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Archive for the 'Ministry of Light Industry' Category
North Korea promoting localization of raw materials for light industry and construction sectors
North Korea is encouraging "localization" of raw materials in light industry and construction from this year to improve the lives of the North Korean people.
On January 7, RodongSinmun reported that various cabinet organizations were espousing the New Year's address of Kim Jong Un. It reported that the Ministry of Light Industry's executives and employees are engaging in discussions to explore ways to increase localization of raw materials in light industry factories.
A rally was held in Pyongyang earlier this month at Kim Il Sung Square where people pledged to accomplish the national tasks put forward by Kim Jong Un. Tong Jong Ho, Minister of Construction and Building-Materials Industry,delivered a speech that vowed to "make an unprecedented leap in localization of building materials (cement, glass, metals, and other construction materials)," by repairing building materials factories in all provinces.
The Choson Sinbo, pro-North Korean newspaper in Japan,reported on January 2 that at the New Year meeting at the Pyongyang Socks Factory, the plant manager, Lee Sung Hui, made a speech and promised to "raise the level of socks production and localization of raw materials to a higher level in Vinalon and PP fibers (synthetic) this year."
North Korea is promoting light industry and construction as the key sectors to improve the living standards of the people and asserting localization of raw materials as a priority to make advancements in these fields.
In his New Year message, Kim Jong Un emphasized that lighting industry must play a "major part in improving the people's standard of living" and that the construction sector is "an important front for solidifying the foundations of a thriving country and creating bases for the people's happy life." He called for modernization of factories in light industry and normalization of production, placing importance on increasing the proportion of locally-available raw materials.
Many experts analyze this year's rising emphasis on the localization of raw materials as reflecting the intentions of the North Korean authorities to focus on pragmatically achievable policy goals first. Of course, increasing the proportion of locally-available raw materials requires the construction of domestic production base, which remains complicated because of international sanctions and lack of foreign currency — issues that cannot be easily resolved– among other limitations.
From 2012, North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket and third nuclear test was accompanied with rising emphasis on the importance of localization. On December 3, 2013, Rodong Sinmun carried an article entitled, "Localization and National Pride," that reported on the onsite inspection visits by Kim Jong Un to various economic sectors where he underscored the importance of "equipment, materials, and elements of localization" and "our strengths and technology."
North Korea acclaimed that the launch of the long-range rocket in December 2012 was a "successful launch of a satellite based on 100 percent domestic science and technology." Then in February last year, immediately following the nuclear test, it boasted that "Thrilling clap of independent nuclear thunder broke out based on 100 percent of our own wisdom and technology."
Posted in Domestic publication, Kim's New Year Address (Joint editorials), Light Industry, Manufacturing, Ministry of Light Industry | Comments Closed
Taedonggang Fruit Processing Factory Railway Line
Pictured above (Google Earth): The new Taedonggang Fruit Processing Factory Railway Line (in yellow). I previously blogged about this railway line here.
On August 31, KCNA announced "Railway line of Taedonggang Combined Fruit Processing Factory goes operational" and that the opening ceremony was attended by staff from the Ministry of People's Security (MPS) and Korean People's Internal Security Forces (KPISF). The KPISF is part of the MPS.
The presence of so many security personnel might seem odd for the opening of a railway line that is intended to provide fruit products to North Korean consumers. However, because this very same railway line connects the Kim family compound in Kangdong with the city of Phyongsong by rail (See above map), the heavy security presence seems understandable. This railway line will be heavily watched.
The interesting (and speculative) takeaway is that it might be the case that security for the Kim family is now under the portfolio of the KPISF and not the State Security Department (SSD, Ministry of State Security, anjon-bowibu), KPA, or Military Security Command.
To learn more about the North Korean security services, check out: Coercion, Control, Surveillance, and Punishment: An Examination of the North Korean Police State by Ken E. Gause.
Below is the complete report featured in KCNA:
Railway Line of Taedonggang Combined Fruit Processing Factory Goes Operational
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) — A new railway line branching into the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Processing Factory went operational with due ceremony on Friday.
The operation of the railway line helps satisfactorily carry fruits and processed goods produced by the Taedonggang Combined Fruit Farm and factories in this area and materials necessary for their management and operation.
Present at the ceremony were officials of the Ministry of People's Security, servicepersons of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces, officials concerned, builders and employees of the factory.
At the end of the ceremony the first train carrying fruits to be supplied to Pyongyang citizens left the factory.
Posted in Ministry of Light Industry, Ministry of People's Security (Criminal Police), National Defense Commission, Railways, Transportation | Comments Closed
KCNA: 20-day industrial output value increases over Jan 2011
According to KCNA (2012-1-25):
The gross industrial output value grew 1.2 times for twenty days of January this year as against the same period last year.
This is the result of the high-pitched drive waged by all the workers of the country since the first day of this year after receiving with excitement the joint calls of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, the joint New Year editorial for this year and the letter of the working people in South Hamgyong Province.
In the period, the Ministry of Light Industry increased the production 1.4 times and the Ministry of Food and Daily Necessities sharply boosted the production.
Thermal and hydropower stations have increased the ratio of operating the generating equipment.
Much effort is being concentrated on supplying coal to the thermal power plants and chemical and metal plants and developing more coal beds.
The Ministry of Coal Industry produced 12,000 more tons of coal than planned for the 20 days.
Iron mills and steelworks also increased the production.
The freight transport volume increased by 12 percent from the same period last year.
Innovations were made in the production of vinalon and fertilizer by the industrial establishments in the field of chemical industry and in the production of custom built equipment and mining machines by the industrial enterprises of the field of machine industry.
The forestry stations and pit wood stations increased the timber production.
Progress has been reported on a daily basis from the important projects including the building of apartments in Mansudae areas and the Paektusan Songun Youth Power Station.
For the uninitiated, this is about as close as the DPRK gets to releasing economic statistics. Note there are no base numbers–only [some] % increases. Also, despite the measure being officially named "output value", it is really just a claim of increased physical production. There is no value (prices) or mention of "services" included in these measures.
Unfortunately without more solid numbers, and the proclivity to ascribe productivity gains to effective propaganda, these reports cannot be taken seriously.
Although we all talk about the DPRK's GDP and per capita income as if the numbers are solid, the reality is quite the opposite. In addition to the general lack of information, there are all sorts of methodological problems with assessing the value of the DPRK's economy. Here are some helpful sources if you want to learn more:
1. DPRK Economic Statistics Report
2. G. Warren Nutter papers:
– (JSTOR) "Soviet Industrial Growth", Source: Science, New Series, Vol. 130, No. 3370 (Jul. 31, 1959), pp. 252-255
-(JSTOR) "Industrial Growth in the Soviet Union", The American Economic Review , Vol. 48, No. 2, Papers and Proceedings of the Seventieth Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association (May, 1958), pp. 398-411
-(JSTOR) Some Observations on Soviet Industrial Growth", The American Economic Review , Vol. 47, No. 2, Papers and Proceedings of the Sixty-eighth Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association (May, 1957), pp. 618-630
3. The North Korean Economy by Nicholas Eberstadt
4. Assessing the economic performance of North Korea, 1954–1989: Estimates and growth accounting analysis
5. Bank of Korea's assessment fo the DPRK economy in 2010.
6. My North Korean Economic Statistics Page
Posted in Agriculture statistics, Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Coal, Construction, Dams/hydro, Electricity, Energy, Forestry, GDP statistics, Lumber, Mining/Minerals, Ministry of Coal Industry, Ministry of Foodstuff and Daily Necessities Industry, Ministry of Light Industry, Statistics, Transportation | 1 Comment »
DPRK to distribute light industrial goods to the people by April 2012
NK Brief No. 11-02-08
In last month's New Year's Joint Editorial, North Korean authorities reaffirmed the national drive to strongly develop the country's light industrial sector by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. On February 2, the Choson Sinbo, the newspaper of the pro-North Korean residents' league in Japan, proclaimed that all efforts were being focused on delivering high-quality light industrial goods by April of next year.
North Korea's minister of light industry, forty-seven year old Hu Chul San, was interviewed by the paper's Kook Jang Eun. Hu stated that light industrial zones already in operation would be further bolstered and the provision of raw materials would be prioritized for celebrations surrounding the 100-year birthday of the country's founder.
The North Korean regime has set 2012 as the year in which it will "open the doors to a great and prosperous nation," and Kim Il Sung's April 15 birthdate has been set as the first target for economic revival. Just as in 2010, this year's Joint Editorial called for light industrial growth and improvements in the lives of the North Korean people as the 'strong and prosperous nation' goal is pursued.
Minister Hu gave one example of the expected boost in production, stating that all students, from elementary school to university, would receive new school uniforms by next April. "Originally, school uniforms were issued to all students once every three years, but as the nation's economic situation grew more difficult, [the regime] was unable to meet the demand." He promised that for the 100-year anniversary, "Rationing would take place as it did when the Great Leader was here."
The minister also explained that all preparations for distributing light industrial goods to the people next April needed to be completed by the end of this year, since Kim Il Sung's birthday fell so early in the spring. He stated that a strong base had already been established for the production of high-quality goods, and that many organizations had already mass-produced high-quality goods for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party founding last year, offering the Pyongyang Sock Factory, the Sinuiju Textile Mill, the Botong River Shoe Factory, and the Pyongyang Textile Mill as examples.
When asked how North Korea would resolve raw material shortages, the minister explained that since the February 8 Vinalon Complex began operations last year, Vinalon and several other types of synthetic materials were available. The Sunchon Chemical Complex and other industries were also providing synthetic materials to light industrial factories throughout the country, strongly supporting indigenous efforts to increase production. He added, "Raw rubber, fuel and other materials absent from our country must be imported," but that "national policies were being implemented" to ensure steady supply.
Minister Hu admitted that there was no shortage of difficulties, but that every worker was aware of the importance of meeting the April deadline, and that because raw material shortages were being resolved, light industries were now able to press ahead with full-speed production.
Posted in 2012 Strong and Prosperous Nation (Kangsong Taeguk), Clothing, DPRK Policies, Kim's New Year Address (Joint editorials), Light Industry, Manufacturing, Ministry of Light Industry | Comments Closed
DPRK shakes up elite in order to meet 2012 "strong and prosperous" goal
NK Brief No. 10-06-14-2
During the third session of the 12th Supreme People's Assembly, convened on June 7, Kim Jong Il promoted his brother-in-law Jang Sung Thaek to vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission (NDC), named a new premier, and replaced several department heads and ministers. This appears to be an attempt to shore up the regime as it seeks to "open the door to a strong and prosperous nation" by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. Kim Jong Il made a personal appearance at this latest assembly meeting, unlike the SPA meeting held in April. The leader's presence hints at the importance of the latest gathering.
This promotion of Jang Sung Thaek and shake up of Cabinet positions appears to be part of efforts to realize the quickly approaching goal of establishing a 'strong and prosperous nation' by 2012, assigning those most able to positions of responsibility, regardless of age or experience. Most notably, Jang, widely thought to be second-in-command in North Korea, was promoted to vice-chairman of the NDC. He was first appointed to the NDC at the first meeting of the 12th SPA in April 2009, making his climb to vice-chairman in a mere 14 months.
Before the latest promotion, Jang held the position of vice-director of the Workers' Party of Korea, a newly created position that he was the first to hold. In this position, Jang oversaw national security offices, police, and the courts, putting him in a position of power difficult for anyone else to achieve. Having traveled to both South Korea and China, Jang Sung Thaek was likely promoted to present the image of a strong military and, at the same time, establish stable relations with the international community in order to ensure a smooth transition of power as well as to resurrect the economy by 2012. When Kim Jong Il led a delegation to China last May, the Chinese government treated Jang very well, ignoring standard protocol for someone in his position.
In addition, Choe Yong Rim was named the North's new premier, and eight new vice-ministers were appointed. Regional Party secretaries were allowed to participate directly, allowing those who are most knowledgeable of local conditions to impact the decisions of the administration. Most of the new appointments were very experienced elites, including Choe Yong Rim (80) as premier, and Kang Neung Su (80), Kim Rak Hui (77), Ri Thae Nam (70), and Jun Ha Chul (82). The regime is promoting a number of veterans who are making their "last stand for the motherland" as part of the effort to ensure stable transformation of power after Kim Jong Il.
With Kim Rak Hui's appointment as vice-premier and new appointments to the Ministry of Foodstuff and Daily Necessities Industry as well as the head of the Light Industry Ministry, North Korea seems to be pursuing the improvement of standards of living promised in the 2010 New Year's joint editorial. Pyongyang Party officials appear to be attempting to reassert a centrally planned economy in the aftermath of botched currency reform efforts; however those witnessing regional economic conditions appear much more able to come up with appropriate economic policies. North Korea has been unable to make any significant progress in resolving its food shortages or its inability to provide daily necessities to the public, leading the regime to scapegoat some high-ranking officials. Now, many in and outside of North Korea are watching closely to see if the regime can launch economic efforts capable of successfully 'opening the door to a Strong and Prosperous Nation' in the next two years.
Posted in 2012 Strong and Prosperous Nation (Kangsong Taeguk), Cabinet, Central Committee, Light Industry, Light Industry Department, Manufacturing, Ministry of Foodstuff and Daily Necessities Industry, Ministry of Light Industry, National Defense Commission, Supreme Peoples Assembly, Worker's Party | Comments Closed
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The young O's progressed into the next round of the FA Youth Cup on Monday with a 3-0 win under the lights at Tower Hamlets.
Orient ended the first half a goal ahead thanks to Charles Clayden and the O's added to their lead further midway through the second half through Eric Lopes and Ruel Sotiriou.
There were two changes to the starting XI, Amin Benyoucef and Sam Dalby returned to the side in place of Brendon Shabani and Eric Lopes who dropped to the bench.
The opening chance of the game fell to Sam Dalby, who latched on the end of Ruel Sotiriou's square ball, but the striker's effort was blocked by the feet of the 'keeper and then cleared away from danger.
Arthur Janata was forced into action early on, when he raced off his line to bravely punch away an early cross swung into the box from the right wing.
The hosts enjoyed large spells of possession in the first half, and had two chances just shy of the half hour mark.
The first came from Glory Bello, who cut in from the right wing and curled a low shot towards goal, but the ball rolled just past the post.
The second chance was an acrobatic scissor kick after a corner ball was crossed into the area, but the effort was collected well by Janata.
Moments later, a switched ball from Toby Stevenson released Alfie Fleming down the left who played Charles Clayden into the box. Clayden then unleased a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle to give the O's the lead.
Soon after the restart, Amin Benyoucef collected a quick free-kick and darted towards the box, his attempted shot was deflected just wide of the target.
The O's looked the more comfortable side in possession after an hour, and stepped up their search for a goal going close on a number of occasions.
Ernold Haxhiu's looping header from the edge of the box was tipped just over the bar by Tower Hamlets 'keeper Ethan Bailey.
Orient were denied again, this time Benyoucef chipped a shot towards the back post after linking up well with Dalby. But the midfielders shot hit the top of the bar and bounced behind for a goal-kick relieving the pressure on the hosts.
The O's thought they had scored but Eric Lopes' touch from a corner was ruled out for offside and the goal was disallowed.
The set-back didn't hinder Orient's attacks however, after Haxhiu's header was parried away for a corner, Lopes was on hand again to bundle home a corner floated in by Benyoucef.
Two minutes later Sotiriou made it 3-0 when he done well to place the ball past the 'keeper after he had picked up a square ball from Charles Clayden just inside the box.
Still comfortable in possession, the O's saw out the remaining minutes with little pressure from the hosts until the final whistle sounded.
The victory means the O's will now host AFC Hornchurch in the next round of the FA Youth Cup (date to be confirmed).
Speaking after the match captain Teddy Perkins said; "We could've made it hard work for ourselves in the first half, but we got the goal and just stayed on top from then. The goal was against the grain, but when we got it we hung on and then when they became tired in the second half and we slotted two more away.


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News / Scottish News
More women being diagnosed with autism as experts call for support
By Laura Smith
© Derek Ironside
Aberdeen mum Francesca Baird, who was diagnosed with autism aged 32
The number of women seeking a private diagnosis for conditions linked to autism has climbed during the pandemic as experts call for better specialist training for GPs and frontline staff.
Independent consultant Dr John Forrester has seen his caseload increase dramatically during lockdown with more women being seen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). "The last six months has been my busiest period in 10 years, and waiting times have been pushed from two to eight weeks," said the Aberdeen-based consultant, who works with patients across Scotland.
"This is probably due to the mental health impact of the pandemic and recent strain on NHS services but there is a growing awareness of ASD in women."
Forrester said there was "no easy route for adults, women and men, to access an assessment unless they have a learning disability or another mental health problem".
"In the past few years, my referrals for women have increased dramatically. About three-quarters of the diagnostic work I do now is with women," he added.
"For intellectually-able adults who don't have any cognitive impairment or learning disability, there's no referral route unless they have secondary mental health condition. If they're not reporting significant anxiety, depression or other behavioural problems, they are not likely to be referred for assessment." Forrester believes there is currently not "sufficient training" for GPs and medical staff around ASD. He said: "We need a greater awareness in frontline practitioners and GPs about the subtle ways people can present as ASD.
"Most importantly, there needs to be a route for proper diagnostic assessment. This should be multi-disciplinary, including psychology, psychiatry, perhaps speech and language therapy, and an autism specialist. Sometimes practitioners unfamiliar with ASD will overlook it."
Dr Catriona Stewart, organisational development lead at the Scottish Women's Autism Network, has seen the number of women seeking advice about ASD diagnosis steadily increase.
"It can be very difficult for women to access a diagnosis," she said. "Masking, a survival strategy that some autistic people develop as children to fit in, is generally more prevalent in women and is a key factor in late diagnosis.
"Even when women have been assessed, they might be told they don't meet the criteria. We increasingly hear from women who are frustrated and distressed, having often felt belittled or dismissed in that process."
Stewart described the current diagnostic assessment process as "flawed". She added: "I've spent years lobbying for a fairer and universal pathway to diagnosis for women across Scotland. Getting a diagnosis later in life can have a huge impact on mental health and self-esteem."
She added: "It should be mandatory for everyone working in any service, health, education or social services, to be properly trained to support those with high-level autism.
"The training right now is mostly rubbish. I'd also like to see more autistic professionals included in assessment teams to help inform clinicians and also support women."
Calls to the Scottish Autism helpline relating to diagnosis increased 10% in the past year, to 610 cases. There have been 5,000 calls since last June, double the number the organisation would normally receive.
Joanna Panese, practice and community development lead at Scottish Autism, said: "Some adults don't notice autism indicators in themselves until later in life, or it can be triggered by a family member, such as a child, being diagnosed.
"We receive a lot of calls relating to late diagnosis and know there are still a lot of adults sitting on referral pathways because they can find it difficult to get past that initial GP appointment. Some GPS are very proactive compared to others." Panese recommends "a co-ordinated approach across Scotland that provides clear and fair access to diagnostic pathways", adding: "We also need to make sure people have the right access to post-diagnostic support, which is offered by numerous organisations and voluntary groups we work with across Scotland.
"Many people have felt additional pressure on their mental health and wellbeing due to the pandemic and that may have triggered a suggestion that a diagnosis would be helpful in terms of overcoming some of those issues."
More at scottishautism.org and swanscotland.org
I'd spent my entire life looking for answers, trying to understand why my brain worked differently. Suddenly, it all made sense
Francesca Baird
It took Francesca Baird 32 years to receive a diagnosis that finally explained some of the confusing thoughts, feelings and behaviours that had shaped her life.
The mum of one from Aberdeen recalls crying tears of relief when, two years ago, specialist John Forrester told her she had high-functioning autism.
She said: "Everything suddenly made sense. It was like the jigsaw pieces of my life finally aligned to form the perfect picture.
"I'd spent my entire life looking for answers, trying to understand why my brain processes things differently and why I've always felt different to everyone else. Getting that answer was so validating and helped me and my family understand my life up to that point. It's something we never considered when I was younger."
Before her diagnosis, Francesca, 34, had struggled throughout her life with anxiety, obsession, gambling addiction and self-harm. She believes she first started subconsciously masking her autism traits from an early age.
"I managed to fit in at primary school through my sporting ability," she said. "I struggled at secondary school when socialising became more conversation-based, usually around boys. I learned to mimic other people's behaviour and force eye contact but never felt I was being true to myself."
From the age of 16, she found it hard to hold down a job for long due to anxiety, which also led her to quit her psychology degree in its third year, although she later went on to complete it online. Francesca also constantly struggled with relationships, obsession and, aged 21, began to self-harm. "I started to self-harm because I was struggling internally and needed a way to express that and make people understand how I was feeling inside," she said.
Over the years, doctors misdiagnosed Francesca with Pure O, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and later a personality disorder. Giving birth to her son, Oscar, 10 years ago was "life-changing" but severe sleep deprivation exacerbated some of her autistic traits and led to her becoming addicted to gambling.
Three years ago, this addiction, including betting on football matches and later the stock market, spiralled out of control as she racked up thousands of pounds in credit card debt. Once again, Francesca sought help.
"A mental health nurse told me I didn't have a personality disorder but asked me if I really wanted an autism diagnosis as there's nothing I could do about it," said Francesca.
"I then asked a doctor – who also told me he didn't think I had autism because I had 'theory of mind' – to refer me to a specialist. It amazes me that people think I wouldn't want an answer to why I've been struggling my whole life.
"I've spent my entire life working hard to camouflage my autistic traits and it's exhausting. Now, I'm more confident within myself. I can remove the mask and just be me. Having that self-awareness has helped frame my identity.
"A diagnosis doesn't mean that everything will be fine. I will always have emotional dysregulation but now I can better manage my autistic traits to avoid certain stressors. I've been in the same job for the past six years but being able to explain certain behaviours to my boss has been a big help."
Following her diagnosis, Francesca started writing about her experiences. Two years on, that project has led to a memoir, Label Me, which she hopes to self-publish after a fundraising push.
She has also created a support group on Facebook and hopes she can inspire more women who see their own struggles and confusion reflected in her story.
"It was cathartic just to get it all down on paper. I always need a project to focus on and this has been such a positive one," said Francesca. "I also realised there could be people in a similar situation to me and, after posting snippets of the book on Facebook, I've heard from a lot of women, either looking for answers or diagnosed later in life, who relate to my story.
"I want to raise awareness of mental health, in general, and certain ASD traits because there's still a big lack of awareness and understanding.
"Mostly, I want to encourage people in my position to seek a diagnosis because it can change your life."
Francesca Baird is crowdfunding for her book at kickstarter.com
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Molecular & Computational biology
How gene editing could be used as a weapon, and what to do about it
by Pin Lean Lau, The Conversation
Ant with fungus. Credit: Shutterstock
It has been over a year since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. And perhaps the most important lesson is that we were completely unprepared to face the debilitating virus.
This raises some scary thoughts. What if the threat wasn't COVID-19, but a gene-edited pathogen designed to turn us into zombies—ghost-like, agitated creatures with little awareness of our surroundings? With recent advances in gene editing, it may be possible for bioterrorists to design viruses capable of altering our behavior, spreading such a disease and ultimately killing us. And chances are we still wouldn't be sufficiently prepared to deal with it.
A zombie apocalypse may sound far-fetched, reserved for the annals of graphic novels, immersive gaming experiences and popular culture. But there are examples of "zombification" in nature. Perhaps the most well known is rabies, which can cause aggression and hallucination and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
But there are others. A recently discovered kind of wasp, for example, can turn a particular species of spider (Anelosimus eximius) into "zombies" by laying eggs on their abdomen. The resulting larvae then attaches itself to the spider, feeding on it, while the spider, once a social individual, leaves the colony and prepares to die alone. Other zombification examples from nature include the African sleeping sickness, a fatal neurological condition created by insect-borne parasites, and the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus, which changes the behavior of carpenter ants before killing them and sprouting out of their heads.
Weaponising pathogens
Last year, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized the development of a type of genetic scissors called CRISPR-Cas9. Interest in this technology has been simmering for a while, with equal doses of excitement and fear. Because of its ability to edit the human genome with unprecedented precision, replacing a single letter in the DNA, CRISPR has already proven itself useful in treating genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, and many others.
But CRISPR-Cas9 could theoretically also be used for darker purposes, such as bioterrorism. It could alter pathogens to make them more transmissible or fatal. Alternatively, it could turn a non-pathogen, such as a harmless microbe, into an aggressive virus. The technique may even be able to alter a virus to make it dangerous for a larger range of species than it currently infects, or make it resistant to antibiotics or antivirals.
Whether CRISPR could be used to infect humans in a way to make them zombie-like remains a theoretical speculation. At the moment, there are probably easier ways to terrorize people. But as biotechnologies improve in the wake of COVID, the risk from bioterrorism is increasing.
If a zombie-like disease could be created, it clearly wouldn't make deceased people reawaken as zombies. But an infection that passed through saliva with extremely high transmission and mortality rate, and which caused agitation, destructive behavior and death, wouldn't be far off the horror that we see in zombie movies. Such a virus would spread rapidly from human to human in a similar manner to diseases such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. In the epic zombie film, 28 Days Later, the fictitious "rage virus" was, in fact, inspired by these two real-life viruses.
Given these possibilities, it is not surprising that the director of the US National Intelligence, James Clapper, termed gene editing "weapons of mass destruction and proliferation" in 2018.
Many countries are aware of the risks. In 2018, the US government released its first bio-defense strategy, involving multiple government agencies. The plan covers not only deliberate bioterror threats, but also "naturally occurring outbreaks and infectious diseases that escape a lab accidentally." And, curiously, the US Department of Defense Strategic Command unit has issued a training program called CONOP 8888 (Counter-Zombie Dominance), which simulates a zombie apocalypse situation. However, this was designed to be completely fictitious, providing military and defense training without the need to involve real, classified information.
How to stop it
Do we stand a chance against such gene-edited pathogens? We have international law conventions on biological and chemical toxins. These strictly prohibit states from acquiring or retaining biological weapons. But it is questionable whether these are adequate in the face of novel approaches. Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR are getting cheaper and easier to work with. That means rogue scientists or organizations could use them for bioterrorism.
Ideally, specific provisions in these international instruments should be revisited and adapted to the changing environment. This may include imposing a moratorium on experimenting with gene editing as biological weapon tools or allowing experimentation strictly for benefiting human health.
In June, a WHO expert committee published two reports (see here and here) that made recommendations about how human genome editing could be governed at the appropriate institutional, national and global level. Its framework incorporates structures of governance that already exist in different countries, such as regulatory authorities or national guidelines regarding genome editing or similar technologies. It recommends, for example, that ethics committees review clinical trials and approvals in the area.
While these recommendations provide some clarity, it is concerning that these are simply guidelines that do not have the force of law. The WHO is not in a position to regulate genome editing in individual countries. It therefore becomes incumbent on individual countries to implement these recommendations as part of their own national law. Another problem is that the guidelines do not address issues of safety and efficacy—stating this wasn't part of the scope of the review. But that may change going forward.
For now, these recommendations are the closest thing we have to a global framework of governance. And as the technology continues to develop, it is hoped that they will also evolve accordingly. But ultimately, we may need to think about how to make such frameworks legally binding.
If all else fails, we might have to start working on our cardio and survival skills, and take a leaf out of the books of survivalist preppers.
WHO guidelines on human genome editing: Why countries need to follow them
Citation: How gene editing could be used as a weapon, and what to do about it (2021, November 15) retrieved 20 January 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2021-11-gene-weapon.html
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If you're listening to Jason Crumer albums without quality headphones, you're doing it wrong. The Baltimore-based noise artist's catalog teems with eldritch nuance that rewards close listening. "Disqualifier" ferries the consciousness through moods so bleak they should come with trigger warnings: the disorienting, alien-abduction tonal flickers of 'Clio's Arrival' that gives way to scrambling, feedback horrors on 'Rendezvous At Big Gulch,' or how 'Start Again' peddles quantized splendor at the outset before descending into a hellish melisma of hostile drones and ice cubes rattling in a glass.
'Wellsley's Philosophy' is the most striking moment on "Disqualifier." It opens inauspiciously with the concussive throttle of machinery, quickly gathering pieces of dander: the clink of pickaxes on steel, the rumble of locomotives, inaudible masculine shouts. The clinks accumulate, the shouts recede, Native American flutes interject, drums thunder through, distortion floods the scene, is chased out by equanimous synthesizers. There's a strong whiff of blue-collar, all-American mettle in the track, communicated with the evocative, concentrated intensity that characterizes professional advertising. A narrative of some sort clearly unites "Disqualifier"—why else would the names of characters recur in the titles?—but 'Wellsley's Philosophy,' taken as a single chapter, makes a greater showcase for Crumer's storytelling potential.


This recipe is not just gorgeously full of delicious citrus, it's actually tacolicious.
The iconic Bay Area restaurant, that never takes itself too seriously, where tacos are a way of life and everything that they make is a show stopping pleasure.
I have had this marked in my Tacolicious cookbook since I got it, and with our abundance of grapefruit, it was the perfect time to try.
Fresh flavorful ingredients make a beautiful bed for light white fish in a zesty dressing. Similar to a ceviche but so much more festive, it's refreshing and simple, such a fun way to liven up dinner or serve as an appetizer.
The best way to say Hola to the new year!
Stir together the oil, lime juice, and vinegar in a bowl. Add the chile, shallot and agave nectar, season with kosher salt and pepper and stir to mix. Add the fish, tossed gently to coat evenly, and let sit for about 5 minutes.
Place the celery leaves along the middle of a long serving platter. Alternate the oranges and grapefruit around the celery.
Using a slotted spoon, lift the fish from the dressing and arrange the pieces on top of the celery leaves. Spoon the dressing over the fish and sprinkle with the capers, parsley, mint, basil and radishes. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.
Menlo Park resident Alexis Murphy has a host of creative ideas on her website Jac o' lyn Murphy.
Now Peggy, not everyone has to be PC and like every thing just because it is a Taco fruitcake……Ole' my freeholly! Show some tolerance here Peg!


Since Son is leaving for Boston tomorrow, today is our last chance to give this to him. We're not fighting. Can you tell us about her? Jacob knows some of Hamilton's friends. Oh, you are early this morning. I'm not a fool. I don't like the way Justin did that. Everyone must die one day. Today the first tranche of investments in the project account was received. My mother had been cooking supper for two hours when I got home.
Now we've got ourselves a party. I told you we shouldn't trust Mara. Do not drink beer before going to bed. Housing is a right. Food is essential for survival. I couldn't believe myself when she pretended to be angry. Her loud voice, red face...the whole caboodle was pretty convincing. I was stupid to trust him. When I unplugged the bathroom sink, the water gushed down the drain. My cousin works in a shop near our home. How about a kiss, for luck?
English is used in every part of the world. Courtney bought a piece of land not far from where Cliff lives. Fish and even whales and seals feed on the krill. I drank the coffee. Let's be candid. The houses are here. It's a good restaurant, but it's quite expensive. Francois is doing very well today. My breasts are tender. I told him no.
Polish girls didn't want Justin Bieber to come to Poland. The people need food. You seem to hate women. One's new. The other's old. In the carriage sat a gentleman, not attractive, but also not unattractive, not too fat nor too thin; one could not call him old, but he also was not too young. What kind of cookies did you buy? Waves of joy drift through my opened heart. He often travels to foreign countries. He said that he pulled the trigger to save Murthy's life. I'm still waiting for the test results.
Andreas claims to be a Canadian. She has her period. That galloping inflation has been lasting for three years now. People are frustrated and angry. Something's wrong with that. I not only forgot to close the window, I also didn't sweep. This book costs 20 dollars. Rainer doesn't have any brothers. She was ashamed of his ignorance. They borrowed a book from me. I don't think No hates you.
I went out without money. It freaks me out. What he says always corresponds with what he does. Who will succeed to the throne? Don't touch me again. It was June's fault, not yours. His smile is rueful. I don't feel good. What on earth was that? Why don't you come in and we'll talk about this?
We would now like to have some sample flashlights. I should have brought my umbrella. Large raindrops are starting to fall. I only believe half of what I read on the internet. Countless stars twinkled in the night sky. I want to be reborn as a Canadian if I had the chance. Panos really helped me. If you are late in the morning, you will be late the whole day. The union was modest in its wage demands. At last, he became aware of his own mistakes. What about his girlfriend?
To help ensure safe operation, regularly inspect the AC adaptor and AC power cord. If damaged, stop use immediately. Roberto is incredibly stupid. Nati and I were watering the flowers, then she decided to water me! They are likely to get seasick. You're forgetting something, aren't you? Do you want to do something after school? What exactly do you want from us? He did not endure more of this smell. He lay at full length on the grass. Where is the fat located?
Perception matters more than facts. Poverty is the root of all evil. That's not where I'm going. I didn't do it for him. I didn't do what I was told to do. Yesterday, I had an old friend of mine call on me in my absence. Penny and I became best friends. Now you see why I didn't tell you before. I'll leave when Jeany comes. That's a student my father teaches.
You see what I mean? How's the teaching life? Daniel is actually a very good cook. Otoyo enjoyed the beautiful spring day and walked along the beach. Anna likes chocolate. You jumped high enough. I don't speak Irish. Floria chose his words carefully. The children made a small hole in the ground for their game of marbles. Are there any TV or radio programs in your language?


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Louis Feinberg (October 5, 1902 – January 24, 1975), better known by his stage name Larry Fine, was an American comedian, actor, and musician. He is best known as a member of the comedy act the Three Stooges.

Early life
Fine was born to a Russian Jewish family at 3rd and South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 5, 1902. His father, Joseph Feinberg, and mother, Fanny Lieberman, owned a watch repair and jewelry shop.

In his early childhood, Fine's arm was accidentally burned with acid that his father used to test jewelry for its gold content. The young Fine picked up the bottle and accidentally spilled it on his forearm, causing extensive damage to it.

Fine's parents later gave him violin lessons to help strengthen the damaged muscles in his forearm. He became so proficient in it that his parents wanted to send him to a European music conservatory, but the plan was thwarted by the outbreak of World War I. Fine later played the violin in the Stooge films.

To further strengthen his damaged arm, Fine took up boxing in his teens, winning one professional bout. His father, opposed to Larry's fighting in public, put an end to his brief boxing career.

Acting career

Vaudeville
At an early age, Fine started performing as a violinist in vaudeville. Between 1925 and 1928, while the master of ceremonies at Chicago's Rainbo Gardens, Fine met Shemp Howard and Ted Healy who were performing in the Shubert Brothers' A Night in Spain. Since Howard was leaving the play for a few months, they asked him to be a replacement "stooge". Fine joined Ted's other stooges, Bobby Pinkus and Sam "Moody" Braun. Howard returned in September 1928 to finish Spain national tour.

In early 1929, Healy signed a contract to perform in the Shuberts' new revue A Night in Venice. Healy brought Fine, Shemp Howard, and Moe Howard together for the first time as a trio. "Moe, Larry, and Shemp", with Fred Sanborn, appeared in Venice from 1929 through March 1930. Fine, Shemp Howard and Moe Howard toured as "Ted Healy & His Racketeers" that spring and summer, then went to Hollywood in the summer to film Fox Studio's Soup to Nuts (1930).

Fine and the Howard brothers broke up with Healy after Soup to Nuts and toured as "Howard, Fine, and Howard: Three Lost Soles" from the fall of 1930 to the summer of 1932. In July 1932, Fine and Moe Howard teamed up with Healy again, adding Curly Howard (real first name: Jerome) to the group. The new lineup premiered at Cleveland's RKO Palace Theatre on August 27, 1932. Shemp Howard split off to pursue a solo career.

Larry's hair
Fine was easily recognized in the Stooge features by his hairdo, bald on top with much thick, bushy, curly auburn hair around the sides and back; Moe called him "Porcupine". His trademark auburn hair had its origin, according to rumor, from his first meeting with Healy. Fine had just wet his hair in a sink, and it dried oddly as they talked. Healy encouraged Fine to keep the hairstyle.

Three Stooges features

Beginning in 1934, the Three Stooges made 206 short films and several features, their most prolific period starring Fine, Moe Howard, and Curly Howard. Their career with Healy was marked by disputes over pay, film contracts, and Healy's drinking and verbal abuse. Fine and the Howard brothers finally left Healy for good in 1934.

In films from the Curly era, the Larry character did more reacting than acting, staying in the background and serving as the voice of reason in contrast to the zany antics of Moe and Curly. He was a surrealistic foil and the middle ground between Moe's gruffly "bossy" and Curly's childish personae. Like the other Stooges, Larry was often on the receiving end of Moe's abuse. His reasonableness was the perfect foil to Moe's brusque bluntness and Curly's or Shemp's boyish immaturity, but Larry sometimes proposed something impossible or illogical and was quickly put down verbally and physically by Moe, who often pulled a handful of hair out of Larry's head. Film critic Leonard Maltin wrote, "Larry is the least distinctive character of the trio, but he adds a pleasing touch by siding with either Moe or Curly, depending on the situation, thereby enabling him to show moments of lucidity as well as lunacy."

After Curly suffered a debilitating stroke in May 1946, Shemp replaced him in the act. The Shemp era marked a period of increased onscreen presence for Larry, who had been relegated to a background role during the Curly era. Upon Shemp's return, he was allotted equal onscreen time, even becoming the focus of several films, in particular, Fuelin' Around (1949) and He Cooked His Goose (1952).

On November 22, 1955, Shemp died of a heart attack. Joe Palma doubled for Shemp in the next four films; then Joe Besser succeeded him as the third Stooge in 1956. After Columbia Pictures closed its comedy-shorts department at the end of 1957, Joe DeRita replaced Besser.

In the earliest Stooge films, Larry frequently indulged in utterly nutty behavior. Fine livened scenes up with improvised remarks or ridiculous actions. In the hospital spoof Men in Black (1934), Larry, dressed as a surgeon and wielding a large kitchen knife, chortles: "Let's plug him... and see if he's ripe!" In Disorder in the Court (1936), a tense courtroom scene is interrupted by Larry breaking into a wild Tarzan yell. Of course, after each of his outbursts, Moe would gruffly put him down. According to Fine's brother, Fine developed a callus on one side of his face from being slapped so often by Moe.

Larry's goofiness has been described as an extension of Fine's own relaxed personality. Director Charles Lamont recalled: "Larry was a nut. He was the kind of guy who always said anything. He was a yapper." Writer-director Edward Bernds remembered that Fine's suggestions for the scripts were often "flaky", but occasionally contained good comic ideas.

The Three Stooges became a big hit on television in 1959 when Columbia Pictures released a batch of their films, whose popularity brought them to a new audience and revitalized their careers.

Personal life

Fine met his wife, Mabel Haney, in 1922, when both were working in vaudeville. They married in 1926. The couple had a busy social life, and every Christmas served lavish midnight meals.

Fine was called a "yes man" since he was always so agreeable. His devil-may-care personality carried over to the world of finance. He was a terrible businessman and spent his money as soon as he earned it. He had a significant gambling addiction, leading him to gamble his money away at racetracks or high-stakes gin rummy games. In an interview, Fine admitted that he often gave money to actors who needed help and never asked to be repaid. As Joe Besser and director Edward Bernds recalled, because of his constant free-spending and gambling, Fine was almost forced into bankruptcy when Columbia stopped filming Three Stooges films in December 1957.

Because of his profligate ways and Mabel's dislike for housekeeping, Larry and his family lived in hotels—first the President Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where his daughter Phyllis was raised, then the Knickerbocker Hotel in Hollywood. He did not own a house until the late 1940s, when he purchased one in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, California.

On May 30, 1967, Mabel died of a sudden heart attack at age 63. Larry was on the road and about to take the stage for a live show at Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick, Rhode Island, when he heard the news. He immediately flew home to California, leaving the other two Stooges to improvise their remaining shows at the park.

Mabel's death came nearly six years after the death of their only son, John, in a car crash on November 17, 1961, at age 24. Their daughter, Phyllis, died of cancer on April 3, 1989, aged 60. Phyllis's husband, Don Lamond, was a noted television personality in Los Angeles, best known for hosting the Stooges shorts on KTTV for many years; their son (Larry's grandson) Eric Lamond represents the family in the Stooges' holding company C3 Entertainment.

Fine is sometimes erroneously reported to be the father of sportscaster Warner Wolf, who is the son of Jack Wolf, one of several other "stooges" who played in Ted Healy's vaudeville act at one time or another.

Final acting years and death

In 1965, Fine, Moe Howard, and Joe DeRita started a new TV comedy show, The New 3 Stooges, a mixture of live and animated segments. The show produced good ratings, but the men were too old to do slapstick comedy well. Fine began showing signs of mental impairment, such as trouble delivering his lines.

A few years later, the men started working on Kook's Tour, a new TV series. On January 9, 1970, Fine suffered a debilitating stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body, which marked the end of his performing career. Producer Norman Maurer subsequently re-edited the footage into a feature-length film, with new footage of Moe Howard introducing the premise.

Fine eventually moved to the Motion Picture Country House, an industry retirement community in Woodland Hills, where he spent his remaining years, and used a wheelchair during the last five. Even in his paralyzed state, Fine did what he could to entertain the other patients, and completed his "as told to" autobiography Stroke of Luck. He also received visits from Moe Howard. Fine remained accessible to Stooge fans, regularly hosting them despite his disability. When asked if spending his life as a Stooge was enjoyable, he answered, "it wasn't fun: it was work—but it paid off good, so I enjoyed it."

Like Curly Howard, Fine suffered several additional strokes before his death on January 24, 1975, at the nursing home in Woodland Hills, at age 72. He was interred with his wife and son in a crypt at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in the Freedom Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Liberation. Moe died three months later.

Filmography

Legacy

 The Three Stooges have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in honor of their contributions to the motion-pictures industry at 1560 Vine Street in Hollywood, dedicated on August 30, 1983, with ex-stooge Joe Besser in attendance.
 The voice of Stimpy from The Ren and Stimpy Show was modeled after an "amped up" version of Fine, according to Stimpy's voice actor Billy West.
 In the 2000 made-for-TV movie, Fine was played by Evan Handler.
 In a 2004 New Yorker feature on the Farrelly Brothers' attempt to write a script for a new Three Stooges movie, Peter Farrelly offered his theory of Stooge appreciation: "Growing up, first you watched Curly, then Moe, and then your eyes got to Larry. He's the reactor, the most vulnerable. Five to 14, Curly; 14 to 21, Moe. Anyone out of college, if you're not looking at Larry, you don't have a good brain."
 A large mural of Fine appears on a wall at the busy intersection of 3rd and South Streets, near his birthplace in Philadelphia. The effort to create a mural on that site began when a local weekly newspaper suggested that the city should somehow honor him. Dedicated on October 26, 1999, with Fine's sister in attendance, that mural showed Larry with a peculiar look on his face. In May 2006, a similar mural showing Larry with a more animated expression and playing the violin was painted over the original mural. This mural stands over Jon's Bar and Grill with a sign reading "Birthplace of Larry Fine."
 On October 15, 2009, the Associated Alumni of Central High School in Philadelphia inducted Fine into that school's Hall of Fame,  though he never graduated. A member of the Central Alumni Hall of Fame Committee pointed out, "Many people are not even aware that Mr. Fine was a Philadelphian and that is a part of what we're trying to do."
 In the 2012 Farrelly brothers' film The Three Stooges, Larry is portrayed by Sean Hayes of Will & Grace fame. Young Larry is portrayed by Lance Chantiles-Wertz.

References
Notes

Further reading
 Stroke of Luck; by James Carone, as told by Larry Fine (Siena Publishing, Hollywood, 1973.)
 Larry, the Stooge in the Middle; by Morris Feinberg with G. P. Skratz (Last Gasp, San Francisco, 2001.)

External links

 Larry Fine at The Three Stooges Official Website
 Larry Fine Webpage

1902 births
1975 deaths
20th-century American comedians
20th-century American male actors
20th-century American male musicians
American autobiographers
American gin players
American male boxers
American male comedians
American male comedy actors
American male stage actors
American male television actors
American male violinists
American male voice actors
Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)
Central High School (Philadelphia) alumni
Columbia Pictures contract players
Featherweight boxers
American people of Russian-Jewish descent
Jewish American male comedians
Jewish American boxers
Jewish American male actors
Male actors from Philadelphia
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract players
People from Los Feliz, Los Angeles
The Three Stooges members
Vaudeville performers


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Acton Institute Powerblog Archives
Post Tagged 'iran'
U.S. House unanimously passes bill declaring Islamic State guilty of genocide
UPDATE: (3/17/16) United States: Islamic State committed genocide against Christians, Shi'ites. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry: "The fact is that Daesh kills Christians because they are Christians. Yazidis because they are Yazidis. Continue Reading...
Video: Marina Nemat on Finding Faith in an Iranian Prison
On November 19, the Acton Institute was pleased to welcome Marina Nemat to the Mark Murray Auditorium as part of the 2015 Acton Lecture Series. Marina was born in 1965 in Tehran, Iran, in what was at the time a relatively secular and free nation. Continue Reading...
Nuclear Iran: The Role of Islam and Capitalism
For years, the international community has pressured Iran to throw out its alleged nuclear weapons development program and has imposed crippling economic sanctions as a tool for compliance. Two week-long talks have just resumed with the Islamic Republic, yet little is expected to come out of them. Continue Reading...
Religious Repression and Economic Opportunity in the Middle East
This past weekend, Christians around the world commemorated the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is interesting to ponder how Easter was celebrated in the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity and the region in which these very events unfolded. Continue Reading...
Religion & Liberty: A Prisoner of Tehran Looks Forward
As a child I was fascinated with world news and current events. I was especially drawn to reports about the rabid anti-Americanism in Iran and their almost decade long war with Iraq. Continue Reading...
The Soul of Liberty
Calls for freedom, democracy, and secularism end up with "none of the above," says Hunter Baker: Continue Reading...
Preview: R&L Interviews Nina Shea
In the next issue of Religion & Liberty, we are featuring an interview with Nina Shea. The issue focuses on religious persecution with special attention on the ten year anniversary of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Continue Reading...
Eleven times since President Bill Clinton began the practice in 1994, the U.S. President has declared Religious Freedom Day on Jan. 16, calling on Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." Continue Reading...
It's Bad When He Says It
When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad makes a public claim it's typically controversial. So the AP filed a story with this headline in the Jersualem Post, "Ahmadinejad blames West for AIDS." Clearly the JP went for shock value, as most other outlets chose to title the story something like, "Iranian president: 'Big powers' going down." Continue Reading...
British Bishops in Brouhaha
As a general rule, the more media coverage an item generates, the less I pay attention, so I confess that I haven't followed the Iran-Britain hostage situation as closely as I might have. Continue Reading...
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Erika Vogt
Erika Vogt (b.1973, East Newark, New Jersey) is a Los Angeles based artist represented by Overduin and Kite in Los Angeles and Simone Subal Gallery in New York City. She received an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and a BFA from New York University. Solo exhibitions include: The Engraved Plane, Simone Subal Gallery, New York (2012); Geometric Persecution, Overduin and Kite, Los Angeles (2010); Room Gallery, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA (2010); and Daniel Hug, Los Angeles, CA (2008). Selected screening and group exhibitions include: Affective Turns at Pepin Moore, Los Angeles (2012) and Made in L.A. at The Hammer, Los Angeles (2012), Foam, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2011); San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, CA (2011); Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, WA (2010); Whitney Biennial, New York, NY (2010) and Anthology Film Archives, New York, NY (2009).
Erika Vogt, Aram Moshayedi, Artforum, September 27, 2010.
Erika Vogt and Nancy De Holl, North Drive Press #4, 2007.
Erika Vogt's Secret Traveler Navigator (PDF), Juli Carson, UC Irvine Room Gallery, September 2010.
PICA + Paddle8
Benefit Auction for PICA
October 20 through November 3
Erika Vogt Artist Salon
Sep. 7, 2012 4:30 PM
Field of Debris
Sep. 6, 2012 10:00 PM
End Things
Time-Based Art Festival
Sep. 6 - Sep. 16, 2012


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Writer/presenter
Award-winning creative media agency Dialect is looking for a presenter and writer to join a gaming YouTube channel with over 250,000 subscribers.
Do you know your Outer Wilds from your Outer Worlds? Can you tell your TSMs from your G2s? And are you hungry to create videos on a vibrant, gaming-themed YouTube channel? If so, we have an amazing opportunity for you.
You'll work with the existing team to write, present, and produce videos about every aspect of gaming. You need to know and love the industry, but you don't need years of experience. If you've always wanted a job in gaming and have the passion and ability, we want to hear from you. This role could be for you.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter, explaining why you'd be perfect for the role, and what you'd bring to the team.
You'll be presenting, writing, and capturing videos for YouTube, working alongside an established video team with decades of collective experience.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Presenting regular to-camera videos
Recording let's plays
Event reporting
Gameplay capture
Recording VO
Esports coverage
Special Requirements for this role:
Job Specific Skills and Attributes
Passion for and knowledge about games, and a desire to present and write videos about them
Strong editorial voice and confident presenting manner
Ability to work collaboratively, take feedback, and effectively implement changes
Preferred Requirements:
Esports knowledge
Experience presenting on camera
Experience of YouTube channel ownership/management
Experience of social media management
Specialist knowledge of PC gaming and culture
Early access to latest releases
Bespoke training from an experienced team
Chance to attend key industry events – E3, Gamescom, EGX, etc.
ABOUT DIALECT
Dialect is an agency that specialises in the art and science of audience engagement for the world's tech and gaming brands. We are at the forefront of content creation and dissemination, with an audience first perspective which allows us to create beautiful, surprising & expert content.
The fundamental elegance and authenticity of a language led us to create a culture of passion for everything that we do – leading to the name 'Dialect'.
We speak the language of the audience, not only because we understand their needs, but because we ourselves are the audience. This means we understand that Brands can struggle to get the 'brand voice' they want. We bridge the gap. Our team is made up of experts who don't just understand the market of tech & games; they, as consumers themselves, are fully immersed in the industry – meaning Dialect isn't like other marketing agencies. We create content that we, as the audience, want to see. This is the only way to engage in a world of white noise.
In addition to creating engaging content, we specialise in placing the right content in front of the right people at the right time. We deliver cutting-edge campaign strategies across all digital channels, from large-scale publisher partnerships, paid social, PPC and everything in-between. We use our deep industry knowledge to connect brands with potential customers or fans, and communicate in a way that resonates – delivering the best results, whatever the brief. Furthermore, our data team provides real-time analytics & information via a bespoke reporting engine; and this is the science behind the art.
Dialect has offices in San Francisco, London & Bath – something we think puts us in a unique position with our clients. We have the creative sensibilities of a British company, whilst maintaining the technological capabilities of a San Francisco agency.
Go to www.dialectinc.com for more information.
To apply for this role email your CV with some details about why you feel you're suitable for the role to matt.elliott@dialectinc.com and we'll get back to you.
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Partnerships & Platforms


I have a Smart Parts SP8, I believe the solenoid is bad in it. Can you fix smart parts guns?
Sure bring it in, most of the time those noids dont go out, it is my guess that it is something else.
I have a bt-4 paintball gun how do you adjust the velocity, turned the screw on the side but didn't change much.
i have been thinking about trying out some paintball for fun/adventure but know very very little about it. i'd like to know what equipment is available, what brands are "good", and if those are available for rent. what sort of preparation/education is required? can i just show up? how does this work? are we put on teams? can we bring a partner and just play with that one person? what sort of rules are there? how long does a game last? how much does it cost to play for a day, renting…also, do you have any that you can try before you buy? so that if we like the equipment we use, we'd like to buy our own.
we live in grants pass.
Im thinking of either going to sherkston this saturday or Dmz will are your fields generally populated on saturdays?
hey i am wondering when you have your air ball feild set up. i have seen the bunkers but they are never aired up.


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Will 'Bad Petroleum' Perish In The Gulf? – Analysis
June 5, 2010 September 18, 2017 Ria Novosti 0 Comments
By Ria Novosti
By Andrei Fedyashin
British Petroleum, dubbed Bad Petroleum after the April 20 accident at its Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, is only now coming to see the dramatic consequences of the accident, its early failure to assess the scale of it and act to stop the oil spill, and its clumsy attempts to shift the blame onto contractors and equipment suppliers.
Hoping that the British Prime Minister might intervene on its behalf and help resolve problems with Washington caused by the oil spill, BP requested a meeting on June 3. However, a deputy to Charles Hendry, the Energy and Climate Change Minister, said: "Clearly Mr. Cameron is concerned about the situation, but it is primarily a matter for the company."
BP's blunder provoked a spike in anti-British sentiment in the United States. Americans, who have never felt much love for their arrogant "cousins," jumped at the opportunity to condemn them for polluting their southern coast. People from New York to New Orleans are calling for a boycott of BP gasoline stations, some of which are now defaced with anti-BP graffiti. The very name of the largest British energy company, once the fourth largest in the world by income, across the ocean has become a four-letter word.
Its market value plummeted 13% on June 2, with the announcement that it would take at least another month to plug the spill, and it has fallen 36% since April 21, a market cap destruction of 44.4 billion pounds ($65.2 billion).
Established 101 years ago, BP employs over 80,000 people and has 22,500 filling stations around the world, but its current situation is very serious and could even deteriorate.
After U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a criminal investigation into the massive BP oil spill, the City of London and the "oil community" started talking about BP's grim future, even though as of late 2009 the company had a turnover of $239.3 billion and a net income $16.6 billion.
A criminal probe into its activities in the United States means that lawsuits demanding compensation for damage allegedly done by BP to the country and its environment, companies and individuals, both actual and in terms of lost profit, could be filed against the firm.
U.S. environmental law stipulates a fine of $4,300 per barrel of oil spilled. BP is reportedly spilling between 12,000 and 19,000 barrels of oil daily into the Gulf of Mexico.
Over 30,000 lawsuits against BP filed by fishermen, hotel owners, tourism businesses, and so on could total 40 billion pounds, on top of any demands made by the families of the 11 workers who died in the explosion. In the United States, such lawsuits could vary between tens of millions and hundreds of millions of dollars.
BP has spent 1 billion pounds trying to stop the spill and clean up the surrounding area, which is enormous, 29,000 square miles, and so the company's expenses could run into 12 billion pounds, analysts say.
So far, the tragedy has cut BP's market value from $122 billion to $80 billion. The company will be unable to pay the planned dividends to its shareholders and will have to redistribute over 10 billion pounds of debt.
The situation is so bad that the business community in London and New York is talking about the possibility of splitting BP up into several companies or its takeover by its old rival, Royal Dutch Shell.
BP will most likely lose its exploration and development licenses in the United States where it earns 40% of its revenue, which almost constitutes a deathblow. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said the oil spill has put BP survival at stake. "Its life is very much on the line here," he said.
The Department of the Interior, which is responsible for national parks and environmental protection, will act as the key plaintiff in all environmental cases brought against BP.
Congress' most radical members have called on Obama to ban BP's onshore and offshore operations in the United States.
Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration and currently a professor at Berkeley, has called on the administration "to put BP under temporary receivership, which gives the government authority to take over BP's operations in the Gulf of Mexico until the gusher is stopped," the consequences of the oil spill are cleared, and damages under all lawsuits paid.
It has already been said there that BP has a record of negligence. In 2005, an explosion at its Texas refinery killed 15 people, and in 2006, tens of thousands of barrels spewed out of a hole in its Alaska pipeline.
Rumors are circulating in the City of London that BP's days are numbered and that it will be split up or taken over by its main rival, Royal Dutch Shell. There is reason to believe this since BP held talks with its Anglo-Dutch rival twice, in 2004 and 2007.
Former BP head Lord Browne said a merger would have increased the new company's net income by $9 billion a year, but the majority of the board were against the deal. This time they will have to show more flexibility.
Analysts at the investment bank Credit Suisse say that up to 72 million gallons may have flowed into the Gulf of Mexico after a BP rig exploded and sank on April 20, killing 11 workers. That would make the spill seven times worse than the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.{jcomments on}
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.
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Faren Miller reviews Mary Robinette Kowal
September 14, 2016 May 7, 2018 admin 0 Comments Faren Miller
Ghost Talkers, Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor 978-0-7653-7825-5, $24.99, 300pp, hc) August 2016. Cover by Chris McGrath.
Mary Robinette Kowal had her own ways of finding gritty truths in the course of her five ''Glamourist Histories'', where the forces of history, and the waywardness of life (and character) shatter the gloss that can make standard Regency Romantic Fantasy seem bland. When she turns to a mixture of spycraft and spiritualism in Ghost Talkers, this apparent standalone is even more brutally direct about the horrific death tolls of Britain's Great War (World War One), showing its ghosts as they see themselves in their last moments. The first line is stark enough: ''The Germans were flanking us at Delville Wood when I died.'' The medium in charge of this Spirit Circle touches his soul directly and feels this: ''He is leaning against a wall, trying not to look at where his legs used to be…. He blinks, trying to focus, but the world is starting to go grey around the edges.''
British troops have been conditioned to report back to the medium (intensely aware of them even while ''anchored'' by mundanes, plus one back-up spiritualist). Though circle members work covertly – posing as genteel ladies running ''hospitality huts'' not all that far from the trenches of France – it's a demanding form of spycraft in its own right. Ginger, the medium and viewpoint character throughout the book, knows the danger:
Even alternating control, their three-hour shifts were soul-numbing. The sheer number of deaths over the past two weeks had forced all the mediums to go to double shifts, and Ginger was not at all sure how long they could continue that pace. Already one girl had lost her grip on her body. They were keeping her physical form comfortable, in hopes that her soul would find its way back, but it seemed unlikely.
Conditions worsen further, with what may be the first indications that Germany knows about the Corps and is searching for the means to counter or destroy it: a night attack on an encampment where soldiers are sleeping, and the deaths of two officers by what seems to be murder.
When murder victims don't know who or what killed them, they linger. Two spirits have some connection to the greatest mystery of all: the full nature of the German threat. An intelligence operative who seems to have been killed for what he learned can't hang on to enough of it to pass on (in either sense of those words). He comes to haunt Ginger, trying to steer her down the path he took to that lost knowledge, even as his essence threatens to slip away – furiously determined to be more than a fading wisp.
His continuing presence leads her to a Front that throngs with post-traumatic stress. For a Sensitive, it's horror: ''memories crowded in with every thundering concussion'' and ''brimstone-scented air burned with reminders of death.'' Though the medium's awareness of emotions in the form of multi-colored auras (vivid throughout the book) might seem to give Ginger an advantage over the ghost beside her, this lets her ''see the emotion, but not understand the reason behind it.'' While her fondness for stories of Watson and Holmes can't really help her here, her driving need to understand does yield results – enough to save some lives, but not to stop a war.
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Welcome to our world, here you will find a beautiful, eclectic and often unique mix of the very best that we can source from craftspeople, vintage and modern from around the globe.
Have a look at our product pages, as well Facebook and Instagram for more information.
There is nothing quite like the patina that age and use brings to timber. We want to embrace the craftsmanship and quality of bygone furniture makers.
Sourced directly from the antique and flea markets of Southern France. Each piece is carefully chosen for its style, useability and uniqueness.
Our carefully chosen range of furniture, textiles and decorator pieces provide the perfect addition to any interior. Each piece is unique and comes labeled with its market of origin.
There is nothing quite like the feel of velvet. Our stunning range of bedspreads and throws are imported directly from Paris and are the ultimate luxurious bedding accessory.
Many of our pieces have a unique and special story relating back to the craftsperson who has made it, the community it comes from and the very real benefit to both, every time a piece is purchased.
All our textiles from Laos are hand woven in a workshop in Vientiane. It was established in 2004 by a Laos woman and an Australian/Laos woman who came to Australia as a child, before returning in 2001.
From the magical Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent we source, directly from the artisans themselves, the most beautiful silk ikats, embroidered suzanis and hand knotted carpets.
Browse through our latest collection of beautiful, eclectic and often a unique mix of the very best that we have source from craftspeople, vintage and modern from around the globe.


text:
Robert Osborne – OUT OF THE PAST – American Film Institute
Watch the Conclusion Video
Falls from heights, California, Loyalty, Gamblers, Acapulco (Mexico), Police, Private detectives, Revenge, New York City, Deaf-mutes
Cast: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas [ More ]
Director: Jacques Tourneur
Writer: Daniel Mainwaring
Producer: Warren Duff
Cinematographer: Nicholas Musuraca
Editor: Samuel E. Beetley
Production Designers: Albert D'Agostino, Jack Okey
Production Company: RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
Describing the film noir OUT OF THE PAST (1947), Robert Osborne notes that Jane Greer's performance has been hailed as the quintessential "femme fatale," and that her role was reprised by Rachel Ward in the 1983 remake, AGAINST ALL ODDS. In that version, Jane Greer returned to the story to play Ward's mother…
AFI AWARDS was created in 2000 to recognize the films and television programs which contribute to our collective cultural legacy. When placed in an historical context, these stories provide a complex, rich, visual record of our modern world. Since then, AFI AWARDS has honored 10 outstanding films and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of the year's most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.
Unique in its celebration of the art form's collaborative nature, AFI AWARDS is the only national program that honors creative teams as a whole – recognizing those in front of and behind the camera.
Honorees are selected based on works which:
Advance the art of the moving image
Inspire audiences and artists alike
Enhance the rich cultural heritage of America's art form
A UNIQUE JURY PROCESS
AFI AWARDS selections are made through AFI's unique jury process – in which scholars, artists, critics and AFI Trustees determine the most outstanding achievements of the year.
For additional information about AFI AWARDS, contact Josh Kushins at [email protected]


Firstly to start with what is a gold IRA?
A gold IRA can also be called a precious metal which is an Individual retirement account that makes use of physical gold or other approved precious metal for the benefit of the IRA account owner.
The gold IRA is known to perform the same function as the normal IRA but the difference between them is that the gold IRA holds physical bullion coin bars instead of a paper asset.
There are only four precious metals that are approved to be held in an individual retirement account and they include gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. These 4 metals can only be allowed in IRA account if they are in form of the IRS approved coin or bar product.
The term gold IRA is due to the fact that gold is the most purchased and commonly used of the four precious metals.
The Gold IRA is commonly used as a synonym to a retirement account. Most of those investing into this gold IRA are using the precious metal as a long term hedge against inflation.
Another question that may surface is why gold IRA?
People and investors choose gold IRA just as a means of having a diversified investment and retirement plan.
Do you physically possess this gold IRA?
The simple and apt answer to this is NO. You cannot hold the gold IRA that you possess but rather store it on your behalf by your storage depository. The only thing you need to always stay conscious of is that your storage depository is insured and is experienced.
What are the benefits of a gold IRA investment?
Gold IRA investment is simply the best investment these days, analysis and research have shown that gold IRA investment is one of the best investments these days because the investment has grown more than 400% in the last decade.
Unlike other currencies that are liable to face a financial crisis, the gold IRA investment cannot face a financial crisis. Other currencies across the globe can face a financial crisis which is as a result of having their money in printed form without supporting it with gold.
Gold IRA investment is currently seen as an option to make more money to fit into the unstable economy. A major benefit of the gold IRA investment is that in times of uncertainty, the precious metal/gold IRA is the best option.
Another benefit of the gold IRA investment is that it is a sort of investment and value addition to investors' portfolio who wants a diversified and long lasting security.
Investing in gold IRA is an alternative to those that don't possess the extra capital to buy the precious commodity with their retirement money.
Also, do you know you can transfer your proceeds from other retirement plans into your gold IRA account? This is very easy as all you need to do is to fill an IRA account form and you inform a representative in your chosen company to help you with the transfer.
The transfer period depends on the company you are working with, and the most effective company tend to complete the transfer within a period of 2 weeks.
So it's advisable to get the best company to work with for efficiency and effectiveness.
Self-directed gold IRA investment is the best way to start gold IRA investment by rolling it over. This is the only method you have to start gold IRA investment because your 401k will definitely not permit you to own physical precious metals, so the best and the only alternative to start a gold IRA investment is the 401k rollover to the specific or particular IRA which permits you to own physical gold within.
Another alternative is transferring your current IRA into a gold IRA. One unique feature of this self-directed gold IRA is that there is no restriction to holding any precious metal in your account.
Also, another great benefit is that using the self-directed gold IRA is that you will have all the benefits involved in a gold IRA investment plan.
Another great benefit of this gold IRA investment is that gold has outperformed the stock market the stock market in a couple of years and analysis has shown that it will continue like this in the future.
Gold IRA is the best investment that fits the current economic situation across the globe. This is because the precious metal is seen as one of the purest form of money and the most superior quality asset of its kind that can prove worthy in any condition. The gold IRA is not controlled by the government or any other person so its value cannot be devalued by any individual or government.
The gold IRA is an E- retirement account that uses approved coins instead of paper assets for saving in self-directed gold IRA.


Fibromyalgia - Nothing Easy About It!
There is nothing easy about Fibromyalgia. It is a complex condition that affects the entire body. A person with Fibromyalgia may be able to clean the house, go shopping and do yard work on Monday but on Thursday, they may not even be able to get out of bed. This is one of the reasons why doctors and family members in some instances find it hard to believe the individual is truly ill. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are subjective, and therefore, it is often thought to be a psychological issue rather than a physical issue despite broad scientific evidence to the contrary.
Difficulties dealing with Fibromyalgia start with the patient. An individual may suffer from a host of symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, generalized pain and insomnia. The problem is these symptoms can be indicators of dozens of other conditions. Fibromyalgia is often the last thing considered. This confusion can be so great it has led some to refer to Fibromyalgia as The Great Pretender.
Someone with Fibromyalgia could go for years trying to find a cure for their symptoms without being aware of their true underlying diagnosis. When they don't get better with treatment, they often experience anxiety and depression over their deteriorating health. These mental symptoms can then feed the physical symptoms which in turn drive further deterioration in the mental symptoms - a destructive negative feedback loop that can be very difficult to break.
Even when the individual receives the correct diagnosis, understanding Fibromyalgia is difficult. This is a complex syndrome that cannot be detected by a single diagnostic test. Fibromyalgia does not show up in blood work or on an x-ray. There are no known definitive causes and symptoms manifest differently from patient to patient. Effective treatment efforts vary as much as symptoms leaving the patient with no clear path forward toward improvement.
Understanding and living with Fibromyalgia challenges the whole family. The Fibromyalgia patient may learn to live with their condition. They will learn to deal with those times when they can't do the things they normally would. But often, understanding Fibromyalgia is very difficult for family and friends. Family and friends may come to doubt the Fibromyalgia patient is really sick. After all, people who suffer from Fibromyalgia often appear perfectly healthy and may have many days where they feel and act relatively normal. This often leads others to conclude that nothing is really wrong, and cause deep misunderstandings when a patient is stuck with a severe Fibromyalgia attack. This can create tension in the home which will lead to stress. For people with Fibromyalgia, stress can produce more symptoms.
Fibromyalgia conditions can lead to financial problems within the family. An individual who is sick all the time may incur a lot of medical bills. If the Fibromyalgia patient is unable to work it can put a financial burden on the family. Financial issues lead to stress. It becomes a vicious cycle that is hard to stop without the proper treatment modalities in place.
For years many in the medical community have failed the Fibromyalgia patient. Sometimes doctors may tend to go for the easiest and most obvious diagnosis instead of looking further into symptoms, causes and difficult diagnostic possibilities. Some doctors may have a preconceived notion that women exaggerate symptoms or that symptoms may be psychologically rooted.
Other difficulties dealing with Fibromyalgia come from doctors who want to throw a pill at the symptoms instead of treating the cause. This approach is often welcomed given a common societal belief in "The Magic Pill". If an individual pays a visit to the doctor with complaints of chronic pain, it is very common for the doctor to just write a prescription for a strong pain pill. There are many Fibromyalgia conditions that are being treated with addicting pain killers instead of an effective comprehensive treatment plan.
If you have Fibromyalgia, you must take control of your condition. You can do this by educating yourself and your family on this syndrome. Become an expert on the Fibromyalgia challenges that you will face every day. Keep track of your symptoms and what makes them worse or better. This is essential for developing your individual treatment plan. What will work to improve your life can only be determined through persistent effort – effort lead by you.
If your doctor does not seem to be taking your condition seriously, it is time to switch doctors. Find a doctor who understands Fibromyalgia. He or she should be willing to work with you on developing a customized treatment plan. Fibromyalgia does not have a cookie cutter treatment approach.
Finally, get involved in a Fibromyalgia support group. A support group will be essential to help you with the difficulties of dealing with Fibromyalgia. You will learn more about your Fibromyalgia conditions and discover new treatment methods that can be beneficial. Being able to share your experiences and difficulties with others who understand first hand the nature of what you are fighting can be critical to overcoming the mental difficulties Fibromyalgia poses.