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Q: Parallel execution of a SQL Server external script TLDR for a reader with the same problem
If your external script is too slow, you may do something in your scritpt which can be implemented in TSQL, which is a big problem. If this is not the case use CLR or process your data in a external application where the functionality is present. Normally you should not rely on external scripts to achieve high performance. CLR is also more secure.
I am not allowed to do the above, because of workspace/interpersonal reasons.
Problem
I have to write a query which must rely on regular expressions and I am not allowed to use CLR or use anything outside the SQL Server environment. So I must use a R or Python external script. I have experience with Python. So I went with that.
I wrote the script it works but the input data is extremely large so the external script execution takes a long time. I already heavily optimized the script, but it is still slow. So I plan to parallelize it.
Python's multiprocessing module doesn't work inside the external script. So I got a strange idea:
What if I horizontally partition the temp table which holds the input data and execute the external script on the partitions using asynchronous procedure execution, then I just get back their union?
Or perhaps there is a better way to parallel execution of an exterenal script?
I work on SQL Server 2019 Development version we also have an enterprise version which I guess doesn't matter here.
Details
@J.D rightly asked for more details. I am only allowed to share a limited amount:
The temp table providing the input has different columns for the actual-, birth- and mother names for different people.
I also have a dataframe in the external script containing valid first names and associated genders parsed from a JSON which is passed as a nvarchar(max). This method described here.
My script extracts titles, surnames, given names and guess biological sex and martial status. The names are not English names.
I apply a function to the first axis of the input Pandas Dataframe which does the extraction.
I use only Pandas provided methods.
With a standard python environment I would use the np.array_split function to split the dataframe and use the multiprocessing module to apply extraction function on the splits in parallel processes, then concatenate the dataframes. As you can see this is a text processing problem and cannot be vectorized as mathematical one could be. So tools like Dask cannot be used here.
Why not CLR?
Using CLR would be a sane choice. So a colleague of mine and I also recommended to use CLR. Our expert said using CLR is very dangerous. Yes I know about the CLR strict security option, but our expert may not. So I am forced to use external script against my better judgement.
Why not use multi-threading
Python's Global Interpreter Lock only allows one thread to be executed by the interpreter. So multi-threading with python will not provide parallel computation, at least with the standard implementation. This is not a limitation for Jython or IronPython, but this is a different story.


See February 2010 update for a summary of these changes.
26/02/10: Message from Tribunals Service website: "The Tribunals Service websites will be unavailable from 6:30p.m on Monday 1st March 2010 until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday 2nd March 2010 due to essential maintenance work".
18/02/10: Case summary added (Tribunal reasons, judgment 8/2/10). RH v South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust  UKUT 32 (AAC) — (1) The Tribunal's reasons for refusing to grant the absolute discharge of a conditionally-discharged patient, against the unanimous evidence of the treating team and an independent psychiatrist, were adequate. (2) The Tribunal disagreed not with the witness's assessments but with their conclusions as to whether the restriction order should cease to have effect: that was the kind of judgment for which it is difficult to give reasons beyond those required to show that the tribunal has directed itself correctly as to the law and to show to what matters the tribunal has had regard. (3) The extensive references to the SC case were enough to show that the Tribunal had the correct legal test in mind. (4) The restrictions can continue in the absence of any mental disorder, and risk from possible future disorder is relevant, so the criteria here are very different from those for discharge of a CTO: in the latter a focus on the short-term position might be appropriate, whereas the Tribunal here had also to consider what might happen in the long term. Manslaughter can be punished by a life sentence with release being on life licence: this is a powerful indication that Parliament intended a long-term view of risks to be taken; it is unsurprising that restrictions should in some cases remain in force for life. (5) The mere existence of current, or possible future, mental disorder is not enough to justify the continuation of a restriction order: regard must also be had to the seriousness of any risk of harm to others. (6) As under the new appeal system the First-tier Tribunal is not a party to proceedings, it is unsatisfactory for public authority respondents (the responsible authority and, in restricted cases, the Secretary of State) to make no submissions at all; submissions would assist even if drafted by non-legally-qualified caseworkers; for instance, the respondent might concede that the Tribunal erred in law but ask the Upper Tribunal to substitute its own decision rather than remit the case.
18/02/10: Case summary added (Disability, judgment 11/2/10). Barber v LB Croydon  EWCA Civ 51 — (1) The council's decision to seek an immediate order for possession, following an assault which was almost certainly linked with the claimant's learning difficulties and a personality disorder, without applying the Council's policy on vulnerable people, was Wednesbury unreasonable. (2) The DDA aspect of the appeal was unsuccessful: the question was not whether he was treated less favourably than a person without his disabilities but whether he should have been treated differently precisely because he has such disabilities and because they were a significant contributory factor to his behaviour that day.
07/02/10: Tribunal guidance added. Mental Health Tribunal, 'Guidance for the observation of tribunal hearings' (5/11/09) — This guidance has been superseded by Mental Health Tribunal, 'Guidance for the observation of tribunal hearings in the First-tier Tribunal Health Education and Social Care Chamber (mental health jurisdiction)' (10/1/19). It deals with the various categories of observers and the terms on which they may be permitted to attend tribunal hearings.
07/02/10: Case summary added (recall, judgment 5/11/09). R (Munday) v SSJ  EWHC 3638 (Admin) — The MoJ's decision to recall the claimant, although contrary to the RMO's advice, was not Wednesbury unreasonable or otherwise flawed on conventional public law grounds: the disagreement was not on medical grounds but on whether, given the history of arson and recent disengagement, a mere allegation of and arrest for arson was sufficient justification for recall.
05/02/10: Case summary added (delay, judgment 3/2/10). R (Degainis) v SSJ  EWHC 137 (Admin) — In relation to a 7-month delay in holding a Parole Board hearing, the SSJ admitted breach of Article 5(4) and apologised, but the claimant sought damages under Article 5(5). (1) Article 5(5) (which gives an "enforceable right to compensation") and s8 HRA 1998 (which limits the power to award damages) are not inconsistent because compensation in Article 5(5) is not limited to money. (2) The first of two grounds for the claim was that the delay increased the length of detention: because of the number of imponderables in the case it was impossible to conclude this. (3) The second ground was based on an inference that frustration and anxiety had been caused: the judge was not prepared to infer, in the absence of specific evidence, a level of frustration of distress sufficient to warrant an award of damages. (4) In general, as to whether or not to award damages, the length of the delay, the effect of the delay, and the impact on the claimant are relevant factors; the seriousness of the original offence is not.
05/02/10: New secondary legislation added. Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2010/43 — Amends Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 2008 by changing the definition of "legal representative". In force 18/1/10.
02/02/10: New secondary legislation added. Mental Health Act 2007 (Commencement No. 11) Order 2010 — This order brings new s131A (Accommodation, etc for children) into force from 1/4/10. It applies to patients under 18 who are liable to be detained under the MHA or admitted informally. The hospital managers must ensure that the patient's environment is suitable having regard to his age (subject to his needs); they must consult a person with knowledge or experience of such cases. SI 2010/143.
This page was last edited on 6 March 2019, at 15:14.


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Blu Crew
Little Women Blu-Ray Release Details Announced
Sony Pictures has announced the home entertainment release details for Greta Gerwig's recent adaptation of the classic, Little Women.
If you enjoyed the latest take on Little Women, or simply want to enjoy it again from the comfort of your couch, you'll get the chance in the next couple months. Sony Pictures has announced the film will arrive digitally on March 10th, with the physical blu-ray coming a bit later on April 7, 2020.
Seems like a significant gap between the digital and physical releases, but the blu-ray is coming with 45 minutes worth of extras to check out:
Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Greta Gerwig's fresh, unique and modern adaptation of the timeless Louisa May Alcott masterpiece LITTLE WOMEN comes home on Digital March 10 and Blu-ray and DVD April 7 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
The Blu-ray, DVD and digital releases will take viewers even deeper into the beloved story of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth with over 45 minutes of fascinating bonus features. See how Writer/Director Greta Gerwig led this modern adaptation of a literary classic with a magnificent new cast, incredible art direction, elaborate costumes, set pieces and how she took inspiration from the real-life Orchard House where Louisa May Alcott lived and wrote LITTLE WOMEN.
Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has crafted a LITTLE WOMEN that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author's alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. Gerwig's take on the beloved story of the March sisters—four young women each determined to live life on their own terms—is both timeless and timely. Portraying Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth March, the film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen, with Timothée Chalamet as their neighbor Laurie, Laura Dern as Marmee and Meryl Streep as Aunt March.
BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL BONUS MATERIALS
A New Generation of Little Women: The superb cast recreated the beloved world of the March family with realism, humor and vulnerability
Making a Modern Classic: The film combines its modern elements—kinetic camerawork and overlapping dialogue—with the historically authentic bespoke costumes, sets and locations
Greta Gerwig: Women Making Art: Go behind the camera with Writer/Director Greta Gerwig, discover her process and how she applied her own style to the story
Hair & Make-Up Test Sequence: A lovely showcase featuring the outstanding costumes, hair and make-up crafted for the film
Little Women Behind the Scenes: Take a quick look behind the scenes on the set of LITTLE WOMEN
Orchard House, Home of Louisa May Alcott: Find out more about Louisa May Alcott and visit the real-life Orchard House in Concord, MA
Will you be picking up Little Women on blu-ray this April?
BOOK ADAPTATION
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Come Play Home Release Details Revealed

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The Not Left Handed Either Film Guide
Including 'The Ripley Factor' discussing representations of Women in Film
Why not left handed?
December 12, 2019 • notlefthandedfilmguy
Lots of people tend to think of cinema as a medium that deals chiefly with fantasy and spectacle. Even those films that do centre around real lives focus on those that have been exceptional in some way. If you look at my top ten list of films of the year so far though, alongside tales of superheroes, queens, kids who would be king, evil underground doppelgängers and ageing film stars, there are movies about school kids, families facing bereavement, young people fighting against racism and emotional jealousy. (Okay, there might be a bit of murder in that last one but you know how these things can go.) This art form might mirror life on fewer occasions than others then but possibly more often than you'd think.
Noah Baumbach is a director who has always concentrated on real people in common situations and while his characters can sometimes be a little exaggerated (generally when Greta Gerwig or Ben Stiller are in the film) they always depict genuine and relatable experiences. Marriage Story in particular examines something lots of people have gone though, not marriage but divorce, and does so in a way that feels honest, insightful, heartbreaking and tragic. Even within this though, as in real life, there is love.
This aspect might seem obvious but most films that feature divorce don't deal with the fact that just because couples can't stay together it doesn't mean they don't both still have strong feelings for one another. If you look at The First Wives Club, The War of the Roses, Sideways, Crazy Stupid Love, Thunder Road, Mrs Doubtfire, When Harry Met Sally, Kramer vs Kramer and Baumbach's own The Squid and the Whale, you might see one party suffering pain and heartbreak but mutual affection is rarely part of the story.
This isn't to say things don't get tough in Marriage Story. The antagonism between the couple slowly builds with him being wounded and ineffectual and her being wounded and passive aggressive, neither of them in a way you would judge them for, until the whole thing explodes in a series of powerful, angry and shouty Oscar clips about an hour and fifteen minutes in as their frustrations with one another escape. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver will undoubtedly both be nominated for Oscars as they are excellent. Throughout all of it though you never lose sight of the fact that much of the pain comes from them both fighting someone they once loved and trusted.
As much as the movie pushes its little sub genre forward, it also feels a little bit old fashioned. Most of the action plays out inside the same six or seven rooms and it is very dialogue and character heavy in a way you don't see so much any more. There is something in the grain and colours of the film that makes it feel like something less than contemporary too and the performances feel unselfconscious and a tiny bit retro as well. Watching it I started to imagine an alternative reality versions of the film that came out a few years ago starring Carry Fisher and William Hurt or maybe Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.
Marriage Story is an impressive film. It isn't in my top ten simply (and obviously) because there are films I've enjoyed a lot more this year but this is certainly one to admire. The authenticity no doubt comes from Baumbach's own experiences when splitting up with wife Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scarlett Johansson's two martial breakdowns from Ryan Reynolds and Romain Dauriac and Adam Driver's memories of his parents breaking up. It is moving but it's not too sad and I would imagine it could be cathartic for the many people who have been through the same.
Marriage Story is in cinemas and on Netflix now.
One thought on "Marriage Story"
Pingback: 33+ Marriage Story Reviews – Adam Driver Phobia Explained – Movies, Movies, Movies
The Films of Noah Baumbach Ranked
6 Underground


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La  des championnats d'Océanie de boxe amateur s'est déroulée à Gold Coast, Australie, du 26 au .

Résultats

Podiums

Tableau des médailles

Référence

Lien externe
  Résultats des championnats d'Océanie 2017

Boxe anglaise en 2017
2017 en Australie
Sport en juin 2017

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Yikes! You're likely not following this rule.
It's winter. It's cold. If you're anything like us, nighttime is for layering on the extra blankets, snuggling in our warmest robe, and cranking up the heat.
Not so if you're hoping for a good night's sleep. You may feel as cozy as a fluffy flannel dream, but sleeping in a cooler room is actually better for you. "For optimal sleep, turn your room into a cave. Keep it cool, dark and quiet. The optimal bedroom temperature is between 62 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit," offers Anessa Das, MD, Assistant Director of The Ohio State Sleep Disorders Center. (Sock fiends, fear not: You can still sport a pair to keep your feet warm.) Of course, the temperature of your room is important, but getting enough sleep is key, and worth repeating: Adults need seven to nine hours to perform at their best.
Once you've reset your thermostat, here are six more tips for your best night's ZZZzzz.
1.Take a warm shower two hours before bedtime. "The natural cooling of your body over those couple of hours encourages sleep," notes Das. Not to mention the fact that winding down in the shower or bath is a relaxing routine to look forward to.
2. Practice good sleep hygiene. "Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day. The closer you can stick to the same bedtime and wake time all week, the more rested and alert you'll be," explains Das. That means sleeping until noon on weekends if you regularly wake at 8:00am isn't doing you any favors, even if it feels good in the moment.
3. Invest in a good mattress. "When your body gets overheated, you will flip over in order to try to cool yourself down, so sleeping at the right temperature, with bedding layers that circulate and balance your body heat with your room environment, makes it easier for your body to follow its natural circadian rhythm of dropping two degrees at night for cellular rejuvenation, and reduces sensations of restlessness," comments BEDGEAR Sleep Scientist, Lorenzo Turrichia, PhD. If you're not ready to buy a new mattress, also consider moisture-wicking mattress protectors that can help keep your body temperature down like this one.
4. Get some bright light as soon as you wake up. "Natural light during the day helps our internal clock function properly," shares Das. "Once the sun sets, keep it dimmer in your room." You're turning your phone on night mode too, right?
5. Break a sweat during the day. "Exercise during the day because it can help the body wind down for sleep at night," advises Das. Not sure where to start? Look no further than a $10 foam roller.
6. Don't use electronics in bed or before bed. Ditto for trying to fall asleep with the TV on. "The devices' blue light disrupts sleep as well as creates poor sleep habits prior to bedtime," says Das.
Meet you in "the cave," ladies and gents.


text:
Faculty Positions Tenured/Tenured Track jobs in Berea
Faculty Positions, Tenured/Tenured Track 1590
Science, Technology & Mathematics 1
Berea Remove selection
Lecturer - Inclusive Leadership
The Department of Human Relations in the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a Renewable Term...
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Assistant Professor of Conflict Management
Georgia, United States
Assistant Professor of Conflict Management School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development Kennesaw State University is now...
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Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences
DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES South Dakota State University is conducting a national search for its next Dean of the College...
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Tenure-Track Faculty Position - Anatomy and Physiology
Baldwin Wallace
The Department of Biology and Geology at Baldwin Wallace University announces a tenure- track faculty position to begin August 2021. The...
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Awards, blog posts, press releases, news coverage, and more.
Imagine if your business was self-driving. Real-time and always-on. Connected outside and in. Thinking and autonomous. With Aera - it is.
The company is currently using analytics software from venture-backed company Aera Technology Inc. to mitigate supply shortages, predict spikes in demand and bottlenecks with about 100 products related to fertility drugs, Mr. de Luca said. It plans to expand the pilot program to its 5,000 products by the end of next year, which will add significant competitive advantage, he said.
Achieving true end-to-end supply chain visibility relies largely on digitally connecting things and data as a first step. Robust, secure cloud technology combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are working together to develop next-gen supply chains with a host of features and capabilities.
Aera President and CEO Frederic Laluyaux joins hosts Ray Wang and Vala Afshar to discuss cognitive automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and how large companies are adapting to meet consumer demands.
At the Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference 2019 in Phoenix, join fellow chief supply chain officers and their senior executive teams to learn how to build a more responsive, agile and customer-centric supply chain. Hear how others are implementing new technologies and rethinking organizational design. Position your organization for success today and build for the long term. Start your journey to mastery now. Aera Technology is a Platinum sponsor.
At the annual Supply Chain Days event, now in its 13th year, more than 120 supply chain experts, managers and scientists will converge to discuss digital supply chains and how robots, humans and artificial intelligence (AI) play key roles.
At the Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference 2019 in Barcelona, join fellow chief supply chain officers and their senior executive teams to learn how to build a more responsive, agile and customer-centric supply chain. Hear how others are implementing new technologies and rethinking organizational design. Position your organization for success today and build for the long term. Start your journey to mastery now. Aera Technology is a Premier sponsor.


text:
German (de)"Wir müssen hart bleiben – und unsere demokratischen Gesellschaften nutzen"
Italian (it)"Dobbiamo essere irremovibili nella tutela delle nostre democrazie"
Portuguese (pt)"'Temos de nos manter firmes, usando nossas sociedades democráticas"
Wanja Kaufmann (19), Sweden 'We have to stand firm, using our democratic societies'
By swissinfo.ch
This content was published on February 22, 2016 4:00 PM Feb 22, 2016 - 16:00
"I'd like to change the attitude towards feminism. It's really bad that women still get to work less than men and are expected to stay at home," says Wanja Kaufmann, a 19-year old Swiss expatriate living in Sweden
(zvg)
Governments should make an effort to reach out to the young generation which uses the internet and social media to play an active role in democracy, says Wanja Kaufmann.
The 19-year old language student from Sweden is a fresh voice of the Swiss Abroad community. swissinfo.ch presents a series a leading members of the newly-founded online youth parliament.
swissinfo.ch: What do you want to achieve as a member of the new youth parliament of the Swiss abroad – first of all in Switzerland, and second in your country of residence?
Wanja Kaufmann: I'm 19 and was born in Gothenburg.
Currently in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. I've been living here only since August 2015 - that's when I moved away from home. Before, I lived in Falun, a smaller city in the north of Sweden (since 2003). I'm sharing a flat with my boyfriend.
Studying language and politics
Activities in free time: music, politics, reading, traveling, needlework.
I lived in Lucerne 1999-2003, and I go visit friends and family about twice a year.
I'd like to change the attitude towards feminism. I think it's really bad that women still get to work less than men and are expected to stay at home. I'd also like better conditions for students, less hidden racism and more socialism!
Wanja Kaufmann: I want to help other young Swiss people to learn more about Switzerland and about the country's political and civil system. They should have the possibility to come in contact with other young Swiss abroad. I think that many youths, all over the world, know way too little about their democratic rights.
Young people who are Swiss citizens already have an amazing opportunity to learn about democracy, thanks to the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad external link(OSA). As a member of the youth parliament, I want to make sure that every young Swiss person can learn about and get to know their home country.
As a first step, I would like to start a sub-group of the youth parliament for young Swiss people in Sweden, where I live (and hopefully eventually expand it to also include several regional groups). These groups could work as discussion forums which learn about their home country together.
I also hope that these groups can get the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to learn about the country and its political system. I really look forward to start working with this.
swissinfo.ch: What does direct democracy look like in your country of residence? Are there options that you especially appreciate? And ones that you miss having?
W.K.: Sweden is truly a democratic country, but there is still a lot to do until democracy has reached the same level as in Switzerland. We've of course got democratic elections, but there really aren't many referendums - about five of them since the beginning of the 20th century, I think.
Nowadays we are able to launch people's initiatives, thanks to the last constitutional amendment - only on local and regional levels though. So in practice, Sweden is not a country with direct but with representative democracy.
I really hope that Sweden will improve to become more direct democratic.
Something that I really appreciate is the big role organisations and political parties play in Sweden - I really think that that's something that is encouraging the democratic social climate.
swissinfo.ch: In most countries young people vote less often than people of other age groups. Isn't direct democracy a prime agent for young people to communicate their political needs and ideas?
W.K.: I think it is, in one way. On the other hand, I think that, nowadays, a lot of young people don't feel they need to vote to reach a political goal.
Many youths have got the internet as an important platform to share and develop their ideas, and they get the attention of politicians and the media even if they don't use statutory tools like people's initiatives or voting.
I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing – the governments all over the world just have to accept and understand these ways of engagement and start to work with it.
Platform for young Swiss expats
The youth parliament of the Swiss Abroad was set up only a few months ago and is still in its infancy.
It's primarily an online platform which brings together the about 350 members across the world for debates and other exchanges of ideas via social media and skype.
swissinfo.ch interviewed 11 young Swiss expatriates who are leading members of the youth parliament. Our questions focus on issues of participatory citizenship in their countries of residence and in Switzerland.
end of infobox
swissinfo.ch: Since the attacks in Paris, Europe has been obsessed with the terrorism of the Islamic State group. Is the fight against Islamic extremists, which has led to the restriction of individual freedoms, a danger for democracies?
W.K.: I don't think that IS affects the democracies directly. I think that the biggest problem is how Islam is perceived by society.
Now that the terrorism has entered the western world, I've got the feeling that many people, but also governments, have started to see Islam as evil. And I think that this is something we should really worry about.
If big parts of our societies are being seen as potential terrorists and therefore can't take advantage of democratic rights in the same way as others, then we have a democratic problem.
Even if our governments focus on bombing terrorist groups, we have to stand firm, using and keeping up our democratic societies - because we are the ones who form them.
Youth parliament of the Swiss Abroad
Youth parliament of the Swiss Abroad - Swiss Community
'We have to stand firm, using our democratic societies' swissinfo.ch Feb 22, 2016 - 16:00 Governments should make an effort to reach out to the young generation which uses the internet and social media to play an active role in democracy, says Wanja Kaufmann. The 19-year old language student from Sweden is a fresh voice of the Swiss Abroad community. swissinfo.ch presents a series a leading members of the newly-founded online youth parliament. swissinfo.ch: What do you want to achieve as a member of the new youth parliament of the Swiss abroad – first of all in Switzerland, and second in your country of residence? Wanja Kaufmann: I want to help other young Swiss people to learn more about Switzerland and about the country's political and civil system. They should have the possibility to come in contact with other young Swiss abroad. I think that many youths, all over the world, know way too little about their democratic rights. Young people who are Swiss citizens already have an amazing opportunity to learn about democracy, thanks to the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). As a member of the youth parliament, I want to make sure that every young Swiss person can learn about and get to know their home country. As a first step, I would like to start a sub-group of the youth parliament for young Swiss people in Sweden, where I live (and hopefully eventually expand it to also include several regional groups). These groups could work as discussion forums which learn about their home country together. I also hope that these groups can get the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to learn about the country and its political system. I really look forward to start working with this. swissinfo.ch: What does direct democracy look like in your country of residence? Are there options that you especially appreciate? And ones that you miss having? W.K.: Sweden is truly a democratic country, but there is still a lot to do until democracy has reached the same level as in Switzerland. We've of course got democratic elections, but there really aren't many referendums - about five of them since the beginning of the 20th century, I think. Nowadays we are able to launch people's initiatives, thanks to the last constitutional amendment - only on local and regional levels though. So in practice, Sweden is not a country with direct but with representative democracy. I really hope that Sweden will improve to become more direct democratic. Something that I really appreciate is the big role organisations and political parties play in Sweden - I really think that that's something that is encouraging the democratic social climate. swissinfo.ch: In most countries young people vote less often than people of other age groups. Isn't direct democracy a prime agent for young people to communicate their political needs and ideas? W.K.: I think it is, in one way. On the other hand, I think that, nowadays, a lot of young people don't feel they need to vote to reach a political goal. Many youths have got the internet as an important platform to share and develop their ideas, and they get the attention of politicians and the media even if they don't use statutory tools like people's initiatives or voting. I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing – the governments all over the world just have to accept and understand these ways of engagement and start to work with it. Platform for young Swiss expats The youth parliament of the Swiss Abroad was set up only a few months ago and is still in its infancy. It's primarily an online platform which brings together the about 350 members across the world for debates and other exchanges of ideas via social media and skype. swissinfo.ch interviewed 11 young Swiss expatriates who are leading members of the youth parliament. Our questions focus on issues of participatory citizenship in their countries of residence and in Switzerland. swissinfo.ch: Since the attacks in Paris, Europe has been obsessed with the terrorism of the Islamic State group. Is the fight against Islamic extremists, which has led to the restriction of individual freedoms, a danger for democracies? W.K.: I don't think that IS affects the democracies directly. I think that the biggest problem is how Islam is perceived by society. Now that the terrorism has entered the western world, I've got the feeling that many people, but also governments, have started to see Islam as evil. And I think that this is something we should really worry about. If big parts of our societies are being seen as potential terrorists and therefore can't take advantage of democratic rights in the same way as others, then we have a democratic problem. Even if our governments focus on bombing terrorist groups, we have to stand firm, using and keeping up our democratic societies - because we are the ones who form them.
Networking Making the voices of Switzerland's young expats heard
They have much in common, but are spread around the world – so, to meet their own needs, young Swiss abroad have created an online youth ...
By Sonia Fenazzi
German (de)Die neue Community für junge Auslandschweizer
Spanish (es)Una red para dar voz a los jóvenes suizos en el exterior
French (fr)Un réseau pour faire entendre la voix des jeunes Suisses de l'étranger
Italian (it)Un network per far sentire la voce dei giovani svizzeri all'estero
Portuguese (pt)Uma rede para dar voz aos jovens suíços no estrangeiro
Democracy week Debating the best way to engage youth in politics
There is no question Switzerland's youth have opinions that they want to share, so why do so few of them vote? A recent meeting of 40 Geneva ...
By Katy Romy in Geneva
French (fr)Le débat pour former une jeunesse engagée
Italian (it)Il dibattito per formare una gioventù civicamente attiva
Democracy week Youth votes needed to help meet future challenges
Can the International Day of Democracy encourage more young people to get involved in politics?
By Katy Romy
Swiss Abroad congress 'Democracy does not fall from the sky'
Communications Minister Doris Leuthard has called for active participation in October's parliamentary elections to keep Switzerland's system of ...
By Urs Geiser in Geneva


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DayGlo Mourning unveil the first single and title track off their upcoming full-length album, »Dead Star«
Atlanta, Georgia based classic doom metal band DayGlo Mourning unveil the first single and title track off their sophomore full-length album, »Dead Star«, set to release on February 12th, 2021 via Black Doomba Records.
Bassist/vocalist Jerimy McNeil comments: "This space opus can relate to a lot of things, as everybody has a bad day at some point, maybe it's in outer space. Imagine, being trapped inside a starship that's set on autopilot headed into a dying sun, with no way to change course. I imagine being in that predicament, you'd question a lot of things, and see the memories of your life flash before your eyes. This is »Dead Star«."
01. Dead Star
02. The Offering
03. Bloodghast
04. Faithful Demise
05. Ashwhore
06. Witches' Ladder
Courtesy of Dewar PR:
Sometimes a band just lands with such impact that their momentum carries them into instant recognition. DayGlo Mourning out of Atlanta are just that band – it wasn't long after their self-titled debut that they signed on the dotted line with established connoisseurs Black Doomba Records, which has been their home label ever since. Now, the time has come for a new record to showcase the best of what they have to offer. »Dead Star« embodies the band's name: DayGlo vibrant colors adorn the packaging which envelops the Mourning-laden riffs.
The trio are not ones to waste a listener's time, and go straight to what they do best – an homage to the fuzziest, most classic doom metal they can muster. The drums are on fire; Ray Miner may not be breaking any speed barriers, but he crashes and pounds out a fierce rhythm such as on opener »Dead Star«. Bassist Jerimy McNeil, meanwhile, gets a welcome centerstage slot on more than one occasion, leading the charge on »The Offering« and »Faithful Demise«. Naturally, the guitars are in the constant search for That Tone, and the one here is just the right level of amp-worshipping distortion, counterbalancing the beer-soaked yet melodic vocals of Joe Mills.
DayGlo Mourning didn't get to this position by resting on their laurels, though, and »Dead Star« has a few tricks up its sleeve. One of these is the delightful blues-driven solos that litter the record, including a talk box solo on »The Offering«, while »Witch's Ladder« shows just how low and heavy they go, while featuring intonations of curses to drag the listener into the depths of the occult. On a similar vibe, »Faithful Demise« feels strangely playful given its dark topics of death and religion, while the church-like choirs on »Ashwhore« are suitably sacrilegious.
In short, while the debut was a strong opening statement, »Dead Star« is a necessary next step for DayGlo Mourning. Bound to delight fans of doom metal of all stripes, it's a must-have record that stands proud among the growing accolades of a band who rep their city's metal scene so strongly.
DayGlo Mourning is:
Jerimy McNeil – Bass, Vocals
Joseph Mills – Guitar, Vocals
Ray Miner – Drums


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Category Archives: Basketball
Coliseum City's Mystery Investors Revealed
Earlier in the year, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan talked up foreign investment in Coliseum City, which had the potential to fill in funding gaps for one or more venues planned for the project. The Trib's Matthew Artz reports tonight, on the eve of a Tuesday City Council closed session, that those investors are a partnership between real estate powerhouse Colony Capital and Dubai financier Rashid Al Malik. The closed session would presumably lead to a public discussion item on October 8, which should include some basic terms for the price of the land, a development timeline, and other critical information.
Colony/Al Malik are no strangers to bidding on expensive properties. In the spring they jumped to the lead in bidding for arena/stadium giant AEG. Eventually they balked as AEG honcho Phil Anschutz refused to budge from his asking price, purportedly up to $10 billion. That led to the departure of Farmers Field champion Tim Leiweke, leaving the football stadium project in limbo.
Coliseum City, which could cost $2 billion just for a replacement arena and separate baseball and football stadia, is expected to have billions more in development costs associated with offices, retail, and additional infrastructure. It has the potential to be the biggest single redevelopment project in California history.
The main problem is that redevelopment is yesterday's plan. Tax increment is off limits thanks to Governor Brown's dismantling of redevelopment agencies all over the state. While TIF couldn't finance a lion's share of the project, it could've helped take care of the infrastructure work, which no developer wants to take on if he can help it. The closed session talks are centered around land sales, so Oakland (and Alameda County) could conceivably sell Coliseum land or other nearby properties to help raise the public share. It's not much of a departure from Lew Wolff's Pacific Commons plan, which involved a fairly simple purchase option of privately owned, not publicly owned, land. While the Bay Area's real estate market is experiencing a rebound, chances are that Oakland would name a price favorable for Colony/Al Malik in order to get them to play ball.
If you're Colony/Al Malik, you want to be able to get in with as little equity or borrowing as possible. At the same time, we're hearing that the project could work with only one or two venues as opposed to three. That works in Colony/Al Malik's favor, since there would presumably be less money going towards stadia that would otherwise go to their shareholders. Not having to build a new ballpark or arena would also free up 10-15 acres of "prime" development land near the Raiders stadium. Of course, that has to be balanced with the recognition that more venues equals more events and event days, which would make the project more attractive to prospective tenants. There's the possibility that no teams remain, which would result in no new venues. There's also a remaining disconnect regarding the different players' respective visions. Raiders owner Mark Davis continues to focus on a smallish outdoor stadium with less than 60,000 seats. Planning consultant JRDV (and previously Mayor Quan) want something larger – and perhaps retractably domed – that could attract big events such as the Super Bowl.
There's one other angle to play here. In 2010, Colony bought the construction firm Tutor-Saliba, the contractor responsible for rebuilding the Coliseum Arena, Mt. Davis (no, they weren't the architects), and several transit projects including the planned California High Speed Rail and the BART-to-SFO extension. Colony could see some additional opportunities associated with having Tutor-Saliba control the construction process for much of the project. Not sure how that might conflict with an open bidding process often required when using public funds.
Besides the failed AEG bid, Colony and Al Malik have had their share of hits and misses. Colony invested heavily in Station Casinos just as the recession was starting, and Station eventually declared bankruptcy. Al Malik was head of Dubai Aerospace and launched an aggressive strategy to buy (and lease out) a bunch of jumbo jets in 2006. He quit the company in 2008 as DAE floundered. Colony once co-owned the French football club Paris St.-Germain, then flipped it to investors from Qatar two years ago.
There's a great sense of irony in that much of the criticism of A's managing partner Lew Wolff is that he's a "greedy developer" who only wants to make money. Yet who is Oakland bringing in to give Coliseum City a whiff of viability? One of the richest developer/hedge fund groups in the world, Colony Capital. The master developer for Coliseum City appears to be Forest City, the company Brown favored for Uptown condos and apartments instead of a ballpark. When you need big money and expertise, there are only so many places to find it. What are the chances that this group isn't "greedy"? Slim and none.
Update 12:25 PM – Got a copy of today's agenda (thanks Matt Artz). The resolution calls for a 12-month extension of the ENA (Exclusive Negotiating Agreement) to figure out the terms of the deal. This comes on the heels of the the original ENA expiring October 21. In addition to the 12 months there would be another 6-month administrative extension option. No additional money would be needed to complete all of the project deliverables, a concern going back from the early summer.
What I have to wonder is what Mark Davis thinks of all of this. While it's good to have the potential for additional investment to help defray the stadium cost, here's another case of the JPA/Oakland/Alameda County pushing a deadline out. This time it could go into early 2015 before things are finalized. This doesn't seem like the kind of urgency that Davis is looking for:
Whether there's a sense of urgency or not? I know there is on our side. We have to find out how urgent on their side. The picture that's been drawn is there. We know what needs to get done. It's just whether it's going to be able to be done.
It's Davis, after all, who's pushing for a long-term lease extension tied to a new stadium development deal. How does this news affect that? Another 2-3 year lease to stay in the game?
Standard | Posted in Baseball, Basketball, Coliseum, Football, News, Oakland	| 89 Comments
Governor Brown signs streamlining bills for Sacramento, SF arena projects
You can't say Jerry Brown doesn't like sports now, folks. No sir.
The Governor signed two bills to help with environmental review for separate arena projects championed by the Kings and Warriors. SB 743 (Steinberg, D-Sacramento), for the Kings, made incremental changes to how traffic and parking studies will be done, but fell short of the sort of sweeping CEQA changes desired by Republicans and the Governor. Much of the streamlining in SB 743 benefits the Kings arena specifically by creating a time limit for lawsuits and allowing for eminent domain proceedings while the project goes through the EIR process.
AB 1273 (Ting, D-San Francisco) sought to bypass the State Lands Commission so that approval of the project rested with the City/County of San Francisco. That provision was stricken, neutering the bill rather severely. However, the EIR process now inserts SF and the BCDC to manage the process, allowing them to head off any red flag issues that the SLC could use to deny approval of the project. One key win for the Warriors was the granting of a development permit at Piers 30/32 to the BCDC, which should help advance to process of determining the proper (read: low) amount of parking to be built in concurrence with the arena.
The W's arena should also benefit from some of the new provisions in SB 743. Piers 30/32 most certainly qualifies most certainly qualifies as an urban infill project, considering its near-transit location and dilapidated state.
Now that the legislative endaround has been successfully executed for both arenas, it's only a matter of time to get their EIRs completed and approved. Sure, all sorts of challenges will occur in the meantime, but these actions are big if they're to have any hope of being open by 2016 (Sacramento), or more likely, 2017 (SF). It's just too bad that the legislature couldn't properly fix CEQA for everyone.
Standard | Posted in Basketball, Legal, News, Politics	| 34 Comments
Bending rules instead of fixing them
As the legislative session ended late Thursday night in Sacramento, the assembled pols found themselves at yet another crossroads regarding CEQA. They were getting ready to prove another project's sidestepping of existing CEQA law, all in the name of making the state more competitive, or jobs, or keeping a team from moving to another state. While Democrats were generally in lockstep about the prospects of the project, Republicans complained about how granting exceptions like this one doesn't fix the core problem.
Just about everyone including Governor Brown agrees that CEQA makes the procedural environment too difficult to get things built. It's all too easy to create year-plus delays because of often frivolous CEQA challenges. Don't get me wrong, many CEQA challenges have real merit. If a contaminated site needs to be cleaned and an applicant isn't thorough about mitigation steps, CEQA provides the method to keep such abuse in check. But uses of CEQA can themselves be abusive, such when homeowners object to a project simply because it will affect their property values.
CEQA was designed to protect the environment. While it needs to be overhauled to prevent abuse, whatever programmatic changes need to be made must keep the spirit of the law intact. Judging from the debate on the Assembly floor on Thursday, it's not clear exactly how that will happen.
State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) did a victory lap Thursday afternoon as SB 743, the bill designed to help streamline CEQA for the Kings' downtown Sacramento arena, was easily approved in both houses. Previous bills provided similar exemptions for other big projects. Farmers Field received an exemption because it was thought that streamlining CEQA would help bring a NFL franchise to LA. It didn't. SF Assemblyman drafted similar legislation for the Warriors' arena (AB 1273). And if Howard Terminal got off the ground for any kind of major project including a ballpark, it's likely that another bill would be written to benefit that project. Given the amount of cleanup that would be required, bypass legislation is practically a given.
During the debate over AB 852, a last minute gut-and-redraft meant to impose union-backed CEQA protections over certain projects, Assemblyman Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) asked the bill's author, Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), if the bill and AB 743 could help a project Fong champions in his backyard, Apple's spaceship campus headquarters. Dickinson indicated that this was the case.
The problem with providing exceptions for big, high profile projects like stadia and convention centers (or corporate headquarters) is that they chiefly benefit the big money team owners and associated businesses who run such facilities. If we're going to be serious about real, substantial CEQA reform, we need real legislation to get to the core problems regarding abuse and delay. That way every kind of applicant can benefit, not just incredibly wealthy business interests. Steinberg made some headway by reshaping how some areas of concern are measured, but only after he shelved SB 731, the bill he wrote as a broader approach towards real CEQA reform. Chief among the issues addressed in SB 743 are parking and traffic, both of which will now have a potentially more flexible way to define mitigations. Aesthetics are also deemphasized for certain projects. All in all, these are small but necessary steps that should modernize CEQA. Steinberg did what he needed to do to help the Kings arena, just as he promised to David Stern and the NBA's Board of Governors. As for properly reforming CEQA? That's for the next legislative session, I suppose.
Standard | Posted in Basketball, News, Politics	| 3 Comments
On Subsidies and Votes
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you're probably already familiar with my stance on public subsidies for sports teams. It has perhaps become more hardline over the years, as civic coffers have dried up and redevelopment died out. The ideas are pretty simple, and I don't expect everyone to think the same way I do:
Public money for stadia in the form of cash, loans, or bonds – whether or not secured by upfront taxes or fees – should never happen in this day and age.
All new or renovated venues that do not require public money are generally good, as long as they don't come with significant kickbacks for the team and developers.
Any public assistance that goes beyond processing permits or planning work (providing land, money, or other benefits) should require a public vote over the terms of the deal.
Note that I haven't specified dollar values for anything. That means that it doesn't matter if a municipality provides $1 million or $1 billion in assistance – any assistance merits a referendum. There is no gray area at work.
As currently structured right now the Sacramento Kings' new arena will not go to the ballot box. The City Council and Mayor Kevin Johnson have argued that a referendum isn't necessary isn't because no new general taxes are being levied. Councilman Steve Hansen (no relation to Seattle investor Chris Hansen – we'll get to that in a bit) even argued in a forum earlier this week that because Sacramento's airport received $1 billion in publicly-funded improvements without a vote, the arena shouldn't either. That is utterly absurd. First of all, an airport in a major city is a pretty important piece of public infrastructure, incomparable to an arena, which is a luxury. Secondly, it's foolish to use third grade-level reasoning to justify a political move such as this ("My friend's parents let him stay out late, why can't I?"). Not voting on airport improvements was arguably a bad move in the first place. Not voting on an arena would only compound that error.
An anti-arena group, STOP, emerged as the only entity with enough cash to fund a petition drive that would've put the arena on a ballot. STOP's origins were murky, as it was connected to Loeb & Loeb, a Southern California law firm associated with the Maloof family (former Kings owners). Initially that led to accusations that the Maloofs funded STOP. It turns out that the aforementioned Chris Hansen had actually funded STOP to the tune of $100,000. The non-disclosure and solicitation of the contribution(s) were all state campaign-reporting violations. Hansen eventually admitted his part in the subterfuge and apologized, explaining that he wouldn't fund the campaign further. Arena advocates are rightly incensed and not satisfied with Hansen's apology, going as far as asking the hedge fund manager to pull back all gathered signatures. In addition, STOP pulled some shady tactics in misrepresenting aspects of the arena plan, which has caused several thousand petition signers to request their names be removed.
Messy, right? This brouhaha didn't start with Hansen or pro-arena forces. It started with the need for a referendum. Since the City decided the arena didn't need one, the anti-arena political machine geared up to get enough signatures to force one. That got another group going in defense of the plan, trying to head off the petition drive at the pass. All of it, and I mean all of it, is unsavory. There's a very simple, easy way to resolve this once and for all: just allow the referendum to take place. Even if the delay counts for several months it shouldn't materially impact the construction plan, which has numerous pieces to work out including a potential eminent domain land acquisition. If the pro-arena forces are as confident as they say they are about the plan, there's no reason to skip this crucial civic step. Mayor KJ has called the arena the biggest project in the City's history. Shouldn't the biggest project in the City's history be confirmed by plebiscite? Forget the dirty politics, the real and phony outrage. Let it all air out in a real campaign. Sacramento voters at least deserve that amount of respect.
Plus, let's not forget that one famous Sacramentan was caught on the other side of this divide. Last year I wrote about Gregg Lukenbill's plot to kill the original China Basin ballpark in 1989 with mailers targeting San Francisco voters, all part of a plan to coax the team northeast along I-80 to land next to ARCO (Sleep Train) Arena. (An even more revealing account can be found at The California Fix.) Why no outrage? Because that's part of the game. It's also part of the past. After all, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan certainly picked up a few votes after the revelation that Lew Wolff donated $25k to presumed frontrunner Dom Perata's campaign in 2010. How'd that work out in the end for Oakland?
Eventually, San Francisco got new ownership in that were willing to spend their own money on a ballpark, with minimal city assistance (land, infrastructure). Even that plan ended up in a referendum, one that won in a landslide. Santa Clara's 49ers stadium plans received legitimacy thanks to their victory at the ballot box, as did San Jose's arena plans. Meanwhile, Oakland pushed Mt. Davis (and arena renovations) through without a city or county vote to disastrous effects, and pols are hinting at even more stadium plans that won't require referenda. Are these people nuts? Have some respect for your citizens, politicians. Allow for campaigns. Allow the citizens and fans to be fully educated on the issues. You owe them that much. Sure, campaigns are expensive. The billionaires and millionaires who want these projects can afford campaign costs, they've seen and done it before. Chances are that they'll outspend opponents 10:1. They have the resources. That's fine. That's the way the process works. The track record, at least in this state, is that allowing proper vetting of stadium projects is good for all concerned. If stadium and arena proponents aren't willing to accede to a referendum request, it's worth wondering what they're hiding.
Standard | Posted in Basketball, Editorial, News, Owners, Politics	| 26 Comments
Warriors backing away from 2017 SF arena opening date
On June 20 the California Assembly easily passed AB 1273, a bill from San Francisco's Phil Ting that aimed to speed up the CEQA process by bypassing the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). That hope faded on the 25th, when a Senate committee refused to take action on the bill, citing the importance of the BCDC and the State Lands Commission. The bill was withdrawn from committee shortly thereafter.
The Snøhetta/AECOM-designed Warriors arena on San Francisco's Piers 30/32
The BCDC is the first and largest regulatory body that approves any and all development along the bay. The Warriors and SF pols hoped that by not involving the BCDC they'd be able to hit their target opening date of fall 2017. For now the 2017 date looks shaky, as involvement with the BCDC and contingent agencies could add a 1-2 years (or more) to a normal CEQA process.
Tim Kawakami saw the other shoe drop when he interviewed Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob this week.
LACOB: I do know there's a possibility, certainly, that (the arena) could be delayed. It's not a probability at this point. The probability is that we achieve our goal.
Not exactly a rallying cry, rather a more tempered response than Lacob has previously exhibited. Lacob has shown no signs of giving up on the project, as he and Peter Guber most certainly see the revenue advantages it would bring even the arena were delayed 1-2 years. Lacob also said that he'd consider Lot A across McCovey Cove/Mission Creek from AT&T Park, but not Pier 50 next door (which would bring up the BCDC threat all over again). Chances are that the W's would only build on Lot A if they received exclusive development rights, which have already been given to the Giants with plans drawn up. Not that they couldn't be changed if the right deal were struck. The Giants are refinancing their remaining debt on AT&T Park to help finance the Lot A project, so you have to think it's already pretty far along in the process for them.
Interestingly, the apparent defeat of AB 1273 marks the fourth instance of large political effort to fast-track a project that has either backfired or failed to help the effort. A letter from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (among others) made note of previous instances:
AB 900 in 2011 was legislation for a Portside San Diego Chargers stadium. Eventually the plan fizzled as no one could figure out how to bridge the funding gap.
A fast track bill for Farmers Field was passed in 2012, but became moot as Phil Anschutz wavered when confronted with the high price the NFL was going to make him pay to bring one or two teams downtown.
Seattle interests also bumped up against their own working Port to ram through a SoDo Sonics arena.
The first two instances of demise were purely financial as no one could make the deal terms pencil out. Bills or other measures may have helped in the end, we'll never know. The brief list doesn't include Carole Migden's failed attempt to block the 49ers' move to Santa Clara. Seems like the memo to any teams trying these shenanigans should be to simply let the process work itself out, no matter how painful it is.
In the letter link above is also Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's opposition to the bill, framed in terms of economic impact to Oakland. Quan has also mentioned the BCDC in interviews, but she was smart to not include that argument in the letter. After all, she's advocating for a ballpark at Howard Terminal, a piece of land that, like Piers 30/32 in SF, is subject to BCDC and SLC review. The BCDC website's FAQ barely scratches the surface of the regulatory work required to build anything on the Bay (bold are my emphasis):
What types of activity require a permit?
A BCDC permit must be obtained before you do any of the following things within the Commission's jurisdiction:
Place solid material, build or repair docks, pile-supported or cantilevered structures, dispose of material or moor a vessel for a long period in San Francisco Bay or in certain tributaries that flow into the Bay.
Dredge or extract material from the Bay bottom.
Substantially change the use of any structure or area.
Construct, remodel or repair a structure.
Subdivide property or grade land.
Shouldn't be a problem for a Howard Terminal ballpark, right? Easy peasy.
In the Kawakami interview, Lacob also referenced the departure of AECOM from the project. According to Lacob, the AECOM had already finished its task of completing design work for the inside of the arena. That means that design work is largely complete, barring CEQA-mandated changes to the project. That should show you how serious the W's are about getting this thing built.
Standard | Posted in Basketball, News, Oakland, Owners, Politics	| 54 Comments
Sacramento 22, Seattle 8. Now Oakland's turn.
As the MLB owner meetings were held this week in New York, the owners may have spent a lunch or two observing the proceedings in Dallas, where the NBA's Board of Governors was deciding the fate of the Sacramento Kings and Seattle. If they paid attention, they probably noticed that there was a commissioner in David Stern who encouraged independent thought, debate, and consensus via democratic vote instead of decree (the vote was 22-8, not a bogus "unanimous" decision). By having a transparent, well laid out process for arriving at a decision with the Kings/Sonics, the matter was decided in four months. Compare that to what's happening to the A's, who have been in limbo for four years.
As usual, the A's were not on the agenda at the meetings, with no reports issued or recommendations made. With the A's continuing to get their annual revenue sharing check and keeping their expenses in check, the A's are effectively a model franchise for MLB from an operational standpoint. Status quo it is, fans be damned.
I heaped praise on Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson on March 1st for his handling of the Kings' situation. With no support from the Maloofs, KJ put together a big money ownership group, assembled an arena deal with public funding, and rallied the vast majority of other NBA owners to his side. The feat was positively Herculean, and will serve KJ well in his future political or business endeavors, whatever way he wants to go. More importantly, KJ created a blueprint (one based on the efforts to keep the Giants in SF) for any city to keep a team in danger of moving.
Which brings us to Oakland. At present, the City and Alameda County are at loggerheads with the A's over the future lease, even as baseball is encouraging the City to loosen up on some negotiating points. As the months progress, chances are that the A's and baseball will be more desperate to get a deal made since there is no other ballpark solution immediately available. It's a calculated risk that could pay off big for the revenue-short public agencies. On the flip side, MLB won't take kindly to the A's being gouged by the Coliseum JPA.
Long term, Oakland is doing some of the things KJ did – for the Raiders, that is. They're trying to build business support within the community, with the two sides holding events to determine the economic potential in the East Bay. They have a program level EIR started for Coliseum City and have worked with the Raiders and the NFL on stadium concepts. For the A's, Oakland has trotted out three stadium sites and little else. Community groups such as Save Oakland Sports and the new Oakland Fan Pledge (which has gotten 1,179 pledges worth $2.87 million so far) have tried to fill the gap for fans. If we're judging by the level of effort, the City wants to keep the Raiders in town a lot more than they want to retain the A's.
City officials and others will point to the A's ownership group's lack of cooperation as a motivating factor. Given the hell that Sacramento fans and pols had to go through, that's not a good excuse. Oakland should be presenting its best vision for the A's – whatever it is – and it should be doing all of the necessary background work so that if a decision comes down in favor of Oakland or Wolff/Fisher actually decide to sell the team, the ballpark effort can use some procedural and political momentum to secure a deal and get the park built. (San Jose got an EIR certified without any promises, why not Oakland?) Without a sincere and honest effort, what are the owners supposed to think? What are fans supposed to think? At least one owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, has both MLB and NBA franchises, and there's no doubt the others at The Lodge were picking his brain to see how the boys in Dallas arrived at their decision. They can point to a commissioner who properly guided the discussion, a mayor who cared enough to fight, and a fanbase that was small but vocal. There's still a ways to go before Sacramento has a shiny new arena, but they've already crawled through the proverbial river of shit. Congrats Cowtown. Don't go spending all $258 million in one place! (er…)
Standard | Posted in Basketball, News	| 73 Comments
Ranadive-Mastrov group to pay dearly to keep Kings in Sacramento
No one to date has ever confused Sacramento for a big market. Thanks to a promise made by potential Kings buyer Vivek Ranadive, Sacramento may be treated like one.
The Sacramento Bee's Dale Kasler wrote today that Ranadive pledged to take the Kings off the NBA's revenue sharing plan if he and his group were allowed to buy the franchise. It's no small amount, thanks to terms negotiated as part of the NBA's 2012 collective bargaining agreement. According to a 2012 Sports Business Daily article, the revenue sharing receipt for a small market team such as the Kings or Milwaukee Bucks was worth as much as $16 million per year. The scheme is similar to MLB's plan, except that teams in the NBA share 50% of local revenues (as opposed to baseball's roughly 40%). A ramp-up period was imposed so that the scheme won't fully take effect until the 2013-14 season, the same time extremely punitive repeat luxury tax penalties will also start being levied.
The Kings will face their own transition to being net payers, as Ranadive has even agreed to receive reduced revenue sharing for the remaining years at Sleep Train Pavilion. The exact amount isn't known, but even if it were 50% of $16 million, the Kings would be hard pressed to make up the rest of that revenue solely by selling out the arena for the next two NBA seasons (my estimate of increased revenue: $8.8 million). While Sacramento is a top 20 media market, the Kings don't get TV revenue from Comcast as a bigger market should. Either Ranadive will have to negotiate seriously lucrative increases (2X at least) or the Kings will be a very revenue-limited team.
Ranadive will have one other constraint that doesn't hamper poor baseball teams – a salary floor. In the NBA, teams have to spend at least 85% of the salary cap. For the 2012-13 season that translated to more than $49 million. The Maloof-owned Kings spent $54 million on payroll during that period. Revenues should be a good deal higher with a new arena and increased goodwill from the community, but the fact remains that Sacramento simply isn't a big market. It's not going to surpass Phoenix or the Twin Cities because the population is simply not big enough, and teams like the Orlando and Cleveland will continue to get the competitive benefit of revenue sharing, plus a ton of upcoming draft picks to help their rebuilding efforts. Even Oklahoma City and Memphis, playoff teams with no need for help, will benefit at the expense of Sacramento because they're small markets.
The Kings' roster is made up of players without the talent or leadership ability to deserve max contracts, so for the next few years this shouldn't be a big deal. If the team can make the right moves to have a competitive team built and timed to coincide with a new arena, all will be well. If not, even the solid ticket-buying support by Kings fans will be tested. Ticket prices are sure to be a good deal higher at the new arena, and with that comes higher expectations for success. Even if the team is successful and has multiple max-deserving players, they could be more quickly stuck in a situation like the Thunder and Grizzlies, who had to give up critical players in order to keep their payroll in line.
Sacramento backers framed their argument to keep the team in the Capitol with the idea that unlike Seattle's competitive multi-sport market, the Kings are the only game in town. By virtue of last week's relocation rejection, the owners are taking that to heart. Sacramento asked to be treated like a bigger market, and by golly they will be, whether they like it or not.
Standard | Posted in Basketball, News, Owners	| 59 Comments


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JAY-Z Originally Wanted to Create a "Radio Single" for '4:44'—Could It Have Won Him a GRAMMY?
"Let's not put 'Sexual Healing' on 'What's Going On.'"
Brian "Z" Zisook
Dan Garcia
Despite scoring an industry-leading eight nominations, JAY-Z walked away empty-handed from the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards this past Sunday evening.
While some believe Jay split votes with Kendrick Lamar in several major categories, leading to Bruno Mars sweeping Album of the Year (24k Magic), Record of the Year ("24k Magic") and Song of the Year ("That's What I Like"), it's also possible the lack of a true "radio single" on 4:44 meant that fewer voting member ears actually listened to the full body of work.
In an interview on Ebro In The Morning prior to the awards ceremony, 4:44 producer No I.D. revealed that, during the construction of the album, Jay expressed a desire to have at least one track that could be pushed as "the single," but together they decided against it.
"I kept referencing [Marvin Gaye's] What's Going On when we was working," No I.D. said. "We were gettin' near the end and he'd be like, 'Let's go for the...' And I'd be like, 'Let's not put 'Sexual Healing' on Whats Going On. I know radio, I know the club, but let's just do this one. You already got the catalog. You won. You won five times, 10 times, whatever. But this one..."
For some, the overall quality of an album is often (unfairly) based on its most notable single selections, but as No I.D. went on to explain, a project should never be judged by its best material, but rather by its worst.
"An album, to me, is measured by the worst song, not the best song," he said. "The 'bad' songs make an album not classic. You could have the most amazing records on the record, and you got two bad records, it ain't a classic though."
4:44 is already Platinum (largely thanks to Sprint), the album is among the highest-rated of Jay's entire career, and its corresponding tour is his highest-grossing solo run ever. It's possible a hit single could have meant greater success for the album—which has never been made available for stream on TIDAL rival Spotify—which, in turn, might have helped Jay add to his impressive collection of gilded gramophones, but just as No I.D. explained, Jay is past the point of chasing hits.
4:44 isn't Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, but, as a legacy project, over time it will likely be remembered in a similar vein.
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JAY-Z's '4:44' Album Will Also Be Released on the Radio: Report
Nothing pairs with a 47-year-old rapper quite like terrestrial radio!
JAY-Z's '4:44' Isn't Named After the Hotel Where the Solange Elevator Incident Happened, Or Is It?
Whoa.


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Archive for The Abominable Dr Phibes
Cuisine of the Crime
Posted in FILM with tags Daniel Emilfork, George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean-Pierre Cassell, Peter Stone, Philippe Noiret, Robert Morley, Ted Kotcheff, The Abominable Dr Phibes, Theatre of Blood, Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? on January 30, 2019 by dcairns
I hadn't seen WHO IS KILLING THE GREAT CHEFS OF EUROPE for decades and Fiona had never seen it. And I only just realized that Peter Stone had a big hand in the script — he's also a key figure in the writing of CHARADE, ARABESQUE, MIRAGE, FATHER GOOSE, SWEET CHARITY… which are all quite sprightly examples of the dying days of the golden years of Hollywood. And this one tries hard to evoke the feel of classic romantic comedy thrillers, while sharing some DNA with the novelty murder cycle begun by THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES.
Someone IS killing the great chefs of Europe, in their own kitchens and using their own favourite methods. Meanwhile dessert chef Jacqueline Bisset (last on the menu) and her ex-husband, fast food entrepreneur George Segal, are squabbling and wooing in a manner vaguely reminiscent of Cary Grant & Ros Russell in HIS GIRL FRIDAY. Jackie B proves a very able performer in this genre, and Segal of course is a very fine light comedian but perhaps makes his already seedy character a bit too brash and unlikable and lupine. The only moment where he begins to gather some sympathy is a fine bit of writing where he seems about to be humiliated on UK TV after trying, in a quite well-meaning way, to save his ex's life. But this happens at the very end of the film, so it's a little too late.
The Hollywood trick of casting actors who are NOT like the character they're playing — think Joel McCrea as a pretentious film director in SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS — might have been handy here. But for a brash and sleazy businessman, who do you cast in the seventies who's NOT a bit sleazy?
Robert Morley hams with relish, but one of the film's real treats is the casting of top European acting talent in rare English-speaking roles: Jean-Pierre Cassell, Philippe Noiret, Jean Rochefort and walking special effect Daniel Emilfork. Fascinating to watch them in a second language: Cassell's suavity transmutes into an engaging goofiness, Rochefort hams it up enormously and is a joy, and Noiret is really extraordinary, holding the eye and producing an effect of massive comedic overemphasis while actually underplaying like crazy. His tiniest ocular glint is like an explosion.
The mystery is well-played, delivering a genuine surprise out of a very limited (and ever-shrinking) field of suspects, and plays reasonably fair, though when you think about it, given the identity and motive of the killer, it does seem highly unlikely that they'd choose the novelty homicide MO we've all been enjoying. But Jackie gets to sleep with the most attractive Frenchman and doesn't get punished for it, even though the plot positions her as potential final victim. (Neither the PHIBES films nor THEATRE OF BLOOD think of making the most sympathetic character the last person in jeopardy — though maybe we're *intended* to care about Joseph Cotten and Ian Hendry?)
If the film, as directed by Ted Kotcheff, doesn't quite come off, maybe it's because it's set in and made in the late seventies, with a brownish colour palette and all-location shooting in cavernous rooms. It somehow never has the lighter-than-air soufflé feel the story demands. We're in London and Paris and Venice, and it always seems overcast and a bit dreich. Not Cary Grant weather at all. Although, if you have Cary Grant, ALL weather is Cary Grant weather. If you have George Segal instead, better hope for sunshine.
WHO IS KILLING THE GREAT CHEFS OF EUROPE? (AKA TOO MANY CHEFS) stars Miss Goodthighs, Quiller, King Louis XVI, King Louis XIII, Cardinal Mazarin, Le colonel Louis Marie Alphonse Toulouse, another different Cardinal Mazarin, Dr. Branom, De Nomolos, Krank, Ralph Earnest Gorse, Sgt. Wilson and Wallace.
Organ Stops
Posted in FILM with tags Dr Phibes Rises Again, Electric Sheep, Mike Hodges, Robert Fuest, The Abominable Dr Phibes, The Complete Phibes on June 23, 2014 by dcairns
Vincent Price conducts his septet of wind-up Frank Sidebottoms.
Arrow's Blu-ray edition of THE COMPLETE PHIBES was a pleasure to review for Electric Sheep. Here.
Incorporating gossip gleaned from the great Mike Hodges.
The Ten Plagues of Christmas
Posted in FILM with tags Arthur Lowe, Limerwrecks, Robert Fuest, Robert Morley, The Abominable Dr Phibes, Theatre of Blood, Vincent Price, Witchfinder General on December 29, 2011 by dcairns
At this magical time of the year
I feel a small frisson of fear
I was scared as a child
By the voice, soft and mild
Of a gentleman ever so queer.
It's true — a Hogmanay screening of THEATRE OF BLOOD so terrified me as a kid, I couldn't walk into a room for months afterwards without imaging the severed head of Arthur Lowe waiting for me. I think it was the fact that he's murdered in bed, the place of childhood safety, and in a slow, methodical, surgical manner…
I once had a flat mate similarly traumatised, but by Robert Morley's demise in the same film, choked to death on a cream-of-poodle pie rammed down his throat through a funnel. She couldn't eat chicken pie ever again.
So this time of year often makes me think of Vincent Price. And since it's near the climax of the Vincentennial, the blogospheric celebration of his hundredth blood-curdling year, it seemed mete to sing his praises.
I limbered up with this little rhyme, then decided to indulge in a ten-lim marathon celebrating each of Phibes' phiendish phorays.
Thus: The Wreckalogue.
A further entry in the Vincentennial, dealing with the gripping WITCHFINDER GENERAL, is here. And make sure you check out everyone else's rhymes! A big thankyou to Hil for having me.


the punjabi (hindu) wedding ceremonies can be performed either in the arya samaj or the sanatan dharm way. i have no idea which one is going to be followed in my wedding but i shall soon find out. see the list of ceremonies that are performed according to arya samaj here and according to sanatan dharam here.
oh did i mention that my boyfriend is an Agarwal (agarwalla actually) which means we belong to different castes. I am a Kshatriya where as he is a Vaishya and so when we get married we'll have to take care of the rituals and ceremonies for both the castes.
i am aware of the hindu caste system and accept it as a part of our history but i, in principle do not practice or promote it in any way and wouldn't like to do so, although i find the theory of ancient categorisation into 4 varnas truly fascinating! you may read more about it here.
i am also a Proud Punjabi (PP) maybe even a FPP(fiercely proud punjabi). i think punjabis the world over rock and know how to enjoy their lives to the fullest. i typed in a few words and i found more reason to think and believe like i do already:)!!
more on the punjabi wedding customs and rituals here.
these images above are from an old blog entry from my other blog AND ANOTHER where i talk about textiles, my love for all things indian, home interiors and design inspirations.
very interesting hope all the wedding plans go well I love all the Indian clothes & colours they are so exotic!
Its gud to see that u know actually what you want coz most of the people are very confused.. ritu kumar & sabsyasachi are both my fav! One of my college frend recently got married and wore a sabsyasachi lehenga... she looked amazing!! may be i can try n send u her pic... And the trinity ring cant believe we have such similar tastes.. even wanted one unfortunately cudnt find it so settled for similar looking :) Please opt for real jewellery with the lehenga... if you plan for your jewellery to be custom made i can tell u a designer.. u can show her the designs u want and she replicates and even giver her inputs..she is really gud worth a visit!!
Hello there! you didn't write your name!! Thanks for your wishes and the comment! do keep visiting i'll be posting more regularly here!
hey neha...yes i want to wear only real jewellery for the wedding in any case i am allergic to most metals and finishes except gold an dsilver:) please do give me the contact of the designer that'll be a great help, does she have a website? i don't think i'll be able to afford a ritu kumar or sabyasachi myself...but i wish to get the look that the two designers manage to pull off..and pls do keep commenting...i'll need all the help, thanks!


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THE VITAS – FLASHER – FAILED FLOWERS
April 17, 2017 @ 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
« GOSPEL BRUNCH with DJ YETI
SOMETHING COLD PRESENTS: »
THE VITAS
https://thevitas.bandcamp.com/releases
FLASHER (DC/mems of Priests)
https://flasherdc.bandcamp.com/releases
Formed in 2015, Flasher is Taylor Mulitz (guitar, vocals), Daniel Saperstein (bass, vocals), and Emma Baker (drums, vocals). Long-time friends, they are also established members of Washington, D.C.'s re-emergent DIY music scene.
However, while Flasher is a product of that crew, its music operates with different physics. Where their local peers favor direct and volatile gestures, Flasher's music exists in the tension between conflicting feelings and sensibilities. They're jagged, but woozy. Tender, but aggressive. When you're singing through peavey speakers on sticks in a venue that's more underwater ashtray than group house living room, it's hard to project anything resembling sensuality. Flasher does, though.
Originally, released on cassette in April of 2016 and now reissued on vinyl, the band's self-titled debut includes seven songs recorded at Lurch, a studio run by Saperstein and Owen Wuerker (fellow D.C. resident and member of Big Hush).
The songs are born from a process of deconstruction and reassembly. Melodic motifs are transmuted into fodder for the rhythm section. Call and response vocals warp and skew established gender roles. Lyrically, the trio take on experiences of shame, guilt, and pleasure, and haul them away from abstraction toward a place of physical expression. The songs are intended as experiment in how far a body – whether composed of flesh and bone, or melody and rhythm – can be restructured and reinvented while remaining desirable or even functional.
The results speak to the band's transformation over the last year, both in personal matters and as artists. Closing track "Destroy" began as a heartsick home demo written years before Flasher formed. At that time, the chorus, "I just want to be your boy," was a plea for connection. Here, the song is fundamentally changed for the better. There's more bite in Multiz's delivery, maybe even a bit of sarcasm. "Destroy" ends amid layers of guitar skree and volume. What was a moment of vulnerability is now all attitude.
FAILED FLOWERS
https://failedflowers.bandcamp.com/
18+ w ID


My research is focused on the fundamental, molecular mechanisms of signaling, trafficking and oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of membrane proteins and the target of approximately a third of all drugs. My approach is to develop or apply innovative tools and methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome edited cell lines, nanobodies, advanced fluorescence microscopy and real-time biosensors, to push the boundaries of what we already know. GPCRs are involved in most physiological and pathological processes, so insights into their basic functions has broad perspectives for basic research and for drug discovery.


This was an upgrade to most nelson based guns that would make the nelson based guns semi-auto.
Steve Buzick called this his "Trojan Autococker". He was inspired by some of Bud Orr's earliest autocockers about 1990/1991 and the mechanics that recocked the bolt.
His idea was to cater to the nelspot pump owners so they wouldn't have to purchase a whole other marker.


Edward Wayne Fizer Jr., 28, of Nashville died Friday, June 29, 2018 in Hot Springs.
He was born Sunday July 22, 1990, in Shreveport, La., to Mary Dosia of Nashville and the late Edward Wayne Fizer, Sr.
He sang in the choir at New Beginnings Church in Texarkana, Texas.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Christopher Dosia.
Survivors include: his mother,; a brother, Orlando Dosia of Nashville; five sisters, Tamera Dosia of Houston, Texas, Felicia Fizer, Christina Fizer, Karen Fizer, and Jacqueline Fizer all of Nashville.
Funeral services were Monday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at Rising Star Baptist Church in Hope. Arrangements by McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises, Hope.


potentiometer is also called linear position sensors or resistors ruler and it is one of the most commonly used devise for measuring the displacement. Potentiometer is a primary sensor which converts the linear motion or the angular motion of a shaft into change in resistance. It is a type of resistive displacement sensor. Linear potentiometers are sensors that produce a resistance output proportional to the linear displacement or position. Linear potentiometers are essentially variable resistors whose resistance is varied by the movement of a slider over a resistance element.
Figure 1.23 illustrates the basic principle of a linear potentiometer. The linear potentiometer employs an electrically conductive linear slide member (also called wiper) connected to a variable wire wound resistor (winding) that changes resistance to be equated to the linear position of the device which is monitored. As the sliding contact moves along the winding, the resistance is changed in linear relationship with the distance from one end of the potentiometer. To measure the displacement, a potentiometer is typically wired as a "voltage divider" so that the output voltage is proportional to the distance traveled by the wiper. A known voltage is applied to resistor ends. The contact is attached to the moving object of interest. The output voltage at the contact is proportional to the displacement. The resolution is defined by the number of turns per unit distance and it is affected by the loading effects of the voltage divider circuit.
One of the most common uses of modem low-power potentiometers is as an audio control device. Both sliding pots (also known as faders) and rotary potentiometers (commonly called knobs') are regularly used to adjust loudness, frequency attenuation and other characteristics of audio signals.
The following Factors are to be considered while selecting the potentiometers.


I've got tested brussels as a sugar lover - Allow me to say this really helped curb daytime cravings for sweets which normally constant. The easy process encourages people to avail the products of their choice by simply clicking with mouse instead of going to market. Alleviate this problem with a home-filing system that genuinely works.


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Metodologia nauk – nauka zajmująca się metodami stosowanymi w naukach przy formułowaniu twierdzeń i teorii naukowych. Metodologia nauk analizuje nie tylko procedury badawcze, lecz także jej wytwory: pojęcia, hipotezy, twierdzenia.

Podział metodologii
Metodologia nauk może być dzielona na:
 ogólną (logiczna) - teoria metod naukowych stosowanych we wszystkich naukach
 szczegółową (metodologia historii, fizyki, itp.).

Ogólna metodyka nauk jest teorią zastosowania reguł semiotycznych oraz praw i reguł logiki formalnej do działalności naukowej. Interesuje ją poprawne formułowanie problemów naukowych, poprawność rozumowań, zasady dyskusji.

Według innego podziału wyróżnia się:
 metodologię nauk w aspekcie pragmatycznym zajmującą się metodami działalności naukowej i stosowanych w nauce procedurach badawczych
 metodologię nauk w aspekcie teoretycznym zajmującą się strukturą i elementami systemów naukowych

Zobacz też
 metodologia

Przypisy


This post is brought to you in partnership with the Southern Christmas Show.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! The Southern Christmas show is all about spreading light and joy to others and celebrating the relationships that enrich our lives all year long. Here you'll find a collection of simple ideas to get into the spirit of giving when you visit the show.
Visit Wit & Whimsy at booth 212 and pick up some holiday greeting cards to send a heartfelt note.
Wit & Whimsy Paperie is a boutique letterpress and design studio dedicated to the craftsmanship and love of paper. Its collection of one-of-a-kind cards, prints and paper goods will brighten your friends and family member's days when they find one in their mailbox. If you're feeling an extra dose of warm fuzzies, the More Love Letters campaign invites people to write to those facing hardships all over the world to bring them hope and comfort through the written world.
Let your kids fall in love with the written word.
Kids of all ages are welcome to stop by our Kids' Craft Corner sponsored by Carolina Home Remodeling. While there, your little ones can get a jump start on making Christmas cards for family members, friends and classmates. On Hero Day, Monday, Nov. 12, they will also be able to make special cards for our American troops! Consider asking them to write a card to cheer up an ill patient or senior at a local hospital or nursing home. Imagine the special memories you could make delivering uplifting notes to those in need together!
Do you know someone who isn't as mobile as he or she used to be? Think about bringing the magic of the season to his or her home.
Bungalow Décor (Booth 3427), Flower Floozy Designs (Booth 1215) and Unique Spice Wreaths (Booth 606) are great places to begin looking for the perfect items for home decorating projects!
Pondering what to buy that friend who's so difficult to shop for?
Purchase him or her a ticket to the Southern Christmas Show and enjoy spending special time together and making new memories.
Want to learn more about the Southern Christmas Show? Click here for more information.


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The conversation/Kōrero
Academy of New Zealand Literature
Vanda Symon
ANZL Member
About this Member
Vanda Symon is the best-selling author of four Detective Sam Shephard crime fiction novels, Overkill (Penguin, 2007), The Ringmaster (Penguin, 2008), Containment (Penguin, 2009), Bound (Penguin, 2011), and the stand alone psychological thriller, The Faceless (Penguin, 2012). She is a three-time finalist for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Fiction Novel. Her books have also been published in Germany.
Author Kate Mosse has said: 'Vanda Symon's fast paced crime novels are as good as anything the US has to offer – a sassy heroine, fabulous sense of place, and rip roaring stories with a twist. Perfect curl-up on the sofa reading.' Crimewatch has described Vanda as 'part of a new wave of Kiwi crime writers… Symon's talent for creating well-rounded characters permeates throughout'.
Vanda is the producer and host of Write On, a monthly radio show on matters literary on Otago Access Radio, and she also reviews books for National Radio. She is very involved in the New Zealand writing community, having been chair of the Otago Southland branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors, and is currently the Chair of Copyright Licensing New Zealand. Vanda also has participated in celebrity debates, acted as speaker, reader or chair in literary events and festivals in New Zealand and Australia, and toured with The New Zealand Book Council's Words on Wheels.
Vanda has a professional background as a pharmacist and is completing a PhD in science communication, examining the communication of science through crime fiction.
Vanda Symon's website
Vanda on Facebook
New Zealand Book Council profile page
New Zealand Society of Authors writer page
Penguin Books author page
Bibliography: Vanda Symon
The Faceless (Penguin, 2012)
Bound (Penguin, 2011)
Containment (Penguin, 2009)
The Ringmaster (Penguin, 2008; Published as Der ungeschminkte Tod, Blanvalet, Random House, Germany, 2010)
Overkill (Penguin, 2007; Published as Ein Harmloser Mord, Blanvalet, Random House, Germany, 2008)
'Many of our best stories profit from a meeting of New Zealand and overseas influences' - Owen Marshall
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