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FCC Medio Ambiente is awarded the contract for the refurbishment and operation of the Valladolid Environmental Complex
A Temporary Joint Venture led by FCC Medio Ambiente has been awarded the contract for the design, construction and operation of the Domestic Waste Treatment and Disposal Centre (CTR in Spanish) by the Valladolid City Council, which serves 521,000 inhabitants all over the province. The total contract portfolio amounts to 138.43 million euros for a period of 11 years.
The investment in the refurbishment of the environmental complex is around 45 million euros, it will be carried out over 15 months and aims to adapt its facilities to the new legislation and waste management system, based on 5 fractions of separate collection: organic or separately collected organic fraction (in Spanish, FORS), inorganic or residual fraction, lightweight packages, paper-cardboard, and glass. The new plant is scheduled to be operational at the end of 2022 and the contract provides for a 9-year operating period.
The facility, whose design capacity is of 212,500 tonnes per year will have, among other services, sorting lines for the organic, packaging and remaining fraction, a biomethanisation plant, a composting area in tunnels for the FORS fraction and another one in a close reactor for the residual fraction, a building for the classification of bulky waste, a treatment plan for leachate generated in the facilities and a cogeneration zone, as well as a final deposit for non-recyclable waste or rejections.
The most important innovations of the awarded refurbishment project are based on the automation of the treatment and sorting lines with the latest technology, the implementation of a new closed and automatic aerobic treatment and classification system for the residual fraction with a capacity 55,000 tonnes/year, or the construction of two new differentiated refining lines for compost and biostabilised material, the latter with automatic glass recovery. In addition, a new process for the depuration of leachate generated at the CTR will also be implemented, including an atmospheric evaporation system, which will use the heat generated from the biogas engines.
All the energy consumed in the facilities will come from the cogeneration plant, from the biogas extracted from the rejection tank and from biomethanisation. Innovative systems and constructive improvements will also be implemented for the treatment of the air generated in the complex, and an R&D centre will be set up to manage projects aimed at research into the reduction of residuals and improvement of the leachates, among other aspects.
FCC Medio Ambiente has been linked to the environmental complex for over 35 years, as it was awarded the construction and operation of the original facility in 1999 and has been managing the controlled waste landfill since 1985.


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Why This Is the Best Country on Earth for Freelancers
Ready to quit your day job?
By Melanie Lieberman
Credit: Mark Horn/Getty Images
If you're thinking about cleaning up your desk and starting a career as a freelancer, you're not alone. But before you do, you should consider where you live as a key factor in how easy (or difficult) it will be to succeed.
According to a recent study published by Expert Market — a comparison shopping service for businesses based in London — Hong Kong is the friendliest destination for people who want to work for themselves.
To determine the best (and worst) places to be your own boss, Expert Market evaluated 57 countries according to eight different factors. Those considerations included the cost of living, income taxes, access to credit, average internet speeds, public transportation, free Wi-Fi availability, and the general ease of starting a business.
Oh, and the cost of a cup of coffee (because priorities).
Related: Work From Anywhere in the World With This App
Expert Market found a weighted average for each country using data from all of the aforementioned factors and gave each country a total score.
The skyscraper-filled harbor city of Hong Kong took the No. 1 spot, thanks largely to its low income tax rates and easy access to credit. Freelancers who relocate to Hong Kong will also find that the city has the best ground and port transportation, according to the World Economic Forum.
In second place was the United States — which scored high marks for the availability of funding and ample free Wi-Fi — followed by South Korea in third.
The 10 Best Places to Be Your Own Boss
Freelancers and entrepreneurs may want to reconsider plans to move to South America, however: four of the continent's countries landed on the list of the worst places in the world to be a freelancer. The South American nations of Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru all performed poorly for transportation infrastructure and internet speeds. They also received low marks from the World Bank, meaning freelancers may encounter a number of obstacles when trying to launch new businesses.
The 10 Worst Places to Be Your Own Boss

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Posted on December 6, 2012 December 23, 2015 by Nancy Atkinson
Golden Spike to Offer Commercial Human Missions to the Moon
A proposed Golden Spike lunar lander on the Moon. Credit: Golden Spike Company
A group of space experts, media figures and even politicians announced today a new commercial company to bring paying passengers to the Moon. The Golden Spike Company is looking to "implement and operate a human space transportation system at commercially successful price points," the company says on their website, focusing "on generating a sustainable human lunar exploration business that generates profits through multiple high value revenue streams."
Initial estimates for a ticket to the Moon and back with Golden Spike are a cool $1.5 billion. But they aren't only focusing on individuals as paying customers, but also other space companies and even governmental entities.
The people behind Golden Spike include their CEO Alan Stern, Principal Investigator for the New Horizons mission to Pluto who is also involved with several other space-related ventures such as Uwingu, former Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin, former shuttle flight director Wayne Hale and politician Newt Gingrich, who touted the idea of building colonies on the Moon while he was a US presidential candidate.
Golden Spike's video preview:
During an announcement at the National Press Club today — made on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 17, the last human exploration of the Moon — Griffin said that a group of like-minded individuals got together and concluded that time is ripe for such exploration that could be afforded by corporations, nations and individuals. Golden Spike looks to provide turn-key services such as vehicles, mission planning, mission ops, and crew training to create a reliable and affordable lunar exploration system that will be U.S. based
Stern said they will not build new hardware but adapt crew capsules already in development and use existing infrastructure and launchers. However, they are looking to developing their own lunar spacesuits and lunar landers.
Their tentative plan is to use a series of launches where the first launch sends a lunar lander to orbit the Moon and a second launch brings the crew, which will then dock with the lander and head to the Moon.
Stern said their costs per flight are not much higher than some recent robotic lunar missions that have been flown and they will offset their costs with spaceship naming rights, media rights, and other enticements, plus they hope to have several investors as backers.
They also want to bring public along as an integral part of the mission.
"We realize this is science fiction. We intend to make it science fact," Stern was quoted as saying.
Reportedly, Golden Spike has conferred with NASA on their plans.
While there are already a number of skeptics about this new endeavor, others see it as a step forward.
"Conquering the space frontier requires leadership at NASA and a partnership between commercial companies and governments," stated Commercial Space Fight President Michael Lopez-Alegria. "I'm thrilled to see the Golden Spike announcement, which harnesses space leaders with years of experience to launch an exciting new private space venture. In the last few years we've learned that commercial space, by speaking to the dreams and aspirations of people around the world, can create new excitement for space travel, bringing us ever closer to our shared goal of sustainably extending human activity beyond Earth."
Other board members include new-space entrepreneur Esther Dyson and Taber McCallum, co-founder and CEO of Paragon Space Development Corporation. The list of advisers for the company former NASA engineer and author Homer Hickam, Bill Richardson, who has served as U.N. ambassador, energy secretary and the governor of New Mexico, space historian and author Andrew Chaikin, former NASA flight surgeon Jonathan Clark, Nancy Conrad who is founder of The Conrad Foundation and is the widow of Apollo 12 moonwalker Pete Conrad.
Golden Spike also lists United Launch Alliance, Armadillo Aerospace, Masten Space Systems and several other space-industry companies as being involved with this new endeavor.
Golden Spike was the name given to the ceremonial spike that joined the rails of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States in 1869, which opened up the Western frontier to new opportunities.
"We're not just about America going back to the moon; we're about American industry and American entrepreneurial spirit leading the rest of the world to an exciting era of human lunar exploration," said Stern in a press release. "It's the 21st century, we're here to help countries, companies, and individuals extend their reach in space, and we think we'll see an enthusiastic customer manifest developing."
See the Golden Spike website
Sources: Thanks to Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) for live-Tweeting the press conference and to Doug Messier from Parabolic Arc for live blogging the event.
CategoriesCommercial Space, Moon, Space Flight TagsCommercial Space, Golden Spike, Moon, Space Flight
14 Replies to "Golden Spike to Offer Commercial Human Missions to the Moon"
Olaf2 says:
Every year I see some commercial organisation selling space tickets with a fantastic promotional video and then they dissepear.
Tony Mach says:
I don't know how well they know their space technology, but they sure can't do PR. Stock photos? Font animations from the nineties? Cheesy voice-over? Consider me non-plussed.
And photoshopping their logo on an image of an Apollo astronaut on the Moon? What the …????
bynaus says:
I agree. The video is horribly cheesy. This could be done so much better.
Greg Salmela says:
I wish them success, but their PR is corny and amateur. Poor communications undermines credibility every time.
"A cool 1.4 *billion $"…
Ethan Walker says:
Ha, I had thought this was a clever dig, not an actual correction. This makes the program significantly more realistic, although the apollo program worked out to ~14 billion per person (inflation adjusted) so even if paying passengers can be found, an extraordinary cost reduction is still required.
Dampe says:
1.4 million? but it cost NASA billions to send people into space :S
These people don't deserve an article on UT
Raimo Kangasniemi says:
Unrealistic, but let them try.
I never thought I would be wishing Newt Gingrich the best of luck… But on a more serious note, with current launch costs, 1.4 million doesn't even cover the weight of an individual and their personal effects to LEO, let alone them with a spacecraft to the moon. When they put out numbers like this it is literally impossible to take them seriously.
danangel says:
Nancy: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2012/12/06/to-moon-firm-hopes-to-sell-15-billion-trips/
Paul W says:
Hmm, a lot of negativity/cynicism here. There's a saying, "Those standing there saying something is impossible are usually being passed by some-one doing it!". With the reliability of Soyuz, Arianne, Space X, Virgin Galactic,
numerous others, and the momentum of the Chinese space program, and assuming the $1.4M is subsidized by the advertising etc, is this really so crazy?
William W Campbell says:
I can see how a couple of nations might want to be the 2nd or 3rd to have citizens set foot on the moon, but they will need a lot more customers than that to get the $$ required to build their lander and test their mission profile. I wish them luck.
The primary market for Golden Spike are governments. At 1.5 GUSD/mission a seat will be less than ~ 1 billion $ compared to Apollo's ~ 15 billion $/seat. ("The 1960s Apollo program, including development and testing, came to around $110 billion dollars in today's money or roughly $18 billion per landing on the moon.")
This is comparable with the order of magnitude cost reduction that other commercials like SpaceX achieves. With that they claim to have a market:
"The company believes they have an addressable market of 15 to 25 customers for lunar surface missions between 2020 and 2030."
So yeah, maybe.
OT, but I like how they seem to recycle the old Russian (then Soviet) design. It is close to their COTS (Customer Off The Shelf) strategy of using technology at hand. (Only the shelf on that one is deep: try a museum. =D)
More importantly it was always a clever more mass-effective albeit riskier solution (reusing the engine, leaving the landing legs and used up tanks).
vagueofgodalming says:
They'll be fine, as long as they keep Gingrich away from the buttons and levers…
I predict their biggest problems won't be technical or financial, but legal.
Previous PostPrevious Pink Galactic Smackdown Results in Cosmic Bulls-eye
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The last time I handed out an NBA pick the Golden State Warriors couldn't deliver a sweet -110 price at home. They lost easily to the Thunder, only to follow that up with one of their biggest wins of the year. I ate the loss, dropping my NBA picks record to 17-7 on the year.
A secondary bet here is the Over, as the Wizards push the pace a bit and are terrible defensively. The latter won't change, as star center Dwight Howard is dealing with a lingering back issue as well as some off the court stuff.
Washington did just score a big win over the Pelicans and beat the Clippers a few games prior, but I don't trust them in this spot. Houston, meanwhile, has dropped two straight and could use a "get right" game. That should have been their last contest against the lowly Cavs, but Chris Paul being rested hurt them on both ends of the court in that one.
CP3 should be back tonight and if he is, I think this -2.5 line is one the Rockets should cover. This game projects as a shootout, but Houston is the better team right now and the Wizards (5-5) aren't even that good at home. The ATS data isn't useful from either side of this one, so you just need to consider the talent and how these teams matchup.
A healthy an active Chris Paul gives John Wall a tough draw at both ends of the floor, while Howard likely being out again gives way to a very friendly matchup for Rockets big man, Clint Capela.
The season series also leans toward Houston. The two sides split their two meetings (1-1) a year ago, but the Rockets have claimed three of the last four meetings. Both teams are struggling, but the Rockets are a little more cohesive and can slow things down and defend a little better. If they can dictate the pace of this game and CP3 is back in the lineup, they stand out as one of the better value plays on the board tonight.
I'd actually still be very interested in the Rockets if Paul does not suit up in this one, as I'd imagine Vegas would adjust the lines and you could possibly get dog money with the Rockets here. My guess with the way this line opens up, though, is CP3 is going to hit the floor.


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Gameday: A chance to clinch
Home | News | Gameday: A chance to clinch
IOWA WILD (2-3) AT CHICAGO WOLVES (3-2)
Monday, May 13 | 7 p.m. | The U Too | AHLTV | Facebook Live
GAME 5 EXPLOSION SETS THE STAGE
The Chicago Wolves entered Game 5 Friday night with just one goal in their last seven periods, which included a 143-minute, 4-second scoreless streak as Iowa goaltender Andrew Hammond kept them at bay. After Chicago's 2-1 loss in Game 4, head coach Rocky Thompson suggested his guys needed to get to the dirty areas and, if they did, then the Wolves could regain control of the series.
Sure enough, the Wolves fought for their share of real estate near the crease and the goals followed. Just 3:09 into the game, the Wolves' Matthew Weis redirected a Kevin Lough shot while Tobias Lindberg batted for position just outside the blue paint. That lead set the tone and opened the floodgates.
By the time the night was over, Curtis McKenzie had three goals — all on rebounds near the net — while Daniel Carr had his own goal on a rebound while also feeding Gage Quinney for a goal as Quinney got knocked down just outside the paint.
The Wolves produced two goals in the first, three goals in the second and two more in the third to secure a 7-4 victory that leaves them one win away from their first conference finals since 2008. Chicago finished one shy of the franchise postseason record for goals in a game (8 vs. Grand Rapids on April 23, 2004).
MEN WITH HATS
Curtis McKenzie became the sixth Chicago Wolves forward this season to register a hat trick when he scored three goals in Friday's Game 5. He joined the club founded by Brooks Macek in the home opener on Oct. 13 (vs. Milwaukee) and joined by Gage Quinney (Oct. 24 vs. Cleveland), Daniel Carr (4 goals on Nov. 7 at Milwaukee), Brandon Pirri (Dec. 8 at Rockford) and Tomas Hyka (Jan. 11 at Tucson).
The Wolves haven't produced this many hat tricks in the same season since the 2007-08 Calder Cup champions posted seven hat tricks — including a pair during the playoffs by AHL Most Valuable Player Jason Krog. The franchise record for most hat tricks in one season is 10. That was set by the 1995-96 crew that featured five hatties by Wolves all-time leading scorer Steve Maltais.
WHEN THE WOLVES CAN CLOSE IT OUT
Since the Wolves joined the AHL prior to the 2001-02 season, they have played 20 games when they could close out a postseason series without facing elimination themselves (in other words: not playing a winner-take-all game). The Wolves own a 10-10 record in such situations.
The franchise hasn't had this opportunity since the 2014 Western Conference Quarterfinals against Rochester — when the Wolves dropped Game 4 of the best-of-five series by a 7-2 count before recovering for a Game 5 triumph. The Wolves' last win in this situation occurred in Game 6 of the 2008 Calder Cup Final when — after dropping Games 4 and 5 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton — John Anderson's squad wrapped up the Cup with a 5-2 triumph at Allstate Arena.
THE SERIES SO FAR
FRIDAY, MAY 10: CHICAGO 7, (at) IOWA 4
Forward Curtis McKenzie knocked home three rebounds to produce the franchise's first postseason hat trick in 11 years as the Wolves scored early and often in Game 5.
Forwards Matthew Weis, Stefan Matteau, Daniel Carr and Gage Quinney also scored as the Wolves produced their first three power-play goals of the series.
Goaltender Oscar Dansk saved 24 shots to earn his fifth postseason win.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8: (at) IOWA 2, CHICAGO 1
Iowa forward Gerald Mayhew scored his eighth and ninth goals of the postseason to stake the Wild to a 2-0 lead on the way to a Game 4 win that evened the series.
Forward Curtis McKenzie scored at 9:11 of the third to pull the Wolves within striking range as defenseman Zac Leslie and center T.J. Tynan picked up the assists.
Goaltender Oscar Dansk posted 20 saves.
SUNDAY, MAY 5: (at) IOWA 2, CHICAGO 0
Wild goaltender Andrew Hammond stopped all 26 shots he saw to lead Iowa to a 2-0 victory in Game 3 of the Central Division Final.
The Wolves had four power-play opportunities but could not convert despite a multitude of near-misses.
Goaltender Oscar Dansk stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced
THURSDAY, MAY 2: (at) CHICAGO 4, IOWA 3
The Wolves scored twice in the opening 4:42, allowed two goals, scored two more and then held on for the Game 2 victory at Allstate Arena.
Forwards Brooks Macek, Matthew Weis and Tobias Lindberg (GWG) and defenseman Zach Whitecloud scored goals while Stefan Matteau and Daniel Carr posted two assists apiece
Goaltender Oscar Dansk posted 22 saves, which included 11 stops in the third period.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1: (at) CHICAGO 3, IOWA 2 (OT)
Rookie center Cody Glass scored 18:39 into the first overtime to lift the Wolves to victory in Game 1 of the Central Division Finals at Allstate Arena.
Forward Brooks Macek and defenseman Nic Hague scored during regulation while forward Daniel Carr handed out two assists and forward Tye McGinn set up Glass' game-winner.
Goaltender Oscar Dansk posted 26 saves, including 10 during overtime.
3: The Wolves entered Game 5 with no power-play goals to show for their 11 chances in the Central Division Finals. Iowa entered Game 5 having allowed just 1 PPG in 34 opportunities during the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs. Iowa was successful on its first penalty kill in Game 5, but then the Wolves erupted for three PPGs in five chances the rest of the way. It marked the first time since May 1, 2017, that the Wolves scored three PPGs in one postseason game. Chicago defeated Grand Rapids 7-3 in Game 2 of the 2017 Central Division Finals that night.
4: Left wing Daniel Carr became the fourth Wolves player in the last 13 seasons to earn the AHL's Most Valuable Player award. He received the Les Cunningham Award prior to Game 1 of the Central Division Semifinals on April 19 and joined Kenny Agostino (2016-17), Jason Krog (2007-08) and Darren Haydar (2006-07) in this exclusive club. Hershey is the only other AHL team to have more than one MVP since the Wolves joined the league prior to the 2001-02 season.
6: There are still six teams left in the pursuit for the 2019 Calder Cup, but that number could be down to four by the end of tonight's action. While the Wolves' series has been terrific, the Pacific Division Finals between top-seeded Bakersfield and third-seeded San Diego has been crazier. The Gulls lead the series 3-2, but they needed four overtimes to earn one of their wins while Bakersfield earned its first win in overtime and its second win in double overtime. They meet for Game 6 tonight in San Diego. The Eastern Conference Finals between Charlotte and Toronto starts Friday, May 17, at Charlotte.
11: Forward Curtis McKenzie produced the 11th hat trick in Wolves postseason history when he scored twice in the second period and once in the third in Game 5 Friday night. He joins an illustrious group that includes Steve Maltais (twice), Steve Larouche (twice, including a four-goal effort on April 27, 2001), Jason Krog (twice), Greg Pankewicz, Simon Gamache, Derek MacKenzie and Cory Larose.
177: It has been 177 weeks since the Wolves hosted a game on a Monday night. The Wolves' last Monday soiree occurred Dec. 21, 2015, when head coach John Anderson's bunch knocked off the Manitoba Moose 4-1 in the final game before the holiday break. Pheonix Copley posted 23 saves as the Wolves killed all six of Manitoba's power plays. Ivan Barbashev earned No. 1 Star honors for the game-winning goal while Pat Cannone, Jeremy Welsh and Ty Rattie also scored for the Wolves.
355: The Wolves' 30-man roster boasts 355 games of Calder Cup Playoffs experience. Alternate captain Curtis McKenzie leads the way with 62 AHL postseason appearances while forward Tye McGinn owns 38 games and center T.J. Tynan has 30. The roster features 3 games' worth of Stanley Cup Playoff experience (Griffin Reinhart 2, McKenzie 1), 44 games in the DEL (Brooks Macek) and 24 games in the Czech League (Tomas Hyka).
358: If you've suited up for the Wolves, chances are better than 50/50 that you've also played in the National Hockey League. Of the 623 players who have suited up for the Wolves over 25 seasons, 358 also have competed in the NHL. That 57.5 percent overall success rate is even higher among goaltenders. Of the 55 players who've tended the net for the Wolves over the years — starting with original goaltenders Ray LeBlanc and Wendell Young and continuing through current Wolves Max Lagace and Oscar Dansk — 38 boast NHL experience (69.1 percent).
central division finals schedule
Game 1 Wolves 3, Wild 2 (OT) Allstate Arena
Game 2 Wolves 4, Wild 3 Allstate Arena
Game 3 Wild 2, Wolves 0 Wells Fargo Arena
Game 5 Wolves 7, Wild 4 Wells Fargo Arena
Game 6 Monday, May 13 Allstate Arena 7 p.m. Tickets
Game 7* Wednesday, May 15 Allstate Arena 7 p.m. Tickets


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The Austin Politics Newsletter
Politics & Policy in America's 11th largest city.
About the Austin Politics Newsletter
Huh? Leffingwell endorses Frank Ward
Jack Craver	Uncategorized	 December 5, 2018 December 5, 2018 1 Minute
I was going to write something about why the Austin Board of Realtors was getting behind the only Republican candidate for Council, but the fact that Lee Leffingwell wants to Keep Austin Ward takes precedence.
I got to Austin in 2015, so my understanding of the former mayor is based entirely on what others recall about him, his post-mayoral political activity and his bizarre social media activity.
Anyway, here's the big announcement:
Thank you for your support @LeeLeffingwell. pic.twitter.com/1IkTFyih5H
— Frank Ward for Austin (@FrankWardforATX) December 3, 2018
Julio Gonzalez makes an interesting point:
Indeed, Ward has emphasized his support for the police, even calling for a special homestead exemption for public safety personnel. The police union has spent over $30k on behalf of his candidacy.
Leffingwell notably served as an adviser to Uber and Lyft in their fight with the city back in 2016, putting him at odds with Mayor Steve Adler and all of the other City Council Dems. That no doubt ruffled some feathers, but it didn't necessarily signal an ideological shift.
Things got a little stranger, however, when Leffingwell started getting active on social media. At the beginning of the year, he celebrated the massive windfall that Delta Airlines got from the tax bill. He retweeted Republicans denouncing Democrats over DACA. On Facebook he started sharing memes from right-wing trolls denouncing NFL player protests. It's worth mentioning that he is a former Delta pilot, a Navy veteran, and a near-octogenarian, all data points that align with such behavior. But still…the guy was an elected Democrat in Austin.
It looks like Leffingwell has deleted his Twitter account. I can't remember whether it was his candidate page or a personal page on Facebook where he was posting right-wing memes, but all I'm turning up now is a candidate page that displays zero evidence of manipulation by enterprising Macedonian adolescents. His most recent posts are from his final days as mayor. For instance:
What ever happened to that Lee Leffingwell?
Published by Jack Craver
View all posts by Jack Craver
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In an interview with MTV's RapFix, FADER #68 cover star, The-Dream declared, "There's not enough R&B winning right now." He's doing his best to remedy that with a house party video for his January-released track, "ROC." The-Dream's fourth album, The Love, IV: Diary of a Madman is slated for release on March 20th. He'll be touring throughout that month, as well, making a stop in Austin during SXSW. Dates below.


Home News Coin & Tokens Why is EOS (EOS) rising so fast?
Why is EOS (EOS) rising so fast?
While the overall crypto market has been on the rise for the last few days, EOS has outperformed when compared to other major cryptos. So what is driving this bull-run? There are some in crypto circles who feel that this is a pump, and it will end pretty soon. However, a deeper analysis of this crypto reveals that there are some strong fundamental factors driving its value. Let's go through some of them.
One of the most probable reasons behind this rise is the recent partnership between EOS (EOS) and FinLab AG, a European financial technology company. Under this deal, FinLab will provide $100 million to help in the development of new projects on the EOS blockchain. This is a big deal and could open the EOS ecosystem in coming days, and consequently shore up its value. That's because the primary factor behind the value growth of a smart contracts platform is the development of Dapps. This could be the reason why investors are flocking into EOS as they anticipate an explosion of Dapps on the EOS ecosystem, and the future growth of its value.
Another probable factor that could be pushing up EOS is the release of a new whitepaper. The EOS team has released a new whitepaper and everything about it is promising. In this whitepaper, the EOS team explains in detail how they will deal with the issue of scalability as the number of Dapps increases on the ecosystem. This is probably getting investors excited considering that scalability is one of the problems that faces many smart contract platforms, such as Ethereum. Investors may be anticipating a surge in the value of EOS if it can clearly demonstrate how it will deal with the issue of scalability once and for all.
There is also the possibility that investors perceive it as highly undervalued. With the two factors we have analyzed above, investors may be under the impression that at under $10, EOS (EOS) is highly undervalued. This could be driving demand, and the same is translating in the current price surge. It's the same thing that happened to Bitcoin a few days ago. When bitcoin hit lows of $7600, buyers started jumping in, since the general impression was that it had hit its lows, and that price was a great entry for speculative buying. It could be a similar thing for EOS. This crypto recently hit lows of $5, which might have triggered a buying frenzy from speculators.
Of all the above possibilities, the most likely driver of EOS's current price rise is the partnership with FinLab AG. That's because this deal is a signal to buyers that big money sees potential in this project, even though it's yet to launch its main net. This may be causing buyers to buy up this crypto, with the expectation that once the main-net is launched, this project will moon.
Whatever the case, EOS (EOS) comes across as a sound project that has a good future!


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"WHAT IS THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL?"
The 'First-tier Tribunal' is a part of the new two-tier Tribunal system, consisting of the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal. The Special Educational Needs and Disability branch is now part of the Health, Education and Social Care (HESC) Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal. The Tribunal system is a more informal court of law that hears civilian disputes.
Parents or young people who wish to appeal about their Local Authority's (LA's) decision regarding their children's education should apply to the First-tier Tribunal. Further appeals against the First-tier Tribunal's decisions can go to the Upper Tribunal (instead of the High Court).
"WHO CAN APPEAL TO THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL ABOUT EHC NEEDS ASSESSMENTS AND PLANS?"
Parents (on behalf of children aged 0 to the end of compulsory school age) and young people (individuals over compulsory school age until they reach age 25) can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal about EHC needs assessments, re-assessments, and plans.
"WHAT CAN THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL DO?"
The First-tier Tribunal can dismiss an appeal, order a LA to carry out an assessment, make and maintain an EHC plan, or maintain a plan with amendments.
"WHAT CAN I APPEAL ABOUT TO THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL?"
Parents and young people can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal about:
A LA's decision not to conduct an EHC needs assessment or re-assessment
A LA's decision not to issue an EHC plan after an assessment
The description of the child or young person's SEN, specified required services, and the specified education institution or lack thereof, in the EHC plan, and any amendments to these elements of the plan
A LA's decision not to amend an EHC plan following a review or re-assessment
A LA's decision to cease to maintain an EHC plan
The First-tier Tribunal will not hear appeals about Personal Budgets, or decisions about the health and social care elements of an EHC plan.
"HOW DO I APPEAL TO THE FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL?"
Normally, parents and young people will have two months from the date of the LA's decision letter to apply for an appeal. In order to start an appeal, parents or the young person would need to send off an appeal form that provides information about the child, the appeal and reasons for the appeal. After receipt of this form, the Tribunals Service will register your appeal within 10 working days and send you notice of the registration, hearing date, and request for further information from you. More details about the appeal process can be found in the Tribunals Service's guide to appeals against SEND decisions for parents (see below for link). (Note: Guide is not updated yet for the new EHC plans).
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Clean, comfy and modern. New showers, clean bedsheets, sink in room.
Good size room for two people, quiet, comfortable and clean!
Hated everything. Doesnt look like the pictures. Its very loud. Not worth the money at all.
the beds were comfortable, the rooms were clean, and the location was easy to get to and safe.
Staff was friendly and helpful. Bed was comfortable. Bathroom was clean. Restaurant was good. Parking was convenient.
Really disappointed with the behaviour of staff at check-in. Payment was made online through Booking.com, but the lady at check-in refused to give us a room and ask us to provide ID and VISA card information of the person who booked the hotel. We have to wait almost 1 and half hour to get a room. Such non-professional and rude attitude is not acceptable in this great country, USA.
Ocean Park Hotel This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
One of our best sellers in Los Angeles! This California hotel is 3 miles from Santa Monica Pier and 9 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. It offers free WiFi and contemporary rooms with a flat-screen TV.
Each room at Ocean Park Hotel provides a microwave and refrigerator. Rooms also come equipped with flat screen TVs. There are shared bathrooms for men and women.
Laundry facilities is located on site. There is also free parking.
Santa Monica Museum of Art and Penmar Golf Course are within 2 miles of Hotel Ocean Park. Venice Beach and UCLA are 4 miles away.
When would you like to stay at Ocean Park Hotel?
Guests of this room will have access to a shared bathroom for men or women.
The building that would become the Ocean Park Hotel was originally a corporate housing structure for McDonell Douglas aeronautics, one of the largest airplane manufacturers in the country. In 1974, McDonell Douglas closed its Santa Monica plant and the building was converted into a hotel. With shared bathrooms on each floor, the Ocean Park is something of a hybrid between a hotel and a hostel. As a consequence it is very popular with European travelers who are accustomed to hostel accomodation.
Hotel surroundings – This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in the oceanside, road trips and skyline views – Check location Good location – show map Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
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Ocean Park Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
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Guests can make arrangements for shuttles from the airport to the hotel, by contacting the hotel directly. Please make any shuttle reservations at least 48 hours before arrival.
The hotel offers ADA compliant rooms. Please contact them directly for more information.
The building is a bit noisy.
Staff were very friendly, property has a relaxed vibe and I love that you can walk next door to the cafe which is such a lovely neighbourhood cafe. I also don't mind sharing toilet and shower facilities to make my stay more budget friendly.
No breakfast, not even coffee (not sure but I didn't see any). Room was a little smaller than in other places. But totally fine for a one or two night stay.
Clean, basic amenities, comfy bed. Free parking.
Minor things but the bed was squeaking a fair bit. The walls aren't super thick so the noise travels a lot. And the cleaning staff can get noisy in the morning which doesn't help. The bathroom was lacking space to put your stuff.
The room was nice and clean with good TV fridge and a small sink. The bathrooms are modern and clean. The staff is really kind and the car Park is handy.
We loved this place! Worth money. Although we had a shared bathroom, everything was clean. Comfortable bed. Close to it was a coffee place with tasty breakfast!
Good location and easy to take the bus. Breakfast and food nearby. Best receptionist, very helpful. Super happy we stayed here!
Bed was very squeaky (and I could hear the person in the room above me too!), and it wasn't very well sound proof. A lot of people banging to get up for the toilet throughout the night.
Clean, easily accessible, decent size room.
The hotel is noisy late evening. The noise comes from opening/closing the room doors AND the restrooms!!! The hotel should serve free coffee in the morning.


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text:
More on the Amerindian - Australasian link: Deniso...
Into and across America... the timing factor
The Inca Child from Argentina and a new haplogroup...
The Hobbits were a mix of human and Homo erectus.
Denisovans. More information on their genetics
Homo erectus in America, the Malaria clue
Africans reached America ca. 1310 C.E.?
More on the Amerindian - Australasian link: Denisovans?
I I have already posted about this The link between Negritos, Papuans and Amerindians!, but the paper by P. Skoglund et al., published online on July 21, 2015 [1], found a close relationship between the genetic makeup of some Amazonian Native Americans and a group of Oceanian or Austalasian people. Namely, the team found "genome-wide data to show that some Amazonian Native Americans descend partly from a Native American founding population that carried ancestry more closely related to indigenous Australians, New Guineans and Andaman Islanders than to any present-day Eurasians or Native Americans. This signature is not present to the same extent, or at all, in present-day Northern and Central Americans or in a ~12,600-year-old Clovis-associated genome, suggesting a more diverse set of founding populations of the Americas than previously accepted.".
Being beind a paywall, since that first posts I have read other online sources who have accessed the paper found some interesting points to share in this post:
Skoglund et al., found that the Amazonian Amerindians like the Suruí, the Xavante and Karitiana share around 1 or 2% of their genes with aboriginal Andamanese, Papuans and Australians. Furthermore, the 12,600 year-old remains from Anzic, Montana, US, don't have any links to these Australasians suggesting that the Anzic child and modern Amazonians have different origins.
Their explanation is the following:
A simple migration from Melanesia north to Bering and then south into America does not seem likely because there are no traces of Australasian genes along the route. It is improbable that they would have covered such a long route without dallying with the locals and spreading their genes.
Instead they suggest that an ancestral population which is now extinct (that is why their genes cannot be found in Asia), lived in eastern Asia and split into two groups, one that moved south into South East Asia, PNG and Australia and another that marched north across eastern Asia and entered America.
They named these mysterious people as "Population Y" (Y from the Tupi word "Ypykuéra", which means "ancestor").
As I am not constrained by the rigidity of orthodox science, I can suggest that there is a Denisovan link involved in this process:
As Austronesians have a very high share of Denisovan genetic input, the hypothetical "Population Y" may well be the group that admixed with Denisovans, and therefore Denisovan genes in America could have this origin.
An alternative explanation however for the lack of "Population Y" traces in Asia could be that the Denisovans lived both in Asia and America, and admixed with the first wave of humans that went into America and also with the first wave through their Asian homeland: the ancestors of the modern Australasians. Later, they became extinct, but their genes lived on. Later still, Asians with a different genetic make up entered America and swept the first people away. Nowadays only 2% of the old genome survives in the Amazonian forests.
Since the very old hg M mtDNA was found in some ancient native remains in America, but is also found in parts of South East Asia, PNG, India and Tibet. Could this be a signal of the first people to reach America from South East Asia?
We have evidence of humans in Southern Asia aroung 120 kya, a very archaic population of humans; and they probably moved into America and mixed with Denisovans there or in Asia. What is the mtDNA of these people? If the hypothetical Out of Africa move took place earlier, then they could be Haplogroup M. We will have to wait for more evidence.
[1] Pontus Skoglund, et al. (2015) Genetic evidence for two founding populations of the Americas, Nature 525, 104–108 (03 September 2015) doi:10.1038/nature14895.
Patagonian Monsters - Cryptozoology, Myths & legends in Patagonia Copyright 2009-2015 by Austin Whittall ©
Etiquetas: amerindian, australasian, austro-melanesian, austronesian, early peopling of America, Karitiana, mtDNA M, negrito, papuans
A very interesting post Did humans approach the southern tip of South America more than 18,000 years ago? (19 Nov 2015) at John Hawks blog (thank you Shane) looks into Dillehay et al. paper on the Monte Verde (Chile) site.
I found some very interesting pointers in the blog, and I want to share them with you:
On the rapid peopling of America once modern humans reached it: "There is a school of thought that population growth should have been rapid once humans entered the virgin landscape of the Americas"... "But there may be a problem with the assumption of rapid growth. It assumes that people could rapidly change their strategies to spread into the very different ecologies of inland North and South America.
Maybe it wasn't so easy for them to develop the technical and organizational innovations necessary to move into those continental ecosystems."
This is a very interesting point. A coastal population living off the resources of the Pacific Ocean's coast, would have to devise new hunting - gathering techniques to tackle the Amazonian rainforest or the Argentine Puna or Patagonia (hunting guanaco and rhea).
An early peopling of America: "The earliest cranial remains we have from both North and South America are surprisingly variable in comparison to later peoples of the Americas. Those skulls suggest the possibility that they represent populations that had already experienced a lot of diversifying evolution by genetic drift. An earlier initial spread of humans across South America might explain that appearance.".
This is an interesting point. It is very clear that America was peopled in waves and not in "one go" from an isolated population in Beringia!.
John Hawks continues: "Could there have been an earlier habitation, now only present in living Native American peoples as traces of a "ghost population" that we haven't yet identified?
If so, that scenario might explain the evidence for "deep divergence in Native American populations" that Rasmussen et al. (2014) found to predate the 12,600-year-old Clovis-associated Anzick-1 burial."
I have already posted about the odd theory that has man take 50,000 years to reach Australia, 85,000 years to reach Beringia, but only a couple of millennia to span the whole American continent as contended by Bodner, Perego and Parson who asserted "... that the Paleo-Indian spread along the entire longitude of the American double continent might have taken even < 2000 yr." Rapid coastal spread of First Americans: Novel insights from South America's Southern Cone mitochondrial genomes (Martin Bodner, Ugo A. Perego, [...], and Walther Parson).
More sites like Monte Verde will be discovered (funding is scarce in South America) and we will find that humans have been living in the New World for much more than 50 ky. And the recent finding that humans have been living in Southern China for around 120 ky make this even more likely.
This link to Dilleahy's book is quite interesting it has photos of the 33 ky old MV-1 Level (see Fig. 18)
Etiquetas: early peopling of America, migration speed, migration timing
The Inca Child from Argentina and a new haplogroup C1bi
The third and last post of the day deals with a novel mtDNA sub clade found in the mummified (due to the high dry altitude of the Andes) remains of a child sacrificed by the Inca people about 500 years ago. The child's mtDNA is similar to that found in some very old remains in Upward Sun River, Alaska.
The paper (see below [1]), reports that this new variety of C1b haplogroup and that it is very ancient: The authors believe it originated some 14,000 years ago along the Andes in South America. As it is rare nowadays they suggest that either (a) it is due to a bias in sampling -so it has not been detected in large frequencies, or (b) it has become extinct in many parts due to the mass deaths caused by the turmoil of European discovery and conquest during th 1500s. They write:
" the phylogenetic patterns of C1bi point to a geographic origin in the Andean side of the South American sub-continent approximately 14 kya. The haplotype found in the Inca child from the Cerro Aconcagua, interpreted in the light of present-day variation in South America and together with the different archaeological and anthropological findings, supports the existence of demographic movements along the Pacific coastline during the Inca period. The fact that C1bi is very uncommon in present-day populations from South America could be explained by insufficient sampling of modern populations (although the present-day haplotype databases of mitogenomes and partial mtDNA sequences are very large). Alternatively, this rarity could reflect important changes in the gene pool of South America since the period of the Inca civilization. Further research on modern and ancient South American populations" [1]
Regarding the age, those 14 kya are maybe even too recent, their confidence intervals are rather wide, from 5 to 23.6 kya. The child was sacrificed 500 years ago during an Inca rite on the highest mountain located outside of Asia, the Aconcagua.
They point out that " C1b most likely arose relatively early, either in Beringia or at a very initial stage of the Paleoindian southward migration [...] While some C1b sub-clades were exclusively observed in Mesoamerica or in South America, a few of them were found in both territories." The map published in the paper shows the distribution of C1b across America: it is strongly concentrated in Mexico, Peru and strangely, in Puerto Rico.
C1b distribution heat map. From [1]
The child has a new clade named C1bi (where "i" stands for "Inca") and is similar to the clade "C1b13. The TMRCA of this sub-clade is 11.8 (8.6–15.1) kya; it is virtually absent from North-Central America and its geographic location is mainly centered in Chile", which fits in the same geograpic area of C1bi.
The clade is very rare: "By querying large databases of control region haplotypes (>150,000), we found only a few C1bi members in Peru and Bolivia (e.g. Aymaras), including one haplotype retrieved from ancient DNA of an individual belonging to the Wari Empire (Peruvian Andes)." [1]
I have already written about the loss of diversity in America not because of a Beringinan or Out of Asia bottleneck but due to the high death toll that virtually wiped out the Native Americans when they were contacted by the European navigators after 1492. Interestingly, my post cites a paper which points out that Hg C suffered a greater impact of lost diversity (with Hg D) than either haplogroups A or B.
In another post I tried to link mtDNA hg. C1 with the Neanderthals. In this post I mention that hg C1 spans Eurasia and America, closely following the Neanderthal homeland.
In [1], the authors found one sample "...that belongs to haplogroup C1b13b sampled in a Spanish individual, although born in Talagante (Chile); therefore we labeled it here as originating in America" [1], in other words a person of European origin born in America carried a European variant of C1. They assumed perhaps that this individual had some Amerindian admixture, I believe that it is just a coincidence that this man has C1 and by chance his ancestors migrated to America.
The hot spot in Puerto Rico is very interesting and requires some explanation. The local Carib - Taino natives were wiped out early during the discovery period. So where did the C1b found there come from?
[1] The complete mitogenome of a 500-year-old Inca child mummy Alberto Gomez-Carballa, Laura Catelli, Jacobo Pardo-Seco, Federico Martinon-Torres, Lutz Roewer, Carlos Vullo y Antonio Salas Scientific Reports 5, Article number: 16462 (2015). Nature, Nov. 12, 2015 doi:10.1038/srep16462
Etiquetas: Andean mummy, early peopling of America, inca, mtDNA C1, mtDNA C1b
A paper published today (Kaifu Y, Kono RT, Sutikna T, Saptomo EW, Jatmiko, Due Awe R (2015) Unique Dental Morphology of Homo floresiensis and Its Evolvotionary Implications. PLoS ONE 10(11): e0141614. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141614) refutes a previous paper [2] that suggested that the Hobbit of the Indonesian Flores Island was a microcephalic human. Instead it suggests that the Hobbit was a primitive human species that underwent insular dwarfism.
Above: reproduction of a Hobbit skullby Javier Truebamsf
To settle the issue of "new species" vs. "degenerate human" they took a peek at the Hobbit's teeth. And found that "H. floresiensis had primitive canine-premolar and advanced molar morphologies, a combination of dental traits unknown in any other hominin species. The primitive aspects are comparable to H. erectus from the Early Pleistocene, whereas some of the molar morphologies are more progressive even compared to those of modern humans."
Their paper disproves an even older origin (i.e. Australopithecines or H. habilis) but, and this is interesting their results suggest that " H. floresiensis derived from an earlier Asian Homo erectus population and experienced substantial body and brain size dwarfism in an isolated insular setting.".
They studied many variables and concluded that " the dental morphology of H. floresiensis is derived relative to H. habilis s. l. and is comparable to post-habilis grade Early Pleistocene Homo or H. erectus s. l. ...[giving] strong support to the hypothesis that H. floresiensis evolved from an early Javanese H. erectus population or a related form from the ancient Sundaland with substantial body and brain size dwarfism... "
The dwarfism is considerable, since an average Homo erectus is about 5.4 ft (1.65 m) tall and has a brain with 860 cm3 and the Hobbit is only 3.6 feet (1.1 m) tall and its brain is only 426 cm3.
But such insular dwarfism is not uncommon among mammals: elephants and hippopotamus that became midgets in Cyprus and mammoths that shrunk in Crete and on Flores itself, the dwarf stegodon (a relative of elephants).
[2] Argue D, Donlon D, Groves C, Wright R. Homo floresiensis: microcephalic, pygmoid, Australopithecus, or Homo? J Hum Evol. 2006; 51: 360–374. pmid:16919706 doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2006.04.013
Etiquetas: admixture, flores hominin, hobbit, homo erectus, insular dwarfism
A paper by S. Sawyer et al., Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences from two Denisovan individuals, PNAS, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1519905112 Published Nov. 16, 2015 has sequenced the nuclear and mtDNA of two Denisovans. Their findings are the following:
Denisovans, a sister group of Neandertals, have been described on the basis of a nuclear genome sequence from a finger phalanx (Denisova 3) found in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains. The only other Denisovan specimen described to date is a molar (Denisova 4) found at the same site. This tooth carries a mtDNA sequence similar to that of Denisova 3. Here we present nuclear DNA sequences from Denisova 4 and a morphological description, as well as mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, from another molar (Denisova 8) found in Denisova Cave in 2010. This new molar is similar to Denisova 4 in being very large and lacking traits typical of Neandertals and modern humans. Nuclear DNA sequences from the two molars form a clade with Denisova 3. The mtDNA of Denisova 8 is more diverged and has accumulated fewer substitutions than the mtDNAs of the other two specimens, suggesting Denisovans were present in the region over an extended period. The nuclear DNA sequence diversity among the three Denisovans is comparable to that among six Neandertals, but lower than that among present-day humans.
Take note of how large the Denisovan teeth are. From the paper
The paper notes that "Both Denisova 8 and Denisova 4 are very large compared with Neandertal and early modern human molars, and Denisova 8 is even larger than Denisova 4. Only two Late Pleistocene third molars are comparable in size: those of the inferred early Upper Paleolithic modern human Oase 2 in Romania and those of ObiRakhmat 1 in Uzbekistan"
The teeth though primitive looking also seem to differ from H. erectus teeth too. Which is quite interesting.
Denisova 8 is about 60,000 years older than Denisova 3 and Denisova 4 meaning that they are 110,000 years old. This is a long period of time in a same location.
The paper says the following about this long occupation: ", suggests Denisovans were present in the area at least twice, and possibly over a long time, perhaps interrupted by Neandertal occupation or occupations. Denisovans may therefore have been present in southern Siberia over an extended period. Alternatively, they may have been present in neighboring regions, from where they may have periodically extended their range to the Altai.".
The paper ends with an open question: " Given that the high-coverage genome from the Denisovan 3 phalanx carries a component derived from an unknown hominin who diverged 1–4 million years ago from the lineage leading to Neandertals, Denisovans, and present-day humans, it is possible that this component differs among the three Denisovan individuals. In particular, it may be that the older Denisovan population living in the cave carried a larger or different such component. It is also possible that the two diverged mtDNA lineages seen in Denisova 8 on the one hand and Denisova 3 and Denisova 4 on the other were both introduced into the Denisovans from this unknown hominin, as has been suggested for the mtDNA of Denisova 3. However, more nuclear DNA sequences from Denisovan specimens of ages similar to Denisova 4 and Denisova 8 are needed to address this question fully.".
Etiquetas: denisovan, Denisovan 8, DNA, genetics, mtDNA
My recent post Africans reached America ca. 1310 C.E.? led to a comment by Ron Quiroriano, in which he wrote "Sickle cell anemia, is not an African only disease, its a natural defense against malaria, and is found through out tropical populations, it just reaches its peak distributions in Africans.", and this made me think about Malaria and the peopling of America. The outcome is today's post.
I had always believed that Malaria originated in Africa and that the only defense against it was the mutation that caused sickle cell anemia among Africans. But I was mistaken. Actually there are several strains of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans and, there are several mutations among humans to fend off the disease.
Malaria a brief overview
Malaria is caused by microorganisms (actually protozooans) of the genus Plasmodium they are transmitted by mosquito bites. The infected person will suffer from fever, vomiting, fatigue and may even become severely ill and die.
There are different strains of Malaria, the worst is P. falciparum, which causes most deaths. The others: P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae are more benign and lead to a more mild illness. This, in my opinion indicates a more recent origin for P. falciparum, as it is too virulent. The other strains have surely lived with us for a long time and evolved not to kill us (which is the best gambit for a parasite, why kill your host?).
The evolutionary pressure has selected positively some genetic traits among humans which give the carrier a better chance to reach maturity, mate and pass on those genes to their offspring. These mutations are found among people living in areas where Malaria is endemic.
There are different mutations that give different resistence against the illness: sickle cell trait, thalassaemia traits, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, the lack of Duffy antigens on red blood cells and Ovalocytosis.
This wide range of mutations indicates that they have arisen in different groups of humans in different areas as a response to the pressure of this terrible disease.
map from (1) St George's University, 2007
So Sickle Cell is prevalent in Africa and some variants of Haemoglobin diseases (HbC, HbD and HbE) are found in Africa and Asia. The alpha and beta Thalassaemia are found in a wide swath from Western Europe to Melanesia. All of them overlap the area where Malaria is predominant in the Old World.
But what about America? We will get there later. Now lets look at South East Asia.
Egg shaped red blood cells
Amato and Booth, (2) found that the hereditary Ovalocytosis is found among 5 to 20% of Melanesians in the coastal (malaria prone) areas of Papua New Guinea. This is comparable to the frequency among Malaysian and Indonesians. The trait is also found in the Philippines.
It causes oval shaped blood cells, hence its name.
It is several hundred times more common than the sporadic type of oval shaped red blood cells (elliptocytosis) found in other populations (at a 0.02 - 0.05% frequency), a clear indication that it is being selected for positively.
And as Rosanas-Urgell at al (2012) have proven by three independent studies (3): "strong associations between Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) and protection against P. vivax malaria by a mechanism that is independent of the Duffy antigen. P. vivax malaria may have contributed to shaping the unique host genetic adaptations to malaria in Asian and Oceanic populations."
The mention of Duffy antigen is because it was believed that this trait common in Africa indicated that P. vivax resistence evolved there, in the cradle of mankind when our distant human ancestors encountered P. Vivax, but it seems that this was not an Out Of Africa case. Actually it is quite the opposite.
And this is what Oleksyk, Smith and O'Brien (4) have asserted: "Plasmodium vivax is closely related to Asian primate malaria vectors, and Mu et al. (2005) have speculated that the pathogen may have emerged from Macaca to humans 53,000–265,000 years ago, and entered Africa afterwards."
But, as we will see below, the date may actually be much older. Anyway, 54 - 265 kya in South East Asia is very old, and takes us beyond the accepted date of an Out Of Africa event (ca. 60-100 kya). This means that P. vivax infected Homo erectus, which had been living in Asia for at least 1.5 million years.
From monkeys to Homo erectus
The ancient origin for Malaria infection among Hominids mentioned above is in line with Neafsey et al. (5) who compared P. Falciparum with P. vivax noticed some interesting differences between them:
"Other departures in the global population history of these two species are indicated by the topology and branch lengths of their respective phylograms... The relatively large degree of divergence between the IQ07 Peruvian isolate and the Brazil I and Salvador I strains of P. vivax suggests a distinct history in the New World relative to P. falciparum, which exhibits low diversity in the New World and is thought to have been introduced within the last 500 years via the African slave trade." (5).
In other words, P. vivax has had more time to diversify and evolve in America than the more recently introduced P. Falciparum. And this is what they say (Bold is mine):
"The high New World diversity of P. vivax, combined with the closer phylogenetic affinity of the three New World P. vivax isolates with the east Asian (North Korean) rather than the African (Mauritania I) or south Asian (India VII) strains, could suggest the precolonial arrival of P. vivax in the New World accompanying human dispersal from Asia by sea or, less likely, by the Bering land bridge during the last glacial maximum." (5).
Or, may I add, perhaps an even older arrival (they are constrained by orthodoxy and a late peopling of America, I am not). Incidentally, they calculate for P. vivax, "we can estimate the TMRCA as 768,000 years" (5), much older than the appearance of the first H. sapiens, and in line with H. erectus living in Asia.
This same theory, that Macaca passed it on to Hominids in South East Asia is also supported by other scholars like Escalante et al., who point out that the range of both species "overlapped, especially, during the late Pliocene and middle Pleistocene (0.7–2.5 Myr), making possible the exchange of parasites in any direction" (6). This period, once again, predates the appearance of Homo sapiens.
They are cautious however and state that "this investigation points to P. vivax being derived from ancestral macaque parasites when hominoids colonized Southeast Asia." (6) and calculate a TMRCA "between 45,680 and 81,607 years ago, and possibly as old as "132,445" years, and they write "this time frame includes the accepted estimates for the introduction of H. sapiens in Southeast Asia; however, other hominoids were present such as H. erectus" (6).
Jongwutiwes et al., (2005) (7) take it up and give an even older age: "We estimated the age of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the mitochondrial genomes of both P. vivax and P. falciparum at around 200,000–300,000 years ago. This is close to previous estimates of the time of the human mitochondrial MRCA and the origin of modern Homo sapiens, consistent with the hypothesis that both of these Plasmodium species were parasites of the hominid lineage before the origin of modern Homo sapiens and that their population expansion coincided with the population expansion of their host." (6).
They re-estimate Escalante's data and obtain "the age of the MRCA were 206,000–314,000 years (A.L. Hughes, unpublished), in good agreement with the present study" (7).
Which they conclude "P. vivax became a parasite of hominids – presumably in Asia – long before the origin of modern Homo sapiens. By about 1 Mya, Homo erectus is known to have inhabited both Africa and a wide geographic area of southern Asia (Anton 2003). We hypothesize that P. vivax transferred from a monkey host to H. erectus in Southeast Asia sometime before 1 Mya and subsequently spread across southern Asia into Africa through the H. erectus population. This model assumes that P. vivax reached Africa by dispersal through a H. erectus population that was distributed nearly continuously across Africa and southern Asia." (7)
So we have an ancient origin for P.vivax in South Asia, and evidence that it infected H. erectus over 300,000 years ago. Now lets look at its current endemicity:
Plasmodiium Vivax global Endemicity map, 2010.(8)
It is evident that the areas where P. vivax are endemic are Papua New Guinea, South East Asia and India. Which was the homeland of H. erectus. In Africa it is present but at low rates, and... surprisingly, it is very prevalent in America, in eastern Central America and in the Amazon basin. So How did it reach America?
P. vivax in America
A very interesting thesis by Petr Triska (9) looks into the Plasmodiums in America and concludes that "P. falciparum has been endemic to Americas for more than 600 years." (9), it is a Precolombine infection with later events of colonization due to African slave trade.
Regarding P. vivax Triska writes: "that Plasmodium vivax was present in Americas prior European colonization and prior documented contacts with Polynesia.
Colonization of Americas from Africa is not supported in our network. Ancestral haplotype of Americas is not shared with Africa. Furthermore, majority of slaves dragged to Americas were embarked in West Africa, however, West Africans are highly resistant to P.vivax and P. vivax is not prevalent there." (9)
He finds no support for a recent (last 600 years) migration from Polynesia. Neither did he find any "suggestion that present day American population of malaria parasites emerged from African strains" (9). He finds "Population ages were in magnitude of tens of thousands years", a clear indication that it is very old.
The Homo erectus link
Another protection from Malaria is given by O blood group. Apparently (Cserti-Gazdewich et al. 2011) Heterozygotes 00 grants resistance against malaria while A0, B0 and AB probably have no resistance. Since Amerindians are almost exclusively O group ( 80-100%), we can suppose it is due to positive selection against Malaria. Curiously, another hot spot for high O blood group is in Northern Australia and Melanesia.
Global O Blood Group distribution. (10)
So, we have evidence that P. vivax infected Homo erectus in South East Asia. That it reached America long ago, that it did not come via Polynesia or Africa. So it reached the New World from Asia. That it is prevalent in the deep Amazon, meaning it got there long ago, when it was first inhabited. That South East Asians and Melanesians have a mutation (oval shaped red blood cells) that protects them against P. vivax Malaria.
And, incredibly, this strange "ovalocytosis" mutation found in South East Asia, has been detected in Mexico, in two patients with no ties with S.E. Asia! pure Native American Mexicans:
Lets quote Ramos-Kuri et al. (11): "We describe the finding of two Mexican patients with a specific 27-bp deletion in the solute carrier family 4 gene (SLC4A1Δ27) (also known as the band 3 gene found on chromosome 17q21–q22), characteristic of Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO). The patients were asymptomatic, and the initial diagnosis was made by microscopic observation of the presence of typical stomatocytic ovalocytes. The gene deletion was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Both patients were heterozygous for the deletion. One patient is from Tabasco state, in southeastern Mexico, a malaria-endemic zone. The other patient is from Mexico City, which is not a malaria-endemic area. Their families have no non-Mexican ancestors and their previous generations were born in Mexico. Both patients carry the HLA-B*3501 subtype, characteristic of Amerindians and Asian populations. Familial and HLA data led us to conclude that these two patients are the first report of SLC4A1Δ27 in Amerindians. The nucleotide analysis showing a perfect match sequence between Southeast Asian and Mexican patients suggests, but does not prove, that the Mexican gene is not a de novo mutation. Instead, this gene might be the result of migration of individuals with Asian ancestry into the Mexican gene pool. We are looking for other families with the mutation to detect, by HLA analysis, the ancient ethnic origin of these patients." (11).
Does this imply that the mutation was carried to America by a common ancestor of both South East Asians and Amerindians? Or is it the outcome of an even older carrier that admixed with Native Americans in America? I am suggesting that Homo erectus reached America with this mutation and passed it on to Amerindians later, when modern H. sapiens reached the New World.
(1)Sickle Cell Anemia St George's University, 2007
(2) D. Amato and P.B. Booth, (2005), Hereditary Ovalocytosis in Melanesians PNG Med J 2005 Mar-Jun;48(1-2): 102-108.
(3) Rosanas-Urgell A, Lin E, Manning L, Rarau P, Laman M, Senn N, et al. (2012) Reduced Risk of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Papua New Guinean Children with Southeast Asian Ovalocytosis in Two Cohorts and a Case-Control Study. PLoS Med 9(9): e1001305. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001305
(4) Taras K. Oleksyk, Michael W. Smith, Stephen J. O'Brien, (2009) Genome-wide scans for footprints of natural selection 24 November 2009.DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0219
(5) Daniel E Neafsey et al., (2012) The malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax exhibits greater genetic diversity than Plasmodium falciparum. Nature Genetics 44, 1046–1050 (2012) doi:10.1038/ng.2373
(6) Ananias A. Escalante, Omar E. Cornejo, Denise E. Freeland, Amanda C. Poe, Ester Durrego, William E. Collins, and Altaf A. Lal (2004). A monkey's tale: The origin of Plasmodium vivax as a human malaria parasite vol. 102 no. 6 doi: 10.1073/pnas.0409652102
(7) Somchai Jongwutiwes et al., (2005) Mitochondrial Genome Sequences Support Ancient Population Expansion in Plasmodium vivax Mol Biol Evol. 2005 Aug; 22(8): 1733–1739. Published online 2005 May 18. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msi168
(8) Plasmodiium Vivax global Endemicity map, 2010
(9) Petr Triska, (2011), Master's Thesis Masaryk University, Brno. Assessing human history by investigating phylogeography of Plasmodium parasites
(10) O blood group map
(11) Manuel Ramos-Kuri, Joaquin Carrillo Farga, Joaquin Zuniga, Maria Teresa Amador Guerrero, Julio Granados, Francisco J. Estrada (2005). Molecular Demonstration of SLC4A1 Gene Deletion in Two Mexican Patients with Ovalocytosis Human Biology Volume 77, Number 3, June 2005 pp. 399-405 | 10.1353/hub.2005.0052
Etiquetas: early peopling of America, homo erectus, homo erectus in america, malaria, ovocytosis
I have read several blogs posting about the Olmec "heads" as an example of an early presence of Africans in America (this is a typical example). I usually consider those theories a bit outlandish and shrug them off with little effort. But today I found something a bit more scientific; A paper by Dr. Clyde Winter who looks into the HLA variants to pinpoint an African expedition to Mesoamerica around 1310 AD.
Read his article here: Winters C. Inference of Ancient Black Mexican Tribes and DNA. WebmedCentral GENETICS 2015;6(3):WMC004856 doi: 10.9754/journal.wmc.2015.004856.
Apparently Abubakari II, ruler of Mali in Africa sent an expedition to America in 1310 and that is the source of admixture in Mesoamerica (not the later slave trade that brought millions of unfortunate Africans to work and die in the New World; read more about this African king.
For a good explanation on African - Native American admixture, see this website. The first Africans to reach America did so in what is now Santo Domingo Island in 1502. Some escaped, met the local natives and that led to the first admixture.
Etiquetas: african admixture in America, afro amerindians


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Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher Remembered by Fans, Friends at Public Memorial Service
Joe Mantegna, who worked with both actresses, shared his thoughts on what made the two women so extraordinary: "How much they embraced life. They just loved it. They bit it off, chewed it up and spit it out. I mean, that's what was great about them."
By Alex Cramer
Alex Cramer
More Stories by Alex Cramer
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kenya Barris on Teaming with Eddie Murphy and Making 'You People' as "A Love Letter to the Culture"
Sherry Lansing, Phil Rosenthal Support California Spirit Gala Benefitting the American Cancer Society
Mark Wahlberg Jokes About 'Me Time' Nude Scene: "I Was Only Wearing Sneakers"
Keviin Winter/Getty Images
Over 1,000 fans, friends and family members turned out Saturday to Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Hollywood Hills for a joint memorial to honor Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. It was an afternoon of music, memories and more than a few tears, as the public had its last chance to say goodbye to two of Hollywood's brightest stars.
Kathleen Campbell of Hollywood echoed the feelings of many of the attendees who felt compelled to show their support for the two screen legends: "Even though I didn't know them personally, they were people in my life, so I decided to come out and let them know that they had a lot of friends that they didn't know they had."
There were more than a few Star Wars fans present, including several young girls wearing their hair in Princess Leia's iconic "cinnamon bun" style.
"We grew up with the Star Wars movies and Carrie Fisher and we just love her so much. We were devastated. We were in Texas when we found out, so we found out about this. We just wanted to show up and show our support. We just loved them," Clarice Diers said while waiting in the long line for a seat inside Liberty Hall.
Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher Celebrated With Dance, 'Star Wars' Tributes at Jubilant Memorial
The actresses' fans came out to honor them, not just for the characters they played, but also for the lives that they lived.
"I loved her honesty about all her issues she faced," Susan Schwartz of West Hollywood said about Fisher. "She didn't hide them, which most people do. And I thought that was wonderful role modeling for many of us. She had the courage — well, she had the balls to stand up and say, 'Hey, everything isn't always perfect.' I totally admired her for that."
During the ceremony, Reynolds was lauded for her work with the Thalians, an organization that has raised millions of dollars to help those suffering from mental health issue. She also received a military color guard in honor of the work she did during the Korean War, visiting injured soldiers.
Somber Stars Attend Private Memorial for Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher at L.A. Compound
The Gay Men's Chorus sang a stirring rendition of "True Colors" while clips of both Reynolds and Fisher played, which moved many in the audience to tears.
Joe Mantegna, who worked with both actresses, shared his thoughts on what made the mother-and-daughter duo so extraordinary: "How much they embraced life. They just loved it. They bit it off, chewed it up and spit it out. I mean, that's what was great about them."
It was a fitting tribute for two greats, who created some of Hollywood's most unforgettable characters.
Todd Fisher with R2-D2 at the Hollywood memorial service for Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)


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Q: How to setup an ASP.NET development environment? I am a intranet web developer for a fairly large company and we are finally getting our webpage servers upgraded to Windows Server 2008.   Previously we were stuck on Windows Server 2000 and did not have access to run anything except for ASP Classic.
We are going to be moving to ASP.NET development and using Visual Studio 2010 Professional.  There are only going to be two developers working on this site for the foreseeable future.  I'm curious how to setup our development environment to allow us to work on this site.
Currently our site consists of: online forms, a blog, photo galleries, information resources, ect..
We are getting three new servers running Windows Server 2008.  They are going to be configured  each with a dedicated role.  Development, QA and Production.
I am completely clueless as to how we should develop given our environment.  Here are a few scenarios I thought of but I'm sure that there are other options.

*

*Work on the files that are housed on the development server.

*Test completed updates on Development Server

*Publish to QA and repeat testing

*Publish to production and test again

Or

*

*Develop on our local machines (If we do this how do we handle pulling any files needed if we are updating something?)

*Publish changes to development

*Complete steps 2-4 listed above

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me here.  I really want to jump into this the right way so we don't create any bad habits that we will have to break later.

A: In our company, we use your second option (develop on local machines first, and then deploy/copy to servers for further testing). To handle retreiving the source files, we use Team Foundation Server (which was free with our MSDN subscriptions) for source control - I highly recommend some type of source control system for any dev shop: helps when you've accidentally deleted files, overwritten code, made changes you regret to an algorithm, etc.
The reason we do this, is that even though we don't have a lot of developers working on the same app at the same time, we've had issues in the past where one dev will overwrite another's work, thinking that it wouldn't affect the other person, yet erased hours of work (and this has happened multiple times in the past, with apps that are worked on by only two people). Also, you (the developer) have complete control over the environment, so you don't have to worry about admins making changes that break your code while you're trying to figure out another issue (e.g., they reset IIS unannounced in dev).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


NEW DELHI(PTI): Notwithstanding its grand headquarters at prime ITO area in the national capital, Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal continues to occupy an office in VP House here at a meagre rent of Rs 333 per month.
In an RTI response, Directorate of Estate under Urban Development Ministry has said, "A double suite No 13, V P House, has been allotted to Rashtriya Janata Dal on May 23, 2001 which was occupied by them on June 1, 2001. The double suite was allotted on a monthly rent of Rs 333." The party has built a three-storeyed headquarters Rabri Bhavan at Deen Dayal Updahyay Marg near ITO area. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 2008 and was completed in 2010.
"It is significant that MoUD recently issued eviction notice to Congress because of huge four acre plot allotted to the party in New Delhi for building its headquarters. Such double standard even in respect of different political parties in continuing with government-accommodation is not proper," RTI applicant Subhash Agrawal said. He said buildings on land already provided by governments to political parties should be taken over by respective governments in case of split in a political party.
"Divisions-after divisions in Congress-party left its one time headquarters at 7 Jantar-Mantar Road (New Delhi) in very bad condition. Rashtriya Janata Dal President even named building built on land provided by Union government in New Delhi after his wife, with building not used for years after its construction," he said.


Northern Lights is a Windows game, using a Xbox controller and a headset with microphone. In Northern Lights you embody a musher, driving a dog sled which is guided by your own voice, through the polar night. Immersed in the spectacular northern lights, discover the beauty of these wild environments and learn a bit more about your own story.


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package org.virtue.network.event.decoder.impl;

import org.virtue.game.entity.player.Player;
import org.virtue.network.event.buffer.InboundBuffer;
import org.virtue.network.event.context.impl.in.MoveEventContext;
import org.virtue.network.event.decoder.ClientProtocol;
import org.virtue.network.event.decoder.EventDecoder;

/**
 * @author Im Frizzy <skype:kfriz1998>
 * @since Oct 18, 2014
 */
public class MoveEventDecoder implements EventDecoder<MoveEventContext> {

	/* (non-Javadoc)
	 * @see org.virtue.network.event.decoder.EventDecoder#createContext(org.virtue.network.event.buffer.InboundBuffer)
	 */
	@Override
	public MoveEventContext createContext(Player player, int opcode, InboundBuffer buffer) {
		boolean forceRun = buffer.getByte() == 1;
		int baseX = buffer.getLEShortA();
		int baseY = buffer.getLEShort();
		return new MoveEventContext(baseX, baseY, forceRun);
	}

	/* (non-Javadoc)
	 * @see org.virtue.network.event.decoder.EventDecoder#getTypes()
	 */
	@Override
	public ClientProtocol[] getTypes() {
		return new ClientProtocol[] {
				ClientProtocol.MOVE_MINIMAPCLICK, ClientProtocol.MOVE_GAMECLICK
		};
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


You will get a digital unique 180 Days Ex-Load Premium Voucher Code. You can use the code for upgrading an existing or a new Ex-Load account.
What will you get You will get a digital unique 70 Days Hitfile Premium Voucher Co..


text:
Discussion Question Responses
Please respond to the below discussion questions
– The discussion questions should be responded to separately
– Expand on your colleagues' postings with an additional insight on how ethical norms and codes of conduct within different cultures might affect pub administrators' perceptions of human rights.
– Suggest another example of differing cultures with different norms and values in support of your colleagues' postings.
Cultural differences in ethical norms and codes of conduct might affect the public administrator's perception of human rights within the country. The ways in which differences of culture might affect perception are near limitless, to contain this topic into the length of a discussion post, here are two specific ways.
Ethnic norms-In Rwanda, there are three primary ethnic groups; Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa (Painter, 2018). Ten thousand years of history, to include war and European colonization, created norms and social hierarchies most recently culminating in a genocide in the mid-1990s. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) run a majority of the schools in the country. Social norms, for example the way that the Twa people are seen as low-level workers who do not need higher education due to their ethnic background, might conflict with a public administrator's role in a school.
Corruption norms- Transparency International's latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) lists Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, North Korea, and Yemen as the most corrupt countries. An NGO administrator working in these countries would most likely find that local norms (i.e. bribery, elections, theft, nepotism) conflict with program and ethical requirements of the job (2019).
Global governance structures and nongovernmental organizations can affect improvements in human rights. According to Twiss (2011), three examples of affected improvements using global structures are indigenous peoples, human rights and environmental concerns, and finally human rights and transitional justice. In the case of indigenous peoples, success came in the form a vote for the approval of the "Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" in September 2007. However, Benjamin warns that humanitarian-motivated interventions have been used in the past, specifically by the United States and Russia prior to incursions in Korea, Afghanistan, and Grenada (2010). Perhaps these "false" interventions slowed later interventions in Rwanda, Somalia, and Sudan.
Benjamin, D. O. (2010). Rethinking nonintervention: The challenge of the UN charter and protecting the dispossessed. Public Integrity, 12(3), 201–218.
Painter, R. (2018). Rwanda. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=88391168&site=eds-live&scope=site
Transparency International. (2019). Retrieved July 15, 2019, from https://www.transparency.org/
Twiss, S. B. (2011). Global ethics and human rights: A reflection. Journal of Religious Ethics, 39(2), 204–222.
The United States consists of two groups: orthodox and progressivist. The difference is their views of morality. Orthodox individuals believe that nature reveals morality and progressivists are free thinking individuals that believe that they make their own choices about morality. Orthodox individuals believe that when individuals act immorally then they will be punished. Progressivists believe that the cultural differences are important which leads to not punishing individuals for moral transgressions and instead doing what is necessary to restore order to society (Lene, 1997).
Public administration is the foundation of creating effective ethical codes. Having effective ethical codes lead to an honest work environment and a system to reward and punish employees. Although having ethical codes does not force the government to act ethically, it does show the government that the public requires integrity. As public servants there is a sense of personal integrity which is aligned with the organization's ethics and leads an ethical and effective organization (Gilman, 2005).
The ethical codes assist public servants with fulfilling their responsibilities to the public. However, in places where there is no democracy the public act according to rules created by the government. Although ethical codes are the foundation of an organization it is hard to enforce them. For example, the Philippine government has code of ethics that are not enforced because the government does not have enough power to enforce them (Gilman, 2005).
By using ethical standards the government can create a norm for handling human rights. Although Orthodox and Progressivists have their own idea of what is moral it is very likely that their morality standards will lead to the same conclusion, however, they may not take the same pathway to get there. In having the necessary morals and values individuals subconsciously believe in basic rights and freedom. If there are differences in individual's beliefs and it does not lead to doing what is best for the public then the government is forced to enforce the code of ethics.
Gilman, S.C. (2005). Ethics codes and codes of conduct as tools for promoting an ethical and professional public service: Comparative successes and lessons.
Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/mena/governance/35521418.pdf
Lene, A.J. (1997). Different worldviews, different morals: America's culture war divide. Human Development, 40(6), 325-344. Retrieved from: https://search-proquest-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/224021629/fulltextPDF/81DF1DAB788B4AC2PQ/1?accountid=14872
Research paper: child with a disability
Health Policy and Management's assignment


text:
Rhianne Clarke
University: University of Westminster
Graduation: 2017
Genre: Landscape, Urban Landscape
Website: www.rhianneclarke.com
Artist Statement: These photographs were all made within a short distance of each other in and around The Royal Borough of Greenwich.
My hometown is often thought of as a beautiful place, an anomaly. It is also a place that now exists in a state of impermanence, both fragile and fleeting.
From the series There's Room Enough for Both of Us
Where did you attend university and what year did you graduate? I attended the University of Westminster studying BA Photographic Arts. I will graduate in the summer of 2017.
What are some standout moments from your time at university? There's been many great moments during my time at university, but one that stands out was at the beginning of my third year. My class had an 'away day' in which we were taken on a tour of different galleries where we were given talks by professionals, and even invited into the homes of some established artist's. As any creative will know, to make a living from your practice is a difficult thing. All of the speakers were generous with their advice and very open and honest, the whole day was a real treat! Hearing their journey's in the industry was really something, I remember feeling very touched and inspired afterwards.
Which photographic genre do you consider your work to fall into? Landscape/Urban Landscape
What themes do you find yourself exploring? Central to my work lies a notion of self, emanating from a personal and direct experience in the world.
What's one vital thing you learnt at university that you think will always stick with you? One of my lecturer's shared with me a publication called Process: A Tomato Project, a wonderful book showcasing the working ideas, experiments and mistakes made between a collective of graphic-design artists. This book alone taught me the importance of the artistic process and I feel like this is one of the most valuable lessons one of my teachers has given me. After reading this book, acknowledgement of my process became paramount to my work, I now observe and recording my thoughts and feelings to reflect on. 'The process keeps us alive'.
How did this series come to the surface? What initially inspired you? I've lived in Greenwich my whole life, a borough that has now become a very disposable landscape. Many of the monuments to my childhood memories have been erased, many of the places seen in the book no longer exist. The photographs here serve as a testimony to how fast the area is developing. Coming from a working-class background, the changes through development and gentrification have made it difficult for me and my family to continue to feel at home. In this sense, the project is motivated by my personal experiences of growing up and living in the borough.
Why did you decide to make this series into a book? It was important for me to collate the photographs in a state of permanence. The context of the book allows this work to exist for a long period of time, meaning the body of work will stand's as evidence of the area even after its regeneration. Also, I chose to present the work in a photobook conducive to the context's ability to facilitate a coherent viewing experience. The physical binding of photographs contains the work as one single entity. In this sense, I have used the formation of the book to reinforce the different scenes in the area existing together as one single landscape. Above all, I really love photobooks and always try to end my projects in a book, even if it isn't the initial intended context.
What equipment did you use to make this series? Was it important to your way of working? I used a Digital Hasselblad to make this series of work. As an artist, I'm not committed to using any type of medium. I work using both digital and analogue processes however, I'm quite loyal to working in medium format. Conceptually my choice of equipment doesn't inform this project. There's Room Enough for Both of Us was made during a series of walks over a year's period in my local neighbourhood. Shooting digitally allowed me more flexibility within the constraints of my timeframe and budget.
The series accommodates a lot of images. Was this a conscious decision of yours? Yes definitely. The series illustrates an interconnecting journey through Greenwich. The images fluctuate between far away landscape perspectives and mundane objects shot from a closer perspective. The purpose of this constant change in subject matter is to reflect the way in which many conflicting elements of the city co-exist. It was important for me to include many images to show my journey through the borough, a divergent and complicated venture as a result of urban gentrification.
Have you exhibited There's Room Enough for Both of Us? The book has only just been finished and hasn't been exhibited yet, however it will be exhibited for the first time as part of Free Range's photography week one graduate show on June 22nd 2017.
Yes, I recently exhibited the project at Free Range during Photography Week One. The exhibition showcases a season of graduate art in the heart of London.
How did your degree show turn out? What are your thoughts on exhibiting at Free Range? Exhibiting at Free Range was great fun. As a class, we built everything from scratch, putting together the show took several months and was very hands on so it was a really special moment seeing all of our work come together at the private view.
Installation shot of There's Room Enough for Both of Us at Free Range 2017
My own formation of images and sequence were deeply considered. Alongside my photobook, I showcased a wall installation of 10 meticulously selected photographs. The sequence was brought together using 2 very large vinyl prints with overlapping smaller framed prints. The overlapping photographs points toward the different structural elements of the city existing together as one single conflicted landscape. Overall I had a great time at Free Range, It was very busy which was great, I met a lot of like minded people from other universities and I really enjoyed having conversations with visitors about my work.
What are your future plans? Do you see this series taking you anywhere new? As i've only just graduated, I'm currently taking one step at a time. There's Room Enough for Both of Us is an ongoing project. The recent gentrification of Greenwich is rapid and unforgiving so its become really important for me to photograph the area, the project is motivated by my personal experiences of growing up and living in the borough. I'm really looking forward to progressing the project further and hopefully making a second edition of the book. Im also currently working on expanding a separate body of work, a discovered archive of my late Fathers photographic work which has been recently exhibited and is really exciting!