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Home / High Road for Human Rights / ISSUES / GENOCIDE
The genocide in Darfur could have been stopped five years ago, yet the killing; the rapes; the displacement of hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children continues. The missing element has been grassroots education and advocacy.
Help High Road for Human Rights organize in communities in every state to help end the genocide by raising awareness about the challenges and, perhaps most importantly, the solutions we demand be pursued by our elected officials.
During the early stages of the genocide in Rwanda, a human rights activist urged President Clinton's National Security Advisor to take urgent action. He said that people were not calling to express their concerns and that no action would be taken unless people made "more noise".
Senator Paul Simon said 100 letters to each US Senator should have spurred the action necessary to stop the genocide.
The American people were silent, letters were not sent, phone calls were not made – and 800,000 men, women, and children were brutally butchered. The United States and the international community did nothing to stop the atrocities! Because the American people remained silent.
Let us never be silent again. Organizing together, we can make more noise. We can call for humane action. We can make a real, positive difference. And we can live our lives knowing we did what we could.
High Road for Human Rights is dedicated to real change. Please join High Road in its unique, vital work to make the world a safer, more peaceful, just place for all.
Don't remain silent. Don't sit back, leaving it for others to do. Join in the mass mobilization organized by High Road for Human Rights and contribute toward compassionate change to help our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
When we know that others are suffering and we have the means to help, our moral instincts, as well as our religious and humanitarian traditions, lead us to do what we can to stop the suffering and to promote healing and happiness.
"Compassion is one of the principal things that make our lives meaningful. It is the source of all lasting happiness and joy. And it is the foundation of a good heart, the heart of one who acts out of a desire to help others. . . . Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity; no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need." -His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Ethics for the New Millenium.
During the Holocaust, the American public expressed pity, but almost nothing was heard from the grassroots levelregarding a change in US national policy. As a result, our nation abandoned millions of people to their horrific fate at the hands of the Nazis.
After the Holocaust, The world agreed: "Never Again" … Never Again would we fail to act to prevent such atrocities to men, women, and children, anywhere in the world.
Romeo Dallaire knew he could have stopped the 1994 slaughter in Rwanda. As the United Nations Military Commander in Rwanda at the time, he said he needed only 5,500 United Nations troops to stop the horrendous violence and nationwide terror. The United States could have made the difference, working with the UN to do exactly what the UN was intended to do, rather than pull UN peacekeepers out, thereby abandoning 800,000 Rwandans and their loved ones to their tragic, brutal deaths, maiming, and unspeakable horror.
"[T]he international community, through an inept UN mandate and what can only be described as indifference, self-interest and racism, aided and abetted these crimes against humanity." – Roméo Dallaire
Dallaire is clear: the genocide could have been prevented if the UN operation had received the modest increase of troops and capabilities he requested. Could we have stopped the killings? Dallaire answers, "Yes, absolutely."
"Could we have prevented the resumption of the civil war and the genocide? The short answer is yes. If UNAMIR had received the modest increase of troops and capabilities we requested in the first week, could we have stopped the killings? Yes, absolutely." – Roméo Dallaire
As Dallaire explains, "There is no doubt that [the United States and France] possessed the solution to the Rwandan crisis.
It happened again in Bosnia, where, for several years, neither the United States nor the international community did anything to stop the brutal "ethnic cleansing" campaign of Serb nationalists. Some 200,000 Bosnians were killed and more than two million were forced to leave their homes.
Among the many long-time foreign policy experts who resigned from the State Department in protest of US complacency in the face of mass atrocities in Bosnia was Marshall Harris, the Bosnia desk officer…
"I can no longer serve in a Department of State that . . . will not act against genocide and the Serbian officials who perpetrate it." –Marshall Harris, Bosnia Desk Officer, US State Department
Let us learn from earlier, tragic lessons. Two weeks after the beginning of the genocide in Rwanda: National Security Advisor Anthony Lake stated that if United States officials were to support effective action to stop the mass atrocities, Americans must make it clear that's what they want. He urged human rights advocates to "make more noise" and to change public opinion.
"If you want to make this move, you will have to change public opinion. You must make more noise." –Anthony Lake, Former National Security Advisor
But hardly any noise was made, and the US stood by while the massacres continued. The American public expressed no interest in Rwanda. That failure on the part of the American people led US officials to inaction. Had there been a nation-wide organization like the one High Road for Human Rights will build, with thousands of people organized to demand action, the Rwandan genocide could have been stopped.
Samantha Power notes that "No group or groups in the United States made Clinton administration decisionmakers feel or fear that they would pay a political price for doing nothing to save Rwandans."
"[A]s was true with previous genocides, these U.S. officials were making potent political calculations about what the U.S. public would abide. . . . [T]hey looked to op-ed pages of elite journals, popular protest, and congressional noise to gauge public interest. No group or groups in the United States made Clinton administration decisionmakers feel or fear that they would pay a political price for doing nothing to save Rwandans."-Samantha Power, author of " A Problem From Hell"
The missing link in achieving effective action to stop the atrocities was a grassroots organizing effort, like the one High Road for Human Rights is working to create.
No organization was in place to elicit a public call for support to stop the massacres. Power notes that "Although Human Rights Watch supplied exemplary intelligence to the U.S. government and lobbied in one-on-one meetings, it lacked the grassroots base from which it might have mobilized the crucial domestic pressure everyone agreed was missing."
As you read this, a genocide is in its seventh year in the Darfur region of Sudan. Once again, the United States and the international community have failed to take effective action to stop the killing, raping, and maiming of hundreds of thousands of people, and the displacement of approximately two-and-a-half-million men, women, and children.
No one in Congress or in the White House should ever again be able to say that the people back home don't care. Let us do all we can to assure that mass atrocities are never again condoned because of a perception of public apathy in the United States – and to do all we can, consistent with our moral values, to express our concern, compassion, and insistence on constructive action in the clearest, most powerful possible terms. Together, through High Road for Human Rights, we can change the wind. We can increase awareness about preventable suffering and work together, through focused organizing, to effectively push for change that will bring about a safer, kinder, more just world.
Genocide in Darfur and What We Can Do
By Charles Ashley Anderson
High Road Volunteer
First things first: Do not despair!
It is hard to look at genocide. It is overwhelming and disheartening. You probably know that there is genocide underway in Darfur right now. It is natural to ask, "I know it's bad. But, seriously, what can I do?" That's a valid question. The usual response is "tell your representatives to do something about it." Something? The truth is, your elected officials need ideas a whole lot more concrete than that–and they are very unlikely to take the time to figure them out on their own. That's what this paper is all about. We have compiled a list of specific, detailed actions that need to be taken by our elected and other governmental officials if we are actually going to end this catastrophe. Before we go into those things, it is important that we look at a short history of genocide and international responses, followed by the events leading up to the current crisis in Darfur. That way, when you talk to your friends or representatives about it, you will sound like a pro.
A BRIEF GENOCIDE HISTORY
In 1941, the Nazis began killing European Jews. The Holocaust, as it came to be known, had caught the world largely off-guard. By the time the Allied Forces stopped the killing, over ten million human beings had been systematically murdered. Humanity was in shock. It was obvious that something must be done so that this never happened again. First, there needed to be a word that would define an atrocity of this magnitude. Raphael Lemkin, who lost 49 relatives in the Holocaust, coined the word "genocide" and convinced the U.N. that it should make certain that atrocities like the Holocaust should never again be permitted to occur.
There needed to be agreement that there are some things so horrible that no longer could the rest of the world take the attitude that whatever goes on within a nation's borders is no one else's business. The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted in 1948. It declared genocide a crime under international law. In short, it states that no matter where it happens, or under what circumstances, member nations are obliged to use all the means at their collective disposal to end incidences of genocide should they occur. That should do it, right?
Unfortunately, that did not do it. Since the end of World War II, repeated humanitarian catastrophes have tested the resolve of the world. In the Cambodian genocide, between 1975 and 1979, over 1.7 million people, or at least 21% of the nation's population, died as a result of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime. For 100 days in 1994, Hutu militias in Rwanda savagely attacked members of the Tutsi tribe and moderate Hutus. The Hutus, using mainly clubs, machetes and farm implements, murdered as many as 800,000 people. During the early 1990s, 200,000 men, women, and children in Bosnia were killed and more than two million were forced to leave their homes in an effort by Serbs to "ethnically cleanse" the area…
How could this happen again and again? And who is responsible?
To answer this question, we can take an example from the Rwandan genocide. Romeo Dallaire was the United Nations Military Commander in Rwanda at the time. He said he needed only 5,500 United Nations troops to stop the horrendous violence and nationwide terror. Without pressure from the United States to heed this request, the UN instead opted to pull its peacekeepers out, thereby abandoning hundreds of thousands of genocide victims to their horrific deaths.
So here's the crucial question: Why was there a lack of political will on the part of government officials in the United States to do something to save people from being slaughtered in Rwanda? Because political will comes from people putting pressure on elected officials. The politicians looked around, checked their mailboxes . . . and– nothing. So that's what they did. Nothing.
National Security Advisor Anthony Lake stated that if United States officials were to support effective action to stop the mass atrocities, Americans must make it clear that's what they want. He urged human rights advocates to "make more noise" and to change public opinion. Since the American public failed to make more noise, 800,000 people were slaughtered. The U.S. government turned a blind eye to the atrocities that it could have stopped.
For us to act compassionately, in accordance with our religious and humanitarian values, and to fulfill the promise of "Never Again," we must all make more noise, together. We must apply pressure. We must do our part in stopping or preventing human rights atrocities. That's our part of fulfilling the promise of "Never Again."
Sudan is made up of three basic regions: North, South and West. Sudan's capital city, Khartoum, is in the North, along with the majority of the country's wealth and only seaport. Its population is mainly Arabic and Muslim. Until recently, it has been engaged in civil war with the South, where the population of African Christians have long complained of being excluded from reaping the benefits of oil wealth–oil which comes from the South. That long, bloody civil war ended recently with an agreement that oil revenue would be shared with the South. The "rebels" sort of got what they wanted.
Darfur is the name of the Western region of Sudan. It is about the size of Texas. Its population consists mainly of two groups: African, or traditional farming tribes, and nomadic Arabs.
The African population in Darfur, (about 40%) had long felt that the Sudanese government had neglected them and unfairly favored the Arabs in the region. They also saw that the South had obtained its objectives through war and insurrection. So, in 2003, two African rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement, (JEM), and the Sudan Liberation Movement Army (SLA), rose up against the government. They did not have to wait long for a response. The government in Khartoum decided that the best way to make sure another civil war wouldn't happen was to wipe out the Africans in Darfur once and for all. Men, women, and children.
To do this cheaply, Khartoum has given some of the Arab militias in Darfur (the Janjaweed) a bunch of automatic weapons and tactical support. The Janjaweed will surround an African village while government military planes and helicopters fly over, dropping bombs targeted at civilians gathering in terror. When sufficient demoralization and chaos is achieved, the foot soldiers move in, kill all the men they can find, kidnap and rape the women and girls, slaughter the livestock, poison the wells, and burn all the structures. Children are tossed back into burning buildings. Then on to the next village, letting the displaced survivors die slowly of starvation and disease. This is orchestrated policy. This is genocide.
Six years and over 400,000 deaths later, the UN has failed to even admit this is genocide, let alone deploy all of the troops that it has promised in Security Council Resolutions. What the U.S. and the international community have been doing has not been working:
The administration's press statements and offers of incentives, and U.N. Security Council resolutions without real punitive actions have left the impression in Khartoum that Washington and the rest of the international community are all bark and no bite. "Constructive engagement" sometimes works, but it is making no impact here. Until the international stance, led by the United States, becomes much tougher, Khartoum can be expected to go on relentlessly targeting the civilian population in Darfur.
John Prendergast, Senior Adviser for the International Crisis Group in Washington, "U.S.'s Deadly Errors in Darfur," The Philadelphia Inquirer (Sept. 14, 2006).
We cannot rely on lofty statements by our leaders to translate into real action. For example, Barak Obama had this to say four years ago: "The UN is failing in its mission by allowing politics to get in the way of needed action. American leadership is needed to mobilize European support and force action. On the 10th anniversary of Rwandan atrocities, we must not let history repeat itself." That same year, Congress and President Bush conceded the situation in Darfur was a genocide, saying: "My [Bush's] administration has called this genocide. Once you label it genocide, you obviously have to do something about it."
The point here is to be wary of promises…until you see the situation actually getting better, words are never enough.
Whew! What, then? What exactly should we be doing?
Advocate for these solutions to help end the genocide in Darfur:
1. We need to get those UN troops in there! In 2007, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1769,which promised to deploy 26,000 UN troops. Among other things, they are to protect the refugees in the camps from further attack and help secure supply routes for food and other basic necessities. As of January 2010, these troops have been deployed. However, the security situation in parts of Darfur has deteriorated, causing relief organizations to pull out. The UN needs to reassess troop needs and create an environment in which these organizations can resume their work.
2. Those peacekeepers need helicopters! The peacekeepers in Sudan have needed helicopters for a long time. Darfur is a huge area with few airports. Relatively inexpensive and versatile air transport is essential to the relief effort. People are dying simply because supplies cannot reach them. So far, no one has been willing to donate or pay for the 24 requested helicopters. This is an outrage. There are no excuses. Tell your Senators and Representative, and President Obama, to implement the Congress's Helicopters for Darfur Resolution right away. Tell them you want to see helicopters in the air in Darfur without any further delay.
3. Implement the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act. The DPAA was passed in October 2006. Your Senators and Representative have the means at their disposal to make sure that this important Act is faithfully carried out. This Act is just words unless someone feels like their job is in jeopardy if it isn't implemented. If your Senators and Representative need a friendly refresher course on the DPAA, tell them to make sure that:
Authorities in the Obama administration learn of the names of individuals who are complicit in the Darfur atrocities, and that they freeze their assets and impose travel restrictions on them.
President Obama advocates greater participation by NATO troops to the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
No oil tankers transporting Sudanese oil are granted access to U.S. ports.
Benchmarks are in place that the government of Sudan must meet before any sanctions can be lifted.
4. Impose tougher sanctions on the government of Sudan. There are some sanctions in effect, but those need to be stronger and we need to implement more. Tell your Senators and Representative that the list of sanctions against the government of Sudan needs to be longer and more effective. Why have sanctions if they aren't effective in stopping the atrocities? Ineffective sanctions are simply pretense – making people think that something is being done about the genocide while the killing continues.
5. Pressure China to help end the genocide. Representative Steny Hoyer sums it up well: "Next to the United States, no country has greater power to stop the genocide than China, whose $8 billion investment in Sudan's oil industry gives it both an economic interest in stability and the leverage to bring it about. The issue of China's responsibility must be raised at the highest diplomatic levels. President Obama could make no better investment of political capital than building a coalition against genocide." Push your Senators and Representative, as well as the Obama administration, to support effective engagement with China to stop the genocide in Darfur. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently made clear that she intends to place human rights on the back burner while the U.S. and China attend to other matters, including the economy and security. Although the U.S. and China have many areas in which mutual cooperation is required, the genocide in Darfur should no longer be ignored in the context of U.S.-China diplomatic relations. The U.S. must do all it can to stop the genocide – and that includes working effectively with China to stop funding the government responsible for the atrocities.
6. Continue efforts to divest in companies that profit from genocide. Evil regimes need money to exist. Take away their sources of income and they begin to listen. Every individual, company, and governmental entity should divest any holdings in companies profiting the Khartoum government, so long as divestment will not harm the people of Darfur. Desmond Tutu wrote, "There is no greater testament to the basic dignity of ordinary people everywhere than the divestment movement of the 1980s." He was referring to the ending of apartheid, which is widely credited to international divestment efforts against the South African government. (For more information about divestment to help bring an end to the genocide in Darfur, see http://www.darfurdivestment.org/What_is_Targeted_Divestment?/.)
7. Pay our debt to the United Nations. The US owes over $2.4 billion to the UN. We have openly criticized the UN on its response to the Darfur crisis, but we aren't willing to pay our share of the cost to respond. We have a treaty obligation to contribute a specific amount of money to the UN for missions like this, and, strange as it may seem, we haven't been following through. The US needs to lead the world in pressuring the UN on this issue and doing so is difficult if we aren't paying our bills.
8. Continue to support the 2005 peace treaty between Sudan's North and South. Let it be known that you want a strong diplomatic effort to remain a priority in Sudan. Not to appease Khartoum, but simply to keep the country from falling apart. The Sudanese Peace Agreement "is fragile but it is fundamental; it is absolutely vital to get it right because if the north-south agreement fails, everything else will also fall apart," said John Holmes, the emergency relief coordinator for the United Nations, "If that goes, you can forget about Darfur; it is just a side show."
9. Support the International Criminal Court and the prosecution of genocide leaders. The United States was instrumental in the creation of the ICC in 1998. The aim of the ICC is to hold accountable and bring to justice individuals responsible for the worst crimes, namely genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. President Clinton felt that the Court was essential in addressing US concerns and achieving US objectives. However, during the last eight years, the Bush administration's isolationist stance and rogue international policy have resulted in a dangerous weakening of the efficacy of the ICC. The new Congress and administration need to reestablish the US's commitment to international justice as the ICC pursues criminal charges against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir.
10. Create a No-Fly Zone Over Darfur. The Sudanese government uses airplanes and helicopters to attack villages from the air, as well as keep the Janjaweed supplied in their ongoing campaign of terror. The international community used a no-fly zone approach to resolving the Kosovo crisis and in protecting Iraqi Kurds, with very effective results. While the sheer size of Darfur presents a great challenge to successful enforcement, the vast majority of experienced military personnel agree that keeping hostile aircraft out of the sky is an essential step toward resolving this crisis.
The above nine steps can be achieved – with your help. As you add your voice and efforts to those of others like you throughout the country, Congress and the Obama administration will have to listen – and act. What can you do to help make this a reality? It's quite simple actually. You just have to use the tools available in a democracy:
1. Talk to your Senators and Representative.
Electing the right men and women to office is never enough. If we want change that will benefit people who have suffered from human rights abuses, the responsibility to act is ours. It's is not as hard as you might think. You can meet your Senators and Representative in person if you make an appointment or you can simply figure out where they are going to be and show up. Sending them an email or letter might be effective, too. Your letters and emails should be read and acknowledged. If they are ignored, make a big deal about it. Representatives sometimes need to be reminded that they work for you. Therefore, it is your prerogative (even your responsibility) to let them know what you would like them to do. Just go to www.congress.org and type in your zip code to get their information or to link to their official website. Also, look up their voting "grade" on www.darfurscores.org . This nifty site has kept track of your Senators' and Representative's voting record on issues relating to the genocide in Darfur. Use that information in communicating with them. When you do get their ear, they will likely say, "What exactly would you like me to do about this terrible problem?" To which you can respond with the solutions listed above. After you meet with them, let High Road know and we will post the information on our website.
2. Write a letter to the editorial board to be published in your local newspaper.
Say how you feel in as few words as possible, stick to a specific subject, make it personable and courteous, give some concrete suggestions for solutions, and let at least one person proofread it. This is an almost free way to make a whole lot of noise. Most Senators and Representatives keep an eye on the editorial page to gauge the priorities of the voting public. Politely call them to action in front of everyone! Use the media! Again, please send High Road your published letters and we will post them for the world to see.
3. Meet with the editorial boards of your local newspapers and television stations.
Join with others in your community and meet personally with editorial boards, letting them know that you want to see more published, conspicuously, about the genocide in Darfur and about what is being done, and not being done, about it. Let them know that the public has a right to be well informed and that the news media is our crucial link to obtaining an accurate, up-to-date view of what's really going on. Urge them to publicly analyze the records of elected officials regarding effective measures to stop the genocide. Let High Road know of their response and we will help you get the word out.
4. Speak to classes, faith groups, civic organizations about the genocide and about the importance of grassroots involvement to put an end to the atrocities.
As you learn about the genocide in Darfur, you can help elevate the understanding of others in your community to help bring about change. Arrange to speak to classes, church groups, civic organizations (e.g. Rotary, Lions, and Kawanis Clubs), and to other groups about the genocide, and the concrete steps that can be taken by the U.S. to help bring an end to this tragedy. High Road can provide materials, including a multi-media presentation, about genocides and the value of grassroots advocacy to stop them. (You can view a presentation by visiting our Video and Multimedia page.)
5. Organize others in your community to speak out, to write letters and op-ed pieces, and to meet with members of your Congressional delegation.
Organizing people to speak with a powerful, unified voice, and to take effective grassroots actions for change, is at the core of the mission of High Road for Human Rights. Have people sign up with High Road on our Take Action page and we will help equip them to become effective citizen activists.
Thank you for reading this. Feel free to distribute or reproduce this material. "Spreading the word" is the essential cornerstone of effective change.
Darfur, A 21st Century Genocide by Gérard Prunier
Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast
War in Darfur and the Search For Peace by Alexander De Waal
The Translator by Daoud Hari, a native Darfurian
Websites concerning Darfur:
www.savedarfur.org
www.darfurisdying.com
www.eyesondarfur.org
www.darfurscores.org
www.genocideindarfur.net
Contact your Senators and representatives:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/
Call 1-800-GENOCIDE (Genocide Intervention Network)
HIGH ROAD ACTIONS
High Road Actions: Genocide
ARTICLES, VIDEOS & ORIGINAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS
01.18.11 Germany Opens First Rwanda Genocide Trial, Voice of America News
12.29.10 Ivory Coast UN Ambassador Warns of Risk of Genocide, BBC News
04.2007 "If I Look at the Mass I will Never Act": Psychic Numbing and Genocide, Judgment and Decision Making, Vol. 2, No. 2
HRHR Video: Louis Gakumba's Story
HRHR Video: Rwandan Genocide
HRHR Video: Genocide and High Road for Human Rights
Original Source Documents
Principles of the Nuremberg Tribunal
Nuremberg Trials: Justice Jackson's Opening Statement
UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
Law Offices of Rocky Anderson
The Judge Building
Eight East Broadway, Suite 450
Copyright All Rights Reserved ©2019
I consent to Rocky Anderson collecting my details through this form.


text:
require "test_helper"
require "database/setup"

class ActiveStorage::VariantTest < ActiveSupport::TestCase
  test "resized variation of JPEG blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "100x100").processed
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 67, image.height
  end

  test "resized and monochrome variation of JPEG blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "100x100", monochrome: true).processed
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 67, image.height
    assert_match(/Gray/, image.colorspace)
  end

  test "monochrome with default variant_processor" do
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = nil

    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(monochrome: true).processed
    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_match(/Gray/, image.colorspace)
  ensure
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = :mini_magick
  end

  test "disabled variation of JPEG blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "100x100", monochrome: false).processed
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 67, image.height
    assert_match(/RGB/, image.colorspace)
  end

  test "disabled variation of JPEG blob with :combine_options" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = ActiveSupport::Deprecation.silence do
      blob.variant(combine_options: {
        resize: "100x100",
        monochrome: false
      }).processed
    end
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 67, image.height
    assert_match(/RGB/, image.colorspace)
  end

  test "disabled variation using :combine_options" do
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = nil
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = ActiveSupport::Deprecation.silence do
      blob.variant(combine_options: {
        crop: "100x100+0+0",
        monochrome: false
      }).processed
    end
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 100, image.height
    assert_match(/RGB/, image.colorspace)
  ensure
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = :mini_magick
  end

  test "center-weighted crop of JPEG blob using :combine_options" do
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = nil
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = ActiveSupport::Deprecation.silence do
      blob.variant(combine_options: {
        gravity: "center",
        resize: "100x100^",
        crop: "100x100+0+0",
      }).processed
    end
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 100, image.height
  ensure
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = :mini_magick
  end

  test "center-weighted crop of JPEG blob using :resize_to_fill" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(resize_to_fill: [100, 100]).processed
    assert_match(/racecar\.jpg/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 100, image.height
  end

  test "resized variation of PSD blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "icon.psd", content_type: "image/vnd.adobe.photoshop")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "20x20").processed
    assert_match(/icon\.png/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal "PNG", image.type
    assert_equal 20, image.width
    assert_equal 20, image.height
  end

  test "resized variation of ICO blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "favicon.ico", content_type: "image/vnd.microsoft.icon")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "20x20").processed
    assert_match(/icon\.png/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal "PNG", image.type
    assert_equal 20, image.width
    assert_equal 20, image.height
  end

  test "resized variation of TIFF blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.tif")
    variant = blob.variant(resize: "50x50").processed
    assert_match(/racecar\.png/, variant.service_url)

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal "PNG", image.type
    assert_equal 50, image.width
    assert_equal 33, image.height
  end

  test "optimized variation of GIF blob" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "image.gif", content_type: "image/gif")

    assert_nothing_raised do
      blob.variant(layers: "Optimize").processed
    end
  end

  test "variation of invariable blob" do
    assert_raises ActiveStorage::InvariableError do
      create_file_blob(filename: "report.pdf", content_type: "application/pdf").variant(resize: "100x100")
    end
  end

  test "service_url doesn't grow in length despite long variant options" do
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(font: "a" * 10_000).processed
    assert_operator variant.service_url.length, :<, 730
  end

  test "works for vips processor" do
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = :vips
    blob = create_file_blob(filename: "racecar.jpg")
    variant = blob.variant(thumbnail_image: 100).processed

    image = read_image(variant)
    assert_equal 100, image.width
    assert_equal 67, image.height
  rescue LoadError
    # libvips not installed
  ensure
    ActiveStorage.variant_processor = :mini_magick
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


==May 12== *Almost done with issue #47. Pushed the commits on branch ks-duplicate-files. *Known about the Debugger gdb- used back-trace feature. *Quick Guide to [http://betterexplained.com/articles/debugging-with-gdb/ gdb Debugger]. *Installed KDevelop IDE and planning to use it as it has nicer gdb GUI wrapper.


A potentially toxic blue-green algae bloom is seen in Provo Bay in Provo, Utah. Researchers and officials across the country say increasingly frequent toxic algae blooms are another bi-product of global warming. They point to looming questions about their effects on human health.
Within half an hour, a second official alert clarified the subject wasn't impending violence, but toxins from an algae bloom, detected in the city's water supply.
In both reservoirs and lakes used for recreation in communities around the country have been experiencing similar events with growing frequency; a trend that researchers say represents another impact of global warming and raises looming questions about their effects on human health.
Technically called cyanobacteria, the ancient class of organisms that create the blooms are present nearly everywhere water is found, but thrive in warm, still bodies like lakes and ponds. They also create a unique class of toxins, the impact of which on humans is only partly understood.
Long linked to animal deaths, high doses of the toxins in humans can cause liver damage and attack the nervous system. In the largest outbreaks, hundreds have been sickened by blooms in reservoirs and lakes, and officials in some areas now routinely close bodies of water used for recreation and post warnings when blooms occur.
Small studies have linked exposure to liver cancer — one toxin is classified as a carcinogen, and others have pointed to potential links to neurodegenerative disease. But definitively proving those links would require larger studies, said Carmichael, who helped the World Health Organization set the first safe exposure standards for the toxins.
"It's absolutely certain in my mind that warming temperatures are going to end up causing more of these algal blooms," said Steven Chapra, an environmental engineering professor at Tufts University.
Chapra led a team including scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in one of the most comprehensive studies to date of the interplay between global warming and the blooms, published in 2017.
Because they prefer warm water, higher summer temperatures and more frequent heat waves help the organisms. More frequent droughts also cause reservoirs to be shallower in summer, causing them to warm faster.
And more intense rainstorms, also conclusively linked to climate change, can wash more nutrients into lakes and reservoirs, especially from farms where nitrogen and phosphorous-rich fertilizers are used, Chapra said.
In Utah, a 2016 algae bloom in a recreational-use lake sickened more than 100, and when the story made national headlines other states reached out.
"We started getting calls from other health departments all over the country saying, 'Hey, we're dealing with an algal bloom in a lake that has never ever had one before,'" said Aislynn Tolman-Hill, a spokeswoman for the Utah County Health Department.
In Lake Erie, a major bloom in 2014 caused authorities to warn against drinking tap water in Toledo, Ohio, for more than two days, cutting off the main water source for more than 400,000 people.
Now blooms happen every year in Utah and Ohio. Officials in both states say they've largely been able to stop them from toxifying drinking water, but they can still sicken people and pets that go in the water, and often hit recreation businesses that depend on lake access.
Other blooms, including flare-ups affecting drinking water, have been logged in recent years in New York, Florida, and California.
In Oregon, officials lifted the capital city's drinking water advisory after several days, but then had to re-issue the warning.
The water supply serves a population of just over 150,000 in the city, along with residents outside city limits.
Officials also warned that dozens of other water supplies could be vulnerable, and indeed, when workers from the city of Cottage Grove inspected another reservoir, they found a bloom, according to a report by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Officials pointed out that testing for the blooms isn't required by either federal or state law.
Researchers say that needs to change because blooms are likely to become more common, including in states where low temperatures had previously provided a buffer against the blooms.
"These things like you're seeing in Lake Erie and in Oregon are kind of like the canary in the coal mine," said Chapra, the Tufts researcher.


text:
Johannes Jensen foi um ás da aviação alemão na Primeira Guerra Mundial com seis vitórias aéreas.

Jensen pilotou um Fokker D.VII na Jagdstaffel 57 durante 1918. Ele obteve a sua primeira vitória aérea em 17 de abril de 1918. Durante agosto e setembro, ele abateu mais quatro aeronaves britânicas. Em 2 de outubro, ele foi creditado por destruir um balão de observação. Uma sétima vitória não foi confirmada.

Johannes Jensen morreu em Aalen, Alemanha, em 7 de fevereiro de 1978.

Bibliografia
 Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank W.; Convidado, Russell. Acima das linhas: Ases e unidades de caça do Serviço Aéreo Alemão, Serviço Aéreo Naval e Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais da Flandres, 1914–1918. Grub Street, 1993.,.

Mortos em 1978
Nascidos em 1898
Pessoas da Primeira Guerra Mundial (Alemanha)
Aviadores da Primeira Guerra Mundial
Aviadores da Alemanha

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
MOTW: Brest and Györ split points in thriller
EHF / Sergey Nikolaev27 September 2020, 18:06
The DELO WOMEN'S EHF Champions League Match of the Week between Brest Bretagne Handball and Györi Audi ETO KC lived up to high expectations, as it was a real thriller.
The pendulum swung both ways, but ultimately the game ended in a 25:25 stalemate, which means Brest lost their first point in the competition, and Györ claimed their second draw in three games.
MOTW: Brest Bretagne Handball (FRA) vs Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN) 25:25 (12:12)
throughout the game, Györ were in lead only between the 31th and 38th minutes, as they enjoyed a good start in the second half
Brest then improved their defence and had a 10:3 run to establish a 24:19 lead by the 52th minute
however, Györ capitalized on the home side's mistakes in the closing minutes, and Viktoria Lukacs drew level at 25:25 almost two minutes from the buzzer
Brest's Ana Gros became a top scorer of the match, scoring ten goals
Brest are now in second place in group B with five points, while Györ take the fourth position with four points
Györ extend unbeaten run to 40 matches
The Hungarian powerhouse were on the brink of ending their glorious streak, but avoided defeat thanks a late effort, so now they have been undefeated for 40 matches (35 wins, 5 draws).
Györ's last defeat in the competition dates back to January 2018, when they lost 28:22 against CSM Bucuresti.
I am still a little angry because I think we could have won, but Györ has a lot of experience. We dominated the second half, Györ never gave up and it is a good result for both teams.
Laurent Bezeau
Brest Bretagne Handball head coach
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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'use strict';

Object.assign(mejs.MepDefaults, {
	dataLayer: []
});

Object.assign(MediaElementPlayer.prototype, {
	buildgoogletagmanager: function buildgoogletagmanager(player, controls, layers, media) {
		player.tagManagerPlay = function () {
			if (typeof dataLayer !== 'undefined') {
				dataLayer.push({ 'event': 'clickPlay' });
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		player.tagManagerPause = function () {
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},{}]},{},[1]);


text:
Due to the University COVID-19 Response, strategic initiatives have been put on hold until further notice. This program is effectively cancelled/postponed.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences in partnership with the Data Science Institute invite applications for its Data Science Fellows program. This program is for scientists at the Postdoc level. Fellows will participate in a dynamic environment to develop, exchange, and create data science expertise to solve cutting edge research problems in health and biomedical sciences. Fellows will receive intensive training and mentorship customized to their specific interests and backgrounds. Fellows must be open to collaborations and exchanging ideas, will come from a diverse range of backgrounds and domains, and will generally fall into one of three categories:
Foundational data science – i.e., the development of data science methods,
The application of data science to one or more fields in life, health, and biomedical sciences and engineering
Development of interdisciplinary data science communities, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Fellows will be expected to interact with each other, students, faculty and researchers affiliated with Data7 and to contribute to the vibrant UA data science community. These interactions will take place as part of their co-location in the Data Science Learning Space located in BSRL and their joint training, mentorship, community building, and research activities.
The program began in January of 2020 with new cohorts starting about every six months. Each cohort is supported for one year. Fellows are jointly funded with an academic home and will receive a 50% annual salary support (up to $30k). Fellows are expected to spend 50% of their time in the BSRL Data Science Learning Space, working with other fellows, assisting on special projects, developing their data science and domain expertise, developing training material, and delivering workshops and webinars. A significant part of training material development will be done in collaboration with and in accordance to The Carpentries (https://carpentries.org/), provided by a unique Memorandum of Understanding created between The Carpentries and the University of Arizona.
Candidates should have a PhD or be on track to earn a PhD before they begin their tenure as DS Fellows, and have a supporting home research group (this is a co-support opportunity) that will provide 50% of the fellow's salary and benefits during the year commitment. Successful candidates will have a strong record in data science related research or a compelling proposal to carry out such research at the University of Arizona. Candidates are expected to have a strong desire for interdisciplinary collaborative work, a willingness to help others, and want to create an inclusive learning environment.
Data Science Institute affiliates. Candidates should have a conversation with these faculty mentors prior to their application to ensure a proper fit of interests and personalities. Preference will be given to candidates who propose to work with two or more faculty from different disciplines. To apply, please submit the following materials to:
(program has been cancelled due to COVID -- emails will not be answered)
A brief cover letter that states the overall goals and motivation for applying, as well as a potential choice of mentor(s) (1 page)
A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
A single document containing a brief statement of past research accomplishments (1 page) and a proposal of research to be conducted at Data7 (2 pages). Please emphasize:
Your commitment to teaching, training, and collaboration with other researchers across disciplines
How this program will benefit your future research
Your experience with Data Science tools and techniques
Your experience working on team/collaborative projects
Signed agreement letter by the home research group professor: http://bit.ly/2Iyy5Ur
Please send questions to: ODSS@list.arizona.edu (program has been cancelled due to COVID -- emails will not be answered)
DSF Dates
DSF Code of Conduct


text:
Home » Health Problems » Killing bacteria by silencing genes may be alternative to antibiotics
Killing bacteria by silencing genes may be alternative to antibiotics
A new approach to killing C. difficile that silences key bacterial genes while sparing other bacteria may provide a new way to treat the most common hospital-acquired bacterial infection in the United States, according to researchers.
While conventional antibiotics treat bacterial infections, they can also cause a condition in the colon called C. difficile infection, due to the drug killing both good and bad bacteria in the gut.
In a lab, researchers created three new antibiotics that kill C. difficile by preventing the expression of bacterial genes that are important for its survival. This approach—called antisense therapy—allows the drug to kill only C. difficile, unlike many antibiotics that kill multiple forms of bacteria.
"We were able to show that these drugs can zero in on and kill C. difficile bacteria while leaving other bacteria alone," said Arun Sharma, associate professor of pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine. "We're still working to refine these drugs and make them even better, with the eventual goal of testing them clinically."
David Stewart, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Arizona who along with Sharma is a co-principal investigator on this study, said the drug works in a completely different manner than the antibiotics currently used.
"These drugs are organism specific, meaning that they target only one kind of bacteria, kind of like smart antibiotics," Stewart said. "They're precise. And that's especially important with C. difficile infections because this bacteria is uniquely, selectively advantaged to exploit ecological disturbances in the human gut."
While C. difficile is normally present in the gut, other "good" bacteria are also present, and all these bacteria contribute to a person's microbiome. When a person's microbiome is healthy and balanced, it keeps bad bacteria like C. difficile under control.
But if a patient takes an antibiotic for another condition, the antibiotic kills many different types of bacteria, including the good ones keeping C. difficile under control. This allows C. difficile to thrive, causing an infection that can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Since antibiotics can contribute to C. difficile infections, the researchers said a new, alternative treatment for these infections is desirable.
"Ideally, a treatment for C. difficile would have no effect on other bacteria," Stewart said.
The researchers, who recently published their findings in the Journal of Antibiotics, said that while most antibiotics lack organismal specificity—the ability to target just one type of organism—antisense treatments show great potential for being able to target only specific bacteria.
"Our antisense antibiotics contain genetic material which is complementary to bacterial genetic material, so we designed our genetic material to target specific genes in C. difficile," Stewart said. "And when our genetic material binds to the bacterial genetic material, it prevents the expression of bacterial genes. And that can cause C. difficile to die."
The drug tested in the study consisted of two components: the antisense compound that targeted the genetic material in C. difficile—referred to as an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)—and a carrier compound that transported the ASO into the bacteria, referred to by the research team as a CAB. The researchers tested three versions of the drug, each with a different version of CAB.
The researchers tested each compound to see how much of the drug was required to kill C. difficile bacteria, whether it was toxic or not to human colon cells, and whether it also harmed other bacteria normally found in the gut—like E. coli.
"Ultimately, we wanted these compounds to deliver the drug into the C. difficile bacteria without hurting other bacteria or the patient," Sharma said. "After testing these three, we found that one carrier in particular—CYDE-21—was the best at delivering an effective dose of the drug into the bacteria."
In the future, the researchers said they will conduct further studies to continue to refine the carriers to increase their capacity and minimize their effect on other bacteria and human cells.
alternativeantibioticsbacteriabebygenesKillingmaysilencingto
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Mobile health technology can potentially transform how patients manage heart disease risk »


text:
Ronny Romm with sophomore Aaron Rotter. Photo by Aiden Borruso ' 20.
Ronny Romm hypnotizes audience
February 7, 2020 Edward Crowther
On Friday, Jan. 24, hypnotist Ronny Romm visited Kingswood Oxford and performed for a large crowd of our high school students. Ronny Romm is a hypnotist, which means he uses hypnosis, the act of putting people in a trance-like sleep while still being awake. His act involves using these hypnotized people to do funny skits.
After his show last year, many students were excited to hear about his return. This year's show also attracted a significantly larger number of students due to the acclaim from the previous year. "The SGA decided to bring Ronny Romm back to KO due to the huge amounts of requests we received after last year's show," Form Five senator Sloan Duvall said. "Overall, I thought it was a very successful event that brought the community together."
Ronny Romm started off the show with ESP, or extrasensory perception. In other words, mind reading. He asked students questions about a hypothetical trip they would take. After asking them what room number they stayed at and the cost of the trip, he unveiled a sealed envelope with those exact numbers on it.
After this opening, he began his main talent, hypnosis. He called a small group of student volunteers onstage to join him and began his tricks. While some students didn't fall under his spell, some students were able to fall completely into this state, at which point the fun began. Ronny Romm had students making outlandish claims, falling out of their chairs and participating in wacky stunts.
This year, students were charged for entrance to the show, whereas last year it was free. SGA had to charge an admission fee for the show due to the cost of hosting it. While this did not detract from the experience, some students claimed that the cost made it less accessible and a bit more of a nuisance than what is intended to be, a fun experience for the students. Many students loved the show, and teachers loved seeing the students in a more laid-back setting. SGA advisor and English teacher Mela Frye especially loved the reactions of the hypnotized students. "It's just silly things," she said. "He gets them to quack like a duck, or moonwalk across the stage. It's not shaming or embarrassing; it's just funny and something everyone can laugh about."
While Ronny Romm was certainly a success, SGA will soon look to bring another event to the students and faculty. "For me, fun events like Ronny Romm, or other events like school dances and basketball games, while not being the most serious, bring the community together and act as a stress reliever in our busy lives," Sloan said.
SGA speaker Jacqui Ouellette, along with Sloan, Mrs. Frye, and the other SGA members helped bring Ronny Romm to KO. After a great show last year and demand from the students, they brought him back and organized this fun night for the community. Jacqui said she agreed with Sloan's notion. "We wanted him to come because he came last year and did a fantastic job," she said. "The students enjoyed it, and it was nice for the community to come together in that way."
Hypnotist Ronny Romm entertained students and faculty through his wild, unbelievable act, but also allowed for the community to come together and have fun outside of their stressful school days.
Edward Crowther
Coach of the moment: John Hissick
A Wyvern's Tale
3v3 is successful
February 6, 2020 February 8, 2020 Marrich Somridhivej
Trivia fosters community
September 27, 2019 September 27, 2019 Edward Crowther
Administration announces new online grading policy
May 31, 2020 May 31, 2020 Christian Pedro


text:
Меркатор може да се отнася за:

 Герардус Меркатор – фламандски картограф, предложил Меркаторовата проекция
 Меркатор (магазин) – верига супермаркети в Словения


text:
More on federalism, the Constitution, and sanctuary cities
By Ilya Somin
Ilya Somin
Email Bio
Sanctuary cities are likely to be an important obstacle to President-elect Donald Trump's possible plan to round up and deport large numbers of undocumented immigrants. Several legal scholars, myself included, have argued that Supreme Court precedents forbidding federal commandeering of state and local governments will make it hard for the Trump administration to force sanctuary cities to cooperate with federal deportation efforts. Thanks to the Tenth Amendment, the federal government cannot force states to help them enforce federal law. It is also limited in its ability to use conditional spending grants to do so.
In a recent LA Times op ed, prominent lawyer David Rivkin and legal scholar Elizabeth Price Foley argue that Trump will have much broader power to force sanctuary cities to do his bidding, because the Supreme Court's precedents banning federal commandeering of state governments supposedly do not apply to efforts to compel disclosure of information:
This "anti-commandeering" doctrine, however, doesn't protect sanctuary cities or public universities — because it doesn't apply when Congress merely requests information. For example, in Reno v. Condon (2000), the Court unanimously rejected an anti-commandeering challenge to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, which required states under certain circumstances to disclose some personal details about license holders. The court concluded that, because the DPPA requested information and "did not require state officials to assist in the enforcement of federal statutes," it was consistent with the New York and Printz cases.
Rivkin and Foley conclude that Trump could force sanctuary cities to disclose the names and locations of undocumented immigrants, thereby facilitating deportation. Even if they are correct about this, it is important to recognize that their argument only applies to disclosure of information. It does not allow the federal government to force state and local officials to actually help apprehend and deport migrants. This is an important constraint because federal law enforcement personnel are extremely limited in number, and often need state and local cooperation to round up, detain, and deport large numbers of people.
Moreover, Rivkin and Foley's argument only applies to information that state and local officials actually have in their possession. They could choose not to keep records on the names and locations of undocumented migrants, and not to check the immigration status of people arrested for various minor crimes and the like. Forcing local officials to gather new information goes well beyond mere disclosure and would surely qualify as commandeering. The Supreme Court said as much in its 1997 decision in Printz v. United States, where it struck down a federal law that required state officials to gather information on the backgrounds of prospective gun purchasers.
Rivkin and Foley's analysis falls short even on its own terms. Contrary to their assumptions, Reno v. Condon does not give the federal government a blank check to compel state and local authorities to disclose information. Rather, the Court emphasized that the federal law in question was constitutional only because it "does not require [states] to enact any laws or regulations, and it does not require state officials to assist in the enforcement of federal statutes regulating private individuals" (emphasis added). The disclosures required in Reno were intended to help enforce a federal law that prevented states themselves from violating the privacy rights of citizen drivers' license holders. By contrast, the whole point of forcing disclosure of information about undocumented migrants is precisely to "assist in the enforcement of federal statutes regulating private individuals."
If there were indeed a general information-disclosure exception to the Tenth Amendment's prohibition on commandeering, it would constitute a major expansion of federal power. State and local governments have extensive information about hundreds of millions of people that the federal government could use to coerce us in numerous ways. Fortunately, there is no such exception in the Constitution, or in any of the Supreme Court's precedents. Such an exception would also enable Congress to impose massive uncompensated burdens on state governments. Ultimately, mandatory information disclosure is a form of commandeering no less than any other. It makes little sense to forbid other types of commandeering of state and local resources, but give the federal government a blank check to compel disclosure of information.
Rivkin and Foley also argue that the federal government could use conditional spending grants to pressure sanctuary cities. I agree this is a possibility. But few if any current federal grants are conditioned on cooperation with deportation efforts. Any such conditions would need to be newly enacted by Congress, would apply only to future grants, would have to be unambiguously clear, and not be so severe as to be "coercive.". They would also have to be related to the purpose of the grant. These requirements almost certainly rule out conditioning all federal grants to sanctuary cities on cooperation with deportation efforts, though Congress could potentially condition grants to local law enforcement agencies on that basis.
In sum, Trump is likely to have a much tougher time forcing sanctuary cities to do his bidding than Rivkin and Foley suggest. This is one of a number of ways in which constitutional federalism of a sort long advocated by conservatives might help impede the Trump agenda.
UPDATE: Michael Greve comments on this post here. He argues that "[Section] 1373 does not commandeer anything at all. It merely preempts certain laws and practices." However, for reasons discussed above, the "preemption" amounts to commandeering and can be struck down for much the same reasons as conventional commandeering.
More strangely, he contends that the federal government might be able to pull federal funds from jurisdictions that refuse to comply with Section 1373 for the following reason:
Nor is section 1373 a grant condition; it's a free-standing prohibition, enforceable if need be by judicial injunctions. It is not easy to explain why the feds have to keep sending money, especially for law-enforcement purposes, to jurisdictions that ignore the prohibition. And suppose that a federal grant program states in bold, unmistakable letters that the recipient government shall comply with all applicable federal laws (those prohibiting the diversion of funds, say, or other forms of corruption). Is that clear enough, and sufficient to encompass 1373? I'd think so.
To my knowledge, the relevant grant programs do not in fact have such sweeping language attached to them. But if they did, it most certainly would amount to a grant condition. What is a grant condition but a mandate that funding recipients must meet certain requirements or risk losing their grants? And this sort of condition would be unenforceable because of its excessive vagueness. A requirement of compliance with "all applicable federal laws" is surely far too imprecise to qualify as the sort of "unambiguous" advance statement of conditions mandated by Supreme Court precedent. If this sort of strategy could be used to evade the requirement that conditions must be clearly stated, that rule would be essentially gutted. The feds could circumvent it anytime they wanted to simply by indicating that grant recipients must comply with all "applicable" federal law, and then enacting some separate "free-standing" rule like Section 1373.
I agree with Greve that most federal grant programs for local law enforcement should not exist in the first place. I would be happy if Congress simply repealed them. But if it wants to keep them, but condition them on compliance with Section 1373, it must do so explicitly, and clearly. And the president cannot impose such a condition on his own.
Ilya Somin Ilya Somin is a law professor at George Mason University and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute. He is the author of "Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter."


text:
Could our dependence on the internet negatively affect our brains?
By Sanya Saxena
In today's world, the internet has become a part of each and every one of us. We spend most of the day using it whether it be to watch a movie, look at social media, or complete a homework assignment. But what if this continuous use of the internet is changing the way our brains work? Recently, studies have found that the internet may actually be able to alter our cognitive processes, which can then reflect changes in our brains, affecting our attentional capacities, memory processes, and emotional behavior.
Nowadays, The average attention span is only five minutes. Ten years ago, it used to be 12 minutes. How can our attention span be less than half of what it used to be? What's changed? The answer is… the internet. It is believed that due to the limitless streaming of prompts and notifications that comes from being on the Internet, our attention is constantly divided, and over time our ability to maintain concentration on one task can significantly decrease. Over the years, scientists have started to call this behavioral pattern 'Media multitasking.' This pattern of behavior has only become more prevalent in the modern world as we see more people simultaneously accessing multiple forms of content on their phones and laptops, instead of focusing on completing one task at a time. In fact, a meta‐analysis of 41 studies showed that engaging in multitasking was associated with significantly poorer overall cognitive performance, with a moderate‐to‐large effect. This has been confirmed by more recent studies, further showing that even short‐term engagement with an extensively hyperlinked online environment, like online shopping for 15 minutes, reduces attentional scope for a sustained duration after coming offline, whereas reading a magazine does not show any such impact. As we begin to see younger kids, with smartphones and tablets in their hands, we begin to wonder whether the use of the internet at such a young age could be detrimental to cognitive development. In fact, there has been some speculation that an increase in disorders such as ADHD (Attention-deficit | hyperactivity disorder)among the youth could be due to growth in internet usage. In fact, a new study published Aug. 31 finds ADHD found that diagnoses in children between the ages of 4 and 17 increased from 6.1% in 1997-1998 to 10.2% in 2015-2016. So what can we do to combat the adverse effects that constant media multitasking may have on our brains? Professor Jerome Sarris, Deputy Director and Director of Research at NICM Health Research Institute, suggests that people practice things like mindfulness to help increase focus, while also limiting screen time by trying to stay off the internet before going to bed and engaging in more in-person social activities.
These days, we don't memorize anything – we search. How many conversations have you had that involved someone looking up something on their phone? The internet has provided us with a way to obtain all the information we need simply with the click of a button, and while this may seem like a good thing, there might be more to it than what meets the eye? Due to the fact that the internet is heavily relied on by most people for collecting and storing data, it is possible that our ability to store information in our brains may be reducing. Searching things on the internet has become a shortcut for people that allows them to remember less knowledge and get away with it. A professor of psychology from Harvard university named Daniel Wegner, claims that the internet has become part of a transactive memory source, a way in which our brains can compartmentalize information. Transactive memory can exist in many ways, an example would be you asking your mom to remember you have a homework assignment due on Friday. The internet, in a way, has become like an extension of our own memories. It remains inconclusive as to whether this dependence could necessarily affect our memories in a negative manner, Some people even believe that the situation overall is beneficial likening our dependence on computers to dependence on a prosthetic hand, or to the use of calculators in school. However, some have said that relying on the internet for all of our information could possibly inhibit learning. When we frequently use the Internet instead of our own storehouse, we are mindlessly consuming data. We pull sporadically from sources, which, in turn, sporadically activates the brain. We then don't get the opportunity to process this information in a rich and meaningful way, creating fewer connections between our other memories. The information does not stick. We are unlikely to remember it for very long. The internet has definitely become a great way to obtain information more quickly, but it isn't necessarily the best way to try and learn and retain knowledge for long periods of time.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and maintaining it should be a priority. In the modern age, anxiety and depression among the youth have rapidly increased. Why is this the case? Many theories have been formulated over the years that blame the rapid amount of time adolescents spend online. In fact, people who spend more than 38 hours a week online are believed to have an 'internet addiction' and while this may not seem dangerous or worrying, this addiction is as damaging to a person as is an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Excessive Internet usage can create psychological, social, school, and/or work difficulties in a person's life. They may become more detached from society and remain in isolation. An Iranian research found that excessive Internet users usually feel less responsibility toward society and their environment, and so tend to remain by themselves. They usually feel unsuccessful in their education and work, and they have less social support and low self-esteem. Social media has been shown to be the root cause for rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers. When we use social media, we are looking for affirmation, and consciously or not, we are comparing our life to the lives of others. As a result, we feel like our own lives are inadequate and this makes us feel like we're not good enough. Dr. Brian Primack, a professor of public health at the University of Arkansas, conducted a study to observe whether social media and depression were correlated. According to his study, depression risk rose in tandem with time spent on social media. Compared with the lightest users (2 hours or less per day), the heaviest users (at least 5 hours per day) had a three times higher depression risk. Meanwhile, that risk was two times higher among young adults who were active on social media around 3.5 to 5 hours per day. So, while the internet and social media may be a good way to use up your time and stay in touch with people, remember to take breaks from these things and focus on keeping your mental health in check.
To conclude, the internet seems to have made a huge impact on our daily lives, and not just in the ways we would expect. I believe that we should try and understand the internet's impact on the human brain in order to protect ourselves from some of the potentially harmful effects that could come out of excessive internet usage.
Contributors, P. (2019, April 4). How the Internet affects your mental health. Piedmont Healthcare. Retrieved March 21, 2021, from https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/how-the-internet-affects-your-mental-health
Firth, J. (2019, June 11). Frequent internet use affects brain functioning. The Healio. Retrieved March 19, 2021, from https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20190611/frequent-internet-use-affects-brain-functioning
How declining attention spans impact your social media. (2020, June 14). Muck Rack. Retrieved March 19, 2021, from https://muckrack.com/blog/2020/07/14/how-declining-attention-spans-impact-your-social-media#:~:text=The%20internet%20is%20physically%20influencing%20our%20brains&text=For%20instance%2C%20the%20limitless%20prompts,maintain%20concentration%20on%20single%20tasks.
Plumridge, N. (2020, January 3). Is the internet destroying our attention span? Psych Minds. Retrieved March 19, 2021, from https://psychminds.com/is-the-internet-destroying-our-attentions-span/
Resnick, B. (2019, May 3). Yes, the internet is destroying our collective attention span. Vox. Retrieved March 20, 2021, from https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/5/3/18514330/distraction-collective-attention-research


Labelling your package is your only form of communication once the package leaves you. Use big bold labels stating which side should go up, where to open the crate and most importantly, let them know that your package is fragile.
Always take the extra step to ensure that your artwork is secure, you never know what could happen when it's in transit. Peace of mind is always worth that extra layer of bubble wrap.
Bubble wrap is wonderful but the bubbles could leave an impression on your art (especially oil paint), so remember to always wrap with the bubbles out!
4) Where is Your Art Going?
When packing your artwork think about who will be receiving your work and pack accordingly. Will it be a volunteer? If so, include detailed instructions on how to unpack it and how they should repack it if they will be returning it to you.
Always include written and photographic directions on how to unpack and repack your art and attach them inside the box so whoever is handling your art will know exactly what to do.
Rolling your art could cause damage, paint could chip or the image could transfer and if you are painting on canvas, it will have to be re-stretched. If possible it is always best to send your artwork already framed.
Use products like Foamcore or Gator Board when shipping and storing your works. Cardboard can stain and break down causing yellowing, and here in Victoria, we have silverfish who love to eat and live in cardboard.
If you are shipping a lot of art and your pieces are large or delicate then a good crate is a must! You can build your own or buy one, but don't forget to paint it a distinct colour so you always know which one is yours.
Art shipping companies can be expensive but with air ride suspension and climate controlled trucks, it is worth it. But, if this is not in your budget, FedEx is recommended for their hand-carry service.


Kind of a fun title...;) I thought of it because the cold winds outside are whistling through the cracks in our window air conditioner that needs to be covered. I don't block the cracks because I like the sounds. Ahhh, well it's quiet at the moment. Always a time to be valued. I;m tired at the moment. I thought about taking a nap. But my bed is covered in laundry to fold. Don't want to fold it. So here I am.
We did some home improvements again. Suuprise, Suuuprise, Suuprise! We're always working on one thing or another. Poor Leif, he said last night that he felt like he had been running an obstacle course all day long. He had been and I was the mean bossy instigator. I woke up and decided that I was sick and tired of walking into our house and being able to see the whole house from one end to the other. Especially since the back half always looks chaotic and cluttered (office, TV, and Home school area.) So we reorganized JJ's room, shifted furniture around the whole house, hung a curtain, had to put all the pulled out clutter away, and viola! A new look. Always a fun thing.
In the middle of all of that Leif took Turkey and butchered him for Thanksgiving. Can we say 37 pounds of Thanksgiving Turkey! WOWSWERS! It was something I have never seen before. HUGE!!
While Leif was away taking care of Turkey, I managed to flood the bathroom again with the washing machine water (the hose fell out of the sink.) I was also able to get the dishes done, and sew a hole up in a pair of Jakob's pants. Not bad for one day.
Today I'm hoping to get the laundry finished, some studying in, photo's uploaded and blogged. Wish me luck! So far I've fed, clothed, and diapered a couple of times. We had devotional, art project, set up the November calendar and art display board, and made cookies to count by twos.
Jakob just came in and asked me where the leaf rake was so he could do a service project for grandma. Score! The Service Unit hit its mark! Praise Be!


The trucks that collided on the interstate were not carrying hazardous material, THP said.
A collision involving two commercial vehicles shut down several lanes of traffic on eastbound Interstate 24 near Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro for hours Wednesday morning, the Tennessee Highway Patrol reported.
The loads the trucks were transporting did not include hazardous materials, Lt. Travis Plotzer with the THP reported.
"At one time we had three lanes of the interstate closed," Plotzer said in an email.
A mangled semi trailer cab was pictured in images posted by the Rutherford County Special Operations Response Team.
SORT and the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department responded to the scene.
Traffic was slowed in both directions near mile marker 76, per THP. The two right lanes on the eastbound side of I-24 are blocked while crews respond to the scene.
The crash was reported at 6:17 a.m. and was cleared around 9 a.m.


Imagine a world where a parent's protection of a young child's health depended on a prayer hidden within a piece of jewelry. Safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society through the invocation of the sacred was common practice in medieval Byzantium, where infant mortality rates have been estimated at nearly 50 percent. Even Christian parents borrowed freely from ancient pagan practices when protecting the young.
During the Byzantine Empire, ritual adornment was one of the traditional ways to seek spiritual and physical assistance. A child's amulet and bracelet from the Krategos Treasure, currently on exhibit at the Getty Villa in Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections, provides insight into how parents defended their children from physical and spiritual dangers.
The Krategos Treasure was unearthed in 1951 during construction of the Mytilene International Airport on the Greek island of Lesbos (Mytilene) and consists of 17 silver vessels, 22 pieces of gold jewelry, and 32 coins minted in Constantinople. The hoard can be dated to the early 7th century based on numismatic evidence and imperial control stamps on the bottom of the silver vessels. Likely buried for safekeeping after A.D. 630 by residents who feared hostile invasions of the island, this cache of objects may represent the valued possessions of a single or extended family of wealthy Christians. Of the 22 pieces of jewelry in the hoard, four were amulets intended to protect the wearer from harm. Several of the amulets and a bracelet were intended for children.
The emotional resonance of the amulet and bracelet in Heaven and Earth touches even the casual viewer. Intended for a tiny wrist, the bracelet is only 2 1/4 inches (5.6 cm) in diameter, and preserves monograms at the ends of the border.
The gold amulet is cylindrical in shape, rounded at each end, and decorated with granulated bands. The hollow interior once housed a lamella (a thin silver or gold sheet with an inscription) that was rolled up and inserted into the small container. Suspended from a chain, this amulet was worn around the most vulnerable part of the body, the neck, and rested just above the heart. The secret prayer contained within the amulet was thought to avert evil spirits and guard against harm or illness. Although the Church officially condemned magic or superstitious practice, amulets worn in Byzantium were containers for prayers, whereas in the ancient world such objects were used as the objects of mediation themselves.
It is interesting to compare this medieval amulet with works made centuries before, also on display at the Getty Villa. Exhibited in the gallery immediately adjacent to Heaven and Earth is this lifelike portrait of a young boy painted in the second century A.D. in Fayum, Egypt. He is protected by a small gold amulet encircling his neck.
The boy's direct gaze challenges the viewer to imagine his fate. This is a funeral portrait, intended to cover the child's face in burial—indicating that the amulet failed to offer the necessary protection. The frequency with which boys, like this young Egyptian, are represented wearing amulets has suggested to some scholars that these containers were specifically intended to protect male children, at least in Egypt. Whether the same claim can be made for Byzantium remains an open question.
Also on the second floor of the Getty Villa, a small gallery contains several examples from the Getty Museum's collection of lamellae—small, thinly hammered sheets of metal bearing inscriptions that invoke the spirits of protection. Such lamellae are found among many cultures, including Jewish, Syrian, and Greek.
One third-century lamella of the type that might have been enclosed in the Byzantine amulet is inscribed with a Greek incantation protecting against epilepsy.
All these objects exemplify the ancient tradition of wearing jewelry both to display status and to protect against danger. Harnessing protection for the health of children was critical to both ancient and Byzantine culture. By using objects with apotropaic power—the ability to avert evil—Christians appropriated practices that had existed for centuries.
We live in a time in which the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations is hotly debated. Contemplating the beautifully formed amulet in Heaven and Earth, we might pause to consider the fact that Byzantium's main course of action in protecting children from harmful disease was frequently the intercession of otherworldly powers through prayers—whether recited or worn around the neck.
A special thank-you to Maria Parani, University of Cyprus, History and Archaeology (Archaeological Research Unit) for inspiring this post.
Text of this post © Tiffany Payne Malkin. All rights reserved.


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You no longer need to remove your pack to get items with the blue and black Mt. Pickett 20 Backpack from PAXIS. This bag features ARC Swing Technology, a unique system that swings a shuttle pod right to the front of the wearer. Just tug on the adjustable release to initiate this action. After you've grabbed your gear, simply swing the shuttle pod back in place and continue on your way. It carries up to 5 pounds and has an exterior mesh pocket, interior zippered pocket and built-in wallet. This bag has a capacity of 22 liters, which is comfortably carried with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. An ergonomic back panel is padded and vented for comfort on the trail, and allows perspiration to evaporate.
NYLAR Ballistic Fabric is water resistant, and waterproof zippers help keep contents dry. A free-standing design ensures the pack won't fall over when placed on the ground, and a waterproof bottom prevents groundwater from seeping in. A daisy chain allows you to lash additional gear on the back. A high-visibility lining makes it easy to spot items stored inside. There is a tablet pocket to stash your electronics as well as a soft interior pocket that provides protection for delicate items. Two interior zippered pockets further add to the organizing abilities. Quench your thirst on the go using the hydration port. Keep your cell phone or other small items at the ready with the exterior accessory pocket. Two side pockets provide a place to stash trekking poles, tripods, or fishing equipment on the trail.


text:
Thanksgiving Without Food
Published: November 26, 2015 ~ 0
By Laura King Edwards
I've been in frequent touch with my friend, Ricki Lewis, since leaving a comment on her DNA Science blog nearly three years ago. Ricki, a science writer with a PhD in genetics and author of The Forever Fix: Gene Therapy and the Boy Who Saved It, has written about Taylor's Tale and our fight against Batten disease many times. She supported me while I wrote my memoir, Run to the Light, serving as an early reader. Ricki and I have never met in person, but after reading my book, she knows more about my family and me than most people.
This week, Ricki emailed me to ask about my recent trip to a writers' conference in Asheville, North Carolina, and to wish my family a happy Thanksgiving. "I wish Taylor could taste the food," Ricki said. "But she can smell, right?" continue reading →
Levine Children's Hospital
The Forever Fix
Giving Thanks, and A Walk to Remember
Thanksgiving, a national holiday characterized by gluttonous eating, rivalry games, parades, Black Friday specials and tryptophan hangovers, began as a simple gathering hundreds of years before the invention of football and shopping malls. At its core, Thanksgiving is "a day for giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and the previous year" (Wikipedia).
It's been the toughest 11 months of my sister Taylor's fight against Batten disease since her diagnosis on a hot summer day more than eight years ago. Her first wheelchair arrived on my parents' doorstep to kick off 2014, and my sister, who used to run 5Ks and rule wedding dance floors, can't stand without assistance. She lives in a dark world, she can't sing along to her favorite songs any longer, and she won't get to taste the turkey at our family's Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.
But the fighter I know is still in there. She may struggle to stand when we move her from her wheelchair to her bed or shower seat, but last week, with her physical therapist Jessica at her side, she climbed the stairs at the local YMCA–and then she walked back down. Jessica said Taylor worked harder in that hour than most people work in an entire day, and I believe her. That's just like my sister.
When Taylor was first diagnosed with Batten disease, I was convinced we'd save her life. I believed with all of my heart that "fatal" didn't mean fatal for her.
Batten disease has taught me a lot in eight long years. But my sister has taught me more. Tonight, on the eve of another Thanksgiving Day with the people I love, I'm thankful for the wonderful years we've had together, in spite of the pain Batten has caused. And when I watch Taylor on this video, I know in my heart that I still believe. I know that no matter what the disease does to her body, her spirit is stronger.
Take that, Batten disease.
A cold rain is falling from a black sky. The slick roads are plastered with wet leaves that burned with the fiery crimson, yellow and orange of a North Carolina autumn for just a short while before an angry wind whisked them from their branches.
I'm not ready for winter, but it's here, ugly and mad.
One cold, bright day last winter, I told my mom I needed to quit Taylor's Tale for awhile. Remembering that moment now, I don't know what I meant, and I'm not sure I ever really did. I uttered those words in the middle of a journey around an indoor track with no shortage of directional signs. But I'd still lost my way.
I never quit Taylor's Tale, after all. Mom gave me an out, but I didn't take it. Instead, I picked up my boxing gloves and threw myself back into the ring. I kept writing, and I kept fighting.
I thought Batten disease was killing me, but I was wrong. It's killing my sister. And I can't let it get away without a fight.
I stuck around, and since that day on the track, I've watched Taylor's Tale partner with other non-profit organizations to help develop a possible treatment at the UNC Gene Therapy Center, endorse important legislation for the millions of Americans fighting a rare disease, speak to members of Congress and a regulatory committee of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and tell stories that have reached the far corners of the globe.
Since that day on the track, we've earned a lot of victories, but Batten disease has kept winning, too. Last weekend, I ran Charlotte's Thunder Road Half Marathon blindfolded to honor Taylor, who ran the Thunder Road 5K after losing her vision in 2008, and support the fight against Batten disease and other rare diseases. From the moment I decided to run the race blind, I dreamed of wrapping Taylor in a hug at the finish line. But my sister was in no condition to join us on the morning of the event. Thunder Road marked one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I'll never forget it. But hanging my medal around her neck at my house hours later and seeing her face light up was just as special.
In two days, I'll see Taylor again for the Thanksgiving holiday. Batten disease has a powerful effect on a family; if you're not careful, it can take everything that's good in your life and rip it into little pieces. It's the world's worst diseases all rolled into one, and it's been busy with my sister in 2013.
I'm thankful.
I'm thankful for my time with my sister, whether it lasts 15 or 50 years. I can't change the fact that my sister has Batten disease. I can hope that tomorrow won't come, but I know it will, like the rush of water behind a dam that's about to burst, or the licking flames of a fire that has already started to spread. And yet, I can recognize the beauty in her smile, the courage in her laugh and the warmth in her hug. I can accept each new day we're given with Taylor as a day some people aren't blessed enough to have with the people they love. I can feel encouraged by all of the progress that has been made because my sister's story is powerful and people are good.
On my dark days, I can feel angry at Batten disease and know it's okay to hate something that's stealing somebody I love. I can channel that energy into saving lives. In that way, I'm thankful for the anger, too. My anger is always conquered by my love. And my love for Taylor is a bright beacon, lighting my way.
Charlotte's Thunder Road Half Marathon
Taylor's Tale
Thunder Road 5K
UNC Gene Therapy Center
Fighting Batten disease has changed my perspective on life. It's affected my system for assigning value to things, from those that can be bought and sold to those that cannot. Tonight, on the eve of another Thanksgiving Day, here are just some of the things for which I'm thankful.
Ice cream. You can get it in a carton, cup or cone. You can get it in almost any imaginable flavor. It always tastes good. It almost always makes a sad day less sad.
Two (mostly) healthy legs and feet, two functioning eyes and a great pair of running shoes. Together, they help me run for my little sister four to five days a week. Running is the best antidepressant for me. Without it, I may have lost my sanity a long time ago.
Beautiful places. When I stood on the edge of this magnificent valley in the North Cascades range of Washington state last year, I wondered aloud how anyone could ever possibly question that there is a God.
My West Highland white terrier, Daisy. I brought her home because I wanted something snuggly to love on at night. She's given me that and so much more.
True friends. If I could claim nothing other than a few really good friends, I'd still be rich.
My Grandma Kathryn – one of the purest, kindest, most selfless people ever to walk the face of the earth. She taught me to love long walks on the beach and hush puppies with honey butter and the written word, but most importantly, she taught me to believe in myself. Tomorrow will likely be the last Thanksgiving we spend together.
My brother. Ten years ago, I would have sworn up and down that we'd never get along. We still don't agree on everything, but who does? Stephen – I'm proud of you!
My parents. They gave me opportunities, but they also challenged me to want to be the best I could be. They taught me to reach for the space between unattainable perfection and self-respect. I owe at least some small slice of everything I have – everything I am – to them.
My husband, John – my best friend since our junior year of high school. My rock.
Moments of joy that burst out of the darkness of despair. Moments we want to hold onto forever.
A girl who taught the rest of us a lot about love. About courage. About never giving up – regardless of the odds.
The word 'believe.'
This day. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I have today. And it is a gift.
A Season of Change
Published: November 2, 2009 ~ 0
The red and gold hues of fall have become the dominant color in the Charlotte landscape in the few weeks I've been back home from our adventure out west. The nights are cooler, and the days are shorter. Last weekend, we headed up to Carrigan Farms north of town for a hayride and pumpkins straight from the pumpkin patch. And yesterday marked one of the most exciting days of the year for Taylor.
Halloween rivals Christmas for the title of "T's Favorite Holiday," and she never takes it lightly. The "Is it time to put on my costume?" questions started early yesterday morning and didn't end until the answer transitioned to "yes." She was a queen bee – an identify of her own creation and my favorite costume yet. She came bounding down the steps around 5:30 in her yellow and black striped tights, gold Mardi Gras beads, black leotard, glittery wings and fuzzy antennae that bounced with each step she took. Even the pouring rain wasn't able to dampen her spirits, and we squeezed every last drop out of the 30-minute break in the rain to take her from door to door.
After Halloween, the rest of the year is a blur. Thanksgiving will be here in three weeks, and the malls will be decorated for Christmas shortly if not already. And then, before we know it, 2009 will be only a memory.
Soon it will be four years since our first fundraiser, and though research is in an infinitely better place than it was four years ago, the disease continues to haunt us where it hits hardest – at home. Despite her straight As and bright smiles and a spirit that even a trick-or-treat-trashing rain can't touch, the disease is within her more than ever before. The brilliant autumn reds and golds – colors she can no longer see – mark yet another season of change.
Three years ago, I wondered if T's strained night vision would keep her from trick-or-treating. Her vision has left her now, though – and it is the least of my worries. How much longer, I wonder, will she be able to walk the neighborhood streets and ring doorbells of her own power?
The leaves are falling in earnest now, and soon, only bare branches will grace the backdrop of endless sky. And after the last leaf has fallen, and the nights have turned bitter cold, I will be left only with the one word that has carried me through these haunted years: BELIEVE.
queen bee costume


On Saturday our local council organised a massive party in the park. This years theme was sci-fi in honor of H.G Wells. The day ended with a showing of the latest Star Wars film. Despite the weather not being as sunny as last year it was still super busy and a great day.
They had various different things going on from a fairground, dance displays, a star wars tribute band including chewie on drums, the ladies final at Wimbledon on the big screen and lots of things for kids to do. There was light saber training for both young and old, it was great to see so many people taking part in the fancy dress as well. I saw one family and the dad was dressed as a Jedi, with one kid also a Jedi and the other was dressed like chewie. It was so cute! There was also an area to try on steam punk costumes and have your photo taken. The kids area was much better than last year. There was a storytelling tent, a time travelling steam punk theatre group. The handmade flying pirate ship was Clems favourite, she loved it.
I wish I had managed to get a few more photos especially of the people in costumes but Clem was too busy dancing and jumping around to all the music.