Este artículo está disponible en español aquí Reading headlines on the environment can be terrifying.
Environmental degradation is advancing around the world. The United Nations has warned that we are heading toward "major planetary catastrophe." With this there is a growing recognition of the need for fundamental change in how we, humankind, live on planet.
More than forty years after the passage of the major federal environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act – laws which are now mirrored around the world – the earth's species, waterways, oceans, coral reefs, forests, and other ecosystems are rapidly declining.
These environmental laws, rather than protecting the rights of the environment to exist and thrive, instead regulate its use and exploitation. Thus, environmental laws largely legalize harm – including fracking, mountaintop removal mining, and pipelines – rather than protect against it.
These laws are premised on nature being considered property under the law, and therefore, as right-less. Much like indigenous peoples, slaves, and women have been considered right-less under the law – unable to defend their own basic rights to life and well-being – so today do environmental laws treat nature.
A movement is building to advance a different paradigm, one which is recognizing the inherent rights of nature.
Rights of nature laws have now been passed in more than three dozen communities in the United States, as well as codified in Ecuador's Constitution. These laws recognize the inalienable rights of nature – or Pacha Mama as is stated in Article 71 of the Ecuador Constitution – to exist, thrive, evolve, and be restored. These laws transform nature from being property under the law to being rights-bearing.
While the passage of laws recognizing the rights of nature is new – the first laws in the world were first established within the past decade or so – the idea of nature having rights is not new.
Much of the more modern day discussion heralds back to Professor Christopher Stone's 1972 law review article titled "Should Trees Have Standing – Toward Legal Rights for Natural Objects" in which he considered why we might want, and what it might mean, to recognize legal rights of nature.
Stone described how under the existing structure of law, nature was considered "right-less" having no legally recognized rights to defend and enforce. Thus, nature – much like slaves once were – was treated by the law as a thing, as property, existing for the use of its owner.
Moving from the idea of rights of nature to the codification of those rights in law first occurred in Tamaqua Borough in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 2006. Now communities in a number of states have such laws in place, the largest being Pittsburgh, where the City Council unanimously passed the rights of nature law in 2010. These laws recognize that ecosystems and natural communities have the legal right to exist and flourish, and that residents and their government have the authority to enforce and defend those rights.
There are several cases now in the United States, in which oil and gas companies are challenging laws recognizing the rights of nature. The companies , Pennsylvania General Energy and Seneca Resources, are claiming that these laws – which prohibit fracking related activities as a violation of the rights of nature – violate their corporate constitutional rights. The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (for which the author works) is representing ecosystems that are seeking to intervene in the cases to defend their own rights.
In Ecuador, we are also beginning to see the impact of these laws, as indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, communities, and public interest organizations seek to enforce and defend the rights of nature in the face of numerous threats from governmental and corporate actors.
The Court explained that under Ecuador's Constitution, nature is now a holder of rights, and that government and the people have a responsibility to uphold and protect those rights. This comes with the recognition that until and unless we establish a harmonious relationship with nature – much different than humankind's relationship with the natural world today – we will continue to see the decline of ecosystems and species, the very fabric of life.
As communities in the United States advance the rights of nature, and in Ecuador people seek to defend the constitutional rights of nature, peoples in other parts of the world are advancing such rights as well.
In India, for example, the National Ganga River Rights Act is being advanced for consideration by the national Parliament. Half a billion people depend on the river, yet it is an ecosystem in severe decline. The Act would establish rights of the river to exist and flourish, and the right of people of India to water and a healthy, thriving river ecosystem.
The Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin is the first tribal nation in the United States to advance an amendment to their tribal constitution to recognize the rights of nature. In September 2016, the Ho-Chunk General Council voted overwhelmingly in support of the proposed amendment. A vote of the full membership is expected later this year.
Mari Margil is the Associate Director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund.


Run a half marathon this March.
Strava is challenging you to run a half marathon as fast as you can between March 1st and March 31st.
Unlike a typical half marathon, tackle this Challenge from any location, at any time of day. Skip the travel and the pre-dawn alarm clock. Don't skip the chance to push yourself, and the pace, to see how far you can climb the Leaderboard.
Just pick a safe stretch of road or trail, record an activity that is at least 13.1 miles (21.1 km) long, and see where you stack up against runners across the world.
Your position on the Leaderboard is based on the fastest average pace of any activity that meets the Challenge goal requirements. The average pace is taken based on elapsed time and includes the entire duration of the qualifying activity (not just the fastest 13.1 mile section of your activity).
Complete the Challenge and you will unlock the ability to purchase a limited edition March Half Marathon Tech Tee for $50. This premium tech tee is the first in a series of gear available only to those that complete a Strava Races Challenge.
After completing the Challenge, an email will be sent which will include a link to purchase the tech tee. A 'Check It Out' button will also appear below the tech tee on this Challenge page which will take you to the product page in the shop.
The tech tee will be available to purchase until 11:59pm Pacific Time on April 3rd. The expected delivery time is 5-7 weeks for domestic orders and 6-8 weeks for international.
Athletes that complete this Challenge will receive a digital finishers badge (and potentially a new half marathon PR).
You have to run 13.1 miles (21.1 km) in a single run, just like you do in a race.
You will not show up on the Challenge Leaderboard unless you complete an activity over 13.1 miles.
To ensure you meet the Challenge goal, we recommend you run a small amount over 13.1 miles during your activity (about .5km / .3mi). This will give you a buffer in the event your activity distance is shortened after upload to Strava due to the cleanup of GPS irregularities. You can learn about how distance is calculated for our app by reading this Knowledge Base Article.
There is no time limit to complete the 13.1 miles.
All activities logged during the Challenge period must be uploaded to Strava no later than April 3rd, 2014.
Q: When do I have to complete the half marathon?
A: You can run the 13.1 miles necessary to complete the Challenge in a single run any day between March 1st and March 31st.
Q: Can I run multiple times to add up to 13.1 miles?
A: No, you have to run 13.1 miles in a single run.
Q: Is there a time limit for the 13.1 miles?
A: No, there is no time limit to complete the 13.1 miles.
Q: Can I crop my run if the activity is longer than 13.1 miles?
A: Yes, if your activity happens to be longer than the 13.1 miles necessary to complete the Challenge you can crop your activity to remove the sections that you do not want to count towards the Challenge.


Welcome to the new online home of Von Wertz Rottweilers! I have been a Rottweiler owner and breeder for over 25 years, and have bred a total of 7 litters during that time with the last litter whelped in 2001. I am also an AKC conformation judge of Rottweilers.


Get an alert with the newest ads for Storage & Parking for Rent in Ottawa / Gatineau Area.
Wanted:Desperately looking for parking in downtown Ottawa!
Looking for a parking space somewhat close to Constitution Square/Kent in downtown Ottawa starting in May. If you have a spot available to rent, please message me!
I'm looking for long-term parking in the Hintonburg/Mechanicsville area as soon as possible. I live in the area and my building has no spaces available.
Selling Algonquin College Woodroffe Campus Parking pass for LOT 9 --Valid from April 27th to August 31st 2019. Asking $150 or best offer.
Monthly parking spot available from May 1 to July 31 possibly longer.
Secure, heated, year-round underground parking available in Nepean. $100/month if payment by cash, $125/month if payment by cheque.
Parking spot for rent, James Street @ Bay. $130 per month.
Spacious parking spot for rent at James and Bay Street. 10-15 minute walk to downtown offices. Professional snow clearing during winter months. Secured bike storage available at no extra cost.
Perfect storage solution! 8'x20', air and water tight.
Post your classified or want ad in Ottawa / Gatineau Area Storage & Parking for Rent. It's fast and easy.


With summer comes parties! And one of the biggest worries for a hostess is knowing how much food to have. There is nothing worse than running out of food. To help ease your anxiety here is a guide to help with your planning.


In early 2011, the U.S. Government initiated a "Cloud First" strategy. This policy, which is part of the 25-point Federal IT Reformation Plan, mandated that all federal agencies accelerate the pace at which they migrate to a safe, secure cloud-based solution, before making any new information technology investments. Since 2009, SMS has been working side-by-side with our federal clients helping them meet their cloud and virtualization IT challenges, constructing the largest private Intelligence Community cloud and virtualizing over 35,000 desktops.
Whether migrating to a private or public cloud, SMS can help. We assist our defense, intelligence, federal civilian and commercial customers with developing cloud strategies, building virtualized applications, virtualized desktops, and managing and securing cloud computing environments.
At SMS, our engineers are VMWare, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix factory certified so that we can provide our customers the full spectrum of services from architectures, design and development to integration and operations and maintenance for a true, one-stop for cloud and virtualization.


Top 20 most popular used car reviews on whatcar.com : What Car?
The Nissan Qashqai, one of the first family SUVs and one of the most perennially popular, was the most searched for used model on whatcar.com during September. It was followed, perhaps surprisingly, by the bigger and pricier BMW X5, although the X5 has, like the Nissan, sold well over a long period.
Demonstrating that hatchbacks still have appeal despite the onslaught of SUVs is the third-placed Ford Fiesta, with its larger stablemate, the Focus, in fifth. Hatchbacks occupy seven spots in this top 20 and SUVs 11 places.
An unexpected entry in 11th place is the Audi R8, a more affordable supercar. Meanwhile, Volvo's V50 estate, a traditional load-carrier, is a regular in this chart and takes ninth place.


Blogging is cathartic, it liberates you. Big phrases eh? Well, blogging for me is like writing in my own professional diary!! So, here is my melt down. Here is my story. It ain't pretty.
Have you ever had a lesson that was your "worst lesson ever" ?OK, so keep that in mind. Now, think of how that lesson could have been worse. Do you have the image in your head? OK, so I am trying to create an atmosphere. Get your mug of coffee and read on.
I had one of those lessons the other day. One of those lessons where you feel like it can't get worse than this!! The bad-est lesson eva! I think the word badest needs to exist cause you get bad and then the suffix -est accentuates it!
So, I, the super duper teacher, sat on my super duper chair, in front of my super duper pc to give a super duper online grammar lesson. I do consider myself kinda a grammar queen. I thrive when it comes to teaching grammar or do I?
Learner: "No. I haven't revised".
Learner: " I cannot answer the question because I have not revised the grammar".
Me…. starting to sweat in my super duper chair. I needed to do something otherwise we would have a staring contest….. online.What did I do? I completely changed the lesson. I dropped the questions cause I felt like a dentist pulling out my learners tooth and moved on to an article based lesson. We read an article and answered a few questions that were based on the article.
The lesson came to an end and we both went our separate ways. I went and made a big cup off coffee and grabbed a box of cookies. I was going to eat my sorrow and think.
Maybe I shouldn't have turned a one hour lesson into a two hour grammar lesson with this particular learner. I should have treated the lesson like a Band-Aid and pulled it off quickly, but I am not a rush- rush teacher. I spend time on tasks and timing as in, sticking to the lesson plan/syllabus, is not as important as understanding.
When my learner said, " I don't want to talk because I haven't revised" I should have gotten the message. My learner actually is not very talkative and gets frustrated when I correct mistakes anyhow. Big mistake Joanna!! Seriously, what were you thinking?!?!?!?!
Maybe I should have done more controlled tense practice activities like gap filling. Well, my excuse here is that I panicked. I heard no to a simple question ( simple in my mind) and then stopped thinking clearly.
I think changing the focus of the lesson, allowing the learner to revise, and moving on to something completely different was the best solution in this case. This was an online lesson, so I could not move around and 'see' my learner. Difficult teaching moments can be a bit more difficult when online. If I was in a class and saw that my learner was frustrated, I would stand up and say, " OK! Let's go outside and take a breather".
I so dread the next lesson with this learner because he said he will revise and then he wants to do some more grammar. I think I will try to find a few alternatives though, just in case!!!
In retrospect, I think I still do not know how to properly react when a learner says, "I don't want to do this". Especially when this is something we have done as an ice breaker/warmer/chitchat, but never as a production stage of a grammar lesson.
I think you did a great job, Joanna. You reflected on the experience and decided to take action. These things happen in class, especially when you are over-prepared and over-confident but your students just don't feel the same way. I had a great activity planned for today's lesson, but eventually, it didn't go very well – simply because the students weren't on the same wavelength. In retrospect, my lesson almost seems a waste of time. These things just happen….
Thanks for stopping by and the warm words. I know these things happen and will happen, but they are still moments that stick in our head and make us wonder. Learners are different and they may not always be in the mood for whatever I have planned. I think I need to make a bigger plan B folder on my PC for my online lessons!!!
See you soon (online somewhere).
I don't teach online courses, so I sadly can't say I share your pain on that front! But in other ways, I think I know how you feel. But, just remember: this was ONE lesson! How many others have you taught that have gone well? And how many are still to come which you can also make great?! I think you reacted in the way I would have… but reflecting back on the situation will no doubt mean that you are better armed to deal with tricky situations like this if they do occur in future.
Sounds to me like this learner just needs a confidence boost reagrding tenses – if the dialogue in your post is really what he says, sounds like he's got present perfect nailed! 🙂 So maybe the trick is to sneakily hide the tenses review in other work, e.g. based on a text (if that's the kind of thing he feels comfortable with), and after he's completed the tasks supposedly based on the text, highlight all the tenses/aspects he has correctly used and explain together why that tense/aspect was used in each case – then you can say "See, you CAN do it!".
Thanks for stopping by. I have been teaching for many years f2f, but only a few online. I think that 'frustrating' situations can be a bit more challenging in this context and this lesson was a big eye opener!!
You are right, I think that with this learner, I am going to approach grammar and grammar mistakes in a more indirect way. Texts as you mentioned are a great way to do that!!!
I am sure the next lesson will be much better than this 'floppy' one.
This doesn't sound that much like YOUR melt down. Lots of what happens in the classroom is beyond the teacher's control, so don't feel like it reflects on you if something bad like this happens.
I often get told 'I don't want to do this' by my learners, they're really young so I'm allowed to say 'you HAVE to do it'. The other response might be something like 'what do you want to do then?' If it's something that is still educational, you're all set. If I have to teach a class something but they don't like that kind of activity I'll often hide it inside another. One class hates writing, but if they draw a picture then write about it they don't mind at all, even though it's the same amount of writing.
I totally agree that " what do you want to do?" is a better approach and having lots of plan Bs!!!
Joanna you certainly did well in this one. Changing the focus at the time and reflecting upon it afterwards is what I think most of us would have done. You'll definitely be better prepared for the next lesson with that learner.
It does take a little bit of trickery, some sort of disguise, when we're faced with "I don't want to do this" reactions, both f-2-f and online. I'm all for talking things through, explaining why and how things should be done, but sometimes we just have to make it happen. Some drilling could work. Depending on the functions you attempt to teach, I'd go with realia. Use what the learner has got around him/her, what you can see or know is around them.
I love badest. Would go with double d, just on principle!
Thanks for leaving a comment and your suggestions!! I have already thought of what I am going to do with this learner and I have my plan B folder almost ready!!!!
As for badest, you are right. If the word existed, it would probably need a double d, but then the double d would take away the beauty of the word "bad" so for this post, can I please keep bad-est ? : :p. Or maybe this can be an irregular form like …… shyest?
Loved the post Joanna and had to comment 😀 I'm sure you're more than well prepared for round two with that learner! You're so right, definitely keep bad-est for this one and as many as you like (though I don't wish any more like this on you). The spelling of non existent words seems somehow as a new form of art, haha!
I wasn't sure if I could say anything productive but I watched a film the other day that offered something.
The main character was very organised and very efficient but he goes through a personal crisis and has to decide things on a whim. So he writes out 3 index cards. One thing on each index card and then he shuffled them and picked one at random.
I was thinking that this could be used to negotiate a new direction in the lesson with the student.
1 card could be your plan B.
1 card could be the student's choice.
You could shuffle the cards and let the student pick the lesson topic at random. Maybe they would give it a go if it was left to chance.
Not sure if that is any help.
Thanks for all the suggestions and for commenting. I will try the card idea. I liked it. The only difference is that I will have to make PPT slides instead of cards(this was an online lesson)!!!
It take guts to write like this and I love your bravery in publicly deconstructing this, Joanna! 🙂 It takes guts to do that. Your writing voice is very engaging.
I just wrote what many of us have actually faced in class. What was really challenging for me was that this was an online lesson!! But………tomorrow is a new day and we can't live in the past. So, reflecting and moving on is, in my view, the best way to go.


The Outdoor Kitchens were introduced last year under the name, "Garden Marketplace Kiosks." These Kitchens serve up delicious, fresh food and beverages that gather their inspiration from springtime flavors. This year there are some fantastic new dishes, mixed in with some previous favorites. New this year is Urban Farm Eats , and it appears that the Intermission Cafe in the Festival Center is officially included in the fun. It will offer up quite a few tasty treats, too!
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion) – this booth offers tapas that are spring light and cooked just right.
Lotus House (China Pavilion) – try a garden-fresh take on spring-influenced flavors.
Primavera Kitchen (Italy Pavilion) – Sample some of this country's many flavors.
The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews (American Adventure Pavilion) – Celebrate the truly American tradition of barbeque, paired with craft brews from across the country.
Hanami (Japan Pavilion) – enjoying delicate bites and refreshing beverages.
Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion) – Discover the tastes on North African spices.
Fleur de Lys (France Pavilion) – Indulge your senses in France's most magnificent culinary masterpieces.
Buttercup Cottage (United Kingdom Pavilion) – Delight in afternoon tea offerings and fresh garden flavors.
Pineapple Promenade (Canada Pavilion) – Enjoy all kinds of treats featuring juicy pineapples.
Urban Farm Eats – Taste treats from this booth's all natural menu, with dishes that have been cultivated entirely from the soil.
Intermissions Cafe (Festival Center) – Pop inside to find all kinds of fine food and beverages.
So what are you most excited to try this time around?
One of the most welcome signs of spring is Epcot's annual International Flower & Garden Festival. While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival takes them to the next level. If you've never been to the festival – here is more about what we can expect. Below are are some Disneyways photos from last year.
Throughout Epcot over 100 topiaries will be on display. The Flower Power Concert Series will return as well as special kids' activities and gardening workshops. An exciting addition to this year's Festival is several presentations by HGTV stars at the Designers Stage.
Perennial Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, the English Tea Garden, and Ask An Expert will be returning. For the kids, there's Bambi's Butterfly House, GoGo on the Go Challenge, the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, and the Bee Scavenger Hunt.
Over at the France Pavilion, there will again be a "lift and sniff" Fragrance Garden focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes.
Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists and garden experts will conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.
Discover dazzling gardens, high-energy entertainment, family fun and more at this spectacular springtime event. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV is brimming with special experiences for every age and interest.
With so much to see and do, you can return to the festival again and again… and discover something new each time!
Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with brilliant botanicals during the nightly Flower Power Concert Series. Enjoy a diverse lineup of performers — popular musicians of the 1960s and 1970s — throughout the festival.
Learn Tips, Techniques and More!
Fascinating designer presentations offer helpful information that you can use in your home or garden. Whether you wish to learn new gardening techniques or simply see a favorite television personality, you can look forward to an array of engaging seminars and demonstrations.
Special displays — like blossoming gardens and vibrant topiaries — add to the beauty of Epcot.
Yes, you read that right. Taking a hint from the huge success of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, food kiosks will be added in the World Showcase in 2013 during Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. What does this mean? Well, we will get to try some delicious new foods and beverages as we stroll around to see Disney characters in topiary, and rock out to the Flower Power Concert series (among other things!).
Don't worry – there are no squirrels on the menu.
Instead, Epcot chefs have some other things in mind.
Sweet "frushi" made with fresh fruits and coconut rice.
What are your thoughts on these menu items?


Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Victor 6029 (12-in. double-faced Red Seal)," accessed April 20, 2019, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/object/detail/39393/Victor_6029.
Victor 6029 (12-in. double-faced Red Seal). (2019). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 20, 2019, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/object/detail/39393/Victor_6029.
"Victor 6029 (12-in. double-faced Red Seal)." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2019. Web. 20 April 2019.
500 Victor: 6029 (C-17218 (matrix), C-17342 (matrix)).
500 Victor: 6029 (C-17342 (matrix), C-17218 (matrix)).


InCoWriMo is now less than a week away. Are you ready?!
Being organised will mean you're more likely to complete the whole month of InCoWriMo (if you missed what InCoWriMo is, check out my A Letter Every Day post). Don't leave everything until the last minute. Plan now and be ready come 1st February.
My writing implement of choice is a fountain pen. I have quite a few to choose from, so I guess it'll depend on how I feel on that particular day. The great thing about fountain pens is the sheer amount of ink out there to choose from… The wonderful Diamine Shimmering Inks are just a small example.
I am also hoping to get to grips with a dip pen because I have some special ink to use. Glow-in-the-dark ink! I haven't a clue what I'm going to write with it yet, though!
I like to write my letters on Clairefontaine Triomphe writing paper because it's smooth and takes fountain pen ink well. I'll also be sending some postcards and greeting cards. You can find touristy postcards locally or try stationers such as Paperchase for some fun postcards. (Tip: Check out Etsy for some more unique postcards!).
You can use plain old white or brown envelopes and maybe decorate them (or leave them plain, you decide!). If you're feeling crafty, you could make your own envelopes using all kinds of paper and templates. I haven't handmade envelopes in years, so I might just have a go at it this weekend.
Unless you are hand-delivering, you'll need some kind of postage. You could go with standard stamps, but why not source some nice looking stamps such as special edition ones? I've picked up some 1st class stamps featuring quotes from Shakespeare's plays for when I send mail to my friend's here in the UK.
IMPORTANTLY, someone to write to!
If you're in love with that special someone, you could write all 28 InCoWriMo letters, postcards, greeting cards or notes to that one person, but InCoWriMo is a challenge and I think it's more challenging to find different people to write to.
I've set-up a spreadsheet listing who I'll be writing to and what I'll be sending (letter, postcard etc). I'll be writing to friends, penpals and other InCoWriMo participants. If you're struggling to find people to write to, check out my previous InCoWriMo post.
Tagged incowrimo, ink, letters, postcards, stationery.
I buy (and send) lots of vintage postcards but never think to check out Etsy so that is a very useful tip, thank you.
I always decorate envelopes and parcels when sending to my granddaughters in Australia. If their postman arrives with something highly decorative in hand, they know it's from 'Nanny in England'.
It sounds like fun. Your writing is so neat, that's something I really struggle with when using a fountain pen.
Oh I love this idea! Handwriting letters is a dying art. I love to send little notes to my friends and family. I had no idea this was taking place, but I'm looking forward to it!
I love this idea! I just hopped over to your a letter everyday post and I think I might just do it! Thanks for sharing.
I saw via Twitter where an acquaintance of mine was practicing with a newly acquired dip pen. That glow in the dark ink looks fun!
Wow that's a cool ink! Reminds me of Halloween!


text:
Life, Sports
Jerry West's Autobiography a Must and Difficult Read
Growing up in West Virginia, there are several things you were expected to know.
West Virginia broke away from Virginia during the Civil War. Coal is king. Politics is corrupting. Oh, and Jerry West is a cultural icon and the state's favorite son.
I never had the opportunity to watch West play for West Virginia University and the Los Angeles Lakers. That didn't matter. His name was all around. You knew about him and you knew his importance to West Virginia; that he grew up in Chelyan, a tiny town near Charleston; that he played for West Virginia University; and, that he was "The Logo."
Even though you knew West was from West Virginia and his many athletic accomplishments, you never really felt like you knew West. This was probably because I was more familiar with West as the general manager of the Lakers during the "Showtime" era and the familiar face in black and white photos that decorated trophy cases at the WVU Coliseum. I never felt I really knew much about him. I don't think I am alone, as far as the general public is concerned, in feeling this way.
This curiosity to learn more about a cultural icon from my home state is why I wanted to read West By West, which is West's recently released autobiography. What you find in its 300-plus pages is a narrative of a life filled with athletic achievements and personal challenges of depression, which stemmed from an abusive relationship with his father and the loss of his brother, David, during the Korean War. It is a hard read, because it deals with difficult subjects in abuse and depression. At the same time, it is an important read because it tells of how much West overcame in order to achieve the success he had.
West is tremendously vulnerable in the book. He goes into detail that takes you deep into his family life. He makes the point to say his father only cared for him when he became successful. This came after much discussion of his father's beatings, abuse, and neglect.
West also was open about what his battles with depression had cost him personally. The depression, and perhaps his fame, led to some of his mistakes, especially with women. West is open about his failings involving his first wife, and how his second and current wife helped him to have a true family. Yet, West is open about his inability to truly express how he feels about someone. A struggle, he writes, that comes out of his family life as a child.
At times, the book is a retrospective on a great career, but, at other times, the book is West's attempt to understand himself. By the book's conclusion, you are left with a deeper appreciation of West as a person and a player. The reader is also left with a deep sadness for a life filled with so much pain.
After reading the book, I feel as though I can relate to West more than ever. Before reading, my only connection to West was that he was from West Virginia, attended West Virginia University, and was involved with the Lakers. The Lakers were my favorite team growing up, in part, because of West and Magic Johnson. I understand how West might have felt of wondering what it would take to earn his father's love, because it is a question I, and perhaps many others, have asked as well. The inability to have a strong home environment can have a lasting impact on someone's life, especially with how they interact with others. West was able to rise above it due to basketball, but in reading you are left wondering what his life would have been life had he not found a release to his personal frustration. His is basketball. Mine has always been communication, whether it be writing or preaching. It is important for anyone who has had personal struggles, especially as children, to find something they are good at that can be a release point for them.
West's book is not going to appeal to everyone, because it is focuses so much on his athletic career. If a reader is interested in understanding the life of someone who battles from self-doubt and depression, they would find no better subject to study than West and no better book to read than West By West.
March 19, 2012 Leave a commentautobiography, Jerry West
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: No results in record set I have a temporary table being created from a query. From that table I am selecting the items and placing them in a specific order to display in a listbox. Everything works great until I try to add a where clause to my select statement.
What I'd like to do is, when I run the query that isn't working below, just have the variables return as "0".
I have tried to do an if statement that just makes my variable "0", but I still get the same "No Current Record" error.
The below query it works fine;
  strQuery = "SELECT * FROM " & currentTime & " Order By CVT, CVY, CVW,
  AdjusterName"

But when I add in a where clause of <=1 then I get a "No Current Record" error. The second query is;
  strQuery = "SELECT * FROM " & currentTime & " WHERE CVT <=1 Order By
  CVT, CVY, CVW, AdjusterName"

When I run this second query I get a "No Current Record" error. This is where I'd like it to just display a zero instead.
Just in case it's needed, here is the entire function;
    If ClaimTypeCB = "MO" Then
        strQuery = "SELECT * FROM " & currentTime & " WHERE CVT <=1 Order
        By CVT, CVY, CVW, AdjusterName"
    Else
        strQuery = "SELECT * FROM " & currentTime & " Order By CVT, CVY,
        CVW, AdjusterName"
    End If
        Set daoQueryResult = db.OpenRecordset(strQuery)

        daoQueryResult.MoveLast
        intRecordCount = daoQueryResult.RecordCount
        daoQueryResult.MoveFirst

    If intRecordCount = 0 Then
        intCVT = 0
    End If

(The above If Statement is where I tried to insert an If statement, but it didn't work, and I still get a "No Current Record" error.)
    If intRecordCount <> 0 Then
        With daoQueryResult
            Do While Not .EOF

                If IsNull(!CVT) Then
                    intCVT = 0
                Else
                    intCVT = !CVT
                End If

                If IsNull(!CVY) Then
                    intCVY = 0
                Else
                    intCVY = !CVY
                End If

                If IsNull(!CVW) Then
                    intCVW = 0
                Else
                    intCVW = (!CVW)
                End If

                AvailAdjList.AddItem !AdjusterName & "," & intCVT & "," & intCVY & "," & intCVW
                .MoveNext
            Loop
        End With
    End If

I really just want CVT to return as zero if it is 0 or 1.

A: Try this query:
strQuery = "SELECT CVT, CVY, CVW, AdjusterName FROM " & currentTime & " WHERE CVT <= 1 Order By CVT, CVY, CVW, AdjusterName" _
         & " UNION ALL " _
         & "SELECT DISTINCT 0, NULL, NULL, NULL FROM " & currentTime & " WHERE NOT EXISTS " _
         & "(SELECT 1 FROM " & currentTime & " WHERE CVT <= 1)"

It uses UNION ALL so that if the 1st query does not return any rows, the 2nd query will return a row with values: 0, NULL, NULL, NULL
I hope I have no typos.

A: After this line:
Set daoQueryResult = db.OpenRecordset(strQuery)

you need to check for Recordset.EOF
With daoQueryResult
    If .EOF Then
        intRecordCount = 0
    Else
        .MoveLast
        intRecordCount = .RecordCount
        .MoveFirst
    End If
End With

Though from your code you don't seem to really need RecordCount.
You could simply start with Do While Not .EOF

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Gone are the days when an Instructional Designer was only meant to write storyboards and the onus would then shift to the Graphic Designer and Animation Artist to bring the storyboard to life. With the increasing use of tools like Storyline and Captivate, for an ID to stay relevant in today's competitive job-market, the ID should be able to use any one of these tools to create eLearning courseware. It may sound a steep ask and the ever-continuing argument between 'roles' in terms of writing content and designing visuals rages on. The fact of the matter remains that whatever be the task or job-role, one is expected to multi-task today. In today's blog post, we will learn how you can use Adobe Spark to create engaging eLearning content.
Adobe Spark was launched in May 2016 and has steadily won a fan following among users. Created as an integrated app that facilitates storytelling, Adobe Spark comprises three design apps: Spark Page, Spark Post, and Spark Video. Available both as web and mobile apps, Adobe Spark was declared by Apple to be the Best App on the App Store in 2016. Adobe Spark sits within Adobe's Creative Cloud framework and the three integrated apps are synchronized with the Adobe Spark web app.
See the focus on the messaging – "Tell your story by creating a Spark." Adobe Spark is pitched to the modern learner and creator as a dedicated medium to narrate stories. At the center, the interface gives users the option to 'Create a new – Post, Page, or Video'. With an easy to understand interface, the on-screen instructions will allow users to create a digital media asset of their choice. Most of the major features are free and users will be required to pay a fee to remove the Adobe branding in the final output.
You can change the layout, design, add text, or new images all from the comfort of the app or web app itself. Once you are happy with all the changes that you have made, give your file an appropriate name and share/download the final file.
You can choose from the available themes and add elements that you desire to feature in your webpage and preview and share the final output.
From an eLearning Design perspective, the Spark Post app can help you in creating images of your choice. The Spark Video app will let you integrate and edit existing video content in a coherent format and help you build brief learning nuggets that you can use to design bite-sized learning content.
There's a helpful video-tutorial built within the Spark Video App that guides you through the process of creating your own video project.
Follow the tutorial and create a media-rich video that you can download and use. Remember that Spark Video is not a tool to capture or shoot videos, you can use existing videos, music, content, and other visual elements to create an engaging video.
We have been steadily observing the growth in the use of video-nuggets and bite-sized learning in workplace learning. In addition to primary eLearning authoring and design tools like Lectora, Storyline, and Captivate; Adobe Spark seems to be an excellent choice for creating bite-sized learning content. Organizations working on a tight training budget or individual learning practitioners looking to create eLearning training content can benefit from Adobe Spark.
Are you looking for a dependable and reputed eLearning solutions provider for your organization? At Origin, we help some of the world's best-known brands meet their eLearning content and learning technology requirements. Write to us at info@originlearning.com to help us craft your eLearning success story.


text:
History of Shi'ism: From the Advent of Islam up to the End of Minor Occultation
Ghulam-Husayn Muharrami
History of Shi'ism as the History of a Living School and Combatant Followers
Part 1: A Cursory Glance at the References
Lesson 1: Historical References
Special References
1. Maqatil at-Talibiyyin
2. Ad-Darajat ar-Rafi'ah fi Tabaqat ash-Shi'ah
3. A'yan ash-Shi'ah
4. Tarikh ash-Shi'ah
5. Shi'eh dar Tarikh
6. Jihad ash-Shi'ah
7. Tarikh-e Tashayyu' dar Iran az Aghaz ta Qarn-e Haftum-e Hijri
Lesson 1: Summary
Lesson 1: Questions
Lesson 2: General References
1. General History
2. Biography of the Imams ('a)
3. Books on Revolts and Wars
4. Books on Rijal and Classes
5. Books on Geography
6. Books on Narrations
7. Books on Genealogy
8. Books on Hadith
9. Books on Nations and Religions
Part 2: The Manner of Emergence of the Shi'ah
Lesson 3: "Shi'ah" in the Lexicon and the Qur'an
Lesson 4: The Origin of Shi'ism
Lesson 5: The Other Terms for the "Shi'ah"
The Status of 'Ali ('a) among the Companions {sahabah}
Lesson 6: The Role of the Quraysh in the Event of Saqifah
The Reasons behind the Quraysh's Enmity toward the Family of the Prophet (S)
1. The Quraysh's Ambition for Leadership
a. Economic Clout
b. Spiritual Position
2. Tribal Rivalry and Envy
3. The Quraysh's Enmity toward 'Ali ('a)
Lesson 7: The Silence of the Commander of the Faithful 'Ali ('a)
1. The Discord among Muslims
2. The Danger Posed by the Apostates {murtaddin}
3. The Safety of the Progeny of the Prophet (S)
The Concrete Political Formation of the Shi'ah after the Event of Saqifah
Lesson 8: The Shi'ah among the Companions {sahabah}
Part 3: The Periods of Historical Development of the Shi'ah
Lesson 9: The Periods of Historical Development of the Shi'ah
1. The Shi'ah during the Period of the First Four Caliphs
Manifestation of Shi'ism during the Caliphate of 'Ali ('a)
2. The Shi'ah during the Period of the Umayyad Caliphate
Lesson 10: The Spread of Shi'ism during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate
The Period of Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn ('a)
The Impact of the Karbala' Movement on the Spread of Shi'ism
Lesson 10: Summary
Lesson 10: Questions
Lesson 11: The Period of Imam as-Sajjad ('a)
The Shi'ah Uprisings
Stabilization of the Rule of Marwan's Descendants
Lesson 12: The Beginning of the 'Abbasid Campaign and Its Effect upon the Spread of Shi'ism
Shi'ism during the Period of Imam al-Baqir and Imam as-Sadiq ('a)
The University of Imam as-Sadiq ('a)
Lesson 13: The Shi'ah during the Period of 'Abbasid Caliphate
'Abbasids Control over the Shi'ah Leaders
Lesson 14: The Reasons behind the Burgeoning of the Shi'ah during the Period of 'Abbasid Caliphate
1. The Hashimis and 'Alawis during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate
2. The End of the Umayyad Caliphate and the Succession to Power of the 'Abbasids
3. The Migration of the 'Alawis
The Reasons behind the Emigration of the Sadat
a. The Defeat of the 'Alawi Uprisings
b. Pressure Exerted by Governments Agents
c. Existence of Favorable Circumstances
Part 4: The Shi'ah and 'Alawi Uprisings
Lesson 15: The Shi'ah and 'Alawi Uprisings during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate
a. The Uprising of Zayd
b. The Uprising of Yahya ibn Zayd
Lesson 16: The Shi'ah and 'Alawi Uprisings during the Period of 'Abbasid Caliphate
The Uprisings of the Zaydis
The Uprising of Muhammad Nafs az-Zakiyyah
The Uprising of Ibn Tabataba'i al-Hasani
The Uprising of Hasan ibn Zayd
The Uprising of Yahya ibn al-Husayn
Lesson 17: Sporadic Uprisings
a. The Uprising of Shahid Fakh
b. The Uprising of Muhammad ibn al-Qasim
c. The Uprising of Yahya ibn 'Umar at-Talibi
Factors behind the Failure of the Uprisings
Part 5: The Geographical Expansion of Shi'ism
Lesson 18: The Geographical Expansion of Shi'ism
Lesson 19: The Demographic Concentration of the Shi'ah
The Shi'ah-Populated Places during the First Century Hijri
a. Medina
b. Yemen
c. Kufah
d. Basrah
e. Mada'in
f. Jabal 'Amil
Lesson 20: The Shi'ah-Populated Places during the Second Century Hijri
a. Khurasan
b. Qum
c. Baghdad
The Shi'ah-Populated Places during the Third Century Hijri
Lesson 21: Shi'ism among the Different Tribes
Part 6: The Rifts within Shi'ism
Lesson 22: The Rifts within Shi'ism
Lesson 23: Factors behind the Rifts within Shi'ism
1. Repression
2. Taqiyyah {Dissimulation}
3. Ambition for Leadership
4. The Existence of Mentally Weak Individuals
The Infallible Imams' ('a) Campaign against Extreme Views
Part 7: The Intellectual Legacy of the Shi'ah
Lesson 24: The Intellectual Legacy of the Shi'ah
Fourth Category
Lesson 25: The Science of Jurisprudence
The State of Jurisprudence during the Period of the Companions and the Followers {tabi'un}
The State of Jurisprudence among the Shi'ah
The Beginning of Ijtihad
The Jurists among the Companions of the Imams ('a)
Lesson 26: The Science of Scholastic Theology {'ilm al-kalam}
Part 8: The Role of the Shi'ah Poets in the Spread of Shi'ism
Lesson 27: The Shi'ah Poets and the Station of Poetry
The Shi'ah Poets Till the End of Minor Occultation
The Leading Shi'ah Poets
Lesson 28: The Subjects of the Poems of the Shi'ah Poets
1. Argumentation against the Usurpers of the Ahl al-Bayt's ('a) Rights
2. The Shi'ah Poets' Confrontation with the Umayyad and 'Abbasid Poets
Lesson 29: Elegy-Recitation
Elegies for Imam al-Husayn ('a) and the Other Martyrs in Karbala'
Elegies for the Other Martyrs among the Descendants of the Prophet (S)
The Virtues and Merits of the Descendants of the Prophet (S)
The Demerits of the Enemies of the Prophet's (S) Descendants
Shi'ism from the beginning of the 'Abbasid period (132 AH) up to the end of the minor occultation {ghaybah as-sughra} (329 AH) was a longer period compared to the Umayyad period. The Shi'ah were scattered in the furthest points of the vast Muslim land. For example, a complaint was lodged to (the 'Abbasid caliph) Harun (ar-Rashid) against Imam Musa al-Kazim ('a) for receiving khums1 from east and west.2
When Imam 'Ali ibn ar-Ridha ('a) arrived in Nayshabur, two hadith keepers named Abu Zar'ah ar-Razi and Muhammad ibn Aslam at-Tusi came to the Imam ('a) along with innumerable groups of knowledge seekers and requested that he face them. The Imam ('a) faced them, in the presence of various classes of people, to narrate the silsilah adh-dhahab hadith. This hadith was recorded in 20 thousand books by different writers.3
Similarly, Imam ar-Ridha ('a), in reply to (the 'Abbasid caliph) Ma'mun who had many expectations from him after his (forced) acceptance of the heir-apparency, said: "…This affair (heir-apparency) has never added favor to me. When I was in Medina, amputation of the thief's hand was used to be implemented in the east and west."4
Also, the admission of the Sunni jurist {fuqih}, Ibn Abi Dawud, who was himself a stern enemy and adversary of the Shi'ah, is significant. Following the 'Abbasid caliph Mu'tasim preference of Imam al-Jawad ('a) view to that of the Sunni jurists regarding the amputation of the thief's hand, Ibn Abi Dawud privately reminded the caliph that in the presence of the courtiers, governors, ministers, and scribes he preferred the view of a person whose Imamate is acknowledged by half of the ummah to the view of all 'ulama' of his assembly.5 Shi'ism had even penetrated the ranks of the governors and dignitaries of the 'Abbasid rule. As Yahya ibn Harthamah narrates,
The 'Abbasid caliph Mutawakkil dispatched me to summon Imam al-Hadi ('a) to Medina. When I arrived along with the Imam in Baghdad, I went to Ishaq ibn Ibrahim at-Tahiri, the governor of Baghdad. He said to me: "O Yahya! This man is the son of the Messenger of Allah (S). You also know Mutawakkil. If you would incite Mutawakkil to kill him, it is tantamount to declaring enmity with the Messenger of Allah (S)." I said: "I did not see anything in him but goodness." Then, I proceeded to Samarra. When I arrived there, I went first to Wasif Turki.6 He also said to me: "If even a single strand of hair is taken from this man, I shall call you to account.7
In the first volume of his book, Sayyid Muhsin Amin has identified as Shi'ah a number of 'Abbasid statesmen such as Abu Salmah Khalal,8 the first vizier of the 'Abbasid caliphate who was called the Vizier of the Prophet's Progeny {wazir al Muhammad}; Abu Bukhayr Asadi al-Basri, one of the prominent governors and emirs during the time of (the 'Abbasid caliph) Mansur; Muhammad ibn Ash'ath, the vizier of Harun ar-Rashid, about whom there is a story during the detention of Imam al-Kazim ('a) which demonstrates his being a Shi'ah; 'Ali ibn Yaqtayn, one of the viziers of Harun; Ya'qub ibn Dawud, the vizier of the 'Abbasid caliph Mahdi; and Tahir ibn Husayn Khaza'i, the governor of Khurasan on behalf of Ma'mun and conqueror of Baghdad on account of which Hasan ibn Sahl did not dispatch him to the Battle of Abi's-Saraya.9
Among the Shi'ah judges were Sharik ibn 'Abd Allah an-Nakha'i, the judge of Kufah, and Waqidi, the renowned historian, who was a judge during the time of Ma'mun.10
Shi'ism was so widespread even in the 'Abbasid spheres of influence that it was considered a threat for them. For example, during the burial procession for Imam al-Kazim ('a) Sulayman ibn Mansur, Harun's uncle, participated in the procession barefooted in a bid to tone down the wrath of the Shi'ah who formed an impressive assembly.11 Also, when Imam al-Jawad ('a) attained martyrdom and they wanted to bury him secretly, the Shi'ah were informed of it. Armed with swords, twelve thousand of them went out and buried the Imam with due respect and dignity.12
During the martyrdom of Imam al-Hadi ('a) there was also a large number of the Shi'ah and the extent of their weeping and wailing was such that the 'Abbasids were forced to bury him within the confine of his house.13
After the period of Imam ar-Ridha ('a), the 'Abbasid caliphs were so meticulous in respectfully treating the pure Imams ('a) so as not to face the wrath of the Shi'ah. As such, during the reign of Harun, Imam ar-Ridha ('a) enjoyed relative freedom and he was able to attend to the scientific and cultural activities of the Shi'ah, to even declare openly his Imamate and desist from practicing dissimulation {taqiyyah}, to discuss and converse with the followers of other schools and religions, and convince some of them. As Ash'ari al-Qummi narrates, "During the time of Imam al-Kazim and Imam ar-Ridha ('a) a number of Sunni and Zaydi divines embraced Shi'ism and recognized the Imamate of these two Imams."14
Some of the 'Abbasid caliphs had strived to monitor the pure Imams ('a) with the aim of controlling them. When the Imams ('a) were asked to move from Medina, the caliphs had tried their best not to allow the Imams ('a) to pass by the Shi'ah-populated regions. Along this line, pursuant to Ma'mun's order, they brought Imam ar-Ridha ('a) to Marv through the Basrah-Ahwaz-Fars route and not through the Shi'ah-concentrated Kufah-Jabal-Qum route.15
As narrated by Ya'qubi, when Imam al-Hadi ('a) was brought to Samarra at the order of the 'Abbasid caliph Mutawakkil, the 'Abbasids who accompanied the Imam made a sojourn so to pass Baghdad by night to get to Samarra because as they arrived near Baghdad, they learned that a large group of people was waiting to meet the Imam.16
Since the Shi'ah were mostly scattered across different regions and far-flung places during the 'Abbasid period, the pure Imams ('a) founded the proxy institutions of representation, appointing respective deputies and proxies in the different regions and cities to serve as a means of communication between them and the Shi'ah.
This affair commenced at the time of Imam as-Sadiq ('a). When the caliph's apparatus gained a firmer grip over the pure Imams ('a) making Shi'ah's access to the Imam of their time more problematic, the institution of proxy and the role of the Imam's deputies gained more prominence.
It is thus recorded in the book, Tarikh-e 'Asr-e Ghaybat {History of the Minor Occultation}: "The most important of all is the enhancement and spread of the covert institution of deputyship—an institution which was founded during the time of Imam as-Sadiq ('a) and further developed during the time of 'Askariyyin."17
In this regard, Professor Pishva'i thus writes:
The critical conditions of the Shi'ah Imams during the 'Abbasid period prompted them to look for a new means of establishing and maintaining their contact with their followers. This new means was nothing but the communication network of representation and the Imam's appointment of deputies and trustees in the various regions.
The main function of this institution was the collection of khums, zakat {alms-rate}, nadhr {vow endowments}, and gifts {hadaya} from the various regions through the deputies and remitting the same to the Imam as well as for the Imam to reply to the ideological and juristic questions and issues of the Shi'ah and their political justification through the Imam's deputies. This institution had pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the Imams.18
The places where the infallible Imams ('a) had deputies and proxies are Kufah, Basrah, Baghdad, Qum, Wasit, Ahwaz, Hamedan, Sistan, Bast, Rey, Hijaz, Yemen, Egypt, and Mada'in.19
Shi'ism during the 4th century AH was spread from the east to the west of the Muslim world and was at the peak of its spread and growth as it had never experienced before such a magnitude of growth. The list of the Shi'ah-populated cities of the Muslim lands during that century presented by Muqaddasi points to this fact. Thus, we shall cite the facts from his book. Somewhere in his book, he says that many of the judges in Yemen, coast of Mecca and Sahar are Mu'tazilites and Shi'ah.20
Accordingly, Shi'ism is so widespread in the Arabian Peninsula.21 Regarding the inhabitants of Basrah, it is stated that "Most of the inhabitants of Basrah are Qadiri, Shi'ah, Mu'tazilites, and then Hanbalis."22 During that century, the people of Kufah, with the exception of Kinasah, have been Shi'ah.23 There are also a few Shi'ah in the Musul district.24
The people of Nablus, Quds and most of Oman are Shi'ah.25 The people of the upper village of Fustat and that of Sandfa are Shi'ah.26 In the region along the Indus river the people of the city of Multan are Shi'ah, and this fact is evident in their adhan and iqamah.27 In Ahwaz the conflict between the Sunnis and Shi'ah would lead to war.28
By pointing to the rule of the Buyids and that of the Fatimids in Egypt, Maqrizi also writes:
The rafidhi (Shi'ah) madhhab {school of thought} spread in Morocco, Sham, Diyar Bakr, Kufah, Basrah, Baghdad, the entire Iraq, Khurasan, Transoxiana,29 as well as Hijaz, Yemen and Bahrain, and there were conflicts between them (Shi'ah) and Sunnis as a result of which those who were killed were countless.30
During that century, there was a large number of Shi'ah even in Baghdad, the capital of the 'Abbasid caliphate to such an extent that they could openly perform their mourning ceremony on the day of 'Ashura. As Ibn al-Kathir says, "The Sunnis did not have the courage to stop this ceremony on account of the large number of the Shi'ah and the support of the Buyid government for them."31
During that time, the ground for the struggle of the Shi'ah was paved to some extent as many Muslim territories were under Shi'ah rulers. In the north of Iran, Gilan and Mazandaran, the 'Alawis of Tabaristan were ruling. In Egypt the Fatimids, in Yemen the Zaydis, in the north of Iraq and Syria the Hamdanis, and in Iran and Iraq the Buyids were in the helms of power.
Of course, during the periods of some 'Abbasid caliphs such as Mahdi, Amin, Ma'mun, Mu'tasim, Wathiq, and Muntasir, the Shi'ah had relative freedom of movement. At least, during the time of these caliphs the past repressions were mitigated. As narrated by Ya'qubi, the 'Abbasid caliph Mahdi had released Shi'ah and Talibis (descendants of Abu Talib).32
The government of Amin unconsciously relaxed its suppression of and hostilities toward the Shi'ah, for a five-year period, mostly because of Amin's pleasure-seeking and his war with his brother Ma'mun. The 'Abbasid caliphs Ma'mun, Mu'tasim, Wathiq, and Mu'tadhad had Shi'i tendency, but Mutawakkil was one of the sternest enemies of the Prophet's descendants and their Shi'ah. Although the Shi'ah were out of control during his reign, he used to prohibit nevertheless the visitation to the tomb of Imam al-Husayn ('a).33
Ibn Athir says:
Mutawakkil used to regard as his enemies the caliphs preceding him such as Ma'mun, Mu'tasim and Wathiq who used to express affection to 'Ali and his descendants. Persons such as 'Ali ibn Juhm (a poet from Sham), 'Umar ibn Faraj, Abu Samt—one of the descendants of Marwan ibn Abi Hafsah and sympathizers of the Umayyads—and 'Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Dawud Hashimi who were regarded as Nasibis and enemies of 'Ali ('a), were his boom companions and associates.34
During that period the Nasibi nonreligious poets had earned courage reciting poems against the descendants of the Prophet (S) in order to get closer to the (political) establishment of Mutawakkil. But Mutawakkil's successor, Muntasir, adopted a contrary policy and gave freedom of action to the Shi'ah, renovated the tomb of Imam al-Husayn ('a) and removed the prohibition on visiting it.35 Hence, Bahtari, a poet during his period has thus said:
إنّ علياً لاولى بكم وازكی يداً عنكم من عمر
Verily, 'Ali compared to 'Umar is nearer to you and he is purer.36
Up to 329 AH the 'Abbasid rule in general experienced two periods: ascendancy of Iranian viziers and officials, and prevalence of the Turkish army. Although during the period of the Turks the caliphate's apparatus was weak and most of the times the 'Abbasid caliphs were tools in the hands of the Turkish commanders, the government's general policy was anti-Shi'ism.
Owing to the great quantitative increase of the Shi'ah during the 'Abbasid period, the policy of the 'Abbasid caliphs was to exert control over the Shi'ah leaders although the caliphs differed in terms of treatment of the Shi'ah. Some of them such as Mansur, Hadi, Rashid, and Mutawakkil were despotic, cruel and bloodthirsty. Others such as Mahdi, Ma'mun and Wathiq did not have the stringency of their respective predecessors, and during their caliphate the Shi'ah had relative breathing space.
When Caliph Mansur sensed the danger posed by Muhammad Nafs az-Zakiyyah and his brother Ibrahim, he apprehended and imprisoned his father, brothers and uncles.37 Mansur summoned Imam as-Sadiq ('a) to his court many times with the intention of killing the Imam ('a) but the will of God was other than that.38
The 'Abbasid caliphs tried their best to remove the Shi'ah leaders who were their rivals. Mansur even gave money and dispatched to Medina a certain Ibn al-Muhajir so as to go to 'Abd Allah ibn al-Hasan, Imam as-Sadiq ('a) and a number of other 'Alawis, and to say to them that the sum of money comes from the Shi'ah of Khurasan, remit the same and take a receipt. Imam as-Sadiq ('a) reminded him that the Imam knows that he was sent by Mansur and asked him to relay to Mansur, thus: "The 'Alawis have been recently relived from the rule of the Marwanis and they are needy. Do not deceive and dupe them."39
Asad Haydar says: "In order to have a pretext in eliminating Imam as-Sadiq ('a), Mansur resorted to various means; he wrote letters to the Imam by using the names of the latter's Shi'ah and sent goods to the Imam under the names of his Shi'ah. Yet, Mansur did not succeed in any of these ways."40
When Mansur heard the news of the martyrdom of Imam as-Sadiq ('a), he wrote a letter to the governor of Medina, Muhammad ibn Sulayman: "In case Ja'far ibn Muhammad designated a certain person as the implementers of his will {wasiyy}, arrest him and cut off his head." In reply to the caliph's letter, the governor of Medina thus wrote: "Ja'far ibn Muhammad designated these five persons as the executors of his will: Abu Ja'far Mansur, Muhammad ibn Sulayman, 'Abd Allah, Musa, and Hamidah." Then Mansur said: "They cannot be killed."41
Caliph Mahdi did not have his father's callousness toward the 'Alawis and Shi'ah. Ya'qubi narrates: "As soon as Mahdi assumed the caliphate, he ordered for the release of the imprisoned 'Alawis."42
As such, no 'Alawi uprising took place during his reign. Abu'l-Faraj al-Isfahani has mentioned only two persons who died during the period of Mahdi; one of them was 'Ali ibn al-'Abbas while the other was 'Isa ibn az-Zayd who transpired clandestinely and who used to live in hiding from the time of Mansur.43
During the reign of Caliph Hadi, intense pressure was exerted on the 'Alawis and Shi'ah figures. As Ya'qubi writes,
Hadi persisted on treating the Shi'ah and Talibis harshly, terrifying them extremely. He curtailed the right granted to them by Mahdi and wrote to the governors and rulers of the regions and cities to pursue and arrest the Talibis.44
In protest to the caliph's wrongdoings, Husayn ibn 'Ali, who was a descendant of al-Husayn (Shahid Fakh), staged an uprising. In that battle apart from Husayn a large number of the 'Alawis were killed.45 This battle brought severe pressure to Imam al-Kazim ('a). Caliph Hadi threatened the Imam and thus said: "By God! Husayn (Shahid Fakh) staged an uprising against me at the order of Musa ibn Ja'far and he has followed him. It is because nobody could be the Imam and leader of this family except Musa ibn Ja'far. May God kill me if I let him live."46
Yet, the caliph failed to execute this threat due to the arrival of the time of his demise. During the second century hijri, Harun ar-Rashid was considered the most cruel caliph toward the 'Alawis and Shi'ah leaders after Mansur. Harun was despotic in relation to the 'Alawis and treated them cruelly.
He mercilessly killed Yahya ibn 'Abd Allah, Muhammad Nafs az-Zakiyyah's brother, inside the prison after granting him amnesty. Similarly, there is a story recorded in 'Uyun Akhbar ar-Rida that illustrates the extent of Harun ar-Rashid's cruelty. Hamid ibn Quhtabah at-Ta'i at-Tusi narrates:
One night Harun summoned me and ordered me, thus: "Take this sword and carry out this slave's order." The slave took me in front of a certain house whose door was closed. He opened the door. There were three rooms and a well in that house. He opened the first room and asked twenty sayyids (or sadat) (descendants of the Prophet (S)) who had long and woven hair to go out. Young and old could be seen among them. He tied this group with chains and manacles. Harun's slave then said to me: "The order of the Commander of the Faithful is for you to kill them."
They are from among the offspring of 'Ali ('a) and Fatimah ('a). I killed one after the other and the slave threw the corpses with heads to the well. Then I opened the second door. In that room there were twenty other people from the offspring of 'Ali and Fatimah. I did to them what I had done to the previous twenty persons.
Thereafter, the slave opened the third room in which there were twenty other sayyids. They also met the fate of the previous forty persons through me. Only an old man was left who looked at me and said: "O sinister man! May God annihilate you! On the Day of Judgment, what excuse do you have in front of our forefather, the Messenger of Allah (S)?" At that moment, my hands trembled. The slave looked at me furiously and threatened me. I killed the old man and the slave threw his corpse into the well.47
Finally, though acknowledging the station of the Imam, Harun ar-Rashid arrested and imprisoned Imam al-Kazim ('a) and in the end martyred him through poisoning.48
After the martyrdom of Imam al-Kazim ('a) Harun ar-Rashid dispatched to Medina one of his commanders named Juludi so as to assault the houses of the descendants of Abu Talib, plunder the clothes of women and leave only one dress for every woman. Imam ar-Ridha ('a) stood in front of the door and ordered the women to take their clothes.49
Ma'mun being the most clever of the 'Abbasid caliphs devised a new method of controlling the Shi'ah leaders and Imams and that was to monitor the pure Imams ('a). It was precisely one of the main motives of Ma'mun in superficially designating Imam ar-Ridha ('a) as his heir-apparent. In the same token, Ma'mun adopted this policy in a different form in dealing with Imam al-Jawad ('a).
He gave his daughter in marriage to the Imam so that he could monitor the Imam's activities in Medina. The caliphs after Ma'mun adopted the same method and compelled the infallible Imams ('a) to live in the capital of the caliphate. Even the tenth and eleventh Imams ('a) became known as 'Askariyyin {soldiers} for living in Samarra which was a military city.
Shi'ism spread more during the 'Abbasid period than during the 'Umayyad period. During that period, the Shi'ah were spread in both the east and west of the vast Muslim territory. During that time, Shi'ism had found its way among the statesmen, judges and military commanders. Even in Baghdad which was the capital of the 'Abbasid caliphate and influence, the Shi'ah, on account of their great numbers, were deemed a serious threat to the 'Abbasids.
It was for this reason that the caliphs tried their best to monitor and control the Shi'ah Imams. As such, from the time of Imam ar-Ridha ('a) onwards they compelled the pure Imams ('a) to live at the caliphate's capital.
On account of the scattering of the Shi'ah in the various lands during this period, the pure Imams ('a) utilized the institution of deputyship {wikalah}.
Finally, Shi'ism reached the height of its growth and spread during the fourth century. It was during this period when the Zaydi and Isma'ili states of the Buyids and Hamdanis were set up.
Of course, the 'Abbasid caliphs differed from one another in their treatment of the Shi'ah. Mansur, Harun and Mutawakkil were among the most cruel caliphs in dealing with the Shi'ah.
1. How was the spread of Shi'ism during the 'Abbasid period? And what role did the institution of deputyship {wikalah} play?
2. Briefly describe Shi'ism during the fourth century.
3. Did the 'Abbasid caliphs differ from one another in dealing with the Shi'ah?
4. What was the policy of the 'Abbasid caliphs in controlling the Shi'ah?
1. Khums: literally means one-fifth. According to the Shi'ah school of jurisprudence {fiqh}, this one-fifth tax is obligatorily levied on every adult Muslim who is financially secure and has surplus in his income out of annual savings, net commercial profits, and all movable and immovable properties which are not commensurable with the needs and social standing of the person.
Khums is divided into two equal parts: the Share of the Imam {sahm al-Imam} and the Share of the Sayyids/Sadat (descendants of the Prophet) {sahm as-Sadat}. Accordingly, the Share of the Imam is to be paid to the living Imam, and in the period of Occultation, to the most learned living mujtahid who is the giver's marja' at-taqlid {Source of Emulation}.
The other half of the khums, the Share of the Sayyids/Sadat, is to be given to needy pious Sayyids who lack the resources for one's year respectable living in consonance with their various statuses. For more information, see Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, Khums: An Islamic Tax, http://www.al-islam.org/beliefs/practices/khums.html. {Trans.}
2. Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Irshad, trans. Muhammad Baqir Sa'idi Khurasani, 2nd edition (Tehran: Kitabfurushi-ye Islamiyyeh, 1376 AHS) p. 581.
3. Shaykh as-Saduq, 'Uyun Akhbar ar-Rida, (Qum: n.p., 1377 AH), vol. 2, p. 135.
4. 'Allamah Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, 2nd edition (Tehran: Al-Maktabah al-Islamiyyah, 1358 AH), vol. 49, p. 155.
5. Ibid., vol. 50, p. 6.
6. Wasif Turki: one of the Turkish commanders.
7. 'Ali ibn Husayn ibn 'Ali Mas'udi, Murawwij adh-Dhahab, 1st edition (Beirut: Manshurat Mu'assasah al-A'lami Li'l-Matbu'at, 1411 AH), vol. 4, p. 183.
8. Of course, some authorities are of the opinion that if the evidence proving Abu Salmah as a Shi'ah is a letter addressed to Imam as-Sadiq ('a) regarding the proposal on caliphate, it is seemingly not a sufficient proof as they have considered it a (mere) political move. See Mahdi Pishva'i, Sireh-ye Pishvayan, 8th edition (Qum: Mu'assaseh-ye Tahqiqati va Ta'limati-ye Imam Sadiq ('a), 1378 AHS), p. 378.
9. Sayyid Muhsin Amin, A'yan ash-Shi'ah (Beirut: Dar at-Ta'aruf Li'l-Matbu'at, n.d.), vol. 1, p. 191.
10. Ibid., pp. 192-193. Of course, Waqidi's being a Shi'ah is a matter of dispute among the scholars.
11. Ibid., p. 29.
12. Asad Haydar, Al-Imam as-Sadiq wa'l-Madhahib al-Arba'ah, 2nd edition (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-'Arabiyyah, 1390 AH), vol. 1, p. 226.
13. Ahmad ibn Abi Ya'qub ibn Wadhih, Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, 1st edition (Qum: Manshurat ash-Sharif ar-Radi, 1414 AH), vol. 2, p. 484.
14. Sa'd ibn 'Abd Allah al-Qummi Ash'ari, Al-Maqalat wa'l-Firaq, 2nd edition (Tehran: Markaz-e Intisharat-e 'Ilmi va Farhangi, 1360 AHS) p. 94.
15. See Sireh-ye Pishvayan, p. 478.
16. Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, vol. 2, p. 503.
17. Sayyid Majid Pur Aqa'i, Tarikh-e 'Asr-e Ghaybat (Qum: Markaz-e Jahani-ye 'Ulum-e Islami, n.d.), p. 84.
18. Sireh-ye Pishvayan, p. 573.
19. See Rijal-e Najjashi (Qum: Daftar-e Nashr-e Farhang-e Islami, 1404 AH), pp. 344, 797-800, 825, 847.
20. Abu 'Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Ahmad Muqaddasi, Ahsan at-Taqasim fi Ma'rifah al-Aqalim, trans. Dr. 'Ali Naqi Manzawi (n.p.: Shirkat-e Mu'allifan va Mutarjiman-e Iran, 1361 AHS), vol. 1, p. 136.
21. Ibid., p. 144.
27. Ibid., vol. 2. p. 707.
29. Transoxiana {mawara'u'n-nahr (beyond the (Oxus) river)}: roughly corresponding to present-day Uzbekistan. {Trans.}
30. Taqi ad-Din Abi al-'Abbas Ahmad ibn 'Ali Maqrizi, Al-Mawa'iz wa'l-I'tibar bi Dhikr al-Khutut wa'l-Athar (famous as Al-Khutat al-Maqriziyyah), 1st edition (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1418 AH), vol. 4, p. 191.
31. Al-Bidayah wa'n-Nihayah (Beirut, 1966), vol. 11, p. 243.
33. Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Jarir ibn Rustam at-Tabari, Tarikh at-Tabari, 2nd edition (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-'Ilmiyyah, 1408 AH), vol. 5, p. 312.
34. Ibn Athir, Al-Kamil fi't-Tarikh (Beirut: Dar Sadir, 1402 AH), vol. 7, p. 56.
35. Murawwij adh-Dhahab, vol. 4, p. 147.
37. Ibid., vol. 3, p. 324.
38. Ibn al-Jawzi narrates: When Mansur arrived in Medina from Mecca, he said to Rabi' Hajab, "Summon Ja'far ibn Muhammad. May God kill me if I failed to kill him." Rabi' used to delay summoning the Imam. Finally, with Mansur's insistence, Rabi' summoned the Imam. When the Imam was present, he slowly moved his frankincense. He then went near Mansur and greeted him. Mansur said: "O enemy of God! May you be annihilated! Do you want to cause disorder within my jurisdiction? ...May God kill me if I would not kill you!"
Imam as-Sadiq ('a) said: "Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) reigned yet he was grateful {to God}. Ayyub (Job) experienced affliction yet he remained patient. Yusuf (Joseph) was oppressed yet he granted forgiveness. You are their successor, and it is more appropriate for you to emulate them."
Mansur looked down and looked up again and said: "You are one of our nearest of kin." So he embraced the Imam ('a), let him ('a) sit beside him and engaged in a conversation with him ('a). He then said: "Bring right now the gifts and garment for Ja'far ibn Muhammad and let him go."
When the Imam ('a) left, Rabi' followed him and said: "I have been defending you for three days, acting moderately and reservedly. When you were presented to him, I saw that you were silently uttering something, and Mansur failed to harm you. As I am working with the ruler, I need that supplication. How I wish you would teach it to me.
The Imam said: "Say:
اللهم احْرِسْنى بِعَيْنِكَ الَّتى لاتنام و اكْنِفْنى بِكَنَفِكَ الَّذى لايَرامُ اَوْ يُضامُ وَ اغْفِرْلى بِقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَ لا اهْلِكُ
وَ انْتَ رَجائي. اللّهمّ اِنّكَ اَكْبَرُ وَ اَجَلُّ مِمَّنْ أَخافُ وَ اَحْذرُ. اللّهُمَّ بِكَ اَدْفَعُ في نَحْرِه وَ اَسْتَعِيدُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِهِ.
"O God! Protect me by Your eye that does not sleep and through the power that is free from affliction, protect me from perdition; for You are the source of my hope. O God! You have bestowed abundant blessings to me for which I failed to express gratitude. Yet, You did not deprive me of those blessings and in many cases You have afflicted me with calamities to which I showed little patience. You deliver me. O God! I seek protection in Your support and power of protection from his mischief and I seek refuge in You from his mischief."
Tadhkirah al-Khawas (Najaf al-Ashraf: Manshurat al-Matba'ah al-Haydariyyah wa Maktabha, 1383 AH), p. 344.
39. Ibn Shahr Ashub Mazandarani, Manaqib Al Abi Talib (Qum: Mu'assasah Intisharat-e 'Allameh, n.d.), vol. 4, p. 220.
40. Al-Imam as-Sadiq wa'l-Madhahib al-Arba'ah, 3rd edition (1403 AH), vol. 1, p. 46.
41. Abi 'Ali al-Fadhl ibn al-Hasan Tabarsi, I'lam al-Wara bi A'lam al-Huda (Qum: Mu'assasah Al al-Bayt Li Ahya' at-Turath, 1417 AH), vol. 2, p. 13.
43. 'Ali ibn al-Husayn Abu'l-Faraj al-Isfahani, Maqatil at-Talibiyyin (Qum: Manshurat ash-Sharif ar-Radi, 1416 AH), pp. 342-361.
44. Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, p. 404.
45. Maqatil at-Talibiyyin, p. 366.
46. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 48, p. 151.
47. 'Uyun Akhbar ar-Rida (Qum: Dar al-'Ilm, 1377 AH), p. 109.
48. I'lam al-Wara bi A'lam al-Huda, vol. 2, p. 34.
49. A'yan ash-Shi'ah, p. 29.
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That is beautiful! What is that standing there?
The structure is a military monument of some sort. I don't remember the specifics.
Very beautiful shot. I was just in PA for a visit to Gettysburg. Love the scenery.
So lovely, reminds me of Polish country landscape and of course makes me miss the summers there too, a little bit.
This looks very dignified and peaceful -- like a memorial of some sort.
This photo would make a great postcard.....and I mean that in a good way. I love this photo.
Fabulous composition! This is really beautiful and I feel calm and serene looking at the stillness of the landscape.
nice photo. love the mountain in the background.
awesome capture.. everything in the picture is perfect!
You always have the most gorgeous photos! Simply lovely.
They sure picked a lovely spot to put it. Very nice.
Looks like a beautiful place to stroll around.
Nice photo! Makes me think of summer because it looks like a nice bright day and everything is so green.


text:
Pycnodictya citripennis är en insektsart som beskrevs av Henri Saussure 1888. Pycnodictya citripennis ingår i släktet Pycnodictya och familjen gräshoppor. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Maresiella brevicornis är en kräftdjursart som först beskrevs av Alberto Carvacho 1983.  Maresiella brevicornis ingår i släktet Maresiella och familjen Gnathostenetroidae. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

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Preview: 2012 BMW S1000RR
Road test: 2011 Mini Countryman
Road test: 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD
Oh, Lord, is this bike ever fast!
by David Booth	 | October 27, 2011
BMW S1000RR.
Handout photo, BMW
BMW S1000RR DTC display.
Valencia, Spain – It wasn't supposed to go like this. To say BMW's 2009 announcement that it was building a 1,000-cubic-centimetre superbike was greeted with skepticism is a little like saying Greek hairdressers are spoiled (they are eligible to retire at 50 because the chemicals — yes, hydrogen peroxide and bleach — are so dangerous). You've captured the concept but not the depth of the sneers that greet their respective pleas for respect.
BMW, after all, really was your dad's Buick. Even with its (finally) adoption of my-God-we're-almost-up-to-date double-overhead camshafts, it was best known for its oddly shaped, even more oddly performing flat-twins, surely the fuddy-duddiest of internal-combustion engines.
Even when BMW threatened to unleash its purloined-from-the-car-side Formula One technology, motorcycling's orthodoxy wasn't worried. Had they not seen this before with Petronas' almost-stillborn FP1 and Aprilia's occasionally rapid but more often floundering Cube? All that high-tech stuff was just poncy, went the establishment's refrain. Perhaps more powerful in the dyno room, but out in the real world of motorcycle racing, all that F1 theory was just so much eggheadedness.
Then came rumours of 190 horsepower. At the rear wheel, no less. A rev limit of 14,200 rpm that wasn't there just to impress the poseurs but was truly usable. And electronic traction control so we wouldn't all fall on our ears. But still we didn't believe.
Then we rode it. My, oh my, was it monstrously fast. Oh, a CBR1000RR could keep up with the Beemer to 11,000 rpm, but then while the Honda flat-lined after its power peak, the absolutely manic BMW kept pumping for another 2,000 revs and 20 more horsepower. Its top speed was at least 15 kilometres an hour up on its most rapid competition and one British motorcycle magazine claimed it got 317 kilometres an hour out of an S1000RR stock except for a change to the rear sprocket and some judicious application of duct tape for aerodynamic purposes.
While no one was quite ready for that surprise, even more unexpected is that nobody has really succeeded in besting the big Bimmer since. Oh, Kawasaki took a run at it with last year's all-new ZX-10R but it fell a few ponies and kilometres-an-hour short. Honda says it's taking a different tack with its 2012 CBR1000, code-speak for an admission it doesn't actually see winning this horsepower war with BMW.
This explains why the 2012 S1000RR, while boasting some new bits and software revisions, is still quite familiar. The engine, for instance, is essentially the same, benefitting from last year's switch to a two-kilogram heavier crankshaft (demanded by BMW's motorsports teams in search of more rideability, even at the expense of quicker throttle response). Nonetheless the 2012 S1000RR's maximum horsepower remains 193 hp; ditto the maximum torque of 83 pound-feet.
That's not to say the character of the engine is not changed. Indeed, everything from the throttle return springs to the engine power curves have been manipulated so the engine feels completely different even though it is, essentially, the same.
The Rain mode, for instance, has its own power curve, now actually stronger than the previous (a maximum of 163 hp versus 150) model. BMW found that allowing the extra power actually made it easier to ride in the wet.
Meanwhile, the other three settings — Sport, Race and Rain — get the full 193-hp monty. As well, though the rain setting retains the soft throttle response necessary for guiding a powerful litre-bike over any wet, slimy tarmac, the sportier three modes offer even more direct throttle response than the old S1000. So, while there's a noticeable lag in the Rain setting, in race mode, it's as if the electronic fuel injection (EFI) is directly wired into your synapses, so immediate is the connection between wrist and piston. Part of the credit is S1000RR's fatter mid-range — there's more torque available between 5,000 and 7,000 rpm — but the electronics have also been modified as well for more immediate response to the throttle.
Those thinking of going racing will appreciate the additional changes to the Dynamic Traction Control system's slick mode, which is more liberal with wheelies. And the EFI now bleeds a little fuel through the engine under closed throttle. BMW's race teams complained that the previous model's engine braking caused the rear end to lose traction when braking hard for corners and that cracking the throttle open a smidgen reduced the back-torque to the rear wheel.
Racers will also appreciate that BMW's onboard laptimer has a new GPS function that can tell, section by section on the race track, if you are going faster than your previous lap. Supposedly, this will be popular with the go-faster riders, but, being decidedly cowardly, I never mustered the courage to take my eyes off the track long enough to check my progress.
That all sounds well and good, but how does the new version feel compared with the outgoing model? Well, ultimately, it doesn't feel faster (nor, truthfully, does it need to as the S1000RR's acceleration never fails to take one's breath away), but it is substantially easier to ride. The more direct throttle response eliminates the sensation that you are piloting a virtual Xbox game rather than riding an actual motorcycle. The improved mid-range torque gives you much more leeway in gear selection through corners, the engine finally feeling as torquey as its 999 cubic centimetres. Even the lighter throttle allows more precise control, especially important when there's 193 horsepower underfoot.
Aiding all of this speed is revised chassis geometry — less rake, lower ride height in the rear, altered anti-squat geometry and a slightly shorter wheelbase — that BMW claims makes the newish S1000RR easier to turn after blitzing the straightaways. And, indeed, it is easier to initiate corners and hold a tight line. It also retains the previous model's incredible high-speed stability. But, although it steers more precisely than before, the new S1000RR still balks a little in tight, decreasing radius bends as if it could use even more than the 2.5-millimetre reduction in offset BMW determined was adequate for 2012.
That said, the S1000RR is still the fastest thing on two wheels. BMW can talk all it wants about linear throttle response and controllable power delivery, but out on the long back straight of Circuito Ricardo Tormo, one of Formula One's premier test tracks, all you're really thinking is how Oh My Dear Lord fast it is.
dbooth@nationalpost.com
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SUNRISE, Fla. — One by one, Florida Panthers players flocked toward teammate Jaromir Jagr to ask for a quick photo beside his stall in the locker room.
They side-stepped Jagr's four pair of skates, weighted vests, workout contraptions and post-game elixirs, then smiled.
Green rookie or grizzled veteran, they all wanted to chronicle history, to document their brush with a living legend and the milestone puck with which he collected his 1,887th NHL point.
Luongo took his own keepsake photograph in the same locker room, yet no one seemed to notice that he tied Terry Sawchuk for fifth all-time in wins (447).
No, this night belonged to the Ageless Mullet.
With assists on all three Panthers goals, the 44-year-old Jagr matched Mark Messier for second place on the NHL's all-time points list, bringing his illustrious total to 1,887 points in a 4-3 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres at BB&T Center.
It was spine-tingling to witness history when Jagr setup Nick Bjugstad's game-tying goal in the waning minutes of the third period. You could almost feel it coming the way Jagr took control of the game through the first two periods. The game momentarily slowed to a pause as Jagr was then serenaded by fans and his teammates when his accomplishment was announced.
He responded with a salute, of course.
Aleksander Barkov asked the on-ice official to set aside the puck, while Bjugstad comically kept telling him to stop. He thought Barkov was pulling a prank since it was Bjugstad's first goal of the season.
Yes, something just a tad more important. Jagr needed 94 fewer games to tie Messier. He can pass him with one more point beginning on Thursday night when the Panthers host Boston.
Messier knew his mark wouldn't stand the test of time, not with Jaromir Jagr continually defying Father Time.
Adding up the three seasons Jagr spent in Russia, as well as the full year and two halves he missed due to NHL lockouts, Messier said he considered it a foregone conclusion Jagr would someday pass him.
It won't be long now. Messier, now 55, said he isn't resentful at all to now share company with Jagr.
Wayne Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer by a staggeringly wide margin, still has 76 more assists than Messier and Jagr now have points.
Jagr and Messier trail Gretzky by 970 points - meaning Jagr would essentially need to start a separate Hall of Fame career right now just to try and catch The Great One. Finishing second only to Gretzky, though, is sort of like being first among the rest of the nearly 6,000 other mere mortals to play in the NHL.
Messier stood alone in that position for nearly 13 years. He surpassed Gordie Howe with his 1,851st point on Dec. 29, 2003 during his final season with the New York Rangers.
Tuesday marked the 535th multi-point night of Jagr's 1,662-game career - nearly 200 more than the next closest active player. Jagr was a force all over the ice for the Panthers on this night, playing like a man possessed.
Messier called Jagr one of the "best corner men to whose ever played the game." He said he couldn't think of one player who has ever been better at cycling the puck, someone who makes it "next to impossible" for defencemen to try and contain him.
Messier won't be able to contain Jagr, either, six weeks shy of his 45th birthday.


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Опака́ () — місто в Тирговиштській області Болгарії. Адміністративний центр общини Опака.

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За даними перепису населення 2011 року у місті проживали  особи.

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Розподіл населення за віком у 2011 році:

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CSters: supporting women in computing
The CSters club has empowered and supported women in computing at Rice University for 16 years. They want to increase their support to first year students.
"I joined CSters because I was searching for a supportive and collaborative community of women interested in Computer Science," Elia Chen (CS '19), who is the club's internal president said.
The club's advisor is Lydia Kavraki, the Noah Harding professor of Computer Science and of Bioengineering.
"Through CSters, I found the community I was looking for and I also gained valuable mentorship and networking opportunities," she said. "We're a close-knit, supportive community, and we always welcome new members," Chen said.
Grace Tan (CS '21) joined CSters as a freshman. She learned about different facets of computer science through the events the club sponsors.
"CSters help me so much by teaching me about industry and academia through tech talks and panels," Tan said.
"They gave me mentors through the Big Little program where I was able to ask my Big (sister) questions I had about internships, classes I should take, life at Rice and everything in between," she said.
CSters gave Shelby Bice (CS '19) the opportunity to be part of a coding challenge which landed her an internship. "I actually got my first internship through a CSters event," Bice said.
"A tiny company called Spiceworks hosted a coding challenge with CSters my freshman year. I stayed until I solved all the problems. Even though I was inexperienced and needed some help solving the problems, the recruiters were impressed enough to offer me an interview an internship a few weeks later. That internship helped me secure my next internship at Microsoft, and the rest is history. I owe a lot to CSters," she said.
CSters club members participate in different activities on campus and off campus, such as the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), the world's largest gathering for women technologists which took place in Houston, September 26-28.
"This year, we sponsored 40 of our members to attend the conference. GHC is the world's largest conference for women in computing. GHC provides such a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with other women in tech," Chen said.
"I am really grateful to CSters for sponsoring us to attend GHC," Tan said. "Going to GHC for the first time this year has opened my eyes to career options and new tech innovations that I did not ever think about or consider as a possibility for my future," she said.
Chen expects the connections she made at CSters will last after she graduates from Rice.
"Through CSters, I've been able to connect with so many encouraging, inspirational women in tech, and I'm sure that this network will be valuable in the future," she said.
CSters welcomes new members year-round. Bice encourages new students to give it a try.
"We're a pretty chill club. Our events are scattered throughout the semester. They range from events with companies such as Google, Airbnb and Microsoft to lunches where you can just hang out and talk to other people. There are no fees to join CSters. You don't have to come to every event but the more events you attend, the better chance you have of snagging a full sponsorship to GHC," Bice said.
For more information, please visit the CSters website.
Cintia Listenbee, Communications and Marketing Specialist in Computer Science


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"I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me they're cramming for their final exam."


text:
Az asztalitenisz az 1988. évi nyári olimpiai játékokon az újkori olimpiák történetében először került a hivatalos programba. A hagyományos asztalitenisz-versenyszámok közül vegyes párosban nem rendeztek versenyt, így négy versenyszámban avattak olimpiai bajnokot.

Éremtáblázat

Érmesek

Férfi

Női

Magyar részvétel
Az olimpián Magyarországot öt asztaliteniszező képviselte. Klampár Tibor a férfi egyesben negyedik helyezést ért el.

Nem jutott az első hat közé
 férfi egyesben: Harczi Zsolt
 női egyesben: Bátorfi Csilla, Urbán Edit
 férfi párosban: Klampár Tibor és Kriston Zsolt, illetve
 női párosban: Bátorfi Csilla és Urbán Edit

Források

1988
Asztalitenisz