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PoliGAF 2014 |OT| Kay Hagan and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad News
Thread starter bananas
Off-Topic Community Archive
JesseEwiak
APKmetsfan said:
No. I could care less if Reagan gets credit. Its more the fact that it was the Fed policy not tax policy that spurred growth. I don't want that myth perpetuated. Its not based in fact, its was a coincidence.
Volcker fought inflation during Carter and early Reagan (remember Reagan wasn't looking good in early 83) by jacking up interest rates to fight the inflation which caused a recession, then when he lowered the rates the economy came back. It happened to coincide with the tax cuts.
Also, he hired a lot of government employees (mostly in defense, but still, shiftless government workers!) and oil prices dropped at an opportune time as well. As with most successful President's, Reagan was lucky.
Oh, and last night's Real Time was pretty horrible. In the Israel segment, you had Jane Harman, who almost lost a Democratic primary due to her hawkishness, a Washington Examiner guy, and Maher all circle jerking about how Israel were the real victims while Nate Silver just sat there.
RustyNails
Crisco said:
The difference between Maher and most liberals is that he doesn't parrot that lazy line of bullshit "it's just a few bad apples in the Muslim community that are causing all the trouble". It's one of the things I like about him, although he has taken it a bit too far with his latest comments, and it doesn't really apply to the Palestinian situation anyway. The bottom line is though, the number of extremists + Muslims who at least sympathize with the extremists is a larger demographic than we'd like to admit, and there is no sense lying to ourselves about it.
I think Obama's inaction in the Middle East has acknowledged he feels the same way. A lot of these people want it this way, so just let them fight it out and we'll go after potential threats later if we have to. I mean, a city of nearly 2 million people in Iraq just rolled over and let itself be conquered by an extremist militia numbering in the few thousands. That doesn't happen to a population that is dominated by moderates who just want peace and democracy.
Yeah sorry THIS is oversimplified, lazy bullshit.
Watch Greenwald laying the smack down on this line of thinking.
zero shift said:
This is actually what made me ask this question. I was watching Maher's latest episode and I turned it off. It was my last straw as his comments toward Palestine and Snowden are ridiculous. I'm just glad that other pundits on the left (even Jewish ones) aren't cutting Israel any slack. I applauded Stewart's segment on the 14th.
EDIT - Sorry to edit but what the fuck did the phrase "israel uses shelters to protect their people against bombs, while Hamas uses their people to protect their bombs" even mean? Heard that on Maher's show last night.
Jon Stewart is the only honest man in American media. Not ONCE did Maher's panel utter the word "occupation" in the segment. Palestinians have been occupied for the last 6 decades and their land is slowly being stolen from under their noses in the form of settlements, all with considerable help from America. Our tax dollars. That is the underlying fact of this conflict and the source of much hatred towards US in that part of the region. Everyone overlooks this underlying fact and only focuses on rockets flying from Gaza.
zero shift
The occupation and land grabs are ALWAYS the thing pro-Israel supporters never mention. That is like not talking about Jim Crow and similar policies during the black protests of the 60s.
Wilsongt
Which, ironically, is a fact that many of the GOP fail to remember today when they talk abou anything dealing with legislature obama passed.
ICKE
Bill Maher lives in his own little bubble with all that "I'm for whatever gets the freeway moving, it's too crowded, we need to promote death, Muslims are a scourge" - nonsense.
He will always get a pass though as he ridicules conservative politicians.
NYCmetsfan
Your first paragraph I think is somewhat accurate (If extremely simplified and completely glosss over that different groups of people sympathize with in certain situations and its not "muslims" as a group, its not the religion but more ethnic and cultural), you lose it when you get to your second. Though yes the left does ignore that many 'moderates' aren't moderate in any real sense, they're just not pro extrajudicial intentional civilian murder (at least in theory it can be justified as an act of resistance when it fits though)
And I think Glen's comments here kind of prove this.
RustyNails said:
As said above Glen kind of proves the thesis that there are a lot of sympathizers or justifiers. Glen embodies it. All rage and bad things in the world have a cause, the US. The US is bad and everything bad is the US's fault. Nothing is ever a product of the arabs/muslims/palestinians/iranians/AQ's own actions. If the US were to change (never minding the fact that it constantly changes its actions) the 'mindless other' would rationally act the way liberal way, because 'everybody is the same' or 'everyone wants the same thing' or something
And why they're not cheering on the worst of that area they treat is as some cosmic karma where 'you get whats coming to you'. There's a lot of this justification, or as justifiers claim it 'understanding' of heinous crimes because the 'scorecard' still makes the US a bigger bad guy. This is found everywhere from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Ukriane, the line of thinking goes the West can't be mad about crimes because it brought it on itself (again ignoring all other actions from non-western sources which aren't always 'mindless responses')
The radical left (a description not slur) has a very firm schema through which all is processed. The US and the west is an oppressive force (it goes back to Marx's history is capital vs. proletariat) which always is in the wrong or trying to undermine democracy of leftist or non-US approved policy. It takes all agency and sense of understanding the 'other' out of the equation (not to mention intent). I very really see people like glen actually seeking to understand the middle east or other areas in any real sense. Its about furthering his self-righteous mission rather than listening to them and fighting for them (because this would lead often times to the people acknowledge the people who their fighting on behalf of often have horrible views or views which are directly contrary to what people like glen espouse). He can find a history which tells his tale but fails to grasp the complexity and multiple tales history tells
As said above Glen kind of proves the thesis that there are a lot of sympathizers or justifiers. Glen embodies it. All rage and bad things in the world have a cause, the US. The US is bad and everything bad is the US's fault. Nothing is ever a product of the arabs/muslims/palestinians/iranians/AQ's own actions. If the US were to change (never minding the fact that it always changes its actions) the 'mindless other' would rationally act the way liberal way, because everybody is the same.
And why they're not cheering on the worst of that area they treat is as some cosmic karma where 'you get whats coming to you'. There's all the justification, or as justifiers claim it 'understanding' of heinous crimes because the 'scorecard' still makes the US a bigger bad guy. This is found every where from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Ukriane, the line of thinking goes the West can't be mad about crimes because it brought it on itself (again ignoring all other actions from non-western sources which aren't always 'mindless responses')
The radical left (a description not slur) has a very firm schema through which all is processed. The US and the west is an oppressive force which always is in the wrong or trying to undermine democracy of leftist or non-US approved policy. It takes all agency and sense of understanding the 'other' out of the equation (not to mention intent). I very really see people like glen actually seeking to understand the middle east in any real sense. Its about furthering his self-righteous mission rather than listening to them and fighting for them. He can find a history which tells his tale but fails to grasp the complexity and multiple tales history tells
Yeah sure. The Arabs suddenly woke up one day and told themselves "lets hate americans". The first nation to recognize America's independence was Morocco. Your post is ridiculous in downplaying US' actions both covert and military in the middle east, including the effects of colonization from France, Britain, Italy etc, and America's oil geopolitics. We have un-needed presence in middle east. You mention Iran and Al Qaida, both are direct results of our actions. We overthrew democratically elected Iranian leader in a shameless coup, and opened military bases in Saudi Arabia much to dismay of Bin Ladin. We even tried to overthrow Hamas, a democratically elected government of Palestinian people, and we were successful in a different way.
In the April 2008 the journalist David Rose suggested that the United States collaborated with the Palestinian Authority and Israel to attempt a coup on Hamas, and Hamas pre-empted the coup.[146] Hamas Foreign Minister Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar has echoed this view, and called the arming of Fatah by the United States an "American coup d'état".[147] Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by many Western nations.
Yes, there are criminals who want to kill torture and maim such as Boko Haram. Yet mostly there are other terrorist groups and their sympathizers, who are driven by basic geopolitics. Read this UC study on terrorism and suicide bombing
The central problem is that leaders in the United States have constructed a narrative that identified the threat as coming from Islamic extremists who hate the United States. That explanation led to the invasions, occupations and eventual efforts to establish democratic regimes, something that requires a heavy military presence, the authors explained.
I'll save the study's details and jump to the conclusion:
The research found that in each of the countries where suicide terrorism flourished, it was used to combat an occupying force. While occupation may sometimes be necessary to achieve immediate foreign policy goals, it does so at the risk of stimulating a suicide terrorist campaign against the occupier's homeland. This is the dilemma an occupier faces, Feldman noted, since when the threat of occupation was removed, suicide terrorism largely stopped. After Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000, for instance, Lebanese suicide terrorist attacks against Israel ended, Pape pointed out. Since Israel withdrew militarily from Gaza and portions of the West Bank, suicide attacks have been down 90 percent.
Lets not forget our arming of Mujahideen and Saddam during the 80s.
"Why are black people beating us with billy clubs? No country on earth will tolerate such terrorism"
I personally don't see the problem of trying to overthrow Hamas; they are a terrorist organization and they aren't helping the Palestinian cause at all.
Do I never claimed that. But there are other actions beyond the US's actions. I'm not downplaying or ignoring them. Just saying you can't ignore the actions, thoughts and ideology of others. Which the left is far to often prone to do and which you do when you say 'is a direct result of our actions' in such absolute terms. The same examples are always brought up which to me suggest a common orthodoxy. The US is bad so lets find a bad thing the US did in the past and draw a straight line ignoring everything in between that doesn't go directly west -> bad thing.
And to your suicide bombing comments your again proving my point, your justifying them as responses to occupation. Never mind the fact that suicide bombing has not been a common tactic in other oppressed regions, its modern form almost exclusively comes from islamic extremists (tamil tigers were the only other group I'm familiar that did similar things). ETA, IRA and East Timor were occupied but did not respond the same way. The idea that it can be explained but pure geopolitics is missing the point many people are drawing. And even those terrorist groups didn't respond the way that more peaceful response to 'oppression'. The idea this is natural or justifiable responses to oppression (the slaughter of innocents unrelated) is bizarre because I know the people think its wrong.
It's not like suicide bombing was something they started doing from the jump. That started out attacking their military directly but that didn't go so well for them. They would basically die before they could get a shot off. So they started shooting civilians instead, but eventually the same became true of that due to more and more security. The gunmen figured, if I'm going to die anyway, may as well take the most number of people possible with me. Then Israel built a wall to keep out the suicide bombers, so now all they can do is shoot rockets over it. I'm not defending it as a valid military tactic, it's clearly just murderous rage lashing out at this point, but the anger and desperation that lead to it is pretty valid.
B-Dubs
No Scrubs
Giant Panda said:
There's a difference between the people overthrowing them and us doing it, we don't exactly have the best track record in the Middle East when it comes to overthrowing guys. The situation in Iran is almost entirely our fault. There a reason we aren't trusted a whole lot over there.
B-Dubs said:
Where does this come from? We over through a leftist government in 1950s and supported an oppressive shah, so we are to blame for a radical Islamist leader?
Why is Vietnam friendly with us? Why are we not moral enemies with Russia today? Why did our oppression of the Filipino not provoke the same reaction so far from the fact? Why are we friendly with Chile? It doesn't follow that a interference in others affairs means they turn into something like Iran.
Where did the radical theology come from? Where did the oppression of women come from? Where did the antagonism towards Sunnis come from? There are things besides the US at play for the current structure of Iran. Its not downplaying or discounting the US's actions just that actions of others don't provoke automatic responses. People and nations aren't mindless automatons.
We overthrew a democratically elected government, put in place a horrible dictator who did unspeakable things to his people, all in the name of western oil companies making money, and you're surprised that when they overthrew him that they went in the opposite direction?
We overthrew a democratically elected government, put in place a horrible dictator who did unspeakable things to his people and you're surprised that when they overthrew him that they went in the opposite direction?
That's not what I said
I said we did something, helped overthrow their government and supported a guy who wasn't that nice.
I don't see how that without other reasons leads directly and without other factors to the current Iran. Other countries haven't followed in that path. I think its silly to dismiss the will, desires, and actions of Iranians in explaining why Iran is the way it is. But instead we get 'we're both the same'. Which I think is clearly not true. (This is not an attempt to say they want war)
Brazil.
Are you implying that the reason Iran went a different way is because it is muslim?
Also, apk, you really have a problem with greenwald.
Coriolanus said:
Because its Muslim? That seems to sound like Islam automatically leads certain ways, has no diversity of beliefs, etc. But I think its fair to say Islam had a large part to play in the way Iran went, it did become an Islamic Republic. Would you cast doubt that Christianity played a role in the US's choices or Europe's?
I think its fairly silly to discuss "islam" or "christianity" as they mean different things to different people and are widely disputed belief systems with a changing history over time. When people discuss Islam as its used politically in the middle east its 8/10 times talking about a regressive fundamentalists system that is at odds with modern liberal values. This is of course not the entirety of it and shouldn't be seen as such. (For example, both Turkey and ISIS follow Islam, they clearly are talking about two different things)
Mostly, I'm saying Iran's own actions and beliefs had a role to play in how things played out, how Iran responded, their choices. And just to say 'of course' they responded this way is disingenuous and lazy thinking and not consistent with other examples.
And no, I don't like greenwald and the chomskys of the world. Any one who has a clear schema of the world where new information is always molded to fit the existing ideas rather than to open new ideas and shuts out any attempt to introduce nuance and subtly isn't something I'm too found of. Its why I hate the bill kristols of the world too, the same reason. I often focus on Greenwald because his style is so repulsive and self-rightous and presented so often as some authoritative truth speaker that and he's everywere. That and I despise him and others attempts to characterize their enemies as such one-dimensional villains reading the worst intents everywhere.
They went in the direction they did partly as a result of the fact that the dictator fucking their lives up was the very definition of a decadent western guy. Dude flew in food from Paris for lunch like every day. Their movie theaters played more porn than actual movies. Their country had been turned into everything the Christian right said Hollywood and liberals were trying to do in the 90's. It's no wonder that they went very conservative when they overthrew him. When you push too far in one direction, you'll get a push back from the other. It's like that for motion and politics. Had they been a nation where Christianity was the major religion they would have made the tea party look like a bunch of atheists.
PhoenixDark
Your view is incredibly naive on this. Yes, we are indeed to blame for Iran's lurch to extremism due to putting said extremism in power. Which we have done throughout the middle east. Comparisons to Vietnam and Chile are irrelevant given the religious extremism differences. Yes there are things beyond the US at play, but to deny that the US played a major role in antagonizing violence in the middle east for the last 60 years is to deny reality.
I notice a lot of liberals focus on Greenwald the person instead of his arguments and/or stories, which is convenient. Greenwald does indeed strike me as a prissy asshole but that has no bearing on the fact that he's right. And I'd imagine if McCain or Romney were president, Greenwald the person wouldn't prevent liberals from being more receptive to his work. But since it's aimed at Obama it triggers a defense mechanism.
thepotatoman
I think APK has a point here. When Greenwald and people like him saying things like the "US has generated more violence than anyone in the world and the only reason the middle east is so violent is because we meddle in things there", that really oversimplifies things and puts far too much blame on the US. And yes, even saying "not all the blame but a lot of the blame" is still over simplifying it.
Maher is being a racist asshole when he attributes absolutely everything to Islam itself, and acting like every single muslim agrees with extremists simply because of their religion, but that also doesn't mean religion has zero role in this either, and that's for both sides.
Beyond that, there's the simple history going back to WW2, and how the State of Israel was founded in the first place, and the common pattern of reactions and counter reactions that escalate things to violence which plague all of human history.
As cliche as it may be, this time reality is somewhere in the middle, particularly when talking about the causes for why things are the way they are over there.
That said, I still believe the US, as a very active ally to Israel, needs to start being far more critical towards Israel, and at least try to get them to take an honest shot at peace, which means very simple things like keeping the water running, and not overreacting to attacks (still react but not overreact). At this point it doesn't even matter which side is better or worse than the other. The only thing that should matter is de-escalating instead of escalating, and as far as the US is concerned the only side that will listen to them is Israel.
EDIT: I guess to clarify it better, I know that everyone knows there's not just one cause, it's just obvious. But even still the tendency of almost everyone seems to be to blame it 90% on one reason, which is practically the same thing. I'm not just saying there's just multiple causes, I'm saying there's multiple HUGE causes which absolutely can't be ignored, but usually are. You can probably take any one of those huge causes out of the equation and still end up very close to where we are now because of the other reasons.
Sorry but I'm not sure I understand this response, when I already addressed it. Let me address it in another way. Yes the bad guys have agency. Yes there are zealot asshole pricks out there and yes they act of their own volition without America's input. They are just power hungry zealots piggybacking off the grand disillusionment with Americana among the middle eastern population. You can very well draw an extremely straight line with what's happening in middle east, especially Iran, Iraq and Gaza, the three central flashpoints with our intervention and policy. The 1979 revolution was a political earthquake in the Islamic world, which showed people that they can actually reject what "The Order" wants. Many of the groups have violent rejection of America in it's creed because of this. Israel is seen as just another extension of America's imperial designs on the region. It's like arguing who should get the credit for Bin Laden's death, Obama or the Seal Team 6. Answer is both, but Obama should get more credit because he moved the chess piece.
I am not sure what bringing up other resistance movements has to do with suicide bombing, when in the end the UC study proves that such bombing is carried out for geopolitical reasons. Who knows why Basque didn't use it. May be the tech wasn't there, or maybe they found a better method of achieving their goals. Maybe its more effective in dense rural areas like in Sri Lanka or Afghanistan. The point is, it's related to occupation and politics.
America did put it's dick inside middle east's pussy. The result is STD in the form of religious extremism. Live with it.
Duji
You mention Iran and Al Qaida, both are direct results of our actions. We overthrew democratically elected Iranian leader in a shameless coup, and opened military bases in Saudi Arabia much to dismay of Bin Ladin.
So al-Qaeda's existence is America's fault because they made the mistake of establishing a couple military bases in Saudi Arabia... which then pissed off Bin Laden -- causing him to go ape shit and kill thousands of people? Yeah I'm sure Bin Laden himself, his insane Qutbist ideology, and his ragtag pack of zealots aren't as important.
thepotatoman said:
I didn't know "muslim" was a race. Islam is an ideology/religion and Muslims come from all nations and ethnic groups. Also the actual ethnic groups you probably think belong to the "muslim race" are quite often Christian/Zoroastrian/etc. There is no connection between race and religion here. Now Bill Maher would actually be racist if he said discriminatory things towards all members of a specific ethnic group (perhaps Arabs).
And the UC study is very outdated. It doesn't seem to include the hundreds of suicide bombings carried out by Muslims targeting other Muslims in recent years. You speak out against the Taliban? Dead. You're in the Afghan military? Dead. You speak out against ISIS? Dead. You're in the Iraqi military? Dead. You're a Shia? Dead. You're an Alawite? Dead. Mosques/markets/women/children? All fair game.
The data show that the best way to reduce suicide bombings in Afghanistan or Iraq is not to condemn Islamic extremism, but to end foreign occupations as quickly as possible, Pape claims.
The US left Iraq in '11 and the suicide bombings live on. Perhaps even worse now. If only the US didn't piss off Bin Laden by setting up base in Saudi back in the 90s! Too late now, welp.
The truth is Islamic extremism is perhaps the biggest problem here. Does anyone honestly think the suicide bombings would continue to a similar extent if the terrorists adopted a different religion -- perhaps Jainism where the core dogma is nonviolence? Also where are the Christian Arab suicide bombers?
AtomnayaKlubnika
Duji said:
There were suicide bombings because there was (and still today) the unfair domination of one group (shi'i) over another group (sunni). I think "causual" violence is as destructive as suicide bombing, our western sensibility just play a role here.
And yes, there is may be a particular point of view regarding martyr in Islam, more than with christianity. But let's not forget the diversity that comes with islam.
WayneMorse
Where did Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land's $3 million come from?
Well at least this seat is now safe Democrat.
Now Iowa though? WaPo is predicting a 78% chance of Republican win.
I'm not disputing our actions have consequences. I'm disputing the fact that you think actions have direct outcomes that one can isolate. And I think your kind of proving my point.
You point to the fact they viewed him as western and had Islam as reasons they went the way they did, how do any of the actions that followed rationally follow from that. Not everybody rejects western systems when the West interferes and oppresses them. What caused Iran to go one way but not India and Africa to follow in the same way? Is there not a exploration of the differences warranted?
Which is my point the US's actions aren't in isolation. On many criticisms It seems these are forgotten and the only reason Iran is they way it is because of US action. As if Iranians didn't choose to kill the leftist opposition, as if the masses of people weren't free to choose between who they supported, as if it was an automatic response to capture hostages in an embassy. These aren't automatic response. They're chosen. And while the US's actions (which also don't happen in a vacuum and are response to others actions look at egypt over the past few years and how US policy changes in response to egyptian developments)
can help set the stage you still need the script to be written.
PhoenixDark said:
Naive? Maybe if you misread my posts which you last sentence of the first paragraph clearly shows. I've never denied the US's actions have consequences. I'm denying the culpability (or at least exclusive culpability) of the extremism. Its absurd and ironically quite 'imperialistic' to claim the countries which the west interfered in 'had' to act in a certain way or respond as they did. The entire point of other countries is to show there are different responses. And your highlighting of the religious reasons is exactly part of my point!!! The US didn't create these ideologies they don't direct how people must react. They don't choose the actions of other nations. These need to be understood just as much as the US's role. Otherwise your ignoring a lot of people and saying their actions don't matter.
And you paragraph about greenwald is something you've repeated before. I think its clear this isn't an Obama defense but a general dislike of his ideology, which I've attacked. Its not ad hominem, at least in my case.
I think its profoundly disrespectful to say that people automatically respond one way or are just 'responding to disillusionment' or 'of course they would do this' when mentioning specific actions like support for suicide bombings, support for repressive theocracies, lack of equality for women, etc. The masses have agency and their support for certain actions isn't automatic or always a rational response to US policy. This doesn't make them evil or bad it just makes things complicated and finding causes difficult. My problem is the radical left (socialist left) seems to gloss over any kind of understanding and jumps to 'west's faults' and works backwards trying to find the line from some past action to the current situation.
If one thinks they can draw a straight line with not millions of other lines drawing into the main one I really don't know what to say. Its just not accurate.
People keep wanting me to say something I'm not saying. I'm not saying the US is innocent of everything.
AtomnayaKlubnika said:
I think that's the point. And of course one shouldn't ignore the diversity in Islam. But its often pushed aside as if the underlying world view has no role to play. No Islam doesn't lead to suicide bombing, but to ignore branches of islam and certain ideas that have popped up and attached themselves to many aspects of the present day islam in the middle east is a recipe for never understanding them.
You have to look at economics, politics, health, narratives, and yes islam as a whole to begin to understand these attacks, political movements and terrorist groups. Sometimes it seems people want to wipe the last from the conversation.
*prolly nonsense*
Shame hitchens died. Put both on a table, set Islam as the topic, and see what happens. Oxford rules. NPR.
I'd pay good money for it.
Dominican Power
Lindsey Graham is such a weasel.
Ecotic
Democrats are looking good here in Georgia according to new Landmark polls. Kingston looks to win the runoff, and he's the weaker opponent. Nunn is up +8 over Kingston, which is the margin she needs right now after the runoff ends and the endless barrage of intraparty negative ads stop on the local news.
She might just save the Senate in the fall. The same poll shows Carter up over Deal.
Are you looking for something like this?
Fetishing muscular manly men in skintight hosery
Random comment: The idea of suicide bombers is itself baffling to me cause I was always taught that suicide was a sin in Islam.
cartoon_soldier
Oblivion said:
You didn't read the *
It's not a sin if done to combat the infidels
Dominican Power said:
Saw his interview on MTP. His solutions to the plane attack seem to be tougher sanctions on Russia, and showing more anger at his press conferences.
Bill Maher had actually a very good New Rules last episode.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x21qt97_episode-325_people?start=475#from=embediframe
Mehdi Hasan is a tool. It's super easy to win a debate like this when you convince everyone that being anti-Islam is the same thing as being anti-Muslim.
New republic has a great piece on the Kerry talks.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/118751/how-israel-palestine-peace-deal-died
Plinko
Wildcard berths that can't beat teams without a winning record should have homefield advantage
So Sheldon Adelson is looking at giving $100 million to support GOP Senate races and take back the Senate.
The fact that one man can give that much to influence political races is absolutely insane.
Plinko said:
I'd imagine not much of that will be going into Karl Rove's pockets this time.
I don't understand why they don't just flood state elections. The return is much better, and you don't have to worry about state-wide electorates. They're dumping money into Michigan right now yet Peters is still ahead, and he'll almost certainly overperform polls due to Wayne County (Detroit). Money isn't drowning Pryor in Arkansas either, surprisingly. Ultimately it should work in NC and I think Iowa will go red as well, but overall Sheldon's indiscriminate spending seems very inefficient.
In 2013, he made an average of $32 million per day. So that's just 3 days of income for him.
Chumly
So to get around the Supreme Courts decision's to dump unlimited money into the politcal process could we at least get around this by taxing it? Like for every dollar given for political reasons above 100k its taxed at 100% so Sheldon Adelson would be saddled with a 100 million dollar tax bill for dumping all of his money into the races.
Chumly said:
No, it would be just be considered unconstitutional by the current supreme court as well.
But it might help to acknowledge income inequality, realizing that at a certain level, money stops being a tool to buy goods and starts being a tool to buy political and economic power, and put in some form of brakes to make it harder for people to even get to the point where they can throw away money on things like this.
Is Rick Scott up for reelection this year? I cannot believe this guy is a governor. (saw the bit on Last Week Tonight's on Rick Scott's fundraiser at the CEO that runs a deplorable prison).
He got lucky, the other two candidates split the majority of the vote and he slid in under them. Had he gone up against either of them in a 1 on 1 he would have lost.
That was rubio
Well shit, how the fuck did Voldemort get elected then?
Yep, and the democrat that's trying to beat him, Charlie Crist, was the republican governor of florida until he decided to become a senator instead, where he then lost to Marco Rubio in the republican primaries in 2010. It's clear to democrats his time as governor was better than Scott's and simply running as a democrat has forced him to turn more liberal, but I'd still personally have to wonder how far my limits of "lesser of two evils" goes when thinking about voting for him.
Democrats cleared the way for him in the primaries, thinking that he'd be an easy win, but it looks like a real close race according to the most recent SurveyUSA and PPP polls, which are typically fairly accurate.
Well, we'll see as we get closer to the deadline. I can't imagine Voldemort winning again, he's just been such garbage.
TastyOreoFriend
Yeah there's basically been no love for Rick Scott here in a lot of parts of Southern Florida. He's been getting criticized quite sharply for his fast pivots on education funding. His track record is especially worrying on higher education. As college student attending the University of Southern Florida this fall I worry about the cost of education in Florida as long as he remains governor. Tuition costs rising is already a hot enough topic as is.
And he's basically slogging his feet when it comes to global warming-something that's going to have a very significant impact on the state of Florida as a whole.
speculawyer
Last night I had to switch off Bill Maher. The guy is absolutely insufferable racist, misogynist dickwad.
Yeah, that is odd. He was just making an analogy, no woman was actually slapped. And his point was that he doesn't want to slap a woman.
I think you just don't like his view and thus write him off.
speculawyer said:
Well, I think I am justified in doing so, and I'm not the only one.
Washington Post: Bill Maher gets slap-happy with tweet comparing Hamas to a 'crazy woman'
Second, no. Just no. Violence against women, as a hilarious joke premise, went out of style somewhere between the passenger pigeon and the Pole joke.
Slate: Bill Maher is Gross
So much sexism packed into one tweet! As others have already pointed out, Maher is making light of the serious problem of domestic violence. But he's also trading on the tired stereotype of women as irrational children who need to be brought in line by more stable men.
Salon: Someone keep this man off Twitter: Bill Maher's latest gross jab at women
Why does Hamas have to be like a crazy woman and not, say, just a crazy person? Why is slapping her a sensible gambit – wouldn't escaping someone bent on murder require stronger tactics? Logistically, is it even possible to hold someone's wrists and slap her at the same time? Is Maher writing from personal experience here? Finally, and most pressingly, what in the actual what is he talking about?
Jezebel: Bill Maher Tweets Hamas is Like Dealing With a 'Crazy Woman'
But 'crazy woman'? Dude. First of all, that's an unoriginal joke that stopped being funny in 1993. Secondly, "crazy woman" is a loaded term with a fuckton of implications for women. Making a joke about hitting a woman to make a point about a country where people are being killed is just gross.
Examiner: Left-leaning Twitter apparently just discovered that Bill Maher says really stupid things
The comparison obviously didn't go over well as the Twitter outrage machine came to life and dozens of users moved to condemn the ill-conceived joke, proudly announcing that -- unlike Maher -- they don't believe Hamas is like a "crazy woman."
I tend to find outrage and hand wringing over comedian's comments to be weak, so I really don't care about Maher's woman slapping nonsense. What I do care about is his Zionist bullshit, which he isn't joking about. I like Maher most of the time but he's a dumbass.
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Bonen no Max'd


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Special award for 'Saint Patrick' who's saved two lives during 1,000 hours of volunteering in Cleethorpes
Beach safety co-ordinator Patrick Gilding was honoured for more than 1,000 hours of volunteering and saving lives
Peter CraigReporter
Community first responder and Beach Safety co-ordinator Pat Gilding, receives awards for service from East Midlands Ambulance Service after thousands of volunteer hours and his life saving skills (Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)
A man who has saved two lives during his 1,000 hours of volunteering in Cleethorpes has been dubbed 'Saint' Patrick.
Beach safety co-ordinator Patrick Gilding has saved at least two people's lives and said his work has made Cleethorpes a 'heart safe' resort.
He works for North East Lincolnshire Council beach safety team at Cleethorpes Prom and is an East Midlands Ambulance Service first response life saver.
The mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Hazel Chase made a presentation on behalf of the ambulance service and the council in a surprise visit to the beach hut on the prom.
Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hazel Chase presents an award to Beach Safety co-ordinator Pat Gilding along with Learoy Fox, response manager for EMAS, right. (Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)
She said: "Patrick is one of the unsung heroes of our borough. I am very proud to present Patrick with his award. It is a wonderful achievement. He is a credit to the resort."
North East Lincolnshire Council investment manager, Helen Thompson said: "He has given up all his own time and he has saved lives. We are very proud to have him in our team."
Patrick said he is part of an effective team of first responders in the resort.
There are now six defibrillators within half a mile of the thousands of residents and visitors who come to Cleethorpes.
"Right since I was a child of 10 years, I wanted to save lives. I put the volunteering before my own job at beach safety so that I have enough time to be able to respond as one of the volunteers," he told Grimsby Live.
Patrick added: "It is so important we get to people quickly. For every one minute lost it is 10 per cent less chance of successful survival. If you are 10 minutes late. That is it.
"I have saved at least two lives. I am one of a team who look after people from women going into labour, right through to people who die. There are people needing help through epilepsy, diabetic collapse and a whole range of other life-threatening conditions."
From left are, Helen Thompson, investment manager NELC, Tom Birchall, duty officer, Kirsty Hill and Lawrence Matthews, beach safety officers, Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hazel Chase, Pat Gilding, beach safety co-ordinator, Learoy Fox, response manager for EMAS and Buster Hammond, beach safety manager (Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)
Patrick said there are some visitors to the resort who need hospital treatment, but refuse because they don't want to miss their bus or train back home.
"I am just one of a team. Often there can be five or six people responding. It is a bit like a Formula One pit-stop."
He said one incident involving a female with cardiac arrest about a quarter of a mile from the beach safety centre, had a successful outcome.
"It is about having the right people, in the right place at the right time.
"There are pressures on the ambulance service, particularly in winter. They can't be everywhere at the same time. That is where we can make that difference."
Patrick added: "I am pleased the service is making a difference in the community. We are a heart safe resort because we now have so many defibrillators."
Learoy Fox East Midlands Ambulance Service first responder manager and training officer said: "Patrick has done well in excess of 1,000 hours volunteer work and he has saved lives. At least four or five have been successfully revived by the team."
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Grimsby Town FCIan Holloway explains why Grimsby Town won't be doing much more business in January transfer windowThe Grimsby Town manager isn't expecting to do much more business, having signed four players so far this month

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This official website is maintained by the Settlement Administrator in an action brought by the Florida Office of the Attorney General v. Pulte. The information included below is a summary of the Settlement. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions and Court Documents pages of this website for additional information.
PULTE SETTLEMENT SUMMARY
Repairs for Consumers:
Pulte will make repairs to your home if you currently own a home built by Pulte in Florida and the original buyer of the home purchased the home from Pulte after July 1, 2008.
In addition, there are other criteria to qualify for repairs depending upon the age and condition of your home. Factors considered include the size of a stucco crack; whether the home has delaminated stucco;1 whether the home has been repainted; whether cracking is occurring over wood-frame construction; whether weep screed issues resulted in delamination or water intrusion; whether homeowners previously executed a valid release of stucco claims; and whether the home has been vacant at any time for more than 270 days. See page 1 of the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on the criteria for obtaining repairs from Pulte.
To make a repair claim under this settlement, please make a request to Pulte, in writing, by 1) e-mail or 2) submission of a written claim form to Pulte for evaluation or repair of the home.
○ Homeowners may email Pulte at FLStuccoSettlement@Pulte.com. Homeowners may also call Pulte at 844-947-4234 to receive a written claim form.
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To qualify to receive a restitution payment, you must be a current or former owner of a home built by Pulte in Florida since April 17, 2005 and have incurred out-of-pocket expenses as a direct result of a construction defect in your home or the repairs conducted by Pulte or one of its contractors. The loss and expense must have occurred before the date of the entry of the Final Judgment. Claims are limited to property loss claims only. Property loss claims include, for example, expenses paid to inspect or address: stucco cracking and related painting costs; water intrusion and property damaged by water intrusion; mold remediation; and other associated costs.
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○ Documentation of the loss, including repair records, receipts, and photographs.
Homeowners will have until 2/15/2020 to submit an online claim or mail their claim for restitution. Claims that qualify for payment will be paid at the end of the 1-year claim period.
Reform of Business Practices:
Under the Settlement, Pulte has made improvements in its construction practices, including upgraded building materials and improved construction techniques. Pulte will also provide employees with additional training from stucco industry experts; conduct third-party inspections of its construction; use properly licensed contractors; and comply with the Florida building codes. Additionally, Pulte will provide employees with additional training on applying the terms of its warranty to consumer claims and will exercise good faith in responding to warranty claims.
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Richard Cohn
Home » Staff » Richard Cohn
Richard (Rich) Cohn is a persistent, aggressive trial attorney who takes a "turn every stone" approach toward the legal matters he handles. He was recognized as one of the "Top 500 Litigators in the Nation" in the inaugural issue of Law Dragon Magazine, and was one of only three lawyers in Orange County, California to receive that distinction. The magazine again recognized him as one of the Nation's Top 3000 Plaintiff's Lawyers in America. He has been repeatedly designated a Southern California "Super Lawyer" by Los Angeles Magazine and Law and Politics. He is also listed in U.S. News and World Report's as a "Best Lawyer" in the category of Personal Injury Litigation.
Rich is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubble's Law Directory — which issues such ratings only to those attorneys who have demonstrated preeminent legal ability and the highest professional and ethical standards. In 2008, he received the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association's prestigious "Top Gun" award, for his work in the field of Medical Malpractice.
Rich received his Bachelor's Degree, Cum Laude, from University of California at San Diego (UCSD) in 1985 with a double major in Political Science and Communications. He obtained his juris doctorate degree from U.S.C. Law School in 1989, graduating among the top quarter of his class. He began his legal career at the law firm of McGinnis, Fitzgerald, Reese, Sharkey & McIntyre in San Diego, California, specializing in the field of medical malpractice defense. In July of 1990, he joined the Offices of Wylie Aitken and became a named Partner in January 2001, thus changing the name officially to Aitken Aitken Cohn.
He is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars including for California Continuing Education for The Bar (CEB) as well as for the State and Local Trial and Bar Association. He has also been interviewed on multiple occasions by both television and print news media regarding a variety of high profile cases. He continues to be retained as an expert witness on behalf of both the plaintiff and the defense in legal malpractice matters.
When Rich gets a free moment from fighting on behalf of his deserving clients, he likes to jam out on the guitar or hit the surf. Rich was married in 1993 and has two children. They live in Newport Beach, California.
Mr. Cohn has been trial counsel in a variety of lengthy, complex and high profile trials and arbitrations as well as settlements which have resulted in multimillion dollar results. Examples include:
Small v. County of Orange (involving the attack of a mountain lion on a young child in a public park — Verdict: $2,100,000);
Chavez v. Altig (a complex medical malpractice case wherein a 25 year old man was blinded as a result of anesthesia during ankle surgery — Verdict: $3,800,000);
Scott v. Burges Transportation, et al. (wherein a Journeyman immigrant plumbing contractor was seriously injured when he was run over by a dump truck on a construction site — Verdict: $1,900,000);
"M" v. Wings Express Aviation, et al. (an aviation case wherein a Piper Cherokee VI aircraft crashed at Fullerton Airport due to a combination of contaminated fuel and poor maintenance — Verdict: $2,760,535)
Daily v Stueve Brother Farms, LLC (business dispute – Verdict $5,800,000) (2015)
Doe vs State of California: $15 million wrongful death settlement on behalf of 2 minor children who lost their father in an auto accident caused by texting while driving. (2013);
$3.5 million settlement in personal injury matter involving complex course and scope of employment issues (2014);
$4 million dollar settlement for personal injury to a man who dove into a shallow pool and was rendered quadriplegic. (2012);
$6 million dollar settlement for a young man who was neglected by paramedics despite signs of spinal cord injury, rendering him quadriplegic (2014);
$3 million settlement for the wrongful death of a construction site worker struck by a dump truck (Bodine v. Western Trucking) (2006);
$7.25 million dollar settlement for a new mother who received a morphine overdose in the hospital after a C-Section, (Case I.D. confidential) (2007);
A settlement for over $3 Million for the wrongful death of an elderly woman struck by a bus in a crosswalk (Case I.D. confidential) (2006);
$1.8 Million settlement for the wrongful death of a husband/father electrocuted when he contacted power lines (Case I.D. confidential) (2006);
$2.4 million settlement in a medical malpractice matter involving the wrongful death of an executive/father of three due to anesthesiology error (Brown v. Neff, M.D., et al.)
$4 million settlement on behalf of a teenage boy who was not timely treated for hydrocephalus (2015)
$4.5 million settlement for a baby injured at birth after failure to identify cardiac anomaly on prenatal ultrasound (2016)
A record $2.1 million dollar settlement for an 80 year old auto v. pedestrian victim (believed to be then the highest personal injury award in California history for a victim over the age of 80). (Rubio v. Allstate Ins.) (2003)
$4.0 million dollar settlement in a hard fought, complex birth injury case (Doe v. Roe Hospital) (2007)
$2.4 million settlement on the eve of trial in another Orange County birth injury matter (2008).
He has also briefed and argued a variety of appellate matters, and argued before the California Supreme Court in an insurance coverage dispute which resulted in over 140 pages of majority and dissenting opinion.
Medical Malpractice (Over 50% caseload)
Product Liability/Medical Devices
Aviation Tort Law
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, President (2001-2002)
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, Vice President (1998-1999)
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, President (1997)
Orange County Bar Association, Chairman of Education (2016 – present)
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Orange County, Board of Directors and Past President
Banyard Inn of Court, Master Bencher
Consumer Attorneys of California, Member
Celtic Bar Association of Orange County, Member
Public Law Center, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Best Lawyer, Medical Malpractice, Best Lawyers in America (2012-2017)
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine (2006-2017)
Martindale-Hubell AV-Rating and Judicial Award (2017)
Top Attorneys of the Inland Empire, Inland Empire Magazine (2016)
10 Best Attorneys in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (2015)
Top 50: Orange County Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2014)
Top 500 Litigators in The Nation, LawDragon Magazine
Nation's Top 3000 Plaintiff's Lawyers in America, LawDragon Magazine
Top Gun, Medical Malpractice, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (2008)
Organization Name: OCBA/OCTLA
Title: Is the Policy Open? Insurance Law
Organization Name: OCBA
Title: Expert Depositions
Publication Name: Advocate
Title: "Construction Site Injury for hirers of Independent Contractors: Many roads Still Lead to Liability"
Title: "Products Liability in Plain English"
Publication Name: Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) Forum Magazine
Title: Discovery in Products Liability Cases-Back to Basics
Publication Name: Jefferson's California Evidence Benchbook
Title: Third and Fourth Editions
NBC News: Ten Years Later, a Fraternity Hazing Death Still Takes Its Toll
New York Times: Hazing and Drinking Deaths at Asian-American Fraternities Raise Concerns
Email Richard Cohn Today


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Jacques Kallis to Quit Test Cricket After India Series
by msp83 on Wed 25 Dec 2013, 1:21 pm
Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest ever all-rounders to have played the game, will be retiring from test cricket after the India series. Kallis, South Africa's highest run getter in tests, the 4th highest test run scorer and 2nd most test century maker in the world, intents to play on in ODIs with the 2015 World Cup as the target. Besides all the runs, close to 300 test wickets and almost 200 catches makes Kallis the preeminent all-rounder of his time, and one of the best ever in the history of the game.
Farewell, Jacques!.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/current/story/703801.html
Re: Jacques Kallis to Quit Test Cricket After India Series
by KP_fan on Wed 25 Dec 2013, 1:23 pm
he was planning to retire with Tendulkar it seems ...but BCCI / Lorgat threw water over the "best made plans"
what a player.....amongst the best batsmen of his generation....and the amongts the best allrounder across generations
The big question for South Africa is, Who After Kallis?
To replace an all-rounder of Kallis' stature is very nearly impossible. So how should SA go about it? Under Guru Garry, they have come to like the security of the 7th batsman, Kallis' bowling and AB taking the gloves have given them the necessary space to do that without their world class bowling being stretched. Now that Kallis is gone, what should be the way forward?
There is Ryan McLaren, and there is Chris Morris. There is Wayn Parnell who many believe can bat in international cricket. But none of them are really quality all-rounders as such, and none makes a strong case to make it to the side on the basis of one of the disciplines really.
Without Kallis, they would find it really difficult to play Imran Tahir anywhere other than a raging turner against a spin suspect batting lineup. They can bring in Robin Peterson or Simon Harmer and bat them in the top 7, and then play one of McLaren or Morris as the bowling all-rounder at 8, and with big Vern in at 9, the balance can somewhat be retained?
Or they can bring in Quinton de Kock in, give him the gloves, and relieve AB of the extra responsibility and let him focus on his batting.
de Villiers
du Plessis
Harmer/Peterson
Morris/McLaren
Morkel.
de Kock
Peterson/Harmer
Morkel
Or they can replace Duminy with de Kock and bat him at 6, and play 2 all-rounders, a spinning one and a fastbowling one.
SA is OK...Philander is an allrounder and even Morkel, Peterson and some of their other bowlers are no mucks with the bat.
Albie Morkel is an allrounder of quality....not of Kallis's quality...
Thankfully Kallis finished the series and retired
by Biltong on Wed 25 Dec 2013, 4:21 pm
Firstly let me say I am very proud to be a South African and to have had the opportunity to see the best allrounder South Africa has ever produced.
He will be a legend all over the world.
I think it is the right time for him to retire as well, rather go whilst you still have respect for your abilities than stick around when it will be hard to be dropped by virtue of your reputation.
As for replacing him, it isn't going to happen. If we are realistic at what he has brought to SA over the past two years then his bowling was really just a part time benefit, a holding role if you will.
The importance is to replace him with a batsman, and that guy in my view should be Quinton de Kock, even though young he is a top order batsman and I see no need to wait.
I am more concerned about Alviro Pietersen's inability to really make a mark up front. He has his moments but are not in the same class as Amla, Smith, de Villiers or even du Plessis.
Duminy should be given more responsibility with the ball.
Faf du Plessis
These nine for me are inked onto the team sheet.
Between Elgar And Miller a decision must be made for the seventh batsman, on the bowling front we simply do not have a test spinner and should look at the youngsters for a fourth seemer.
Location : Twilight zone
Biltong, playing JP Duminy as your led spinner is a call for disaster in my view. South Africa may not have a Saeed Ajmal available, but they need a frontline spinner in their attack. Remember what happened when they went in with 4 seamers and Kallis against Australia last year? You'd have watched Kevin Pietersen becoming England's best bowler in the Headingley test last year againstSouth Africa? There are better spinners than JP Duminy in South Africa, and one of them have to play most of their tests. They might come across an absolute green field at times, even then they should think very very hard about going in with an all pace attack, on such a track, Steyn, Philander and Morkel should be enough, and if at all something happens, there should be enough variation available in the attack in the form of a spinner though he might not have to play a big role usually.
And, I am not yet fully convinced about JP Duminy as a batsman, (he might crack a ton tomorrow against India tomorrow for all that I am saying), he has been too inconsistent with the bat really. So placing all of South Africa's spin responsibilities on him may not be a very sound idea.
You may be right MSP, but I have not seen anyone in SA being a capable enough spinner at test .evel.
by kingraf on Wed 25 Dec 2013, 6:22 pm
The Kallis replacement situation is very dependent on where AB wants to bat in future. If he decides he is now the man at four, then I think he has to drop the gloves, but Faf's epic innings at the Wanderers at four makes me think he is possibly a better pick in any case. If AB drops the gloves, we have to pick a gloveman first and foremost. I like QdK, as everybody knows, but he isn't ready for First class wicketkeeping, let alone Test keeping. in my mind that leaves Dane Vilas, and Tsolekile - Vilas has the superior record by far, but he is an inferior gloveman, and isn't in great form at the moment. Thami on the other hand isn't good for much more than a nuggety fightback, but he scored a huge ton this autumn, and is in alright-ish form. Should AB keep the gloves, then Stiaan van Zyl deserves a shot, on form, possibly. He was eight runs away from back-to-back-to-back centuries this weekend, the first two being 150+. Quinton de Kock also becomes a contestant, with his red hot ODI form and FC average over 50. South Africa is probably the toughest place to bat in world cricket, and as such, we don't have guys jumping out with Pujara-esque stats, but as Faf showed, just getting an average of 40 in S.A. probably means you're up to it.
There is an abundance of bowling talent to fill up the fourth seamers spot, if you feel we really have to go that way. Kyle Abbot is absolutely on fire at the moment, and is taking wickets for fun. Marchant de Lange isnt quite ready for Test cricket again, but he oozes match-winner. We also have younger guys coming through like Ayabulela Gqamane, who after his ridiculous freshman season, is going through a sophomore slump, but still averages less than 20, with a strike rate of 35.
For all this, I'm still in favor of keeping Tahir, at least until the end of the summer. I know I'm the President, only Board member and sole member of his fan club, but he really isn't as bad as he seems. You don't take as many first class wickets as he does in as many countries without being really good. There are very few players in cricketing history with such records who didn't make the grades, and Im not betting on him being one of them.
Kingraf, Tahir is not as bad as many think, as well as he at times makes himself seem to be. But I don't think he is the material for South Africa's regular spinner role. Perhaps on turning tracks, but not otherwise, particularly since they won't have Kallis to fall back on when Tahir has one of those days where he either lands it halfway down the pitch or stay airborne for ever.
How's Harmer performing this domestic season? He has a bit of experience with the A side, is young, can bat. So perhaps they should give him a go, or revert to Peterson.
Just had a look at Harmer's record now. The record is impressive I have to say. 175 wickets from 46 matches, almost 4 wickets per game has to be impressive for a South African offy, and he's averaging around 32. And his FC batting average of 33 is above his bowling average, not bad for an all-rounder really!. And, his T-20 economy is under 7, suggesting some decent control as well. These are impressions from stats, I am sure kingraf, biltong, Gerry or others who would have observed him more closely can give us a better idea.
by alfie on Thu 26 Dec 2013, 2:22 am
Well Kallis can't be replaced. A true giant of a cricketer , and one I have always admired.
Sorry to see him go , but if he judges it the right time to go then it probably is. Bit of a year for retirements , isn't it ?
SA will be OK , they have plenty of good players. But they are going to miss him.
Great career , hope he finishes it with a hundred
by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler on Thu 26 Dec 2013, 7:52 am
To keep going at the level he has for as long as he has is incredible. There's been talk for a few years about him being shot as a bowler but he's still kept taking wickets even if he no longer is a front line option.
His batting alone stands up against the greats of this era and noone has even close to his all round record. He's only not been talked about alongside the big 3 because he's been seen as an all rounder and doesn't have the most flamboyant style.
South Africa have phenomenal depth in their batting at the moment, but this retirement will force a change to the balance of the side, especially if AB deck as to hang up the gloves.
Philander is a great bowler who can bat a bit, not a genuine all rounder, even batting 7 is a push for a guy who doesn't average over 25 in any format at any level.
India were perhaps unfortunate to be the last team to face what appears to be a pretty invicible SA first choice test side.
The series against aus is shaping up to be very tasty although I still think Warner is going to look a bit of a berk saying Australia will be the best batting side in the world.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler
Location : Englandshire
by Corporalhumblebucket on Mon 30 Dec 2013, 5:40 pm
Kallis - one of the greats of the modern game. Excellent that he signed off with a century.
Corporalhumblebucket
Location : Day's march from Surrey
by alfie on Tue 31 Dec 2013, 3:53 am
alfie wrote: Well Kallis can't be replaced. A true giant of a cricketer , and one I have always admired.
Got my wish ! Well played Kallis ...we are all going to miss you .
HoF awaits...


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Wanted: ground engineers for an old lady
Behind the scenes 6 minutes | by Lars den Hartigh
As you may recall, I'm working on a spectacular project to get a classic Douglas DC-4 Skymaster back into the air. Preferably as soon as possible. Our team is working flat-out in our hangar in faraway South Africa. This time round, I'd like to tell you more about our ground engineers, who are playing a key role in getting the old bird back into the air and, more importantly, ensuring that we can get her back down on the ground safely.
To get an aircraft into the air, you need a team of technicians, who are commonly referred to as ground engineers. Before any aircraft departs, they complete an inspection and sign off on documentation confirming that the aircraft is airworthy. These heroes also replace any damaged parts and conduct general maintenance, much like the mechanics who work on your car. They do this out on the platform, but also in the hangar, where they handle major overhauls, including the so-called "D Check" that our DC-4 Skymaster is currently undergoing in South Africa.
Lots of love for the old lady
We need quite a big team to ensure that our DC-4 gets the love she deserves, because the old lady will be coming back to the Netherlands, where she'll be based. It's also important to bear in mind that a DC-4 is nothing like the modern aircraft KLM operates today. An Embraer 190, for instance, has a lot of computer equipment that constantly monitors the condition of the aircraft. If any problem is detected, this equipment relays a data message to the ground. Computers like this weren't available when the DC-4 was designed.
Furthermore, the DC-4 is powered by piston engines, rather than jet turbines, which is a major difference. Piston engines are more similar to car engines than to the huge turbines that power modern aircraft. In short, our engineers need the requisite experience before they are allowed to inspect and sign off on our DC-4.
Wanted: ground engineers
My quest for qualified ground engineers actually began with the question: where and how does one become a ground engineer? I got my answer from Jan Dalm at the Regional Technical College (ROC) in Amsterdam, where they train technicians. "Our students take courses in maths, science and electronics that are geared to prepare them to work as technicians, teaching them about materials and tools, the theory behind maintenance, aerodynamics (How does an aircraft fly?), human factors, laws and regulations, systems, jet engines and digital technology."
The last two were useless to me, but I'd found the place where new ground engineers are born! They get plenty of theoretical training, but I needed boys and girls who also wanted to get their hands dirty. Jan Dalm also had an answer to this question: "Our students complete three or four years of training, which includes theoretical and practical courses. The theory is mostly given in the form of assignments that primarily focus on aircraft technology. They basically learn a lot about aircraft technology, including mechanics, pneumatics and hydraulics. They also complete a lot of internships, where they gain insight and experience in assisting with repairs, but also learn how to test aircraft systems and track down the causes of problems."
But what do these youngsters know about DC-4s? Erwin, one of our volunteers, had an answer to this question: "Before I started working on the DC-4 project, I'd worked on various types of planes, ranging from big airliners to smaller business jets. I even had the good fortune of tinkering around on the MD-11 at Martinair! During my last assignment, before joining the DC-4 project, I worked on luxury jets. But the DC-4 is real manual labour. The kind that gets your hands dirty! And almost everything is mechanical. The technology behind it is really beautiful, very simple but oh-so-ingenious! The DC-4 was designed before there were any computers. She's like a flying tank and the systems are really simple compared to the complex technology on modern planes. And the piston engines make these aircraft really special! The sound is spectacular and the underlying mechanics are fantastic. Modern jets are a bit like flying computers, but the DC-4 is a real pilots' plane."
So what does one need to do to become a certified DC-4 ground engineer?
Naturally, you start by gaining experience tinkering on DC-4s. But you also have to study the required theory and complete training plus exams. If you complete all this successfully, the DC-4 is added to your accreditation.
The ROC training centre is helping the Flying Dutchman Foundation (who are running the DC-4 project) by sending four of its students to South Africa for an internship. Roy is the first:
"I started out as a car mechanic, but that got boring quite quickly, because the range of repairs is ultimately quite limited. Compared to a car, a plane is a pretty big step. What appeals to me most about aircraft maintenance is the scale of the projects. An overhaul on a Boeing 777 takes about two months to complete. Everything is inspected in minute detail and then reassembled, which means you almost get a brand-new plane!"
What's the difference between working on a DC-4 and working on a modern type?
"The DC-4 features technology that was futuristic back in the day. But aviation has progressed in leaps and bounds over the decades. A modern Airbus has fly-by-wire technology. So I've spent the past months looking up lots of information about the DC-4, using the maintenance manuals to familiarise myself with the old Skymaster."
As you can imagine, I'm really pleased with my team of technicians. The Old Lady is in really good hands with our ground engineers Erwin, Roy, Bilal, Mohamed and Alex.
Follow the process of our engineers on our Facebook page.
Posted by: Lars den Hartigh | June 9, 2017
aircraft engines Douglas DC-4 ground engineer Jet Engine Maintenance skyteam
Don Mckee
Experienced D.C.-4, P-2, P-3 and D.C.-7 mechanic interested
Don Mck
Extensive experience in hangar maintenance and field maintenance
hi Don McKee, could you contact us via our Facebook page or website? Best, Lars
Bob Kammeijer
I am so excited about this project. Unfortunately I don't have any mechanics experience at all. I will be following your progress.
hi Bob! thanks for your support :)
Smari sigurdsson
My name is Smari Sigurdsson Icelander AME with long time experience on Dc 3-4-6 and other later types of aeroplanes.Still take care of one DC3.Retired from airline ops but still fit to work and rebuilding my Cessna 310 .Dnt smoke or drink.Im used to work in Afrika worked in Angola for oil company for 15 yrs on Boeing types and Airbus.EASA lic. CRS i think this is good job fo me either in S-A or later in Holland.Idt want salary only food and accom.and maybe small pocket money.Work on real aeroplane is real salary in my case in hope you can consider this ,have a good weekend
hi Smart, could you contact us via our Facebook page or website? Thanks! Lars
Dag Thorbjoernsen
My first flight ever was back in February 1957. It was with Icelandic Airlines, Loftleidir, and i thought the DC4 Skyaster was a big aircraft with its 4 engines and 48 seats. No pressurized cabin, though…. The flight was from New York Idlewild, now JFK, first up to Gander at Newfoundland, then across to Reykjavik and finally to Oslo. All together the flight was scheduled to take 22 hours. If ever the opportunity comes, I would love to have another flight with that "grand old lady".
Dag, that must have been an amazing trip! And we love to have you on board in the future! via our Facebook page we keep everybody updated on the progress and flights
Juan A. Vega
Dc3 experience, radial engines, landing gear, electrical experience, sheet metal hydraulic.repair etc. I'm in Puerto Rico.
Kyriakos Velissaridis
I am B1 licensed Aircraft Engineer (B737NG, B787 and Fokker 70/100) and I would like to participate, hands on, to this project. Can you please contact me for details and to explore the possibility to make it happen.
Hi Kyriakos Velissaridis, could you send us an email via our website? Thanks! Lars
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Discover how five authentic tasks are introduced, goal driven, and differentiated even though they remain constant throughout the year.
2.1 Student task choice is goal driven.
Students use curent goals to determine which task to choose each session.
All tasks are launched using the 10 Steps to Teaching and Learning Independence.
I-charts for each task are posted in the room for student access.
2.3 Differentiate tasks according to students' needs.
Teacher provides Daily 5 task options that fit the needs of students and schedules.
PreK-3 students typically have all five options, whereas students in grades 4-12 have one to five.
2.4 Tasks remain constant throughout the year.
The Daily 5 tasks are the same and do not change from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, but the content covered within each task will grow with the student.


text:
The Art of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
A film can encapsulate an audience by giving a visual experience. The Harry Potter films were able to bring the magic of the books to the screen. And the third movie, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," directed by Alfonso Cuarón, was brought to life with his masterful shot composition, special effects, and cinematography. Cuarón was able to get his expertise in film to the movie by utilizing essential film elements and using them ideally. This just shows us, viewers, that what's critical is a good story and a comprehensive grasp of the basics.
Shot Composition
The way this film was shot and framed was captivating. All the angles that the filmmakers utilized grab the viewer's attention. The intimate close-up shots help viewers feel a closer connection to the characters to the wide-angle shots that help put the bigger picture into perspective. The shot composition can give the feeling you get from reading the books. It can narrate and dictate the mood of a scene. The different ways a frame is composed can also help the viewer find details foreshadowing future events. Shot composition is one of the first things taught in film school and may seem basic to some but having perfectly composed frames help with the storytelling and mood of a film.
The Harry Potter series is situated in a world that has magic. And to make this movie possible, they had to use special effects to bring the Wizarding World to life. Superficial products such as casting spells may have taken the special effects team a long time to complete. And with more significant scenes that require more work, such as the quidditch scenes, a green screen or blue screen would be used to edit the backgrounds and other effects into the movie. It is a long and labor-intensive process, but when the movie was completed, it was all worth it because the filmmakers' effort into this film showed in its final cut.
You can't talk about "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" without mentioning the fantastic cinematography in this film. Many critics have praised the long shots found throughout the movie. the discipline needed to know the blocking and the framing for both the actors and the cameramen would require copious amounts of practice and coordination between the crew. Without cinematography in a film, they would look flat and lifeless. But with well-planned and executed cinematography can elevate any movie. The cinematography for this movie is perfect because the camera feels like it is curious to know more about the Wizarding World. The viewers turn their eyes to the cinematography used in this movie.
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" encapsulates the artistry and skill needed to make a great film. It uses the essential film elements well, and it also utilizes techniques that require more practice and knowledge. This film is experimental, and it encapsulates all its viewers for an experience like no other. This movie is a prime example of what it is to master the basics and create something well made.
1st and featured image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-standing-in-front-of-microphone-3379934/
2nd image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-camera-recorder-66134/
1622 0 Art, Fashion Editor film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, movie, series
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Abstract: This research investigation focused on the teachers' instructional strategies and the students' learning styles at Northern Quezon College Incorporated, Infanta, Quezon for purposes of identifying and analysing the teaching strategies that significantly relate and match with the learning styles of the students. The descriptive-correlational method of research coupled with informal interviews was used. Data were gathered by means of a validated survey instrument consisting of two sets of questionnaires and supported by open-ended questions. The questionnaires employed a 5-point scale. The data were gathered from 324 randomly selected bona fide students of the college. The data were statistically treated using the appropriate statistical tools and comprehensively interpreted and analysed. As a result of this study, a faculty development program geared at enhancing the teachers' instructional strategies in consideration to the students' learning styles.


Serious and funny at the same time. Brilliant.
"Happy Anniversary Jana," been a day by day journey. You made it girl, be proud.
We celebrate in January together. Been a few more years for me.
I was 36 and will have 37 years of continuous sobriety.
Great blessing that I attribute to God's grace.
Well, thank you kindly, Ronnie. As per usual, it is not the piece I sat down at the computer to write. God had other designs 🙂 Bless you, and Happy New Year to you and yours!


Oh, so you're ready to take a run at the corner office, are you? Got a hankering to be large and in charge, the big kahuna, the literal CEO around your current or future organization?
All of that sounds right as rain. But how are you looking on paper? Is your current resume up to the task of proving your case? And, if not, what exactly do you need to do to bump up your paperwork so that, on paper, you appear to be an exceptional match?
So many professionals use the "add on, add on, add on, and add on some more" approach when it comes to updating their resumes. The problem with this methodology is that, after a handful of add-ons, it very well begins to resemble a pieced-together Frankenstein at the exact career moment when you're trying to resemble a put together executive.
When your goal is to land an executive role, you absolutely must introduce yourself as an executive, right out of the gates. The best place to achieve this is in a career summary at the top of the page before you launch into your career chronology. Construct three or four bullet points or statements that spell out your value proposition, with your specific audience in mind.
In other words, think about the things that are going to be important for you to be able to do in this next job—for instance: strategy, leadership, problem solving, delivering growth—and introduce yourself as someone equipped to do (and with demonstrated successes in) these key things.
Two vital skills that make for a great executive are an ability to build and then deploy strategies, and, proven strengths in motivating, leading and developing teams and individuals. Leaders must excel at leading. People at this level must excel at big-picture thinking.
Assuming this is you, then make it crystal clear in your resume. You don't just "get" to become an executive because you've climbed up the ladder and this is the logical next bump up. In most companies today, it simply doesn't work that way anymore. You've got to be able to perform at a higher, more strategic, and more inspiring level than most everyone else at the company.
Highlight these traits—including specific examples that prove them—on your new resume.
This is no time to get stuck lingering on the duties and responsibilities you hold, or have held in prior positions. (Which, by the way, is the most common error people make in their resumes—showing only duties and responsibilities.) You need to show impact. Where did you help the organization make money, save money, salvage situations, solve problems, capitalize on opportunities, build something entirely new?
Show all that. And show the specific results—even if qualitative or anecdotal—of each of these things as you spell out how and why you're a great fit.
IS YOUR RESUME READY TO SHOW TO HIRING MANAGERS RIGHT NOW?
Great! Because we know a lot of companies hiring for senior level positions.
If you're a CIO, it's probably great that you know C#, Java, SQL, and Perl. But if you go too heavy on your technical skills and not heavy enough on the stuff that makes for a great leader—business acumen, ability to strategize, inspire others and execute—you will risk looking more like "middle career professional" or "techie" than a top executive.
Again, think about what organizations are looking for in an executive leader. If you need hints, study a handful of job descriptions that line up with the kind of role you're eyeing. See those common threads and deliverables? I'll bet you they're much more executive focused than nitty-gritty technical details in nature. These are the things you need to hit heavy and hard on when constructing an executive level resume.
Giant blobs of text aren't going to win you any fans. Yes, by the time you reach "near executive" status in your career, you may have plenty to say. But no one wants to (nor will they) go on a fishing trip looking for evidence that you have the chops to be their next executive. You need to make sure that the best, most relevant stuff (e.g., your key accomplishments that demonstrate strategic thinking, influence and impact) is super easy to find.
When working on behalf of my own clients, I typically set up a "Select Highlights" subsection under each role the professional has held, and add two to three bullet points showcasing key wins or important results. And then I bold the most powerful phrases within those bullet points, so the reviewer's eye goes right to the big things.
It's a great way to control where the reviewer's attention goes first. Just be sure and use consistency in your bullet points, as well as in how and what you decide to highlight in bold.
No matter who tells you what, there is not one perfect format or style for a winning executive resume. But there is one important rule—it's on you to make yourself look like you're ready for the role. If you can't shape that message, you risk looking like a lower-level employee. This may not be the worst thing in the world, but if you're aspiring to get to the top?
Your resume has to shout from the rooftops that you've got executive chops.


It's All About the Drake Sideboard!
We love the drake sideboard and wanted you to fall in love with it too! Take a peek at this fabulous piece in our online boutique by clicking on the link below, or come into our furniture store N E S T Indoor Outdoor Living in Eagle, ID to see it and other great pieces in person.


Your support is what keeps Special Olympics DC - our sports, health, and community engagement programs - running through every season. Contribute today to make a difference in our athletes' lives, and help us create a community of acceptance and inclusion!
After a careful vetting process, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington has selected Special Olympics DC to be part of the Class of 2018-19. Special Olympics DC has undergone a rigorous review process conducted by a team of 120+ experts in the local philanthropic field, and has met the Catalogue's high standards. "People want to know where to give and they need trusted information. Based on our in-depth review, we believe that Special Olympics DC is one of the best community-based nonprofits in the region," says Bob Wittig, Executive Director of the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
Help us celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics with the 50 for 50 fundraising campaign!
Annual fundraisers offer the opportunity to have a great experience and support a great organization. See our calendar for upcoming fundraising events!
Corporate and foundation sponsorships allow Special Olympics DC to grow vital programs that serve our communities. Contact us to explore cash and in-kind sponsorship opportunities.


text:
Yemen War: Saudis Support Al Qaeda, Now Claim They Have Defeated Al Qaeda. Saudi Arabia and Houthi Alliance Hold Talks
Par South Front
South Front 28 avril 2016
Talks aimed at ending Yemen's war opened in Kuwait on April 21. The delay of the talks is explained by experts by the inability to achieve some key preconditions to start them. For instance, Saudi Arabia had demanded that the Houthi alliance has to hand over all heavy armament to the coalition. It's obvious that it's unacceptable for any warring side of the conflict.
The ceasefire exists only on the fronts where the sides can't inflict a military defeat on each other. Considering the low morale and a poor level of coordination of the Saudi-led forces, they can't do this almost everywhere. However, the coalition had been used warplanes massively against the Houthi alliance recompensing the situation on the ground.
Separately, Saudi Arabia made an important PR move which followed Obama's visit to Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition claimed to have killed more than 800 Al-Qaeda fighters seized the strategic coastal city of Mukalla in Yemen. However, local sources argue that there were no clashes in the area of Mukalla and no casualties among Al-Qaeda, for sure. The coalition made a pact with the terrorists and AQAP withdrew from the city. This move was made amid the US promises to provide additional technical and military aid to the UAE in order to fight jihadists in Yemen.
Furthermore, the sides achieved an agreement that, in this case, the US Navy will join the naval blockade of the country. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia de-facto continues to use AQAP to control different zones of Yemen.
In turn, the Houthi alliance has been expanding the zone of control in Shabwah Governorate and at the Western coast of the country. Thus, the negotiations haven't even prevented the continuation of local firefights and it's hard to expect that they could push the conflict to a peaceful solution in general. Moreover, 2 powerful Yemeni political forces: the Southern Movement and the Islamist party of Al-Islah. This is why any possible agreement dividing the spheres of influence in the country among the Houthi movement, Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Saudi-backed forces won't guarantee a stable balance of powers in the country.
If you're able, and if you like our content and approach, please support the project. Our work wouldn't be possible without your help: PayPal: [email protected] or via: http://southfront.org/donate/ or via:https://www.patreon.com/southfront
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La source originale de cet article est South Front
Copyright © South Front, South Front, 2016
Articles Par : South Front


Today is the deadline the NEC have set for Nathan Gill to resign as either an MEP or AM and he has made it clear he intends to do neither.
At the time of the Welsh Assembly elections earlier this year Gill agreed that he would stand down as an MEP if he was elected as an AM but since the referendum has declined to do so.
Gill was the face of UKIP in Wales during the Assembly elections and is leader of UKIP Wales. He has a huge following in the grassroots Welsh party but Neil Hamilton controls the political side of things.
Neil Hamilton, who is leader of the UKIP delegation at the Welsh Assembly, says that the two jobs are not compatible and that Gill can't represent Wales when he's in Brussels. However, it appears that Hamilton can not only represent Wales but lead UKIP's AMs from his mansion in Wiltshire.
If the jobs of AM and MEP were incompatible then it would be illegal to hold both positions. As a former MP, Hamilton will be aware that there is a legal bar to sitting as both an MP and MEP due to the two roles being considered incompatible. No such bar exists for members of the devolved governments who can not only sit as MEPs but as MPs in addition to their role in the Sennedd, Scottish Parliament or Stormont.
There is nobody left on the UKIP party list who is still a member and not an AM to take Gill's place as an MEP if he resigned from that position. The NEC believe that a by-election would be held to replace him but the relevant regulations say that the next person on the list as at the last election will be invited to take the vacant seat with no requirement for them to still be a member of the party whose list they appeared on. That means UKIP's vacant seat would go to a former member who resigned from the party to stand against UKIP in the last election.
This is another fight that the NEC has started that didn't need to be. We will likely lose an MEP and AM today because Gill is determined not to stand down. There is no benefit to the party from Gill resigning one of his roles but there is considerable damage from losing a high profile elected representative and the collateral damage that will cause. It is the latest in a string of poor decisions that show that the NEC is not fit for purpose and that a fresh election is needed for existing members to seek a mandate from the membership or for new members to come on board.


text:
Officials: Georgia Audit Confirms Secretary Of State Winner
By SUDHIN THANAWALA
Ben Gray, ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE -Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Georgia Secretary of State, rolls a 10-sided die as part of process to randomly determine which batches of ballots to audit for a state-wide risk limiting audit of the 2022 general election during a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. A hand count of random batches of votes in Georgia's recent election for secretary of state has confirmed Republican Brad Raffensperger's victory, state election officials said, Friday, Nov. 19. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)
ATLANTA (AP) — A hand count of random batches of votes in Georgia's recent election for secretary of state has confirmed Republican Brad Raffensperger's victory, state election officials said.
The audit — required by state law — turned up a small difference in votes from the machine count used during the election, but the difference was well within the expected margin of error, the Secretary of State's office announced Friday.
"This audit shows that our system works and that our county election officials conducted a secure, accurate election," Raffensperger said in a statement.
The audit follows a law passed in 2019, not from any concerns about the integrity of the state's election results. An audit is required for general elections in even-numbered years on a race selected by the secretary of state. It must be completed before the election results are certified.
Raffensperger announced earlier this month that he was choosing his race for the audit because it had the widest margin of victory, which would make the audit easier for counties to carry out. Raffensperger beat Democratic state House Rep. Bee Nguyen by more than 9 percent.
In risk-limiting audits, the smaller the margin between candidates in a race, the larger the sample of ballots that must initially be audited.
In 2020, he chose the presidential contest in Georgia between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden for the risk-limiting audit. Biden won that race by a narrow margin, prompting a hand tally of all votes cast to confirm the accuracy of vote-tallying scanners.
Trump, who falsely claimed fraud cost him the 2020 election, targeted Raffensperger for failing to overturn his narrow loss in Georgia. In a now-notorious January 2021 phone call, Trump suggested Raffensperger could "find" enough votes to reverse Biden's presidential victory.
Raffensperger defeated a Trump-endorsed primary challenger in this year's election contest.
For this year's audit, Georgia election officials hosted a dice roll at the state Capitol to help determine the batches of votes that counties had to count by hand.
In total, county election officials reviewed 328 batches of ballots — a fraction of the total number of batches. More than 85 percent of those batches had no deviation from the original candidate vote totals. Of the remaining batches, all but one had a discrepancy within an expected margin of error for a hand count, the Secretary of State's office said.
The audit counted 156,832 votes for Raffensperger and 67,486 votes for Nguyen. A machine count of the same ballots had Raffensperger's vote total at 156,811 and Nguyen's total at 67,504.
Officials had said such a difference was expected because of human error during the hand counting process. Overall, Raffensperger won more than 2 million votes compared to over 1.7 million for Nguyen, according to his office.
State law requires 90% certainty that the outcome is correct, but Raffensperger said he was increasing that to 95%, that is to say a "risk limit" of 5%.
Voting machines
Cabinet appointments and nominations