text:
Identifying families in need of help
Inter-agency working
Providing support
Learning resources:
early identification of families
support for children and families
links to relevant research, reviews and reports on the topic
Test your knowledge:
e-learning materials for this topic
A key element in promoting the welfare of children is the early identification of families who would benefit from services and the provision of support to address their difficulties1. The importance of providing early help has been highlighted in a number of reviews including Graham Allen's review of early intervention and the Munro Review.
Early intervention can help prevent difficulties escalating, which is better for children as well as being more cost-effective. Addressing issues earlier can avoid the need for care proceedings.2
Early intervention can be categorised into that which is:
preventative- to stop issues occurring
protective- to counteract the effects of particular risk factors
remedial- at the early stage of a problem before it becomes entrenched.
Early help can include practical and emotional support as well as signposting other services, agencies or commutnity support that may suit the family.
Davies and Ward (2012) Safeguarding Children Across Services
Allen (2011) Early Intervention: The next steps
Statham and Smith (2010) Issues in earlier intervention
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Identifying families
Identifying which families and children need early help and what form the help should take is not always easy. Identification can be based on:
risk factors: professionals should have any awareness of the needs of vulnerable groups and those who are disabled or have specific additional needs, wholes family circumstances include domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health difficulties, who are young carers, have gone missing (source: Working Together, 2015)
referrals from other services: professionals in regular contact with children and families have an important role to play in identifying those in need of early help. These include:
practitioners in adult services (e.g. mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence)
practitioners in universal services4.
self-referral[5]: however, some parents may not be aware when they need help, and others may have asked for support previously and been refused. Even if they are aware, they may not actively seek out support because they are afraid that it might lead professionals to make judgements about their parenting skills, resulting in a referral to children's social care[6].
Professionals working with children need to be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect. Resources available for include the NICE flowchart, NSPCC or local protocols and procedures.
In identifying families in need of help the issue of 'apparent co-operation' and disguised or false compliance is important for practitioners. The diagram below illustrates some of the behaviours associated with disguised or false compliance that challenge social work intervention. Recognising these behaviours, challenging them and gauging parents' responses are all key aspects of assessing parental capacity to change. For more information on this issue practitioners may find useful the work of Fauth et al (2010) and Forrester et al (2012).
Identifying families in need of help – Commitment to change
Department for Education (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children (p 12)
Holmes ET AL (2012) Exploration of the Costs and Impact of the Common Assessment Framework
Working in partnership with families is central to assessing need. When working and developing a relationship with families, professionals will need to:
be open and transparent with families throughout the child's journey through services
take time and be persistent. This requires good inter-personal skills, developing the family's trust, and being non-judgemental, available and flexible
conduct assessments in a timely manner and take into consideration the history of the child and family
where there are safeguarding concerns, see individual children on their own and involve them in discussions7
have the ability to motivate and incentivise families and to have the confidence to say when behaviours are not acceptable8
be able to listen, be 'straight-talking' and honest about a family's difficulties
be able to break bad news and not encourage parents to be over-optimistic about their progress9
work not only with the birth parents, but also with the wider birth family. Wider family members need to be identified and involved as early as possible as they can help in supporting the child. They can also be of help to the child's parents by helping them address their difficulties10. Family group conferences (FGCs) can be an effective way of engaging family members at an early stage of the process and may facilitate placement within the extended family11. Ensure FGCs consider and make arrangements to suit the particulars of the case, for example domestic abuse, no contact orders, etc.
Services such as Family Group Conferences or Family Meetings should be part of early assessments and information gathering, while there is still the opportunity to influence and motivate safe outcomes in the parental setting. Further information on Family Group Conferences can be obtained through Family Rights Group.
Cossar ET AL (2011) It takes a lot to build trust: Recognition and telling
Easton ET AL (2012) Supporting Families with Complex Needs
Shaheed (2012) Engaging Resistant, Challenging and Complex Families
Department for Education (2014) Statutory Guidance on Court Orders and Pre-Proceedings
Doolan and Nixon (2003) The importance of kinship care. Social Work Now 12-20.
Inter-agency working and early help
Early identification and support for families and children relies upon a range of agencies working together and having effective processes to assess the needs of children and families12. Inter-agency working is important for:
the joint delivery of services: many children and families who come into contact with children's services have a range of difficulties that require a range of skills and expertise13. This includes practitioners working in universal settings as well as specialist health professionals, practitioners in adult services (e.g. mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services), educational professionals and social workers
effective and timely assessments: Working Together 2015 sets out that, where children and their family need support from a range of local agencies, there should be an inter-agency assessment, co-ordinated by a lead professional, to identify what help the child and family need to prevent needs escalating
information sharing: is crucial for providing early help14. Agencies need to clarify data sharing protocols and explain to families the link between an assessment and children's social care to alleviate any misconceptions15. (For further information see: Information sharing for practitioners and managers).
In many cases a family's needs are relatively low level and can be effectively managed by agencies without the involvement of local authority statutory services. For more complex needs that cannot be addressed by early help services, agencies will need to make a referral to local authority children's social care, after which services may be provided under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 (children in need) or under section 47 of the Act where there are safeguarding concerns12. At this stage, a formal assessment will be undertaken to assess the child and family's need. The model provided in the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families and in Working Together 2015 provides a conceptual framework to help practitioners assess the level of need.
Department for Education (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children
To be effective in preventing cases coming to court that could be diverted services need to be:
well-targeted and evidence based
the right help for the right family at the right time: although it is possible to identify families' needs, the right help is not always available to meet these needs16. Local areas, therefore, need to have a range of services available, as well as the skills to commission early help services when these are not available locally17. As well as support from universal services, specific early help services (e.g. family and parenting programmes, assistance with health issues (including mental health) and help for issues such as drug and alcohol misuse and domestic violence) should also be available18
provided for a sufficient period of time: parents would often like support to be available for longer as support to families experiencing difficulties is often time limited and not able to fully address their difficulties. Strategies should also include a plan to effectively terminate services and re-evaluate if necessary to avoid families returning (the revolving door). This should include services for alcohol and substance abuse, services to address domestic abuse and services to improve parenting skills19
delivered to parents who are motivated to change. This is characterised by parents accepting responsibility for their actions, sustaining change over time and taking up offers of support20. Some families may appear resistant to intervention, while others may show 'apparent co-operation' rather than a genuine commitment to making changes, others may face barriers to engagement based on past experiences and feelings of fear and anxiety. It is important for practitioners to recognise that their relationship with the parents can cause, exacerbate or ameliorate this perceived resistance21. Social workers and other practitioners need to be alert to cases of 'disguised compliance', maintain a focus on the child and not let the complexities of adults' problems eclipse the needs of the child.
See: A guide to commissioning children's services for better outcomes and
Commissioning early help (Research in Practice)
NSPCC (2014) Assessing Parenting Capacity
Forrester D, Westlake D and Glynn G (2012) 'Parental resistance and social worker skills: towards a theory of motivational social work' Child and Family Social Work 17 (2), 118-129]
Links to relevant research, reviews and reports on the topic:
Allen G (2011) Early Intervention: The next steps. London: Cabinet Office
Anderson B (2013) Early Intervention: Decision-making in local authority children's services. London: Social Care Institute for Excellence
Ashley C (Ed) (2006) The Family Group Conference toolkit – a practice guide for setting up and running an FGC service. Family Rights Group
Boddy J (2013) Understanding Permanence for Looked After Children: A review of research for the care inquiry
Cleaver C, Unell I and Aldgate J (2011) Children's Needs- Parenting Capacity. Child abuse: Parental mental illness, learning disability, substance misuse, and domestic violence. London: Department for Education
Cossar J, Brandon M, Bailey S, Belderson P and Biggart L (2011) It takes a lot to build trust: Recognition and telling. Developing earlier routes to help for children and young people. London: Office of the Children's Commissioner
Davies C and Ward H (2012) Safeguarding Children Across Services: Messages from Research. London: Jessica Kingsley
Department for Education (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children. London: Department for Education
Doolan M and Nixon P (2003) 'The importance of kinship care'. Social Work Now 2512-20
Easton C, Featherstone G, Poet H, Aston H, Gee G and Durbin B (2012) Supporting Families with Complex Needs: Findings from LARC4 Slough: NfER
Easton C, Lamont E, Smith R and Aston H (2013) 'We should have been helped from day one': A unique perspective from children, families and practitioners. Slough: NfER
Easton C and Gee G (2012) Early intervention: informing local practice. Slough: NfER
Godar R (2013) Commissioning Early Help. Dartington: Research in Practice
Holmes L, McDermid S, Padley M and Soper J (2012) Exploration of the Costs and Impact of the Common Assessment Framework. London: Department for Education
Lewis J and Erlen N (2012) Evidence Matters in Family Justice. Dartington: Research in Practice
NICE (2017) Child abuse and neglect
Ofsted (2015) Early help: whose responsibility. Ofsted: Manchester
Statham J and Smith M (2010) Issues in earlier intervention: Identifying and supporting children with additional needs. London: DCSF
Turney D, Platt D, Selwyn J and Farmer E (2011) Social Work Assessment of Children in Need: What do we Know? Messages from Research. London: Department for Education
The Early Intervention Foundation provides evidence and advice on early intervention
Early intervention: decision-making in local authority Children's Services: Action for Children/SCIE
Early Intervention and Prevention with Children and Families (Institute of Public Care)
Cost benefits of early intervention (Research in Practice)
Sharp C and Filmer-Sankey C (2010) Early intervention and prevention in the context of integrated services: evidence from C4EO and Narrowing the Gap reviews (C4EO)
Team Around the Child and the Lead Professional (CWDC)
eLearning – Inter-professional and Inter-agency Collaboration (IPIAC) (SCIE)
Evidence Based Interventions Programme Hub
Department for Education Toolkit on parenting programmes
These exercises aim to help you embed knowledge in this area. A range of different formats have been used, and most can be used individually or in team learning. Discussing your learning with your supervisor will help to ensure it informs your practice.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Wall Murals - Monet, Claude - Sun Setting over the Seine at Lavacourt. Winter Effect. Custom sized wallpaper murals with free Australia shipping. Wide choice of Bridgeman Art Library fine art options available.


Midfielder James Milner will miss England's friendlies against Spain and France after failing to shake off a hamstring injury.
Head coach Roy Hodgson will not call up a replacement for the 29-year-old, who also missed Liverpool's defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday.
His absence increases Tottenham pair Dele Alli and Eric Dier's chances of making a first international start.
England play Spain in Alicante on Friday and France at Wembley next week.
Injury has already deprived Hodgson of Everton defender Phil Jagielka, Arsenal pair Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Liverpool forward Danny Ings.
Hodgson's side secured their place at Euro 2016 with 10 wins from 10 matches.


It was the line most notable to those that knew their history. The line that allowed talents and fans alike to believe that this wasn't what bleary-eyed cynics predicted it would be. The line that implied Triple H was going to do his business differently to his father-in-law.
It was simply the first falsehood.
In December 2016, 'The Game' gathered the wrestling media and a selection of sock-free superstars to announce the maiden UK Championship Tournament the following month, trotting out William Regal and Finn Bálor amongst others to trumpet the bridge built between WWE and the independent scene. It was in the post-script where the open-ended agreement was promised.
Hunter framed his successful scouting missions to PROGRESS, OTT, ICW and others as the reason a positive relationship would be key to the success of the project. Underneath the smiles and shaken hands though, the fix was already in, as Rev Pro, Defiant and select other organisations were frozen out. There were "no restrictions", other than the literal restrictions on talent wishing to work for WWE's half-baked idea and those particular promotions. Selling the dream of superstardom over the safety of consistent employment, the company had used cheap bait to catch some of the country's best workers in a loose net, and had no intention of throwing any of them back.
They were already foreshadowing an eventual scythe through the scene. Ask an older fan though, and they'd tell you how they'd actually done it three decades earlier.


This photo has been copied to and watermarked by so many internet humor sites for so many years that it presently defies even my formidable research abilities to try and track down an original source.
Missing A Golf Ball, Dear?
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Movies of 2013 – My Opinion, My Picks
While I was hanging on Facebook and trying to put my effort on jumping towards the conclusions of the year 2013 and pickings from different aspects of film making, up comes the idea from my subconscious mind that why don't I blog my choices? Sounds a great idea!!!
It is good to see that readers from many parts of the world get connect with the WordPress and by chance read my blogs. Academy Awards function will take place on March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. I was terribly waiting for most of English-language movies of 2013 to watch in good print. Downloaded the movies I needed to watch (mostly Academy Awards nominated) at minimum 720p. I have watched them in last couple of months and I sincerely am thankful to my readers and friends on Facebook recommending me the movies of last year.
So here is my pick from 2013 English-language movies whether nominated in Academy or not:
Best Production Design:
We know what Baz Luhrmann is capable of. He is well-know for making stylish and very fashionable movies like Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge! (2001). Here he does the same as F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby always demanded a ravishing look into the lifestyles of the Buchanan's and parties of the Gatsby. Baz left me no option to look elsewhere.
Best Production Design – The Great Gatsby
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby
So I forgot to propel you that F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby not only demanded a ravishing look into the lifestyles of the Buchanan's and parties of the Gatsby, but the novel also raises the significance of the dresses, the uniforms, the wardrobes to be used as per fashion and hugely fitting into a high-society urbanized life to convince and portray how the novel grows the writings on you. Catherine Martin was the lady hugely responsible for Moulin Rouge's success as she went on to win 2 Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costume Designing for that movie. And once again she is just beyond the class in costume designing for The Great Gatsby. Bravo!
Best Costume Design – The Great Gatsby
Best Sound Mixing: Gravity
Although I didn't like this space movie but few elements were inviting. One of them was the sound blowing in your ears. The volume at space the movie spoke produce hysteria. By listening Sandra Bullock in her misery and trying to connect with the team, you are rubbing your ears as if you are trying to connect with them. Plays a vital role and that is where Gravity convince me.
Best Sound Mixing – Gravity
Best Sound Editing: Rush
Vrrrrrroooooooooooooommmm, gear shifting, breaks, pressing accelerator hard. An epic F1 race between two great racers need that sound. Viewers need to feel the beat. Sound engineering has been a lusty ear therapy and it grows more in your eardrums with the intensity of battle on track between the two.
Best Sound Editing – Rush
Best Music, Original Score: About Time
When it comes to writing music score for the movie, then it is supposed to be musical enough to make the screenplay and scenes of the movie catchy. That is the quality the musicians like Vangelis, Gabriel Yared, Hans Zimmer and Gustavo Santaolalla have, their scores flow and grow in the movie. Chariots of Fire, The English Patient, Dark Knight trilogy and Babel are such great examples.
About Time is a British movie directed by Richard Curtis, and with a disciplined film-making as the screenplay appealed, music score needed a heavy influence. Nick Laird-Clowes satisfies my ears from act 1 scene 1, when narration and intro begins. I must mention that Gravity and Rush are the other two which impressed me in this department but About Time is my pick.
Best Music, Original Score – About Time
Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay: The Wolf of Wall Street
If Ron Howard's Rush was ever adapted from a memoir, I would have straightly picked it for this category. So Jordan Belfort's book with the same title is my pick which Martin Scorsese successfully adapts and does justice. Most of the events happening in the movie is true. You can figure out yourself in http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/12/31/wolf_of_wall_street_true_story_jordan_belfort_and_other_real_people_in_dicaprio.html
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – The Wolf of Wall Street "even this scene is true"
Best Writing – Original Screenplay: Nebraska
But when it comes to original screenplay, then I find strong competition between Ron Howard's "Rush", Spike Jonze's "Her" and Alexander Payne's "Nebraska". Rush is sports drama film based on true events while Her is sci-fi romantic comedy film not close to reality. But Nebraska is a pure leather from alligator. Making the movie in black-and-white presents a poetic theme + an amazing father-son chemistry produces a gem. Screenwriter Bob Nelson did a timeless and terrific story writing and this was his debut in movie as screenplay writer.
Best Writing (Original Screenplay) – Nebraska
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence – American Hustle
She didn't impress me in 'Silver Linings Playbook' also directed by David O. Russell. But this movie is the real platform. JL is Rosalyn, wife of Irving played by Christian Bale. She is a mad lady who suddenly loses her temper. Mad in love with hubby will never file a divorce. Her role is shorter than the rest of all major characters in the movie but it is about influence and demand of her character developing in the script in the next half. Body language, facial variations, voice tone flexibility are just close to perfection. She richly deserves 'Best Supporting Actress' award on 2nd of March.
Best Supporting Actress – Jennifer Lawrence
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto – Dallas Buyers Club
Although I am not a lot in Jared Leto movies but by chance I watched him in Jean-Marc Vallée's Dallas Buyers Club. This was one of the best roles played in 2013. Jared Leto plays Rayon, a transgender woman, who suffers with HIV, joins fellow HIV fellow Ron Woodroof played by Matthew McConaughey as his business partner who will bring more HIV patients to Ron to join the Dallas Buyers Club. The role of Rayon was fictional and didn't exist in reality but there are two most important aspects in this role. First thing is body transformation, he lost 30 pounds (14 kg) for the role. Secondly, the role itself. You won't find Jared Leto in the role, he/she played an incredible role.
Best Supporting Actor – Jared Leto
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett – Blue Jasmine
How could I not pick Cate Blanchett for this category? This Woody Allen movie is not at all about his direction, it is first about her and perhaps has played her finest performance of career so far. Jasmine is an elite Manhattan socialite who is married to 9 years elder wealthy business magnate Hal played by Alec Baldwin. Things go against her and lose a huge fortune. She is mentally broken and financial status is badly wrecked.
It is almost impossible to read or measure her mental capacity when it comes to play a character in tantrum. She beautifully manage her character when she is normal, when she is about to burst out, when she is talking to herself or when she gets angry. So many times, viewers including me won't understand her timing, we simply are not able to analyze the whole temperament. I will be surprised if she didn't bag AcademyAward for BestActress on 2nd of March.
Best Actress – Cate Blanchett
Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club
Well to be honest it was a very hard decision. I was stuck between him, Chiwetel Ejiofor for "12 Years A Slave", Bruce Dern for "Nebraska" and Robert Redford for "All is Lost". Besides Robert Redford, all are nominated for 'Best Actor' this Academy Award, so whoever wins between the three are deserving for me. I made my mind and picked McConaughey above them.
He is Ron Woodroof, who suffers HIV and the doctor has marked his death in maximum 30 days (but actually dies in 6 years). Like Jared Leto, he has transformed his body by losing 47 pounds (21 kg) for the role. Secondly, the aggression, the accent, the body language will take you to some other heights. In short, McConaughey has produced one gem of a performance which perhaps will remain highlight of his career.
Best Actor – Matthew McConaughey
Best Director: Martin Scorsese – The Wolf of Wall Street
Need no introduction, but he produce a gem in almost every movie he directs. This time it is The Wolf of Wall Street. It is Jordan Belfort's memoir which he adapted. It is 180-minute movie with 569 eff-words, the length you don't expect to see in English movies but the quality is it will not bore you. The Belfort story will slowly slowly grow on you, things will be presented in such a way that you will ignite in their environment. Money, drug, sex are Scorsese's favorite elements and will satisfy and propel you. With a critical subject, Scorsese has directed far better than other directors in my view.
Best Director – Martin Scorsese
Best Picture: Nebraska
And now my final say. Apparently the most understood movies, which I believe were the finest products of the year 2013 were Nebraska, Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf of Wall Street, Her and Rush. I am very surprised Ron Howard's "Rush" is nominated nowhere in Academy Awards categories. Anyhow, out of these 5 pictures, my pick is Nebraska. It is a story entirely different from the other four.
Nebraska is a case study of father-son chemistry on a simple plot. The old man is alone and he foolishly thinks he really won a million-dollar lottery. No one at his home trusts him but he is stubborn. His young son finally makes his mind to take him to Nebraska where he is supposed to collect his prize. It is a tale of a lifetime, a moment for old man to cherish once. The black and white concept of the movie produce a poetic nature. Every scene is like a hidden message. Truly the best picture of 2013…
Best Picture – Nebraska
12 Years A Slave86th Academy AwardsAbout TimeAcademy AwardsAcademy Awards 2014Alexander PayneAll is LostAmerican HustleBaz LuhrmannBest ActorBest ActressBest Costume DesignBest DirectorBest MusicBest PictureBest Production DesignBest Sound EditingBest Sound MixingBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActressBest Writing – Adapted ScreenplayBest Writing – Original ScreenplayBlue JasmineBob NelsonBruce DernCate BlanchettCatherine MartinChiwetel EjioforDallas Buyers ClubDavid O. RussellGravityHerJared LetoJean-Marc ValléeJordan BelfortMartin ScorseseMatthew McConaugheyNebraskaNick Laird-ClowesOriginal ScoreRichard CurtisRobert RedfordRon HowardRon WoodroofRushSpike JonzeThe Great GatsbyThe Wolf of Wall StreetWoody Allen
Heavenz to Baha-way (Part I – Thee-ain Thy-plain)
February 22, 2014 Sami Naik	1 Comment
Well then, the sprout of a caricature fortuned at the eleventh hour but before it was too late a call. At least a-week-old expedition plan last weekend was to climb a humongous un-expectation of disappointment but things fairly went right for us in our path as three winter-seekers left their city to trip Al-Baha.
Two different group of winter-seekers chose two different path. One left to Wahba Crater, the place on which I wrote a blog of my experience http://saminaik.com/2013/09/21/a-footnote-at-volcanic-crater/. And we left to revisit that centuries old Thee-Ain village existing, surviving and producing its natural phenomenon on a unique marble mountain.
Script from the very beginning is bizarre and worth narrative in three different angles. Myself (physically prepared and organized for the trip) was all of a sudden participating as a freedom-fighter in a civil war at commode -_- The other guy was already blue and walking in the clouds until he got a call to get ready for his first ever expedition. Things went further crazy as the man who made the call to the sleeper steeper, left his car key in the car in a haste. And he was supposed to pick the man who was still fighting the war with demotivating symphony. Summarily, we left our homes late as usual :P
With a plentiful joy and excitement on our faces like those flock of sheep in 'Shaun the Sheep', we equally had left the turmoil of working discrepancies of 5 days/week. The plan was to move our asses from house at 1am but wasn't acceptable to God and added two hours. Due to the fact, the plan to eat a heavy dinner of local franchise Al-Furooj broasts turned into a small box of chicken shawarmas. We were in nothing-to-lose situation but the driver had limited his speed at 120kph to avoid traffic violence. So it was pretty sure that we will reach to our destiny a little late. The man in blue lied in his coffin behind and vanished. He wasn't informed at time to make him mentally and physically prepare. Had a minor shopping to buy some drinks and chips.
We had covered almost 200 km and the darkness began to disappear at a low pace. Visibility of beautiful landscapes twinkled with grey clouds. Of all the songs the driver played, the most impressive track I found was Abdullah Qureshi's Sufi Medley. The track was acceptable to my mind and ears because it gave an access to accept the beautiful nature installed on the farmvilles, crops, mountains, rocky houses and black camels which were hailing us.
The car was forced to break at couple of sites for the pictures. The temperature began losing its heat and dropped below 20 degrees. The expedition debutant was very excited to enjoy this whole destiny. We stopped at one of houses made of slate stones (the picture below). Observation was necessary because I did see such similar architectures in my last trip. There were many different bushes, mostly wild. Very old branches of trees and thorns occupy the house. 'twas 7 in the morning and that house appealed a wonder. Oh I remember now, the house had an incomplete ceiling made of juniper trees. Behind the house, there was a passage to go up but you have to defend yourself from shattered and hanging thorns attracted to your jeans and jacket. And there are numerous houses on our way to the destiny. At 9am, we reached Thee-Ain village with the knowledge that security guy is absent :S
Before breaking the jaw of security guard, let me tell you what is Thee-Ain Village. The history of this village is about 400-600 years. Centuries ago, the villagers of the land had witnessed the battle between Ottoman Turks and their inhabitants. There has been a local incidence in the legacy of village that a long long time ago, an old Yemeni man was asked to find water using a golden dowsing stick. When he struck the source, it is said that the stick jumped from his hands and took out one of his eyes. From that incident, the name of land widely became "one-eye village" which in Arabic the name you will trace over there is "Thee-Ain Village".
Due to the absence of security guy, we parked our car outside the gate like other visitors. I know that feeling to be honest the way the readers have just read the line of watchman's absence few seconds ago. It indeed is a critical concern of the safety of heritage sites. It is quite a mockery the way people responsible for tourism are taking care of. I had observed the laziness in taking care of the site of such prominence in Madain Saleh couple of months ago (http://saminaik.com/2014/01/23/the-breezing-ula-part-iii-madain-saleh/) and now there was physically no custodian in this marble village to sit and check the visitors. Only farmers were working inside. So basically few of visitors including us parked our cars outside and walked by foot towards the site without paying for an entrance ticket. The most expensive ticket was for a family consisting of 5 members which was 40 Saudi Riyals. And I myself noticed at least three families entering the site without paying due to absence of security guard. Standing ovation for the people handling affairs in the Ministry of Tourism!!!!
Unexpectedly, the temperature wasn't that favorable. It was peaking at almost 30 degrees (perhaps we reached very late and sun had began to speak). Glad to see some work has been done by the local contracting companies. The wreckages have been pulled out to keep the houses clean with a space. More juniper trees are installed to fill many ceilings. Cleaning and maintenance have been a subject with more proper care in many corners. Forestry and banana plantation farmville offers more marshing and water channel was still tricky to locate its roots flowing towards the other territories. Also we found a Bahraini wallet, recognize yourself if that really is yours :P
Last time, my pal and I had climbed many number of houses. This time we completed the remaining one (I hope so). The alibi of my previous experience of this site can be found in (http://saminaik.com/2013/10/11/rocky-doodle-in-centuries-old-ville/)
Time to look for Albert the toad in the forestry area. My pal caught the lil creature twice in the pond last time. This time we perhaps found its cousins. The low-level water streaming is still a face therapy. No matter the water was clean or dirty, but it was cold enough to throw my bald in it. Aaahhhhh felt fresh in microsecond.
We moved forward to reach the place which was heaven beneath the sky where I lied above a big rock under the shadow of large tree. I found that rock and thank God no one occupied because village now produce more visitors than before. When I stood above the rock, I found feces. And when I had a close look at feces to realize what these were, all of a sudden I heard troop of baboons gibbering -_- Haaaaiiillllll FML!!!!
Last time I discontinued locating the origin of water streaming but now I moved further steps to note where this water reveals from. It wasn't more than thirty steps when the path was closed. The water was flowing from a mountain, the rest is mystery yet to reveal. I and my friend watched a lizard preying on dragonflies. That wasn't an ordinary lizard, this one had a neck to lift and see hither and thither. Moved its body and ran at a pace towards the prey. When it ran, the long and pointed tail lifted up. I don't know what we name such type of lizard but luckily I have a picture. See yourself and help me out if you can.
One of our guys was eager to catch a dragonfly modeling in the pond. There we noticed that dragonflies are of many colors. Red was understood by the name itself, but we found blue and even grey. Actually dragonflies and damselflies are different insects under same classification but look pretty similar. When we see these insects altogether, we claim to see only dragonflies. You can read their difference here http://insects.about.com/od/identifyaninsect/a/dragonordamsel.htm There were innumerable dragonflies flying and mating. Dragonflies are the fastest flying insects in the world with an average of 4.5 meters per second.
While moving towards the plantation site, baboons over the mountains were screeching, fighting and showing their ass on us -_- When I get closer, few of them began staring at me don't know why -_- My pals joined me and began producing sound like these creatures. It wasn't of any use.
Left the apes on their own and moved to the promising site. That is a huge important site which cannot be ignored. We three were little exhausted as well as my Xperia as it was running out of battery. We were stuck in mental confusion whether we should sit in the car, take rest and charge the batteries OR should we step in the plantation area, cover as much as we can and leave to the next site?
If we sit in the car, our body language may force us to leave and move to the next site but I guess it was a right decision because we do needed to reboot ourselves. Well, off we go to take rest. The security guard has finally arrived but the door and window are closed, bravo! I am yet to understand the system.
Doors are opened, time to key the car but helloooo…. not responding!!! Tried again, twice, thrice, price, dice, mice, vice… but never started. Opened the bonnet, checked the whole anatomy. Tried to start again, but it the battery which didn't respond. Jeepers!!! Whatta shocker!!!! It was unexpected and uninviting. Precarious to the situation that car has stopped breathing at an entirely weird place i.e., outside the gate of Thee-Ain village. And the road is contrary to sloping as we are in ascending position. Also, there is no taxi in surrounding. Wanna know more? Yeah it is Friday prayers time. This is called genuine or epic O-TWADDI FML -_-
Thanks for reading ;) and do wait for the next part under 'Heavenz on Baha-way'…. Feel free to comment below and have a good day.
Follow me on Twitter @saminaik_asn
Al-BahaAl-MakhwahBanana PlantationDamselflyDhee AinDragonflyMarble MountainMarble VillageThee-Ain Village
Movie Review: The Song of Sparrows (2008)
February 5, 2014 Sami Naik
Ostrich….. Goldfish….. Tomans….. Listening Aid….. Sparrow…..
There are reasons I prefer watching International movies belonging to different countries. The biggest reason is that most of the movies produced under different banners come up with an entirely fresh story, fetch an amazing scale of presentation and watch unfamiliar and different art of film-making. By this way, you get more awareness of cultural understanding of different cinemas, their film-makers, their artists and many more. The title of the movie and trailers on YouTube were worth to convince me for downloading and watching it. And so that happen.
Karim is an old man who lives in the village near Tehran. He is a kind-hearted, simple and humble man working in ostrich pen. He has a wife with three children. His eldest issue Haniyeh has listening problem and use listening aid. One day, Haniyeh broke her listening aid. Karim takes the aid to main city of Tehran to fix in one of workshop but the technician informs him that it is of no use and have to buy a new one which is 350,000 Tomans.
He would have easily paid the amount if the very next day, one of the ostrich would not have escaped. It was a hilarious scene and in fact it is a funny movie too. The timing of comedy is realistic and full of life. Losing an ostrich means losing almost 2 million Tomans and losing Tomans simply means Karim won't be able to buy listening aid for Haniyeh. A typical hardship begins!!
Mistaken for a cab driver by a frantic businessman, he discovers a lucrative new occupation ferrying passengers around the city on the back of his bike. During this hardship phase, he confronts with life's amazing nature of events which is a part of life of a common man. The story goes deep with different circumstances he meet to fulfill Haniyeh's requirement and steps many walks of life. It is not only about struggling for Haniyeh but his own life changes. Everyday he bring new discarded item to home for social betterment and at the same time collect money for his different jobs.
When Haniyeh's need for listening aid and bringing discarded items to house wasn't enough, his son Hussein wishes to buy a goldfish to make it swim in the pond by removing the sludge, which Karim rejects the idea. One day Karim meet an accident when the pile of junk collapses and severely injures him. Now you have to see yourself how he buys listening aid for Haniyeh.
'The Song of Sparrows' is Iranian movie produced in 2008 and directed by one of Iran's finest film-maker Majid Majidi. The leading cast is Iran's iconic actor Reza Naji and that was fourth Majidi-Naji collaboration in Iranian cinema. Only two languages have been spoken in the whole movie; Persian and Azeri (Azerbaijan). The movie is a blend of joys and sorrows distributed in Karim's family.
Karim is an amazing figure and portrayal of a jeopardized father who keeps his misery aside and strives his best to make the house home. One significant feature of Karim's role is that Naji played a role of 40-year-old man who actually was 66 at the time of making. His role convinces how rural people face misfortunes specially when they are making their bread from village to city.
The best scenes of the movie were when Karim don't have change of 500-note to give to street girl at traffic signal and boys dropping a big can of goldfish latter. Both scenes have tremendous timing of hiccups and picking of body language towards the making of scene which make you think.
The Song of Sparrows was Iran's submission for the 2008 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Reza Naji won Silver Bear in 2008 Berlin International Film Festival which made him the first Iranian actor ever to win Silver Bear and also won Best Actor award in 2008 Asia-Pacific Screen Awards.
I shall end the review with statement made by the director Majid Majidi about his intention of making this movie: "My aim was to portray contemporary people today vis-à-vis the modern world in order to show how the era of modernization has put human beings in a stranglehold. By this I do not mean that I am opposed to modernity, per se. Modernization should be at the service of humanity, yet people find themselves conquered by it. The result is that with each passing day we are becoming more distant from our own human values. . . . All of our values — including friendship, morality and beauty — become less important day by day. In opposition to this process, my aim was to say that we must return to our human essence or else face a major disaster in the future."
Academy AwardsAsia Pacific Screen AwardsBerlin International Film FestivalBest Foreign FilmIranian TomansListening AidMajid MajidiOstrichReza NajiSilver BearSparrowThe Song of Sparrows
Movie Review: Lebanon (2009)
February 4, 2014 Sami Naik	2 Comments
A view inside a tank from gun turret…. Faces hiding traces or disgraces…. Running car or a bridge too far… Silent house or screaming blouse…
An Israeli soldier without being reckless and haughty… his patience and sweat costing a huge amount of pulling the trigger to decide a fate of targeted person either innocent of fifty-cent, rebellion from a million, protester or protector, violent or benevolent, peacemaker or troublemaker…
Lebanon is an Israeli movie produced in 2009 by Samuel Maoz under the production banners from Israel, France and Germany. Most remarkable point of the movie is that it is anti-war movie which don't appeal to tweet your pros and cons. Besides only 3 images, the whole movie is amazingly shot inside the tank. The outside view is all from gun turret. The entire film was shot in and around Tel Aviv.
Movie is based on 1982 Lebanon war which was fought between Israeli military forces and Yasser Arafat's PLO (Palestine Liberal Organization), Bachir Gemayel's LNRF (Lebanese National Resistance Front). This 3-year-war broke when Palestinian militant Abu Nadal's organization (ANO) attempted assassination against Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov. In result, Israeli military, under heavy leadership of the-then Israeli premier Menachem Begin, the-then defence minister Ariel Sharon and Army-chief Rafael Eitan, invaded southern part of Lebanon. Director Samuel Maoz was himself a gunner in one of the first Israeli tanks which entered Lebanon in this war. This film is actually made on his experience.
It is an account of four Israeli soldiers fighting inside the tank; a driver, a loader, a gunner and a commander. Israeli air force has just bombed the place and now they have received the order from above – clean Lebanon and shoot to kill who are a threat. They were also green-signaled to use phosphorus grenade in the war to invade Lebanon. According to International Law or Treaty, use of phosphorus grenade or white phosphorus is forbidden in battles and wars.
Few more war participants enter the tank time by time e.g., dead Israeli soldier or Syrian war prisoner but the four are the main on whom the story revolves. Movie speaks the way they communicate/coordinate each other. As a matter of fact, this director's masterpiece offers amazing body language of soldiers and multifaceted scenes. Much a hard work is done on the core casts, when it comes to complications of firing, shooting and even using hydraulic whine of gun turret.
For a soldier from any nationality or faith, fighting a war inside the tank is never easy specially while using gun turret. The soldier who use the turret has never fired or used the turret and will face the consequences. The first shot fired will haunt the rest inside. The tank covers few critical sites where danger is alarming or suspicious are thought barning. Few scenes give you second thought or reluctantly check the scene again like troop of soldiers scanning the threat, firing in one shop but after a little pause, leaving a small kid on his feet.
'Lebanon' offers a bulk of sharp contrast on behaviors of soldiers towards the first hours of war and the way they take this fight to suffer depression and disagreeing verbal exchanges. It is a wonderful translation of psychological aspects of the soldiers. They are all amateur and young soldiers who are put on duty to receive and follow the orders in such a massive war.
'Lebanon' was an extreme luggage of critic's necessity worldwide with most positive reviews. It was rated R for disturbing bloody war violence, language including sexual references, and some nudity. It won the Leone d'Oro at the 66th Venice International Film Festival becoming the first Israeli-produced film to have won that honor. A must watch drama with all war-iffic elements of film making.
1982 Lebanon War66th Venice International Film FestivalIsraelIsraeli movieLebanonLeone d'OroLNRFPLOSamuel MaozVenice International Film FestivalWar movie
Movie Review: 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Black….. Nigger…… Slavery…… Physical Abuse….. Solomon Northup
Solomon Northup was a 19th century Afro-American migrated in New York and born from a father who was freed from slavery at his master's will before migration. By profession, he was a carpenter, farmer and violinist. His surname Northup was brought up by his father Mintus on his own. His father bought a state-owned property which was a big thing in those days for a freed slave. Solomon and his brother got education among fellow New Yorkers which was also worth notable.
Solomon got married in 1829 and raised three children. He built and earned high reputation as violinist. Then came the moment when in 1841, he was offered by two men to join a musical crew of their circus company to Washington as a violinist. He accepted their offer and left without informing his family. He was kidnapped and deceived. Washington in those days was evil to black-free unlike New York and cotton expansion had widely profiteered the business of slave trading. Here began a series of 12-year slavery to Solomon.
I feel sorry for Platt oh I mean Solomon Northup, not only for being slave for 12 years but also for making a movie on you which after watching it, I don't understand what stood applausable for critics and panel of juries to recognize it one of best movie. To be honest and exactly try to speak my opinion, the movie wasn't that good.
The biggest failure of this Brad Pitt movie is direction that never impress and is like a second-graded cameraman shooting but trying to avoid director's CUT. Unimpressive physical-abuse scenes besides one you will read later. The moment Solomon got kidnap lacked a reflexive screenplay.
Few book readers of same title have argued that sexual encounter in the beginning of movie was never mentioned in the book. I guess the girl was director Steve McQueen himself who used Solomon's hand for orgasm :S The slave who was stabbed in the boat while trying to save fellow slave of getting raped is also not written in the book. Instead, the guy died from smallpox.
Fight between Solomon and Edwin is more to mockery of film making. Once Edwin fell in pig pen from the back, he is absolutely clean in the next shot. Clap Clap Clap!!! Carefully notice the drink toasting scene in the beginning with Solomon and the kidnappers. Solomon glass is half-filled while one of kidnapper has his glass empty. Next scene!!! I was surprised that the kidnapper was drinking empty-glass!!!! I was forced to click few seconds back and woaaahhhh his glass which was empty before was actually half-filled with wine in next shot!!!! LOL Was someone peeing from the top??
Husband of Solomon's daughter looks like if he is unhappy of his return enough to trash him back to slave traders. Mercy on film making, where the f*** did the director find such annoying character??
The most impressive of all and the thing which classifies it an art was the leading actor Chiwetel Ejiofor's role of Solomon Northup. With a natural haunting boo-face, he just revitalized his character with every step and new field of slavery. A physical role that demanded anger hidden in his patience was so violable like the real Solomon. He just shaped a hunger of freedom and mental capacity of madness towards returning back to New York to his family which was negro-free in mid 19th century.
The most remarkable moment in movie are not one but actually two different scenes. One is which justifies the role Chiwetel Ejiofor has remarkably played and exemplifies in a-minute-and-half non-stop half-throat hanging scene of Solomon. Goodness me! the viewers who got amazed of Chitewel's role till the hanging scene is about to begin, will keep their eye balls wide without plucking in the lashes and will keep noticing Solomon's neck and movement of his feet. These non-stop action scenes are a great test of any actor's capability of what caliber of performer he/she is and that is where an actor deservedly win your heart. Same eye-open bravura caught my heart last year when Anne Hathaway in Les Misérables performed 'I Dreamed A Dream' in a single shot.
The other scene is when Patsey played by debuting Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o is brutally tortured by Edwin for her absence in plantation. She is stripped and tied with tree and receive the whippings. If height of torture wasn't enough, then comes an emotional scene. Edwin hand his whip to Solomon to make the squeaky beatings. Intolerable and mischievous act by Edwin force him to obey his cruel master but give soft whips in despair. Enraged Edwin seizes whip from him and make wild whipping.
Brad Pitt!! what a waste of cameo like seriously!!! Meaningless background scores when it should not have been played. Overall an awful movie and if it worth to watch, that is because of truly marvelous performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
12 Years A SlaveAcademy AwardsBrad PittChiwetel EjioforLupita Nyong'oSlave TraderSlaverySolomon Northup


text:
The No Conscription League was an anarchist organisation designed to promote anti-draft manifestos and aid those who refused military service. The league lasted for 6 weeks and was used to charge its founders Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman with conspiracy to obstruct the draft.

Formation
The No Conscription League in the United States was founded by anarchist Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman in 1917 in response to the draft in World War I.  The draft was enforced by the Selective Service Act of 1917, which granted the federal government the right to raise a national army.  The league viewed the draft as a destroyer of the freedom to ethical and political choice granted by the constitution of the United States.   The members of the league strongly opposed government-enforced conscription; they saw it as a violation of the liberty of American people.  This oppression was justified by Woodrow Wilson's Espionage Act of 1917, which prohibited any action that would interfere with the US military or government affairs.  Many were prosecuted under this act, including those in the No Conscription League.  Those charged were fined a maximum of 10,000 dollars and were sentenced to up to 20 years of imprisonment.

Manifesto
Emma Goldman and the members of her league published a piece of literature known as the No Conscription League manifesto.  This document goes into great detail about the freedoms of Americans, and how the government was oppressing citizens' certain unalienable rights.  Goldman urges the nation for support and promotes the need to protect and fight for one's liberty as a citizen.  This pamphlet went into circulation with over 100,000 printed, which caused fear in the eyes of the US government.  The following is the platform on which the league was founded, taken from the manifesto itself:

Gatherings
Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman held a mass No Conscription League meeting on 4 June 1917.  In addition to Goldman and Berkman, speakers included Louis Baury, "Mother" Yusher, Stella Comyn Ballantine, Leonard D. Abbott, Katia Siebel, and Rose Yuster.  After the meeting, police asked to see the selective service enrollment cards of many participants; many did not have these cards and were detained and taken to jail.  There was much fear, due to governmental restrictions such as the Espionage Act.

Government response
Due to the mass number of publications of the manifesto, the government retaliated against people who were in opposition to the draft.  Anti-draft meetings were forbidden, and those speaking out against the draft were to be arrested.  In response to the 4 June 1917 mass meeting, Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman were arrested with bail set at $25,000 each.  According to the PBS time line on Emma Goldman regarding her arrest, "Berkman and Goldman were found guilty of conspiracy against the selective draft law in New York City. They were fined $10,000, sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and immediately transported to federal penitentiaries: Berkman was sent to Atlanta State Penitentiary in Georgia and Goldman was taken to Jefferson City Penitentiary in Missouri".

See also
 Conscription Crisis
 Opposition to World War I
 List of anti-war organizations

References

Conscription in the United States
Anti-conscription organizations
Opposition to World War I
1917 in the United States

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Get ready to go beast mode: This 3-exercise complex trains you like an animal to peel away fat fast.
Here's how it works: Set a clock for two minutes. Do two bear crawls, two bear rows, and one donkey kick. Repeat (if you can) until the clock hits zero. That may sound a little ridiculous, but watch the video to see how it's done, and then try it. You won't be laughing.
Two minutes will feel like 20 once you get into the thick of it, says Men's Health Fitness Director BJ Gaddour. That's because this complex simultaneously challenges your stability, strength, endurance, power, and cardio.
And since you're flowing seamlessly between movements, you never get to rest. So every muscle is switched on, from start to finish.
Do it at the beginning of your workout to set the tone, or add it to the end as a powerhouse finisher.
If you can't make it the full 2 minutes, stop when your form starts to break, and then mark down your time. The next time you attempt the complex, try to beat your time.


Why it's worth your time: "Nearly 750,000 miles of cable already connect the continents to support our insatiable demand for communication and entertainment. Companies have typically pooled their resources to collaborate on undersea cable projects, like a freeway for them all to share."
This New York Times story takes on one of our favorite subjects—the submarine cables that power global communication. This in-depth explainer goes from the 30,000 foot view of how cables work, down to the latest data on how content providers are boosting their share of bandwidth.
Why it's worth your time: This Popular Science article is all about the MAREA cable. Recently Infinera announced that it had broken a record for how much data it could send through this cable in one second.
In this piece, author Rob Verger explores everything you wanted to know about this accomplishment.
Why it's worth your time: This Heavy Networking podcast—from the minds at Packet Pushers—dives into the business and strategy aspects of SD-WAN. Our own Greg Bryan is on hand to talk about deployment strategies, how to build a vendor shortlist, and the concept and ramifications of SD-WAN as a multi-sided market.
Why it's worth your time: Japan has one of the most technologically advanced mobile markets in the world. Three well-established players–NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, and Softbank–dominate the sector.
When combined, these three claimed over 170 million subscribers at the end of 2018. But with the rivalry between the main players already intense, the market is poised to see more competition in the shape of a fourth network operator. Pete Bell explains in this month's trends post.
Why it's worth your time: If you're reading the TeleGeography blog, you've certainly read (or watched) us talk about content provider's new relationship with submarine cables. This Bloomberg piece does a lovely job capturing this current investment boom.
Internet companies are behind about four-fifths of transatlantic cable investment planned for 2018-20, up from less than 20 percent in the three years through 2017.
Why it's worth your time: If you've been following the Huawei news, you might want to read this Wall Street Journal article. Amid the backdrop of espionage allegations and ballooning bandwidth demand, this post explores potential threats to the undersea cable business. It also underscores what makes the Huawei case so thorny.
Think you've got something that should be on our monthly reading list? Tweet it to us @TeleGeography.
Going Back to the Future With Submarine Cables: Alan Mauldin takes us time hopping through bandwidth demand drivers, interregional routing changes, cable landings, cable investments, and future cable requirements. Watch now.
Pssst. We've Got a New Map: Our new submarine cable map depicts 420 cable systems and 1,106 landing stations that are currently active, under construction, or expected to be fully-funded by the end of 2021. Take a look.


text:
Henry Bergh (1811-1888). /Namerican Philanthropist; Founder Of A.S.P.C.A. An 1871 Cartoon By Thomas Nast Satirizing Charles Darwin'S Theory Of Evolution By Showing A Gorilla Seeking The Protection Of Bergh, The Founder Of The American Society For The
Henry Bergh (1811-1888) Namerican Philanthropist Founder Of ASPCA An 1871 Cartoon By Thomas Nast Satirizing Charles DarwinS Theory Of Evolution By Showing A Gorilla Seeking The Protection Of Bergh The Founder Of The American Society For The Preventio
Henry Bergh (1811-1888) Namerican Philanthropist Founder Of ASPCA An 1871 Cartoon By Thomas Nast Satirizing Charles Darw is a licensed reproduction that was printed on Premium Heavy Stock Paper which captures all of the vivid colors and details of the original. The available sizes and options for this image are listed above. Ready to frame or just hang dorm room style! Perfect poster for any room in your house, dorm room or apartment
Henry Bergh (1811-1888). /Namerican Philanthropist; Founder Of The American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (A.S.P.C.A.). Colored Engraving, 1867. Poster Print by Granger Collection - Item # VARGRC0079812
Henry Bergh (1811-1888). /Namerican Reformer. Caricatured On A Merchant'S Trade Card, 1882, With P.T. Barnum'S Celebrated Elephant Jumbo. Poster Print by Granger Collection - Item # VARGRC0041011
Henry Bergh (1811-1888). /Namerican Philanthropist; Founder Of The A.S.P.C.A. Line Engraving, 1867. Poster Print by Granger Collection - Item # VARGRC0041013
Henry Bergh (1811-1888). /Namerican Philanthropist And Founder Of The American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (A.S.P.C.A). Bergh Stopping An Overcrowded Streetcar In New York To Inspect The Horses. Wood Engraving From An American Ne
Darwin Cartoon. /Nan 1871 Cartoon By Thomas Nast Satirizing Charles Darwin'S Theory Of Evolution By Showing A Gorilla Seeking The Protection Of Henry Bergh, The Founder Of The American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (Aspca). Poster
Whites In Africa, 1907. /N'Mrs. Davis In A Borrowed "Hammock," The Local Means Of Transportation On The West Coast.' Photograph, Probably By The American Writer And Journalist Richard Harding Davis From His Book 'The Congo And Coasts Of Africa,' 1907
Russo-Turkish War, 1877. /N'Peace Rumors.' American Cartoon By Thomas Nast, 1877, Showing Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary And Russia Carving Up The Ottoman Empire As A Powerless Turkey Looks On. Poster Print by Granger Collection - Item # VARGRC009
Russo-Turkish War, 1877. /N'Tightening The Grip.' English Cartoon Of 1877 Showing The Russian Bear Tightening Its Grip On An Inadequately Armed Turkey, Which Would Soon Surrender To Russian Forces At Pleven, Bulgaria. Poster Print by Granger Collecti
Ken Welsh / Design Pics
Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina 1717 1780 Only female ruler Habsburg dominions last House Habsburg She was sovereign Austria Hungary Croatia Bohemia Transylvania Mantua Milan Lodomeria Galicia Austrian Netherlands Parma marriage she was Duche
Imperialism Cartoon, C1900. /N'Well, I Hardly Know Which To Take First!' American Cartoon Comment, C1900, On Uncle Sam'S Seemingly Insatiable Imperialist Appetite, As President William Mckinley, At Right, Waits To Take The Order. Poster Print by Gran
British Imperialism, 1879. /N'Hot Pies!' An 1879 Cartoon By John Tenniel Depicting Lord Lytton, Viceroy Of India, Presenting British Cabinet Ministers With The Prospects Of War With Burma While They Are Already Trying To Cope With Several Other Inter
Paris: Champs Elysees. /Na View Of The Avenue Des Champs Elysees Looking Toward Place De La Concorde, With Cars, Horse-Drawn Carriages, Bicyclists And Pedestrians On The Street. Photographed By Carleton H. Graves, C1903. Poster Print by Granger Colle
Prince Otto Von Bismarck /N(1815-1898). Prince Otto Von Bismarck-Schonhausen. Prussian Statesman. 'The South Sea Is The Mediterranean Of The Future.' An 1884 German Cartoon Critical Of Bismarck'S Preference To Plans For Social Reform Over Colonies In
Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson In The Press Room For 2009 Mtv Movie Awards - Press Room, Gibson Amphitheatre At Universal Citywalk, Los Angeles, Ca May 31, 2009. Photo By Dee CerconeEverett Collection Celebrity ( x - Item # VAREVC0


Last February, spurred by rising hygiene poverty (where families have to choose between buying food and keeping clean), beauty PR Jo Jones and journalist Sali Hughes launched Beauty Banks – like foodbanks, but for beauty essentials and toiletries. And with their client list growing, they need help. 'We'd love people to become bankers,' says Jones, by which she means set up donation boxes in their own communities. Beauty Banks are partnered with wholesale company Easho, who will deliver donations from the Beauty Bank wish list – you can make a purchase at easho.co.uk/beauty-bank.html. To see where donations end up, check out @thebeautybanks on Instagram. To set up a local donation box, email beautybanks@tcs-uk.net to get started.


Kathy Sharp's Isle of Larus is one of my favourite books – brimming with atmosphere and charm – and now she's produced another one! I am delighted to host her on a very special day.
A big thank you to Jane Bwye for giving me this blogging opportunity on the launch day of my new novel, Sea of Clouds.
I'd like to give one of the answers to that question by telling you a story. Once upon a time in the very long ago (Oh, all right, it was in the sixties), I went with my family one day to look at a boat. We owned the smallest cabin cruiser you ever saw, and we were looking for something a little more spacious. But not expensive. You get the idea. And that was how we came to be inspecting the Imp with a view to possible purchase. She was a big, old converted lifeboat – roomy, broad-beamed, clumsy and heavy. She also had an unfortunate tendency to sink. Indeed, she had sunk the previous week and been laboriously pumped dry.
We climbed aboard and opened the cabin door. After a day or two underwater in the soupy river, and another day or two on the surface in sticky July warmth, the smell wafting out was so strong that we slammed the door and never ventured into the cabin at all. Needless to say, we quickly decided she was not the boat for us. Within days she had sunk again, was dried out again, and soon vanished from the moorings.
I have no idea what happened to the poor old Imp after that. But I never forgot her. Boats feature quite heavily in my Isle of Larus stories, and when I needed a new one, one with distinct character, for Sea of Clouds, I thought of the Imp. And so there she is, having undergone a few changes in my imagination, but essentially the same, in all her chaotic glory; still bearing her original name, still heavy and clumsy, still smelly, and still inclined to sink without warning.
I shall never know what adventures the real Imp had, but her fictional counterpart is renamed and lives through some exciting times in my story. She has a glorious future ahead of her in my next book, too. I'd quite like to be immortalised like that myself!
This entry was posted in Authors and tagged Crooked Cat, flash fiction, Kathy Sharp, Larus. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
Q: Default value constructor error: 'foo' is not a direct base of 'foo' I was trying to setup some default constructors, but keep running into the error:
newton.h:29:38: error: type 'Newton' is not a direct base of 'Newton'

I can't grasp what I am doing wrong, I am using g++ with std=c++0x (c++11 compiler setting).
Newton.h:
#ifndef Newton_h
#define Newton_h

#include <armadillo>
#include "qr.h"

using namespace std;
using namespace arma;

class Newton {
 public:

  class Lambda {
  public:
    virtual double walkLambda(Newton newt) {};
  };

  class linearL : public Lambda {
  public:
    double walkLambda(Newton newt);
  };

  Newton(function<vec(vec)> f,
     vec xStart, vec dx,
     const double eps, function<mat(vec)> dfdx = 0, Lambda lambda = linearL());

  Newton(function<vec(vec)> f,
     vec xStart, vec dx,
     const double eps, Lambda lambda) : Newton(f, xStart, dx, eps, 0, lambda) {} // Line 29!

  vec getRoots();
  int getCalls();

 protected:
  int _n, _calls;
  vec _x, _dx, _y, _fx, _fy, _df;
  mat _j;
  function<vec(vec)> _f;
};
#endif

Thank you for your time.
Best.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Remembering Kayla - Center for Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB), Inc.
Kayla had already survived so many sicknesses in her short life. I had been taken off work at 19 weeks. I felt so much lower pelvic pressure. I had a difficult delivery with Christopher, so we didn't want to take any chances this time. I knew this would be my last pregnancy. I took it very easy and carried Kayla and Kelsey to 36 weeks. Kayla had survived having the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck at birth. She was born at only 4 lbs. 12 oz, and had dropped down to 4 lbs. 3 oz. at the end of Day 3. However, by the end of that second week, she bounced back and was able to come home. Then, at two months, Kayla and Kelsey contracted RSV (a respiratory virus). It was awful! The poor things couldn't breathe very well at all for two weeks. Because of the RSV they both developed ear infections. But, again, they both were tough and survived. Because of all this, we felt Kayla and Kelsey were both strong little girls. And, as it turned out, Kayla ended up being much more feisty than her sister, Kelsey. To have Kayla die of something so mysterious and senseless is absolutely heartbreaking.
One week before Kayla died she was diagnosed with another ear infection, and was put on an antibiotic. The day I took her to the doctor, I came home with her and Kayla cuddled with me and laid on my chest for three hours. How I now cherish that time spent with her! The morning Kayla died, she woke up bright and cheery at 5:00 a.m. She was babbling endlessly like she was ready to start the day. After listening to her on the nursery monitor for almost an hour, I went upstairs, gave her her pacifier and told her, "It's too early to get up, now you get back to sleep, little girl." At 7:00 a.m. my husband, Patrick, went upstairs to get the girls up. It was his morning off work so he took the kids to daycare. I gave the kids all a big hug and kiss and told them I loved them. That was the last time I saw my little Kayla alive.
Around 8:30-9:00 that morning Patrick had to take the diaper bag (previously forgotten) to the daycare. Kelsey was sleeping, but Kayla was wide awake. Patrick played with her for a while, had her laughing and said goodbye to her for the second time that day. That would be his last time to see his little baby girl alive. She was put down for a morning nap, never to take another breath. I received a call at work about 11:15 a.m. Roseanne said, "Teri, Kayla's not breathing." My heart stopped, I guess I was in shock. I was on the phone chit-chatting with her about what was wrong with Kayla like she only had a diaper rash. A nurse got on the phone and said, "You need to get here now – meet us at the hospital." I asked her, "Is Kayla going to be all right?" She replied, "I don't know." I worked 45 minutes from home. That had to be my longest drive ever that day. Kayla, of course, was dead when I arrived at the hospital. As a matter of fact, I'm sure she was already dead when I received that dreadful phone call.
That day has changed the rest of my life. Oh, how we had looked forward to parenting twins. We already had a wonderful two-year-old son, Christopher, when we found out we were carrying twins. My husband had always wanted three children. I said I wouldn't have any kids at age 40. We thought this was God's way of telling us, "These two kids make three, and you don't even have to get pregnant again." We were thrilled, shocked. And then we found out they were two little girls. Our son was so looking forward to his "two baby sisters." Christopher absolutely adored those little girls, and was so proud that we had two babies.
As I write this story, it has now been almost four months since Kayla suddenly and quietly left us. There is a huge void in my heart, yet at the same time, my heart feels extremely heavy. I pray God gives us continued strength to survive the holidays. Our son is an absolute sweetheart, and he consoles me a lot. He is three years old now. Kelsey keeps us going as well. At 9 months old, she is a lot of fun. It was an age I was really looking forward to watching how Kayla and Kelsey would interact. They had only just begun.
In August of 1998, we lost Kayla, one of our twin daughters, to SIDS when they were almost 6 months old. At that time, we also had a 2+year-old son, Christopher. It has now been more than two years since that day that has forever changed our lives. Everyone is right – time does help heal, but it never takes the hurt away. For me, the second year of anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc. were the worst. I think that first year you are still in a state of shock. When that second year rolls around, you realize what "forever" truly means, and that your loved one is never going to return.
I have always prayed that I would at least get some signs from Kayla or even dream of her to let me know she's all right. Friends have always told me to keep an openmind. They said I'd probably dream or receive those signs when I least expected it. They were right. Although, I still haven't been fortunate to dream of her, I'd like to share a couple recent "signs" my children and I have experienced.
The last week of August and first week in September is when this happened to me. I'd be in the kitchen by myself. Suddenly, I'd see a flash of light– I'd turn around, but nothing would be there. I thought to myself, it must be the sun reflecting on something. I never really gave it any more thought until a couple weeks later when I was with a couple friends I hadn't seen in a while. They had been talking about the loss of both their moms and were wondering how I was coping with the loss of Kayla. The one friend mentioned how she knows her mom visits her periodically. She told us of how it always happens when she's alone and relaxed. Her mom visits in the form of a bright light. Oh my gosh! It was then, that I relayed my story, and was wondering… They both said, "We've told you before – you need to stop wondering, and just believe." They were both sure it was Kayla coming to me for a visit.
On Tuesday, August 15, 2000, we drove to Whitmore Lake to visit friends. During the visit, these friends had taken all the children tubing. My kids loved it!!! They had grins from ear to ear, just beaming with joy! It was such a great feeling watching them be so happy. Suddenly, Kelsey looked up at the sky and just started smiling. I looked up to see if she was watching birds or a plane. But, there was nothing there. Hmmm, I wondered. Could it be Kayla? Then, Kelsey picked up her arm, and waved up at the sky, smiling once again. Patrick, Dee, and I all looked at each other at the same time, smiling at one another. Patrick said, "It's Kayla – she's here with us." Dee agreed. Kelsey was letting Kayla know just how much fun she was having, while at the same time making us aware of Kayla's presence. For just half a second, I wanted to cry. But, then, it was that sign of peace I had been longing for – it brought a smile to my face.
It's Thursday, September 28. I'm preparing lunch in the kitchen for the kids. Christopher, who will be five in just another week, had just returned home from school, and was putting his things away. He walked out of the kitchen into the living room, and turned back around just as fast. Excited, he inquired, "Mom, did you see that angel?" Not sure of what he had just said, I replied, "What?" He looked embarrassed, and said, "Nothing." Well, I could only let that go for just a few minutes. Making it fun, I said to him, "Christopher, did you really get to see an angel?" He said, "Yes", smiling big time. I said, "What did it look like?" He looked around, hesitated, pointed at one of my angel candle holders, and said, "Just like that one over there." I said, "Wow, lucky you, where did you see it?" And he replied, "Right in the box with my Pokeman cards!" We both agreed that was pretty cool!
I hope I have been able to put a smile on some of your faces, or maybe even give you hope that your day will come too when you will receive some kind of sign.
For those of you that are still in the first few months or even first year of losing your baby(ies) for whatever reason, keep networking with everyone you possibly can. If it hadn't been for Jean here at CLIMB and all the contacts she gaveme, I don't know how I would have survived. A big thanks to Ramsy – you're the best! For me the thing that kept me going, was knowing all these other people had survived the same terrible tragedy. For the last year and a half, it was been therapy for me to be able to help others with the loss of a child. If I can just say or do one little thing, that will help a parent cope with getting through yet another day, then my goal has been accomplished. It's a hell of a price to pay – losing a child – but, I have met so many wonderful people because of it.