Santa Clara Vanguard. Phantom Regiment. Blue Devils. Easily one of the best shows of my life.
As important as marching band was to me in high school, I rarely think it it now. These rare flashes, however, come with large bouts of nostalgia. On one of those a few weeks ago, I fired up footage of my high school shows, then took a detour to the DCI website. The summer before my senior year, I had gone to "THE exSIGHTment of SOUND" in Houston, where I saw the Cavaliers and Santa Clara Vanguard perform. Looking through this year's schedule, I saw several performances in the Bay Area. A couple looked convenient, but one was incredibly convenient: The DCI West Championship at the Stanford Stadium. I excitedly mentioned it to several of my non-initiated (read: newbie) friends and ended up nabbing 2 tickets for George (my roommate) and me.
We met up with Ben around some batteries warming up after a wonderful shrimp scampi dinner (read here), then went to the stadium. The seats, on the upper deck, were just at the 40 yard line on the left; great to watch, great to hear.
The open class (division 2 and 3) bands went first, and while not perfect, they were very enjoyable. The first was the San Francisco Renegades, a corps without age restrictions. Members were mostly middle-aged, but it was a spirited performance.
They, however, fit with most of the audience. I had anticipated seeing mostly high school and college students, but that was probably the largest gap. Many middle school students showed up, and a surprising number of middle-aged and seniors came as well. In retrospect, this likely isn't so surprising. The just-younger students are likely those who will be shooting for a corps soon, and the older group likely aged out and are coming back for more. That last group reminded me of the older crowd from my trip to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The attitude felt different, but it does lend legitimacy to drum & bugle corps as a performing art.
The group as a whole, however, were also not what I was expecting. I seem to have developed a Stanford-centric attitude, where events like this come to Stanford for Stanford. This event proved me wrong. Almost everyone came from the surrounding area for a show that happened to be at Stanford. It's not Stanford; it's a thing. Ben commented how he enjoyed finding "sub-cultures" like these. In my own life, marching doesn't feel like a sub-culture, but it absolutely is. Within the group that cares, it's a big deal, and it has its separate population, as the attendance reflected. Everyone has their sub-culture.
But back to the show, we saw several other surprising shows. Mystikal came onto the field with complete battery, pit, and guard. And seven brass players. That takes bravery. And the Blue Devils C, with members from age 7 to 13, put on a show I never imagined them capable of. Though I don't know how I feel about the fact that they'll be doing drum corps for the next eight years of their lives.
After the intermission, the world class (division 1) corps performed, and the Mandarins left a huge gap from the open class corps. The Pacific Crest and the Academy also gave great shows, and the Santa Clara Vanguard performed the show "3hree" and made another gap from the preceding world class acts. As a local group and past champion, they generated a lot of excitement and performed as well as they should have.
I, however, would say that the Phantom Regiment and Blue Devils cleared delimited themselves from the competition, including the Vanguard. The Phantom Regiment's show, "Spartacus," reminded me of the Blue Devil's 2006 show, "Godfather," also with a weapon-like formation. Beyond that, it was a complete performance. The drill was both difficult and well-performed, and their playing was a usual best. The general effect and guard, however, added so much to the show. Audiences often are shocked by the quality and skill of the performers, but it's not often they're also shocked by the drama, too. It's a must-see. That performance got me out of my seat.
And I was ready to do it again if the Blue Devils were better, as the scores would indicate from San Diego two days ago. Their show, "Constantly Risking Absurdity," made me question a lot of choices, including an intro with more running than marching (and a member who slipped quite brutally; don't know if that was planned) and some bizarre battery work. But it's the Blue Devils, and it absolutely worked. The marching and playing were brilliant, and while their showmanship was far different from that of Phantom Regiment, I thought it was just as cool.
I came away loving it, and so did George. Given my nostalgia and the general effect of the show recognized by George, I couldn't have had more fun tonight. Granted, no one was perfect. Every performance had its form problems and questionable moments, but the touring season has just started. And I would rationalize that my pickiness makes me enjoy it that much more, because I saw performances where I just didn't care about the details; they were that good.
One of these days, I'm going to have to go to the DCI World Championships because that's just insane. This show was great. Take the best of those in better form with a crazy crowd, and it does not get better. Someone want to come with me some year in the future?
I could say how it feels like only yesterday that I was arriving at New Marcher's Fundamentals, and how the last 3 years have been a breeze.
But that's been pretty much a lie. To say that high school so far has been that little is giving a lot so little credit. A lot of really awesome stuff has happened, and a lot of crap has happened.
And we get to enjoy the excitement of almost being on top: being the big dogs, the representing class, the seniors. We're the kids we looked up to when we were fishies. Boy, is that scary.
So the other day, during band, we were doing a recording session for graduation. If you 'member, we recorded P&C last year because the Merrell Center wasn't going to hold an orchestra as well. This year, they decided that P&C is much too boring to play in and out, so on the way out, they now get "The Throne Room", the song they play at the very end of Star Wars: A New Hope, when Han Solo and Luke get their medals. We got our band arrangement during class, which wasn't too difficult, rehearsed, and recorded.
We did 2-3 recordings and some practice, and during all of that, I did just fine. Then something bad happened. See, at the end of the song, there's a fermata, then 2-3 silent beats, then a concluding triplet. I had counted it fine all period, but on the very last take, I had a minor lapse and played it a beat early, where there is complete silence. Remember that because this is a recording, that we stay still and perfectly quiet until the microphone is turned off. In the awkwardness, Mr. Janda looks straight at me. Demonstrating my lack of object permanence, I close my eyes really tight and hope that he disappears. Thank goodness they have to cut and paste anyways, and because of that, they can just use part of another recording right there. If they don't, at least I'm immortalized in the music in one more way (last year's recording has a nasty cracked note at the end of the alma mater, and you just might hear "Louie, Louie" during P&C).
Thank goodness, right? Unfortunately, the worthlessness of it makes me question even going to school. What's the point of waking up at 6 if I'm just going to do nothing? Oh well.
My mom insisted that we get hardwood floors in my house, so we did. For about a week, all of my furniture was smashed up into one room, while they preceded to rip out all of the carpet upstairs. In that time, I once again evaluated my dependence on my computer, decided it was for the best to be away from it, then went back to it after the minor disruption. Keeping up the status quo, I guess. On the plus side, I got rid of some junk, my room is reorganized, and I can now actually roll around in my rolling-chair. Stopping, however, is going to take practice.
Author kevinPosted on May 15, 2006 December 25, 2017 Categories high school lifeTags bandLeave a comment on Why am I such an Idiot?
I propose, that in honor of randomness, that we make this Thursday "Speak in Song Day". During this day, all day, whenever you have something to say, you have to say it in song. Regardless of whether you can sing or not, everything must have a beat and a melody to it. It's likely that you'll have to explain it a thousand times, and that you'll make a fool of yourself, but who gives? Oh, btw, if you're wondering why I came up with this, "because I can".
So we had a concert in San An for band this past Friday. It happened to be the Spring Trip one, and because of the financial situation after the NY trip, my mom and I decided that I would not go on the trip, but drive up to San An and play the concert. I skipped the AP US history exam and got out of school at 930, when we promptly drove up to Austin to pick up my sisters who were going to come and listen.
We arrive in Austin at approximately noon, where we take a break to eat lunch while we wait for Nicole to get back from one of her classes. We figure that if we get out by about 1, then we'd have plenty of time. Well, Nicole, unaware of the time constraints, comes back to their apartment at around 120. She hurries through lunch and we leave.
Next, my sister has to drop off a form at ACC. Easy, right? Well, she goes in, and we wait in the car. And wait. And wait. After awhile, she comes back, complaining about the stupid lady at the desk who took forever. By this point, it's about 210. And I'm supposed to be in San An at 3 for warmup. My mom goes through some seriously aggresive driving to cut as much time as possible.
By 3, we're only at New Braunfels. Well, that's okay, I think. I only need to be there for the performance. I can afford to skip a bit of the warmup, as long as I'm there for the performance. We drive and drive, and I become increasingly more worried ('member the 40 measure solo?). In downtown San An, we hit 2-3 traffic jams, which fortunately clear up really quickly. Drive, drive, drive. Trying to cut corners, I put my uniform on in the car. We pull up to Stevens High School at 340, which, as far as I could 'member, was our scheduled performance time. I dash into the auditorium, where I get about halfway up before I, thankfully, realize that it's Symphonic Band performing. Unfortunately, they begin their performance as I sit down, and I feel locked in. Then, rationalizing, I sit there, figuring I'm better off waiting in there, where I know the band will be soon enough, than wandering around for the warmup I may never find.
Halfway through their last song, I hear Mr Bailey beckon, and I rush out of the auditorium, muttering sorries for my delay. We rush over to the warmup room where I bust in, in time for the middle of the warmup, and to an applause. Funny how much more ppl appreciate you when you're not there, eh?
And so I performed with the band, and, in my opinion, did a good job on my solo, with only a few verbal death threats and complaints from Katie. Not bad.
Life has been interesting as of late.
This being jr year, I feel obligated to say something about the workload, and in the end, all I can say is that it's a lot more pressure than actual work. And in the midst of the insanity, there's always time to relax.
And TV and video games don't count.
Even in times like this, with an AP in just under a week with all the preparation, literally, ever done is a single practice test self-graded, I still manage to get in an hour of video games, well wasted. Wonderful, right?
It's times like these that make me wonder if ppl exaggerate the work that they have/do, or if I'm just doing something wrong. I mean, I would guess that compared to many, I do have a lot more work to do, but while they're crapping about it, I'm lining my AK up with the top of a filing cabinet so that I can get an instant headshot when the CT comes in long hallway (if you didn't understand that, aspire to never). But even in the motonomy of such a life, there's still an escape.
I got a chance to have a bit of fun on my tuba.
Sure, my lesson teacher has been griping at me for weeks about how I don't have my stuff done, and I'll admit, I haven't been the most studious. Unfortunately, "one more round" syndrome often takes immediate precedence over practicing. Today, however, was different.
If you didn't know, even though I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it here before, I have a totally awesome, almost exclusively tuba, 30-40ish measure solo in one of our pieces for WE. It's great. And it's jazz.
If you haven't had a really important part like this, trust me, there's a lot of pressure. When it's region band, it's whatever. Truly. When I go into that room, I've got no stress, because the only people judging me are hidden behind sheets, and the other students, I only have to see once a year, at region band auditions. When I play my solo for S&E, it's whatever, because I'm never going to see that judge ever again. But when it's for band, you have 40 of your peers, not to mention the parents and other peers in the crowd that will also listen to you.
Performance always begins with a pee.
So I've been working pretty hard to make the solo as good as possible, and there is no better feeling than being able to totally own it. Or mebbe there's no better feeling than just busting out your instrument and wailing in the comfort of your own living room, knowing that whatever crazy style you go with, no one else will ever critique you on. A chance to totally let loose.


text:
Stories from the Front Porch
Travel Trailer Tales
Stories from the Front Porch features stories of people who live, work, and play with passion. Their influence inspires others to be more. Reaching thousands of readers we are creating awareness of people who make a difference. Partner with us to help spread the word and create a community of stories to tell.
Full Page Ad - $125.00
Tell your business story with a FULL PAGE AD in the online magazine for Stories from the Front Porch. Reach thousands of readers. Average reader time is close to five minutes.
Half Page Ad - $60.00
Tell your business story with a Half PAGE AD in the online magazine for Stories from the Front Porch. Reach thousands of readers.
Sponsor A Story Ad - $30.00
Sponsor an individual story with your business name, logo, and link to website. The ad will be featured on the individual story and featured in the magazine issue.
Be Featured on our Website Ad
Reach our visitors on our website.
Block Ad $50.00 - size 200x300 pixels
Banner Ad $100 - 150x800 pixels
Home Page AD $150 - Banner or Block size (space is limited)
Space is limited on Home Page
All ADS can be linked to a website or product page
Advertisers supplies AD
Website ads are billed monthly
Online Magazine is produced bi-monthly and Ads are due 5 days minimum before is magazine is published
Stories from the Front Porch Copyright © 2021

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Shadow Lights Candles is an online shop located in beautiful Papillion, Nebraska.
We specialize in candles. However, you will find other specialty items from time to time also.
I started making candles in my kitchen in Bellevue, Nebraska back in 1998. What started out as a hobby turned into a candle making obsession!
My main goal is to provide a quality candle at an affordable price! All of our candles are hand poured or hand dipped. The type of candles that are available: paraffin, soy and beeswax.
Our Spell Lights are infused with herbs and made from the finest wax and fragrances we can find!
Try us out you will love our commitment to quality!


The Red Brick Road Teacher: Hello!
It's July, 2014, and I haven't visited my blog in many months...it's that time thing. I have to learn how to make an appointment each week, as I do like to share.
I just returned from the TPT conference in Las Vegas and learned it is OKAY to share others' ideas/products on my blog. I am thrilled as I find some fun stuff out there!
Found you in the forums - great start! I like the owls.
Your blog is beautiful. I also teach 1st grade, but in much cooler, WI. I also started a blog this summer. There is a lot to learn. Luckily my sister (Squirrel) is an expert so I don't have to go too high onto the learning curve.
Sweet. Thank you, Kat. Off to visit katandsquirrel....there must be a story behind that name?


text:
Multiple errors in school textbooks, govt unaware
Published On: April 27, 2019 06:05 AM NPT By: Bishnu Prasad Aryal
Photo: Republica
KATHMANDU, April 27: The government has shown negligence over multiple errors in the textbooks for private schools, which were given to students at the beginning of the new academic session.
The Moral Education textbook for Grade 6 written by Prof Dr Shreeram Prasad Upadhyaya and published by Trijyoti Prakashan, Kathmandu contains multiple errors including in the name of the president of Nepal.
Amar BK, guardian of a student at Pokhara-based private school, complained about the textbook errors on his Facebook status. "What will our wards learn from such textbooks?" he wondered, adding that he felt quite disheartened .
Several errors can be traced, including in spellings, the names of the president and a former speaker and intended meanings. Bidya in Bidya Devi Bhandari has been printed as Bidhy in the Grade 6 Moral Education textbook.
The book has been prescribed by many private schools in different parts of the country, according to the Guardians' Association of Nepal (GAN). The Curriculum Development Center (CDC), the government body that regulates textbooks and textbook writers, is responsible for avoiding such blunders, said Suprabhat Bhandari, former president of GAN. "If it is the mistake of the curriculum development committee, the government will be held responsible . If it is the mistake of the publisher, the publisher should face the music," he added.
Prof Upadhyaya could not be reached by phone and the publisher was also unavailable for comment.
A committee headed by the CDC chief looks into textbooks before allowing their publication , according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). Textbooks are renewed in a cycle of every three years.
Dr Lekha Nath Poudel, director general at CDC, said that he was unaware of the errors . "We assign three experts to vet the textbooks . However, they might not be reading every single line in the textbooks," he added. "We will look at the books and the errors. We can then call them in to make corrections."
The national curriculum development and evaluation committee , which makes policy and approves the curriculum, is headed by the education minister. Giriraj Mani Pokharel is the present incumbent .
new_academic_session
More students switching to community schools from private schools
SURKHET, April 19: Bandana Khadka of Birendranagar-3 recently admitted her two sons to one of the oldest community schools of the...
Locals, school students get access to drinking water
TANAHUN, Aug 19: Students at Bishnu Secondary School of Nahala, Bandipur Rural Municipality-1, who were facing drinking water problems now have...
Schools empty as students head toward hills to collect yarsa
JUMLA, May 21: The schools of Patarasi Rural Municipality of Jumla wear a deserted look as students have headed toward highlands...
Flights at TIA resume after two hours


text:
Coolidge named Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
Jennifer Coolidge arrives at the 80th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Posted Tuesday, January 24, 2023 12:02 pm
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Jennifer Coolidge, who saw a career resurgence following her Emmy-winning turn as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt in the acclaimed HBO series "The White Lotus," was named the 2023 Woman of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Tuesday.
The Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world. Since 1951, it has bestowed this award annually on women "who have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment."
Coolidge, who also played Stifler's sultry mom in "American Pie" and sage manicurist Paulette in the "Legally Blonde" movies, grew up in the Boston area.
"We are so excited to welcome Jennifer Coolidge back to her hometown and to Harvard, the iconic setting of Legally Blonde," Man and Woman of the Year coordinator Maya Dubin said in a press release. "Her glittering personality and comedic presence are so Pudding."
Coolidge will be honored with a parade through Harvard Square on Feb. 4 followed by a roast when she will be presented her Pudding Pot.
Her other film credits include roles in "Best In Show," "A Mighty Wind" and "Shotgun Wedding" while she has appeared multiple television shows including "Seinfeld," "2 Broke Girls" and "Nip/Tuck."
Previous winners of the Woman of the Year Award include Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Debbie Reynolds.
Bob Odenkirk was named the 2023 Hasty Pudding Man of the Year last week. He will be honored on Feb. 2.
Harrison Ford inspires cast in new comedy 'Shrinking'
How can Christians love one another as Jesus commanded?
Christians can love one another "by saying thank you to each other," says James, 7. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way toward loving others. "The hardest arithmetic to …


text:
[[missing key: search-facet.tree.open-section]] Arts and Humanities (8)
[[missing key: search-facet.tree.open-section]] History by Period (8)
You are looking at 1-8 of 8 books for:
Modern History (1700 to 1945) x
76 chapters
Eighteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction
Eighteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction spans the period from the aftermath of the Revolution of 1688 to Pitt the Younger's defeat in his attempts at ... More
Eighteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction spans the period from the aftermath of the Revolution of 1688 to Pitt the Younger's defeat in his attempts at parliamentary reform and considers the growing security and maturity of the British polity and the development of an industrial economy. Britain overcame challenges by foreign powers, and military setbacks to find itself in a strong imperial and mercantile position by 1789. Although the social problems of economic change and the failure to reform the political system remained issues, the rising middle class and the ruling aristocracy worked together to provide stability.Less
The First World War: A Very Short Introduction
The First World War: A Very Short Introduction is a concise history of the 'Great War', focusing on why it happened, how it was fought, and why it had the consequences it did. ... More
The First World War: A Very Short Introduction is a concise history of the 'Great War', focusing on why it happened, how it was fought, and why it had the consequences it did. It examines the state of Europe in 1914 and the outbreak of war; the onset of attrition and crisis; the role of the USA; the collapse of Russia; and the weakening and eventual surrender of the Central Powers. It also investigates the historical controversies surrounding the causes and conduct of war, and describes how peace was ultimately made and the potent legacy of resentment left to Germany.Less
The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction shows that we are still living with the consequences of the French Revolution and explores its legacy in the form of ... More
The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction shows that we are still living with the consequences of the French Revolution and explores its legacy in the form of rationality in public affairs, responsible government, decimalization, and the ideology of human rights. There are many familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, and long-lasting legends such as 'let them eat cake' and the tricolour. How did the revolution happen? Why did the revolutionaries quarrel with the king, the church and the rest of Europe? Why did this produce Terror? The revolution destroyed the age-old cultural, institutional, and social structures in France and beyond. In what ways did the ambitions of the French Revolution fail?Less
The Mexican Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
Alan Knight
The Mexican Revolution defined the socio-political experience of 20th-century life in Mexico. Its subsequent legacy has provoked debate between those who interpret the ongoing myth of the ... More
The Mexican Revolution defined the socio-political experience of 20th-century life in Mexico. Its subsequent legacy has provoked debate between those who interpret the ongoing myth of the Revolution and those who adopt the more middle-of-the-road reality of the regime after 1940. The Mexican Revolution: A Very Short Introduction addresses the causes of the upheaval, outlines the armed conflict between 1910 and 1920, explains how a durable regime was consolidated in the 1920s, and sums up the social reforms of the Revolution, culminating in the radical 1930s. The conflict is placed alongside other 'great' revolutions, and Mexico is compared with the Latin American countries that avoided violent upheaval.Less
The Napoleonic Wars: A Very Short Introduction
Mike Rapport
The Napoleonic Wars: A Very Short Introduction provides a brief outline of these conflicts, introducing the tactics, strategies, and weaponry of the time. What were the origins ... More
The Napoleonic Wars: A Very Short Introduction provides a brief outline of these conflicts, introducing the tactics, strategies, and weaponry of the time. What were the origins of the wars? In what ways and means were the wars fought? What are the political and social legacies of the wars today? The Napoleonic Wars have an important place in the history of Europe, leaving their mark on European and world societies in a variety of ways. In many European countries they provided the stimulus for radical social and political change — particularly in Spain, Germany, and Italy — and are frequently viewed in these countries as the starting point of their modern histories.Less
Nineteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction
Christopher Harvie and Colin Matthew
Nineteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction is an account of remarkable economic and social change and an even more remarkable political stability. Britain in 1789 ... More
Nineteenth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction is an account of remarkable economic and social change and an even more remarkable political stability. Britain in 1789 was overwhelmingly rural, agrarian, multilingual, and almost half Celtic. By 1914, when it faced its greatest test since the defeat of Napoleon, it was largely urban and English. This VSI shows the forces behind Britain's rise to its imperial zenith, and the continuing tensions within the nations and classes of the 'union state'. It also addresses the long and complex route to improved prosperity and political representation through reform and economic growth.Less
The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
S. A. Smith
The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction provides an analytical narrative of the main events and developments in Soviet Russia between 1917 and 1936. What impact did ... More
The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction provides an analytical narrative of the main events and developments in Soviet Russia between 1917 and 1936. What impact did the revolution have on society as a whole—on different classes, ethnic groups, the army, men and women, and youth? How was it that one structure of domination was replaced by another? Political developments during this tumultuous period sit firmly in the context of massive economic, social, and cultural change. Since the fall of Communism there has been much reflection on the significance of the Russian Revolution. Is there an alternative interpretation to the currently influential, liberal one, one that sees the revolution as rooted in the contradictions of a backward society that sought modernization and enlightenment and ended in political tyranny?Less
The Spanish Civil War: A Very Short Introduction
Helen Graham
The Spanish Civil War: Very Short Introduction offers an explanation of the war's origins and course, explores its impact on a personal and international scale, and provides an ... More
The Spanish Civil War: Very Short Introduction offers an explanation of the war's origins and course, explores its impact on a personal and international scale, and provides an ethical reflection on the war. How has the war inspired some of the greatest writers of our time? In what ways does it continue to resonate today in Britain, continental Europe, and beyond? The war can be seen as an arena of social change where ideas about culture were forged or resisted, and in which both Spaniards and non-Spaniards participated alike. During the Second World War, these conflicts would stretch from Franco's regime, which envisaged itself as part of the Nazi new order, to Europe and beyond.Less


In March 2013 Dupuis, a Belgian comics publisher, asked our school to create a new and original licence for their online platform, which was about to be released on tablets and smartphones. The goal was to make a game for 8 to 14 years old players. During 10 days, we developed a prototype with a team of 10 students.
The gameplay was simple : the player can play with grativity by changing the tablet orientation to help the character (Smip) fix his damaged spaceship. The player can also interact with the objects in the comics bubbles casted by the avatar. The objects in the comics balloons are triggered by the interaction between Smip and his environment.
For example, if he falls on an electric beam he'll start to be angry and things like a bomb may appear in his speaking bubble, like old Franco-Belgian comics. Then, the player can drag and drop this objects and use them to continue his journey through the ship.
On this project, I was Game Designer, Level Designer and writter. I've collaborated with graphic team to create personnality and design of the main character, SMIP, and the design of his gameplay abilities, like his "plunger-feets".


The Energy Charter is an international organisation whose member countries have signed a binding agreement to ensure the protection of investments in the energy sector - the capital intensive sector of the economy. Jozef Badida, energy analyst from epv.sk, have discussed with the Secretary General of the Energy Charter, Dr Urban Rusnák the issues of globalisation of the Energy Charter Treaty, including guarantees provided to investors vis-à-vis unexpected decisions of governments, the 2009 gas crisis, which in his opinion could have been avoided, and recent Early Warning Mechanism initiatives for energy crises, such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict over gas prices.
Originally, the Energy Charter Treaty aimed at protecting European investments in the countries of the former USSR, but a shift away from OECD countries and the effort to make the organisation more attractive to non-European countries may evoke a failure of the 'European' path. However, Dr Rusnák does not agree with that, and recalls the recent decision of the Arbitration Court obliging Russia to pay compensation in the historic amount of 50 billion USD for the expropriation of Khodorkovsky's Yukos. The Treaty is currently being used by investors against European countries themselves, in what Dr Rusnák considers as "a proof that the system is set up in a fair way and does not favour the rich against the poor". He adds that "without investment guarantees, such as the provisions of the Treaty, investors will calculate with higher risk factors".
Certainly interesting is also his statement that during the gas crisis in January 2009 there was a "clear breach of transit obligations under the Treaty," but "the gas flow interruption itself could have certainly been prevented." Furthermore, Dr Rusnák pointed out that "none of the parties concerned, including Slovakia or Bulgaria which experienced the cut-off of gas supply for two weeks, had not exercised their rights under the Treaty, whether directly during the crisis or for a compensation of the caused losses." It is now possible to solve this type of conflict through the Early Warning Mechanism under the Energy Charter.
Dr Rusnák, your efforts to modernise and internationalise the Energy Charter, an organisation that contributes to the protection of investments and of which you are the Secretary General, led to the adoption of a political declaration by 75 countries and communities (EU, EURATOM, ECOWAS) at the end of May. Is the Energy Charter going to be different from now on? Could you describe to our readers the main reasons for and substance of these changes?
The political declaration called the International Energy Charter adopted on May 20, 2015 in The Hague complements its predecessor, the European Energy Charter of 1991. The main reasons for the changes were global energy developments, particularly how OECD countries and the former Soviet Union no longer constitute a key focus of the development of world energy. The opening of the Energy Charter Process to more countries outside Europe reflects the new situation and at the same time creates opportunities for new impulses of development for significant oil and gas producers such as Iran; for new global players, such as China; and countries that had not participated in the Process for some time, such as the United States.
Over the past two years, states have negotiated a text, which while retaining all the fundamental principles of the Charter, such as non-discrimination, investment protection, countries' sovereignty over natural resources, and reliable transit of energy resources, have brought new insights on energy security, and incorporate new technologies and greater responsibility for the social-economic development of countries. The concept of energy security has been replaced with security of supply, and the new dimension of energy poverty mitigation as a condition of access to modern energy sources has been added.
In terms of the development of the Energy Charter, the key is a paradigm shift: instead of offering a European concept of energy cooperation rules, Member States of the Energy Charter Treaty invite other countries to participate in their creation. The adoption of a new Declaration opens up opportunities for further modernisation of our organisation.
Originally, the European Energy Charter was adopted at the time of the dissolution of the Soviet block in the 1990s. It was initiated by the Western European states with a view of ensuring protection of their investments in this 'opening region'. The result was an adoption of a binding Energy Charter Treaty aimed mainly at Russia, which, however, has never ratified it and in the end stopped implementing it provisionally in 2009. On the other hand, you have just adopted the International Energy Charter. Doesn't this step represent an admission of failure of the 'European' way and non-fulfilment of its original vision?
The reasons for the Russian decision to stop the provisional implementation of the Energy Charter Treaty in 2009 were never officially announced. However, we can surmise that one of the important motives was an attempt to protect Russia from the arbitration case in the matter of Yukos' expropriation. The Arbitration Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague confirmed the jurisdiction of the Treaty in this case, in spite of Russian objections that it has never ratified it. The Russian Federation has, however, unlike some other countries that have not ratified the Treaty, such as Norway or Australia, decided to implement it provisionally – until its ratification in the State Duma. The resulting compensation amount of 50 billion USD is the highest ever in the history of arbitration cases. The Russian Federation has challenged the arbitration proceedings before Dutch courts and seeks the annulment of the whole case. Until the dispute has been finalised, it is too early to assess whether the European way in the case of Russia was unsuccessful. On the other hand, there is also another interpretation of the current situation, that one of the main problems of the Treaty is that it has had 'too great' a success in the protection of investors.
However, if one disregards the extremities, we can see that the Energy Charter Treaty has stimulated the development of oil and gas production in the Caspian region, as well as energy cooperation and construction of pipeline connections from this region to 'the West', Turkey and the EU, as well as to 'the East' to China. In order to facilitate the interest of new countries to participate in the Process it is indispensable to successfully implement its original vision in the Eurasian space.
You have indicated that the signing of the political declaration, i.e. the International Energy Charter, is merely the culmination of the Modernisation Phase I. So what happens next? Does an update of a binding Treaty seem feasible?
There are ongoing discussions at the technical level as well as consultations among Member States on how to further develop the Process at the moment. Within the Working Groups, delegates express the changes they would like in areas such as transit rules, transparency in dispute settlements, new investment rules, energy efficiency and environmental protection in energy activities. In my view, one day it will be necessary to amend the Treaty adopted in 1994, and in some areas, such as arbitration proceedings, it currently does not reflect what Member States have in mind. In order to open the negotiations a consensus will be required, which has not yet been even put on the table for a discussion.
However, a special Transit Protocol that guarantees greater certainty to exporting countries, i.e. the suppliers of energy and electricity, has yet to be concluded. The 'Doha negotiations' on further liberalisation of international trade under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have failed in a similar way. This situation thus leads to the conclusion of bilateral and regional agreements, such as the TTIP, TTP, and the EU-China Investment Agreement. Thus, are we not witnessing a kind of twilight of multilateralism? Isn't the direction of the Energy Charter a bit against the flow?
Yes, at first glance, our effort of globalisation of the Charter goes against the general tendency of seeking solutions in regional, plurilateral frameworks. However, on the other hand the globalisation of energy flows continues regardless of the preferences of trade block negotiators or geopolitical conflicts in various parts of the world. Global economic development depends on sufficiency of energy resources, and, based on existing technological solutions, the cheapest and most easily available source finds its way to the market pushing out more expensive commodities. Any efforts aimed at prescriptive management or ideological restrictions of certain technology – given interconnected global markets – lead to unexpected effects, such as increased coal consumption and limited use of gas in the electricity production in the EU, despite existing objectives of gradual decarbonisation. The trend of seeking a global solution has also achieved success in the area of addressing the climate change, which is closely linked to the energy sector.
The provisions of the Energy Charter Treaty on investment protection have been used against EU countries quite unexpectedly, such as the case of Swedish Vattenfal (nuclear power plant operator) v. Germany; solar power plant owners v. the Czech Republic; and not so long ago also the case of foreign investors GDF Suez/EoN (that owned Slovak Gas Holding (SPP)) v. the Slovak Republic. Do you think these disputes could discourage other, mainly non-European countries, from acceding to the Energy Charter Treaty?
This is a very correct observation and an interesting question. From the perspective of developing non-European countries, is the use of the Treaty to protect investment against EU Member States evidence of the fact that the system is set up in a fair way and does not favour the rich against the poor? No country that receives foreign investment is not, a priori, immune to changes in its investment environment. The mechanism for investment dispute settlements is part of the vast majority of bilateral agreements on protection and promotion of investments. A state, as a sovereign over its territory, always has more options to influence investors by adjusting its laws and rules. Investment protection and arbitration cases create equal chances for the compensation of losses that investors may incur due to government decisions. Out of all economic activities, the energy sector has the longest period of capital return and usually requires very high up-front investment. Energy objects, such as oil fields, power plants, gas pipelines or transit and distribution networks are built to last for decades. Without investment guarantees, such as the provisions of the Treaty, investors will calculate with higher risk factors, which represent differences of hundreds of millions EUR in investment projects that more often than not amount to billions. A stable and predictable investment framework has proved its long-term benefits.
Also interesting is the question of the January 2009 gas crisis, when the gas was not flowing to countries like Bulgaria or Slovakia due to the Russia-Ukraine dispute. How could this occur if all three countries were at that time signatories of the Treaty and thus obliged to guarantee uninterrupted transit of gas further to Europe? Wasn't this legally binding document breached? Could the gas flow interruptions have been prevented? Shouldn't the Brussels-based Energy Charter Secretariat have been more active?
Yes, at that time, there was a clear breach of transit obligations under the Treaty. None of the parties concerned, however, exercised its rights stemming from the Treaty, whether directly during the crisis or for the compensation of losses incurred according to the Article 27 of the Treaty. The gas flow interruptions could have been prevented with a timely use of existing legal mechanisms, for instance the Article 7.7 of the Treaty, which allows for establishment of a conciliator to resolve transit disputes. At that time, political solutions were preferred, which then formed the basis for an extremely high gas price for Ukraine. The Energy Charter Secretariat had only limited options to intervene without a direct engagement of the parties concerned.
It seems that this negative experience was also a learning opportunity, and during the latest escalation of the Russia-Ukraine dispute last winter you initiated the establishment of an Early Warning Mechanism under the Energy Charter. What has this initiative brought?
We now have a mechanism that allows the Energy Charter Signatories to give an early signal of a threat to energy security and strengthen the position of the Secretary General in such a situation. This instrument, however, is voluntary, as the Contracting Parties did not agree on its legally binding nature. Unlike a similar instrument within the framework of EU-Russia dialogue, this mechanism is universally applicable to all Charter Signatories, for instance even in North Africa, Central Asia or the Caucasus.
Concluding this interview, I would like to go back to the Modernisation Process of the Energy Charter, since The Hague Conference was also attended by the Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr Šefčovič, who is the face of the EU's Energy Union. Is there any connection between these two processes?
The Energy Union is a strategy primarily aimed at ensuring action within the EU, creating efficient energy markets and ensuring energy security. The Energy Charter creates a legal basis for a partnership with countries outside of the EU that share the same legal standard with members of the EU – The Energy Charter Treaty. The EU should be more attentive to the interests of countries exporting oil and gas, which for the coming decades will be key energy sources for the transport industry and the economy in Europe. In addition to the priority solutions to support the EU's internal market, in my view it is necessary to build partnerships with exporters, even in the form of safeguarding minimum guaranteed volumes for new investment projects. Today, after a recent significant price decrease, major energy suppliers face a dilemma of how much and where to invest so that the EU will have enough resources in 15-20 years to come. Several investment decisions are being postponed or cancelled due to long-term unclear oil and gas demand perspectives of the EU, in view of ambitious objectives for the decarbonisation of the economy.
became Secretary General of the Energy Charter Secretariat in January 2012. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Oil and Gas in 1990 with an M.Sc. and received his Ph.D. from the Ankara University Institute of Social Sciences in 1998. Dr Rusnák also holds an Honoris Causa doctorate from the Kiev Slavonic University since 2009. Prior to his appointment with the Energy Charter Secretariat, Dr Rusnák worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and was the Leader of the Project for Slovakia's External Energy Security. Before that, he was Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Ukraine (2005-2009), Head of the MFA Political Analysis Division (2003-2005), Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Turkey (1994-1998) and MFA Desk Officer for South Caucasus, Central Asia, CIS and South East Europe.


hmm i think they would look great with fruit in them! maybe a nice decoration on your kitchen countertop!
They are more "professional" looking then our plastic ones. Won't stain like our white ones. And they are easy to wash up, just run them under hot water when your done using them and wash as normal.
They're easy to wash... unless you're draining a post of just-boiled cheese-filled ravioli where a few of them split & the hot, stringy, melted cheese that was floating around the water turns back into firm cheese as soon as it hits the cold steel. That's pretty tough to clean out of the mesh! LOL Ask me how I know.... Thank goodness for baby bottle brushes & the dishwasher!
The won't Change colors, like that pinkish redish color you get from the dishwasher!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mesh colanders. I have always used a metal colander and was so very happy to see these come out.
Very Sturdy, self nesting, which I find to be a plus. I have a really hard time using plastic tools when I am cooking, even if it just for my family. I guess I've always been pampered and now being a consultant I am truly spoiled!
I guess it is mainly because I feel that plastic tools are an inferior product. Of course I know that PC has the best quality, but it is something that I have always been aware of when I am cooking. For example, BPC (before PC) I've never purchased plastic tools, always bamboo tools for non-stick and stainless steel tools for my stainless cookware. You are right plastic to me doesn't have the quality or the professionalism of stainless, nor does it have the feel of the stainless.
I've had a lot of customers say that they would not by plastic colanders/bowls from PC, basically because if they wanted that they would go through Tupperware. So I never purchased them as an extended part of my kit. I know this is strange but as much as they say that then they turn around and order the collaspable bowls. I know strange.
Well, our collapsible bowls are much better than Tupperware, I have to say! As far as the rest, it makes sense... I guess that I just liked the colanders/bowls set because of the versatility, and they nestle and have the lids.... I like that you can put a colander inside of the bowl to let stuff soak and then pick back up and drain... just little things like that, and they were so much better functionally then my old SS colander (non PC), then drained better, with my other one I had to keep lifting it up get the water to drain down, where these had the space for the water to drain... But of course, our new SS mesh ones do that too, but they don't have the bowl function, but I think they will be good.... And I agree that SS is more professional, I just need to find somewhere to store them! MIght have to find some non-PC stuff to get rid of, or at least move to the store room. Thanks for your input & 2 cents!
I'm planning to use these as gift 'baskets' for Christmas. Fill with pasta, homemade sauce, bread, etc., and wrapped all together w/ cellophane. That way they have a nice gift even after the meal is gone.
That does sound like a great gift idea... Are you going to use them separately to make 3 gifts or all together to make one really great gift?
I plan to promote this idea at my shows as well.
I love that there's 3 in the set, just like the stainless mixing bowls (a total add-on item!), and I love the tiny one - I sometimes have to "short-order cook" for my kids, and only one likes spaghetti. I made a small pot of spaghetti the other night, and instead of having to use the giant colander, I used the little stainless one - perfect!! Plus, if I was steaming veggies, making pasta and rinsing fruit for dessert, I would have a strainer for each and wouldn't have to clean in-between.
The large one is full of a variety of tomatoes - red, orange, and yellow - and all different shapes.
The medium is full of green and yellow beans, along with chili peppers and white sweet bell peppers.
The small is full of zucchini, and summer squash.
And THIS very reason, is why I highly recommend the 7" strainer from the professional tools!!! You just scoop out your "filled" pastas with this tool, and then they drain right there, and then you can gently "pour" the filled pastas into your pretty Dots bowl!!! No busting!!!
I won the SS Colanders at our monthly cluster meeting and I was thrilled. I only "had" plastic. I have recently taken on making my own tamales as I could not find any awesome ones in Ohio. (born and 1/2 raised in SanDiego). I have an xtra large stockpot and used the medium colander turned upside down and the large one right side up and I steamed 24 tamales at one time (it takes 2 hours to steam/cook them. Both the tamales and the colanders were amazing. You can also use them to cook/steam potatoes with out making them water logged like they would be if you boiled them.
I avoid using plastic with hot things or for longer storage (less concerned with quick measuring and such) both because I am apprehensive about the chemicals and because it holds on to flavors and stains.
I was happy to see that PC came out with these, although frankly, the lack of handles baffles me (what are you supposed to grab right after you pour out pasta in boiling hot water into it?!). On the other hand they are mesh as opposed to "regular" colanders with various size holes which means you have more effective draining surface. Also, you should be able to drain very small or thin items without losing them though the holes - think spaghetti and orzo .
I sit mine in the sink. It has a raised bottom, so the water has room to drain from the bottom.
So, after reading the posts, I took a look at how I am storing the mesh colanders. At the moment, I have them nesting in the SS bowls. The small fits ok in the small bowl, the med fits better in the med bowl & the large in the large. The med colander & bowl would work great for soaking and straining in the same dishes.


text:
Quarles Urges Military Veteran Farmers to Stand Up and Be Counted in the 2017 Ag Census
FRANKFORT (November 7, 2017) — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles today encouraged Kentucky military veterans who are farmers to respond to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, a snapshot of American agriculture taken every five years.
"Many veterans are finding that farming provides a way for them to continue their service to their communities and their country," Commissioner Quarles said. "This year's Census gives them a unique opportunity to be counted."
"We have 22 million veterans in the United States, and five million of them live in rural America," said David Knopf, director of the NASS Eastern Mountain Regional Office in Kentucky. "The data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture will help USDA partner with state departments of agriculture to grow veteran opportunities in the ag community, enabling them to fill the roles that keep America's food supply safe and secure, sustain rural communities, and protect the environment."
For the first time, the Census of Agriculture includes a question that asks whether the respondent has ever served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard. Commissioner Quarles said answering the question will help USDA measure the number of veterans who have taken up farming and shape programs to meet their needs.
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them; it is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state and county in the country. The Census is used by government, educators, extension, business, and many others to make decisions on policies, services, and funding.
For the purpose of the Census, a farm is defined as any place that produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during the Census of Agriculture year – in this case, 2017. The results of the Census will be available in aggregate form only; federal law requires information on individuals to be kept confidential.
Farmers will receive Census forms in the mail in December. They may complete the printed form and return it or respond online at agcounts.usda.gov. Completed forms are due by Feb. 5, 2018.


Well, obviously I would have preferred for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson to take Sister Act's spot, but I'm happy with the other three nominees.
Since only two musical revivals opened on Broadway this season, there were no surprises one way or the other here.
I'm so mad at the committee for, once again, overlooking Aaron Tveit. They passed over him two years ago for his incredible work in Next to Normal and they've passed over him this year for his terrific turn in Catch Me. This super talented actor just can't catch a break. I'm glad Josh Henry was nominated and that Daniel Radcliffe wasn't. I haven't seen Priscilla yet so I can't speak to Sheldon's nomination, but I would have preferred for Tveit to be nominated instead of both the Mormons (they were both good, though I preferred Rannells) or, dare I say it, Butz. Poor Aaron.
First, note that there are only four nominees in this category. Due to a Tony rule, there need to be at least seven eligible women in order for there to be five nominees, like in other acting categories. This year, there were only six women eligible in this category. Now, of these four who are nominated, these are the four I predicted. No complaints, although just based on the shows they're in I would like for Sherie Rene Scott to take Leavel's place, but this shook out fine.
Other than hoping/predicting Jerry Mitchell in place of Rob Ashford, this category is as I thought it would be. It's basically a battle of the hoofers this year; can "Turn if Off' beat "Anything Goes"?
I really was hoping for nominations for Bloody Bloody and Catch Me; other than that, no complaints.
I think any nomination for How to Succeed is undeserving... Everything else is fine.
Bloody Bloody, baby!!! So super extra excited for Alex Timbers's nomination. I think this deserves to win, though it's shaping up to be a year for Mormons.
From a musical theatre history perspective, this is interesting: All the directors (except for Trey Parker) are director/choreographers, like the pioneer Agnes DeMille (Oklahoma!). Aside from that aspect, I'll reiterate that I don't think Ashford should be nominated, and, instead, I would have loved for Alex Timbers to be nominated.
Yay, Bloody Bloody!!! I loved, loved, loved that design - the way it completely enveloped you the moment you entered the theatre, and particularly the way Werle was able to translate that immersion-theatre experience to a big Broadway house.
I haven't seen Priscilla yet, but just based on the production stills I've seen, it seems like this is its award to lose. However, I did thrill over all of Reno's dresses in Anything Goes.
Stoppard, Wilde, Shakespeare...and Larry Kramer. I loved Arcadia. I've heard the other three were/are fantastic. (Earnest and Normal Heart are still running; Merchant was a limited run.) Tough category, but deserving nominees, all.
I predicted four out of five of these, missing Yelland and having Cherry Jones in her spot. No complaints. I've actually only seen McDormand, but I'm seeing Born Yesterday this weekend and I heard raves about Rabe.
Guess how I feel about this category, dear readers? That's right, thrilled except for Vazquez. Oh well... I loved Crudup, and I'm also very proud of the committee for Crook's and Moayed's nominations. They were both fantastic.
I was thoroughly impressed by Bel Powley in Arcadia so I'm upset to see she wasn't nominated, and I'm a little surprised to see Rodriquez nominated, although she did have some strong moments with Cannavale. Lumley was such fun in La Bete, Light was really powerful in Lombardi and I hear Barkin is stunning in The Normal Heart. This is a pretty good category.
Is this a joke? Shapiro is nominated for ...the Hat and neither Ian Rickson nor David Leveaux are nominated for Jerusalem or Arcadia? Absolutely ridiculous.
You know I loved Jerusalem, but I think the lighting design in Bengal Tiger was pretty great.
I was impressed by the set in ...the Hat. I loved Jerusalem's set, though. The real grass; the live chickens; the smell of the forest. Absolutely exquisite.
And there you have it, dear readers: the 2011 Tony nominations. The Book of Mormon leads the pack with 14 nominations (tying, if my counting is correct, The Producers' 2001 total nominations); next is The Scottsboro Boys with 12 (particularly noteworthy since it's closed); Anything Goes earned 9 nods; Jerusalem boasts 6; Catch Me's total is 4; and Arcadia can feel good about 2 nominations.
Visit tonyawards.com for a printable list of the nominees (you know, so you can cross shows/performances off as you see them), and make sure you tune in to the Tony telecast on Sunday, June 12 to see who walks away with an Antoinette Perry statuette.
I was really happy with the results this year. With all of the great shows on Broadway, it must have been hard to make the decisions. The Book of Mormon tickets that I found were a great buy!


text:
Tell It Again's Top 5 Albums Of 2012
Hi we're Tell It Again, with our Designer Magazine gig coming real soon we thought we'd share with fellow bands and musicians our top 5 albums of last year and give you an idea of to what influences us as musicians.
All Time Low – Don't Panic
Ross Sidebottom (Drums): Well, ultimately "Don't Panic" (All Time Low's fifth full length studio album released last year) gives true ATL fans reasons to panic. With cheesy clichés and predictable metaphors scattered throughout it truly gives any new fans the wrong impression. They have definitely emphasised the 'pop' aspect of pop punk. Despite Alex Gaskarth (front man) having a great, distinguishable voice that has shone through countless MTV unplugged and live gigs, he still felt the need to taint it with corny voice effects that don't seem necessary. Lyrically, it just doesn't compare to anything that's come before. 'Lullabies' off of 'Party Scene' tells the emotional story off his late brother. 'Jasey Rae' from their musically inspiring E.P 'Put Up Or Shut Up' released in 2006 also features one of the best lyrical contents to date. Yet it's taken them years of success to write such obvious, non-thought provoking lines like 'why can't you just be happy for me?', and 'thanks to you I'm not myself?' However to completely slate this album would be unfair. Tracks such as 'Outlines', 'Somewhere In Neverland' and 'So Long Soldier' make this album tolerable. Each tells a story of how far Alex has come and gives the message across to younger listeners to dream big and not to just fit into a 9-5 routine. For me, however, Rian Dawson completely steals the show. Not one drum track is predictable, and each fill is as original and incredible as before. Somehow he has incorporated one of his best drumming performances behind some of the worst guitar riffs All Time Low have written. 'So Long Soldier' provides all the evidence I need to back me up on that one! I must give respect to them as well on the other hand, for this is an album in their own vision and if that means not everybody likes it then, good on them for sticking to what they want. Every band has to change to succeed and if this is their change or new start then, respect to them.
Set It Off – Cinematics
Jonny Meaney (Vox): Set It Off are a band I've religiously followed for 3 years now and their debut full length does not make that time seem wasted. Every song is a masterpiece taking both the element of catchy pop punk melodies and the loud deep texture of orchestral music and combining them together to make a sound which cannot be matched by most bands in the industry today. They start the album off with a big orchestral piece, 'Thoughts That Breathe' it sounds like the opening of a film which helps reinforce the theme of the album, that every song tells a different a story, the orchestra in each song makes it sound big, like it's a movie being narrated by Cody Carson's incredible lyrics. This goes into the opening song of the album which is one of my favourites, 'Nightmare' a song about anxiety, they capture this with lyrics such as 'I created a monster, a beast inside my brain' Carson uses his personal experiences to write these amazing lyrics that capture the feeling of what the song is about. With Cinematics there is something for everyone, sad emotional songs such as 'No Control' and 'Dads Song' which are about Cody's father a cancer victim, in your face songs such as 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead' and 'I'd Rather Drown'. The song that stands out for me the most on the album though is 'Plastic Promises', it stands out for me because they put a jazz spin on pop punk, using walking bass lines, amazing trumpets that sound like they are growling just giving off this sexy jazz feeling, this is especially shown in the halftime/breakdown section of the song, there is even a trumpet and clarinet solo harmonised, it's just insane, and yet again Carson's song writing does not disappoint, using clever lyrics such as 'Her lips are the gun and her tongue is the bullets'. The album ends on the heaviest song of the album, 'The Grand Finale' a song about the world ending, using one of the heaviest moments in Set It Off's recorded history to represent the chaos of the world ending. The song ends on a white noise, a perfect way to end the album as yet again it enforces the feeling of a movie, so in basic terms, buy this album, listen to this band, now.
Young Guns – Bones
Jordon Allen (Guitar): Personally, my favourite album of 2012 has got to be Bones by Young Guns. There are so many aspects that make this such a perfect album in my opinion, from the pure talent from Gustav's vocal performance throughout every single song, to the well thought out structures and arrangements from one of the most talented bands on the scene today, especially to say that this is only the bands second full length studio album. This is just another perfect stepping stone showing people just what Young Guns do best. The whole album just grabs you by the throat and takes you straight in, especially as you come across one of my two favourite tracks on the album, "Bones". This song Is just epic in so many ways, from the beautifully delayed riff, the amazingly crafted chorus, to the face melting guitar and drum solo's that complement each other in such perfect ways that I haven't heard done this well before, this song in my opinion has defiantly given Young Guns a huge jump and has unleashed just what Young Guns are into the world. Then things start to slow down as the mood is set with "A Hymn for All I've Lost" which sets the tone leading onto "You Are Not". This song is filled with towering chorus' that just kicks you in the teeth, throughout the song you get a dark tone and feel from it, however it is uplifting at the same time. This then leads on to a fist pumping song called "Brothers in Arms", the in your face riffs and incredibly pleasing melodies throughout this track make it what it is, Amazing! My second favourite track on the album is called "Broadfields" and I think this is just a perfect track to have at the end of the record, it leaves you with the feeling that you know this band is something special, it shows you just how talented they are, even if they are not as aged as most bands nowadays and have not had as much exposure or experience, that does not show here in the slightest, the creativity of the vocal and guitar melodies just show you what this band is to be
Halestorm – The Strange Case Of...
Nathan 'Nips' Crossdale (Guitar): My favourite album of last year has got to be The Strange Case Of... By Halestorm. There isn't a song on there I don't like and they're even better when performed live. The vocals give me goosebumps, they are just so incredible, as a guitarist I can't miss out the guitar work again, incredible. There's some really awesome riffs in there with some amazing solos to follow. If I had to pick a favourite song from it I would be stuck between "Break In" and "Mz. Hyde", both songs are quite different to each other. "Break In" being quite calm and "Mz.Hyde" being a heavy song. I think it's great how the album is quite diverse and you have these heavy rock songs and then you've got these nice calm songs. Overall I think The Strange Case Of… is an amazing piece of music.
Pierce The Veil – Collide With The Sky
Jimmy Harrison (Bass): My favourite album from 2012 has to be Pierce the Veil - Collide with the Sky. Not only is it their third full length album but it's also their first album released on Fearless Records. The album has amazing tracks so it is one of my favourites, the three tracks I prefer most are "King for a day" featuring Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens, this song is just amazing, probably one of the most popular songs PTV have recorded and it shows, it has the most brutal breakdown on the entire album not only that but Kellin's and Vic's vocals work perfectly together they just mesh, it's like it was meant to be. "I'm low on gas and you need a jacket" not only has a quote from a brilliant movie (Waynes World 2) it's a brilliant song using such beautiful vocal melodies, this is one of the more softer and poppy-er songs on the record but it still stands out better than any of the others to me. "Hold on till may" featuring Lindsey Stamey, this song is about a girl from Vic's hometown, the tragic story of her life is really represented in the tearful lyrics and a beautiful vocal performance from Lindsey. King for a day would have to be the best song on the album for vocals, guitar, drums and of course the amazing bass of Jaime Preciado it is the most unique and outstanding song on the record. The vocal range of Vic Fuentes is incredible and even live his voice sounds pitch perfect. This band is definitely worth checking out!
Thank you for reading, be sure to check us out at our gig at The Dry Bar on the 24th of January with The Maddigans!!
Check out Tell It Again here
http://www.facebook.com/TellItAgainMusic
Check out The Maddigans here
http://www.facebook.com/themaddigans
Tickets for the show here
http://www.seetickets.com/Event/THE-MADDIGANS/Dry-Bar/683064


text:
Sarah Baldeo
CEO at ID Quotient
"Digital Identity - Enabling the Metaverse"
Session: Digital Identity - Enabling the Metaverse
This talk will focus on how digital identity will enable and inform a metaverse-focused Future of Work for AR/VR. As industries continue to evolve and undergo digital transformation change management strategies include establishing guardrails around remote work, fraud detection and cybersecurity. The intersectionality of digital identity and the metaverse bridge the gaps in building a foundation for decentralized approaches to a virtual social infrastructure.
Digital identity informs a socially equitable future centralized around access to social services and digital accessibility
As we consider the impact of the metaverse on the Future of Work, employers will begin to see the continuance of the 5th industrial revolution in how employees navigate work remotely
Biometrics algorithms are a key component in liveness detection and identity proofing from a cybersecurity lens, systems will be largely predicated upon mitigating fraud.
17 years of senior leadership experience spanning DevOps, Business Transformation, and Product Engineering - my career began in asset management and risk model design within financial institution frameworks - and continued with Saas, Paas, and Daas private and public sector organizations.
Developing technology that leverages AI, machine learning & neural networks to create automation and new opportunities for growth has been at the core of my career. Supporting DEI in STEM and leadership drives me.
Attending York University to pursue a Bachelor of Science Specialized Honours degree in Neuroscience was a crucial part of my interest in data analytics. After graduating and completing my thesis work in mental attentional functionality in fMRIs, I also completed certifications in Research & Ethics Compliance & Canadian Payroll and Legislation.
Post undergraduate work, I worked as a Research Assistant in social perception and neuroscience labs before pursuing marketing certifications at Ryerson University and subsequently running an international government relations consulting advisory.
Pursuing leadership graduate courses at Princeton and University of Illinois was a valuable part of my ongoing commitment to constant growth and learning. I am presently completing my Executive MBA with the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.
Presently I serve as CEO and Chairwoman for IDQ Advisory Group - where I bring a wealth of knowledge on digital transformation, cloud engineering, operations, UI/UX design, cloud infrastructure, neuroscience-based models of risk and procurement infrastructure. ID Quotient supports and partners with 169 international government agencies, health care networks, and Fortune 100 Organizations.
I am a University of California Advisory Board Member for the Women in Leadership Program. I have also worked with the Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce as a leader, Women Enterprise Organizations of Canada and as an ongoing seminar presenter for Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.
As the most recent former Chair for PBSA Canada, privacy and compliance form the foundation of excellence in much of my work. I am is also a Women in Identity Member, and a volunteer for Elevate.ca. I regularly speak at engagements about women in technology, women in business and female entrepreneurship.


Ignite Link is a technology & media consulting business that seeks to improve the Tri-State area via offering quality solutions to SMBs, nonprofits, & schools.
Never Worry about losing crucial data and files you need for your business.
Printer, Cloud support and more.


text:
Canntaireachd - A Look and Say Guide, by John MacLellan $27.50
Tone Protector Ultimate Bundle: including Bagpipe Gauge and Piper's Ultimate Reed Poker $165.00 – $215.00 CAD
John McLellan, Dunoon: composer and poet
Pipe-Major John McLellan, DCM
The music of John McLellan is part of every piper's repertoire. "Lochanside," "The Highland Brigade at Magersfontein," "The Road to the Isles" and "South Hall" are staples written by creative genius, who was born in 1875 in Dunoon, Scotland. At age eight, after his father died, he moved with his family to his mother's native the Isle of Jura, eventually returning to Dunoon
He became pipe-major with the 8th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in 1919, just after World War I ended, following James Wilson and, before Wilson, Willie Lawrie in the role. Before the 8th Argylls, McLellan was a piper the Highlight Light Infantry in the Boer War, during which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in battle. "DCM" often deservedly accompanies his name, and also distinguishes him from other prominent John Mac/McLellans in piping.
A "gentleman bachelor" known as "Jock" to his friends and family, his relatives are many, including his great-grand-nephew, the Gold Medallist Alasdair Henderson; the former pipe-major of the Grade 1 Babcock-Renfrew Jim Henderson (who taught Stuart Liddell); and Andrew Gallagher, his grand-nephew who lives in Redhill in the county of Surrey, England.
In addition to composing music, McLellan was a recognized poet, and would often add lyrics to his compositions, which, incidentally, entered the public domain in 2019, 70 years after his death.
Andrew Gallagher was in touch recently with "Buzancy," a poem McLellan wrote to commemorate a World War I battle in May 1918 at the town in northern France , where Scottish and French forces defeated their German counterparts, but with heavy losses on each side.
Away on the grey fields, by lonesome Buzancy,
Lie the bones of our comrades of the tartan and blue,
Where they fought side by side with the same dash and glory;
Where they suffered and fell of the land that they lo'e.
The wee birdies sing o'er the heroes that slumber,
The wild roses bow to the gay poppies' dance,
And the Thistle of Scotland will flourish for ever,
On the plains of Buzancy 'mid the roses of France.
Away o'er the grey fields the dark dawn is breaking,
And the black, dreary war-cloud will soon pass away,
But there's many a fond heart at hame will be aching
For the gallant young heroes that lie in the clay.
The proud rampant lion will aye stand for freedom;
The French flag will wave to the proud victor's glance,
McLellan noted that the poem could be sung to the tune "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton."
The commander of the relieving French division, General C. Gassoins was so moved by the result of the battle that he ordered the construction of a memorial. Inscribed on it are McLellan's uncredited lines in French, "Ici fleurira à toujours le glorieux chardon d'Ecosse parmi les roses de France." "Here will flourish for ever the glorious thistle of Scotland amid the roses of France."
The memorial at Buzancy.
In 2014, Gallagher travelled to Buzancy, France, to visit the memorial.
"I went to Buzancy to see the monument built after the battle," Gallagher said. "I recited the poem and my friend Graham Waller played 'The Bloody Fields of Flanders.' It was a very moving experience, among the graves of all those young Scots."
Our thanks to Andrew Gallagher for sharing the poem and various images.
A rare image of a rare piping legend
"Lochanside" – a magical tune about a magical place
Cut back your daily time on Facebook by 30 minutes a day and pick up your practice chanter or pad and sticks instead. Your playing will improve greatly.
− Anon.