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PropPropositions and Evidence

Require Export MoreCoq.

In previous chapters, we have seen many examples of factual
    claims (propositions) and ways of presenting evidence of their
    truth (proofs).  In particular, we have worked extensively with
    equality propositions of the form e1 = e2, with
    implications (P → Q), and with quantified propositions
    (∀ x, P).

    This chapter will take us on a first tour of the
    propositional (logical) side of Coq.
    In particular, we will expand our repertoire of primitive
    propositions to include user-defined propositions, not just
    equality propositions (which are more-or-less "built in" to Coq).

Inductively Defined Propositions

  As a running example, let's
    define a simple property of natural numbers — we'll call it
    "beautiful."

 Informally, a number is beautiful if it is 0, 3, 5, or the
    sum of two beautiful numbers.

    More pedantically, we can define beautiful numbers by giving four
    rules:

 Rule b_0: The number 0 is beautiful.

 Rule b_3: The number 3 is beautiful.

 Rule b_5: The number 5 is beautiful.

 Rule b_sum: If n and m are both beautiful, then so is
         their sum.

 We will see many definitions like this one during the rest
    of the course, and for purposes of informal discussions, it is
    helpful to have a lightweight notation that makes them easy to
    read and write.  Inference rules are one such notation:

    (b_0)

  beautiful 0

    (b_3)

  beautiful 3

    (b_5)

  beautiful 5

  beautiful n     beautiful m

    (b_sum)

  beautiful (n+m)

 Each of the textual rules above is reformatted here as an
    inference rule; the intended reading is that, if the premises
    above the line all hold, then the conclusion below the line
    follows.  For example, the rule b_sum says that, if n and m
    are both beautiful numbers, then it follows that n+m is
    beautiful too.  If a rule has no premises above the line, then
    its conclusion hold unconditionally.

    These rules define the property beautiful.  That is, if we
    want to convince someone that some particular number is beautiful,
    our argument must be based on these rules.  For a simple example,
    suppose we claim that the number 5 is beautiful.  To support
    this claim, we just need to point out that rule b_5 says so.
    Or, if we want to claim that 8 is beautiful, we can support our
    claim by first observing that 3 and 5 are both beautiful (by
    rules b_3 and b_5) and then pointing out that their sum, 8,
    is therefore beautiful by rule b_sum.  This argument can be
    expressed graphically with the following proof tree:

         ----------- (b_3)   ----------- (b_5)

         beautiful 3         beautiful 5

         ------------------------------- (b_sum)

                   beautiful 8

    Of course, there are other ways of using these rules to argue that
    8 is beautiful, for instance:

         ----------- (b_5)   ----------- (b_3)

         beautiful 5         beautiful 3

         ------------------------------- (b_sum)

                   beautiful 8

Exercise: 1 star (varieties_of_beauty)

 How many different ways are there to show that 8 is beautiful?

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

 In Coq, we can express the definition of beautiful as
    follows:

Inductive beautiful : nat → Prop :=

  b_0   : beautiful 0

| b_3   : beautiful 3

| b_5   : beautiful 5

| b_sum : ∀n m, beautiful n → beautiful m → beautiful (n+m).

The first line declares that beautiful is a proposition — or,
    more formally, a family of propositions "indexed by" natural
    numbers.  (That is, for each number n, the claim that "n is
    beautiful" is a proposition.)  Such a family of propositions is
    often called a property of numbers.  Each of the remaining lines
    embodies one of the rules for beautiful numbers.

    The rules introduced this way have the same status as proven
    theorems; that is, they are true axiomatically.
    So we can use Coq's apply tactic with the rule names to prove
    that particular numbers are beautiful.

Theorem three_is_beautiful: beautiful 3.

Proof.

   (* This simply follows from the rule b_3. *)

   apply b_3.

Qed.

Theorem eight_is_beautiful: beautiful 8.

Proof.

   (* First we use the rule b_sum, telling Coq how to

      instantiate n and m. *)

   apply b_sum with (n:=3) (m:=5).

   (* To solve the subgoals generated by b_sum, we must provide

      evidence of beautiful 3 and beautiful 5. Fortunately we

      have rules for both. *)

   apply b_3.

   apply b_5.

Qed.

As you would expect, we can also prove theorems that have
hypotheses about beautiful.

Theorem beautiful_plus_eight: ∀n, beautiful n → beautiful (8+n).

Proof.

  intros n B.

  apply b_sum with (n:=8) (m:=n).

  apply eight_is_beautiful.

  apply B.

Qed.

Exercise: 2 stars (b_timesm)

Theorem b_timesm: ∀n m, beautiful n → beautiful (m*n).

Proof.

   (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Induction Over Evidence

 Besides constructing evidence that numbers are beautiful, we can
    also reason about such evidence.

 The fact that we introduced beautiful with an Inductive
    declaration tells Coq not only that the constructors b_0, b_3,
    b_5 and b_sum are ways to build evidence, but also that these
    two constructors are the only ways to build evidence that
    numbers are beautiful.

 In other words, if someone gives us evidence E for the assertion
    beautiful n, then we know that E must have one of four shapes:

 E is b_0 (and n is O),

 E is b_3 (and n is 3),

 E is b_5 (and n is 5), or

 E is b_sum n1 n2 E1 E2 (and n is n1+n2, where E1 is
        evidence that n1 is beautiful and E2 is evidence that n2
        is beautiful).

 This permits us to analyze any hypothesis of the form beautiful
    n to see how it was constructed, using the tactics we already
    know.  In particular, we can use the induction tactic that we
    have already seen for reasoning about inductively defined data
    to reason about inductively defined evidence.

    To illustrate this, let's define another property of numbers:

Inductive gorgeous : nat → Prop :=

  g_0 : gorgeous 0

| g_plus3 : ∀n, gorgeous n → gorgeous (3+n)

| g_plus5 : ∀n, gorgeous n → gorgeous (5+n).

Exercise: 1 star (gorgeous_tree)

 Write out the definition of gorgeous numbers using inference rule
    notation.

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

Exercise: 1 star (gorgeous_plus13)

Theorem gorgeous_plus13: ∀n,

  gorgeous n → gorgeous (13+n).

Proof.

   (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

 It seems intuitively obvious that, although gorgeous and
    beautiful are presented using slightly different rules, they are
    actually the same property in the sense that they are true of the
    same numbers.  Indeed, we can prove this.

Theorem gorgeous__beautiful : ∀n,

  gorgeous n → beautiful n.

Proof.

   intros n H.

   induction H as [|n'|n'].

   Case "g_0".

       apply b_0.

   Case "g_plus3".

       apply b_sum. apply b_3.

       apply IHgorgeous.

   Case "g_plus5".

       apply b_sum. apply b_5. apply IHgorgeous.

Qed.

Notice that the argument proceeds by induction on the evidence H!

 Let's see what happens if we try to prove this by induction on n
   instead of induction on the evidence H.

Theorem gorgeous__beautiful_FAILED : ∀n,

  gorgeous n → beautiful n.

Proof.

   intros. induction n as [| n'].

   Case "n = 0". apply b_0.

   Case "n = S n'". (* We are stuck! *)

Abort.

The problem here is that doing induction on n doesn't yield a
    useful induction hypothesis. Knowing how the property we are
    interested in behaves on the predecessor of n doesn't help us
    prove that it holds for n. Instead, we would like to be able to
    have induction hypotheses that mention other numbers, such as n -
    3 and n - 5. This is given precisely by the shape of the
    constructors for gorgeous.

Exercise: 2 stars (gorgeous_sum)

Theorem gorgeous_sum : ∀n m,

  gorgeous n → gorgeous m → gorgeous (n + m).

Proof.

 (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Exercise: 3 stars, advanced (beautiful__gorgeous)

Theorem beautiful__gorgeous : ∀n, beautiful n → gorgeous n.

Proof.

 (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Exercise: 3 stars, optional (g_times2)

 Prove the g_times2 theorem below without using gorgeous__beautiful.
    You might find the following helper lemma useful.

Lemma helper_g_times2 : ∀x y z, x + (z + y)= z + x + y.

Proof.

   (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

Theorem g_times2: ∀n, gorgeous n → gorgeous (2*n).

Proof.

   intros n H. simpl.

   induction H.

   (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

From Boolean Functions to Propositions

 In chapter Basics we defined a function evenb that tests a
    number for evenness, yielding true if so.  We can use this
    function to define the proposition that some number n is
    even:

Definition even (n:nat) : Prop :=

  evenb n = true.

That is, we can define "n is even" to mean "the function evenb
    returns true when applied to n."

    Note that here we have given a name
    to a proposition using a Definition, just as we have
    given names to expressions of other sorts. This isn't a fundamentally
    new kind of proposition;  it is still just an equality.

 Another alternative is to define the concept of evenness
    directly.  Instead of going via the evenb function ("a number is
    even if a certain computation yields true"), we can say what the
    concept of evenness means by giving two different ways of
    presenting evidence that a number is even.

Inductive ev : nat → Prop :=

  | ev_0 : ev O

  | ev_SS : ∀n:nat, ev n → ev (S (S n)).

This definition says that there are two ways to give
    evidence that a number m is even.  First, 0 is even, and
    ev_0 is evidence for this.  Second, if m = S (S n) for some
    n and we can give evidence e that n is even, then m is
    also even, and ev_SS n e is the evidence.

Exercise: 1 star (double_even)

Theorem double_even : ∀n,

  ev (double n).

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Discussion: Computational vs. Inductive Definitions

 We have seen that the proposition "n is even" can be
    phrased in two different ways — indirectly, via a boolean testing
    function evenb, or directly, by inductively describing what
    constitutes evidence for evenness.  These two ways of defining
    evenness are about equally easy to state and work with.  Which we
    choose is basically a question of taste.

    However, for many other properties of interest, the direct
    inductive definition is preferable, since writing a testing
    function may be awkward or even impossible.

    One such property is beautiful.  This is a perfectly sensible
    definition of a set of numbers, but we cannot translate its
    definition directly into a Coq Fixpoint (or into a recursive
    function in any other common programming language).  We might be
    able to find a clever way of testing this property using a
    Fixpoint (indeed, it is not too hard to find one in this case),
    but in general this could require arbitrarily deep thinking.  In
    fact, if the property we are interested in is uncomputable, then
    we cannot define it as a Fixpoint no matter how hard we try,
    because Coq requires that all Fixpoints correspond to
    terminating computations.

    On the other hand, writing an inductive definition of what it
    means to give evidence for the property beautiful is
    straightforward.

Exercise: 1 star (ev__even)

 Here is a proof that the inductive definition of evenness implies
    the computational one.

Theorem ev__even : ∀n,

  ev n → even n.

Proof.

  intros n E. induction E as [| n' E'].

  Case "E = ev_0".

    unfold even. reflexivity.

  Case "E = ev_SS n' E'".

    unfold even. apply IHE'.

Qed.

Could this proof also be carried out by induction on n instead
    of E?  If not, why not?

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

 The induction principle for inductively defined propositions does
    not follow quite the same form as that of inductively defined
    sets.  For now, you can take the intuitive view that induction on
    evidence ev n is similar to induction on n, but restricts our
    attention to only those numbers for which evidence ev n could be
    generated.  We'll look at the induction principle of ev in more
    depth below, to explain what's really going on.

Exercise: 1 star (l_fails)

 The following proof attempt will not succeed.

     Theorem l : ∀n,

       ev n.

     Proof.

       intros n. induction n.

         Case "O". simpl. apply ev_0.

         Case "S".

           ...

   Intuitively, we expect the proof to fail because not every
   number is even. However, what exactly causes the proof to fail?

(* FILL IN HERE *)

 ☐

Exercise: 2 stars (ev_sum)

 Here's another exercise requiring induction.

Theorem ev_sum : ∀n m,

   ev n → ev m → ev (n+m).

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Inversion on Evidence

 Another situation where we want to analyze evidence for evenness
    is when proving that, if n is even, then pred (pred n)) is
    too.  In this case, we don't need to do an inductive proof.  The
    right tactic turns out to be inversion.

Theorem ev_minus2: ∀n,

  ev n → ev (pred (pred n)).

Proof.

  intros n E.

  inversion E as [| n' E'].

  Case "E = ev_0". simpl. apply ev_0.

  Case "E = ev_SS n' E'". simpl. apply E'. Qed.

Exercise: 1 star, optional (ev_minus2_n)

 What happens if we try to use destruct on n instead of inversion on E?

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

 Another example, in which inversion helps narrow down to
the relevant cases.

Theorem SSev__even : ∀n,

  ev (S (S n)) → ev n.

Proof.

  intros n E.

  inversion E as [| n' E'].

  apply E'. Qed.

These uses of inversion may seem a bit mysterious at first.
    Until now, we've only used inversion on equality
    propositions, to utilize injectivity of constructors or to
    discriminate between different constructors.  But we see here
    that inversion can also be applied to analyzing evidence
    for inductively defined propositions.

    (You might also expect that destruct would be a more suitable
    tactic to use here. Indeed, it is possible to use destruct, but
    it often throws away useful information, and the eqn: qualifier
    doesn't help much in this case.)

    Here's how inversion works in general.  Suppose the name
    I refers to an assumption P in the current context, where
    P has been defined by an Inductive declaration.  Then,
    for each of the constructors of P, inversion I generates
    a subgoal in which I has been replaced by the exact,
    specific conditions under which this constructor could have
    been used to prove P.  Some of these subgoals will be
    self-contradictory; inversion throws these away.  The ones
    that are left represent the cases that must be proved to
    establish the original goal.

    In this particular case, the inversion analyzed the construction
    ev (S (S n)), determined that this could only have been
    constructed using ev_SS, and generated a new subgoal with the
    arguments of that constructor as new hypotheses.  (It also
    produced an auxiliary equality, which happens to be useless here.)
    We'll begin exploring this more general behavior of inversion in
    what follows.

Exercise: 1 star (inversion_practice)

Theorem SSSSev__even : ∀n,

  ev (S (S (S (S n)))) → ev n.

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

The inversion tactic can also be used to derive goals by showing
    the absurdity of a hypothesis.

Theorem even5_nonsense :

  ev 5 → 2 + 2 = 9.

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Exercise: 3 stars, advanced (ev_ev__ev)

 Finding the appropriate thing to do induction on is a
    bit tricky here:

Theorem ev_ev__ev : ∀n m,

  ev (n+m) → ev n → ev m.

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Exercise: 3 stars, optional (ev_plus_plus)

 Here's an exercise that just requires applying existing lemmas.  No
    induction or even case analysis is needed, but some of the rewriting
    may be tedious.

Theorem ev_plus_plus : ∀n m p,

  ev (n+m) → ev (n+p) → ev (m+p).

Proof.

  (* FILL IN HERE *) Admitted.

☐

Additional Exercises

Exercise: 4 stars (palindromes)

 A palindrome is a sequence that reads the same backwards as
    forwards.

 Define an inductive proposition pal on list X that
      captures what it means to be a palindrome. (Hint: You'll need
      three cases.  Your definition should be based on the structure
      of the list; just having a single constructor

c : ∀l, l = rev l → pal l

      may seem obvious, but will not work very well.)

 Prove that

 ∀l, pal (l ++ rev l).

 Prove that

 ∀l, pal l → l = rev l.

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

Exercise: 5 stars, optional (palindrome_converse)

 Using your definition of pal from the previous exercise, prove
    that

     ∀l, l = rev l → pal l.

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

Exercise: 4 stars, advanced (subsequence)

 A list is a subsequence of another list if all of the elements
    in the first list occur in the same order in the second list,
    possibly with some extra elements in between. For example,

    [1,2,3]

    is a subsequence of each of the lists

    [1,2,3]

    [1,1,1,2,2,3]

    [1,2,7,3]

    [5,6,1,9,9,2,7,3,8]

    but it is not a subsequence of any of the lists

    [1,2]

    [1,3]

    [5,6,2,1,7,3,8]

 Define an inductive proposition subseq on list nat that
      captures what it means to be a subsequence. (Hint: You'll need
      three cases.)

 Prove that subsequence is reflexive, that is, any list is a
      subsequence of itself.

 Prove that for any lists l1, l2, and l3, if l1 is a
      subsequence of l2, then l1 is also a subsequence of l2 ++
      l3.

 (Optional, harder) Prove that subsequence is transitive — that
      is, if l1 is a subsequence of l2 and l2 is a subsequence
      of l3, then l1 is a subsequence of l3.  Hint: choose your
      induction carefully!

(* FILL IN HERE *)

☐

Exercise: 2 stars, optional (R_provability)

 Suppose we give Coq the following definition:

    Inductive R : nat → list nat → Prop :=

      | c1 : R 0 []

      | c2 : ∀n l, R n l → R (S n) (n :: l)

      | c3 : ∀n l, R (S n) l → R n l.

    Which of the following propositions are provable?

 R 2 [1,0]

 R 1 [1,2,1,0]

 R 6 [3,2,1,0]

 ☐

(* $Date: 2013-07-01 18:48:47 -0400 (Mon, 01 Jul 2013) $ *)

Index
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text:
/**
 * Defines the "scratchpad" abstraction which represents the working state of a {@link com.codepoetics.fluvius.api.Flow}.
 */
package com.codepoetics.fluvius.api.scratchpad;


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We're are now in the very excited build up to actually going on this trip at last. It became even more exciting this week when Japanese currency arrived. I'd shopped around at banks, the post office and travel agents to find not very good rates. In a week when the Japanese government poured trillions of yen into the economy to kickstart inflation and recovery, the yen fell against the pound and the dollar. However exchange rates are slow to respond – a bit like prices at the filling station – quick to go up when oil prices rise, slow to come down when they fall. Rather warily I ordered them online – well there was a bank holiday weekend in the way but they turned up fine as planned. I had looked at several sites and found the best rate and excellent service from TravelFX.com who kept me informed of progress throughout the process. Here they are: ¥1000 somewhere between £6 and £7; ¥5000 about £34 and ¥10000 about £65 – well today anyway!
There were two other important pieces of preparation. Being a little unhappy to rely entirely on showing electronic booking forms to hotels and car hire desks we decided to print out all our booking confirmations and vouchers. Our good friend Toddy posted earlier that we would need a "sturdy binder" for all of them. He was right as you can see and thank goodness we're not on Easyjet or Ryanair with cabin luggage weight restrictions.
The other sprang from some great advice from the superb practice nurse at our local NHS surgery. Dee is suffering from a bout of sinusitis at present and was a bit concerned about its effect on the ear and head pain she usually suffers during take off and landing. "Get ear planes," we were told. So we did. They are little clear rubbery earplugs with a grometty spiral at the outer end which helps to balance pressure and prevent pain. Sounds great, we'll find out in a day or so if they work.
And now I wonder if anyone out there can help me? When I was in Japan in 1981, I bought a series of four etchings which we're extremely fond of and would like to find out a bit more about. I photographed them and took them in to the ever-helpful Alisa at the Japan National Travel Office in London to see if the titles or the artist's name would provide any clues and maybe point us at the locations they depicted. The titles proved descriptive but non-specific in terms of finding out in which part of Japan they might be. Up in the Hills, Green Fields, Poplars and Red Bird are accurate but unhelpful. She was also unable to provide a secure reading of the artist's signature so I'm posting the etchings and a close up of the signature below and if anyone recognises places or the artist we'd really love it if you could post a comment to let us know.
Thanks for your comments, feedback and suggestions. Now for the real fun!
So I have an itinerary, the hotels are booked and we know what they will cost. I know the basic cost of a Japan Rail Pass and I discovered that you can actually buy them online from JRPass.com. The passes are great as they show huge savings over the rates for all our journeys as a few enquiries on the web soon reveal. They come in 7 day, 14 day and 21 day versions. Japan Rail Passes are only available to non-Japanese citizens and you have to buy a voucher before you travel and exchange it for a pass once you arrive in Japan or when you need to start using it. In our case we'll start to use it in Kyoto for the remaining 21 days of our trip since the first few days are in Tokyo or in a rented car. So, that cost can be added to the spreadsheet.
Next, car rental. When I first looked at this back in February I couldn't get anywhere since most of the car hire companies hadn't published their spring and summer rates – ominous. Nissan Rent a Car did have rates on their site and so I entered dates and places to get an estimate of costs for the Hokkaido leg of the trip. In my inbox next morning was a confirmation and a request for payment so I had to reply that I wanted to cancel the booking as I had not yet decided on whether and when we were coming to Japan. Hope it doesn't leave a black mark against my name on file should we need to use Nissan for real. However it did give me a good idea of a daily rate including English SatNav, unlimited mileage and insurance which I could then use to calculate the rest of our trips for car.
But once we are in the car how to calculate time and cost of journeys? I fiddled around with Google Maps and various other sites and eventually came across Navitime's Journey Pro where you can enter your start and end points – in this case our first day of car hire to go from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Based on picking up a car at the station the site was able to locate our hotel in Fujiyoshida. It provides a complete stage by stage route – and marvellous device – it tells you distance, time it'll take and toll costs. Interestingly it also tells you how much it would cost to do it by taxi! Maybe long distance taxis are common in Japan – we'll find out perhaps. I had an idea of average fuel consumption for the class of car we'll be renting and fuel cost so I could now work out all our road travel costs. What is brilliant as you'll see in these two screen shots is that it shows the route on toll roads or on national roads. In our case it's a significant difference 1 hour 40 minutes and ¥3600 (£25) or 4 hours and 9 minutes. I think we'll take the expressways especially as they are marginally greener too – oh yes the CO2 emissions are on there too. The byways might be more fun but we will get to drive on several non-expressway segments of our route later on.
or will there be cuts?
So, despite realising we had selected the busiest and most expensive time to visit Japan, I went online and found a number of likely recipients to advise on and quote for our trip. I emailed the draft itinerary to three specialist Japan tour companies and to the Japan National Tourism Organization's office in London. I asked them to take a look to see whether they thought our plan was do-able at all and if so what sort of budget we'd be looking at. All were extremely helpful – three were extremely doubtful. The JNTO advice came free and offered me the chance of going in to discuss it. The tour operators all suggested the budget we'd tentatively set ourselves was about half of what was required. They also warned us that we had opted to travel at the most expensive and busy time and that making bookings at all would be difficult and where possible, expensive. I had mentioned that I was aware of this in my covering letter but that because of work commitments, this was sadly the only period this year when we are free to travel.
We had some Avios (Airmiles as was) which would cover the flights to Tokyo with British Airways. So we picked our dates, clicked confirm and Bingo! Stage one the flight out was booked. Except not – the checkout basket kept asking me for credit card details and a significant sum of money. So we abandoned that bit until I could call Avios next day to check it. We continued refining the trip so that we could include as many of the Murakami places, the gardens, ukiyo-e galleries and general tourist sites as possible. I had managed to make it to Kamakura and Nikko on my previous visits – Nikko most notably with overnight ryokan style accommodation in a school staff dormitory, callisthenics with the pupils to a nationally broadcast radio routine at six in the morning as the sun rose followed by a miso soup and pickles breakfast. And yes I still want to go back.
After observing, commenting on and demonstrating practical activities, we did finish relatively early in the school in Nikko and managed to take lunch at a restaurant on Lake Chuzenji which consisted of some of the most delicious freshly caught trout I've ever eaten – hope they've still got some and haven't overfished the lake. So that's another must for the list – to go back and see how much it's changed – as if I can really remember.
Websites are wonderful things but looking at hotels on them can be very confusing. Booking.com and Agoda.com have settings where you can set prices in GBP and not have to have the calculator to hand. But the very good Japan based sites Rakuten and Jalan only show prices in ¥ per person per night and JapanIcan.com kept freezing on me so I gave up on that. However that first Sunday afternoon we had decided on the E Hotel in Shinjuku for our first two nights in Japan so that at least we had something booked. And at £60 per night for both of us it led us to believe the whole thing might be a reality not just a possibility. We folded the map, put away the guidebooks and shut down the laptop in an optimistic frame of mind.
Next morning did bring something of a shock however when my call to Avios confirmed that while our accumulated miles would indeed buy the tickets to Tokyo they wouldn't cover the taxes. On reflection and after my initial indignation, this is an understandable Avios policy since fuel surcharges, airport fees and government taxes change all too frequently. So what we'd seen as a free flight is now going to cost us £343.75 each just for taxes. Ah well, as always for most of us there's no way of avoiding taxes.


text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;

using Duality;

namespace InputHandling
{
	public class InputHandlingCorePlugin : CorePlugin { }
}


Revenge is sweet? House Speaker Glenn Richardson may have lost out in his attempt to secure the DOT commissioner's job for Rep. Vance Smith, but he could have the last laugh on some of the Transportation Board members who voted against his wishes. Board members are elected by the legislators who reside in the congressional districts that the members represent, and five of the 13 board people are up for election to new terms next January when the legislature convenes. The five members up for new terms on the board include Chairman Mike Evans and Raybon Anderson, who both voted for Gena Abraham over Vance Smith.
Permanent parkland: The De-partment of Natural Resources can add to its parkland holdings a 2,268-acre tract from Georgia Power Co. that already is part of Tallulah Gorge State Park in Habersham and Rabun counties. The North Georgia Mountains Authority has leased the land from Georgia Power since 1995; but the utility agreed to donate the property to DNR, assuring that it will always remain a state park.
Budget director: Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, an assistant professor of public administration at Georgia State University, is the choice to replace the retiring Kevin Fillion as director of the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office. "I am committed to continuing what the Senate budget office has been doing with program-based budgeting and moving forward with zero-based budgeting over the next few years," Bourdeaux said after her appointment was announced.
Wayne's honor: The State Transportation Board is honoring former DOT commissioner Wayne Shackelford of Gwinnett County by urging the General Assembly to name the interchange at I-85 and Georgia 316 as the Wayne Shackelford Interchange. Shackelford was the DOT commissioner from 1993 to 2000; he continued to push for improvements to the state's transportation infrastructure after he stepped down from the top job.
All in the family: Gov. Sonny Perdue kept it in the family when he recently announced the appointment of two Superior Court judges. Perdue appointed Murphy Miller of Young Harris, whose father answers to the name "Zell," as a Superior Court judge for the Enotah Judicial Circuit. Miller, 52, had been the public defender for the Enotah Circuit since July 2004. Perdue also named Donald W. Gillis, a State Court judge in Treutlen County, as a Superior Court judge for the Dublin Judicial Circuit. Gillis' father is Hugh Gillis, who served in the General Assembly as a House or Senate member for 56 years before retiring in 2004.
Unfearsome foursome: There are now at least four Democrats who say they will run in the U.S. Senate race next year. The two major candidates are DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones and former TV newsman Dale Cardwell. Statesboro businessman Josh Lanier, a former Senate staffer for Herman Talmadge, says he will also run, along with environmental scientist Rand Knight. None of the four is exactly threatening Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss, who maintains more than a 30-point lead over each of them in head-to-head match-ups by pollsters.
High marks: The Campaign Disclosure Project, a nationwide evaluation of state campaign finance disclosure programs, says in its annual ranking that the information technology staff of the Georgia State Ethics Commission has improved its electronic filing program from a 12th-place ranking to number one in the nation.
Early money: State Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) got off to a quick start in his fund raising for next year's 10th Congressional District race, where he will be facing incumbent Paul Broun in the GOP primary. Fleming entered the race shortly after Labor Day and had already raised $273,000 by Sept. 30. Broun had just under $35,000 cash on hand.


What's causing trump to surge lately?
Colorado is the worst news for Clinton. She can afford to lose all the other states.
Why are we even posting Emerson polls at all? Wasn't Emerson pretty much discredited a week or two ago?
wtf is going on in colorado.
Trump only +6 in GA in what a most likely a very Republican-favoring poll seems to be in line with recent polling out of there, wonder what's causing that?
Emerson is making America great again! Give them five Pepes!
Again no, but keep going on.
Why were polls from a month ago, conducted by Democratic-advocacy groups, posted yesterday?
Clinton is mean to "deplorables."
Has there ever been a collapse this epic in our polling lifetimes?
Cool, now if we could get someone to call cell phones in these states, we could combine the results and get some real polls.
I am ready to say that this race is probably lean R at this time. But it seems that Democrats are doing OK down ballot in MO and CO. It looks like the Senate could still be competitive even if Clinton loses by a margin.
God I wish the Republicans had a REAL candidate in Colorado. But maybe it's a blessing in disguise since it would take resources from other races, and still be tough. For what it's worth the NRSC stopped airing attacks against Bennet (glad they're not wasting money) and in a video they posetd yesterday with (almost) all their candidates, Darryl Glenn was excluded (as were Mike Crapo and John Hoeven, strangely). Of course, Kelly Ayotte was one of the most prominently featured ones, ugh.
I would wait for something better than Emerson and after the debates before the freakout.
If Trump can win IA/NV/CO, he doesn't need PA.
This is scary. My endorsement returns to Hillary for now. She needs every single vote.


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Corona cases in Palestine reach 4722 with 472 recorded in the last 24 hours – Ministry
RAMALLAH, Sunday, July 05, 2020 (WAFA) – Total coronavirus cases in Palestine reached 4722 following confirmation of 472 new cases in the last 24 hours, 264 of them since noon today, according to the Ministry of Health.
It said that 216 cases were in the Hebron district, the new epicenter of the pandemic in Palestine, 44 in the Jerusalem district, three in the Ramallah area and one in Nablus district.
In addition, nine patients have recovered in the Nablus district bringing the total recoveries to 665 in Palestine, which includes East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
A total of 20 Palestinians have died from the disease, including 15 in the West Bank, most of them in the Hebron district, four in Jerusalem and one in the Gaza Strip.
With the sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Palestine, President Mahmoud Abbas declared today a 30-day state of emergency to help the government deal with the pandemic.


Marion Hofmann Bowman is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. She is a physician scientist at the University of Chicago and is interested in vascular inflammation. Clinically, Dr. Hofmann is a member of the "Aortic Center" at the University of Chicago and provides care for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and bicuspid aortic valve.
Marion Hofmann Bowman clinical interest is in bicuspid aortic valve, as this is a common congenital heart disease and often associated with calcific aortic valve disease and thoracic aortic aneurysms.


Phedon Papamichael has shot more than 40 films, including Alexander Payne's last three. The most recent of them, the starkly beautiful black and white "Nebraska" earned the veteran Director of Photography his first Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
Indiewire recently spoke with Papamichael from his home in Los Angeles about being nominated for his first Oscar, shooting on film vs. digital and shooting "Nebraska" in the Midwest.
This is your first Oscar nomination. Was it a surprise?
It's quite a thrilling ride. I didn't really expect it. I knew because of the black and white that we had found a lot of fans of the cinematography. I had people like Haskell Wexler calling me. The talk was positive and I'm happy so many people responded to it, especially for a small film like that and with a modest budget. I think we're the lowest budget in the group.
But you never really know. I did know a lot of people responded to the film on many levels, but I don't think we expected six nominations. I had dinner with Alexander [Payne] the night before and he thought Bruce [Dern] would get one and maybe Bob Nelson, the writer, but you and I are the wild cards — and we were. It's gotten a lot of love from a lot of people — especially people from the Midwest.
What was it like shooting in the Midwest? Especially as a foreigner?
the wide horizon and skies and the occasional freight trains and trucks.
take a turn down Main Street and I'd never see anybody on the streets.
What was your biggest influence on "Nebraska" and how did you decide on the look of the film?
supports the mood and the themes of the film.
How did you get the black and white film look?
digital, but a lot of people assume it's black and white [film stock].
What are your thoughts on shooting on film vs. digital?
There are a lot of people who would like to continue to shoot on film.
projection dominating, it's beautiful seeing a black and white print.
a lot of texture that people won't be accustomed to anymore.
Do you have a favorite camera?
shoot with a small digital camera and the movie would be just as good.
create quality film that can be released in theater.
"Nebraska" is your third collaboration with Alexander Payne. Can you communicate in shorthand?
We have similar cultural backgrounds. He had a lot of exposure to Europe. In terms of humor, we've always had a similar language. Our aesthetics and our visuals are very different. He's a writer and takes things in a different way. I like to get a little less objective with the camera, a little more subjective. It's a process — we started on "Sideways" and it took certainly the first two to three weeks on "Sideways" before we were really in sync. Of course, it's developed much further through "The Descendants" and on "Nebraska," we've found a way to complement each other's cinematic tastes to a much more effective way. We watch a lot of movies together, not specifically related to the movies we're doing — Italian neo-realism and Japanese films like [Akira] Kurosawa.
You've worked with Oliver Stone, James Mangold, Wim Wenders and other acclaimed directors. What sort of directors do you like to work with the most?
I like them to be complete filmmakers. There are directors that focus on the actors and the characters. It might seem very different. With James Mangold and George Clooney, we worked pretty similar than when I worked with Alexander. We don't preconceive that much. It's not that rigid a design that we plan. We like to bring the actors to set and come up with the shots after that. It's a more organic process, which I enjoy. With Gore Verbinski, who comes from commercials, everything is storyboarded. It's also creative, but it happens at a different time. My preferred way is to be open to have happy accidents and to find them and let the actors roam freely and not restrict them too much technically. George [Clooney] likes to do very few takes — just one or two.
We prepared by watching a lot of documentaries from that period and WWII documentaries, a lot of those classic American Hollywood films that deal with WWII that George really likes and that this is a tribute to — "The Great Escape," "A Bridge Too Far," "The Dirty Dozen." When you see the film, it very much feels like an old school Hollywood film in tone as well. Don't expect a high action WWII film. It focuses in on the characterization. It's not a modern treatment in terms of frantic camera moves. It's very classically crafted. It's different from "Nebraska" in terms of scale and scope. We had big sets and lots of extras. In a way, the heart of the story is told in a similar way as "Nebraska," it's pretty simple.
Finally, which cinematographers do you admire?
The great American cinematographers: Bob Richardson, Conrad Hall, Gordon Willis, Caleb Deschanel, Raoul Coutard, Nestor Almendros and Robbie Mueller.


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Home » Celebrity » Moby cancels book tour after Natalie Portman controversy
Moby cancels book tour after Natalie Portman controversy
Moby canceled his book tour on Wednesday amid backlash over a claim in his book that he once dated Natalie Portman during his short-lived success as a musician.
The electro-pop artist posted a message on his Instagram page that tried to address the fallout from his autobiographical tome entitled "Then It Fell Apart."
"I'm going to go away for awhile," the musician wrote. "But before I do I want to apologize again, and to say clearly that all of this has been my own fault."
The website for his scheduled tour said "moby is canceling all upcoming public appearances for the foreseeable future."
Moby, 55, had included an anecdote in the book about meeting Portman at one of his concerts when she was 20 years old and he was 33. He claimed she flirted with him and they dated.
In response, Portman later told Harper's Bazaar that she had only been 18 when she met the musician and he was "creepy."
In his Instagram message on Wednesday, Moby conceded that he should have reached out to the actress before publishing about their interaction.
"I am the one who released the book without showing it to the people I wrote about. I'm the one who posted defensively and arrogantly. I'm the one who behaved inconsiderately and disrespectfully, both in 2019 and in 1999," he said.
"There is obviously no one else to blame but me. Thank you, and I'm sorry."
Tagged after, book, cancels, controversy, Moby, Natalie, Portman, tour
Demi Moore Says Ashton Kutcher Cheated on Her on Their Wedding Anniversary
Billie Eilish Wins New Artist Of The Year, Delivers Fiery Performance At AMAs
BOOM! Prabhas' Saaho is fastest Telugu film after Baahubali to earn $1 million in the US | Bollywood Life
Jenelle Evans Breaks Her Silence After Losing Custody Of Her Kids: 'I Will Do Anything' To Get Them Back
Cuba Gooding Jr., Claudine De Niro still going strong


So have you been keeping on all the news about domestic spying by the Executive branch on such subversives as PETA, Greenpeace and the Catholic Workers Group? Catholic workers group does charitable work with the poor.
When I think subversives I think Catholic Workers Group.
"...the Catholic Workers Group advocates a communist distribution of resources."
Oh yes, because communism is a threat to the US. Oh wait, communism hasn't been a threat to the US since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed.
The Department of Defense meanwhile has been spying on antiwar protestors and keeping files on them as part of their project TALON. This includes keeping files on Quaker anti war protestors.
You know when I think terrorists I think: Quakers.
Also leads to the question: What the -blank- is the DOD doing spying on US citizens?
The sad thing is that this isn't really news to us on the left. My mom's Freedom of Information Act file showed that in the 80s the FBI spied on the Peace group that she was a part of. What is news is the sheer scale of the spying: not just the NSA but also the FBI and the Department of Defense.
Interestingly enough some of the very same people who served Nixon and Ford are part of the new wave of justifications for destroying what remains of the US Bill of Rights, may it rest in peace.
(Que Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American"
Yep, I'd heard of this, but like you I was totally unsuprised. My aunt was spied on during the 70s because she was quite an activist. She attended quite a number of protests, organised a local group of 'dissidents', and she and my uncle made repeated trips to Chile to rescue people there from Allende's rule and help them claim entry to the USA. Apparently this, in particular, marks you out as being subversive.
What I think is new about the spying allegations is that they are justified using the banner of 'terrorism' which puts them in the same category as Bin Laden. 'Connections' to terrorism? Ho hum.
Good for you aunt. Like I said mom had one too. She went to Nicaragua in 84 to see for herself what was going on. Perhaps working for the Church also marks her "as a possible communist insurgent". Which if you know my mom is hilarious. Should you decide to come over here and help out, my door and spare bed are always open for you.
I feel sorry for the guy spying on me. He's going to need many years of therapy. Many, many, years of therapy.
well, I guess there is always the I-led-such-an-important-life-I-got-spied-on way to look at it. not everyone has that.


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Wishcasting Wednesday: what wish do you hear?
January 18th is my birthday, or as one of my friends said today the day my body met my soul. I turned 48 years-young today. And I started this new year trying to refocus on me, honoring my health, and recomitting to changing my life path. I want to focus more on the creative aspects of my life.
I did not plan anything for this day and what pulled me the most was my camera and the out-of-doors. I am drawn by textures and lines. A certain angle of light that offers hope and a sense of healing.
I took 5-days off work to listen to my soul. To follow inspiration. Clear clutter. Welcome what unfolds. And today I walked on a path with no footsteps. Just paw-prints from a squirrel.
On Monday night, I attened my first formal meditation class. I have decided to take my focus inward. To silence the mind that jumps a subject a second and s-l-o-w-d-o-w-n.
I wish to heal my body, mind, and rejoin my soul with purpose.
I wish to build a life of healing, inspiring others, and connect with the natural world.
Posted on January 18, 2012, in Abundance, Wishcasting Wednesday and tagged Abundance, changing our lives, inspirational, wish making, wishcasting wednesday. Bookmark the permalink.	7 Comments.
5 days off to listen to your soul–what a wonderful gift! I subscribe to Susan Piver's Open Heart Project and have found it a really good way to feel supported in my meditation practice when I don't feel like leaving the house :) : http://www.susanpiver.com/wordpress/the-open-heart-project/ As you wish for yourself, so I also wish for you.
Happy Birthday. What a wonderful way to celebrate you and the things that are important to you. Enjoy your five days off.
PS Your pictures are lovely.
So beautiful! And so important to reconnect with ourselves! As you wish for yourself, so I also wish for you!
Happy birthday and what a lovely wish for you!
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful present to yourself to take time off to reflect. As you wish for yourself, so I wish for you!!
As you wish for yourself, so I wish for you.


For many people, having dentures installed is the only way they can get relief from their missing or damaged teeth. The advances in modern dentistry have made today's dentures much more comfortable and resilient than they were in the past. The dentures you get these days are much more form fitting and do not have the problems that older style dentures did. If you think that you are ready to make the plunge into wearing dentures, then you need to speak with your dentist and see what they have to say. Here are a few common ways to fix most problems you have with Dentures made by a Binghamton NY dentist.
After many years of wearing your dentures, you may start to notice that they do not fit nearly as well as they once did. This is due to the fact that over time, your jaw bone will begin to continue to deteriorate, which will make the dentures fit much looser than before. When you notice this start to happen, you need to go to your dentist and get them refitted. You dentist will be able to adjust them to fit much better and allow a more comfortable wearing experience.
Another common problem that people experience when they first get their dentures is the inability to say certain words or phrases. If you start to notice that this becoming a problem for your, then you need to being practicing the phrases you are having trouble with. You need to also think about trying to speak much slower because the faster you try to talk, the more mistakes you will inevitably make. Taking your time and annunciating can go a long way in getting rid of your new found speech impediments.
For many denture wearers, keeping their new dental piece in place is a challenge that often leads to frustration. The only way to make sure that your teeth stay in place is by getting a good adhesive. A little bit of adhesive will go a long way, which means you can save some money by only using a little bit. You may have to try a few different adhesives before you find the best one for your particular needs. If you are having trouble getting the right one, then you may want to speak with your dentist to get some recommendations.
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Home » Miscellaneous » The Importance of Liturgical Beauty
Author Martin Mosebach and Ss. Trinita Dei Pellingrini, Rome.
Photo: © Stefano dal Pozzolo (KNA) (Source)
In modern times it is not uncommon -- though, mercifully, it perhaps less common than it was even a decade ago -- that anyone who might suggest that the aesthetic dimensions of the sacred liturgy are important and worthy of attention, that beauty matters and therefore the beautiful should be pursued, shouldn't be viewed with a certain amount of suspicion or even the outright suggestion of shallowness and misguided priorities. Often there are intimations (if not direct accusations) of being a mere aesthete whose concern is merely for "pomp" and "show." Others might simply suggest it a matter of misplaced priorities; focusing upon accidentals rather than that which "really matters." This very matter is spoken to by Martin Mosebach in his excellent liturgical work, The Heresy of Formlessness: The Roman Liturgy and Its Enemy, published by Ignatius Press. In it Mosebach writes:
In Germany, whenever there is a debate about the great Catholic liturgical tradition, it only needs someone to utter the accusation of 'aestheticism', and it is all over. [...] The German vice -- philosophy -- has firmly fixed the idea of a distinction between content and form in the minds of very diverse people. According to this doctrine, the content and form can be separated from one another. What it regards as the authentic reality it calls the content: abstraction, the theoretical abstract. By contrast, it regards bodies of flesh and blood, physical and tangible structures, as mere form, expendable and shadowy images. The idea is that those who occupy themselves with this external form remain at the peripheral level, the level of accidents, whereas those who go beyond the form reach the realm of eternal abstractions and so attain the light of truth. In this view, forms have become something arbitrary... Anyone who perceives the form and takes it seriously is in danger of being deceived. This is the trouble with the aesthete. He looks for truth in the wrong place, that is, in the realm of what can be seen, and he looks for it with the wrong (and forbidden!) means, that is, with his senses, taste, experience and intellect. This philosophical rebellion against everything self-evident has given birth to the basic attitude of our generation, namely, an all-pervading distrust of every kind of beauty and perfection. Nowadays, the most withering condemnation is to say that something is 'merely beautiful'. [...] The crushing power of this contemporary attitude has inhibited Catholics and made them fearful and uncertain, faced with the task of defending their traditional form of prayer and sacrifice. This form, this mighty architecture composed of language, music, and gesture was too visual, too full of concrete significance: it was bound to provoke the vehement opposition of our contemporaries. [...] We cannot just laugh this off. It is difficult, if not impossible, to break out from one's time, and sometimes it seems as if there is hardly anyone left unscathed, untouched by this guilt feeling on account of liturgical beauty...
-- The Heresy of Formlessness, p. 104-6
Of course statements can be found from various modern day authors about the importance of liturgical beauty, not least of which by one of the founding fathers of the Liturgical Movement, Dom Lambert Beauduin, OSB, who suggests that "all the externals of the Liturgy are indispensable" from its plastic elements to the rites and ceremonies themselves, or Dom Gerard Calvet, OSB, who famously spoke of the "two doors" of intelligence and beauty by which people enter the Church -- the door of beauty being that which is most accessible and impactful of all.
However, while we can indeed find authoritative voices who speak to the importance of beauty, this ideological tendency of attacking beauty is only too common. Now obviously it is possible that some might hold to a shallow form of aestheticism but it is by no means a matter of necessity and a skewed view of the external aspects of the Church and her liturgy cuts in two different directions. The way of the true (which is to say shallow) aesthete, yes, but on the opposite end of the spectrum those who fail to recognize or acknowledge the import and influence of these things, seeing them as unimportant, shallow or even a danger.
In either case we have a problem and the shared root is the divorce of the interior and exterior aspects; a 'schism' that fails not only to recognize the very existence of a relationship, but which also fails to sufficiently acknowledge how external aspects have a profound influence upon us and are doorways to the internal. Such a divorce could be understood to amount to a kind of liturgical dualism because it places a division where there is not properly one. Of course, not all who object to a consideration of externals are, strictly speaking, suggesting there is no relationship whatsoever, but they are perhaps not giving sufficient weight to that relationship and thus there is something of a dualistic tendency that is arguably present to some greater or lesser degree.
However, if one accepts the reality of this fundamental relationship, that the outer aspects are a "gateway" to the inner aspects, the visible pointing to the invisible, then the concern as to whether this is or is not a misplaced emphasis should quickly be resolved with our only remaining concern being to ensure that we avoid the aforementioned extremes.
That our experiences, actions and other external dimensions of life generally have a profound influence upon us, forming us, moving us and so forth, is really a matter of common sense and experience. We are creatures founded in both of these aspects and we live and respond accordingly. What is true of life in general is also true of the liturgical and ecclesiastical life. To thus deny or minimize beauty's relevance and importance, even in the face of our lived-experience which speaks so poignantly to its influence upon us in so many regards, is, to paraphrase Mosebach, to rebel against what is self-evident.


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I can't believe it's not Wednesday!
So you say its Thursday. I guess I'm in no position to argue. Hosting a (likely) viral infection automatically disqualifies me as official timekeeper. Heck, it could be Sunday for all I know. Here's what I do know, and this is probably the most important thing of all… I'm sitting at home with my feet at the same elevation as my waist. What's even more important (considering I have a head cold): my head is still higher than my waist. Trust me, the last think you need is more fluid rushing to your head when you've got sinus issues.
All of this was made possible by our second hand (but still in the family), Lazy-Boy recliner. Growing up I never pictured myself as a "Lazy-Boy" guy. To me, the arch-type of the "Lazy-Boy" guy is Archie Bunker… and I just don't have that kind of presence. I'll tell you what though, you come in out of the heat, into the air conditioning, plunk yourself down, and give a pull on that magic lever… you hit the jackpot every time. EVERY time baby!


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Episode Review: GLEE, "Laryngitis"
After two somewhat mediocre episodes of Glee, tonight's "Laryngitis" picked up the slack, and was a pretty entertaining episode from start to finish. Well, it was kind of like two episodes because the second half of the episode was very different than the first half, and we got tons of storylines and songs in such a small amount of time, but for the most part everything flowed.
The common thread that ran throughout the episode was self-identity as Puck, Mercedes, Kurt, and Rachel try to figure out if they are more than what they seem. Is Puck just a cool bully? Does Mercedes feel comfortable in her Cheerios uniform? Is Rachel nothing without her singing voice? Is Kurt really gay? These are some of the questions posed by this week's episode; some are answered and some kicked off what's going to be a fun journey of self discovery.
Puck's attempt to reclaim his cool status after losing his mohawk by dating Mercedes (she's cool now because she's a cheerleader) kicked off the episode, and this plotline delivered a lot of the laughs. When Puck tried to impress Mercedes by pointing out the fact the Sammy Davis, Jr. was a black Jew I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Also, seeing Mercedes let Puck use her for her popularity was both fun and sad. She finally had a boy show interest in her, and even though she knew what his motivations were, she was willing to let it slide because of the attention. I'm just glad she wised up by the end of the episode.
While the Puck/Mercedes sub-plot brought the funny, Rachel and Kurt's respective stories brought the drama. Sure, Rachel losing her voice and Kurt trying to butch up for his dad had their share of jokes and light moments, but they quickly became serious. In order to calm Rachel down, Finn introduced her to a friend of his who was paralyzed and lost everything. While the gesture was pretty heavy-handed, the message sunk in, and Rachel realized that she's more than just her voice.
The show has never been subtle, so I shouldn't have been surprised that they introduced a paralyzed character to make a point, but something about this storyline something felt a tiny bit forced. I'm glad that Glee continues to bring diversity and important lessons to TV, but Rachel's story kind of took the wind out of the sails which led to a very quick change in tone. It was a little jarring.
On the other hand, Kurt's storyline pretty much seamlessly combined comedy and drama. Kurt was still trying to come to terms with his dad spending time with Finn, so he decided to become more of a "man" in order to connect with Burt. Of course, this tactic did't really land, which just frustrated Kurt even more. We were lucky to get yet another amazing scene between Kurt and his father as they try to understand where the other is coming from. Who would have thought the guy from GUTS had such range?
What makes Kurt's story so great is it could have Burt be 100% supportive and understanding. While he is 100% supportive of Kurt, there are some adjustments that Burt needs to make. He doesn't totally understand Kurt, but he loves him with all of his being, which makes their scenes have even more of an impact because they're willing to put in some extra effort to make their relationship work. Oh, and Brittany had more screentime and one-liners, which is always a good thing.
As you can see, there was a lot of narrative going on during tonight's episode, but they're was also a ton of great songs. Finn's rendition of "Jessie's Girl" was probably the least inspired song choice ever (we all knew it was coming as soon as Jesse started dating Rachel), but it still worked as a performance and as a plot device. The duet involving Mercedes and Santana (they sang "The Boy is Mine") was great because it allowed Naya Rivera to really showcase her skills for once. Oh, and let's not forget Puck's version of "The Lady is a Tramp". Seriously, Glee needs a Rat Pack themed episode next season, or at least more jazz numbers. Kurt's Broadway inspired "Rose's Turn" was also moving.
The only songs that really didn't work for me was "The Climb" (which was kind of the point I suppose), and New Directions' rendition of U2's "One". The last song worked from a thematic standpoint, but the execution just didn't have the same punch as some of the other show stopper numbers.
"Laryngitis" was jam packed with plenty of story, character development, and great music, but it didn't feel too busy or jumbled like last week's "Bad Reputation" (maybe it's because we didn't have two music videos to sit through), and almost everything worked. I just hope Glee has gotten past its slump because I'd hate it if next week's Joss Whedon/Neil Patrick Harris episode is anything less than abso-freaking-lutely brilliant.
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$30 Billion Loss Projected For Live Music Industry
The impact of Covid-19 on the American live music industry is expected to top $30 billion across 2020 alone.
Tagged as: Celine Dion, Dead & Company, Eagles, Elton John, Jonas Brothers, music industry, Pollstar, Post Malone, Queen. Adam Lambert, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, U2
Tagged as: 60s, 70s, Abba, Adele, Al green, Alabama Shakes, Alex Da Kid, Alexandre Desplat, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Axwell & Ingrosso, Bastille, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Bee Gees, Benny Blanco, Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen, Carly Rae Jepsen, Carly Simon, Carole Bayer Sager, Chris Brown, Coldplay, DaBaby, Danny Elfman, Dave Matthews, Demi Lovato, Desmond child, Disclosure, Don Henley, Dua Lipa, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Elvis Costello, Emile Haynie, Eminem, Florence + The Machine, folk, future, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Gustavo Santaolalla, H.E.R., Halsey, Harry Styles, Imagine Dragons, Irving Berlin, J Balvin, Jack White, Jason Derulo, Jeff Bhasker, Jhené Aiko, Jimi Hendrix, Jody Gerson, Joe Jonas, Josh Groban, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Kendrick Lamar, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Bernstein, Lil Baby, Lil Mosey, Lil Yachty, Linkin Park, Logic, Lucian Grainge, Maren Morris, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Martin Garrix, Megan Thee Stallion, Metallica, Metro Boomin, Michael Chabon, Miguel, Mumford & Sons, Ne-Yo, Neil Diamond, New Order, Nick Jonas, Nicki Minaj, Otis Redding, Paul Simon, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, publishing, Quavo, R.E.M., Randy Newman, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rex Orange County, rock, Rosalía, Sam Hunt, Selena Gomez, Sex Pistols, Shania Twain, Shawn Mendes, songwriting, Stax (East Memphis Music), Steve Mac, SZA, Taylor Swift, The Clash, the Mamas & the Papas, Tobias Jesso Jr., Troy Verges, U2, Universal Music Publishing, USA, Zedd
Patti Smith Goes Busking In Midtown Manhattan
Patti Smith took to the streets of New York this weekend for an acoustic singalong of her classic "People Have The Power".
Tagged as: 70s, 80s, Patti Smith, People Have The Power, punk, rock, U2, USA
U2 Stamped Out of Ireland
Ireland's An Post has unveiled four special stamps marking U2's distinguished music career.
Tagged as: 80s, AN Post, Ireland, stamps, U2
U2 Expand 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' for 20th Anniversary
U2 will release a 10 disc edition of 'All You Can't Leave Behind' to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of the album.
Tagged as: 80s, All That You Can't Leave Behind, Ireland, rock, U2
Mick Jagger Says Bono Scared Him About Playing Glastonbury
Mick Jagger was nervous ahead of the Rolling Stones' Glastonbury debut in 2013 because Bono had warned him it was one of the toughest gigs around.
Tagged as: 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Bono, Mick Jagger, rock, Rolling Stones, U2, UK
Bono To Build Cultural Hub In Ireland
U2 frontman Bono is reportedly teaming up with a property developer to build a cultural and wellness hub in his native Dublin, Ireland.
Tagged as: 00s, 10s, 80s, 90s, Bono, Ireland, rock, U2, UK
U2 Play First Australian Show With A Nod To Michael Hutchence and Midnight Oil
U2 played in Brisbane Tuesday 12 November, their first Australian show in nine years, and Michael Hutchence was remembered.
Tagged as: 00s, 10s, 80s, 90s, Australia, Ireland, Live Nation, New Zealand, rock, U2
U2 Head To Australia After New Zealand Shows
U2 have touched down in Australia for their first tour in nine years. After two shows in Auckland on the weekend, U2 will kick off the Australian leg of 'The Joshua Tree' tour in Brisbane on Tuesday (12 November).
Noel Gallagher Debuts Brand New 'Wandering Star' In Auckland
Noel Gallagher has given Auckland the first listen to his new song 'Wandering Star'.
Tagged as: 90s, Noel Gallagher, Oasis, rock, U2, UK
U2 Plays First Show Of 2019 In Auckland
U2 have returned to the stage for the first time in 51 weeks to play their first show of 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Tagged as: 00s, 10s, 80s, 90s, rock, U2
Noel Gallagher Would Pick Boris Johnson Over Liam For A Brother
Noel Gallagher has spoken to his estranged younger sibling since he quit their band Oasis in 2009 and he admits given a choice between Liam, 47, and British Prime Minister Boris, 55, he thinks the politician would be "more entertaining" than the singer.
Tagged as: 90s, Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Oasis, rock, U2, UK
U2 To Play First Shows Of 2019 In New Zealand This Friday
The U2 The Joshua Tree tour of 2019 will kick off this Friday (8 November) in Auckland, New Zealand. The Australasian U2 show will be their only shows on 2019.
U2 Debut EP 'Three' To Be Released As Limited Edition Vinyl
U2's very first release, the E.P. 'Three' will be released as a limited edition 12" vinyl to mark November's Record Store Day.
Tagged as: 80s, 90s, Ireland, rock, U2
Noel Gallagher Would Work With Morrissey Despite Opposing Political Views
Noel Gallagher insists Morrissey's controversial political opinions wouldn't stop him collaborating with him.
Tagged as: 90s, Morrissey, Noel Gallagher, Oasis, rock, Smiths, U2, UK
Noel Gallagher Releases His Second EP for 2019 'This Is The Place'
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have a second EP for 2019 with 'This Is The Place'.
Tagged as: 90s, Noel Gallagher, rock, U2, UK
U2 Singapore Show Details Confirmed
U2 have confirmed details of their Singapore show. The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 will reach Singapore's National Stadium on Saturday 30 November.
Tagged as: 80s, Ireland, Noel Gallagher, rock, The Joshua Tree, U2
U2 Add Second Sydney and Auckland Shows
U2 have added an extra show for both Auckland and Sydney on The Joshua Tree Tour 2019.
Tagged as: 80s, Ireland, rock, U2
Check Out New Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds 'Rattling Rose'
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds released two new songs today coinciding with news of their support for U2 in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Tagged as: 80s, Bono, Elijah Hewson, Inhaler, Ireland, Noel Gallagher, rock, The Joshua Tree, U2, UK
Live Nation To Introduce New Ticketing Technology For U2 Australian Tour
U2's upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour will introduce the roll-out of new ticketing technology.
U2 The Joshua Tree Australasian Tour Dates Announced
The U2 Australia, New Zealand and Asia tour dates to play The Joshua Tree live its 30th anniversary have been officially announced.
U2 Site Updates Fans On Joshua Tree Australasian Tour
U2 fan site u2songs.com has updated its readers on the upcoming U2 Joshua Tree tour stating that the tour saying the tour will visit Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea across November and December 2019.
Noel Gallagher to Support U2, Bono's Son to Support Gallagher in UK
Noel Gallagher is expected to be announced as the special guest of U2 when their 'The Joshua Tree' Australian tour is announced this week.
U2's Bono and The Edge spent Christmas Eve busking in Dublin
Bono and The Edge turned buskers on Christmas Eve in support of The Simon Community in Dublin.
Tagged as: 80s, Bono, Ireland, rock, The Edge, U2
Marc Bolan tribute gathers up Joan Jett, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave
A new tribute to Marc Bolan with an all-star cast will be released in 2019. The project is titled 'Angel Headed Hipster'.
Tagged as: Angel Headed Hipster, Elton John, Emily Haines, Father John Misty, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett, Kesha, Marc Almond, Marc Bolan, Nick Cave, Peaches, Perry Farrell, T. Rex, Todd Rundgren, U2
Bono talks up his friend George W. Bush
Rocker and activist Bono has come to cherish his unlikely friendship with former U.S. President George W. Bush after working together to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Tagged as: 80s, Bono, Ireland, rock, U2
Bono to front AIDS Benefit on TV
U2 star Bono and comedians Will Ferrell and Chris Rock are teaming up for a U.S. TV special to raise money and awareness in the fight against AIDS.
U2 may have just called it quits
U2 ended the 'Experience + Innocence tour in Berlin on Tuesday night telling fans "we are going away now".
Bono Returns To Work After Losing Voice
Bono has assured fans he will be "back to full voice" for the remainder of U2's tour after suffering vocal issues over the weekend.
U2 Slap Down Trump and The KKK in New Get Out Of Your Own Way Video
U2 have always been politically active, so it is no surprise that the video for their track "Get Out Of Your Own Way" is filled with images of the current political climate.
Bette Midler Farewells Former Reality Star With 'Goodbye Donnie'
Bette Midler has recorded a farewell song for her outgoing nemesis, the former reality TV star of the USA.
The Rolling Stones To Launch Chocolate Bars
The Rolling Stones have an extensive line of merchandise to their name, and now they've added the sweet treats to the mix in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2022.
Gary Numan Reveals What Spotify Is Worth To Him
Gary Numan has claimed he only got paid £37 for a million streams of his song.
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth Earns Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine has earned a Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. 59-year old Mustaine shared his news of Facebook.
Duke Bootee, Composer of 'The Message', Dead At 69
Edward G. Fletcher (aka Duke Bootee) has died at the age of 69. The rapper was best known for writing the Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five hit 'The Message'.
Mick Fleetwood Sells His Recording Rights
Mick Fleetwood is the latest superstar to sell his catalogue. Fleetwood, the co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, has handed over his future royalties from his recorded works to BMG.
Marianne Faithfull Is Making An Album With Australia's Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Marianne Faithfull have confirmed details of their upcoming 'She Walks In Beauty' collection - which is set to be released on April 30 - and she has been eyeing up the project for a long time.


CITIA organises the International Animation Film Festival and Market (Mifa). It also contributes to the development of the local economy by proposing training programmes and support to businesses in the animation and creative industries sector with the unifying space of Les Papeteries – Image Factory.
When the town of Annecy, the department of Haute-Savoie, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the State wanted to establish a skills and resource centre based around moving images, the activities of the main local actors in this field, Cica (Centre international du film d'animation) and Pumma (Plateforme des usages du multimédia), were brought together within the same structure.
In 2006, the merger of these associations gave rise to CITIA, city of moving images, a French établissement public de coopération culturelle (EPCC).
CITIA is a skills and resource centre in the field of images and creative industries with missions divided into three complementary areas.
With a world famous event: the International Animation Film Festival, giving it recognition in the field of animation for more than 55 years.
With the Musée du film d'animation, which presents an overview of the world of animated images to the general public.
By fostering the establishment and development of businesses working with images through economic promotion of the sector, particularly with Les Papeteries – Image Factory, a business park inaugurated in 2015 dedicated to images and creative industries.
By organising key events with an economic focus, such as the International Animation Film Market (Mifa) and the Forum Blanc (professional meetings on the development of multiplatform projects).
By setting up, assisting and organising professional training programmes as well as initiation courses in moving images for school children designed to stimulate interest and promote understanding and experimentation.
CITIA, headed by Mickaël Marin, is administered by a board of 17 members. Chaired by Dominique Puthod, it is made up of representatives from founding institutions: the Grand Annecy Agglomeration, the Haute-Savoie General Council, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the French State, a representative from Annecy town, industry professionals and representatives from the CITIA staff.
CITIA delivers cultural mediation to the public and professionals, bringing social, economic and united values through the medium of animation. This is achieved on a daily basis, as well as through organised events, primarily the Annecy Festival, where its team continually reinforces its eco-friendly approach and genuine actions are employed.
Carefully organised events: we commit to collaborating with partners and service providers who have strong values, and are locally based where possible, to minimise the outflow.
Responsible transportation: we encourage participants within the Festival to use our free collective shuttles, bikes, buses or car-sharing as parking spaces are extremely limited at the sites. Our partners at your service are indicated on our website.
We use recycled paper and ink.
Fewer printed media: Le Guide Mifa and the Rencontres brochure (Meetings) from 2019 are uniquely e-catalogues, and we are limiting the distribution of flyers on the sites.
Since 2014 we have dematerialised our accreditation tickets.
Selective waste sorting and waste sorting skips at the different event sites, waste paper collection at the exhibition areas and in the screening rooms (even the paper planes are recycled!).
Development of eco-responsible and reusable promotional objects where possible.


Did you know that Maya Angelou was raped at the age of 7 by her mother's boyfriend; a man named Mr. Freeman. After she confided in her brother about the incident and testified at Mr. Freeman's trial, he was found dead.
Did you know that Maya blamed herself for Mr. Freeman's death? She believed that because she had revealed the crime that he committed against her, he met with a violent death. Maya Angelou did not speak again for 6 years because she thought her 'voice' had been the direct cause of Mr. Freeman's untimely death.
Did you know that "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" was written on a dare? That's right. Maya Angelou wrote this critically acclaimed and highly successful autobiography before she became famous and was very reluctant to do so, initially. Her editor, Robert Loomis had been trying to get her to write an autobiography for some time and then in so many words, he basically told her that it was virtually impossible to write an autobiography as literature. In other words, she couldn't do it! I guess she showed not only him, but the world! Hence her quote: "If you want me to do something, tell me I can't do it." What are some interesting facts you know about this amazing, award-winning, highly accomplished writer?
Did you know that Maya Angelou is the first African American and first female inaugural poet to speak at a presidential inauguration? At the request of former president Bill Clinton, she wrote a poem called "On the Pulse of Morning" which she recited on June 20, 1993 at President Clinton's inauguration. This is the second time a poet has spoke at an inauguration. The first was Robert Frost in 1961.


Dr. Lorraine Tilbury has already fulfilled many of her childhood dreams: she is a multilingual veterinarian, living in a 16th-century renovated priory in the beautiful Loire Valley region, surrounded by her family and her animal companions.
Lorraine supports her herd of 5 horses so that THEY can be the guides and coaches of her workshops and seminars. They are the real "coaches" and guides of the participants of the Eponaquest © workshops that she organizes.
Lorraine has contributed to BBC Capital's online magazine, and has lectured on 3 continents, from India to Arizona, via Paris. She is creating a collection of works of art by applying the "Intentional Creativity ©" method ("creation with an intention"). It is a powerful method of creative expression that helps to clarify life plans. Lorraine uses techniques of collage and "scrapbooking" associated with drawing and painting to guide you towards your personal and professional fulfillment, supported by her horses who will "whisper" to you their advice also ... if you know how to listen to them!
Lorraine's creations are inspired and humorous - they reflect her way of life. Lorraine finds her inner Being through her creations, where she shapes the wisdom of her soul in a way that highlights the richness of her imagination. Lorraine spent 45 years understanding that she could live her dreams - now she would like to help others do the same.
The Eponaquest(TM) Approach , developed by Linda Kohanov, allows you to experience what it means to truly thrive in life, offering you tools that open other worlds of creativity, insight, and empowerment, expanding your vision, helping you reconnect to nature, to the herd and to the community.
FREE eBook on Emotional Agility!


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UN Special Envoy's Paper on Points of Commonalities
Voltaire Network | Geneva (Switzerland) | 24 March 2016
This is an Explanatory Note to the Special Envoy's Paper on Points of Commonalities. It sets out what the official purpose is of the paper. During the course of talks the Special Envoy noted that certain commonalities existed between the two sides in relation to their respective visions of what a future of Syrian state might look like. He instructed his staff to try to capture points of convergence in order to help him structure the next round of talks which shall also focus on political transition. The paper is a useful guide as to the commonalties that exists between the two negotiating parties. It is not an agreed paper of the two negotiating parties. It does not constitute in any way a framework document or a negotiating text and shall not be put before the UN Security Council or the ISSG unless specifically authorised by both sides. Instead, the Special Envoy has invited each of the two negotiating parties to take away the paper to examine whether it accurately captures points of convergence if not consensus. He has also invited each of the two negotiating parties to identify important points of divergence on essential principles. For the avoidance of doubt the two negotiating parties continue to maintain their respective negotiating positions as regards any political transitional process and what a future Syrian state might look like.
Essential Principles of a Political Solution in Syria
The participants in the intra-Syrian talks agree with the Special Envoy that the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2254, the ISSG statements and the Geneva Communique in its entirety are the basis for a political transition process and beyond that will end the crisis in Syria—a crisis that has cost countless lives and imposed endless suffering on the people of Syria. The sides confirm that a political settlement is the only way to peace. Towards this end the parties recognize the following essential principles as the foundation for a future Syrian state that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people:
1. Respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. No part of the national territory shall be ceded. As an integral part of the Arab nation, Syria is committed to a peaceful and active role in the international community. As a founding member, Syria is dedicated to the UN Charter and its purposes and principles. The people of Syria remain committed to the restoration of the occupied Golan Heights by peaceful means.
2. The principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention shall apply, in conformity with the UN Charter. The Syrian people alone shall determine the future of their country by democratic means, through the ballot box, and have the exclusive right to choose their own political, economic and social system without external pressure or interference.
3. Syria shall be a democratic, non-sectarian state based on citizenship and political pluralism, the representation of all components of Syrian society, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, equal rights, non-discrimination, human rights and fundamental freedoms, transparency, accountability and the principles of national reconciliation and social peace.
4. Syria cherishes its history of diversity and the contributions and values of all religions, traditions and national identities to Syrian society. Acts of revenge against individuals or groups shall not be tolerated. There shall be no discrimination against, and full protection of, all national, ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural identities. Members of all communities, men and women, shall enjoy equal opportunities in social, economic, cultural and public life.
5. Women shall enjoy equality of rights and representation in all institutions and decision-making structures at a level of at least 30 per cent during the transition and thereafter.
6. As per Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), the political transition in Syria shall include mechanisms for credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution and free and fair elections pursuant to the new constitution, administered under supervision by the United Nations, to the satisfaction of the governance and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, eligible to participate.
7. Such governance shall ensure an environment of stability and calm during the transition, offering safety and equal chances to political actors to establish themselves and campaign in the forthcoming elections and participate in public life.
8. Continuity and reform of state institutions and public services, along with measures to protect the public infrastructure and private property, shall ensure stability in accordance with international standards, principles of good governance and human rights. The governance will take effective measures to combat corruption. Citizens will benefit from effective mechanisms of protection in the relations with all public authorities, ensuring full compliance with human rights.
9. Syria categorically rejects terrorism and strongly opposes terrorist organizations and individuals identified by the UN Security Council and will engage in a national endeavour, in international partnership, to defeat terrorism and to address the causes of terrorism. Syria calls on all states in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, to prevent terrorist groups from being supplied with weapons, money, training, shelter, intelligence or safe havens and to refrain from inciting acts of terrorism.
10. Syrians are committed to rebuilding a strong and unified national army, also through the disarmament and integration of members of armed groups supporting the transition and the new constitution. That professional army shall protect the borders and population of the State from external threats in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. The state and its reformed institutions will exercise the exclusive right of controlling weapons of war. There shall be no intervention by foreign fighters on Syrian soil.
11. All refugees and internally displaced people wishing it shall be enabled to return safely to their homes with national and international support and in line with international protection standards. Those arbitrarily detained shall be released and the fate of the disappeared, kidnapped or missing shall be resolved.
12. There shall be reparations, redress, care, and restitution of rights and property lost for those who have suffered loss or injury in consequence of the conflict. As peace and stability are being restored, Syria shall call for the holding of a major donor conference to gain funds for compensation, reconstruction and development of the country, and the lifting of all coercive economic measures and other unilateral actions affecting the people of Syria. Syria looks forward to international guarantees and support for the implementation of the political process in a way that does not infringe upon the sovereignty of Syria.
Lafarge agrees to pay 778 million dollars to U.S. justice
US License in Syria Violates Syrian Sovereignty
Changes in Syria
Israel attacks Damascus International Airport
Source: "UN Special Envoy's Paper on Points of Commonalities", Voltaire Network, 24 March 2016, www.voltairenet.org/article190914.html


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Listing No. 25032
Museums and Public Spaces in South Carolina
Prev Next # 4 of 6
1738 Palladian
3380 Ashley River Rd
Charleston, South Carolina 29414
Drayton Hall
Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall offers something unique in our modern world: authenticity. It's the nation's earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture and the oldest preserved plantation house in America still open to the public. It's the real thing. It can't be recreated, reproduced, costumed, or staged. Any imperfections, oddities, or changes over time have been preserved that way, and they've become some of the very things that most fascinate and delight our visitors. Does your home have a false door leading nowhere? 18th-century graffiti? A family growth chart that dates back nearly three centuries? Ours does.
3380 Ashley River Road
info@draytonhall.org
The History of Drayton Hall
John Drayton's Palace & Gardens
Shortly after 37-year old widower John Drayton took up residence at Drayton Hall with sons William Henry and Charles in the early 1750s, his newly constructed home seat was referenced in the South Carolina Gazette as nothing less than a "Palace and Gardens."
Thanks to research conducted by a multitude of scholars over the last 40 years, we now understand Drayton's palace as the first fully executed example of Palladian architecture in North America; that his gardens were composed of idealized English landscapes reminiscent of contemporary grounds created in the British Isles by designers such as Capability Brown and William Kent; and that the interior spaces of Drayton's palace were finished with the finest examples of European and Charleston-made material goods, furniture, a wealth of imported ceramics, and fashionable artwork. Taken as a whole, Drayton Hall was one of the most significant elite plantations assembled in colonial America, and its rare survival makes the estate an icon of American history, design, and historic preservation.
Drayton's 350-acre masterpiece was conceived as a show place and a management hub at the center of his vast commercial plantation empire. Throughout his lifetime, he owned upwards of 100 different plantations totaling approximately 76,000 acres across South Carolina and Georgia where scores of enslaved Africans, Native Americans and their descendants grew rice and indigo for exportation to Europe and reared cattle and pigs for shipment to the Caribbean sugar islands. The legacy of this slave society survives today in the form of Drayton's home, its landscape, and surviving collections.
"Drayton Hall [is] a place where time stands still. The first time I saw it I was overwhelmed with a sense that things that mattered had happened here. The house itself stands as a tribute to a past that we wish to honor, not to alter. There are beautifully restored places that we can visit, but the wonder of Drayton Hall lies in the quiet you hear through the open doorways as the breeze sweeps across the portico, through the rooms, and away on the currents of the Ashley River. Is it the 1700's? The 1800's or the 21st century, I cannot tell. I only know that this place that is a part of our history is a part of our hearts as well and we are better for it."
—Elayne B., member in the Friends of Drayton Hall
via DraytonHall.org
Archived in December, 2015


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Greetings again from the darkness. A twenty-something New York City millennial is having an other-side of-the-globe phone conversation with her Chinese grandmother. It's immediately clear that, despite the geographic gap, these two share a close bond. We also witness the stream of lies each of them cheerfully spouts off within a few minutes. This is the opening scene to writer-director Lulu Wang's semi-autobiographical film … a film we are warned is "based on an actual lie."
The millennial is China born and New York raised Billi (Awkwafina). When her parents (Tzi Ma and Diana Lin) tell her that her Grandmother (affectionately known as Nai Nai) has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and has only months to live, Billi is stunned. More shock follows when Billi learns that the family has decided not to inform the family matriarch that she's dying, and even more shock when Billi's parents inform her that they are going to China for a final visit, but Billie is not invited, given her American tendency to wear her emotions on her sleeve.
To tell or not to tell? That is the question. If you were terminal, would you want to know? Well evidently in China, that's a question the family can answer on your behalf. Philosophically speaking, is this a cultural or personal question? Your background likely determines your answer. Billi is experiencing a true Yin-Yang ordeal. Is it selfish on her part to want to be able to say goodbye to Nai Nai, or is it selfish on the part of the family to avoid that pressure? We are informed that in China, each person is a part of the whole – the family and the community.
Since all of that sounds so ominous and depressing, you should know that the film does a marvelous job of balancing the dramatic with the comical. Laughs are aplenty. The comedy comes from both old and young characters. It's fascinating to see how director Wang explores Chinese family dynamics while also exploring cultural differences – never offering judgment on right and wrong. She often has multiple people in her shots – the frame is typically filled with many faces, making it a challenge for viewers to take in all of the nuances and reactions.
With so many characters, it's crucial that we quickly understand the make up of each. That said, the ensemble cast is deep and terrific. The most surprising comes from the hilarious, touching and grounded performance of Shuzhen Zhau as Nai Nai, in what apparently is her first ever on screen appearance. She can be the warm grandmother poking fun at her granddaughter's independent life, or the fully-in-charge woman demanding satisfaction from a local vendor. Her scenes with Billi are the true heart and soul of the film. Awkwafina (also a rapper) was fun in CRAZY RICH ASIANS, but here she flashes talent that no one saw coming. It's a textured performance worthy of awards consideration.
Despite how personal the story and the characters are to Ms. Wang, her film never dips into sentimental overload or cultural preaching. She also avoids the farcical nature of a film such as DEATH AT A FUNERAL. Instead, she maintains a nice balance between drama and comedy, grief and guilt, and love and respect for tradition. The clichés are lacking, but heart is prevalent. Little wonder this was an Audience Award winner at Sundance. It's a film that's going to touch many.
This entry was posted on Friday, July 26th, 2019 at 7:39 am and is filed under Comedy, Drama, World Cinema/Foreign.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.