text:
Senior Deacons
Wendy and Ed Arnold
Serving a term of at least two and not more than three years, the Senior Deacon will coordinate the work of the Board of Deacons, facilitate all Board of Deacons meetings and report to the Annual Meetings of the Church. He/she will display leadership within the congregation in seeing that the spiritual life of the Church is vibrant and will listen to the needs of the congregation.
Deacons of Worship
Barbara Krol-Sinclair and Jim Oosterman
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Worship Life will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of liturgy and liturgical seasons, music ministry and the sacraments.
Deacons of Spiritual Care
Terri O'Brien and Kim Figueira
Serving a term of one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Spiritual Care will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of visitation, visitor follow-up and new member assimilation.
Deacon of Christian Education
Ashley Tienken
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Christian Education will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of Sunday School, Nursery, Youth Ministry, Confirmation and Adult Education.
Deacons of Youth Ministry
Theresa Pluskey and Darby Drafts-Johnson
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Youth Ministry will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Deacons of Fellowship
Donna and Ron Miner
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Fellowship will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of social gatherings for church members and friends.
Deacons of Christian Mission
Heather Vogel and Jennifer Wallace
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Christian Mission will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of Mission and Outreach.
Deacon of Facility Ministry
Gary Lamothe and Jeff Green
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Facility Ministry will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of building maintenance, grounds upkeep and community use of the facility.
Deacons of Finance Ministry
Chip Frost and Richard Federico
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of Finance Ministry will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the area of development, maintenance and implementation of the Annual Budget approved by the congregation. He/she will also be concerned with recruiting and leadership in the areas of Invested Funds and Endowments. Special attention is to be given to designing an Annual Pledge Campaign and cultivating an atmosphere of generous financial contributions and planned giving.
Deacons of HR and Congregational Records
Jeanne Frost and Jill Geisler
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Deacon of HR and Congregational Records will provide leadership and call forth gifts in the areas of ministerial support, paid staff support and contractual updates, mediation as necessary and securing professional development opportunities.
Deacons of Tenant Relations
Jason Jancaitis and Jim Oosterman
The Deacon of Tenant Relations will be the liaison between the church boards and the many varied groups and organizations in the community who utilize the building.
Youth Deacon at Large
Adam Jancaitis
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Youth Deacon-At-Large will provide a voice in our Church governance structure so that the youth of our church can be heard. The Youth Deacon-At-Large will attend the bi annual, joint meetings of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees.
Elder Deacon at Large
Ginny Altmann
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the Elder Deacon-At-Large will provide a voice in our Church Governance structure so that the senior members of our Church can be heard. The Elder Deacon-At-Large will attend the bi-annual, joint meetings of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees.
New Member Deacons at Large
Matt Wall
Serving a term of at least one and not more than three years, the New Member Deacon-At-Large will provide a voice in our Church Governance structure so that the newer members of our Church can be heard. The New Member Deacon-At-Large will attend the bi-annual, joint meetings of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees.


On Friday – after serving less than four years – a woman who was high on inhalants when she drove a car onto a Highland Park sidewalk, plowing into a family and killing a little girl, was freed from prison.
According to a Chicago Tribune report, on Labor Day in 2012, Carly Rousso was just 18 when the "huffing" crash incident happened. Officials from the Illinois Department of Corrections confirmed Rousso was released from downstate Logan Correctional Center but will remain on parole for two more years.
According to prosecutors, Rousso was inhaling fumes from a keyboard cleaning product behind the wheel of her father's Lexus when she lost consciousness – going across several lanes of traffic in downtown Highland Park and struck a local woman who walking with her three children, the Tribune reports.
Other family members were injured but five-year-old Jaclyn Santos-Sacremento was killed in a crash.
Last Thursday, Jaclyn's father, Tomas Santos De Jesus told the Tribune he had been unaware of Rousso's imminent release but thought her punishment was unjust and too lenient. Rousso was sentenced to five years in prison after she was convicted of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI but served 3.5 years before she was paroled Friday, according to the news outlet.
De Jesus said his oldest child, now 12, continues to see a therapist to help cope with the trauma of the crash and losing a sister, while the couple's youngest child still receives physical therapy due to injuries suffered in the crash, the Tribune reports.
Read during Rousso's sentencing hearing in Lake County court in 2014, Jaclyn's mother, Modesta Sacramento Jimenez asked the longest possible sentence of 14 years. Rousso's defense attorneys argued for probation or a short prison term but the case was highly publicized as it drew attention to the use of inhalants as a recreational drug, according to the Tribune.
Rousso was from a wealthy family, according to the news outlet. Rousso drove a luxury car at the time and was released from jail on a $500,000 bond shortly after her arrest and had a team of defense attorneys along with experts at her trial.
Jaclyn's family depended on donations to help pay for Jaclyn's burial in her parents' native Mexico.
Rousso and the victim both lived in Highland Park, according to the news outlet.
Lawyers highlighted the many traumas Rousso had suffered in her life including sexual assault, bullying by peers along with a dog attack that required hundreds of stitches, leaving scars on her face.
According to the news outlet, experts testified that Rousso suffered from depression along with post-traumatic stress disorder which contributed to her drug use. Before Rousso was sentenced, she spoke at groups of youth, using her story to help others abstain from abusing drugs.
Before her trial commenced, Jaclyn's family settled a civil suit against Rousso for an undisclosed amount.


text:
Home Business The net profit of HBIS in the first three quarters of 2022 was 1.163 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 50.92%, and the profitability level declined
The net profit of HBIS in the first three quarters of 2022 was 1.163 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 50.92%, and the profitability level declined
On October 25th, HBIS (000709) releasedThe third quarter report of 2022, the announcement shows that the operating income in the first three quarters of 2022 was 110,031,976,002.58 yuan, a decrease of 9.62% over the same period of the previous year; the net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was 1,162,601,739.96 yuan, a decrease of 50.92% over the same period of the previous year.
The net cash flow from operating activities during the reporting period was11,761,900,063.38 yuan and total assets of 251,392,706,348.33 yuan.
During the reporting period, the companyThe net profit attributable to the parent decreased by 50.92% year-on-year, mainly due to the sharp drop in the market price of steel and the decline in profitability.
During the reporting period, the companyThe net cash flow from operating activities decreased by 47.97% year-on-year, mainly due to the decrease in the sales price of steel products, which reduced the income, which in turn reduced the cash inflow.
According to the data from the website, HBIS is mainly engaged in ferrous metal smelting and rolling, steel rolling, and metal products.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I first saw a tweet from sportswriter Jerry Sullivan just before 11am today saying that Chan was informed "moments ago" that he had been fired as Buffalo Bills head coach. About 20 minutes after that I saw another tweet from Hannah Bueller from the Buffalo Bills confirming that Gailey had indeed been let go.
Obviously this was no big surprise to Bills fans. Three years of losing records and no playoff berth will do it every time.


No Matter How Big Your Mattress is for Moving, We Have a Solution!
If you're looking to move and you want to take your mattress along, then the best way for you to do so is to ensure that it is packed appropriately and safely for transportation. This is where a mattress moving box will come in handy, a mattress moving box is a specialized moving box that is made to help accommodate your mattress, regardless of its weight, thickness, density and various other factors.
Make sure that your bedding is removed. This means that you should not forget to remove any comforters or bed sheets from your bed before you move it. Also, to ensure that it doesn't get damaged, take the mattress out and ensure that it is completely dry. For good measure, just place it outside in contact with direct sunlight for a few hours.
Purchase a mattress box from Uboxes, first measure your bed width, length, and height. Remember that mattress boxes come in different sizes and types, so make sure to ask for one that is made of thick corrugated and which is measured to perfectly fit your mattress (you might want to take a measurement of your mattress for the request). This type of mattress boxes will be able to protect your mattress from dirt, dust, pests, moisture, and any other form of damage.
Mattresses should be thoroughly checked for any pests that may have landed and resided on the mattress. If the mattress is free of bugs place the mattress in the plastic bag and secure the ends with clear packing tape to make sure your mattress is protected from weather or bug intrusion while moving it to your new residence.
Just for the sake of assurance, perform one last inspection on your mattress in order to check it for infestations. If it's clear, then you can place it into the mattress box. Close the box carefully and ensure that there is no other part of the mattress that is left unprotected.
Make sure to exercise great caution whenever you're taking your mattress out of your home and when you're having it loaded into the moving truck. Mattresses are bulky, and this means they'll be pretty heavy. Forearm forklift straps come in handy to maneuver bulky items. Place the straps under the mattress on each end and lift the mattress together as a team.
Ensure that your mattress bag and box is placed to the front of the truck along with other heavier objects. Use tie downs or rope to secure large furniture to the sides of the truck. It doesn't matter how you position it inside the truck- sideways, upright, or flat- all you need to do is ensure that it is placed well and secured against any collisions and movements while in transit. Also, make sure not to place an item on top of it. If storing for a length of time lay the mattress flat.


Ice Columns and Frozen Rills in a Warm Snowpack, Green Lakes Valley, Colorado, U.S.A.
Hydrology Research (2000) 31 (3): 169-186.
Here we provide information on ice columns and frozen rills found in late-season snowpacks in and near the Green Lakes Valley of the Colorado Front Range, USA. The presence of ice columns and frozen rills in late season snowpacks may provide insights with which to understand the spatial distribution of preferential flowpaths in melting snowpacks. In July and August of 1996 and 1997 we found ice columns in every one of the more than 50 snow fields we investigated. The ice columns showed a consistent morphology; each column was approximately 75 cm in vertical extent, with about 5 cm projecting above the snow surface and 70 cm extending into the snowpack. An analysis of variance test shows that the 81 ice columns on the south-facing slopes were significantly greater than the 57 ice columns on the north-facing slope (p = 0.01). There were about 3 ice columns per square metre on the southfacing slopes and 2 ice columns per square metre on the north-facing slopes. There was an interesting hysteresis in snow and ice temperatures that became stronger with increasing depth in adjacent thermocouple arrays. This hysteresis in the temperature profiles is consistent with the release of latent heat from the freezing of greater amounts of liquid water in and near the ice columns compared to the surrounding snowpack. At the Martinelli catchment, spacing between the frozen rills averaged 2.6 m (n = 73). We interpret these "ribs" of solid ice to be the remnants of surface rills. Vertical ice columns were connected to these frozen rills. The ice columns and frozen rills may provide a snapshot or "schematic" diagram of the major flowpaths in a ripe and draining snowpack.


text:
Q: SQL where-clause speed up This query
UPDATE table
SET stringcol = REPLACE(stringcol, 'tester1', 'tester2')
WHERE stringcol LIKE '%tester1%'

runs almost twice as fast (on a large table) as this one
UPDATE table
SET stringcol = REPLACE(stringcol, 'tester1', 'tester2')

where only the WHERE clause has been omitted.
I think this is a very strange result.
In the first query, the database must first search every stringcol in the table for an occurrence of tester1. Then, a reduced subset of the table is passed to the REPLACE function, which needs to find tester1 again in order to replace it.
In the second query, the database engine must search every stringcol in the table for an occurrence of tester1, and replace accordingly.
If anything, I would expect the first query to run slower, as both the WHERE clause and the REPLACE function check for an occurrence of tester1.
I suppose my analysis of how the database handles the queries is too simplistic. Can someone explain the difference in performance?

A: The query with no WHERE clause applies the replace to every row in the table. This means that for every record, you are take a lock on the area of disk where stringcol is stored for that row and fetching the contents, performing the replace, and writing it back. Depending on the DB, this may occur even if there is no change to data. This may be smart because it might take longer to verify if there there has been a change than writing it to disk. Also, since the single statement is updating every record, the DB will create a transaction log of every change.
Adding the WHERE clause will at least filter each row before making the change. Even though the LIKE '%value%' does not use an index, the DB will check the value of the field before acquiring the lock and updating the value. This probably results in a very large reduction in the number of rows locked and changes applied.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Powiat mielecki – powiat w Polsce (województwo podkarpackie), utworzony w 1999 roku w ramach reformy administracyjnej. Jego siedzibą i największym miastem jest Mielec.

Według danych z 31 grudnia 2019 roku powiat zamieszkiwało 136 660 osób. Natomiast według danych z 30 czerwca 2020 roku powiat zamieszkiwały 136 672 osoby.

Historia
Powiat powstał w 1853 roku. Zajmował wówczas obszar 837 km², był zamieszkany przez 66 264 osób i liczył 106 osad oraz 91 gmin katastralnych. Na terenie powiatu mieleckiego prawa miejskie posiadały Mielec, Radomyśl Wielki, Rzochów i Przecław. Po I wojnie światowej powiat mielecki został włączony do województwa krakowskiego. W latach 1932–1935 powiat powiększył się o kilkanaście wsi z powiatów dąbrowskiego i kolbuszowskiego. W czasie okupacji hitlerowskiej ziemie powiatu zostały przyłączone do Generalnego Gubernatorstwa. W 1945 utworzono województwo rzeszowskie, w którym znalazł się powiat mielecki. W 1975 przeprowadzono reformę administracyjną Polski, w wyniku której zlikwidowano powiaty. W 1999 w wyniku kolejnej reformy reaktywowano powiat mielecki.

W latach 1999–2006 starostą powiatu mieleckiego przez 2 kadencje był Józef Smaczny, w latach 2006–2014 również przez 2 kadencje – Andrzej Chrabąszcz, od 1 grudnia 2014 do 19 listopada 2018 starostą przez 1 kadencję był Zbigniew Tymuła, natomiast od 19 listopada 2018 starostą jest Stanisław Lonczak.

Podział administracyjny
 gminy miejskie: Mielec
 gminy miejsko-wiejskie: Przecław, Radomyśl Wielki
 gminy wiejskie: Borowa, Czermin, Gawłuszowice, Mielec, Padew Narodowa, Tuszów Narodowy, Wadowice Górne
 miasta: Mielec, Przecław, Radomyśl Wielki

Demografia

 Piramida wieku mieszkańców powiatu mieleckiego w 2014 roku.

Zabytki

Najcenniejszymi zabytkami powiatu są:
 Kościół św. Wojciecha w Gawłuszowicach z 1677 roku oraz stara plebania przykościelna z 1863 roku (zabytki klasy 0)
 Dwór w Przecławiu
 Wieża obronno-mieszkalna w Rzemieniu, najprawdopodobniej z XV wieku
 Bazylika Mniejsza pw. św. Mateusza w Mielcu z 1526 roku
 Dworek Oborskich w Mielcu wzniesiony w XVII wieku wraz z parkiem z I połowy XIX wieku
 Sala Królewska w budynku Państwowej Szkoły Muzycznej w Mielcu

Rezerwaty przyrody
Na terenie powiatu mieleckiego funkcjonują następujące rezerwaty przyrody:
 Bagno Przecławskie
 Buczyna
 Końskie Błota
 Pateraki

Religia
 Kościół rzymskokatolicki: 33 parafii
 Kościół Zielonoświątkowy: zbór
 Świadkowie Jehowy: dwa zbory

Starostowie mieleccy
 Józef Smaczny (1999–2006) (SLD)
 Andrzej Chrabąszcz (2006–2014) (PSL)
 Zbigniew Tymuła (2014–2018) (PiS)
 Stanisław Lonczak (od 2018) (PSL)

Sąsiednie powiaty
 powiat tarnobrzeski
 powiat kolbuszowski
 powiat ropczycko-sędziszowski
 powiat dębicki
 powiat dąbrowski (małopolskie)
 powiat staszowski (świętokrzyskie)

Zobacz też
 Miejscowości w Polsce pozbawione praw miejskich

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne
 Serwis Internetowy Starostwa Powiatowego w Mielcu

mielecki

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
The rheology of peralkaline rhyolites from Pantelleria Island
The viscosity of pantelleritic melts from the Khaggiar lava flow (5.5 ka - Pantelleria Island) was investigated as a function of temperature and water content. High (1673–1323 K) and low (973–613 K) temperature dry and hydrous liquid viscosity was determined by a combination of concentric cylinder (102.44 to 104.56 Pa s) and micropenetration (108.67 to 1011.37) viscometric techniques. The effect of water, from 0.02 to 3.55 wt% H2O, was explored in the temperature range of 973–613 K. Liquid viscosities have been parameterized by means of a modified Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation (VFT) which describes viscosities and derivative properties (glass transition temperature Tg, fragility m) of silicic liquids as a function of T-X (H2O). The results yield the expected strong decrease of viscosity with temperature and water content. Fragility, as a measure of the deviation from Arrhenian behavior, increases with H2O content from m = 23 to m = 28. The peralkalinity (molar alkali excess over alumina), which characterizes the pantelleritic magmas, exerts a primary control over the rheological behavior of these melts. The excess of alkalies over alumina content is responsible for the peculiarly low viscosities of pantelleritic liquids compared to their metaluminous counterpart in the high temperature range, and leads to an even more dramatic decrease in the viscosities of these rhyolites in the low temperature range. Comparison with available models shows substantial differences between the measured and calculated viscosities. Based on our new viscosity results combined with existing literature data, we propose a new parameterization based on a modified Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation, accounting for the effect of water and composition, which can be used to determine the viscosity of pantelleritic melts. The derived relationship reproduces the experimental data (58 in total) in the viscosity range from 102.44 to 1011.37 Pa s and in the temperature range from 613 to 1673 K within a root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of 0.12 log units. Application of this calculation model for high temperature low viscosity hydrous melt is limited by the lack of experimental data and needs verification by additional measurements. Volcanological implications for welding and rheomorphic processes as well as conduit dynamic modelling are also discussed in light of the results presented in this work.
Titolo: The rheology of peralkaline rhyolites from Pantelleria Island
D. Di Genova
C. Romano
K. U. Hess
A. Vona
B. T. Poe
GIORDANO, Daniele
D. B. Dingwell
H. Behrens
Autori: D. Di Genova; C. Romano; K.-U. Hess; A. Vona; B.T. Poe; D. Giordano; D.B. Dingwell; H. Behrens
Abstract: The viscosity of pantelleritic melts from the Khaggiar lava flow (5.5 ka - Pantelleria Island) was investigated as a function of temperature and water content. High (1673–1323 K) and low (973–613 K) temperature dry and hydrous liquid viscosity was determined by a combination of concentric cylinder (102.44 to 104.56 Pa s) and micropenetration (108.67 to 1011.37) viscometric techniques. The effect of water, from 0.02 to 3.55 wt% H2O, was explored in the temperature range of 973–613 K. Liquid viscosities have been parameterized by means of a modified Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation (VFT) which describes viscosities and derivative properties (glass transition temperature Tg, fragility m) of silicic liquids as a function of T-X (H2O). The results yield the expected strong decrease of viscosity with temperature and water content. Fragility, as a measure of the deviation from Arrhenian behavior, increases with H2O content from m = 23 to m = 28. The peralkalinity (molar alkali excess over alumina), which characterizes the pantelleritic magmas, exerts a primary control over the rheological behavior of these melts. The excess of alkalies over alumina content is responsible for the peculiarly low viscosities of pantelleritic liquids compared to their metaluminous counterpart in the high temperature range, and leads to an even more dramatic decrease in the viscosities of these rhyolites in the low temperature range. Comparison with available models shows substantial differences between the measured and calculated viscosities. Based on our new viscosity results combined with existing literature data, we propose a new parameterization based on a modified Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation, accounting for the effect of water and composition, which can be used to determine the viscosity of pantelleritic melts. The derived relationship reproduces the experimental data (58 in total) in the viscosity range from 102.44 to 1011.37 Pa s and in the temperature range from 613 to 1673 K within a root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of 0.12 log units. Application of this calculation model for high temperature low viscosity hydrous melt is limited by the lack of experimental data and needs verification by additional measurements. Volcanological implications for welding and rheomorphic processes as well as conduit dynamic modelling are also discussed in light of the results presented in this work.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.10.017
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377027312003241m/science/article/pii/S0377027312003241?v=s5
Parole Chiave: Viscosity, Pantelleria, pantellerite, welding
Rivista: JOURNAL OF VOLCANOLOGY AND GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH
DiGenova_et_al_2013.pdf PDF EDITORIALE Accesso riservato Utenti riconosciuti Richiedi una copia


Inner Tube 2.75 3.00 x 21 3.10 90 - 3.60 90 80 90 90 80 Classic Bike Use.
Inner Tube, 2.75/3.00 x 21 (3.10/90 - 3.60/90,80/90,90/80), Classic Bike Use.
This is a new, good quality, motorcycle inner tube to fit 2.75/3.00 - 21 classic motorcycle tyres.
We have selected these to fit the imperial tyre sizing as used in the 1940s,50s & 60s but they also fit the more modern 3.60/90, 80/90, 90/90, 90/80 x 21 tyre sizes.


text:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<merger version="3"><dataSet config="main"><source path="/Users/ahetawal/personal/FirebaseAndroidChatExample/app/src/androidTest/assets"/></dataSet></merger>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Tag: Development | Something Odd!
Later.. Here's another AJAX powered regular expression checker via Matt.
He has a couple of examples on his page, and it looks easy enough in principle. The devil's in the details don't you know but it looks like it's worth trying!
He's a busy beaver too.. he has an MVC framework and tutorial that steps you through an example.


text:
Tag Archives: Michael Friedman
Woodstock: Westport Remembers
If you grew up when I did, you've got a Woodstock memory.
I had a ticket and everything (except actual plans about how to get there).
Me, in my Woodstock days. Or should I say, Woogstock.
Then I got grounded. (Well deserved, I must admit.) Instead of getting rained on, sleeping in the mud and being awakened by Jimi Hendrix, I sat at home. I read about the huge festival in the New York Times. A few months later, I saw the movie.
Several years later — now out of college — I was cleaning my old room at my parents' house. I found my Woodstock ticket: still pristine, never used.
"Oh," I said to myself. "That's interesting."
And promptly threw it out.
That's not the most compelling — or financially savvy — Woodstock story. But it's mine.
Other people have much better ones.
Like Michael Friedman (Staples High School 1961 grad/music producer/ photographer). Roger Kaufman (Staples '66 musician/musicologist). Dodie Pettit (Westport actress/singer/Woodstock attendee). Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter's guitar player). Ira and Maxine Stone (Woodstock performers). Bruce Pollock (author).
They'll all be at the Westport Woman's Club this Wednesday (May 15, 7 p.m.). They're part of a "Woodstock: 50 Years Down the Road" panel, talking about their experiences at that almost-50-years-ago/seems-like-yesterday historical event.
"Lotta freaks!" Arlo Guthrie said. "The New York State Thruway is closed!"
After the discussion, the Old School Revue's Woodstock All-Stars will play favorite hits from Woodstock. Performers include Kaufman, Pettit, the Stones (Ira and Maxine, not Mick and Keith), Pete Hohmeister, Frank Barrese, Bob Cooper, Billy Foster and Nina Hammerling Smith.
Special guests include Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, Robin Batteau and the Saugatuck Horns (Joe Meo and Fred Scerbo).
The event is free (but register online; seating is limited).
In other words, you don't need a ticket.
That's good. If I had one, I'd probably throw it away.
(For more information, click here. "Woodstock: 50 Years Down the Road" is sponsored by the Westport Library.)
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, History, Library, People
Tagged Dodie Pettit, Michael Friedman, Roger Kaufman, Woodstock
Pop Go The Photos
Michael Friedman has done a lot in his 73 years.
The Staples High School Class of 1961 graduate produced "Hello, It's Me." He managed Todd Rundgren and Kris Kristofferson — as well as (with Albert Grossman) the careers of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band, Odetta, and Peter Paul & Mary. He did publicity for the Dave Clark 5 and Herman's Hermits.
He sold Americana and folk art. He also owned the Ash Creek Saloons in Fairfield and Norwalk, along with Darien's Goose restaurant.
With such varied careers — and so much going on — he could be forgiven for losing the negatives of photos he took nearly 50 years ago.
Of course, they were not random snapshots of the Friedman family at the beach, or their naked newborn in a bathtub.
These were up close, personal — and superb — shots of some of the biggest names in the music world.
Mick Jagger (Photo copyright Michael Friedman)
The Stones. Janis Joplin. The Band. Johnny Winter. Gordon Lightfoot. James Cotton. Ian and Sylvia. Rita Coolidge. All are artists Friedman worked with in the 1960s.
Last January, his wife Donna stumbled upon them. Friedman spent the next several months printing, restoring and mounting the photos.
Soon, they'll head to the California Heritage Museum in Los Angeles.
Janis Joplin (Photo copyright Michael Friedman)
But right now, they're part of a pop-up gallery in Bedford Square. Friedman's taken over an appropriately scruffy, unfinished space opposite the Spotted Horse. Dozens of images are on display there — and for sale.
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
There's been no publicity. Yet plenty of folks discovered the intriguing gallery during last weekend's Blues, Views & BBQ Festival. The word is getting out.
But remember: This is a pop-up place. Soon, the photos will be gone.
At least this time Friedman will know where they went.
Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, People
Tagged #Levon Helm, Bedford Square, Michael Friedman
Nobel Laureate's Former Manager Looks Back
Posted on October 18, 2016 | 12 comments
The 1961 Staples graduate managed Todd Rundgren. He did publicity for the Dave Clark 5 and Herman's Hermits. He dated Linda Eastman.
And — for a few years in the late 1960s and early '70s — he helped manage Bob Dylan.
You know: the newest Nobel Prize in Literature laureate.
Michael Friedman in his Weston home.
Friedman — a longtime music lover and current Weston resident whose recollections of the early rock 'n' roll days in Westport I chronicled last April (he was Bo Diddley's drummer at the YMCA, for example) — was just 24 years old when he joined Albert Grossman's New York office.
It had been a 1-man operation, managing — besides Dylan, and the Band — Janis Joplin, Peter Paul & Mary, Richie Havens, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Odessa.
Friedman was hired on as Grossman's assistant — and partner.
With Dylan back in the news last week, I asked Friedman for some insights into the singer/songwriter/poet/Nobel Prize honoree.
"What do you add to the conversation about Bob Dylan that hasn't already been examined under a microscope?" Friedman wondered.
Bob Dylan and Albert Grossman.
He thinks, though, that it's hard to imagine Dylan achieving all that he did without Grossman. They were "alter egos," Friedman says.
Friedman's work with Dylan came mainly in the office, and Dylan's home/studio in Woodstock, New York — not on the road. But the manager saw many facets of his client.
Decades later, he remains a huge fan.
"If anything, I'm surprised that people are surprised" at the Nobel news, Friedman says.
"His lyrics and music go far beyond anything any American has achieved," he notes.
"He's so influential. He gave everyone — the Beatles, Paul Simon, you name it — permission to write in a way that had never been done before. The body of work he's responsible for laid the groundwork in a fearless, extraordinary way."
That "Nashville Skyline" album remains one of Friedman's favorites. It was light, simple — and very country-influenced. That, Friedman says, epitomizes Dylan.
Dylan's "Nashville Skyline" cover.
"He did not care what anyone thought, or about celebrity or fame. He was booed off the stage at Newport for going electric, when he was the spokesman for folk music. He was the anti-war spokesman, and he went country. He did what he wanted.."
But Dylan was certainly no dilettante. When Friedman asked him about his writing "process," Dylan said: "I get up in the morning. I go to my 'office.' I write songs. Then I go home."
After nearly 60 years in the business — and countless honors — Bob Dylan has received an enormous honor, for his great body of work.
"I really admire him," his former manager said. "And I'm really proud of him."
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People
Tagged Albert Grossman, Bob Dylan, Michael Friedman, Nobel Prize in Literature
Musical Memories: The Sequel
Posted on April 9, 2016 | 9 comments
Wednesday's "06880" post about Bo Diddley's appearances in Westport sent Mike James scrambling for his scrapbook.
Sure enough, there it was: a ticket to one of the rock 'n' roll pioneer's local shows. With an actual autograph from the star. (He apparently called himself "The Man.")
St. Anthony's Hall was on Franklin Street (you can read all about that history here.)
Meanwhile, Michael Friedman — the Staples grad who inspired that "06880" story — e-mailed me a few of the many photos he's taken over his long musical career.
From Bo Diddley to Janis Joplin, Mick Jagger and Johnny Winter, he's seen it all.
Janis Joplin (Photo/Michael Friedman)
Johnny Winter and Janis Joplin (Photo/Michael Friedman)
The Rolling Stones. (Photo/Michael Friedman)
Hello, it's Todd Rundgren. (Photo/Michael Friedman)
Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, People, Saugatuck
Tagged Bo Diddley, Janis Joplin, Michael Friedman, Mick Jagger, St. Anthony's Hall, Todd Rundgren
Bo Did Westport
Westport's musical history is well noted.
Mark Smollin wrote a book about all the 1960s bands that played at Staples: the Doors, Cream, Yardbirds, Animals and many, many more.
Linda Eastman — before she was McCartney — photographed Jeff Beck in the high school choral room.
A video of Steve Tallerico — before he was Steve Tyler — plays in an endless loop at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. In it, he talks about the incredible influence this town had on his musical career.
But before the Byrds, Peter Frampton and Sly and the Family Stone played here — and all the rest — there was a different kind of teenage music. And Westport was at the center of it then, too.
Michael Friedman today, in his Weston home.
Michael Friedman was there. Now 72, he's had several intriguing careers. He's been an antiques dealer, and a restaurant owner.
He produced "Hello, It's Me," and managed Todd Rundgren and Kris Kristofferson — as well as (with Albert Grossman) the careers of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band, Odetta, and Peter Paul & Mary. He did publicity for the Dave Clark 5 and Herman's Hermits.
But even before that — when he was a student at Long Lots Junior High, and a member of Staples High's Class of 1961 — Friedman was part of Westport's thriving music scene.
In 1958 — as a "self-taught, left-handed, not-so-great drummer" — he joined saxophonist Rick Del Vecchio and guitarist/singer Mike Youngman in a group called the Schemers. Friedman calls them "Westport's 1st garage band."
They were young. But the 4th member was even younger. Barry Tashian brought great guitar chops — and an amazing voice, and plenty of showmanship — to the foursome.
Bo Diddley was heard in Westport.
The Schemers covered songs by hot artists like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. They knew Diddley especially well: He played in Westport "a number of times," Friedman says. They were dance shows, at places like the YMCA.
Once, Diddley's drummer was too drunk to perform. Friedman took his spot.
Another act that came to Westport was Harvey and the Moonglows ("Sincerely"). Once again, the drummer drank too much. Once again, Friedman stepped in.
Only one local band was bigger than the Schemers. Bridgeport's Dick Grass and the Hoppers — featuring 350-pound lead singer Bobby Lindsay — had a regional hit with "Mr. John Law."
A few years later, Tashian went on to far great fame. With fellow Westporter Bill Briggs — and 2 Boston University classmates — the Remains took Boston by storm. They toured with the Beatles, appeared on "Ed Sullivan" and "Hullabaloo," and were (in the words of Jon Landau) "how you told a stranger about rock 'n' roll."
Unfortunately, the Remains broke up. But that's another story.
Westporters Barry Tashian (left) and Bill Briggs of the Remains flank Staples music director John Ohanian in 1966.
Tashian was not the only Friedman-era Stapleite to go on to musical fame. Mike Borchetta brought musical acts to Westport while still in high school. One was Dave Baby Cortez ("The Happy Organ").
Borchetta later became a noted music promoter — first in Los Angeles, then Nashville. He went on to start his own label — and discovered a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Don Law was another Staples musical mover and shaker. His father — also named Don — was "Mr. Nashville." He produced Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans,"Marty Robbins' "El Paso" and Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John," as well as many Johnny Cash records.
His son — Friedman's friend — was a Boston-based promoter. The Boston Globe says Law "virtually controlled the live music scene throughout New England for almost four decades."
And who can forget Rusty Ford, who went on to play bass with the psychedelic, theremin-heavy, influential but now forgotten Lothar and the Hand People? Ford and his wife Karen have lived in Westport since 1992.
Lothar and the Hand People. Rusty Ford is 2nd from left in this photo by Richard Avedon.
Friedman's own career took a couple of detours. He sold Americana and folk art, and owned the Ash Creek Saloons in Fairfield and Norwalk, along with Darien's Goose restaurant.
But music was always his first love.
"I've had a fun life," he says, sitting in his Weston home. He's surrounded by memorabilia, like an acetate from the Beatles' recording of "Help!", a 1948 snare drum head signed by Levon Helm, and a photo he took of Janis Joplin just before she performed for a few thousand Hell's Angels.
Yet of everything he's done — including dating Linda Eastman — "the Barry and Bo Diddley years were the best. There's nothing better than playing in a rock 'n' roll band."
Michael Friedman knew Levon Helm when he was in the Hawks — the band that preceded The Band. The drum head says: "Michael. You & me brother. They wouldn't believe us if we told it. Love & respects, Levon Helm. Sept. '09."
Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, People, Staples HS, YMCA
Tagged Bo Diddley, Don Law, Lothar and the Hand People, Michael Friedman, Mike Borchetta
Life At The Y
Posted on August 15, 2011 | 19 comments
Last Friday was a typical summer day at the Y. Swimmers swam; cyclists cycled; basketball players basketballed.
Suddenly, around noon, a player in one of those pickup hoops games dropped to the floor.
He was in full cardiac arrest.
A fellow player — the guest of a member, who is a nurse — began chest compressions. Others ran for help.
Michael Friedman
Michael Friedman — a health and wellness specialist in the fitness center — was standing in the doorway. Like every Y staffer — from the CEO on down — he's been trained and regularly re-certified in both CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use.
Michael grabbed the nearest AED unit — there are 3; this one was by the membership desk — and ran to the gym.
Ignoring a large head gash — sustained when the man collapsed — Michael checked for vital signs. All were negative. There was no pulse.
He attached the AED. It recommended a shock. He followed the prompts, and administered one. Immediately, cardiac rhythm was restored.
"That's a blessing," Michael says. "The best blood pump in the world is your own heart. He wasn't without a pulse for very long."
Michael secured the man's airway. Then he and membership coordinator Steve Forlano attended to his head wound.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Y staff followed the exact protocol they train for. The membership desk called 911. Someone waited outside to escort emergency personnel through the maze of hallways to the gym.
When firefighters, police and EMTs arrived, they took over. Soon, the man was on his way to Norwalk Hospital.
The next day, his fianceé called the Y to thank everyone. He could have died, she said. Instead he had an angioplasty (and 17 stitches in his head), and will be fine.
He'll be released from the hospital tomorrow.
Michael has a special background. He spent 20 years with Weston's fire department and EMTs. But, he insists, "anyone in the building would have done what I did.
"It was a real team effort. There were so many people involved. I still don't know all their names.
"There was an awesome continuum of care," he adds. "From the minute he hit the floor to the end result, he had excellent care.
AEDs -- with clear instructions on how to use them -- save lives.
"AEDs were in place. We were trained to use them. Westport EMTs are some of the best in the country, so the pre-hospital help was fantastic. And then Norwalk Hospital followed up with more great care."
Michael concludes: "I feel proud of the Y, and the team effort that took place. I'm just glad I could take the training we're all given, and apply it when it was needed."
Michael had the weekend off. He returns to the Y this week.
Soon, he'll move to part-time status. He's headed to Norwalk Community College, taking courses in physical therapy.
He could probably skip the first-aid portion of the curriculum.
Then again, Michael Friedman never would.
Posted in People, Police, YMCA
Tagged AED, CPR, Michael Friedman, Norwalk Hospital, Westport EMT, Westport Family Y


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text:
Steve McManaman: Why Harry Kane's injury positive for Tottenham
The former Liverpool midfielder believes Harry Kane will return to Tottenham action a fresher player
By The Sport Review staff Monday 24 October 2016, 00:30 UK @thesportreview
Steve McManaman believes Harry Kane's enforced break is a positive thing for Tottenham Hotspur.
The England international finished as the Premier League's leading goal-scorer in the 2015-16 season after a return of 25 goals in 37 games.
Kane went away with Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad in the summer but the centre-forward struggled throughout the European championship.
The Tottenham striker failed to find the back of the net in the north London side's opening three Premier League games before he scored in a 4-0 win at Stoke City.
Kane netted in successive Premier League games to break the deadlock against Sunderland before the England man suffered an ankle injury in the 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger McManaman believes Kane's injury could mean that the Tottenham talisman is fresher upon his return to Mauricio Pochettino's side.
"I think the break will help Harry Kane," McManaman told BT Sport's Premier League Tonight show.
"He had a hard summer with England. He has come back and gone right back in the side. Hopefully this break through injury will give him a lift when he gets back in a Tottenham shirt and he can start scoring goals."
Tottenham have won five Premier League games and drawn three times in the top flight after an impressive start to the 2016-17 campaign.
MORE: The latest Tottenham news and views
MORE: The latest Tottenham player tweets
The Lilywhites finished in third place in the table behind champions Leicester City and Arsenal last season.
MORE: Jamie Redknapp makes bold claim about Jack Wilshere and Arsenal


text:
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A true (as told to me) story (Hardcover)
By Bess Kalb
Check with Store
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR:
VOGUE • FORBES • BOOKPAGE • NEW YORK POST
"I have not been as profoundly moved by a book in years." —Jodi Picoult
Even after she left home for Hollywood, Emmy-nominated TV writer Bess Kalb saved every voicemail her grandmother Bobby Bell ever left her. Bobby was a force—irrepressible, glamorous, unapologetically opinionated. Bobby doted on Bess; Bess adored Bobby. Then, at ninety, Bobby died. But in this debut memoir, Bobby is speaking to Bess once more, in a voice as passionate as it ever was in life.
Recounting both family lore and family secrets, Bobby brings us four generations of indomitable women and the men who loved them. There's Bobby's mother, who traveled solo from Belarus to America in the 1880s to escape the pogroms, and Bess's mother, a 1970s rebel who always fought against convention. But it was Bobby and Bess who always had the most powerful bond: Bobby her granddaughter's fiercest supporter, giving Bess unequivocal love, even if sometimes of the toughest kind. Nobody Will Tell You This But Me marks the creation of a totally new, virtuosic form of memoir: a reconstruction of a beloved grandmother's words and wisdom to tell her family's story with equal parts poignancy and hilarity.
BESS KALB is an Emmy-nominated writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live. Her writing for the show earned her a Writer's Guild Award in 2016. She has also written for the Oscars and the Emmys. A regular contributor to The New Yorker's "Daily Shouts," her work has been published in The New Republic, Grantland, Salon.com, Wired, The Nation, and elsewhere. She lives in Los Angeles.
"A funny, touching and timely reminder of the solace to be found in kindred spirits." —People
"I delighted in Bobby's joy. I cried twice." —Miranda Popkey, The New York Times Book Review
"A poignant and funny look at four generations of women." —Stephanie Merry, The Washington Post
"A unique take on a close daughter-grandmother relationship; a beautiful tribute to Kalb's grandmother, Bobby. Told in her hilarious grandmother's voice, Bess's memoir chronicles her family's story and the love story between these two fabulous women." —Zibby Owens, Good Morning America
"Reliably funny...poignant on the aftermath of loss. Written from the sometimes acerbic, sometimes sweet and always laser-sharp perspective of [Kalb's grandmother,] Bobby Bell ... in between are loving recollections of their relationship, including snippets of conversations and voicemails and a steady supply of life advice."—Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times
"I have never read anything that feels truer to my experience of having a Jewish grandmother than Nobody Will Tell You This But Me. Bess Kalb's memoir is told from the perspective of her grandmother, Bobby, and Bess captures her voice beautifully. Funny, heartwarming, deeply moving."
—Emily Burack, Hey Alma
"A love story that resonates across generations . . . Grandma Bobby's personality radiates from the page. Like a set of nesting dolls, those stories begin as Grandma Bobby recalls the life story of her own mother, [whose] profound vulnerability—and genius at survival—marks the matrilineal line. With determination, creative thinking and practical planning, Bobby helps lift herself and her family out of their gritty working-class roots and into a comfortable lifestyle she eagerly shares with her granddaughter, Bess. The two were instant soulmates . . . The way Kalb honors her grandmother is a testament to their connection. Original, moving, and funny." —Alison Buckholtz, The Florida Times-Union
"Funny, tender and incredibly moving . . . Both a family history and a celebration of the bond between grandmother and granddaughter—a book that gives you a solid cathartic weep and a renewed sense of joy in family ties." —Mackenzie Dawson, New York Post
"I have not been as profoundly moved by a book in years. If you have a mother or grandmother, or ARE a mother or a grandmother, this is required reading. Bess Kalb's fictional-factual tribute to the relationship she had with her grandmother—the way her history was passed to her by blood, along with bright memories and Jewish guilt and fierce, fierce love—could have been my own story. When I stop crying, I'm calling my mother immediately and making her read it." —Jodi Picoult
"Tender, funny, fresh, and unconventional, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me manages to make something new and wonderful out of a family memoir. Kalb has a light, lovely touch and a big heart, which combine to make this book irresistible." —Susan Orlean
"I am in love with the all-consuming, hilarious, primal relationship between Bess Kalb and her late grandmother, Bobby Bell. This memoir made my heart swell, my eyes alight in amazement and joy. Bobby regales her granddaughter with her infinite wisdom, which is almost always over the top and a little bit critical but delivered with love's exuberance." —Al Woodworth, Amazon Book Review
"Lively and fascinating, funny yet poignant. There are laughs galore throughout the book . . . [yet] Kalb processes her own grief as she writes, sharing how she reacted in the days following her grandmother's death. Kalb pulls off [a] daring approach brilliantly—in a bold stroke of literary bravura, she has turned the formula for writing memoirs inside out, bringing her grandmother's distinctive voice back to life and sharing it with a legion of lucky readers . . . Enthralling." —Alice Cary, BookPage [starred review]
"Nobody Will Tell You This But Me is precisely that—a book no one other than Bess Kalb would think to create. It's an invented form that has bursts of comic lines as good as in any movie, and pathos as deep as in any novel. I love this book." —Mike Birbiglia, author of Sleepwalk with Me and The New One
"We are the stories we leave behind, and so we must depend on the storytellers who carry forward our memories. 'Grandma Bobby' gave Bess Kalb gifts of love and language (and lunches at the Plaza!), and in this deeply moving and powerful book, Bess repays her in full with a magnificent act of conjuring. Bobby, and the line of stubborn women of which she was the keystone, lives on in this act of love. This book made me miss my own grandmother, who didn't have Bobby's style, but was just as fierce. I wish I had listened to her as carefully as Bess did to Bobby." —Peter Sagal, host of NPR's Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!
"Thank you Bess Kalb for giving us Bobby. She is hilarious and honest and heartbreaking and completely alive in these pages—and I love her." —Gary Janetti, author of Do You Mind If I Cancel?
"An endearing, bittersweet, entertainingly fresh take on the family memoir. Kalb employs an unconventional yet highly effective and charming narrative, channeling the voice and personality of her grandmother, Bobby Bell, who snares readers' attention right from the first, [as] Kalb sharply reimagines her inner thoughts and remembers her fiercely nurturing criticism. The narrative skillfully captures Bobby's wit, worldly advice, well-intentioned meddling, and enduring love for her granddaughter. Readers familiar with the Bobby in their own families will appreciate the stoic overprotectiveness and exasperation that come with being a parent and grandparent. As the book progresses, the story becomes both sad and poignant—the photos and the imagined conversations make for sometimes heartbreaking reading, honoring a beloved grandmother's legacy." —Kirkus [starred review]
Humor / Topic / Marriage & Family
Family & Relationships / Extended Family
Paperback (April 20th, 2021): $16.00


...the Imam is leading the prayers at the most sacred place of Islam, we follow him in prayer but the sect and school of thought with which he is associated, is not followed by the majority in the Muslim world...Many people consider it as part of a campaign of creating anti-Iran feelings. Even some columnists are questioning whether it is a conspiracy to create an atmosphere of Karachi in Delhi and Lucknow too.
How serious and sensitive we are about our future and the future of our nation and community. This can easily be measured by the incidents that occurred in the aftermath of the atomic crisis unfolding in Fukushima (Japan). The Fukushima tragedy made every nuclear power anxious and apprehensive. Now second thought is being given to atomic energy projects the world over. Germany closed seven nuclear reactors, China did not give approval to new nuclear plants and Russia is also indecisive. All world powers, America, France and Britain, are now rethinking their atomic energy programmes.
But what have we and our rulers done? Atomic installations in India and Pakistan are being run with the same carelessness and indifference which is the hallmark of both of them. Needless to say that in these critical circumstances we are not abstaining from being tools in the hands of external powers. When the mercury is rising, the sky is heating and the world is heading towards doomsday, our naivety is a pity.
No doubt nuclear lobbyists from America and France in our country, are still very active. But our government is no less keen. Our experts and policy makers are still acting on their commands. The whole world is very anxious and concerned over our vulnerability to radiation from Fukushima which has polluted the environment of not only Japan but of neighbouring countries also which are worried about their safety. But in this situation all countries of the Subcontinent are still battling with each other either on the cricket field or cricket diplomacy or fighting in the political arena to defeat each other. As one Urdu poet put it: I wonder whether to mourn myself or beat my breast!
You must be thinking that while the whole country is spell-bound by the arrival of Imame Kaaba Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais and very keen to see and hear him, what kind of man am I who is still worried about the radiation from Fukushima? Yes, pardon me, because while the visit ofImame Kaaba is a historic and national honour for us on one hand, it has raised disturbing and nagging questions on the other.
On March 24, 2011, Thursday noon, when the aircraft carrying the imam landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, some past memories cropped up in my mind. It was only two or three months ago that one of the imams of Kaba Shaikh Sa'ud Al-Shuraim visited India at the invitation of Dr Zakir Naik, a famous Muslim preacher. Imams of Ka'aba and of Al-Aqsa mosque have visited India in the past, but the drama, enacted now, is a new phenomenon.
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, invited by Nadwatul Ulama (Lucknow), one of the Imams of Ka'ba had visited India. Maulana Abdul Hasan Ali Nadwi was his host. At that time communication facilities were very limited in contrast to those of today. That is why only a brief news appeared in newspapers regarding the date of his arrival at Amausi airport in Lucknow and what route he would take to proceed to Nadwa. It is still alive in the memory of people how Muslims enthusiastically gathered and how high their emotions ran. Hafeez Nomani, a leading intellectual and journalist of Lucknow, writes that the honourable Imam of Kaba had come at the invitation of Maulana Ali Mian and Darul Ulum Nadwatul Ulama did not lack money if it wanted it could put front pages advertisement in leading newspapers, but it did not publish even a single ad nor did it appeal the people to make it a point to attend prayer led by him. But the amount of ads in the name of Azmate Sahaba (greatness of Prophet's companions) is telling that, God forbid, just as Qadianis had opened a front against the Khatme Nobuwwat (finality of prophethood) in the same way some sect or a certain community is waging a war against the greatness of the Prophet's companions. Shaikh Al-Sudais, while addressing mediapersons at the airport on arrival and again at Deoband on 25 March, said that his visit is for love, goodwill and unity of Ummah. Maulana Arshad Madni on the occasion revealed that the honourable Imam had come at his invitation and that he would address Muslims on the unity of the Muslim world and the greatness of Islam. But we were surprised to hear this because the Imam Sudais himself had said regarding his visit that it was a visit of goodwill and love. Maulana Arshad Madni is speaking of the unity of Ummah but on the other hand this Azmate Sahaba conference, under the aegis of which he has come, is considered as ushering in a new era of sectarian conflict.
Many people consider it as part of a campaign of creating anti-Iran feelings. Even some columnists are questioning whether it is a conspiracy to create an atmosphere of Karachi in Delhi and Lucknow too. Prominent journalist Sadia Dehlawi wrote that Maulana Arshad Madni's statement that Shaikh Sudais is the greatest religious leader of Muslims is misleading. Yes, the Imam is leading the prayers at the most sacred place of Islam, we follow him in prayer but the sect and school of thought with which he is associated, is not followed by the majority in the Muslim world.
As far as Imame Kaba is concerned, there are 14 imams in the Masjid Haram and Shaikh Abdurrahman Sudais is one of them. Yes, he is honourable for us but he is not a Pope of Muslims because there is no papacy in Islam. It is another matter that some people are using his name for the sake of self-aggrandizement and trying to make people believe that the Imam is Pope of Muslim. Political ulama and politicians who were allowed to be photographed with him are now using them for gaining fame and profit. Ugly scenes of this self-aggrandizement are littered in ads on the pages of Urdu newspapers as well as on the walls of Delhi and are hammering on the conscience of Muslims. In his helicopter trip to Deoband, Shaikh Al-Sudais was accompanied by a minister of the Government of India along with some other political leaders and now the news is making the rounds that these political leaders had paid a high price to gain this honour. Otherwise, what was the justification for the honour conferred on them?
Now it is for you to judge that even at this joyous occasion, if I feel the shocks of Fukushima inside me, then what can I do?