual Concrete: A, Israel and the Occupied Territories, 2007 Animism is the fundamental condition of objectum-sexuality. As A put it, when I met her near the West Bank town of Bethlehem, "I look at things as living beings, like you or me. And how are they different? I can communicate with them like with people. For me, this is normal. My partner is a wall."
The border wall, or separation barrier, or racial segregation wall, or security fence — by whatever name, it has symbolized occupation and oppression and the flouting of international law to many people since it was built in 2002. But not to A. "I am not interested in politics," she asserts. "The wall is my spouse." These days she keeps an eye on her beloved with the aid of Google Maps, but she still visits the wall at least once a week, leaving flowers and dates at its base, even reciting poetry. The soldiers look down on her, but she seems not to mind their disparaging remarks. When I ask her why they find it strange, however, she shudders indignantly. "Who says that man is the Crown of Creation?" she spits. "We share this planet with other beings. We all have the same worth, no matter what we are — animal, human, plant, or poured concrete."
She is not quite sure why she loves the wall, and seems to find such a question preposterous. "What attracts me physically is that the wall is rectangular, has parallel lines," she admits. "But other walls have those. Why do I love this wall in particular? I cannot put it into words — there are no words. Why do you love your wife? Your child? What reason can you have? One can only tell stories."
I mention to her that there exists in the literature a story of a man in Silesia who became enamored of the gallows near his home, not because of its grim purpose, but because of its singular geometric form. She nods. "He was not interested in executions, and I am not interested in divisions. The purpose of the object is beside the point. It is the essence we are after."
The Bibliophile: K, London, 2005
An acquaintance of mine, an English gentleman with excellent connections among dealers in antiquarian maps, prints, and books, sent word that a rare tome bound in human skin had recently been sold at auction to a previously unknown collector. He had seen her after the auction, caressing the book's mottled cover and inhaling its perfume, and thought of me. He had done a little digging and was able to provide me with her name and address. The next time I came to London, I wrote ahead to K, circumspectly inquiring whether I might talk to her about the book.
As it happened, she was eager to be interviewed. She had always been a bibliophile, she said; her father had been a minister, and in the family home the books had had the run of the place. But she had only become a bona fide objectophiliac recently — at the auction house where my acquaintance had noticed her.
"It was the smell," she said. Before the bidding had begun she had examined the items for sale, and had been stopped short by "the scent of that volume, the bouquet of ancient pages pressed together by human leather." She looked slightly flushed, explaining that new books have the smell of pulverized organic matter, paste, and infant ink, while old books, so long as they are carefully preserved, develop their own distinctive odors. "Being in that auction house, I felt like I was in a master vintner's cellar or the library of a medieval monastery. My excitement was overwhelming. I bid in a sort of blind frenzy, and nearly fainted from pleasure when I won it." The final price was five figures.
The book is an early seventeenth-century edition of A True and Perfect Relation of the Whole Proceedings Against the Late Most Barbarous Traitors, Garnet a Jesuit and His Confederates. It chronicles the trial of Father Henry Garnet, who was tried and hanged for his alleged role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a Catholic plot to kill King James I by exploding the British Parliament building. It is bound with Garnet's skin and is one of the finest examples of early modern anthropodermic bibliopegy. On the book's cover, the creased skin bears an uncanny resemblance to Garnet's bearded face, frozen in an expression of open-mouthed grief.
I wondered whether Garnet's story was part of the attraction; or whether his having been a priest, and a Catholic one at that, posed any difficulties for a daughter of the Church of England. She laughed at the thought. "The man, Garnet, is simply the occasion for the book. It's the book that I love." She whispers that she takes it to bed with her each night, holding it in her arms, enjoying the subtle aroma of its pages and the astonishingly sensitive surface of its cover.
The Pipeline Lover: X, Lagos, 2006
For this one, I have few words.
During an NGO-funded trip to study the sexual relations of slum dwellers, I drove through a suburb on the outskirts of Lagos that was bisected by an oil pipeline. As we rode past a man wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey large enough to shelter a small family threw himself in front of our car, asking for a donation to "protect the pipeline." This was not the first time I had been asked for a "donation" during my visit, but it was the first time the solicitor appeared to be asking without contempt. He seemed desperate but not dangerous, so I asked him to explain himself.
This was perhaps the most extraordinary accident in a lifetime of sexological encounters. The man was a poet — he had studied at Ibadan, but was down on his luck — and the man was in love. "She stretches from Warri to Kaduna to Lagos, voiding herself upon reaching the tankers of the Seven Sisters," he told me. "Here, Olorun owns the sky, the government owns the land, and the Seven Sisters own whatever lies beneath it." But the pipeline, this stretch of it in particular, belonged to him.
I asked how long he had been protecting the pipeline, and from whom, or what. "I have loved her since I first laid eyes on her," he said, "she the pneumatic tube in infancy, skin like virgin silver." But she is vulnerable, he went on, "beholden to her course, sapping the oil fields in the interior and gurgling their black nectar all the way to the Niger Delta."
But you can't protect her yourself, I offered.
"You see that she has not perished," he replied with bluster. "Though she is now rusted, burned. Everywhere Nigerians are drilling into her, collecting her oil with pails, buckets, Dixie cups. The fires have charred her skin and killed even those whose buckets are still empty."
I reminded him that Soyinka had explained away these incidents as "reflections of the general social malaise."
Smiling at me, he held out his hand. "And that, my friend, is what I am protecting her from." I asked him for his name, an address, something I might use to contact him again, but he demurred, still flashing his toothy grin. "This is where you will find me, never far from my love."
A few months later the BBC reported that fuel from a vandalized pipeline had ignited in Lagos, killing two hundred people. I wondered about the poet, whether he had been caught in the blast. I pictured him scrambling toward the pool of glossy sediment, protecting his love from the predations of the crowd.
Objects, Spring / Summer 2008
Photo by Ara Oshagan
Next: Sixty-Four Antiquities Stolen from the Egyptian Museum on January 28


text:
Jade Kwan (31 de julio de 1979), es una cantante de Hong Kong intérprete de género cantopop.

Carrera
Kwan entró en el mundo de la música del Canto como una Nueva Talento organizado bajo los Premios de Audición en Vancouver 1999 (新秀 歌唱 大赛 温哥华 选拔赛) con la titulada canción "Face" (脸, originalmente cantada por la diva china Faye Wong) y salió como primera finalista. Tal como, representó a Vancouver en un concurso de canto  en Canadá 1999 (新秀 歌唱 大赛 加拿大 总 决赛) y ganó. Luego compitió en los Premios de Canto a nivel Internacional a Finales de 1999 (1999 年 全球 华人 新秀 歌唱 大赛, también en representación de Vancouver) y ganó el "Premio a la Mejor Revelación potencial" (最具 潜质 奖) en la Final Internacional que se celebró en Shanghái, China.

Ella fue conocida por primera vez por el público como "Suma Kwan-yin" en 2002. Su estilo musical fue muy admirado como lo fueron por sus álbumes discográficos. Sus dos primeros álbumes, "Jade-1" y "Jade-2", ganó sus discos de oro. Con los años, ha ganado muchos premios en la industria musical en Hong Kong y China.

Discografía

Álbumes de estudio
 "Jade-1" (2002-7-3)
 "Jade-1" Special Edition (2002-9-13)
 "Jade-2" (2002-12-20)
 "Jade-2" Special Edition (2003-1-17)
 "Jade-3" (2003-4-16)
 "Jade-3" Powerful Pack (2003-6-20)
 "秘密花園 (Secret Garden)" Mandarin new songs & hits (2003-10-31)
 "Jade Forward" (2003-11-26)
 "Jade Birthday Kit" new songs & hits (2004-8-18)
 "The 5th Element" (2005-1-7)
 "Jade Loves..." (2006-5-3)
 "Lost & Found" (2007-7-20)
 "最愛 Jade.i" (2008-5-28)
 "妍亮 SHINE" (2009-9-10)
 "A New Beginning" (2010-10-11)

Álbumes en vivo & MV
 "心愛、心妍 (Love Jade) Karaoke" VCD & DVD (2003-8-29)
 "Jade I Am Ready Concert 2004" CD (2004-3-19)
 "Jade I Am Ready Concert 2004" VCD & DVD (2004-4-17)

Referencias

Enlaces externos

 Jade Kwan's Official site - Jade Online
 Jade Kwan's Jacso Blog
 Jade Kwan's Yahoo! Blog
 Jade Kwan's Xanga Site

Cantantes de la República Popular China
Cantantes de Hong Kong
Nacionalizados de Canadá


Helen from Mephisto is a fantastic, tried and tested sandal - we're so excited to have these comfortable and stylish sandals back again at rubyshoesday!
With soft leather uppers, toe post and adjustable strap over the instep, Mephisto Helen has an anatomic cork footbed with SOFT-AIR technology, making every step a dream. The rubber outsole provides stability and grip when you need it along with shock absorbing comfort. This Mephisto sandal is an absolute classic and the Helen remains a rubyshoesday favourite, deservedly so.
Dark Brown Nairobi is a printed brown leather with an iridescent green and turquoise snake print.
Helen from Mephisto fits true to size but is not suitable for very wide feet.


Lexington, KY - Following the approval of the USEF High Performance Working Group and the USEF Executive Committee, the squad and alternates for the U.S. Endurance Team for the 2012 World Endurance Championship is as follows.
The four athlete/horse combinations comprising the team and two combinations competing as individuals will travel to England to compete in the 2012 World Endurance Championship.
LEXINGTON, KY — APR. 4, 2013 — The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will continue the process of filling the role of Technical Advisor/Chef d'Equipe for the U.S. Dressage Team with two applicants.