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Ahmer Jamil Khan
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Tag: Crime
Blog Social Issues
Shutdown to Rebuild, Wait, What?!
Post author By Ahmer Jamil Khan
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Shutdown to Rebuild, Wait, What?!? Seriously? What were the PTI's creative team thinking when they came up with this slogan?
On second thought, this might be perhaps the most clever way to present something that the party plans to do which happens to be so inherently outrageous and morally and legally unacceptable that the party leadership itself condemned the same in the past.
While I condemn murders of MQM workers, the loss to poor daily wage workers is back breakng.Karachi also loses approx. Rs 10 B /1day strike
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) May 1, 2014
https://twitter.com/KhurrumZamanPTI/status/461937777488437248
Wait a second: the words 'Shutdown' and 'Lockdown' as display pictures next to a tweet condemning the same. Now that's irony and hypocrisy.
That were PTI Leaders Arif Alvi and Khurrum SherZaman criticizing MQM's strike on 1st May 2014. Few months later, the party is doing the same thing that they know and believe is wrong: PTI is planning to shut down major cities and eventually the whole country. Shutdown or Lockdown to Rebuild. Its an oxymoron.
And not just the PTI leadership, their supporters too:
1 day strike in Karachi = Rs.10 billion loss to economy. Mqm Terrorists always acting as mercenaries of RAW #NamaloomAfraad #MQM
— Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) May 1, 2014
Lakh laanat #MQM supporters per. Never in 1 year i heard strike in KPK. WTF is wrong with MQM?
— Khan Khush (@iamdrkhush) May 1, 2014
They go an extra mile in abusing the MQM for something that their party is now doing.
Massive loss to economy. Yes. That's what you get when you shutdown the financial capital of the country, or any city, as a matter of fact.
Yes we all agree that shutting down a city, blocking roads or paralyzing any city, is illegal.
https://twitter.com/AQpk/status/461870335818600448
But what can we say? The PTI is adamant to go ahead and shutdown Karachi, and Lahore, followed by the whole country. Just as they did in Faisalabad.
Attack on PTV building in Islamabad by PTI and PAT workers.
Arif Alvi stated that the loss suffered is over 10 billion for a day the city of Karachi is shutdown. Khurrum SherZaman too states that the loss is in billions. Not just this, we have seen the nuisance Islamabad. Yes, I'm talking about the assault on the Parliament and Prime Minister House. The attack and ransacking of PTV. Occasional attacks on Geo News office.
Pakistan suffered more than just this. This paid protest of PAT and PTI caused much more losses. The Chinese President canceled his visit to Pakistan, that put a question mark (or possibly a full stop) on the future of $32 Billion worth of investment.
The unrest and clashes in Faisalabad, and the enforced shutdown of the city following the death of a PTI worker: it is all condemnable in the strongest words.
But why is PTI doing this then? Because their beloved leader said so.
Lethal mixture of Jamaat e Islami and MQM, A party which listens to no sane voice…. Yeah you guessed it right. PTI it is.
— Whatever (@ShuaibAzhar) December 8, 2014
PTI talks about Justice. Well, even the name of the party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf translates to Pakistan Movement for Justice. However the leader of the Party, cricketer turn philanthropist turn politician, is now a proclaimed offender in Anti-Terrorism Cases before an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore (well yes, terrorism in Pakistan is defined too broadly, therefore some of the acts he and his supporters have done fall under the category of terrorism), and he has proudly challenged the incumbent government to try and arrest him.
Ironically…
We did not join long march despite agreeing with many of the demands because v believe true change comes through ballot not street pressure
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 17, 2013
PTI's Enforced Shutdown of Faisalabad.
Shutting down a city, just like they did in Faisalabad, if evaluated under the UK Anti-Terror legislation, is an act of terrorism. Yes, the same Anti-Terror laws for which the PTI grilled the MQM chief Altaf Hussain, for this his statement about the Three-Swords monument in Clifton, Karachi.
Imran's aid and ally, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has gone the extra-mile in calling out to the rioting workers of his party the Awami Muslim League and those of PTI to damage, burn and destroy public and private property to achieve the above stated goals. Incitement to an offence or speech that disrupts public order is criminally wrong. What Sheikh Rasheed has said does not sound just wrong, it is insane, treacherous.
Feisal Naqvi, a Supreme Court advocate, sketched Imran's desperation to rid Pakistan of its elected Prime Minister in form of humorous future unreleased plans from Plan E to Plan Z; Plan X of which states:
Plan X: Imran Khan files a petition before the Supreme Court, asking for the Independence of India Act, 1947 to be declared unconstitutional. After the court accepts his petition, the Queen of England then appoints Imran Khan as her Viceroy.
Fortunately, or not so for Imran and PTI, English only has 26 alphabets and just like the article above, the number of plans end at Plan Z. However, people have suggested different approaches to this problem.
https://twitter.com/Secular_Pak/status/539093660151738369
https://twitter.com/KalimAlikhel/status/539094176269213696
The PML-N and PTI are quite similar, ideologically. They are both working in the same way, for the same ideology. They even share the same vote bank. Just as Babar Sattar rephrases it in a question:
Isn't the Shahbaz Sharif model of governance in Punjab very similar to what Imran Khan is promising in Naya Pakistan: a strongman at the top and everything falling in place under him intuitively?
Of the certain aspects of Imran Khan's behavior and policies, as Babar Sattar states in the same article, that would give even his well-wishers the jitters, that most bothersome is the inability of the PTI leader to distinguish between the State and the government and the fact that Imran is willing to hold a gun to the country's head to negotiate with the PML-N.
2: His vigilantism. Khan's argument is that since he didn't get justice on his terms, he'll now have to shut the country down. Can any rule of law proponent justify such course of action? There is a pattern here. In 2013, PTI had asked its vigilantes to forcibly block NATO containers in KP. That circus was eventually dispersed by court orders.
3: Khan's inability to distinguish between the state and government. Whether it was Khan inciting everyone to refuse paying taxes and utility bills and sending money through legal banking channels, or his Plan C of shutting Pakistan down, he seems to have no qualms holding a gun to the country's head to negotiate with PML-N.
4: Khan's polarizing politics. In a democracy people need to be brought together to forge consensus and get things done, not torn apart. Khan's message of hope is wrapped in bitterness and hate, which has polarized this country. Today Pakistan is a divided house; even its rational segments at war with one another over political differences. Forget Khan's ire for opponents and critics, is there room for dissent even within PTI?
We really need introspection and self-accountability all around: the PML-N has to reflect upon whatever has happened the last few months and how they should have handled it; the PTI needs to realize that ends don't justify means. Both parties need to work together, get to the negotiation tables and resolve their conflicts in a sensible manner, for the sake of the nation.
Tags Concern, Crime, Elections, Imran Khan, Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf, Peace, Protest, PTI, Terrorism
Trial of High Treason
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Whether General Pervez Musharraf's régime was beneficial to Pakistan or was it tantamount to destruction of the democratic process, whether or not he was a good dictator; it is all a debatable matter.
He, for the first time in Pakistani history, is going to trial for the heinous crime of High Treason.
Pakistani history is marred with the military's interference in Politics, so much so that out of 12 holders of the office of the President, 4 were serving Generals of the Pakistan Army, who came to power as a result of a coup d'état, overthrowing a legitimately elected government. Even the inaugural holder of the office of the President of Pakistan was a retired army General.
The takeovers were prohibited under the Constitution of Pakistan, and so these Generals, excising their military might, not legal authority, to suspend or hold in abeyance the Constitution of Pakistan, make amendments to it in attempts to legitimize their rule. This act, as defined in the constitution, is an act of High Treason.
Article 6 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan states:
6. High Treason
(1) Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.
(2) Any person aiding or abetting or collaborating the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason.
(2A) An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court.
(3) Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason.
From the words of the constitution, it is quite apparent that not just Musharraf, but all these Generals committed an act of High Treason by abrogating and subverting the constitution; Musharraf did this twice. The punishment for high treason as mentioned by Article 6 clause (3) of the constitution was provided by the Parliament a month after the constitution itself was enacted, under the short, 3 Section long, High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973 (LXVIII OF 1973). Section (2) of this Act states:
2. Punishment for high treason, etc.:
A person who is found guilty
(a) of having committed an act of abrogation or subversion of a constitution in force in Pakistan at any time since the twenty‑third day of March, 1956; or
(b) of high treason as defined in Article 6 of the Constitution,
shall be punishable with death or imprisonment for life.
Life imprisonment or death: High treason is a serious crime. It is perhaps the gravest of offences. Why then, one may wonder, Yahya Khan and Ayub Khan walk away without ever being reprimanded for their crimes against Pakistan? And what took it so long for the trial of Musharraf to commence after he had stepped down?
The answer is: The Pakistan Army is really really strong. These men took power when they were serving as the Army's Chief of Staff, and used their position of power to command the Army to do their biddings. The Army protects its servicemen even after their retirement, and so Musharraf had a cover. Musharraf resigned in 2008 after the new parliament took office after the 2008 General Elections, and expressed its intentions to impeach him. The day he announced his intentions to leave office by stating that he had tendered his resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly as under law, the man, in face of impeachment by the Parliament, was given a guard of honor by the Army before he left for the United Kingdom to seek refuge from the cases against him since his Presidential immunity lapsed upon resignation.
General Musharraf, aided by military and paramilitary forces, escapes from the Islamabad High Court after his bail was canceled, and his arrest was ordered.
He spent about 5 years in self exile, and returned when his daughter was able to secure Protective Bail for him from the Sindh High Court; there were arrest warrants pending against him. He came during the time of elections when a caretaker Government was in office for the purpose of the conduct of the 2013 General Elections. When the Islamabad High Court had canceled his bail in a case, his security staff, comprising of military and paramilitary personnel, escorted him away from the court room even though the Police officials in the court room were ordered to arrest him.
When he finally surrendered, his farmhouse (a mansion) was converted to a sub-jail, probably to cut costs on providing him protection: he has angered many people by his constitutional and unconstitutional moves while holding the office of the President. This was the first time, a former army General was arrested, that too the former Chief of Staff.
Musharraf was arrested in multiple cases: Assassination of Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Murder of Former Balochistan Governor and Chief Minister Nawab Akbar Khan Bhugti, the Lal Masjid Operation and Judges' Detention Case.
The last of these cases occurred when Musharraf proclaimed a state of emergency and suspended the Constitution of Pakistan for a second time. It is pertinent to mention that he is the first of all military rulers in Pakistan to suspend the Constitution twice.
The Supreme Court, on a petition, asked the Attorney General for the Government's response upon prosecution of Musharraf for High Treason. The Caretaker government responded that it was not its mandate to take a decision on the matter, and that the same should be decided by the upcoming government. The Senate in the meanwhile, and previously too, passed resolutions calling upon prosecution of Musharraf for High Treason.
The government of Nawaz Sharif, formed after the 2013 General Elections, within weeks of taking office through the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan expressed the government's intentions to prosecute him. They wrote a vague letter to the Supreme Court stating the same, however it lacked instructions of commencing the trial.
It took five months, a sectarian violence in Muharram's Ashura in Rawalpindi and a curfew in the Capital's twin city, for Nisar Ali Khan the Interior Minister to announce at a hurriedly called press conference that the Government would be writing to the Supreme Court to form a Special Court under law for the High Treason trial. The announcement was described as a move by many to divert attention from the violence and curfew. True or not, the government through the Interior Secretary, wrote to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, with instructions to constitute a Special Court under the law for the purpose of the trial.
The Chief Justice in turn wrote to the Chief Justices of the 5 High Courts, requesting nominations of judges for the Special Court. Out of all the received nominations the Chief Justice had to select 3 judges for the full bench. Perhaps in order to avoid controversy, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the Chief Justice, forwarded the nominations to the Prime Minister for final selection, and three judges, one each from Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab were chosen to hear the trial. Justice Faisal Arab of Sindh, being the senior most, will head the trial.
Meanwhile a Musharraf's North America based spokesman lashed out at the government for the move, criticizing it as "undermining Pakistani Military". He might have forgotten that Musharraf lead the Pakistani Military into an unauthorized warfare against India in the Kargil War from May – July 1999, humiliating Pakistan in front of the world.
Under law, the Special Court enjoys exclusive jurisdiction to hear the treason trial, and no other court, including the Supreme Court can interfere or intervene in its matters and proceedings.
The investigation in this case isn't complete, and a member of the 4 man investigation committee said:
We would then be in a position to get warrants or directions from the special court for summoning the people who have evidence but were not cooperating at the earlier stage of investigation.
The army might not save his skin this time. A current serving officer of the Pakistan Army, stating that what he was about to say would be his own views not the Army's since he is bound by the law, to not to make official remarks, while explaining the army's current stance, more specifically on the War on Terror personally told me:
The Military's internal policy has changed. It is no longer what it was during the time of Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf, yes I was in the army during those times. It is no longer like that, and I wouldn't discuss that; currently the Army has just one mindset: we are subordinate to the Civilian Government. If we are ordered to fight, we will fight, if we are ordered to stop fighting, we will stop, no questions asked.
Is this trial too little too late, or just not relevant to the interests of Pakistan. Over the last few years, both Turkey and Bangladesh tried and sentenced to death their former military dictators and their abettors. Would Pakistan follow suit? Musharraf's trial is not just about him, it is about the Rule of Law over any individual in Pakistan. If Musharraf is punished for his crimes against Pakistan, this would serve as a deterrent to future military ambitionists who aim to usurp powers like those before them. This should be done for Pakistan to evolve as a democratic state where the law is above all; it would officially mark a new chapter in Pakistani history, where the armed forces would be what they should have been: subordinate to the government of the people.
Tags Crime, Fundamental Rights, High Treason, Human Rights, Musharraf, Pakistan, Rule of Law, Social issues
Living in a Terrorized Society
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Before you start reading, bear in mind that I do not intend to rant out my grudges against the injustices of our society or deliver more and more bad news, but I do intend to explore the solutions to the injustices in our terrorized society.
My 2nd day at law school, in the first class of Criminal Law, a sentence caught my attention:
Missing persons… Extra judicial killings… so many fancy terms… You are living in a country where there are massive human rights abuses!
Ms. Abira Ashfaq, our criminal law lecturer was referring to the situation in Balochistan more particularly, and the whole country in general. Every day the newspaper headlines read "Missing persons found dead in Balochistan", this is, quite sadly indeed, becoming the norm, just like street crimes, car lifting etc., became the so widespread and common, that after they had dominated the headlines for quite long enough, the newspapers decided they weren't newsworthy any longer. The same is happening with Karachi's issues of target killing on ethnic grounds and extortion.
We aren't just terrorized by the Taliban in the North-Western region of Pakistan, but by Baloch separatists in the South-West, our own security and intelligence agencies who overstep their authority, street criminals and gangs in our major cities, and our very own political and politico-religious parties.
Laws exist to safeguard the people, their rights and liberties, but why haven't our laws been effective enough in doing what they were supposed to do? The answer: no one follows the law. When I say no one, I do not just mean the criminals out there, this includes each and every single one of us. Every day, as I drove down the streets of Karachi, I see people driving down the wrong side of the road just to save a few meters of distance, stopping their cars over the zebra crossing if they stop their cars at all when the signal is red. It is quite the norm for people to talk on the phone while they drive, teenagers, under the legal age to drive, are quite often seen driving freely, some teens even text message each other while driving, breaking the law and putting their and others' lives at stake.
Why does this all happen in our society? I believe this is because each and every one of us, deep down believes that the law does not apply to them. Pardon the lawmakers for a moment please, it's not just them who believe themselves to be superior to the law. Our elected representative, whom we choose to make the law, believe themselves to be superior to the law, same is the mindset of the bureaucrats, law enforcement agencies and their families.
Lawlessness is deep-rooted in the Pakistani culture and society. We cannot hope to change our society without first changing ourselves. We have to change ourselves: refuse to accept the lawlessness, stand up to injustice, and fix ourselves before we move on to fix our society. As the saying goes:
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, keep a check on our lawmakers and those who have been entrusted with our security. To build Pakistan, and to rid it of lawlessness and injustices, we have to act!
You may also read my earlier post: An Assessment of Pakistan's Human Rights Record.
Tags Balochistan, Balochistan Pakistan, Crime, Criminal Law, Culture of Pakistan, Fundamental Rights, Human Rights, Karachi, Life, Pakistan, Protest, Taliban, Terrorism
Blog Social Issues Tribute
Justice for Shahzeb Khan
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The victim Shahzeb Khan
Shahzeb Khan, the only son of Deputy Superintendent of Police Aurangzeb Khan was murdered in cold blood by Shahrukh Jatoi, Siraj Talpur and two other convicts on 25th December 2012, near Mubarak Masjid in DHA, Karachi.
On 7th June 2013, the four accused were found guilty by an Anti Terrorism Court in Karachi for premeditated murder of Shahzeb Khan, the two prime convicts, Jatoi and Talpur were awarded death penalty, and the other two convicts were given life imprisonment.
Shahzeb Khan was murdered because one of the servants of Talpur abused and harassed the sister of the victim Shahzeb Khan, and the Shahzeb spoke out against it.
Justice for Shahzeb Khan was not easy to come by: the two convicts belong to very influential feudal families in Sindh; even though the victim's father was a Police officer himself, the Police was unable to register a case against the convicts due to the pressure exerted by their families.
Hunger for Justice: The Supreme Court took a suo motto notice for legal action after large scale peaceful protests all over Karachi.
Even the Pakistani media was slow in reporting the story; it wasn't until a social media campaign launched by the friends and family of the victim Shahzeb Khan on Facebook and Twitter named Justice for Shahzeb Khan, which gathered momentum and sympathies of Karachiites, and evolved into a series of medium and large sized peaceful protests all over Karachi, that the Supreme Court of Pakistan took a suo motto notice of the matter and ordered the police to register a case against the accused in addition to seizing their property and freezing their bank accounts.
The Supreme Court action came a bit late: Shahrukh Jatoi had escaped out of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates. The arrest of his father for the crime of helping a fugitive of law to escape made him finally surrender to the Pakistani authorities at the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai. He was arrested and flown back to Pakistan and faced trial for premeditated murder.
Even during the trial, Jatoi's influential family tried to save him by falsely claiming in court that he was a minor, under 18 years of age, at the time of murder. This was later proven otherwise by medical reports.
Shahrukh Jatoi, the convicted killer flashes victory sign after being awarded death penalty by an Anti Terrorism Court
After the court found them guilty and the verdict was announced, Shahrukh Jatoi was seen smiling and flashing a victory sign while being taken away.
The counsel for the convicts announced that they would be challenging the verdict before the High Court of Sindh. The case still has a long way to go: an appeal to the High Court, if that is rejected, an appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and if that appeal too is rejected, the convict would have an opportunity to appeal for mercy to the President of Pakistan. If the President finally rejects their appeal would the sentence be carried out.
Still, this is a major victory for the people of Karachi and the family of the victim. Justice is hard to come by in Pakistan, and justice for Shahzeb Khan is a display of the collective strength of the people of Pakistan, especially the young generation, their desire for a fair and equal society; Justice for Shahzeb Khan also demonstrates the power of social media in getting the people to rise up and raise their voice and be heard and in bringing killers to the book and the dispensation of justice.
Justice being done in this case would not bring the victim back to life, but it might prevent more precious lives being lost in the future to suck arrogant and egoistic attitude of the elite of this nation, who believe themselves to be above the law.
The people welcomed the decision wholeheartedly and expressed pleasure and satisfaction; the following is a glimpse of the reaction of the people after the verdict was announced by the court.
Tweets about "#JusticeForShahzeb"
Below: A grab from a local TV channel after the convicts were awarded death penalty.
Tags Concern, Crime, Fundamental Rights, Life, Pakistan, Protest, Shahrukh Jatoi, Shahzeb Khan, Siraj Talpur, Social issues
Talks with the Taliban? Think again!
10 Comments on Talks with the Taliban? Think again!
The Right-wing political parties gained the upper hand in the May 11th 2013 General Elections in Pakistan; parties like the PML-N, PTI and JUI-F had massive popular support. The Left-wing, liberal parties like the PPP and the ANP suffered grave losses. With 'Talks and Peace deals with the Taliban' amongst their top agendas, these winning Right-wing parties were adamant on putting an end to Pakistan's War on Terrorism: actually a War for wrestling control from the Taliban and establishing the writ and sovereignty of Pakistan on its North-Western territories.
To the dismay of these political and politico-religious parties, the Taliban withdrew the peace offer after its second-in-command Waliur Rehman was killed by a US drone strike on Pakistani territory on 30th May 2013. Soon after the attack, Imran Khan, chief of the PTI, was seen on news channels telling the then MNA-elect Nawaz Shareef, now the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to either stop the drone strikes or shoot the drones down.
On 29th May 2013 a petition was filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which sought a declaration by the Supreme Court against negotiations by any person, civilian or military, with a forbidden private army waging war against Pakistan.
The petition was filed by Mr. Shahid Orakzai under the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction on the enforcement of fundamental rights, asked how could the armed forces propose a truce/ceasefire/end of hostilities to the rebels on the territory of Pakistan? The petitioner also asked whether a citizen was empowered by the constitution to negotiate peace with a private army waging war on Pakistan. However the Supreme Court Registrar Office had returned his petition by raising objections that he had no locus standi to file the petition.
Article 256 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan forbids and outlaws any private army within the territory of Pakistan:
256. Private armies forbidden.
No private organization capable of functioning as a military organization shall be formed, and any such organization shall be illegal.
The Taliban are a private army/rebel group, waging war against Pakistan since the beginning of the 21st Century, on Pakistani territory. They have killed and slaughtered over 50,000 Pakistani men, women, children, politicians and leaders, police officers and army officers; they have slain many social workers especially those working for the eradication of the Polio virus. The Taliban out rightly reject the democratic system of Pakistan, its legal system, sovereignty of the Parliament over the territories of Pakistan.
Regarding the activities of some politico-religious groups which support the Taliban and/or peace talks with them, Article 5 of the constitution of Pakistan clearly states the following:
5. Loyalty to State and obedience to Constitution and law.
Loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen.
Obedience to the Constitution and law is the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan.
Under the provisions of Article 5 of the constitution, would it not be that, according to the constitution of Pakistan, any Pakistani keeping contacts with, communication with, aiding or abetting the rebels waging war against Pakistan, would be committing acts treason? Leaders of our winning political parties, Nawaz Shareef of PML-N, Imran Khan of PTI, Fazal-ur-Rehman of JUI-F, all have been in contact with the Taliban, our media who receive calls of Taliban's spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan when he calls to proudly claim responsibility of terrorist activities his organization carries out, Imams of mosques in rural and urban areas of Pakistan who openly sympathize with these terrorists, are they all not guilty of treason? I do not intend to accuse anyone; interpretation of the Constitution is the responsibility of the Supreme Court, which recently failed to take up the above mentioned petition.
In the video below you can see what the Taliban does in the areas it controls. The video below shows extremely violent acts committed by the Taliban (decapitating humans), NOT suitable for children, those with a weak heart and certainly NOT for those who do not wish to watch it. Be advised.
UPDATE: The copy of this video hosted on Vimeo, earlier embedded here, was removed by Vimeo staff because "it depicts extreme violence", The video has been replaced by the same copy hosted on this server.
Tags Army, Concern, Crime, Drone, Elections, Pakistan, Protest, Social issues, Taliban, Terrorism
Blog Published Social Issues
An Assessment of Pakistan's Human Rights Record
40 Comments on An Assessment of Pakistan's Human Rights Record
Govt. of Pakistan
Ever since Pakistan became a sovereign state, the issue of human rights has been one of grave importance. The partition of India in the second half of 1947 saw one of the worst massacre, as thousands of individuals were slaughtered, made homeless, raped and abused in the process of migrating to the homeland of their choice. Governments on both sides of the newly drawn borders could not do much to prevent this; they were silent spectators to one of history's most bloody moments.
In 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was presented in the United Nations General Assembly; Pakistan was among the 48 states that voted for the adoption of the Declaration. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights passed that year with 48 votes in favor, no votes against it and 8 abstentions. The declaration became an integral part of Pakistan's constitutions, all three of them, and still is an integral part of the fundamental rights enshrined in, and guaranteed and safeguarded by the current constitution.
Pakistan, however has seen much ups and downs in its political arena. The Constitution, when first suspended by the first coup d'état, saw unlawful arrests, exiling of influential political figures, and unreasonable restrictions being imposed upon the citizens, as the Martial Law administrator General Ayub Khan said that he believed in "Democracy with Discipline" (there wasn't any democracy, just the innocent civilians being disciplined along military lines). During the era of Gen. Yahya Khan, when East Pakistan, now Bangladesh was fighting for its independence and dismemberment of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army committed severe human rights violations, which may be classified as atrocities and war crimes. The army massacred many professors scientists and doctors in the East, and was accused of rape and torturing prisoners to death.
Public flogging in Pakistan during the Zia regime – Human Rights Violation?
After Prime Minister Bhutto was ousted from office in another coup d'état, and General Zia-ul-Haq took over; the country saw its worst nightmare. The Constitution was ridiculously amended and new laws were promulgated in the process of 'Islamization'. These new laws, aimed at legitimizing Zia regime, provided the administration far-reaching powers to suppress political activities. Public floggings became a common sight, political parties, trade unions, student unions, all were banned; those who dared to question Zia's legitimacy or actions were tortured to death. The Hudood ordinances, provided for the punishments of victims of rape, and took away the rights of inheritance of women.
After Zia's era, the Constitution was abrogated twice by Gen Musharraf, however this did not accompany large-scale human rights violation. Musharraf's attempts to control the judiciary backfired, and the protests eventually lead to Musharraf leaving the country, and the presidency. The situation has improved greatly since. General elections were held in Pakistan in 2008, that saw the coming of a democratic government, which introduced the Constitution 18th Amendment act 2010, which reversed many of Zia-ul-Haq's changes, and introduced articles, to safeguard the right of education and grant the right to a fair trial.
Police Brutality – quite common in Pakistan
Judiciary and the Election Commission in Pakistan are now fiercely independent; this means that the right to a fair trial and right to participate in the country's government for all Pakistanis are now secure. Much has still to be done; prisoners are still being tortured in jails, child molestation is still taking place in underdeveloped urban areas of Pakistan, according to UNICEF reports.
More Police Brutality – you just cannot stand up against injustice
Pakistan, although has a democratic government, there are still incidents of human rights violation by the government. The Pakistani constitution, for example, guarantees the right to freedom of expression, subject to "reasonable restrictions imposed by law in order to protect the glory of Islam…". This provision is being used as a tool to impose censorship on media and access to Internet. YouTube, the world's most popular video sharing platform is not in Pakistan, just because a few videos insult Islam. This action of censorship, in my humble opinion, is violation of an individual's freedom of speech, expression, choice and right to information as granted by the universal declaration of human rights and the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and law.
The government has also failed to protect the right of life of its citizens; many people fall victims to target killing and terrorism each day. There have been instances of the law-enforcement agencies doing just that: in June 2011 the paramilitary forces shot dead an individual in a public park accused of armed robbery.
The poster says it all – protesting against Human Rights Violation in Pakistan
The situation of human rights abuse is improving in Pakistan, ever since the democratic forces have come to run the country. Pakistan, however has still a long way to go, before it transforms itself from a security state to a welfare state, which safeguards all the rights of its citizens without any discrimination of any kind whatsoever.
Read more about this issue:
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
Human Rights Watch (Pakistan)
Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan
Amnesty International (Pakistan)
Human Rights in Pakistan – Wikipedia
Tags Belief, Believe, Cellular Blackout, Concern, Crime, Declaration of Independence, Election Commission of Pakistan, Elections, Fundamental Rights, Government of Pakistan, Human Rights, Human Rights Violation, Judiciary, Life, Pakistan, Peace, Right to Believe, Social issues, Speech
There's a Special Place in Hell for Spammers!
2 Comments on There's a Special Place in Hell for Spammers!
A little while ago, I logged into my dashboard and found a whole lot of comments caught as spam by my anti-spam software.
This website being my personal blogging platform, doesn't attract much unknown visitors, those who read my blog are actually people whom I know, or have known due them reading my blog regularly. A sudden burst of spam comments? What is going on? The backup of this website on WordPress.com attracts well over 300 spam comments every day, almost all caught by the anti-spam software there, but an even larger number here, and that too within a shorter time period!
So what really is spam?
Spam is the use of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited bulk messages, especially advertising, indiscriminately. While the most widely recognized form of spam is e-mail spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media. Spamming remains economically viable because advertisers have no operating costs beyond the management of their mailing lists, and it is difficult to hold senders accountable for their mass mailings. Because the barrier to entry is so low, spammers are numerous, and the volume of unsolicited mail has become very high. In the year 2011, the estimated figure for spam messages was around seven trillion, the figure for this year (2012) is expected to be even higher. The costs, such as lost productivity and fraud, are borne by the public and by Internet service providers, which have been forced to add extra capacity to cope with the deluge. Spamming has been the subject of legislation in many jurisdictions. A person who creates electronic spam is called a spammer.
And where does this spam come from?
Well, it comes mainly from spammers. These spammers may be an automated bot (a computer program made for this purpose), a company/organization trying to publicize their product(s), themselves or for a financial gain, fraud or a cause (which may in some rare cases be simple and just) or individuals bent upon publicizing their business startup/blog that leads to advertising revenue.
Rank Country Spam vol. %
1 India 13.9
2 Russia 9.0
3 Vietnam 7.9
4 (tie) South Korea 6.0
4 (tie) Finland 6.0
6 China 4.7
7 Brazil 4.5
8 America 3.2
So what's actually so wrong about spamming?
Spam can be used to spread computer viruses, trojan horses or other malicious software. The objective may be identity theft, or worse (e.g., advance fee fraud). Some spam attempts to capitalize on human greed whilst other attempts to use the victims' inexperience with computer technology to trick them (e.g., phishing).
Apart from all that, spamming is a type of in-your-face advertisement, filling you e-mail/SMS inbox with useless, meaningless often fraudulent advertisement. This reduces productivity by take up space, both storage space, display space and bandwidth (data transfer space).
Some spam contents are also ethically objectionable and morally wrong. Most common spam these days is about winning lottery, being made a beneficiary by rich business tycoons about to die, discounted travel, cheap Viagra, fake medicines, pornography, online dating and get rich quick schemes.
As mentioned earlier, spamming has been the subject of legislation in many jurisdictions. Many countries, states and territories, with the notable exception of Bulgaria, have illegalized spamming, making it a punishable criminal offence. For the state specific legislations see the Wikipedia article on E-mail spam legislation by country.
In Pakistan, it is prohibited under Section 14 (1) and (2) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2007. This law illegalizes and criminalizes spamming, and provides for a fine of up to PKR 50,000.00 (approximately 830 USD at the time the Ordinance was signed), and for repeat offenders a prison sentence of 3 months or a fine of PKR 50,000.00 or both. However I still see spam, lots of it, in almost all of my e-mail inbox and my SMS inbox.
Some questions that pop up in my mind:
Why do people comment on "nofollow" blogs? (i.e. blogs that prevent search engines from crawling to their links)
Why do people spam when they do realize that spam protecting software will bust their spams?
Why on Earth do they just do all this, I mean when they have better options for publicity!
What I've decided…
Some time back, I came across a statement on a blog that was somewhat like this: "There's a special place in hell for spammers". I am totally in favor and agreement of this statement. Spamming is illegal; breaking the law is like doing a sin, and sinners, figuratively speaking, go to hell, and actually speaking, law breakers go to jail.
I've now decided to make up a policy to combat spam, and would, like all other policies, enforce it strictly.
UPDATE: I've made up the Spam Policy!
Tags Computers, Crime, Electronic Crime, Hell, Laws, Spam, Technology
Travesty of Democracy
A Positivist Constitution?
Is an Immoral Law a Good Law?
Does Right to Life include a Right to End Life?
Will be Back, Soon!
© 2020 Ahmer Jamil Khan


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Learning Solutions 2023 – Conference & Expo | Orlando, FL
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана — в 2021-2023 гг. верхняя палата парламента Туркменистана (Милли Генгеша). Халк Маслахаты (Народный совет) был образован в 1992 году и просуществовал до 2008 года. После перерыва вновь образован 9 октября 2017 года в соответствии с Конституционным Законом Туркменистана.

С января 2021 года являлся верхней палатой нового парламента Туркменистана. В январе 2023 года по инициативе Г. Бердымухамедова Милли Генгеш решено вновь реорганизовать в Меджлис, состоящий из одной палаты. Халк Маслахаты был выделен как высший орган народной власти, главой которого остался экс-президент.

История

Халк Маслахаты (Народный совет) — высший представительный орган Туркменистана, существовавший с 1992 года, непосредственно ведущий свою работу в соответствии с Конституцией Туркменистана и представляющий интересы народа Туркменистана до 2008 года. Состоял из 2507 членов, причём некоторые из них избирались, а остальные назначались президентом. Формально обладал «полномочиями высшей государственной власти и управления».

Все кандидаты на выборах 7 апреля 2003 года принадлежали к правящей партии — Демократической партии Туркменистана.

Орган упразднён изменениями в Конституции в сентябре 2008 года..

Первое заседание вновь образованного Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана было созвано в 2018 году в Ашхабаде.

На уровне областей (велаятов), районов (этрапов) и городов существовали свои местные советы «халк маслахаты».

С 1 января 2021 года Туркмения перешла из однопалатного парламента в двухпалатный - Милли Генгеш (туркм. Milli Geňeş, Национальный совет). Меджлис, являвшийся до этого однопалатным парламентом, стал его нижней палатой, а верхней - Халк Маслахаты, существовавший до этого как отдельный орган. Председателем нового парламента стал президент Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов.

В январе 2023 года в Туркменистане создан высший орган народной власти - Халк Маслахаты, а одноименная верхняя палата парламента упразднена и восстановлен однопалатный парламент Меджлис. Членами Халк Маслахаты будут президент Туркменистана, спикер Меджлиса, председатель Верховного суда, секретарь Государственного совета безопасности, депутаты, Меджлиса, члены правительства, омбудсмен, генпрокурор, министр адалат (юстиции), главы администраций областей, районов и городов, местных органов власти, руководители политических партий, профсоюзов и других общественных объединений. Халк Маслахаты будет обладать полномочиями, принимать конституцию страны, конституционные законы, рассматривать изменения и дополнения к ним, основные направления внутренней и внешней политики государства, заслушивать ежегодные обращения президента страны.

Принципы работы Халк Маслахаты
Принципы, на которых основывается работа Халк Маслахаты:
 на основе демократии;
 на основе гласности;
 на основе справедливости;
 на основе верховенства закона;
 на основе приоритета общепризнанных норм международного права;
 на основе равенства человека, а также гражданина перед законом;
 на основе уважения прав, а также свобод человека;
 на основе свободного обсуждения, а также принятия соответствующих решений;
 на основе учёта общественного мнения.

Руководство

Председатели Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана
 Ниязов, Сапармурат Атаевич (15.08.2003 — 21.12.2006)
 Бердымухаммедов, Гурбангулы (30.11.2007 — 26.09.2008)
 Бердымухаммедов, Гурбангулы (14.04.2021 — н.в.)

Заместители Председателя Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана
 Атаев, Овезгельды, первый заместитель (15.08.2003 — 26.12.2006)
 Сапаров, Реджеп, заместитель (15.08.2003 — 01.07.2005)
 Нурбердыева, Акджа Таджиевна, первый заместитель (30.11.2007 — 26.09.2008)
 Мусаев, Онджик, заместитель (30.11.2007 — 26.09.2008)

Хронология

Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана до 26.09.2008
Согласно Конституции Туркменистана, Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана собирался по мере необходимости, но не реже одного раза в год.

Численный состав Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана был впервые определен на его XIV заседании 14-15 августа 2003 года. До того времени ни в Конституции, ни в других актах, регламентирующих деятельность Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана, его количественный состав установлен не был и изменялся от заседания к заседанию.

1-й созыв (1992—1997)
 I заседание — 26 июня 1992 года, Ашхабад
 II заседание — 14 декабря 1992 года, Ашхабад
 III заседание — 1 октября 1993 года, Ашхабад
 IV заседание — 28 декабря 1993 года, Ашхабад
 V заседание — 17 января 1994 года, Ашхабад
 VI заседание — 27 декабря 1995 года, Ашхабад
 VII заседание — 27 сентября 1996 года, Байрамали

2-й созыв (1998—2003)
 VIII заседание — 16—17 июля 1998 года, Дашогуз
 IX заседание — 27—29 декабря 1999 года, Ашхабад
 X заседание — 18 февраля 2001 года
 XI заседание — 19 октября 2001 года, Ашхабад
 XII заседание — 8—9 августа 2002 года, Туркменабат
 XIII заседание — 30 декабря 2002 года, Ашхабад
 XIV заседание — 14—15 августа 2003 года, Туркменбаши

3-й созыв (2004—2008)
 XV заседание — 23, 25 октября 2004 года, Ашхабад
 XVI заседание — 24—25 октября 2005 года, Ашхабад
 XVII заседание — 25 октября 2006 года, Ашхабад
 XVIII заседание — 26 декабря 2006 года, Ашхабад
 XIX заседание — 14 февраля 2007 года, Ашхабад
 XX заседание — 30 марта 2007 года, Мары
 XXI заседание — 26 сентября 2008 года, Ашхабад

См. также
 Меджлис Туркменистана
 Съезды народных депутатов (в СССР и РФ, 1989—1993)

Примечания

Литература
 Газета «Нейтральный Туркменистан». Ашхабад. 11 октября 2017 года. № 276-277 (28626-28627)

Туркмении
Парламент Туркменистана

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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According to the most recent ZIP code 46911 Indiana demographics data available from the United States Census Bureau released in the American Community Survey in December of 2020, Figure 1 ZIP code 46911 depicts it has a Population 2019 of 1,483 which is in the mid range of other zip codes in the local area. The zip code with the highest population in the area is 46970 which depicts a population of 23,499 ( considerably bigger). Figure 3 uses the ZIP code 46911 population data for a comparison of the population growth/population change estimates from the years 2010 to 2019 and 46911 Indiana depicts an increase of 44 (3%).
The total ZIP code 46911 Indiana greater area population percent change for all areas for the years from 2010 to 2019 is shown in Figure 4 and for 46911 shows it has a Population Change of 3.1% which is the third most population percent change of all other zip codes in the greater ZIP code 46911 region.
Looking at the ZIP code 46911 population density (measured as people per square mile) and providing comparisons to both the national and state average population density in Figure 5, 46911 Indiana depicts it has 37 people per square mile which is the smallest in order of population density of all the other zip codes in the area. The next higher in terms of population density is 46919 52.7% larger with population density of 57. The zip code with the highest population density in the area is 46987 which shows a people per square mile of 1,617 ( markedly bigger). Figure 6 provides ZIP code 46911 demographics for the overall median age for all people in the region and 46911 shows it has a Median Age of 34.7 which is the smallest as measured by overall median age of all people of all the other zip codes in the metro area. The zip code with the highest overall median age of all people in the area is 46987 which shows an age of 47.0 (35.4% larger). The ZIP code 46911 Indiana population data for median age broken out by gender for both men versus the median age of women is shown in Figure 7. 46911 Indiana shows a median age of men approximately three-fourths the size as the median age of women.
The next demographic analysis (Figure 8) looks at large generational ZIP code 46911 population groups (and can be useful internet research for employment related research or identifying areas with retirees). Key findings in this chart includes that 46911 Indiana has one of the largest proportions of people less than 20 years of age at 14.2% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46970 with 15.2%. Second, it has the smallest proportion of people between 20 and 29 years old at 10.0% of the total. Third, it has the smallest proportion of people between 30 and 39 years old at 5.5% of the total. Also, it has less than most other zip codes in the local area when ranked by people between 60 and 69 years old at 11.4% of the total.
Figure 9 illustrates the overall diversity breakdown for ZIP code 46911 population and ethnicity groups in the area. (note: Hispanic/Latino is broken out separately in the next diagram and also the group denoted as Native ethnicity includes Native American, and Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.) 46911 Indiana has the largest proportion of Native population at 3.4% of the total and is ranked #1. Figure 10 shows the ZIP code 46911 Indiana Hispanic (including non Hispanic whites) population household ethnicity in the region and 46911 depicts it has a Hispanic or Latino of 2.0% which is in the center range of other zip codes in the greater region. Figure 11 compares the ratio of the amount of men to the amount of women and shows total male population 11.0% larger as the total female population.
Figure 12 shows the detailed marriage characteristics broken down by %residents who are married, never married, single, divorced, and widowed. ZIP code 46911 has the percentage of total percent married the second smallest when ranked by total percent of people married of all the other zip codes in the area at 13% of the total. Second, it has less than most other zip codes in the greater region in terms of never married percent at 11% of the total. Third, it has the second smallest when ranked by total percent of people married of all the other zip codes in the local area as measured by percent divorced at 4% of the total. Figure 14 compares the average household size using the average number of people in a family for ZIP code 46911 households. 46911 shows it has a Family Size of 3.1 which is the second most average family size of all the zip codes in the greater ZIP code 46911 region. The zip code with the highest average family size in the area is 46970 which shows an average family size of 3.1 ( only slightly larger).
Figure 15 shows the overall ratio of ZIP code 46911 households for families to the total number of ZIP code 46911 households and that 46911 indicates it has a Families of 81% which is the highest of all zip codes in the greater ZIP code 46911 region.
Looking at ZIP code 46911 households that are headed by a husband and wife as a percent of all families in Figure 16, 46911 shows it has a Married-couple family of 91% which is more than all other zip codes in the greater ZIP code 46911 region. Figure 17 shows ZIP code 46911 demographics for the head of household for each place using a breakdown of married-couple, male-headed alone, and female-headed alone. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of households the second smallest as measured by percent of families in husband and wife household of all the other zip codes in the area at 0.9% of the total. Second, it has less than most other zip codes in the local area when ranked by households at 8.1% of the total.
The next section of charts provide a detailed look at mothers and baby births that occurred over the past 12 months. Figure 18 shows the rate of women aged 15 to 50 years old who have given birth. 46911 depicts it has a Birth Rate of 10.2% which is ranked #1 of all zip codes in the greater ZIP code 46911 region. Figure 19 shows the breakdown of the mother's age for all baby births that occurred in the last 12 months and it has the largest proportion of percent of births to mothers aged 20 to 24 at 100% of the total and is ranked #1.
The next set of demographic data looks at the marital status for ZIP code 46911 households which is useful for internet research. Figure 28 compares the total number of single people in each area. 46911 depicts it has a Total Single People of 28% which is the smallest when ranked by percent of people who are single for any reason of all the other zip codes in the greater region. The zip code with the highest percent of people who are single for any reason in the area is 46970 which shows a percent single of 52% (about twice as large). Comparing percent of people who are single for any reason to the United States average of 50%, ZIP code 46911 is approximately half the size. Also, versus the state of Indiana, percent of people who are single for any reason of 50%, ZIP code 46911 is approximately half the size.
Figure 30 compares the single people in each area broken down by never married, divorced, and widowed. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of percent never married less than most other zip codes in the local area at 11% of the total. Second, it has the second smallest as measured by percent of people never married of all the other zip codes in the greater region in terms of percent divorced at 4% of the total. Figure 31 shows the demographics for the number of single men adults in each area broken out by never married, divorced and widowed. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of men who are divorced in the mid range of other zip codes in the area at 1% of the total. Figure 32 shows the number of single women adults in each area broken out by never married, divorced and widowed. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of women who have never been married less than most other zip codes in the metro area at 9% of the total. Second, it has less than most other zip codes in the local area as measured by women who are divorced at 7% of the total.
Figure 33 shows the ZIP code 46911 demographics for the ratio of the number of single men between the age of 18 and 65, in each area, broken down by age group for the ZIP code 46911 metro area. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of single men 18 to 24 in the mid point range of other zip codes in the area at 3% of the total. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of single men 35 to 39 at 18% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46959 with 22%. Third, it has one of the largest proportions of single men 50 to 60 at 47% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46984 with 60%.
Figure 34 shows the ZIP code 46911 population data for the ratio of the number of single women between the age of 18 and 65, in each area, broken down by age group for the ZIP code 46911 metro area. 46911 Indiana has the percentage of single women 18 to 24 in the mid point range of other zip codes in the metro area at 2% of the total. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of single women 25 to 29 at 16% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46919 with 19%. Third, it has one of the largest proportions of single women 30 to 34 at 15% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46987 with 33%. Also, it has one of the largest proportions of single women 35 to 39 at 1% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 46970 (7%), and #1 46914 (27%) are larger. In addition, it has one of the largest proportions of single women 45 to 49 at 41% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46959 with 72%.
The next chart (Figure 36) shows for all citizens what the original place of birth was for people who were born in a foreign country and it has the largest proportion of birthplace in this state at 2% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the smallest proportion of birthplace in the Midwest at 4% of the total. Third, it has the largest proportion of birthplace in West at 1% of the total and is ranked #1.
In Figure 37, the demographic percentage of ZIP code 46911 residents who were not born in the United States is shown (i.e. percent foreign born.) 46911 depicts it has a Percent Foreign Born of 0.2% which is in the mid range of other zip codes in the local area. The zip code with the highest percent of population who was born in another country in the area is 46970 which depicts a percent born outside United States of 1.6% ( considerably bigger). Comparing percent of population who was born in another country to the United States average of 13.6%, ZIP code 46911 is only about 1.5% the size. Also, measured against the state of Indiana, percent of population who was born in another country of 5.2%, ZIP code 46911 is only about 3.9% the size.
The next diagram (Figure 41) shows the year of entry that non citizens entered the United States. The year of entry can show the rate of flow at various points of time in the past for when they entered the U.S. it has the largest proportion of non citizens who entered the US between 2000 to 2009 at 100% of the total and is ranked #1.
For all foreign born people who have gone through naturalization (the process of becoming a legal U.S. resident citizen), Figure 42 shows the year when they became fully naturalized U.S. citizens. it has the largest proportion of people naturalized 2015 or later at 100% of the total and is ranked #1.
Figure 43 displays a map of the globe and shows ZIP code 46911 demographic information for large regions of the world that people from this place originally came from. 46911 Indiana has one of the largest proportions of from Asia at 33% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 46970 (35%), and #1 46919 (61%) are larger. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of from the Americas at 67% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46914 with 70%.
Figure 44 categorizes the location for where foreign born people originally come from based on very large continental geographic areas. 46911 Indiana has one of the largest proportions of from Europe at 33% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 46970 (35%), and #1 46919 (61%) are larger. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of from Oceania at 67% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger zip code being 46914 with 70%.
Figure 45 is a table that breaks out all the people who were foreign born by which large geographic region where they were born. 46911 Indiana has the largest proportion of people who were born in South Central Asia at 33.3% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the largest proportion of people who were born in South America at 66.7% of the total and is ranked #1.
Zip code 46911, Indiana Demographics Data
Figure 1: 46911, IN and Area 2019 Population Data
Figure 2: Map of 46911, IN and Area
Figure 3: 46911, IN Population Change 2010 to 2019
Figure 4: 46911, IN 2010 to 2019 Population Percent Change
Figure 5: 46911, IN Population Density
Figure 6: Median Age in 46911, IN
Figure 7: Median Age by Gender in 46911, IN
Figure 8: 46911, IN and Area Age by Generation
Figure 9: 46911, IN and Area Ethnicity Makeup
Figure 10: 46911, IN Hispanic Population
Figure 12: 46911, IN Marriage Status
Figure 14: 46911, IN Average Family Size in Household
Figure 17: 46911, IN Head of Household
Figure 18: 46911, IN Birth Rate (Last 12 months)
Figure 20: 46911, IN Teenager Birth Rate
Figure 21: 46911, IN Unwed Mothers as % of All Births
Figure 22: 46911, IN Unwed and On Public Assitance
Figure 24: 46911, IN Unwed Mother Births By Age Group
Figure 25: 46911, IN Unwed Mother Birth Rate By Race
Figure 26: 46911, IN Unwed Mother Births By Poverty Level
Figure 30: 46911, IN Single People Broken Down By Reason
Figure 31: 46911, IN Single Men in Area
Figure 32: 46911, IN Single Women in Area
Figure 35: 46911, IN Citizenship Status
Figure 36: Citizen Place of Birth for 46911, IN
Figure 37: 46911, IN Percent of Population Foreign Born
Figure 39: 46911, IN Non Citizen Age Breakout
Figure 43: 46911, IN Foreign Born People are From What Region
Figure 44: 46911, IN Foreign-Born World Region of Birth
Figure 45: 46911, IN Foreign-Born Sub-Region of Birth
Figure 46: Foreign-Born Country of People Living in 46911, IN
Near 46911, IN
Select a City-PlacePeruGrissom AFB CDPGreentownSweetserConverseSwayzeeBunker HillSomerset CDPAmboyJalapa CDPSims CDP
Select a CountyMadison CountyHoward CountyGrant CountyCass CountyHuntington CountyMiami CountyWabash CountyFulton CountyCarroll CountyTipton CountyBlackford County
See All Indiana:
Indiana Cities A-Z
Indiana Zipcodes, all
Indiana Counties, A-Z
Indiana Rankings


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Q: How to validate Stripe subscription is active and paid First time using Stripe's API. What Stripe Webhook events should I use to ensure a user subscription is active and paid for and how should I store it in my database?
I was thinking to set up a Webhook for invoice.paid and then inserting the period_end datetime into my database and running something like
if ( $period_end < date('Y-m-d H:i:s') ) {
    //treat subscription as inactive
} else {
    //treat subscription as active
}

Is that an advisable way to ensure a subscription is active (paid for)?

A: You should use

*

*customer.subscription.updated

*invoice.payment_failed

*invoice.payment_succeeded

You need to use customer.subscription.updated event to handle the case when first time user subscribes to your product.
then use of invoice.payment_failed will inform you about the successful payment of auto payment for subscription and use of invoice.payment_failed will inform you that auto payment for your subscription is failed.
If you want to check if your subscription is active then you can use stripe.checkout.sessions.retrieve(session_id);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Tonight's writing isn't going so well, and the more frustrated I become, the sleepier I get. Eyes blur and words separate into letters that squirm like ants on the page. I type the same word three times without looking, dreaming of something else entirely.
If I could capture what I'm dreaming about when I sleep-write, I'd probably give voice to the shade of Shakespeare, channel Chekov, but as it is, I shut the computer in disgust before my eyes close on their own.


text:
Japanese broadcaster takes down controversial Black Lives Matter anime
By Yoko Wakatsuki, Eric Cheung and Jack Guy, CNN
Updated 1608 GMT (0008 HKT) June 9, 2020
NHK is the public broadcaster in Japan.
(CNN) Japan's public broadcaster has taken down an anime video explaining the "Black Lives Matter" movement after receiving criticism that the video was offensive and failed to explain the complex racial issues accurately.
The video, about 80 seconds long, showed a black man talking in rough Japanese about the background of the US protests.
He explained that the underlying causes of the unrest included a growing wealth gap between white and black Americans, and a higher rate of job loss among the black community due to Covid-19.
Japan just fell into recession, and much worse could be on the way
However, it did not mention the death of George Floyd or police brutality in the US.
Public broadcaster NHK posted the video on Twitter on Sunday but has since deleted it after receiving heavy criticism online.
Joseph M. Young, the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Tokyo, said Tuesday that the anime was "offensive and insensitive."
"While we understand NHK's intent to address complex racial issues in the United States, it's unfortunate that more thought and care didn't go into this video," he said. "Learning about racial justice and equality is a lifelong endeavor. A great place to start is the 'Talking About Race' exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture."
Naomi Osaka, a Japanese professional tennis player, also responded to the NHK post with a popular gif of "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey expressing bewilderment.


text:
La EC 1.7.7 è una sotto-sottoclasse della classificazione EC relativa agli enzimi. Si tratta di una sottoclasse delle ossidoreduttasi che include enzimi che utilizzano donatori di elettroni contenenti azoto ed accettori contenenti cluster ferro-zolfo.

Enzimi appartenenti alla sotto-sottoclasse

Note


Most women want two things, beautiful hair and long lashes. Is there a connection between the two? Not sure, but it certainly is something that many of us spend a lot of money trying to achieve. This is why we are so excited to promote one of our favorite lush lash products that really does work! Grande Lash Eyelash Enhancing Serum is a must try for anyone that wants long, thick and beautiful lashes.
Unlike its competition, Latisse and Rapid Lash; it is cost effective and completely safe! It will not change your eye color or cause irritation, unless you have very sensitive eyes, in which case we do suggest you test it on a small spot first to make sure there is no irritation. Grande Lash offers the best ingredients for lashes that show improvement within the first month. All you need to do is apply the serum twice a day and viola, beautiful lashes are yours.
One thing you must keep in mind is that like all other lash enhancing serums, once you discontinue the use of Grande Lash, you will see a decrease in your lash volume. This is normal, so it is recommended that you continue use once you start. We have even heard that in order to make the serum last longer, you can actually apply it three days on and three days off. This way you get a little more longevity and bang for your buck. Now do keep in mind, these lash enhancing serums will not give you faux looking lashes, they will simply help to make your natural lashes look fuller and longer.
Long lashes are not easy to come by, so when you find a product that you love and works well it is certainly a reason for celebration.
This entry was posted in Makeup and tagged eye makeup, grande lash, lash enhancing serum, makeup on June 8, 2016 by Noli.


text:
Malaysia's New Economic Policy (NEP) was first announced in 1970 as the principal policy response to the post-election race riots of May 1969. The NEP had two prongs, namely "poverty eradication regardless of race" and "restructuring society to eliminate the identification of race with economic function". However, we all know that in essence and in reality, the NEP policies are pro-bumiputera, or more specifically, pro-Malay. Over time, the NEP became less about poverty eradication and more about "restructuring society".
However, even in the context as a policy which aims to serve the interests of the Malays, has it achieved its objectives? The answer is obvious, and it is contained specifically in government documents.
No. The NEP, or its modern equivalent incarnates, the National Development Policy (NDP) or the National Vision Policy (NVP) have failed miserably in alleviating the plight of the middle-class and poor Malays.
For the past fifteen years since 1990, the income disparity between the rich and the poor has increased significantly and consistently over the years. The top 20% income earners in the country have increased their wealth distribution from 50.0% in 1990 to 50.5% in 1999 and 51.2% in 2004. On the other hand, the poorest 40% of the country, of which the Malays and other bumiputeras form a substantial majority, have seen their wealth distribution in the country decline at an accelerating pace from 14.5% in 1990 to 14.0% in 1999 to 13.5% in 2004.
The failure in the persistence of the NEP is obvious and clear for all to see. And the statistics is readily available in the Governments 8th and 9th Malaysia Plan. The perpetuation of NEP serves only in making the rich UMNOputras even richer, and the poor Malays, bumiputeras and other races poorer.
Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros' shennigans which aren't unique to Klang, the ruthless destruction of homes of the poor and the marginalised education system for the bumiputeras in Sabah serves as clear indications that the NEP has gotten it absolutely wrong for Malays and for Malaysia.
We need to promote a policy which is specifically targetted at the poor Malaysians, of whom the majority are Malays and bumiputeras such that they receive the necessary assistance from the government, society and community. We do not need a policy which serves only to protect the economic and political interest of the UMNOputra race.
Someone has to educate the poor so they won't fall for the bait laid by the UMNOputras.


text:
Q: I need help starting Apache server with PHP on Android with Termux Hi everyone!
It's my first question here XD...
I'm trying to start a web server on my LAN, but there are some problems.
Can't set Default Charset to UTF-8 on my site or enable .htaccess for setting it.
Tried adding AddDefaultCharset UTF-8 to the end of apache's httpd.conf file, without success,my phone is rooted, this is not so important for the question itself.
Bellow are the codes that I run from scratch:

*

* apt update && yes | apt upgrade && yes | pkg install autoconf automake bison bzip2 clang cmake coreutils diffutils flex gawk git grep gzip libtool make patch perl sed silversearcher-ag tar apache2 php php-apache

* ln -s /data/data/com.termux/files/usr/etc/ ~/etc

* touch ~/etc/apache2/extra/php-module.conf
Then the changes made to httpd.conf:

*

*LoadModule mpm_prefork_module libexec/apache2/mod_mpm_prefork.so without # at start

*LoadModule rewrite_module libexec/apache2/mod_rewrite.so without # at start

*New lines added
LoadModule php_module /data/data/com.termux/files/usr/libexec/apache2/libphp.so
AddHandler cgi-script .cgi
AddHandler php-script .php

*At end = Include etc/apache2/extra/php-module.conf
Is something else missing?
My site has problems with accents, invalid characters appear, so I need to change the charset!


text:
Coalition, human rights, immigration, international, Tories
(not satire – it's the UK today)
This has been taken from Harley Miller's Facebook page, an Australian who has been living in the UK for the last 9 years:
You may have noticed that recently I have been posting up lots of political articles, some of which you may agree with, others not. Many of those articles have been about immigration. Some of you may even know why I've been putting those posts up – out of protest.
You see, as an Australian living in the UK, I am an immigrant. In recent times, I have seen how there has been an increasing political campaign by a particular party which very much scapegoats immigrants for what is going on n this country. Sadly, the other parties, afraid of losing votes, have followed suit.
The point of this post is not to get into a political debate with you. Quite frankly, I'm not interested in a debate. The reason why? It's very simple. It has affected me directly.
I have been in this country for 9 years. In the whole of that time I have worked for the NHS, in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health sector, helping young people of this country through sometimes quite severe mental health problems. Some of those young people still contact me to this day, to let me know of their achievements and well-being.
I have also contributed in taxes that whole time. I have never been unemployed, I don't have children and I don't have a disability. In other words, I have paid my taxes but have never required, thankfully, to draw on benefits for anything. Ever.
I am considered as "highly skilled". Without going into my CV, suffice to say, I have two Masters degrees and various lesser qualifications.
I own my own property.
I do not have a criminal record.
Yet, with all of that, on Friday UKBA/Home Office decided not to renew my visa and I have no right to appeal. As of Friday, I was given just 28 days to pack up my house, my home, my life and leave.
As of Friday, I am no longer allowed to work. Yesterday, I was formally dismissed from my job without notice or severance pay, after 9 years dedicated to the UK National Health Service, reaching a senior position in which I was held in high esteem. I should also point out that that meeting was called a "hearing", in which there were "allegations" and an "investigation", as though having my visa renewal rejected was a crime. (Admittedly, they later apologised for this but only after I made it clear that it was a disgrace).
Ironically, I am no longer entitled to health care. The very same health care that I have contributed to in terms of work and taxes.
In fact, as of Friday, I have no rights in the UK whatsoever, despite owning properties and my years of contribution here.
The only way around this for me now is to demand my removal papers (and risk arrest), which then grants me right to appeal. A day in court with legal representation costs several thousands of pounds.
I wanted to tell you all this because I want you to know, as UK citizens, what the REALITY of the immigration situation is.
So when you read in the papers or hear in the media that the government has reduced the number of immigrants in this country, think of me and say to yourself "now I know how they do it!"
Please feel free to comment. And please share.
58 thoughts on "The harsh reality and unfairness of the government's anti-immigration campaign"
Jane Leach said:
I am so very sorry to hear this it is shaming and unfair, I can't help wondering if they know that you write this blog could this have gone against you or is it the same for everyone. I hope that you can find some kind of solution and I wish you the very best.
Judith Haire (@JudithHaire) said:
I am genuinely sorry to read this and send you my best wishes
judithhaire said:
Reblogged this on Far be it from me –.
Anne Selby Author said:
This is very unfair of course and it makes me wonder whether people from other countries such as yourself will now have to apply for citizenship after they have been here five years, unless of course dual citizenship is allowed. My brother in law is coming here to the UK on a spousal visa, my sister is a British citizen and has come home to the UK to live out her years. After five years he has to apply for citizenship.
Did they give no reason for denying the extension of your visa?
Freda Satow said:
SO sorry to hear all this. You are being punished for speaking out. 1984 has arrived. I think your blog is brilliant. Fight back if you can.
This sounds like beaurocracy gone mad. I'm sure the law wasnt meant for people like you, but its the way the beaucrats intrepret it. Fight it tooth and nail!
Pingback: The harsh reality and unfairness of the governm...
julieanneda said:
I have no adequate words to
i) give comfort;
ii) show enough loathing
Thank you for all you have done
mcwnorris said:
This is awful. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I can recommend Gryk Law, a firm of immigration solicitors in London. My family and I have been their clients several times in the past year and I can vouch for their excellence, kindness and humanity.
Pingback: REblog: The harsh reality and unfairness of the government's anti-immigration campaign | Humans and Aliens
Reblogged this on Humans and Aliens and commented:
Appaling. Please read. And Please Share.
Leoni Al-ajeel said:
Absolutely appalling. Shared.
leonc1963 said:
As bad as this is it is happening to UK nationals too?:
http://diaryofansahstrokesurvivor.wordpress.com/2013/10/31/just-when-you-thought-iain-duncan-smith-could-not-stoop-any-lower/
A Vile Vile man
Jane Canning said:
Fascist Tory pigs. It is them that should be leaving. I have very much enjoyed your blog Tom. Wishing you well.
msharmila2013 said:
I see nothing wrong with any of that.
Martin said:
Can you please state what visa status you have had for the past 9 years include any gaps as well. Once we have the whole story we should be able to make sense of it. Obviously there are rules in place. Bear in mind many people have multiple degrees, but that alone does not entitle you to stay in the UK
yet another sly dog tory libdem trick
Tony said:
Good luck mate. If you fancy hiding out in Yorkshire just give me a shout.
Wichita Lineman Was A Song I Once Heard said:
Retweeted this. I'd fight your corner mate, though I have no clue whether that's feasible financially for you.
It's not me who is being deported guys. It's Harley Miller.
Anni Selby said:
This is taken from someone else's blog, not Tom Pride's blog. At the top of this post you can see it was taken from Harley Miller's facebook page
It isn't Tom Pride's visa status, it's the status of Harley Miller, the lady who is in this predicament, the link to her page is at the top of this blog
Darren said:
Harley has been putting up political posts, and now his visa's been revoked? Doesn't really take a mathematician to add two two's up to five, does it? What's in store for us other bloggers, letter-writers and armchair protesters – House Arrest?
Sorry! Misunderstood your blog. Thought it was you. Even so. Disgusting, whoever it might be.
Robert Fillies said:
Dear Harley
Having just read about your predicament on Vox Political, i would like to say to you that you have been treated abominably by the authorities of this country, and i offer my apology to you on their behalf.How misguided they are in following this populist view on immigration for purely political reasons.
I wish you good fortune in your pursuit of justice
Robert Fillies
Michael Igoe said:
I can only say, 'sorry', Harley, for the behaviour of a country's government, one which was never even elected and has lived since on a diet of denigration of minorities and rampant xenophobia, all this disguised as putting the country to rights. Putting it to rights by taking away rights is an obvious paradox, but that's the modern UK. Have a good journey home, as far as is possible. I've just a trace of an idea of your present difficulties. Even a year or two after 1945, servicemen and women, with their children (including me then) found life anything but what they'd fought to defend.
rainbowwarriorlizzie said:
Jonathan Cairns said:
That fucking sucks. I haven't read any of the other comments yet but I wonder if it's a pathetic and subversive effort by the current UK administration to physically 'eliminate' any leftish opposition. Viz: Glenn Greenwald and his partner's recent inept harassment at LHR.
Anonyme said:
Tnx for sharing that with the world. Situations like that are happening in Canada too (UK's little sister). You are in my thoughts Harley
Nico said:
"I'm sure the law wasnt meant for people like you" right, only the "bad ones". Jesus. It is an attack on human beings plain and simple, stop fooling yourself please.
Geoff Kerr said:
nothing like picking on easy targets
This is nothing like picking easy targets, this is an over the top agenda in order to get the public outraged enough to drop immigration as an electable issue, even though it clearly is an issue which needs to be addressed, why have these working migrants not applied for UK citizenship if they want to stay here?
There is more to this than meets the eye.
NW3 said:
I am very sorry to read of Harley Miller's predicament; effectively, I think she was probably advised improperly by UKBA: they seem to tell everyone else rather unequivocally that a spousal visa should be considered curtailed if the marriage is no longer subsisting, so what were they thinking when they wrote to her to tell her she could stay so long as her spousal visa were valid ? Had they advised her appropriately, and outlined her options in 2008, she would likely by now be at least settled; instead, she missed out on a number of options to retain her permission to stay. My view is that if the UKBA can't provide accurate advice through their own labyrinthine system, they can hardly behave as though it is wholly the applicant's fault that it's gone awry. Common decency suggests that they should put it right somehow, but I'm not altogether sure their practice is guided by a moral compass.
I misunderstood I thought you were speaking about yourself but that doesn't alter my opinion it can't be right to rip someone anyone out of their lives.
Mg Massey said:
what worries me is ..willl I be bale to go and live with my love as we planned , or will I too be kept from it by this mess?I am gonna take down my page today..may a swell folks listen to the net before they trust their own inner voice anyway and that is EXACTLY what the powers that be wanted.. time ot go offline I think
Disgusting. Unfortunately, Harley Miller is not alone in such treatment. It's increasingly common, and ultimately dates back to Tony 'I am Tory Plan B' Blair.
Tom Pride here reposts a piece by Harley Miller, an Australian who has been working for 9 years here in the UK. Except for her nationality, Miller's a model citizen. She worked in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Section of the NHS, which must surely be an extremely demanding job dealing with some disturbed and vulnerable young people. She has paid her taxes and never been unemployed. However, as she is a foreigner, she has been told that her employment contract will not be removed, and been given 28 days to sell her house and leave the UK. It's disgusting treatment of a conscientious worker, who has contributed to our society. On it's own, this would be shocking enough, but I've heard of many other similar cases. A friend told me of how his mother, who was a union member in the hospital where she worked, organised industrial action on behalf of the Phillipino nurses there. They had similarly been dismissed and told to leave the country. Such treatment of foreign workers also shows the double standards of the Coalition towards immigration. Cameron and Osborne in their visit to China have announced that they are putting in place legislation to fast track Chinese citizens so that they can enter and live in the UK. One suspects, however, that these new, Chinese residents won't be members of the Middle Kingdom's hoi polloi, but the very rich. The luxury apartment blocks now being built in London are aimed at the super-rich from the Far East, who wish to buy them as an investment rather than a home. So, fat cats are welcome here in Britain, while hard-working proles are treated as criminals and kicked out with very short notice.
Pingback: Home Office threatens 7-year-old boy with deportation | Pride's Purge
Pingback: Cameron's (secret) deal to open immigration door to UAE citizens | Pride's Purge
You can see from this story why immigration is at the heart of the struggle for socialism. Britain has been at the forefront of this struggle and when Labour is re-elected will reverse these rules. See http://antiracistfront.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/heroes-of-anti-racism-british.html for an account of the struggle in Britain.
Pingback: UK police step up search for 400,000 missing Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants | Pride's Purge
Pingback: Petition: PROTECT British jobs and public services – say NO to more Etonians in UK | Pride's Purge
Aliyah said:
I am disgusted to say the least. I am very sorry to hear that this is happening to you.
It is an understatement to say that people like you are paying for their huge mistakes.
If it helps to minimise their consequences then I don't think they'll be stopping here.
It's an utter disgrace and I can only apologise that you are being treated lesser than a human being. 😦
Pingback: Reducing immigration and undermining the NHS. Have you spotted Cameron's trick yet? | Pride's Purge
Bobbi White said:
Harley Miller's Facebook page has not been updated since 4 March 2014 – do you have any info as to whether she has been deported?
Harley's still in the UK bravely awaiting her fate. You can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarleyM65
Aneesa said:
Having read your blog we were hoping you would be interested in our video, "Don't stop me now: The Calais 'jungle' and No Borders Camp". It reveals the hell that was the Calais 'jungle' and the incredible journeys migrants staying there had made.
We have uploaded the film on the Citizen TV talent site in the hope that it may receive sufficient 5 star votes to make it a video with an award winning message which will help spread the word.
The film is available to watch and vote for here: http://www.citizen.tv/competition#!tab=top-talent&week=week-18-2014&month=&boc_month=&vo=%2Fdon-t-stop-me-now-the-calais-jungle-and-no-borders-camp-rvmp9Jeovj.html
We would be delighted if you would watch the video, vote for it and share it.
Aneesa Syed
WORLDbytes Volunteer
Pingback: Government plans to deter immigration to UK by making it shit (not actually satire!) | Pride's Purge
Abigail Appiah said:
I hope you don't mind me contacting you, but I think you may be interested in our filmed programme 'Rania's story'. Immigration is again at the top of the agenda in the UK as the main political parties all try to sound tough and let migrants take the blame for their failures. But for Rania Hafez, who moved across the world, aeroplanes were like taxis. She hopes with cheaper flights more people will see more of the world and that, she points out, requires ending visa restrictions.
We have released the film on Citizen.TV, a new talent site, in the hope that it may receive sufficient votes and viewings to win an award. If you would like to encourage us in making similar programmes please vote 5 stars for our video as this would raise debate about 'open borders' and raise much needed funds for our charity.
The film is available to watch and vote here: http://www.citizen.tv/WORLDwrite#!vo=%2Frania-s-story-0ulrz4ke05.html
We would be delighted to read your comments on our video and hope you vote for us. Do feel free to embed, share, copy and pass on this programme to anyone else who may be interested. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Abigail Appiah


Warragul Theatre Organ Society celebrated its 30th year in 2009.
First Annual General Meeting was held in the Gippsland Organ Studio in 1979, by the Warragul Organ Club, with 15 members.
The club became the Gippsland Division of TOSA in October 1989.
Other Warragul venues have also been our 'home' - the Education Centre, Pindari (Vision Australia) and the Masonic Hall.
First meeting in Wesley of Warragul was on 11 June 2005, when we were entertained by Chris Powell from the United Kingdom playing our Conn Martinique Electronic organ (pre Wurlitzer installation).
Our Society is indebted to TOSA (Vic) for their support and encouragement.
Thanks also to Bendigo Theatre Organ Society who donated their funds towards our Wurlitzer, when their Society disbanded.
The Grand Opening of the 3/10 Wurlitzer was on 22 March 2008.
Four concerts were held across that weekend! Details of this event features in the Gallery.
Go to Our Organ to learn about the Wurlitzer organ restoration, installation and it's specifications.
Warragul Theatre Organ Society aims to promote our Wurlitzer, theatre organ music and also classical organ music.
We currently have about sixty members.
Unique to Gippsland — Discover!
The 1889 former church building (Methodist then Uniting) was extensively renovated and extended in 2004.
Within the roof space of the extension (at left in photo) are the organ chamber and a sound-proof blower room for air supply.
controls the 742 pipes, xylophone, percussion, etc.
The acoustics of Wesley are ideal. Sound from organ chamber is through two grilles each approx. 1200mm x 1800mm (4 x 6 feet) seen high on wall in photo below.


On Saturday 2 July Direct Dutch Institute, Public Library The Hague, The British School and the Nederlandse Taalunie organize 'Spreek Nederlands Dag' (Speak Dutch Day) for the third time. This day focuses on speaking and practicing Dutch, specifically for expats and other non-Dutch speakers. This day also serves as an attention call for all Dutch people: allow expats to speak Dutch! Dutch people often tend to switch to English when they talk to someone who does not yet fully grasp the language. However, they will never learn if others constantly speak English to them. The Hague's alderman for the Knowledge Economy, International Affairs, Youth and Education Ingrid van Engelshoven will officially open 'Spreek Nederlands Dag' at 11.30h in the Public Library The Hague.
Expats who want to learn Dutch face a tough challenge: everywhere people simply continue to speak English to them, especially when they are in public spaces such as shops and restaurants. This creates a problem for expats because they do not have enough opportunities to practice their Dutch. In that way they will never become fully proficient in the language, which causes expats to feel excluded. Their children often face the same obstacle when trying to learn Dutch.
Direct Dutch Institute, a Dutch language school in The Hague, created a special button badge with the text 'Spreek Nederlands! Met mij!'. This is a very popular item amongst expats, as Direct Dutch has already spread more than 15.000 across the country.
'Spreek Nederlands Dag' was also created in order to tackle this problem. On this day expats are encouraged to speak Dutch as much as possible, especially in public. In The Hague restaurants and cafes can win a special price on this day. The restaurant or café which is the most patient and helpful whilst expats practice their Dutch will receive the 'Spreek Nederlands Dag 2016' trophy.
This year international companies will be actively involved during 'Spreek Nederlands Dag'. International employees often receive a Dutch course by their employer when they come to the Netherlands. However, after this course, English remains the main language at the office. Direct Dutch Institute offers a free toolkit for those companies, which allows them to organize a 'Spreek Nederlands Dag' on a monthly basis.
More information about the 'Spreek Nederlands Dag' can be found on www.directdutch.com.
On 'Spreek Nederlands Dag' we will 'fight' for our right to speak Dutch in public! It doesn't matter if you make mistakes, or if you have a thick accent! Wij willen Nederlands spreken!
Dutch people do appreciate your effort to learn Dutch. They are just unaware. They think they are helping you out by speaking English. We will remind them that you do want to speak Dutch!
Join us on Saturday 2 July in Central Library The Hague. We will start with a free speed masterclass (to refresh your Dutch speaking skills). After that we will split up in small groups and go into the center of The Hague. Our goal is to speak Dutch as much as possible. With each other and with the waiters in a cafe or restaurant.
Of course there will be Dutch speaking volunteers to guide you! And we'll keep score: is the waiter patient enough, do they continue to speak Dutch with you, even when they're busy? At the end of the day we will hand out a trophy to the cafe or restaurant which showed the most patience.
Do you want to participate? Great! Register now, for free, by sending an email to dutchup@directdutch.com). You can also guide one of the groups, if you speak Dutch at level B2+.
We are hoping you will join us (again)! We hopen dat je (weer) meedoet!
PractiSe !!! Practise Dutch!! It's a VERB! Een werkwoord!! Practice is a NOUN. een NAAMWOORD! Take it from a teacher (retired!).
Thanks Joop, I'll advise the person who wrote it, maybe we need a practise English day too.
But……. 🙂 did that ever happen? practise ( verb / werkwoord) Practice ( noun, naamwoord).! Doesn't matter as long as we UNDERSTAND each other!!!


text:
7 Likes with Ransom Ashley
11.21.2019 / The Fullest / Creators
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ransom Ashley is a photographer, actor, and cinematographer. He attended Parsons School of Design in New York City where he concentrated on photography and received his Bachelor's in Psychology. He has shown his work internationally (London, Brighton, and Budapest) and has been included in shows at the New Britain Museum of American Art, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and Masur Museum of Art, amongst many others. No stranger to print, he's been featured in Teen Vogue, The New York Times, Deadline, Wonderland Magazine, Metal Magazine, and Dazed and Confused.
Largely informed by his coming-of-age experience in the south, his work continues to push boundaries within the contemporary art scene which often fails to illuminate the stories of the socially marginalized.
Today, Ransom spends his time working with publications and galleries between NYC and Austin. We caught up with the artist to ask him to share the seven things he's most interested in at the moment. This is what he said…
1 | Rare plants —
Since moving to Austin and having access to so many amazing plant nurseries, I've fallen in love with rare plant species. I just bought a Dorstenia Gigas that looks like it's straight out of a Dr. Seuss novel. It's an excellent conversation piece, but also something that makes my home feel like even more of an escape.
2 | Hand-crafted ceramic kitchenware —
I've never put much thought into my dinnerware because it hides behind cabinets most of the time. Lately, however, I've fallen in love with creating tablescapes and more curated dining experiences. Using a set of well made ceramic flatware is a quick way to make dinner with your loved ones in the evening feel even more special.
3 | Nighttime beauty routines —
I am obsessed with the nighttime skincare routine trend that's happening on YouTube. It's exciting to see what people like Demi Moore and Cindy Crawford do to age more gracefully and I've actually found a lot of really effective products through these videos.
4 | The Ordinary —
I just did a skincare overhaul to streamline my nighttime routine and discovered a brand called The Ordinary. They have cutting edge formulas for a fraction of the price of luxury brands — I highly recommend!
5 | Taking risks —
Since I'm new to Austin, I've been intentionally pushing myself both personally and creatively. I don't hesitate to ask for drinks or dinner with the people that inspire me or to reach beyond what I feel like I'm ready for artistically. Things have been better than I could've imagined because of me putting myself out there — even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Growth is uncomfortable.
6 | Wombat art boxes —
Wombat is a Paris-based publishing house that collaborates with artists on collectible limited edition art boxes. The boxes are beautifully designed and the perfect interactive coffee table staple. I've been obsessed with them for a long time and recently had the chance to collaborate with them on my own edition.
7 | Self-love —
My schedule is often crazy and can easily lead to skipping meals and sleep to keep up with the grind. Lately, I've been practicing self care in a variety of ways. Whether it's allowing myself a full night's rest or keeping fresh flowers in the house, it's those little things that make me feel both happy and productive.
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The Fullest Volume 5: Visions
The Fullest Volume 6: Humanity
The Fullest Volume 2: Home