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DIASPORA CULTURES BENEFIT BOTH THE COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN AND OF SETTLEMENT
admin1 – May 10, 2005 – 12:23pm
Mrs Eleonora Petrova-Mitevska
MP in the Macedonian Parliament (SDSM), and Head of the Parliamentary Group to the Council of Europe
Diaspora cultures exist throughout the world. The diffusion of cultures has contributed to the existence of a number of diaspora communities, which seek to safeguard and consolidate active links with their country of origin – their 'home land' – whilst preserving their status within their current country of reception. This is a phenomenon that involves European cultures, but also cultures from across the globe.
The definition of the term 'diaspora culture' remains the subject of widespread debate and analysis. The term originated with the ancient Greeks, who used it to refer to their migration and colonization (dispersion, scattering). Some nations and groups were dispersed to a greater extent, for example; Roma from India to Russia and all over Europe; Vlachs all over Europe, mostly in Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, Albania and Romania; Jews all over Europe and the USA since the medieval ages; Macedonians in Canada, Australia, USA, Europe, South America and in all the neighboring countries of the Balkans in several waves from the end of the 19th century to the present day; Albanians in Europe and the USA mostly in the second half of the 20th century; Turks in Europe, mostly in the second half of the 20th century; Serbs in the USA in several waves but mostly during the 20th century and especially in the 1990s; Croatians in the USA and South America since the end of the 19th and 20th century; Chinese in the USA since the19th century; Bulgarians in the USA and South America since the beginning of the 20th century until the 1990's; Armenians dispersed in the neighbouring region and in the USA and Europe, mostly in the beginning of the 20th century.
To these historically established diasporas, can be added more recent or temporary diasporas. The association "Europeans throughout the world" identifies three categories:
immigrants who are in the process of being integrated (or descendents of such immigrants);
expatriates on a professional or long-term basis who may envisage, even theoretically, returning to their country,
individuals who live abroad for family or other reasons, while keeping their original nationality.
The size of diaspora communities throughout the world from Council of Europe countries is very considerable. An indication is given by "European throughout the world" which has estimated 35 million Europeans world wide, with 6 million living in another EU country (relating to the EU of 15 member countries).
The aim of the report is to raise awareness of the global situation surrounding diaspora cultures, and to table recommendations for the future treatment and relationship between the various cultural components of the 'diaspora network': the diaspora culture, the diaspora communities. the country of origin (real or perceived) and the countries of settlement.
The majority of the member states of the Council of Europe have experience of diaspora cultures, whether as a country of origin, or as a country of settlement. Therefore, the number of potential diaspora cultures covered by this report is too great for each to be examined in detail.
Where is "home"?
The trend of nation-state building, and previously the existence of city-states, and the effects of colonialism can affect the status and 'ownership' of the territory that is traditionally perceived by a diaspora community to be "home". Boundary changes, for example, can mean that the area in which the ancestors of a diaspora culture once lived is now under the sovereignty of another state.
Moreover, the transition of diaspora communities to second, third and fourth generation appears to dilute the notion of a "diaspora culture". Inter-marriage between cultures, successful integration into the prevailing society, and the dissolution of sentiments of eventual return provoke an erosion of the diaspora sentiment. The basis of "diaspora" attachment ceases to be relevant in many such cases. This is identifiable in many examples, notably in the Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Macedonian and Armenian diasporas. The question of a perceived 'home' land is not therefore absolutely clear.
Roles of 'home' and 'host' countries within diaspora "networks"
The relationship between country of origin, country of settlement and diaspora culture varies tremendously between each diaspora "network". It is, however, possible to observe a series of similarities that are shared by more than one diaspora, in the sense of duties, rights and freedoms on the part of each of the components of the diaspora network.
Nevertheless, it can be argued that actual provision for diaspora cultures, by both "home" and "host" lands and regardless of any judicial provision, is inadequate in many instances. In addition, wide-ranging divergences exist between the treatment of different diaspora cultures by their respective "home" and "host" lands. Reasons for this situation include the indifference of the state authorities, the indifference of the diaspora community themselves, tensions within bilateral and multilateral relations, and contingent causes such as domestic crises. A potential role for the Council of Europe could be to ensure the preservation of a level of parity and a fundamental provision of status for diaspora communities, with regards the rights, freedoms and obligations of these cultures.
According to the recommendations of the Venice Commission in their report on preferential treatment of national minorities by their countries of origin, whilst the countries of origin of diaspora cultures should play a limited role in the preservation and treatment of diaspora communities, such countries should play active roles in the 'protection' and "preservation" of the culture of the diaspora group. Schemes of "cultural protection" vary within the member states of the Council of Europe, but their existence remains broad. On the one hand, one can observe the existence of public cultural institutes in France, Spain, Italy, Macedonia which seek to consolidate diaspora cultural ties. On the other hand, Portugal uses a system of voluntary and private sector cultural organisations to advance its cultural ambitions. However, notions of scepticism and concern also remain, to the extent that countries of settlement feel that countries of origin have the potential to use the excuse of a 'necessary role' in cultural affairs in order to adopt a more interventionalist stance in the treatment of the diaspora, and ultimately in the government of the country of settlement itself.
Countries of origin seek to influence the culture of diaspora communities through a series of active mobilisations and programmes designed at reducing the influence of the prevailing culture of the 'host' land upon the culture of the diaspora group. In addition, the majority of the 'home' states seek to maximise the benefits and resources for "home" states, of the intellectual and cultural prowess of diaspora groups.
An important part of the culture and education of the dispersed nations and groups is the tradition in music, customs, books, film, etc. This includes the influence of the domestic population on the immigrants and vice versa; contacts with home land; petrified customs and traditions that lead to conflict with the community or even an isolation of the groups in the host country (different religious affiliations, different levels of education and differences in accepting the benefits of the more developed community – for example emancipation of women) petrified language, not spoken in the communities of origin.
Several diaspora cultures maintain strong spiritual ties with countries of origin. The Jewish diaspora, for example, holds a strong regard for their respective countries of origin as a spiritual centre that seeks to promote and develop a cultural elite, to be subsequently diffused among the diaspora communities outside of the 'home' territory. Many diaspora cultures value the educational provision of countries of origin, in conjunction, or in opposition to the provision for education in countries of settlement. For example, the French diaspora communities' benefit from a well- established network of educational and intellectual exchange, and Russian diaspora communities rely on their administration of origin to make adequate provision for 'national' educational infrastructure. Furthermore, Portuguese diaspora cultures enjoy substantial rights to various forms of education within the Portuguese educational system.
Cultural and educational policies of countries of settlement broadly encourage the integration (and in some cases assimilation) of diaspora cultures into the dominant culture, in order to facilitate cultural and intellectual interaction. Countries of settlement also seek to develop and harness the intellectual and cultural prowess of diaspora groups to maximise national expertise and resources. It is, however, possible to distinguish between two broad styles of treatment in relation to diaspora cultures, assimilationalist or integrationalist.
Assimilationalist policies range from the restrictive control of national language education within the 'host' society, through logistical constraints, to a broader, voluntary suppression of cultural elites within the public domain. It is possible to detect a restriction of the use of national languages, such as that of Russian used by the Russian diaspora, within the education system and to a wider extent in certain other situations, in Estonia. Finnish policy towards its Kurdish diaspora population can also be labelled as 'assimilationalist', as, according to observers, it encourages the restriction of cultural elites and initiatives. Assimilationalist policies hinder the natural growth, development and preservation of diaspora cultures and communities, which is in contravention to international and European convention.
The peoples that lacked their own state, such as the Roma, Vlachs, and in the past the Jews, Armenians and Macedonians emigrated comparatively more than others all over the world. For example in the Republic of Macedonia there are approximately 1,5 million Macedonians, while in the Diaspora there are almost double. The Macedonians emigrated to the USA and Canada at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The lack of their own country caused an inclination towards Greek, Bulgarian and Serbian communities and churches where the common denominator was Orthodoxy.
Examples can be found where the diaspora communities themselves take the initiative in cultural and educative interactions, often choosing to remain independent, or to attempt to dominate the agenda of both 'host' and 'home' lands, against the hegemony of the prevailing cultures already in existence. Some diaspora cultures view themselves as cultural 'intermediaries' between two substantially divergent sets of ethos, for example, in the cases of the Jewish and the Armenian diasporas. Some diaspora cultures attempt to assert their own culture upon the cultures of the countries of origin and countries of settlement. Such examples include once again the Jewish and Armenian diasporas, but also the Macedonian diaspora in Albania and Bulgaria, which attempt to maximise multicultural policies within their countries of residence.
Criticisms of the cultural practices of both countries of origin and countries of settlement towards diaspora cultures, by diaspora communities themselves, seek to preserve their own, unique, culture from distortion and mutation. This is partially because many diaspora cultures, again using the examples of the Jewish and the Armenian diasporas, experience 'reverse culture shock' when they interact with cultures of their country of origin, as events and circumstances surrounding the country of origin have dictated mutations of their culture. In conjunction, many diaspora cultures experience 'culture shock' when attempting to interact with cultures and customs of countries of settlement, for example the Islamic culture, which exists continuously under a cloud of confusion and accusation of 'fundamentalism' in many countries of settlement.
Another form of independence on the part of diaspora cultures is the attempt to 'self-exclude' the diaspora community from the prevailing society or societies. A reliance on religion, for example the Jewish, Islamic or Armenian faith, and a reliance on networks of 'solidarity' and kinship, for example extended family units and local diaspora associations, attempts to preserve the diaspora culture without the potential for tension or conflict between diaspora and prevailing cultures, over a 'shared identity' or a disjunction of relationships.
One form of increased promotion and awareness of diaspora cultures throughout the world is through education at university and specialised level. Several universities in various member states offer courses and study programmes in "diaspora studies" and the like, and this represents a valuable opportunity for the continued interaction, awareness and involvement of diaspora cultures within the structure of a civil society. However, such education is generally limited to university and specialised study, and no education programme on the subject of diaspora cultures is in existence at more fundamental (and compulsory) levels of the education process, other than when diaspora cultures are involved directly, whether as students or colleagues of those undergoing such educative initiatives. Therefore, it is highly recommended that member state governments should examine this question more closely, with a view to the introduction and the consolidation of "diaspora studies" in more elementary levels of education, where deemed appropriate.
Whilst all diaspora cultures seek to preserve their unique and fundamental culture from potential mutation, assimilation, or conflict, the role of the country and the society of origin, and indeed the role of the country and the society of actual settlement, is vital and integral to the continued development and existence of the diaspora community. Therefore, any attempt to sever active ties between all components within a diaspora network should not be encouraged, as it could prove detrimental to all parties concerned, especially the diaspora culture itself. Furthermore, it is widely accepted that, whilst the needs of diaspora cultures should be promoted within countries of origin and countries of settlement, diaspora cultures themselves must abide by the law of the country within which they find themselves, and must accept the language, educational system and culture of the society within which they reside. Any attempt to abstain from the legal, educational or cultural systems of the country of residence will be to the disadvantage of all parts of the diaspora system, especially the diaspora community itself.
Roles of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Non-governmental organisations play an integral part in the preservation of diaspora cultures. The assistance of any NGO can be greatly helped by a close liaison between governmental organisations, which provide essential resources and influence. and NGOs in order to maximise the potential benefits of their involvement. One example of such a liaison is in Armenia, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains close liaison with NGOs through its diaspora network and website. Similarly, governmental organisations should refrain from restricting the activities of such NGOs, evidence of which can be discovered in recent years in some member states.
The range of NGOs, and their associated activities, is widespread and varied. Examples include church and spiritual organisations, cultural and arts groups, criminal and terrorist networks, and militant and lobbying organisations. The main premise to note is that NGOs can be a valued resource to diaspora networks, but must remain within the boundaries of national and international law.
A major type of NGO associated with certain diaspora cultures in the modern era is of a spiritual or religious nature. The Jewish religion acts as a focal point for the spiritual and cultural direction of the Jewish diaspora, similar to the role of the Armenian Orthodox church towards the Armenian diaspora. These diaspora cultures adhere to a series of spiritual and religious laws originating from the faiths and their fundamental teachings. To use one example, many forms of orthodox Judaism advocate adherence to a series of Halakic laws, which advocate unconditional allegiance to the society of the country of settlement, whilst preserving the culture and the identity of the Jewish diaspora and support for the 'home' land. Religious and spiritual links prove to be a fundamental component in many diaspora relations, and such links should not be restricted but encouraged to develop in order to consolidate the culture of the diaspora community in question.
A network of NGOs operates to preserve and reconstruct interaction and assistance to and from Serbia and Montenegro and the Serbian diaspora, and a similar arrangement is being developed for the diaspora and society of the Republic of Macedonia. NGOs exist to represent the interests and the needs of all members of their diaspora community, in all domains, political, economic and cultural. In recent years, the increase in political activity of NGOs, in the case of lobbying and influencing parliamentary and governmental affairs, has meant that the role of NGOs has taken on a new dimension: one of political representation and participation. This can produce a number of benefits to diaspora cultures within which they operate, but such benefits can be offset by potential tensions and conflicts of interests.
Technology and media in diaspora cultures
The roles of new technologies and media have developed and increased in recent years. As the development of such new technologies continues across the globe, new technologies continue to make their impact upon diaspora cultures and their ties with countries of settlement and countries of origin. New avenues of technology and media can be of great benefit to diaspora networks and should be further explored by all member states.
The development of new technology and sciences, and the subsequent domination by the Western world of this domain, has also provoked a development of the phenomenon of brain drain in recent years. Such a movement of assets and human resources, broadly speaking towards the Western world, has contributed to the dynamic of "scientific" diaspora communities across the globe. As more and more 'scientific' diaspora communities appear, their unique cultures and societies have a sustained impact upon the countries of settlement and origin.
Technology has developed involved interactions of communities within diaspora networks. Such a multiplication of relations between different components of a diaspora network, and between different diaspora communities themselves, has provoked a more extensive multi-polar structure of diaspora networks. This subsequently consolidates diaspora cultures through increased and more diverse interaction; interaction that can promote the original identity and culture of a diaspora, and can influence and alter the political, cultural and social agenda of a member state. However, such multi-polarity can also produce destabilising effects as it becomes increasingly difficult to localise and to identify diasporas and local communities within the broad outlook of a diaspora network.
Technology as one of the cornerstones to the dynamic of globalisation currently sweeping the world has enabled the internationalisation of goods and assets, persons, ideas and cultures. The increased capacity of diaspora communities to communicate and interact between themselves at all levels, transfer funds, transport goods and raw materials, and transmit ideas between the various components of a diaspora network is considered to be a broadly positive step in the consolidation of diaspora cultures and their relationships with modern society. Various examples, such as the increase in affordable travel, notably international air and rail travel, and the subsequent development of "return tourism" – whereby members of diasporas return to their perceived countries of origin for short visits, in the cases of Greece, Croatia, Armenian and Ireland for example – demonstrate the endless possibilities that technology presents for such continued development.
The development of computers has specifically enabled the greater interaction of diasporans, between themselves and between their communities and the prevailing societies of the country of origin and the country of settlement. The installation of "national languages" on computer hardware facilitates correspondence and communication. The development of the Internet facilitates instant communication between individuals, families and communities, and promotes the sentiments and the needs of diaspora cultures. However, it is surprising to note that many resources for, and created by, diaspora networks have not at present been developed to their full potential.
The development of various forms of media within diaspora networks also harnesses many benefits for all concerned and should be examined and exploited to the highest possible degree. Media serves as a method of diaspora publicity, a catalyst for group solidarity, and a potential mould for diaspora political and cultural agenda within the society of which it plays a part. The continued transnationalisation of media in recent years, with the establishment of satellite and cable television, the Internet, and the wider distribution of written media, has provoked an escalation of social and cultural awareness of diaspora cultures. New media enables continued advances in diaspora studies and education. New media also enables the fostering and the establishment of new links between communities. Moreover, new media is one of the many factors that can encourage the initial mobilisation of once dormant diaspora cultures.
Many member states make substantial provision for diaspora culture in terms of access to media and technological resources, both in their roles as country of origin and as country of settlement. For example, Hungarian authorities grant generous access to various forms of media and technology to its diaspora cultures. Portuguese authorities have continued to develop a wider access of technological and media resources for its diaspora abroad, in order to successfully promote increased interaction between diasporans and their "home" land. However, some member states are reticent to sanction continued growth of new media and technologies for diaspora use, citing political and social concerns, financial restrictions and broadcasting and copyright constraints. For example, the registration of British digital television must be to an address in the United Kingdom, in principle ruling out the possibility of transmission of broadcasts from British digital networks to British diaspora communities abroad.
However, potential benefits can be potentially masked by potential weaknesses and disadvantages. The transnationalisation of media and technology potentially causes the development of increasing ties, links and mobilisations, which, if handled unsuccessfully, can cause an over-complication of diaspora interactions, and provoke subsequent tensions and confusion. Ultimately, the excessive interaction between diaspora cultures and their countries of origin and settlement, and the disproportionate use of new technologies and media could effectively threaten the individual and traditional communities that originally developed. An example of resistance to such trends of globalisation and over-complication of interaction is the kinship-orientated Albanian diaspora, which maintain a closed sphere of interaction – a voluntary ghetto - among itself, in order to preserve its traditional diaspora culture from cultural and political infiltration from more dominant forces.
Diplomatic infrastructures: a vital role
Diplomatic relations are an essential element of diaspora relations. The continued liaison between a variety of governmental and non-governmental organisations through diplomatic means has preserved many diaspora links and interactions which otherwise would not have existed in their present form. Whilst diplomatic relations are an avenue that is used frequently in many member states, discussion over the role and the merits of exploiting diplomatic channels is limited. Awareness as to the extent of diplomatic influence within diaspora cultures is narrow, and therefore this report aims to increase understanding of these diplomatic functions. Therefore, the Council of Europe and associated organisations should consider a careful and detailed examination of the roles and potential benefits of increased diplomatic relations between diaspora cultures and member states.
Diplomatic relations comprise two main channels: the activities of embassies and the activities of consulates abroad. Embassies seek to promote the interests and the agenda of their state through a series of geopolitical, economic and cultural influences upon countries of settlement. Whilst embassies do not generally regard diaspora cultures as their target or concern, consulates endeavour to represent and to promote the interests of their nationals abroad. In terms of diaspora interaction, consulate structures seek to influence the agenda of the states of settlement through a series of geopolitical, economic and cultural levers. For example, Estonian consular structures seek to preserve and maintain the position of the Estonian diaspora within European Union countries and in Russia. In addition, both embassies and consulates perform the task of consolidation of cultural and mobility links, through such initiatives as bilateral student and cultural exchanges, transfers of scientific knowledge and human resources, the promotion of commerce and culture through bilateral trade, and currency promotion and trading. Diplomatic networks can also be charged with roles of "mediation" in the case of tensions between diaspora communities and countries of settlement (and countries of origin in some instances), or between diaspora communities themselves, which originate from the same 'home' land.
The Jewish diaspora presents a specific case, as members of the Jewish diaspora regard diplomatic services as 'cultural exchanges', a source of valuable interaction for a variety of governmental and social organisations and NGOs in Israel and in the country of settlement, and between individuals and social groups not attached to any group already mobilised. Such diasporans are regarded as 'dormant', who seek to interact with other diasporans without the attachment of political and cultural mobilisation. Notably, the Jewish / Israeli diplomatic system plays an integral part in the programme of kibbutzim that currently exist in Israel. Such 'cultural awareness' camps are regarded by diasporans (especially the youth of a diaspora culture) as a primary manner in which to accustom oneself with the country of origin – the phenomenon of 'return tourism' - and to develop cultural exchanges that young people encounter in diaspora life. Programmes of cultural exchange and temporary immersion in the country of origin is intended by many quarters to be the first step to an eventual return to the country of origin, and so encourage the use of such programmes to an increasing number of young adults through parental and solidarity links.
A diplomatic network can bring a great amount of benefits and advantages to the preservation and consolidation of a diaspora network. However, it must be noted that the excessive influence and involvement of diplomatic services, especially of one state in particular, whether the country of origin or the country of settlement, can produce destabilising effects for diaspora cultures. One example of this is activity specifically designed to limit and restrict the continuation and influence of diaspora cultures. The Kurdish diaspora have been previously the subject of various diplomatic moves, by Turkey and allies, to restrict their role as a diaspora in the societies from which they originate and in which they reside.
Museum presentation, promotion and protection of diaspora cultures
This report is also concerned with the phenomenon of the cultural implications of the European diaspora, both inside and outside Europe. Outside Europe, this is a matter of investigating the effects of the displacement of European cultures in other continents and how European culture and heritage are presented and interpreted in museums. Inside Europe special attention should be given to the recent re-distribution abroad of communities and national groups. This has occurred for a variety of reasons which include greater mobility due to a larger labour market, migration due to economic crises in different European areas and traumatic political events (dissolution of States, ethnic cleansing, armed conflicts). The increasing mobility of tourists, who now often own second homes abroad and exert their influence on local museums, is also examined.
We have to deal with such crucial questions as: How is Europe seen from the outside? What is the role played by museums in the process of communication of what Europe means outside Europe? What opportunities are offered to museums in terms of a new social role by cultural re-allocation? What are the main interpretation problems when presenting European collections to non-Europeans? What are the main features of this kind of public? How can museums help in preserving and communicating the culture of new residents coming from abroad? What are the main aspects of the experience of working in a museum by staff from another continent?
Such questions help define some of the main points in the approach to the problems and opportunities of intercultural communication in museums. Examples of good practice can be identified in planning activities or an interpretative framework for collections presenting the spirit of Europe to non-Europeans or to ethnic groups coming from abroad to live permanently in a European country.
Basic documents for the discussion include recent documents on the subject of the European diaspora, focusing on some of the problems of communities - of both Europeans and non-Europeans - representing cultures differing from those of the host countries.
Historical anthropology provides modern evidence that diasporas began when modern humans started to disperse from Africa to other continents. Multiculturalism, in the same way, is old and not a new phenomenon, and seems to be a characteristic of human cultures.
There were periods in history, when the movements of human populations were more intensive and they always gave birth to diaspora populations and cultures. Many of them have not disappeared for centuries. Now mankind is facing a "new migration period". In our times, too, it is often not people who move but borders, or political formations change, and people find themselves isolated. Differences may be defined from both directions: inside and outside. Diaspora ceases to exist when people feel at home, do not want to live elsewhere, do not feel different and do not have an affinity to their home culture. The melting of diasporas is not necessarily positive as cultural diversity is important for a sustainable future.
Together with human migration, objects (everyday, cult, valuables) were also carried away and these are now important evidence for contemporary humans. With the appearance of modern collections collected objects also became numerous and are themselves scattered, divorced from their community. In many cases distant cultures are represented in a European (or other) country by such objects only and not by the people who had or have that culture. In other cases old or new diaspora communities are existing in a country, together with their culture, including the objects of that culture.
Museums, especially European museums, house a series of "diaspora objects" in one place. Museums are holistic environments for directed and undirected learning (formal and informal teaching). In the new migration period which mankind is facing and participating in, it is essential for museums to deal with diaspora issues, and for the communities (host or diaspora) to involve museums. However, all museums are not equally involved. For example ethnography may be more relevant to deal with the issue than a Renaissance Art collection. In museums people from many cultures and walks of life can listen, enjoy, understand and transform. Multiculturalism and diaspora as well as access should be dealt with in the mission statement of museums. Diasporas are part of our cultural heritage, and cultural heritage action should include them.
Museum professionals as well as objects are mediators in culture. Objects are the sine qua non for museums. Objects in themselves often represent multiculturalism (for example, silk originally from China, processed in Italy and the cloth used by an English resident there). In most European museums the composition of the collection is such that it represents several cultures. Also, the museum profession is highly multicultural. Diaspora of objects enriches a museum collection just as diaspora cultures enrich the culture of a country. Cultural diversity is important in maintaining the human population on Earth, so diaspora cultures should not be automatically diluted, but praised for their difference. "Diaspora objects" are often valuable additions to collections. Museums may benefit from the existence of diasporas (for example, donations, information, reflections from far living members of a host community or, on the other side, information on, or interpretation of "dispora objects" from members of a diaspora community in the museums country).
All European museum institutions can make an important contribution in the sphere of museum presentation of diaspora cultures, thus presenting valuable information about migrations, immigrations and movements of certain peoples, especially in the recent centuries.
The presentation of the diaspora may certainly be placed in the context of ethnographic expositions rather than in historic or archeological ones. In certain regions of Europe in the past, the presence of the foreign conquerors was evident in the acceptance of certain fashion elements in the clothing style of the domestic population, in the style of living, in the items for everyday use, in the furniture etc. Similarly, smaller groups of people that lived in enclaves also imposed their living style on the community. Ethnology, among the sciences that help in the museum description, to the greatest extent shows the multicultural life in certain communities. Even the migrations to the new world, to the USA and Canada in the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, through the ethnological tradition are today an integral part of life of the third and fourth generation of immigrants.
Diaspora cultures and their importance for modern living can bring people closer together through museum presentation. Especially important elements in the persistence of the identity of the emigrants are: music, customs, influences through culinary traditions – preserving their own elements and accepting elements from the new environment and creation of new ones, and lately books, film, contacts with home land and petrified customs and traditions.
In the future, museums should be involved in organising symposia for studying the history of diasporas, thus researching directions of immigrations, the processes and motives as well as the social aspects of immigration; religious and ethnic grouping; cultural and educational activities; folklore and ethnology; literature; processes of assimilation; economic potential of the community; social status and legal aspects of the organisation of immigrants.
What the third and fourth generation of immigrants, as well as the new, are faced with today are: persistence of the religious identity of the immigrants, organisation of the education expressed through opening additional classes for national history and geography, setting up of cultural and art societies and choirs, literary societies, publishing activities, non-governmental sector – human rights, TV and radio hours. In these segments the museum education can contribute a great deal. Through visits to the museums and acquaintance with the history of one's predecessors, through lectures for the children and organised concerts and cooking demonstrations, one group of immigrants can be brought closer to the population of the host country, and this will help the immigrants to build their feeling of self-confidence.
The contemporary museum approach is not to organise exhibitions in the strict frame of the museum work. It calls for an interactive relation between the visitor and the material exhibited. Is there a better way than this to organise exhibitions, lectures, introductions to traditions in touch with the past, organising live events: invitation of narrators, live preparation of food, recitation of songs, wearing clothes from grandma's chest? Is there a better way of learning than showing live examples? Only museums can provide this, and they should not miss this opportunity for the entertainment and education of their audience.
European and international organisations
Diplomatic services of member states have moved increasingly from a dynamic of bilateral agreements to a system of multilateral and communitarian agreements in diaspora relations. Therefore, the role of transnational and supra-national organisations is becoming increasingly prominent, even if it remains somewhat limited as far as diaspora cultures are concerned. Lack of Europe-wide (or worldwide) activity or interest in this subject results from the reticence of member states to "encroach" upon the sovereignty or the concern of individual nations and their governments. One example is in the case of the Armenian economic crisis of the 1990s, when European organisations were reluctant to assist the Armenian authorities in the belief that the Armenian diaspora should help the Armenian government in resolving such a crisis, with economic and social assistance. A critical reassessment of the function of such European and worldwide organisations is vital. The Council of Europe, especially, has a potentially significant role in the cultural 'mediation' of diaspora relations.
UN missions in the Balkan states provide a valuable source of diplomatic assistance. Such assistance is beneficial and should be developed as much as possible within international guidelines, logistic and administrative constraints, and at the wishes of all concerned.
European institutions have occupied themselves occasionally with certain matters that affect (directly or indirectly) the lives of diaspora cultures and communities. Language and linguistic diversification and preservation is a primary concern to European organisations, and the Assembly has itself adopted recommendations on Roma, Yiddish and Aromanian, specifically diaspora languages. The Council of Europe has also advocated the teaching and greater awareness of such languages in national education systems, open to both diaspora and non-diaspora communities.
European organisations have a real potential for influence. Certain national governments, for example Hungary, have improved or radically altered their previously restrictive policies regarding the treatment of diaspora cultures and communities because of potential accession to transnational organisations – the European Union and NATO for example. A careful examination of their roles in cultural mediation, diffusion of conflicts, and the exploitation of all possible interactions between governmental and non-governmental organisations, is vital, and their role with regards to diaspora relations should be fundamentally examined. The Council of Europe, in its national cultural policy reviews, through ECRI or in the context of the framework convention for national minorities, is directly involved in cultural "mediation" and arbitration in the event of tensions between diaspora cultures and member states. Thus, the Council of Europe should now become more prominent. The fundamental recommendation remains the notion of recognition for all diaspora cultures by all member states. Diaspora cultures are a fundamental and integral part of societies of member states, and as such should be recognised and treated in a just and equal manner.
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Georgiou, Myria (2001) 'Thinking Diaspora: Why Diaspora is a Key Concept for Understanding Multicultural Europe' in The Multicultural Skyscraper Newsletter: Volume 1: n° 4.
Graham, Mark and Khosravi, Shahram (1997) 'Home is where you make it: Repatriation and Diaspora Cultures among Iranians in Sweden' in Journal of Refugee Studies: Volume 10: n° 2.
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Kévorkian, R. and Mahé, J. (1988) L'Arménie: 3000 ans d'histoire. Maison arménienne de la jeunesse et de la culture.
Kliot, Nurit and Manifield, Yuri (1994) 'Resettling Displaced People in Northern and Southern Cyprus: A Comparison' in Journal of Refugee Studies: Volume 4: n° 7.
Kolstoe, P. (1995) Russians in the Former Soviet Republics. Hurst and Co.
Kourvetaris, George (1996) 'The Greek-Bahamian Community: Past, Present and Future' in Hellenic Studies: Volume 4: n° 1.
Kosturski Pandil, Diplomatijata i makedonskoto iselenistvo, 1994/95
Liégeois, Jean-Pierre (1994) Roma, Gypsies, Travellers. Collection « Education ». Council of Europe Press.
Lopasic, Alexander (1992) 'Cultural Values of Albanians in the Diaspora' in T. Winnifrith (ed.) Perspectives in Albania. Macmillan.
Macedonian immigrants in Canada and their background, Macedonian-Canadian Senior Citizens Club, Toronto, 1980
Makedonski iselenicki almanah, Matica na iselenicite na Makedonija od 1965 do1995
Marienstras, Richard (1985) 'Sur la notion de Diaspora' in G. Chaliand (ed.), Les minorités à l'âge de l'état nation. Fayard.
Mato Tkalcevic, Macedonians in Australian society, F.D. Atkinson, Melbourne,1979
Miller, David (1998) 'On Europe's Edge: Armenia in the twenty-first century' in European Business Review: Volume 98: n° 6.
Mouradian, Claire (1995) L'Arménie. Collection « Que-sais je ? » PUF.
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Pattie, Smithson (1997) Faith in History: Armenians Rebuilding Community. Smithsonian Institution.
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Riggs, Fred. (2000) Diasporas: Conceptual Considerations. University of Hawaii.
Rutland, Peter (1994) 'Democracy and Nationalism in Armenia' in Europe-Asia Studies: Volume 46: n° 5.
Smith, Graham and Wilson, Andrew (1997) 'Rethinking Russia's Post-Soviet Diaspora: The Potential for Political Mobilisation in Eastern Ukraine and North-east Estonia' in Europe-Asia Studies: Volume 49: n° 5.
Vrazinovski Tanas, Makedonskoto iselenistvo vo Kanada,Matica makedonska, 1992
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Rapporteur: Mrs Eleonora Petrova-Mitevska, Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Group


text:
ICSB World Congress in
"Reshaping The World Through Innovative SMEs"
Taipei, Taiwan | June 26th–June 29th, 2018.
Every year, ICSB holds a Congress in a different area of the world to bring together practitioners, academics, and entrepreneurs to discuss medium, small, and micro-sized enterprises. The theme of the 2018 World Congress to be held in Taipei, Taiwan is "Reshaping the World Through Innovative SMEs," which reaffirms the unshakable responsibility of SMEs in leading the world to the coming decades.
6th Asian SME Conference
10th to 13th September,
Tokyo, Japan.
"New Development of Small Business Policy and Management Towards an Evidence-Based Policy Making for SMEs.
The Asia Council for Small Business (ACSB) 2018 Conference (the 6th Asian SME Conference) calls for submissions of extended abstracts from a broad range of topics within the field of entrepreneurship and small business (SME) research in various institutional, organizational and governance contexts through a variety of theoretical lens and using different methodological approaches. It also calls for workshop proposals (session submissions) for academic tracks. The 6th Asian SME Conference is co-organized by ACSB, JICSB, JSPS 118th Committee, Japan Academy of Small Business Studies (JASBS) Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
ITALY – SALERNO UNIVERSITY – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 4TH, UNIVERSITY OF SALERNO CAMPUS – FISCIANO
OCTOBER 5TH, VILLA RUFOLO – RAVELLO, AMALFI COAST
University of Salerno in Partnership with International Council for small Business United Nations
ICSB is pleased to announce that the global dialog and movement in support of MSMEs and their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will host a follow up gathering at the global conference at Salerno University on October 4-5, 2018. The UN SDGs, which have a target date of 2030, will take center stage in the discussion by thought leaders who will discuss the pursuit of guiding principles and implementation from alternative viewpoints.
The main theme of the conference will be discussed both in plenary and parallel sessions that will take place between Thursday, October 4th and Friday, October 5th. The plenary sessions, in particular, will be based on the contributions of renown academics, esteemed politicians, and recognized (humane) entrepreneurs, who will take part in the debate as key speakers, discussants, or story-tellers.
GW October
"New Frontiers in Entrepreneurship and the Definition of Work"
Washington DC, United States | October 23-24, 2018 (TBC).
The George Washington University School of Business will host the 8th Annual GW October Entrepreneurship Research and Policy Conference. The conference theme will be New Frontiers in Entrepreneurship and the Definition of Work. The conference will bring together practitioners, educators, policy makers and industry CEOs and leaders to explore the concept of the new entrepreneurial frontiers like automation and universal basic income – identifying key stakeholders and how they can collaborate for success. We will discuss specific examples where pioneering growth in these new entrepreneurial frontiers are taking place.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship: a
Win-Win Strategy for the Future
15th to 17th November 2018,
Toledo, Spain.
Nowadays, there is an increasing social and political awareness of the importance of the development of sustainable innovations. Entrepreneurs have realized in the last decades that they can contribute to social welfare as well as to an "ecologically sustainable economy".
Research on entrepreneurship and on small and medium-sized enterprises has to respond to a challenge of practice and seek answers to the most urgent problems, as well as follow the trend of the most important developments in the contemporary world economy. The RENT conference is now firmly established as the premier entrepreneurship research conference in Europe and annually brings together approximately 250 leading academics in this field who present and debate cuting edge research in a wide variety of entrepreneurship related topics.
Egypt Entrepreneurship Summit 2018.
Egypt.
Entrepreneurship and enterprise development is one of the fundamental approaches to productive employment and decent work. The International Labour Organization in collaboration with the International Council for Business and Entrepreneurship (ICSB), and its affiliate, the Middle East Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MCSBE) have organized three annual entrepreneurship summits during the Global Entrepreneurship Week in Egypt focusing on the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, supporting the transition to formality, increasing firm participation in national and global chains, and by informing evidence based policy decisions. These decisions include the launch of new venture capital fund for USD 50 million, the enactment of regulatory reforms and scaling up of new entrepreneurship curricula, and training programmes. This year, while still looking back but more looking ahead, the summit will focus on the FUTURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP in terms of education, work, technology and production. The summit will feature plenary sessions, parallel panel discussion, futures, foresight and horizon scanning techniques (such as Future Back-casting exercises or design thinking sessions), world cafes and the every year highlight the Nawah Social Entrepreneurship internationally, regionally and nationally. Experts from many fields, including but not limited to, SME leaders, corporations, academics, government officials and policy makers, artists, entrepreneurs, youth, entrepreneurship supporting organizations such as incubators, accelerators and educational- and training institutions are gathered to discuss barriers and celebrate successes.
USASBE 2019 – Navigating Opportunity
January 23-27th, 2019, TradeWinds
Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach,
USASBE is an inclusive community advancing entrepreneurship education through bold teaching, scholarship, and practice. Held each January in locations around the country, the annual USASBE Conference convenes 500+ entrepreneurship educators that engage in an immersive four-day experience.
The foremost conference focused on entrepreneurship education will showcase innovative entrepreneurship research, teaching cases, teaching exercises and also create a forum for center directors and affiliates to present programs and ask for ideas.
PREVIOUS ICSB WORLD CONFERENCES
• 2017 62nd Annual ICSB World Conference. Hosts: ICSB, RED PYMES. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Theme: Towards a new world mobilized by innovative SMEs and Entrepreneurs.
• 2016 61st Annual ICSB World Conference. Hosts: ICSB, United Nations Global Compact, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the NYU School of Professional Studies. NJ/NY, USA. Theme: Sustainable Entrepreneurship – Transforming Our World Together.
• 2015. 60th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ICSB & The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Dubai, UAE. Theme: Entrepreneurship at a Global Crossroads.
• 2014. 59th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: Dublin Institute of Technology & ECSB. Dublin, Ireland. Theme: Entrepreneurship and Sustainability.
• 2013. 58th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ICSB Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Theme: Global-Local: Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lessons from a Diverse World.
• 2012. 57th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: Massey University & SEAANZ. Wellington, New Zealand. Theme: Leading From The Edge: Through Collaboration, Creativity and Sustainability.
• 2011. 56th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum & ECSB. Stockholm, Sweden. Theme: Back to the Future: Changes in Perspectives of Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
• 2010. 55th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: University of Cincinnati Center for Entrepreneurship Education & Research. Cincinnati, Ohio USA. Theme: Entrepreneurship: Bridging Global Boundaries.
• 2009. 54th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ICSB KOREA. Seoul, South Korea. Theme: The Dynamism of Small Business: Theory, Practice, and Policy.
• 2008. 53rd Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: CCSBE. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Theme: Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship: From Research to Results.
• 2007. 52nd Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ECSB. Turku, Finland. Theme: At the Crossroads of East and West: New Opportunities for Entrepreneurship and Small Business.
• 2006. 51st Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: SEAANZ. Melbourne, Australia. Theme: Unique Solutions for Unique Environments.
• 2005. 50th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: USASBE. Washington, DC. Theme: Golden Opportunities for Entrepreneurship.
• 2004. 49th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: SAESBA. Johannesburg, South Africa. Theme: Advancing the SME Agenda.
• 2003. 48th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ECSB, Invest Northern Ireland & University of Ulster. Belfast, Northern Ireland. Theme: Advancing Entrepreneurship and Small Business.
• 2002. 47th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ICSB Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Theme: Entrepreneurial SMEs & Strategic Relationships: Making the Connection.
• 2001. 46th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: ICSB-ROC. Taipei, Taiwan. Theme: SMEs in a Traditional-and-New Mixed Era.
• 2000. 45th Annual ICSB World Conference. Host: SEAANZ. Brisbane, Australia. Theme: Entrepreneurial SMEs: Engines of Growth in the New Millennium.
GWU School of Business
2201 G. Street, NW Funger Hall Suite 315 Washington, DC 20052 USA
Phone: +1 202 994-0704 Fax: +1 202 994-4930

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Puyallup and two major tributaries, the White and Carbon Rivers, are glacially born on the flanks of Mount Rainier. Groundwater fed Clover Creek drains to Steilacoom Lake, also the origin of Chambers Creek which then drains to Chambers Bay. We pursue the recovery of White River spring Chinook, Puyallup River fall Chinook; Puyallup, White, Carbon River, and Chambers Creek steelhead; and Chambers Creek coho.
The original dam on Spanaway Creek was built in 1894 on the site of a furniture factory. A 1.7-acre pond is behind the dam, today, bordered by private homes and Bresemann Forest.
The dam was rebuilt in 1953. Still a barrier to fish, it prevented steelhead and coho from migrating upstream to valuable habitat in Spanaway Lake and Coffee Creek Wetlands.
After a public decision making process,the dam was kept to preserve the wetlands and historic pond and a new fish bypass channel was built around the dam, in a historic stream path.
The Spanaway Creek fish passage project uses a boulder 'chute-and-pool' style bypass channel. The new channel provides migrating fish access to approximately five miles of upstream habitat, including Spanaway Lake.
This picture slideshow walks the viewer through the progression of the project, starting with pre-project condition, through construction implementation, to post project success.
This digitized aerial photo shows the condition of the river in its pre-development condition. Note the many branching channels across the heavily forested Greenwater Valley floor.
This aerial photo shows the condition of the river after the timber harvest and construction of forest roads in the Greenwater Valley. The branching river has morphed into a single channel with virtually no riparian structure.
This map shows the location of the project within the watershed and within the State of Washington.
This maps shows the project design to remove nearly one mile of stream adjacent the road from the floodplain and install 13 engineered log jams. Also depicted across the bottom of the page are the many project partners.
This pdf document is a 2-page informational sheet summarizing project need, goals, and benefits.
This video shows pink and Chinook salmon migrating up Boise Creek in September 2011. Shade cloth was installed to keep the water cool.
In the 1930's the lower 500 feet of Boise Creek was relocated between the Northern Pacific RR and SR-410, creating a channelized and over-steepened stream.
This photo shows the Lower Boise Creek Project site immediately after construction. Note the new channel on the right and new logjams on the left.
Large woody debris provides roughness so that Boise Creek can scour pools, form riffles, build terraces, and actively migrate.
These features provide spawning, rearing and refuge habitat for Chinook, pink, coho, and chum salmon and other fish and wildlife species.
Lower Boise Creek project January of 2011, during a flood on the White River. The site is on 15 acres situated along the left bank of the White River.


text:
@class CMAltitudeData;
@class NSError;
@class NSOperationQueue;

typedef void (^CMAltitudeHandler)(CMAltitudeData* altitudeData, NSError* error);

COREMOTION_EXPORT_CLASS
@interface CMAltimeter : NSObject
+ (BOOL)isRelativeAltitudeAvailable STUB_METHOD;
- (void)startRelativeAltitudeUpdatesToQueue:(NSOperationQueue*)queue withHandler:(CMAltitudeHandler)handler STUB_METHOD;
- (void)stopRelativeAltitudeUpdates STUB_METHOD;
@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Grasses might not give shade but definitely they give relaxation to feet and also make an area look lively. In lawns, people plant velvety grasses and lay on those or walk on those in the mornings and evenings. In office areas, different types of grasses are planted to make the house surrounding beautiful and attractive. And definitely, greenery gives a natural feel and one feels more positive.
Grass planting is common everywhere, unlike the grasses that grow on their own anywhere, the planting of grasses is done with planning and effort. Also, after planting, grasses needs to be taken care just like other plants.


One of my best friends lost her son in an accident and I felt the terrible anguish she and her family faced. I couldn't imagine how one could go on to grow stronger and more centered in the midst of such tremendous grief. The answers came to me in Walking in Grace with Grief: Meditations for Healing After Loss by Della Temple. She beautifully offers her personal story of the loss of her son and the path she took to release her pain and find comfort in a continuing connection to him. She also describes how others can be of help to those suffering a loss, something we all need to know.
Part memoir and part meditation guide, Temple offers powerful guided visualizations to ground yourself, release the pain, grow stronger by filling yourself with universal energy and connecting to your higher self.
Della: A few days after the unexpected death of my son, I found myself in what I refer to as a state of Grace. I don't know how else to explain it. I didn't feel anger or rage against God. I experienced sorrow, a deep, fathomless sadness, grief, love, acceptance, compassion, and happiness – yes happiness – all at once. I felt the Divine surrounding me, in what I call the energy of Grace, offering me comfort and support.
I lived in this protective coating of Grace for most of the first year. It went wherever I went – and it literally felt like I was walking in a bubble of Grace. I wanted to include that in the title of my book, but there was also another part of my experience that was equally important. I don't believe we walk through grief because grief isn't something we get over. We walk with grief for the rest of our lives. We will always feel the hole in the heart left by the death of our loved one. The pain lessens, but grief is with us always. Walking in grace with grief is a very literal description of how I felt that first year of loss.
Becca: What message would you most like readers to get from your book?
Della: Often, we are so caught up in the emotions of sorrow, sadness, grief, anger, rebellion, and outright rage that we fail to hear our loved ones' voices. But they are here. They constantly surround us with their love and support. We just have to open ourselves up to be able to receive their messages.
What I've heard from readers is that some of them don't believe they have the ability to talk Spirit-to-Spirit with their loved ones. Some even believe that they are not worthy or intuitive enough to communicate in this way.
What I tell them is to try.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to step into meditation. Daily meditation offers us the opportunity to quiet the outside voices and tune into our inner knowingness. Often our loved ones can reach into this space of soft awareness and let us know they are watching over us.
Rick's presence in my life – his Spirit's presence – confirmed my deep faith in life after life. My mountain of sorrow was lessened because I knew he existed as Spirit, and that was very healing.
Becca: We all hear about immersing ourselves in the present moment. What are your tips for doing so, to not focus on what could have been?
Della: I've come to think that grief is two-fold. It's the painful longing for the physical presence of our loved one, and it's the emotional heartache we feel as we disengage from these unfulfilled dreams, the sorrows of what could have been. The stories of a life unlived.
Every time my thoughts wandered to the what-if-he-had-lived stories, I pulled myself back. I literally would not allow myself to experience those thoughts. I chose another thought. I would force myself to think of something else – to remember a time from the past when he made me laugh, or to remember his voice or his smell. Anything but a what-if-he'd-lived story. This took energy and effort, but I think it made the difference in how I healed.
I shifted the thought and experienced my sorrow in a different vibration if that makes any sense. It was a higher, cleaner vibration – a healing vibration full of love and mercy. This vibration felt full of acceptance, kindness, and gentleness. I knew that if I could stay in this vibration – if I could surround myself with thoughts and feelings that resonated there – I could heal this deep wound. I had energy tools to help me stay in this vibration, and I share those tools with the reader throughout the book, so they too can stay out of the mire of what-could-have-been.
Defusing the power of the story allows you to return to the present, the now, the current situation without the baggage of what could have been, should have been, or wasn't meant to be. Releasing my old stories allowed me to look at Rick's death from a new perspective. It wasn't about what could have been. It's about what is – right here, right now. I still felt the pain, but it was a pain of missing my loved one right here, right now. It was not about all the future things that would not be.
Becca: What helped you most during your time of grieving?
Della: What helped me most during this time of sorrow was to embrace fully the concept of life after death. I have always believed in reincarnation – that we exist as eternal Spirits and come to earth to experience certain challenges and emotions. As we make ready for our trip to earth, we call together the Spirit forms of our soon-to-be-parents, siblings, friends, and colleagues. God is there too. We gather around a big "conference table in the sky," and we design our soon-to-be life. We think about what our main purpose will be in this lifetime, and we design a life that presents many challenges and learning opportunities. Some of us choose to deal with only one issue; others choose many. Everyone at the table agrees to be a participant in this Contract of Life. Some will choose to be our mentors and trusted friends. Others will choose the harder role of being the "mirrors," the ones who push our buttons and cause strife and disharmony. Each will take on a role that enhances the learning opportunity of both parties.
This Contract of Life includes many variables, or different paths that a person may take once they come to earth. Some paths are straight and narrow, leading right to the person's overarching purpose while other paths are full of curves and unexpected dips and bumps. Some life paths are long, and others are short. Every day that a person is alive, she or he chooses which path to travel. This is free will in action.
Becca: What advice do you have for first-time authors who feel they have inspiration to share?
Della: Write! Journal, doodle, scribble – it doesn't make any difference. Just move your story out into the world. Some people I know are more comfortable doing short videos, others write poetry. Don't worry about whether it's "good enough" – just share. You will get feedback along the way about your writing style, and that will help you craft your message so that it resonates with your audience. Most of us (especially me!) worry about what others think of our writing. Some of the energy tools I teach in this book helped to tame my inner critic, giving me the confidence and willingness to share.
Walking in Grace with Grief is available at Amazon.com. To contact the author, go to www.DellaTemple.com.


text:
Q: Passing a SQL parameter to an IN() clause using typed datasets in .NET First apologies as there are similar questions on this site, but none of them answer this problem directly.
Im using typed datasets in VS 2010. I create a TableAdapter in a Dataset with a query like:
SELECT * from Table WHERE ID IN(@IDs)

Now if I call: TableAdapter.Fill(MyDataTable,"1,2,3") an error occurs stating that VS cannot convert 1,2,3 to type int. Fair enough.
So then i decide to change the Parameter (i.e. @IDs) type to string in the Parameter collection. Try again - still the same error message.
So is there any way this typed dataset can accept my "1,2,3" parameter? At the moment i only have a few parameters to pass, so i could easily just create 5 or so parameters and pass them separately, but what if there are hundreds? Is there any way I can call the Fill() method with my comma separated parameter?
(i know i can use Dynamic SQL to create the statement and execute it but would prefer if there is another way allowing me to keep my typed dataset for use in e.g. ReportViewer/bindingsources)

A: I tried a workaround for using string "contains" concept in SQL way:
In your case, change the SQL -
Original:

SELECT * from Table WHERE ID IN(@IDs)

Become:

SELECT * from Table WHERE CharIndex(','+Cast(ID As Varchar(10))+',',@IDs) > 0

With .net code -
Original:

TableAdapter.Fill(MyDataTable,"1,2,3")

Become:

TableAdapter.Fill(MyDataTable,",1,2,3,")

A: SQL Server 2008 has a feature called Table-Valued Parameters
So you need to

*

*define your query as SELECT * from Table WHERE ID IN (SELECT * FROM (@IDs))

*go back in the TableAdapter visual designer in Visual Studio, and update the @IDS parameter to modify the @IDS parameter as DbType=Object and ProviderType=Structured

*run this SQL batch in the database your are using: CREATE TYPE MyIntArray AS TABLE ( Value INT );GO.
This will create a MyIntArray "table type" with just one column of INT type.

*Now the tricky thing is to pass the "MyIntArray" type to the TableAdapter, on the ADO.NET side.

Unfortunately the Table Adapter designer does not support the SqlParameter.TypeName argument, so we need to fix it by ourselves. The goal is to modify the CommandCollection property of the generated TableAdapter class. Unfortunately, this property is protected, so you have to derive the TableAdapter or for example use Reflection to tweak it. Here is an example with a derived class:
    public class MyTableAdapter2 : MyTableAdapter
    {
        public MyTableAdapter2()
        {
            SqlCommand[] cmds = base.CommandCollection;
            // here, the IDS parameter is index 0 of command 1
            // you'll have to be more clever, but you get the idea
            cmds[1].Parameters[0].TypeName = "MyIntArray";
        }
    }

And this is how you can call this method:
        MyTableAdapter t = new MyTableAdapter2();

        // create the TVP parameter, with one column. the name is irrelevant.
        DataTable tvp = new DataTable();
        tvp.Columns.Add();

        // add one row for each value
        DataRow row = tvp.NewRow();
        row[0] = 1;
        tvp.Rows.Add(row);

        row = tvp.NewRow();
        row[0] = 2;
        tvp.Rows.Add(row);

        row = tvp.NewRow();
        row[0] = 3;
        tvp.Rows.Add(row);

        t.Fill(new MyDataTable(), tvp);

A: I was able to solve this by setting the ClearBeforeFill property to to false and filling the TableAdapter in  a foreach loop.
List<string> aList = new List<string>();
aList.Add("1");
aList.Add("2");
aList.Add("3");

yourTableAdapter.ClearBeforeFill = true;
yourTableAdapter.Fill(yourDataSet.yourTableName, ""); //clears table

foreach (string a in aList)
{
    yourTableAdapter.ClearBeforeFill = false;
    yourTableAdapter.Fill(yourDataSet.yourTableName, a);
}
yourTableAdapter.Dispose();

A: You can't use a single parameter for a list of values in this way.  But there may be database-specific ways to achieve what you want.  For example, with SQL Server 2005 or later you could create a table-valued function to split your string parameter, something like:
CREATE FUNCTION dbo.F_Split
(
@InputString VARCHAR(MAX)
,@Separator VARCHAR(MAX)
)
RETURNS @ValueTable TABLE (Value VARCHAR(MAX))
AS
BEGIN

    DECLARE @SeparatorIndex INT, @TotalLength INT, @StartIndex INT, @Value VARCHAR(MAX)
    SET @TotalLength=LEN(@InputString)
    SET @StartIndex = 1

    IF @Separator IS NULL RETURN

    WHILE @StartIndex <= @TotalLength
    BEGIN
        SET @SeparatorIndex = CHARINDEX(@Separator, @InputString, @StartIndex)
        IF @SeparatorIndex > 0
        BEGIN
            SET @Value = SUBSTRING(@InputString, @StartIndex, @SeparatorIndex-@StartIndex)
            SET @StartIndex = @SeparatorIndex + 1
        END
        ELSE
        BEGIN
            Set @Value = SUBSTRING(@InputString, @StartIndex, @TotalLength-@StartIndex+1)
            SET @StartIndex = @TotalLength+1
        END
        INSERT INTO @ValueTable
        (Value)
        VALUES
        (@Value)
    END

    RETURN
END

You would then use it as follows:
SELECT * from Table WHERE ID IN (SELECT CAST(Value AS INT) FROM F_Split(@IDs, ','))

A: The only database I know of that can use parameters from .NET in an IN clause is PostgreSQL, because PostgreSQL has a concept of arrays that can be used with IN and Npgsql allows array (or IEnumerable<T>) parameters.
With other databases you have to either construct the SQL, or pass a string to a database procedure that converts it to the 0-or-more parameters and then acts on them.

A: @Joe is right.
Or you can use foreach loop to do that.
Something like:
   int[] arr = new int[3];
    arr[0] = "1";
    arr[1] = "2";
    arr[2] = "3";

foreach(vat data in arr)
{

//Do your Code here

//
var MyDatatable = obj.GetDatabyID(data);

TableAdapter.Fill(MyDataTable);

}

Regards

A: You also can create a list of IDs parameters
so instead of using @IDs you will use @ID1, @ID2, @ID3, etc
var sql = "SELECT * from Table WHERE ID IN (" + getKeys(values.Count) + ")";

And getKeys(count) do something like this:
var result = string.Empty;
            for (int i = 0; i < count; i++)
            {
                result += ", @ID" + i;
            }
            return string.IsNullOrEmpty(result) ? string.Empty : result.Substring(1);

and Finally, add the parameters:
foreach (int i = 0; i < values.Count; i++)
            {
                cmd.Parameters.Add(new SqlParameter("@ID" + i, SqlDbType.VarChar) { Value = values[i]});
            }

A: You can also use XML to pass in a parameter list into a stored procedure:
1) In Visual Studio:
Create a new Tableadapter and create a Typed Dataset to get a single record:
SELECT * FROM myTable WHERE (ID = @ID)

2) In SQL Server Manager:
Create a stored procedure with the same select fields as your typed dataset:
CREATE PROCEDURE [dbo].[usrsp_GetIds]
    @paramList xml = NULL
AS
    SET NOCOUNT ON;

/*
Create a temp table to hold paramaters list.
Parse XML string and insert each value into table.
Param list contains: List of ID's
*/
DECLARE @tblParams AS TABLE (ID INT)
INSERT INTO @tblParams(ID)
    SELECT
        XmlValues.ID.value('.', 'INT')
    FROM
        @paramList.nodes('/params/value') AS XmlValues(ID)

/*
Select records that match ID's in param list:
*/
SELECT * FROM myTable
WHERE
    ID IN (
        SELECT ID FROM @tblParams
    )

3) In Visual Studio:
Add a New Query to your Tableadapter, select the stored procedure created above usrsp_GetIds and name it FillBy_Ids. This creates the command:
TableAdapter.FillBy_Ids(@paramList)

4) In Visual Studio:
In your .net code create a utility function to convert an array of strings to XML:
    ''' <summary>
    ''' Converts an array of strings to XML values.
    ''' </summary>
    ''' <remarks>Used to pass parameter values to the data store.</remarks>
    Public Shared Function ConvertToXML(xmlRootName As String, values() As String) As String
        'Note: XML values must be HTML encoded.
        Dim sb As New StringBuilder
        sb.AppendFormat("<{0}>", HttpUtility.HtmlEncode(xmlRootName))
        For Each value As String In values
            sb.AppendLine()
            sb.Append(vbTab)
            sb.AppendFormat("<value>{0}</value>", HttpUtility.HtmlEncode(value))
        Next
        sb.AppendLine()
        sb.AppendFormat("</{0}>", xmlRootName)
        Return sb.ToString
    End Function

Usage Example:
Fill your data table using the strongly typed functions by passing a list of strings as a parameter:
'Create a list of record IDs to retrieve:
Dim ids as New List(of String)
ids.Add(1)
ids.Add(2)
ids.Add(3)

'Convert the list of IDs to an XML string:
Dim paramsXml As String = ConvertToXML("params", ids.ToArray)

'Get the records using standard DataTable & TableAdapter methods:
Using myDT As New MyDataTable
    Using myTA As New MyTableAdapter

        myTA.FillBy_Ids(myDT, paramsXml)

        For Each row In myDT
            'do stuff:
        Next

    End Using
End Using

A: YOUHOUHHH it works !!!
As the different elements searched are fixed length order numbers with a predefined header ("2021"), I even did not put a separator.
MySQL :
[...] WHERE
    (INSTR(@orders, CAST(orders.numorder AS CHAR (11))) > 0)
[...]

C# :
 string allOrders="";
    foreach (string orderNum in ordersNum)
    {
         allOrders += orderNum;
         textBoxOrdersNum.AppendText ( orderNum+"\r\n");
    }
tousDetailsNomenclatureParOrderTableAdapter.FillTousDetailsNomenclatureParOrder(conduiteDataSet.TousDetailsNomenclatureParOrder, allOrders);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Specific goals are well defined and clear to anyone who has basic knowledge of the project. Measurable goals mean you know if it's obtainable and you can mark progress until completion. "Agreed upon" refers to goals that require other participants; sometimes you need to rely on someone else in order to make a something happen — just make sure they have agreed with their part. Realistic means keeping the goal in tune with available resources, knowledge, and a time frame. Time-based means giving yourself enough time to achieve the goal, but not too much time so you lose sight of completing it.
Crafting SMART goals means you will have all of the pieces in place to succeed. So whether you are working on being more healthy, losing weight, spending more time with your family, or writing the great American novel, having a goal is a great idea. For more detailed information about setting goals, check out the article, Personal Goal Setting, from the Mind Tools website.
What goals are you setting this year? Do you have a tried and true approach to achieving your goals? We'd love to hear about it, so please share with our apartment community in the comments. Thanks for reading The Club at Emerald Waters Blog today!


For hundreds of years, pollution has been a significant problem for our environment around the world. Whether it's from littering or from using disposable plastic, people's waste is polluting the environment in one way or another and causing more harm than ever before. The Broken Bottle Project has been pursuing their mission to reduce the amounts of plastic pollution from the ecosystem by starting in the FH district.
Some of the founders of the group and graduates from the FH district Emily Jenkins, Meredith Howe, and Meghan Vonck devised the Broken Bottle Project into existence with the help of Bill Curtis, the Gone Boarding teacher. Inspired after seeing the district landfill waste, they decided they had to get involved and turn the waste situation around. With hopes high and eyes set on minimized plastic waste in schools, the group organized, gained steam, and started making their dreams reality.
Many students buy plastic disposable water bottles in the cafeteria, which, although convenient for students, adds to the district landfill. Though it is not an easy task to motivate people to use reusable water bottles, the group is up for the job. To encourage the use of refillable water bottles, inform people, and fund their other goals, the group fundraises through sales during lunches.
In that area, plastic pollution outnumbers ocean life six to one.
Other than making room for water filter stations, the group is hoping to change people's mindset and to make them see that they affect the world around them. Many people have already been impacted by the group, including the members.
Plastic waste is definitely making a huge difference in both the FH district and around the world. Although it may seem difficult to change, what is necessary for the individual is simple: buy a reusable water bottle. Their work is far from over, but the Broken Bottle Project group is still passionate, and they hope to forever impact FHC and student's mindsets when it comes to the environment.


text:
package earlgrey.annotations;

import java.lang.annotation.ElementType;
import java.lang.annotation.Retention;
import java.lang.annotation.RetentionPolicy;
import java.lang.annotation.Target;

@Retention(RetentionPolicy.RUNTIME)
@Target({ElementType.FIELD, ElementType.TYPE})
public @interface ModelJoins {
	ModelJoin[] value();
}


text:
Lorcaserin, marketed under the brand name Belviq was a weight-loss drug developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. It reduces appetite by activating a type of serotonin receptor known as the 5-HT2C receptor in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is known to control appetite. It was approved in 2012, and in 2020, it was removed from the market in the United States due to an increased risk of cancer detected in users of Belviq.

Medical uses

Lorcaserin was used long term for weight loss in those who are obese.

Side effects

In December 2012, the US Drug Enforcement Administration proposed classifying lorcaserin as a Schedule IV drug because it has hallucinogenic properties at higher than approved doses and users could develop psychiatric dependencies on the drug. On 7 May 2013, the US Drug Enforcement Administration classified lorcaserin as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

There had been concern that lorcaserin could cause cardiac valvulopathy based upon the reports of subjects taking the drug in Phase 2 trials. However, a 2016 Phase 3 clinical trial found no statistically significant differences in valvulopathy rates compared to control, being 2.4% for the drug subjects and 2.0% for controls, and concluded that the drug was safe for the target population although more long-term data was needed.

In January 2020, a drug safety communication from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that a clinical trial demonstrated a possible increased risk of cancer for those taking lorcaserin. The FDA approval of lorcaserin required the manufacturer to conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the risk of heart-related problems. The trial was conducted in approximately 12,000 participants over five years and more patients taking lorcaserin were diagnosed with cancer compared to patients taking placebo.

In February 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of lorcaserin voluntarily withdraw the drug from the US market because a safety clinical trial showed an increased occurrence of cancer. The drug manufacturer, Eisai, voluntarily withdrew the drug.

Mechanism of action

Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, and in vitro testing of the drug showed reasonable selectivity for 5-HT2C over other related targets. 5-HT2C receptors are located almost exclusively in the brain, and can be found in the choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus. The activation of 5-HT2C receptors in the hypothalamus is supposed to activate proopiomelanocortin (POMC) production and consequently promote weight loss through satiety. This hypothesis is supported by clinical trials and other studies.  While it is generally thought that 5-HT2C receptors help to regulate appetite as well as mood, and endocrine secretion, the exact mechanism of appetite regulation was not known s of 2005. Lorcaserin has shown 100x selectivity for 5-HT2C versus the closely related 5-HT2B receptor, and 17x selectivity over the 5-HT2A receptor.

Approval history

On 22 December 2009, a New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

On 16 September 2010, an FDA advisory panel voted 9–5 against approval of the drug based on concerns over both efficacy and safety, particularly the findings of mammary gland tumors of female rats.  On 23 October 2010, the FDA decided not to approve the drug based on the available data. This was not only because cancer promoting properties could not be ruled out, but also because the weight loss efficacy was considered "marginal."

On 10 May 2012, after a new round of studies submitted by Arena, an FDA panel voted to recommend lorcaserin with certain restrictions and patient monitoring. The restrictions include patients with a BMI of over 30, or with a BMI over 27 and a comorbidity such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

On 27 June 2012, the FDA approved lorcaserin for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who had at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

The safety and efficacy of Belviq were evaluated in three randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included nearly 8,000 obese and overweight patients, with and without type 2 diabetes, treated for 52 to 104 weeks. All participants received lifestyle modification that consisted of a reduced calorie diet and exercise counseling. Compared with placebo, treatment with Belviq for up to one year was associated with average weight loss ranging from 3 percent to 3.7 percent.

About 47 percent of patients without type 2 diabetes lost at least 5 percent of their body weight compared with about 23 percent of patients treated with placebo. In people with type 2 diabetes, about 38 percent of patients treated with Belviq and 16 percent treated with placebo lost at least 5 percent of their body weight. Belviq treatment was associated with favorable changes in glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes. The approved labeling for Belviq recommends that the drug be discontinued in patients who fail to lose 5 percent of their body weight after 12 weeks of treatment, as these patients are unlikely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

The drug's manufacturer was required to conduct six postmarketing studies, including a long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess the effect of Belviq on the risk for major adverse cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke.

On July 15, 2016, the extended release version of lorcaserin was approved for use in the United States.

References

External links

5-HT2A agonists
5-HT2B agonists
5-HT2C agonists
Anorectics
Antiobesity drugs
Benzazepines
Chloroarenes
CYP2D6 inhibitors
Psychedelic drugs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


JUXTAPOZ's webmagazine introduced solo exhibition at gallery target information and my artworks . JUXTAPOZ is a magazine that published art, culture information and articles that were launched in 1994. I am glad that it has been posted. Thank you shasa for writing the sentences.


text:
The decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a National Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) has been greeted with divergent commentaries from various quarters especially from State governments as well as financial and social commentators.
Already a bill for the establishment of the Nigerian National Sovereign Wealth Fund has been sent to the Legislative arm of government as an executive sponsored bill while a seed capital of one billion US Dollars ($1 billion) has been proposed and set aside for the commencement of the Fund.
A Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is an investment fund owned by a sovereign state/nation with the mandate to invest in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, precious metals, property and other financial instruments. However, the objectives might include providing liquidity stabilization funds as well as the funding of vital economic infrastructure projects within the sovereign state. The structure and scope of investments in a sovereign wealth fund generally depend on the circumstances of each nation as well as the enabling law however Sovereign wealth funds usually have long-term investment focus. The need for the SWF is that countries through the SWF diversify their revenue streams by devoting a portion of its reserves to an SWF that invests in the types of assets which act as shields against systemic risk, and in the case of Nigeria, against oil related risk.
SOURCE OF FUNDING AND LEGAL ISSUES ARISING (The Nigerian Story)
In view of the seed capital of one billion US Dollars ($1 billion) from the 'Excess Crude Account, Governors of the 36 States of the Federation commenced an action against the Federal Government before the Supreme Court (Nigeria's Apex court) over plans to transfer $1 billion from the "Excess Crude Account" to a new a new account to be known as the "Sovereign Wealth Fund.
A seven-man panel of the court, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has now assumed jurisdiction of the legal dispute following a breakdown of an out-of-court mediation between the parties. Earlier on, the Federal Government had approached the court (at the commencement of the suit) praying that the parties be allowed to explore amicable resolution of the case through negotiation.
The plaintiffs in their consolidated suit, had sought preservative orders of the court restraining the Federal Government from making any withdrawals howsoever from the account styled the "Excess Crude Account" (or any account replacing same by any name howsoever) pending the hearing and determination of a substantive suit.
They further urged the court to order that all sums standing to the credit of the said "Excess Crude Account", (or any account replacing same by any name howsoever) be paid into court or be otherwise secured as the court may deem fit pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
It appears that the substance of the disagreement is not with the setting up of the fund, but with the funding from the 'excess crude account' which invariably will deplete their monthly allocations from the Federation accounts.
At the last sitting of the court, the case could not progress as the court was indisposed. it remains to be seen what the outcome will ultimately be.
Previous: NNPC Proposes New Deadline for Gas Flaring in Nigeria
Next: Petroleum Industry Bill II


text:
namespace ModelViewer
{
    partial class CacheProgress
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Required designer variable.
        /// </summary>
        private System.ComponentModel.IContainer components = null;

        /// <summary>
        /// Clean up any resources being used.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="disposing">true if managed resources should be disposed; otherwise, false.</param>
        protected override void Dispose(bool disposing)
        {
            if (disposing && (components != null))
            {
                components.Dispose();
            }
            base.Dispose(disposing);
        }

        #region Windows Form Designer generated code

        /// <summary>
        /// Required method for Designer support - do not modify
        /// the contents of this method with the code editor.
        /// </summary>
        private void InitializeComponent()
        {
            this.progressBar1 = new System.Windows.Forms.ProgressBar();
            this.label1 = new System.Windows.Forms.Label();
            this.SuspendLayout();
            //
            // progressBar1
            //
            this.progressBar1.Location = new System.Drawing.Point(12, 35);
            this.progressBar1.MarqueeAnimationSpeed = 10;
            this.progressBar1.Name = "progressBar1";
            this.progressBar1.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(408, 27);
            this.progressBar1.Style = System.Windows.Forms.ProgressBarStyle.Marquee;
            this.progressBar1.TabIndex = 0;
            //
            // label1
            //
            this.label1.AutoSize = true;
            this.label1.Location = new System.Drawing.Point(104, 9);
            this.label1.Name = "label1";
            this.label1.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(224, 13);
            this.label1.TabIndex = 1;
            this.label1.Text = "Please wait while we load some required data.";
            //
            // CacheProgress
            //
            this.AutoScaleDimensions = new System.Drawing.SizeF(6F, 13F);
            this.AutoScaleMode = System.Windows.Forms.AutoScaleMode.Font;
            this.ClientSize = new System.Drawing.Size(432, 74);
            this.ControlBox = false;
            this.Controls.Add(this.label1);
            this.Controls.Add(this.progressBar1);
            this.FormBorderStyle = System.Windows.Forms.FormBorderStyle.FixedToolWindow;
            this.MaximizeBox = false;
            this.MinimizeBox = false;
            this.Name = "CacheProgress";
            this.ShowIcon = false;
            this.ShowInTaskbar = false;
            this.Text = "Loading Data...";
            this.ResumeLayout(false);
            this.PerformLayout();

        }

        #endregion

        private System.Windows.Forms.ProgressBar progressBar1;
        private System.Windows.Forms.Label label1;
    }
}


A big Hello to all.
First of all a big sorry for not being able to post last Friday's Quiz.
We were down in Norfolk on holiday, at a place we've been to before and had no internet problems, but I've been off line all week, unable to get a signal from the wireless hub at our property.
The good news is, we're back to normal tonight and the quiz will be posted prompt at 8-00 pm.


One of the great things about your Conferences i/o app is that it's entirely customizable. You can change colors, add logos, and even change the typeface seen throughout your app. Even without a HTML or CSS expert in your organization, it's easy to change the look of your app to better suit your preferences. Learn about adding Custom CSS to your app here.
Admins can add logos in their Conference i/o in three different places. The Standard Header Image, Sponsor Branding (Top) Image, and Sponsor Branding (Footer) Image. These images can be seen globally throughout the app.
It's important to not stack your Conferences i/o app with too many header or footer images. Keep in mind that most attendees will be viewing your app on a smartphone, meaning it will take more effort for them to scroll to see content like Polls and Social Q&A. With large stacked images up top, things can look sloppy and attendees may not even see that there are tools for them to participate below the logos. We recommend avoiding a Sponsor Branding (Top) Image if possible.
Seen above, the white text on red background the Conferences i/o logo is the Standard Header Image. Black text on white background is the Sponsor Branding (Top) Image. White text on black background is the Sponsor Branding (Footer) Image.
To add logos to your Conferences i/o app, make sure you are signed in as an Admin.
Make sure to view your Conferences i/o app on another device to see the perspective for your attendees.


text:
Join Movie Lover's Club
Features > The Gambler an intriguing take on addiction – Blu-ray review
The Gambler an intriguing take on addiction – Blu-ray review
By Alexandra Heilbron on April 28, 2015 | Leave a Comment
The Gambler stars Mark Wahlberg as Jim Bennett, a man who was raised in a wealthy, privileged household, but who has demons to conquer. Jim blames his mother (Jessica Lange) for his father's absence during Jim's childhood.
The movie opens with Jim's grandfather on his deathbed, and following his death, Jim seems devoid of emotion. He carries a lot of anger that he mostly hides, and a lot of gambling debt. In fact, he can't stay away from the tables – even when he wins, he bets the entire amount over and over until he loses and is further in debt. Despite having been $2.5 million ahead at one point, he now owes money to several loan sharks.
Although at times it may look like he honestly wants to pay them back, mostly it just seems like he has a death wish. As he angrily tells his mother, she can't change or fix him – no one can, until he wants to change. And until then, he's going to keep repeating the patterns that put his life in danger.
By day, Jim is an English professor who once had a novel published. The problem is, he considers his novel mediocre, and nothing in his mind could be worse. As he tells his class, "If you're not a genius, don't bother." He has a tennis player in his class who discovered his talent in high school and is now the second best collegiate player in the nation. His genius for playing tennis is a gift, and Jim tells his class you can want to be talented at something, but unless you have the talent in you, it's not going to happen.
He tells his classroom full of aspiring writers that they are not going to make it in writing. Except for one student, Amy Phillips (Brie Larson), whom he considers a genius. His theory is fascinating, and not without merit. Just because someone wants to be a songwriter, it doesn't mean they actually have the capability – most renowned songwriters can't help it, songs spill out of them.
As he says, no one thinks they're an Olympic level pole vaulter without actually being one – when you don't have the physical talent, it's easier to admit. However, most people can write a little, and this may cause them to think they're the next Shakespeare or J.K. Rowling when all they will ever be is an adequate writer at best.
Jim is a riveting character and Mark Wahlberg plays him with an intensity that kept my eyes glued to the screen in anticipation of what he would do next. Even his lack of emotion has an intensity. When his life is in danger, it seems like he's begging the gangsters to kill him. It's only when someone else is threatened that he gets scared of what the gangsters are capable of doing.
The Gambler has a message, and it's delivered in an entertaining, fascinating way. Special features on the Blu-ray include: Mr. Self Destruct: Inside the Gambler; Dark Before Dawn: The Descent of The Gambler, Changing The Game: Adaptation, In the City: Locations, Dressing The Players: Costume Design and Deleted/Extended Scenes. One of the deleted scenes shows Jim paying a visit to his ex-wife and their baby, neither of whom are mentioned in the final cut of the film. Although it was an interesting scene, it was a good choice to cut it, because it makes Jim's decision at the climax of the film more powerful and understandable if he doesn't have a failed marriage and a baby to support.
Check out some of the other movies released on DVD and Blu-Ray this week:
The Boy Next Door
Nailed!
~Alexandra Heilbron
Blu-Ray Brie Larson dvd Jessica Lange Mark Wahlberg The Gambler
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Gemini Man is a Will Smith showcase – Blu-ray review
January 14, 2020 | 1 Comment
Gemini Man is visionary director Ang Lee's latest film. It's a beautiful showcase of technological achievements made in visual effects and visual fidelity.
New on DVD and Blu-ray today: Joker and Judy
January 7, 2020 | Leave a Comment
There are two different personalities coming to DVD today – Joker, based on the DC character and Judy – based on legendary but tragic performer Judy Garland.
Downton Abbey a glorious feast for fans: Blu-ray review
December 18, 2019 | 1 Comment
Downton Abbey the movie is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. Check out all the special features, including chats with upstairs and downstairs cast members!
Two Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker DK Books giveaway!
We have copies of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - The Galactic Guide and...
Oscar Isaac wanted his Star Wars character to be gay
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Golden Globe-winner 1917 an immersive watch – movie review
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