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Summer in London
Athlete Friendly
LGBTQIA+ Friendly
OPEN for Summer 2022
An unforgettable summer in the middle of London.
Make the most of your summer by spending it in London, one of the most dazzling cities in the world. Take stimulating classes in international business, liberal arts, media, arts, and design with students from all over the world. Our Summer in London – University of Westminster program takes place in the very heart of London. The urban campus is as diverse as this city, and you and your new friends can spend every minute of summer soaking in all this amazing city has to offer!
Average Courseload: 1-2 Courses (4-8 U.S. credits)
GPA Requirement: 2.7
Trips to Big Ben, Parliament, Oxford Street, the London Eye, and more
Modern campus with public transportation
An independent, urban lifestyle
A diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries
Easy access to other parts of the UK and Europe on the weekends
Sign up to learn more about programs in England!
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Studying abroad has taught me so much about others and myself. I have learned how to appreciate being independent in a new country while meeting amazing new friends at the same time. Thank you, CIS Abroad!
Shaina Dubinskiy Ohio University Summer in London - University of Westminster
At the University of Westminster, you'll experience high-quality education on a 165-year-old historic campus in the heart of bustling London. The University is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Situated in the center of London, you'll have easy access to explore the city and beyond. Plus, Westminster is famed for its international community of nearly 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The University recently received the Times Higher Education Award for "Outstanding Support for International Students." With the largest and longest-running U.S. study abroad programs, you'll be making the right choice.
The academic calendar follows the U.S. university calendar, so you can easily find a term that fits with your study abroad schedule. Three of the university's four campuses are superbly located in the center of London, near the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the BBC, and the British Museum. The fourth campus enjoys a tranquil, scenic location just 20 minutes away by public transportation, or the "Tube." Student services will help you transition to life in the big city. At the same time, you'll have all the freedom to explore London and make it your home.
The 2013 QS World University Rankings ranked the University's programs in media, communications, and journalism 1st (UK), 2nd (EU), and 19th (World). The Complete University Guide (CUG) ranked the university's art and design program within the top ten in the UK (6th) for 2014.
Accreditation(s): Privy Council of the United Kingdom and Ministry of State for Universities, Science and Cities
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
Summer in London – University of Westminster offers classes (aka "modules") in many unique and exciting disciplines: London International Business; London Media, Arts, and Liberal Arts.
Click here for more information on courses offered for the summer program.
London International Business
London is one of the world's major business centers, so where better to study international business? Based in the heart of the capital's political, media and financial services, Westminster has excellent industry links and global partnerships, and prepares students to be responsible leaders and managers, able to support businesses in their role as world citizens.
London Design, Creative and Digital Industries
This is a unique opportunity to study inspiring, cutting-edge courses in television, photography and culture. The Westminster School for Media and Communications and The Westminster School of Arts are recognized as one of the best in the field in the UK, so if you wish to gain internationally recognized university credits, a rewarding and exciting experience awaits you. As a CIS Abroad student you will have access to high-end professional studios.
London Liberal Arts
The University of Westminster offers a broad range of classes in the liberal arts that have proved stimulating and enjoyable for past study abroad students.
Course approval: You will only be taking one class per session, but is best to get 2 classes per session approved before you go abroad. This way you will have plenty of flexibility in setting up your schedule. Consider filling your elective requirements.
Timetables: Classes are typically held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, giving you plenty of afternoon and weekend time to explore London. Classes in Television and Photography are taught for the full day on Wednesdays.
Classes can be offered at level 4, 5, or 6. You can tell which level a class is by looking at the first number in the course code (ex: 6BUSS007W International Business, when offered, is a level 6 class).
Level-4 classes are regarded as introductory, and are equivalent to modules taken by full-time first-year UK university students. Level-5 modules are more challenging academically, while level-6 modules are at the standard demanded of final-year UK university students.
Why Life in London
A hotspot for art, fashion, film, history, music, theater, and nightlife, London is an experience in itself. Explore the many diverse markets across the city, including the punk-rock-inspired Camden market and colorful Portobello Road. Visit the Globe Theatre to see some of Shakespeare's most famous works performed live. Many of London's museums are free and house some of the most renowned works of art and artifacts. Cruise down the River Thames or find a rooftop with a sweeping view of the spectacular city below. As the saying goes, coined by famous author Samuel Johnson, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."
The London Underground makes navigating this big city easy. Also called "the Tube," it's the oldest underground railway in the world. Combined with London's train and bus systems, the entire city is well connected and accessible. Walking is also a great way to see the sights. You'll glimpse contrasts between beautiful Victorian architecture situated next to some of the most modern buildings in the world. Stroll to one of the nearby well-preserved parks to enjoy green surroundings in the midst of a bustling city.
Feel like taking a weekend trip to the Beatles' hometown of Liverpool? Or checking out a Manchester United football match? Or taking a quick jaunt to a traditional seaside town? Thanks to England's rail system, the whole country is easily accessible by train. And if you want to travel farther afield, London's international rail and air links make European excursions both easy and affordable!
Live La Vida Local
Londoners love their green spaces and are avid picnickers. Bring a blanket, we'll bring the food!
This incredible museum houses over 4.5 million objects and spans over 5,000 years of art. No wonder it's one of the world's largest museums!
Indulge in this fancy British tradition first introduced in 1840.
Portobello Road Market Walking Tour
Let your on-site staff take you on a tour of one of London's most famous neighborhoods and markets! (It's also where the movie Notting Hill was filmed.)
Evensong at Westminster Abbey
Hear the angelic voices of the Westminster Abbey choir during the traditional afternoon service that takes place every day in this famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
Housing in London
While at the University of Westminster, students live in private rooms in apartment-style residence halls across the city. The residence halls are located within a half hour of the University campuses. London's public transportation system allows for an easy commute.
There are two residence halls you may be placed in during the semester: Alexander Fleming and Marlebone. Both have single rooms, and students living in Marlebone will also have en-suite bathrooms.
Each hall is closely located to famous sites throughout London, as well as supermarkets, shops, and pubs.
Check out the video and photo gallery to see what your housing may be like. The apartments pictured are ones that have been available in the past.
Each unit has a modern well-equipped kitchen that includes a stove, refrigerator, microwave, kettle and toaster. Both halls are self-catering, so you'll use the kitchens to prepare your meals.
Towels, toiletries, and kitchenware are NOT provided. We recommend waiting until you arrive in London to purchase these items. It may be possible to share the cost of kitchenware with other students living in the residence hall.
Inclusions and Amenities
BathroomSharedEnsuite
CommutePublic Transportation
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing (residence halls)
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Predeparture orientation
University of Westminster orientation
University of Westminster official transcript
La Vida Local cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you'll take part in a comprehensive orientation program. You'll learn the "do's and don'ts" of living in London. We'll cover everything from how to get around by public transportation, how to stay safe, what to do in case of an emergency and who to contact if you have any questions. We'll also give you tips on how to budget in a city that is renowned to be one of the most expensive in Europe, if not the world. We'll also tell you all about our favorite places in town (restaurants, museums, markets etc). Oh, and you'll join in on a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy (ever had fish and chips or a Sunday roast?) so that you can start to taste the local flavors.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
Though you're not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. We'll walk you through some of the things to expect, rehash your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights and, yep, we'll feed you again as part of our farewell to London and England.
Program Excursions
While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Visit Henry VIII's elaborate Tudor palace on the banks of the River Thames. See the Great Hall where he entertained hundreds of guests with sumptuous banquets and entertainment. Listen out for the cries of Catherine Howard's ghost as we tour the Haunted Gallery. Then tour William and Mary's apartments, designed by the great architect Christopher Wren before exploring the gardens and getting lost in Hampton Court's world famous maze.
There's more to this city than just the famous university. You'll explore the city's museums, theaters, shopping centers, parks, botanical gardens, and a cathedral. Combine these with the strong sense of educational superiority, and you've got a city that screams "British."
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site
Wander through the Old Town or explore the majestic terraces of the New Town. You'll want to bring your camera to capture these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Site Director
Travel Tip:
Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!
Anna Bermani
Student Affairs and Internship Coordinator in London
Anna holds a B.A. in English and German from Ca'Foscari University of Venice. The Italian village where she was born was never enough for her, and from a young age she decided she wanted to see the world and meet a lot of people from different cultures. Fascinated by foreign languages and traveling, she first studied abroad in London when she was in high school and then at Humboldt Universität in Berlin a few years after. New York City holds a special place in her heart, ever since he was an intern at the Italian Cultural Institute there. After volunteering and working for the not-for-profit association AFS Intercultural Program, helping hundreds of high school students enroll and prepare for their experience abroad, she moved to London and focused on working with university students. She has been part of the CIS Abroad on-site team in London for almost five years now and has extensive knowledge about all our London programs. She loves musicals, fashion, playing tennis, hiking, drinking green tea and matcha, and is an intrepid backpacker.
Your Support Staff
CIS Abroad Advising & Support
You'll be supported every step of the way!
Global Advising
Our advising team will help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal needs. Once you have selected your program our advisor will help you complete your Online Application.
Program Enrollment
Once you've started your application and submitted the $90 deposit, you'll be assigned a program enrollment coordinator who will guide you through the enrollment process to get you abroad!
We believe that study abroad is still possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, but certain policies and procedures will need to be in place to ensure every student can be safe and healthy during their semester abroad.
Learn more about CIS Abroad's Risk Management Team's three step process for operating our programs around the world and important program refund policies.
Read more below for information related to this program:
On-Site Program Modifications
We want your time abroad to be an experience of a lifetime. We also know that it is a unique time to be going abroad. Below is some helpful information to you so you can make the best decision for your finances, academic career, and personal health and safety.
Our Financial Commitment
CIS Abroad is working with international partners to create refund and withdrawal policies that limit the financial impact on students and families should COVID-19 change a student's plan to travel. See our refund policy page for more information.
To insure yourself from additional loss, such as the loss of airfare, or any other non-recoverable loss after your program begins, we recommend purchasing trip protection insurance, aka CFAR/IFAR insurance.
Our Academic Commitment
CIS Abroad has carefully selected programs where there is minimal to no academic risk.*
If a student must quarantine or miss classes due to sickness, remote academics are guaranteed. These may be synchronous or asynchronous, i.e, live or recorded.
If a city or country goes on lockdown due to sickness, remote academics are guaranteed. These may be synchronous or asynchronous, i.e. live or recorded.
* If a student cannot travel to their destination due to COVID-19 restrictions, remote academics are guaranteed on select programs and in certain courses. If accessing remote academics from the US are important to you, please contact our advising team to learn more about which program locations or courses are right for you.
Our Health & Safety Commitment
CIS Abroad has developed a site-specific risk management plan for every location so that health and safety protocols are monitored, managed and communicated throughout the semester. We have developed a COVID Care Package included in our program fee to make traveling and living in a host country easier on students, especially those first few weeks on-site:
COVID compliant airport pick-up and transfer to housing.
Access to quarantine housing upon entry, if quarantine is required when entering the country; this housing may incur additional charges.
Information and assistance on meal delivery, if quarantine is required when entering the country.
COVID-safe classrooms and campus facilities as well as access to masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies according to country and location specific standards.
Vaccine requirements for all participants to ensure COVID-safe program excursions and guaranteed housing with vaccinated students.
Access to accommodation if isolation is necessary due to positive COVID test or exposure; this housing may incur additional charges.
Access to COVID testing; this testing may be an additional charge.
Medical and accident insurance that covers COVID-related illness (except for on programs operating in the USA).
Cultural activities and reflection that emphasize safe, local exploration geared to the specific context of being abroad at this special time.
*if quarantine is required upon entry, we will let you know 60 days before a program starts, or as soon as the information is known to CIS Abroad. Your program coordinator will keep you updated as to any changes in dates, arrival, local restrictions and costs. If it is required, this may entail an earlier departure date and an additional housing and meal cost.
We recognize not every student, family, or university will allow travel this year, despite the risk mitigation outlined above. Should students apply for 2022 programs, and then choose to defer to a future program, we would be happy to move that student's application to a program with a later start date. We are committed to providing our innovative virtual programs to meet your internationalization goals.
We plan to show you the best of what your location has to offer this term; great culture, great food, and interesting people. On the Excursions tab, you can see the day or overnight trips we usually offer. It is too soon to know if we can offer those same experiences or if we'll stay a little closer to our program base. Just know that great experiences await you.
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
Summer 2022: Session 1 (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Apr 1
Arrival: June 18
Departure: July 9
Price: $6,190 - $6,890
Application Deadline: May 1
Arrival: July 9
Departure: July 30
Summer 2022: Sessions 1 & 2 (6 weeks)
Price: $9,990 - $10,690 (Estimated)
Application Deadline: Apr 1 (Estimated)
Arrival: June 18 (Estimated)
Departure: July 9 (Estimated)
Price: $6,190 - $6,890 (Estimated)
Application Deadline: May 1 (Estimated)
Arrival: July 9 (Estimated)
Departure: July 30 (Estimated)
Housing options: Lower range pricing is for Alexander Fleming Hall. Higher range pricing is for Marylebone Hall.
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experience abroad
Out of 10 on GoAbroad.com
Out of 100% on Go Overseas
Out of 5 on Facebook
Justin Waldera, Winona State University September 16, 2019 via Facebook
Kristen Casey, University of Florida September 9, 2019 via Facebook
Jamie Medina, St. Francis College March 10, 2019 via Go Overseas
Olivia Kass, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania March 20, 2019 via Go Overseas
Nicole Zucker, Wheelock College June 7, 2018 via Go Overseas
Copyright © 2022 Center for International Studies


Sony Music Masterworks is taking aim at the younger generation of music listeners. In an attempt to make jazz relevant again, it has assembled "a rotating ensemble of today's leading, up-and-coming and established jazz musicians," called New Masters with the inaugural lineup comprised of pianist Sullivan Fortner, drummer Eric Harland, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, bassist Burniss Earl Travis and saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins with the appearance of special guest percussionist Bashiri Johnson. The project, entitled ReWORKS with its Volume 1 dropping July 12th, aims at taking on today's biggest chart-topping hits, originally performed by the likes of Cardi B, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA, and reworking them (see what I did there?) in the spirit of contemporary jazz music with the hope of showcasing to unassuming neophytes what the genre has to offer. The first song in the series, Juice WRLD's "Lucid Dreams", arranged by Hekselman, can be streamed at the end of this post alongside the original.
ReWORKS, the brainchild of veteran jazz producer Matt Pierson, isn't a completely original concept. Brad Mehldau has made a career out of covering Radiohead songs which paved the way for many imitators to follow in his footsteps. Vijay Iyer has also meddled with covers including tracks by M.I.A. and Flying Lotus and Yaron Herman put his name on the map by being the first (to the best of my knowledge) to cover Britney Spears. But the closest iteration of the concept has to be Concord Music Group's 2013 supergroup the NEXT Collective with its album entirely made up of covers by the likes of Kanye West and JAY-Z, N*E*R*D, and Drake (sounds familiar?). More recently, jazz band Kneebody has also dropped a series of covers on their Youtube channel by such artists as Rihanna, John Legend and Cardi B (again, sounds familiar?) and Kassa Overall released his Drake It Till You Make It EP entirely comprised of Drake covers (beating a dead horse over here).
Now I, for one, do not believe that streaming is a real and permanent solution. With Spotify paying $0.00473 per play, artists would need around 336,842 total plays to earn $1,472 1. With its niche status, making a living off streaming just isn't realistic for most jazz musicians. Instead, when operating in a niche, I would rather advise for Kevin Kelly's "1000 true fans" approach.
Although I may sound somewhat skeptic of ReWORKS' success and condemn its genuine lack of originality, I do hope deep down that they succeed where others have failed. Jazz music is in dire need of growing its ageing fanbase in order to ensure that its artists, its community and its overall ecosystem truly thrive for years to come. And if it doesn't work out, we'll still have a bunch of cool covers to listen to. We've always loved covers over here at Nextbop.
ReWORKS Vol. 1, the new album by supergroup New Masters, drops July 12th on Sony Music Masterworks.


text:
(published October 10, 2002)
The Curious Republic Of Gondour
As soon as I had learned to speak the language a little, I became greatly interested in the people and the system of government.
I found that the nation had at first tried universal suffrage pure and simple, but had thrown that form aside because the result was not satisfactory. It had seemed to deliver all power into the hands of the ignorant and non-tax-paying classes; and of a necessity the responsible offices were filled from these classes also.
A remedy was sought. The people believed they had found it; not in the destruction of universal suffrage, but in the enlargement of it. It was an odd idea, and ingenious. You must understand, the constitution gave every man a vote; therefore that vote was a vested right, and could not be taken away. But the constitution did not say that certain individuals might not be given two votes, or ten! So an amendatory clause was inserted in a quiet way; a clause which authorised the enlargement of the suffrage in certain cases to be specified by statute. To offer to "limit" the suffrage might have made instant trouble; the offer to "enlarge" it had a pleasant aspect. But of course the newspapers soon began to suspect; and then out they came! It was found, however, that for once—and for the first time in the history of the republic— property, character, and intellect were able to wield a political influence; for once, money, virtue, and intelligence took a vital and a united interest in a political question; for once these powers went to the "primaries" in strong force; for once the best men in the nation were put forward as candidates for that parliament whose business it should be to enlarge the suffrage. The weightiest half of the press quickly joined forces with the new movement, and left the other half to rail about the proposed "destruction of the liberties" of the bottom layer of society, the hitherto governing class of the community.
The victory was complete. The new law was framed and passed. Under it every citizen, howsoever poor or ignorant, possessed one vote, so universal suffrage still reigned; but if a man possessed a good common-school education and no money, he had two votes; a high-school education gave him four; if he had property like wise, to the value of three thousand 'sacos,' he wielded one more vote; for every fifty thousand 'sacos' a man added to his property, he was entitled to another vote; a university education entitled a man to nine votes, even though he owned no property. Therefore, learning being more prevalent and more easily acquired than riches, educated men became a wholesome check upon wealthy men, since they could outvote them. Learning goes usually with uprightness, broad views, and humanity; so the learned voters, possessing the balance of power, became the vigilant and efficient protectors of the great lower rank of society.
And now a curious thing developed itself—a sort of emulation, whose object was voting power! Whereas formerly a man was honored only according to the amount of money he possessed, his grandeur was measured now by the number of votes he wielded. A man with only one vote was conspicuously respectful to his neighbor who possessed three. And if he was a man above the common-place, he was as conspicuously energetic in his determination to acquire three for himself. This spirit of emulation invaded all ranks. Votes based upon capital were commonly called "mortal" votes, because they could be lost; those based upon learning were called "immortal," because they were permanent, and because of their customarily imperishable character they were naturally more valued than the other sort. I say "customarily" for the reason that these votes were not absolutely imperishable, since insanity could suspend them.
Under this system, gambling and speculation almost ceased in the republic. A man honoured as the possessor of great voting power could not afford to risk the loss of it upon a doubtful chance.
It was curious to observe the manners and customs which the enlargement plan produced. Walking the street with a friend one day he delivered a careless bow to a passer-by, and then remarked that that person possessed only one vote and would probably never earn another; he was more respectful to the next acquaintance he met; he explained that this salute was a four-vote bow. I tried to "average" the importance of the people he accosted after that, by the-nature of his bows, but my success was only partial, because of the somewhat greater homage paid to the immortals than to the mortals. My friend explained. He said there was no law to regulate this thing, except that most powerful of all laws, custom. Custom had created these varying bows, and in time they had become easy and natural. At this moment he delivered himself of a very profound salute, and then said, "Now there's a man who began life as a shoemaker's apprentice, and without education; now he swings twenty-two mortal votes and two immortal ones; he expects to pass a high-school examination this year and climb a couple of votes higher among the immortals; mighty valuable citizen."
By and by my friend met a venerable personage, and not only made him a most elaborate bow, but also took off his hat. I took off mine, too, with a mysterious awe. I was beginning to be infected.
"What grandee is that?"
"That is our most illustrious astronomer. He hasn't any money, but is fearfully learned. Nine immortals is his political weight! He would swing a hundred and fifty votes if our system were perfect."
"Is there any altitude of mere moneyed: grandeur that you take off your hat to?"
"No. Nine immortal votes is the only power we uncover for that is, in civil life. Very great officials receive that mark of homage, of course."
It was common to hear people admiringly mention men who had begun life on the lower levels and in time achieved great voting-power. It was also common to hear youths planning a future of ever so many votes for themselves. I heard shrewd mammas speak of certain young men as good "catches" because they possessed such-and-such a number of votes. I knew of more than one case where an heiress was married to a youngster who had but one vote; the argument being that he was gifted with such excellent parts that in time he would acquire a good voting strength, and perhaps in the long run be able to outvote his wife, if he had luck.
Competitive examinations were the rule and in all official grades. I remarked that the questions asked the candidates were wild, intricate, and often required a sort of knowledge not needed in the office sought.
"Can a fool or an ignoramus answer them?" asked the person I was talking with.
"Certainly not."
"Well, you will not find any fools or ignoramuses among our officials."
I felt rather cornered, but made shift to say:
"But these questions cover a good deal more ground than is necessary."
"No matter; if candidates can answer these it is tolerably fair evidence that they can answer nearly any other question you choose to ask them."
There were some things in Gondour which one could not shut his eyes to. One was, that ignorance and incompetence had no place in the government. Brains and property managed the state. A candidate for office must have marked ability, education, and high character, or he stood no sort of chance of election. If a hod-carrier possessed these, he could succeed; but the mere fact that he was a hod-carrier could not elect him, as in previous times.
It was now a very great honour to be in the parliament or in office; under the old system such distinction had only brought suspicion upon a man and made him a helpless mark for newspaper contempt and scurrility. Officials did not need to steal now, their salaries being vast in comparison with the pittances paid in the days when parliaments were created by hod-carriers, who viewed official salaries from a hod-carrying point of view and compelled that view to be respected by their obsequious servants. Justice was wisely and rigidly administered; for a judge, after once reaching his place through the specified line of promotions, was a permanency during good behaviour. He was not obliged to modify his judgments according to the effect they might have upon the temper of a reigning political party.
The country was mainly governed by a ministry which went out with the administration that created it. This was also the case with the chiefs of the great departments. Minor officials ascended to their several positions through well-earned promotions, and not by a jump from gin- mills or the needy families and friends of members of parliament. Good behaviour measured their terms of office.
The head of the governments the Grand Caliph, was elected for a term of twenty years. I questioned the wisdom of this. I was answered that he could do no harm, since the ministry and the parliament governed the land, and he was liable to impeachment for misconduct. This great office had twice been ably filled by women, women as aptly fitted for it as some of the sceptred queens of history. Members of the cabinet, under many administrations, had been women.
I found that the pardoning power was lodged in a court of pardons, consisting of several great judges. Under the old regime, this important power was vested in a single official, and he usually took care to have a general jail delivery in time for the next election.
I inquired about public schools. There were plenty of them, and of free colleges too. I inquired about compulsory education. This was received with a smile, and the remark:
"When a man's child is able to make himself powerful and honoured according to the amount of education he acquires, don't you suppose that that parent will apply the compulsion himself? Our free schools and free colleges require no law to fill them."
There was a loving pride of country about this person's way of speaking which annoyed me. I had long been unused to the sound of it in my own. The Gondour national airs were forever dinning in my ears; therefore I was glad to leave that country and come back to my dear native land, where one never hears that sort of music.
Lincoln's Last Speech
by Abraham Lincoln
The Last few Rant pieces (from Issues #102 thru #98):
Is There A Retard Specialist In the House?
Geronimo's Mightiest Battle
by Geronimo
My Kid Sister Has Cancer
by David Erik Nelson
Ruth Handler: Death Of A Tit Man

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Jax Wax Rinse Bucket gives you the option to have a dedicated "Rinse" Bucket to be used in a two bucket wash method. Using clean water in your Rinse bucket with a Grit Guard to loosen up and remove the dirt and grime picked up from your wash mitt during the wash process will greatly reduce the chance of introducing dirt back onto the vehicles surface creating swirls/imperfections.
You can purchase the Jax Wax Rinse Bucket in multiple options.
Jax Wax Rinse Bucket with durable vinyl "Rinse" decal.
Jax Wax Rinse Bucket with Gamma Seal Lid.
Jax Wax Rinse Bucket with Grit Guard and Gamma Seal waterproof resealable lid.
Jax Wax Rinse Bucket with Grit Guard, Gamma Seal waterproof resealable lid and Bucket Dolly.


We had to close on our condo using a power of attorney, so when we arrived in Puerto Rico on June 30th, we still had to pick up the keys and closing documents. "No problem. We can get them from you tomorrow", I replied before hanging up the phone.
We began the day at 6am in Orlando. The boys were a bit nervous but they ended up thoroughly enjoying their first flight in 6 years. When we left the Aguadilla airport in our rental car, they were completely silent, which is highly unusual. They were just trying to process the sights and sounds of this foreign place.
When we got to the condo, they were awed by the ocean view and excited to finally see where were moving to. After unloading, we grabbed some traditional Puerto Rican food at La Papa which they absolutely loved. Then, after going to the electric company, I walked the boys down to the beach from our condo. As we approached and the sound of the waves grew louder, their walk quickly morphed into an all out run. Down at the beach I sat on a rock, just soaking in the look of pure joy on their faces and the beautiful sunset in the background. I wished that moment would never end.
When the sun had dropped below the horizon, we started walking back to the condo. Desmond grabbed some leftovers from La Papa (they give you a LOT of food) and was eating at the table while Holly and Waylon were putting some dinner together. Desmond and I noticed that a couple black winged termites had wriggled their way past the screens and into the living room. I told Desmond to stay calm as I tried to exterminate them one by one with a tissue. It seemed like every time I'd get one about 10 more would squeeze their way in. Pretty soon, they were flying around the room and literally crawling all over the walls. Desmond finally lost it which of course led to everyone freaking out. It was obvious the screens were of no use in stopping them, so I told Holly and the kids to go into a bedroom, shut the windows and turn on the air conditioner so they could finish their dinner.
I turned all the lights off inside and then turned the balcony light on. I could see them swarming outside around the light. Then, I heard a panicked scream coming from the bedroom. I ran over and Holly said loudly "there's a cockroach on the wall!" As I took care of the cockroach, both boys were crying. "We want to go back to Texas!", they sobbed.
As you can imagine, this was NOT the way we hoped our postcard perfect first day in Puerto Rico would end!
Then, about as quickly as the insect invasion had began, it was over. I looked outside and didn't see anymore termites around the light. I turned on the light inside and just saw a bunch of wings strewn about the floor. In all of our days here since, we've never had a night like that again. Thankfully.
After doing some research online, I found out that these termites are called comején arbóreos. Here on the island, it's not uncommon to see their huge dark brown nests in the trees with foraging tunnels extending along the trunk and branches like veins.
The winged form of these termites multiply in great numbers and then wait for a rainy day to emerge from their nests. When the rain doesn't come, they keep waiting… and multiplying. They will wait for up to three months for a good rainy day. Well, as I later recalled from my conversation with Josue, the area's "rainy" season which usually begins in April, was pretty much nonexistent. That is until June 30th.


St. George / Hurricane KOA will happily answer your questions and provide any information that you need. Simply fill out the form below, click "Submit" and your request will be forwarded to St. George / Hurricane KOA for their prompt attention.
Welcome to the St. George / Hurricane KOA!
There's only one way to improve on the sublime red-rock scenery of southern Utah's color country: Enjoy it using this new KOA as your base. The campground is situated on the shores of refreshing Quail Lake, at the site of an old ghost town. Swimming, fishing and boating are just steps from your campsite. So is a heated pool and hot tub, a new pickleball court, and a clubhouse with an impressive roster of live entertainment. The clubhouse is a great place to host a rally or other event.


I wanted to introduce myself to the forum and ask a couple of questions about Windows Phone that I thought you guys might be able to answer.
I love to try different phones and platforms and I get bored with using the same thing after a while. I'm addicted to change. In January I reviewed the blackberry z10, here, and now I am looking at trying out Windows Phone.
I'm on Verizon, and so I'm considering the rumored HTC M8 with Windows Phone, but if that rumor proves untrue, I may consider the Samsung Ativ SE just because it is less common than the Lumia Icon. The lack in camera resolution doesn't bother me that much, and I would probably enjoy swapping batteries and using the expanded storage.
My question for most of you is, what is the biggest "gotcha" you experienced when switching to Windows Phone? IE. what set back did you not anticipate when you got your microsoft driven phone?
Re: Looking to buy my first Windows Phone!
The oft-mentioned app gap didn't affect me.
What's making me leave the system again is that playing music on it is a poor experience. If I'd known how bad it was I'd not have come back to Windows Phone.
Is it sound quality, or the music app itself?
Quality is fair enough for a phone. But search on here for Xbox Music for the issues actually getting a track to play. And if it does, all your tags are ignored. Then there's a lovely great click between tracks. Forget gapless. Best workaround I found was to buy an iPod and forget about Windows Phone for music playing.
Quality is fair enough for a phone. But search on here for Xbox Music for the issues actually getting a track to play. And if it does, all your tags are ignored. Then there's a lovely great click between tracks. Forget gapless. Best workaround I found was to but an iPod and forget about Windows Phone for music playing.
Apt-x is supposedly on the way in a future update. But that could be many, many, many months away (if at all).
Cortana digital assistant is a bit of an unknown. It's beta. And only available in the Us - something a lot of our US friends forget.
There's other music player apps in the store. But I just bought a dedicated device and moved on.
Welcome to WPCentral. Since I've only been in Microsoft's ecosystem, I can't really compare the others for you, but it has definitely kept me happy.
How does file management work on windows phone? Does it have a file explorer? Can you access windows shares? Can you manage your files remotely from your desktop?
file management is basic. there's an official Files app, but it is fairly spartan.
As for the others, I don't do those, so I would see if one of the other 3rd party file managers have that functionality.
The biggest "gotcha" for me is... hmm.
I don't think there really was one, I made sure I knew what I was getting.
Music is a problem especially in WP8.1 but Nokia Mix Radio is pretty good with some unique features.
App gap is an issue occasionally.
I still use my Lumia 810 on a daily basis and use my Android tablet for stuff the WP device lacks in when necessary.
Welcome and good luck trying out the Ativ SE.


text:
História do Brasil (Bloch Editores) é uma coleção em três volumes sobre história do Brasil lançada pela editora de Adolpho Bloch em 1972.
É uma das principais produções da literatura historiográfica brasileira; de Tounay a Cândido Portinari, a coleção é rica em imagens ao reproduzir centenas de quadros a óleo, gravuras, litografias, desenhos, aquarelas, cartas geográficas e fotografias.

Em agosto de 1997 foi relançada com modificações.

Autores
A coleção foi coordenada por Herculano Gomes Matias, sócio do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro; por Lauryston Guerra e por Affonso Celso V. de Carvalho. Os demais construtores da coleção foram: Elizabeht Maria Loureiro, Lucia Rios Ricci, Daniel Sandler, Therezinha Marly Alves, Ângela Motta Lima e Geraldo Pinto Vieira.

Ver também
Saga - A Grande História do Brasil

Livros de história do Brasil
Coleções de livros

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
L'Irkut (in mongolo Эрхүү гол) è un fiume della Russia siberiana sudorientale (Oblast' di Irkutsk e Repubblica Autonoma della Buriazia), affluente di sinistra dell'Angara.

Nasce dal lago Il'čir, sul versante settentrionale dei Sajany orientali, nei pressi del confine fra Russia e Mongolia; scorre in un ambiente montano con direzione mediamente nordorientale, passando a pochi chilometri dal lago Bajkal prima di sfociare nell'Angara a Irkutsk, una delle maggiori città siberiane che dal fiume ha preso il nome.

L'Irkut è gelato, mediamente, dai primi di novembre alla fine di aprile; oltre a Irkutsk, non tocca altri centri urbani di rilievo ad eccezione di Šelechov.

Note

Bibliografia
 Istituto Geografico De Agostini. Enciclopedia geografica, edizione speciale per il Corriere della Sera, vol. 6. RCS Quotidiani s.p.a., Milano, 2005. .
 Istituto Geografico De Agostini. Grande atlante geografico del mondo, edizione speciale per il Corriere della Sera. Milano, 1995

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Fiumi dell'Oblast' di Irkutsk
Affluenti dell'Angara
Fiumi della Repubblica Autonoma della Buriazia


text:
Obamacare helps boost profits at area health systems
Special Section: Videos, interactive maps, summaries and local coverage of Obamacare
By Guy Boulton of the Journal Sentinel
Health systems in the Milwaukee area have seen a sharp increase in profits since the expansion of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
That wasn't the initial expectation.
Analysts at rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor's, initially were guarded in how the legislation would affect health systems. But so far, the law has helped the bottom lines of health systems in the Milwaukee area.
The same trend overall can be seen throughout the country.
A key reason: Health systems are providing less charity care and incurring fewer bad debts.
"It's all relative, but in general, we are seeing improved performance," said Martin Arrick, an analyst who follows nonprofit health systems and hospitals for Standard & Poor's.
A slew of other factors — including health systems' work to control costs and become more efficient — contributed to the increase in profits in the Milwaukee area.
Still, the numbers are telling:
■ Aurora Health Care's operating income was up 221% in 2014, increasing to $503 million from $156.8 million in 2013. For the first nine months of 2015, operating income fell slightly to $337.5 million when compared with the same period in 2014. But that was more than triple the operating income of $92.4 million reported for the first nine months of 2013.
■ Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare's operating income was up 158% for its fiscal year ended June 30, increasing to $69.2 million compared with $26.8 million in its 2014 fiscal year.
■ ProHealth Care's operating income was up 125% for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, increasing to $37.8 million compared with $16.8 million for its 2014 fiscal year.
■ Froedtert Health's operating income was up 79% for its fiscal year ended June 30, increasing to $149 million compared with $83.4 million in its 2014 fiscal year.
■ Columbia St. Mary's operating income was up 26% in its fiscal year ended June 30, increasing to $26.1 million compared with $20.7 million in its 2013 fiscal year.
At least some of those gains have come from the increase in people with health insurance, either through the subsidized health plans sold on the federal marketplaces or the state's partial expansion of its Medicaid program.
■ Froedtert Health's bad debt expense fell by $40.2 million, to $33.2 million, while the cost of providing charity care fell by $14.2 million, to $7.6 million, in its fiscal year ended June 30.
■ Wheaton Franciscan's bad debt expense fell by $29.6 million, to $44.9 million, while the cost of providing charity care fell by $15 million, to $34.5 million, in its fiscal year ended June 30.
At the same time, the health systems are seeing more patients, in part because people previously uninsured are likely to schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Health systems in the Milwaukee area, which has a high rate of poverty, may have benefited more from the increase in people with health insurance than health systems in other parts of the state and country.
Roughly 50,000 people in Milwaukee County gained coverage through the partial expansion of BadgerCare Plus, the state's largest Medicaid program.
And 52,115 people in the Milwaukee market had enrolled in health plans sold on the federal marketplace at the end of the open-enrollment period last year. That number dropped over the course of the year, and an unknown percentage of the people previously were insured. But 89,480 people signed up for coverage in the open-enrollment period that ended Jan. 1, a 72% increase.
Medicaid programs such as BadgerCare Plus generally pay far less than the cost of providing care. But Arrick of Standard & Poor's noted that still is a good trade off if someone previously was uninsured.
Many people who have gained coverage have commercial insurance, which pays higher rates.
The benefits can be seen in the health systems' operating margins — their operating income as a percent of operating revenue.
An operating margin of 3% to 5% is "a good place to be," Arrick said.
Jennifer Gingrass, a principal with ECG Management Consultants, agreed.
An operating margin of more than 3% is considered solid, she said, and 4% to 5% is considered good.
By that measure, the adult health systems in the Milwaukee area also are doing well:
■ Aurora had a 10.7% operating margin in 2014, up from 3.7% in 2013. For the first nine months of 2015, its operating margin was 9.3%.
■ Froedtert Health had a 7.9% operating margin in its fiscal year ended June 30, up from 5% in its 2014 fiscal year.
■ ProHealth had a 5% operating margin for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, up from 2.4% in its 2014 fiscal year.
■ Columbia St. Mary's had a 4% operating margin for its fiscal year ended June 30, up from 3.3% in its 2014 fiscal year.
■ Wheaton Franciscan had a 3.8% operating margin for its fiscal year ended June 30, up from 1.5% in its 2014 fiscal year.
That said, the financial results in any given year are no more than a snapshot.
Wheaton Franciscan's operating income fell to $3.6 million in the first three months of its 2016 fiscal year, for example, compared with $9.6 million for the same period in its 2015 fiscal year.
The most recent financial results also include an array of payments that are going away.
For example, the Affordable Care Act temporarily increased Medicaid payments for primary care physicians. That added $12.7 million to Aurora's bottom line in 2014, Gail Hanson, Aurora's chief financial officer, said last summer.
And health systems that moved to electronic health records are receiving incentive payments from the federal government. Aurora received $26.8 million in 2014.
Other health systems also benefited from both.
Aurora has been a standout. But the health system has cut costs in recent years. It completed the implementation of Epic Systems software for electronic health records. And it, too, has seen a drop in its bad debt expense and the cost of providing charity care.
Aurora also has gained market share by offering attractive prices to health plans sold on the federal marketplace. Most of those plans initially were tied to Aurora's network of hospitals and clinics.
Aurora's revenue jumped to $4.7 billion in 2014, an 11% increase from $4.2 billion in 2013.
Still, the numbers posted by many health systems since the Affordable Care Act have been somewhat of a surprise.
The unknown is whether the overall strong profits at health systems in the Milwaukee area will keep a check on future increases in prices.
Health systems, like most organizations, face their share challenges and uncertainty.
The Affordable Care Act partially pays for the cost of expanding coverage by reducing future increases in the Medicare rate. The law also includes payments and penalties tied to how well hospitals perform on measures of quality and efficiency. And Medicare now penalizes hospitals with high rates of potentially preventable readmissions.
Health systems also are preparing for the expected move away from so-called fee-for-service — in which they are paid based on the services they provide — to new payment models that could put more focus on costs and quality.
"The bigger five- to 10-year outlook is still complicated and sort of stable at best," Arrick said. "The near term has been positive."
About Guy Boulton
Guy Boulton covers health policy and the business of health care.
@BoultonGuy
gboulton@journalsentinel.com
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The first half of the story takes place in the small resort town of Vevey, Switzerland, at the shore of a lake surrounded by hotels. The hotels are of different varieties, with flags, bright paint, summer houses, and gardens. But the hotel "of luxury and of maturity" is the Trois Couronnes (three crowns), where German waiters, who look like secretaries, serve guests from all over Europe and America. It is the hotel of choice, the place to be seen.
Frederick Winterbourne is an American living in Geneva. The reason for his presence in the city is vague; he is either continuing his studies in Geneva or is devoted to a foreign lady there. He is presently on a short holiday in Vevey with his aunt. At the beginning of the story, he is having his breakfast in the garden of the Trois Couronnes. A small American boy of nine or ten comes up to him and asks for a lump of sugar. Winterbourne grants his request, but warns him that sugar is bad for his teeth. The lad entertains Winterbourne with his talk of candy and his evaluation that everything American is better than European.
The lad's pretty sister, Daisy, confidently approaches, and Winterbourne exclaims that American girls are wonderful. Daisy is dressed in white muslin with lots of ribbons, is carrying a parasol, and is bareheaded. She scolds her brother, who pays her no mind. Winterbourne, knowing he is being forward to speak to a young, unmarried lady, tries to enter into conversation with Daisy; but she is perplexingly vague and rather ignores him to try and handle her brother. Winterbourne presses on, talking about the view, and eventually gets Daisy's direct regard. Her eyes are "singularly honest and fresh," and very pretty. He notices that her features are very lovely, yet "want finish." She might be a coquette, yet she does not have the manipulative mannerisms of that type: "no mockery, no irony." She begins asking him questions, notes that he looks awfully German for an American gentleman, and assumes he does not know the location of New York, her home state. She then sits down although she claims she likes to stand. Daisy is soon relaxed, almost tranquil. Winterbourne is attracted to her.
Winterbourne grabs the brother and asks his name, forcing an introduction. All three are formally introduced, and the reader learns that Daisy and her brother Randolph are traveling alone with their mother. Their father, who does not care for Europe, stayed behind to care for his business, located in Schenectady. The family is obviously wealthy. Randolph is bored with Europe and wants to go back to America. In contrast, Daisy appears happy with everything; she is not disappointed with Europe only anxious about the lack of "society." She explains that she had an active social life in New York with many gentlemen friends. Winterbourne is slightly shocked and highly amused with Daisy. He decides that she is a flirt and that he is going to learn the conditions and limitations of socializing with her.
Winterbourne and Daisy discuss going across the lake to the castle, Chateau de Chillon. She wants to go, but not alone; unfortunately her mother cannot accompany her because of her bouts of illness, and Randolph is not interested in old castles. Winterbourne realizes that Daisy is hinting to him; he responds that he would like to go with her to the castle. His boldness in making such a statement is lost on Daisy, who merely comments that if he means it, Randolph can stay with her mother and Eugenio, the courier. Winterbourne knows it would be improper to go with Daisy alone to the castle, but he likes the idea and thinks he is lucky to have the chance.
The handsome courier, Eugenio, approaches the table, looks Winterbourne over, and coolly announces lunch to Daisy. When Daisy tells Eugenio of the plan to visit the castle, he replies in an insolent tone. All three are uncomfortable, but Winterbourne insists that he means to go and that he will introduce his aunt, presumably to speak for his character and against Eugenio's doubt of it. Daisy then answers vaguely, turns away, and regally walks to the hotel beside Eugenio.
Winterbourne goes inside to see his aunt, who has an aristocratic face and puffy white hair. She claims to be a woman of fortune and distinction; she also says she is socially powerful in New York. Since her own three sons are grown and not traveling with her, she likes the attentiveness Winterbourne shows her. When Winterbourne discusses Daisy, he learns that his aunt considers the Millers and their courier to be vulgar. Winterbourne argues that Daisy is pretty and innocent, not knowing the ways of society. Mrs. Costello responds that she is common, although she does dress well and seems to have "taste." When Winterbourne admits that he has met Daisy, his aunt is appalled. She is shocked further to learn that her nephew is taking Daisy to the castle alone after knowing her for a mere half hour. She warns Winterbourne that he has been too long out of the United States to engage safely in the society of uncultivated, dreadful young girls. Mrs. Costello ends the conversation by claiming that her own granddaughters would never behave as Daisy does.


President Donald Trump is praising what he's calling a "very special relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the two sit down for dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam, ahead of formal talks. Trump struck a hopeful tone Wednesday evening, telling reporters at the Metropole hotel that "a lot of things are going to be solved, I hope" and saying he thinks "it'll lead to a wonderful, really a wonderful situation long term."
This undated file photo distributed on Sept. 3, 2017, by the North Korean government, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at an undisclosed location. US President Donald Trump's message to North Korea has been simple and clear: give up your nuclear weapons and a flood of wealth will soon be yours for the taking.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong at the Presidential Palace, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.
President Donald Trump meets Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong at the Presidential Palace, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.
President Donald Trump and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc wave flags before a meeting at the Office of Government Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.
A man holds a placard and US national and North Korea flags outside Metropole hotel where US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to have dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. The second summit between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim will take place in Hanoi on Feb. 27 and 28.
Police officers stand guard outside Metropole hotel where US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to have dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. The second summit between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim will take place in Hanoi on Feb. 27 and 28.
US President Donald Trump passes wellwishers in his car on his way to meet North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Trump and Kim are meeting for their second summit in Hanoi Feb. 27-28.
President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.
People gather outside Metropole Hotel where US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. The second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place in Hanoi on Feb. 27 and 28.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.
US President Donald Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.


text:
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Education|Research
Sweden Today
Moonshine on the wane
Home distilling is steadily on the decrease in Sweden, and the drink that goes under the popular name 'skogsstjärnan' (star of the forest) is growing more and more unusual.
This week's verdict of guilty will possibly make an even greater imprint on the waning moonshine. All of the 70 prosecuted in a huge moonshine tangle were convicted of crime, fourteen of them will be sent to prison for between eight months to four years. Among them were eight who had distilled liquor. The ones who had bought the liquor were fined.
The principal players began brewing up batches of alcohol in 2008 and kept going until April this year, when police intervened. At the police raid, 2,500 liters (660 US gallons) of liquor and eight burners were confiscated. One of the defendants is suspected of having made close to 40,000 liters (10,566 US gallons) of liquor. Ever since 1995, when Sweden entered the European Union, notices about home distilling have decreased steadily. The trend has been very noticeable the last five years.
In 2000 statistics from Brå (the National Council for Crime Prevention), showed 936 cases, compare that with 2010 and 301 cases. Leif Petersson, statistician at Brå, argues that the statistics from one year to another can be influenced by police activities as this recent one.
"Single cases can do a lot to the numbers," he says.
Moonshining – soon nothing but a memory? The habit of illicit home distilling is on the wane in Sweden.
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Remember Charmy Tuch from the popular 'Birthday Song' and now he returns with two fresh and hot singles. 'Nabania' and 'Baby Oshe' are destined to find their way to the top of the charts and rule the airwaves and are the latest offering from the entertainer popularly called Charming Michael Jackson.
His camp decided to release these singles due to the massive positive feedback the Clarence Peters directed video for 'Birthday Song' received , which by the way has over 600,000 views on Youtube.
Aimed at taking Charmy's career to the next level, listen, enjoy and share these musical delight.


Hello – I have been working on this for over a week and cannot figure out what is wrong. I have a course with 6 tests – one for each of the 5 lessons and then a final test. I need to average the score of all 6 tests and then move the learner to either the completed page (80% correct or better) or fail page (less than 80% mastery).
I have had a few different Lectora support reps trying to help me and although it seems like it SHOULD be working, the scoring is not working properly. I have set up an Action Group with actions to modify the variable of each test; and then a final action within the group to divide the total of all tests scores by 6. Then I have an action outside of that group that tells the system to go to a completed page if the total score is greater than or equal to 80%; if not go to the fail page.
What happens is that when testing I get all but 1 answer correct, so it should score high enough to go to the completed page. Instead I am taken to the fail page where it shows I only got 10% correct.
Any help will be appreciated SOOOO much!
You shouldn't need to divide at all – there will be one variable that automatically captures the total score % and 6 other variables that capture the individual scores. Create a page after the final test section and have an action on that page that moves the person to a completed/failed page based on this total score variable.
I seem to be having almost the exact same problem as above except I am using Lectora 16.
I have 5 scored tests in one AU that I had intended to be averaged for the AICC score. On my passed and failed pages, I have a box set up where I can see the score for each test and those appear to be working correctly for all the tests. I used the reserved variable for each test to populate that box. The catch is when I get to the end and need the AICC score to determine if the employee has an overall passing grade of 80%. It always sends me to the 'course failed' page. I'm thinking I'm missing something to generate the AICC score at the end, but I've tried so many different ways to do it that I've lost track. I even tried turning off the 'Include test in overall score' and setting up an action group to do it manually, but that didn't work either. I thought AICC Score was generated automatically–but isn't there some kind of trigger needed to end the lesson so the score is calculated? What am I doing wrong?
All tests are randomized, so they have no last page. They all go to a 'Quiz passed' or 'Quiz failed' page as set on the Behavior tab of the test. On the last test (Quiz 5), if the student gets to the 'quiz passed' page, it then has a button to 'complete the course' which sends them to a 'course passed' page IF AICC_Score is greater than or equal to 80% (I've also tried just 80 w/o the %) ELSE go to the failed course page, which allows them to start over or exit at that point. It always sends me to the Failed page and there is a text box for the score on that page, intended to capture the AICC_Score, but nothing every shows (At the page level, OnShow–>Change Contents–>Target: PointsDisplayFinal, Value: Set Text, Text: VAR(AICC_Score). It stays blank.
What am I missing? Is there an extra step required to trigger the AICC_Score at the very end so it averages all the tests?
Usually AICC_Score contains the average score of all tests (that are "included in overall score"). Are you testing in an LMS? Scorm variables will only be usable in an LMS.
It should be possible to calculate the average score from the scores of the tests, no LMS needed then. I'm doing that in a course with 6 randomized tests and it's working without issues (Lectora 11).
ah hah! Didn't think of that. The LMS won't let me load it. I'm getting an error message that it may not be the correct format and is not associated with a valid session. ::sigh:: Guess I better figure that out before I can test any further. I thought it was because of the AICC score…but it must be something else. I've loaded dozens of SCORM 1.2 modules before this with no problem. Can't figure out what is going on this time. We use Blackboard Learn 9.1, but this is the first time I've put multiple tests into one module.
Will the AICC_score show when running in preview mode or does it have to be loaded in the LMS to work?
This reply was modified 3 years ago by Jeannine Isom.
AICC_Score will only be available if the module is published to Scorm and opened in the LMS. It's not available when publishing to html and not in preview mode.
I've tested a course with two tests (Lectora 16) in moodle 3.0. I can display AICC_Score in a textfield and use it in a condition of an action.
As it turns out, I loaded the SCORM package into SCORM Cloud and another system and it worked perfectly. It captured the correct score at the end and displayed it in the Final Score text box like it was supposed to. The problem is apparently something in Blackboard. Thanks for your help!


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Since November, 1988 all versions can be equipped with anti-blocking system.
The working brake with anti-blocking system is put in action hydraulically by the double-circuit main brake cylinder (type a tandem) and in addition hydraulic auxiliary device.
Hydraulic a contour of lobbies of the right and left brakes are divided and cope the main brake cylinder. Back brakes (in system "Y") cope the hydraulic auxiliary device.
The hand brake is put in action mechanically (cable), характеризируется with automatic elimination of a gap and affects mechanisms of back brakes.
Forward brakes disk. In them ventilated disks, and also floating a support with one piston are used.
Brand and type: Ford 2L 232. Diameter of the piston: 60 mm.
– the nominal admissible: 22 mm.
Maximum disk palpation: 0,15 mm.
Brand and type of blocks: Ferodo 343 25 FF. Nominal thickness: 18 mm.
Nominal admissible thickness: is defined by flute deleting on surfaces of a brake shoe.
Back brakes disk. In them full disks, and also floating a support with one piston are established.
Brand and type: Ford L2 9024. Diameter of the piston: 43 mm.
– the nominal admissible: 8,9 mm.
Brand and type of blocks: DON 8106/1. Nominal thickness: 13,5 mm.
The system putting in action a working brake, is hydraulic, contains the double-circuit main brake cylinder and the hydraulic auxiliary device, and also anti-blocking system.
Brand: ABS Teves. Electronic actuation device: Teves.
Resistance of the sensor of speed of rotation of a wheel: 0,8–1,4 Ohm.
Type: brake Ford SAM liquid of 6C 9103 A.
Periodicity of replacement: each 60 000 km or time in two years.


When the Devonport Borough Council was given Rangitoto Island to look after, they formed the Rangitoto Island Domain Board who faced with costs related running the island looked for methods to raise funds. One of the ways was to offer campsites for an annual fee. As more and more people took up the campsites it became unhygienic so they lessees encouraged building and this was the start of the Bach Communities. All that happened in 1911 – 100 years ago.
Site 26 and therefore Bach 26, later known as Lambs Joint was leased by Jones & Co, Working Mens Club.
Bach 28 was the first dwelling on the island and was built by William Pooley who was appointed a caretaker in 1911.
Bach 27 also built by William Pooley and was originally the boat shed for Bach 28, it is currently known as Don-Jan.
Bach 36 – a request to build was lodged on 8th August 1911 – 100 years ago today as I write this newsletter – permission was granted by the Domain Board on 29th November 1911 to Messers Jones and others.
These baches are still standing, there were many more that have been removed.
In the upcoming 12 months there will be some changes to Rangitoto Island. The long awaited replacement of the Rangitoto Wharf will start in October. Initially offsite for 3 to 4 months, it will be onsite for approx 8 months. Being upgraded will be the Coastal Track from Islington Bay to Rangitoto Wharf. It is very rough and has been the cause of many injuries in the past as visitors run for the ferry. It is hoped with these improvements that Rangitoto and Motutapu will become more of a walking destination.
With the advent of Auckland Council this will be even bigger this year as it has amalgamated all of Auckland. The Trust is running its famous Cream scone, tea and tours twice a day on Sundays, 18th & 25th September and 2nd October. The Trust has just ordered sleeveless vests for volunteers to wear, Marian has trialled one for us, they will be available at the AGM to look at and purchase. Bookings through Fullers either by phone or online.
Usually at the end of the year we have a barbeque on Rangitoto Island for our Volunteers. It was suggested this year that the trip to Coromandel including a visit to Driving Creek Railway. Run by 360 Discovery look at their website and if interested email and register then we can let you know details such as date and cost.
The Trust has been working on Bach 114 since 2005 and we are pleased to announce that apart from some very minor finishing, our fabulous volunteers have completed the project.
for the amazing sunrise taken from the summit of the island.
1984 from TVNZ. All of these can be viewed at the AGM while sharing afternoon tea.
extra vigilant about what we accidentally take when we travel there.


Ginny Moon, an autistic teenager, has found her forever home, but takes measures to exploit the good intentions of those who try to care for her.
This book was one of the most fascinating, interesting books I have read in a long while. It is very well written and the author takes you right into the frustration of Ginny who cannot always express herself correctly as well as into the angst her parents have in trying to handle a very delicate situation. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It is a must read!
I didn't want to put this down - not only does it provide a fascinating insight into the world of the autistic person, but the story line itself quickly draws you in. An amazing book.
Ginny Moon gives you a peek into a world not many of us have ever encountered. It was beautifully written.
In his acknowledgments, Ludwig wrote that one of his hopes in writing the book was to give a voice to people who might have trouble self-advocating. I believe that his hope is realized.
It takes until the middle of the book, p 177, for Ginny to communicate with her Forever Dad an important clue to her childhood. And, it slowly changes things.
Ludwig has offered up a rare debut, told from the perspective of an autistic teen in foster care. After finally being placed in a forever home, Ginny becomes obsessed with finding her way back to her mother, despite the years of abuse she endured. It is only midway through the year, but I am certain that this book will be a favorite of 2017.
I don't know how to rate this - it was good and kept me turning pages, but I didn't enjoy reading it because of the choices and actions of the people in Ginny's life. The strength of this novel is Ginny's voice; it feels authentic and seeing things from her point of view helps the reader to understand her and feel invested in the outcome of her story.
Perhaps a good choice for a book club or a buddy-read with a friend as there is a lot to talk about in this one.
My favorite book of the year! Mesmerizing, heartwarming, and a total page-turner. Ginny, a 14-year-old girl with autism and developmental disabilities, narrates life with her "forever family" after being taken from her birth mother. It stretched my understanding, perspective, and expectations. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Wow! Ludwig put me inside Ginny's head and it felt so real! It's difficult to get across how powerful this story was without spoilers but I'm going to try! Ginny is autistic and was abused/neglected by her birth mother. She was removed from the home when she was nine. I started to despise her Forever mother and father (mostly the mother) but understandably because I could see inside Ginny's head and they couldn't. Emotional ending that wasn't what I would have chosen but fit perfectly. Highly recommended!
Such a good story! All I could think about was getting back to the book to find out what is happening in Ginny's life now. She's a teenaged autistic girl who had a very difficult beginning but seems to have settled well with her adoptive family except for one obsession she just can't let go. Very interesting and well written.
I kept wanting to find a connection with Ginny throughout the story but it felt like I "just missed" every time. I don't feel that this novel depicts the thinking of an autistic child so much as what we ("typical" people) want to think an autistic person would think like. A quote at the end of the book perhaps sums it up best when he says "if you know one child with autism, then you know one child with autism". In other words they are as individual as anyone else and writers too often make assumptions and generalizations about them that are not accurate. I have a person in my life who is on the autistic spectrum and also 15 years old who is nothing whatsoever like the Ginny in this book. Ginny is shown to be manipulative, a liar and a thief. I don't believe that's generally true of autistic people but rather they are extremely naive and trusting and easily taken advantage of. I think the "forever Mom" Maura was a poor candidate to become an adoptive mother - she comes across as too immature to be trusted in that role.
p 135, LOL: "...Michael Jackson is my favorite singer-dancer in the whole world. I have a picture of him on my wall in my room plus the calendar. He is my biggest fan."
p 177: "Gloria named it Krystal with a K to tell the difference from Crystal with a C."
Everything stops. Everything freezes. Because they get it. They finally, finally understand.


text:
Big landscapes: Oregon parks work toward restoration
Sage Johnson (TLC)
In an effort to restore the Western Oregon landscape to what it looked like in the mid-1800s, the Benton County Natural Areas and Parks Department is removing plant species such as conifers that have invaded and taken over what was once an expansive
Clearing out conifers that have overtaken the native oaks is a key part of the effort.
Photo: Andy Cripe, Mid-Valley Sunday.
meadow of native grasses and spreading oak trees, known today as oak savanna.
At Fort Hoskins, five acres of Douglas fir, blackberry and brush will be cleared to make more room for the existing Oregon white oaks. The area will be reseeded with native grasses and flowering plants.
It's just one of several park projects under way in Oregon this summer, covering an area of approximately 90 acres.
Mark Miller of Trout Mountain Forestry is consulting forester for the projects. "Fir grows faster than oak, and left untended it eventually overtops and shades out the oak," Miller told the Gazette Times in Corvallis. "We've lost 95 to 98 percent of the oak savanna and oak woodland habitat that there was historically – pre-settlement – and only 1-to-2 percent of that (which is left) is in good condition. That's the really compelling reason to do this kind of restoration."
The nonprofit Greenbelt Land Trust is planning a similar project on about 100 acres of its Bald Hill Farm property just west of Corvallis. "Mainly what we're trying to do is preserve the oak habitats that are already there," Jeff Baker, Greenbelt's stewardship manager, told the Gazette Times. "We want to take out a lot of the conifers so the oak can thrive and in some cases thin out the oaks so the (remaining) oaks can thrive."
Edible landscapes' popularity argues for broadening skills
Freeway landscaping plan draws fire for water use, plant choices
Invasive plants support mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus
E15 affects landscapers' equipment, everyone's environment


#Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says at his press conference that star S Earl Thomas has a lower leg fracture. He'll go on Injured Reserve.
RIP to arguably the scariest secondary to ever play professional football.
Personally, I'm not buying this story for a second. This is just Seattle's way of covering their own asses.
With Thomas preparing to hit free agency next Spring, he has a big decision to make. And honestly, if I were him, I would flip Seattle the bird for the second time. He shouldn't even have a meeting with them as far as I'm concerned. He should have plenty of suitors across the league who actually value him.
With this potential departure comes the official end of an era in Seattle. First Richard Sherman, then Kam Chancellor, now Earl Thomas. The Legion of Boom gave QB's around the league nightmares for years. It's sad to see it end the way it did, but hopefully Thomas can make a full recovery and get back to his high level of play elsewhere.
← Is Dak Prescott Back?


Go Hydrology!: Paper hydrologists to the rescue!
Paper hydrologists to the rescue!
We're better at shuffling paper than moving actual dirt.
No regulations or thoughts given to the process. Just "get rid of the water and we can sell the land". Every time I go over the Broward bridge, I think about how he went out to sell Florida land!
I love looking a the old photographs of Miami River with the rapids intact. That must have been an incredible sight. As for the Miami Canal, not so much.


text:
#ifndef _HIGH_PRECISION_EVENT_TIMER_TABLE_H_
#define _HIGH_PRECISION_EVENT_TIMER_TABLE_H_

//
// Include files
//
#include "Acpi2_0.h"

//
// Ensure proper structure formats
//
#pragma pack(1)
//
// High Precision Event Timer Table header definition.
//
typedef struct {
  EFI_ACPI_DESCRIPTION_HEADER             Header;
  UINT32                                  EventTimerBlockId;
  EFI_ACPI_2_0_GENERIC_ADDRESS_STRUCTURE  BaseAddressLower32Bit;
  UINT8                                   HpetNumber;
  UINT16                                  MainCounterMinimumClockTickInPeriodicMode;
  UINT8                                   PageProtectionAndOemAttribute;
} EFI_ACPI_HIGH_PRECISION_EVENT_TIMER_TABLE_HEADER;

//
// HPET Revision (defined in spec)
//
#define EFI_ACPI_HIGH_PRECISION_EVENT_TIMER_TABLE_REVISION  0x01

//
// Page protection setting
// Values 3 through 15 are reserved for use by the specification
//
#define EFI_ACPI_NO_PAGE_PROTECTION   0
#define EFI_ACPI_4KB_PAGE_PROTECTION  1
#define EFI_ACPI_64KB_PAGE_PROTECTION 2

#pragma pack()

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This article shows you how setting a powerful intention to learn to be loving yourself can strengthen your Adult Self's willingness and ability to do so. Especially important if you've been stuck in your healing process. The Adult Self's role is key in making progress in Inner Bonding.
This served me well for many years. Lately, however, I've really wanted my Loving Adult to be more aware of when she needed to act on my Inner Child's behalf and to do it right away, so I found myself adding things to the intention.
I started to notice that I didn't always do my Inner Bonding® process immediately if I got triggered and that my IC suffered for a while sometimes before I stepped in. That became unacceptable to me at a certain point and I found that I organically started to change the way I set my intention. I wanted to issue myself some marching orders, something that would wake up my consciousness to be aware that I was in a bog and needed a hand up. I found myself starting to say, "My intention is to learn to be loving to my Inner Child and not allow her to suffer." That was really helpful.
Then I noticed that I didn't allow myself to suffer for very long in any obvious way, but I might still let myself not exercise when I'd meant to do so or have more sweets than was really good for me or stay up later than I should if I wanted to be rested and vital the next day. So I realized my Adult Self needed to step more powerfully into a Loving Adult role – and starting with willingness would get me in the zone – so I added "My intention is to strengthen my Adult Self's willingness and ability to learn to be loving to my Inner Child and not allow her to suffer." That helped me respond more quickly and willingly. That signaled to me loudly and clearly that it's my job to show up and be the "boots on the ground". It reminded me that only my Loving Adult can take action in the world, set an intention, choose to have compassion for my feelings, or do an Inner Bonding process. It also reminded me that it was my job to be a clear, open, and willing leader for my internal team; a leader who deferred to a Higher Intelligence (Guidance).
I added "in all times and all situations" to anchor into my consciousness that I am on duty always – not to be hyper-vigilant, but to be present – in every situation. In this way, my Inner Child knows I'm always there. I'm always with her. I'm willing to step in on her behalf. I'm willing to open to Guidance. I'm willing to be compassionate to her and take the loving actions. I'm not going to wait and let her suffer. The repetition of this more detailed and robust version of the intention has really anchored in my consciousness that I need to be my own Superhero.


Get your hands off that computer!
6. Okay. Now start asking yourself questions. Learn the fine art of talking to yourself (and bringing God into the discussion as appropriate).
First, start with a spiritual checkup: Have you been rooted in God lately? Many of you are gardeners or wanna-be country folks. You need to be rooted in good soil, watered and fed daily. Have you been too busy to spend a little time every day with God?
Are you familiar with spiritual warfare? Do you have your armor on? (Read Ephesians 6: 10–17.) In two weeks I'm giving my talk titled "Homeschooling Moms: Soldiers in a Spiritual War." Of course the enemy is after me right now! If he can get me spiritually burned out, physically exhausted, and depressed, I won't be able to do a good job! He loves to attack homeschooling moms with his favorite tools: depression, exhaustion, and feelings of incompetence and unworthiness. Brush that little devil off your shoulder and tell him where to go.
Second, give yourself a physical checkup. Are you taking care of yourself? Are you drinking enough water? Are you getting enough sleep? Eating good, real food? Are you avoiding anything that you should be avoiding, like maybe chocolate (gasp!), caffeine, dairy, or wheat? Not all of us have the same bad reactions to some of these things. You know your own body; take care of it!
How about physical exercise? Having several children is no excuse for not taking care of your own body. Start out each day with flexibility exercises and get some aerobic exercise at least a few times a week. This is one area where you can take the children along, so you really don't have any excuse. If you are seriously out of shape, remove most of your clothing, stand in front of a mirror, and repeat these words: "Thank you, God, for my magnificent body that you created. I love the way I look right this minute! However, I need your help. Let's get it in a little better shape together." Repeat at least twice a day until you mean it!
you desperate for adult conversation?
reach them, one tiny step at a time.
Mary Hood, Ph.D., and her husband, Roy, homeschooled their five children since the early 1980s. All have successfully made the transition to adulthood. Mary has a Ph.D. in education and is the director of ARCHERS for the Lord, Inc. (The Association of Relaxed Christian Home Educators). She is the author of The Relaxed Home School, The Joyful Home Schooler, and other books, and is available for speaking engagements. Contact her via her website, www . archersforthelord.org.
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(Helena, Mont.) – Mountain-Pacific Quality Health is pleased to present checks to the student winners of the What Gives You Hope Instagram contest on Monday, January 14, at 11:30 AM at Capital High School. Six Capital and Helena High School students and each school's Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club will receive the awards.
In 2017 Mountain-Pacific launched a project that aims to increase the awareness of mental illness and reduce teen suicide in the greater Helena area. Mountain-Pacific received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana for the project. The project established a youth task force that developed messaging and strategies geared to increasing awareness of problems common to this age group, such as the stigma of mental health, stress, relationship issues and bullying.
The What Gives You Hope Instagram contest is an awareness campaign that features 193 student-submitted photos of hope. Mountain-Pacific launched the contest to help promote a suicide prevention app called the #LetsTalkApp. Youth can download and use the app to find information about suicide and locations around Helena where they can get help or just talk to someone, called safe spaces.
Montana ranks among the highest in the nation for suicide. In fact, Montana's suicide rate has been at or near the top for nearly four decades. Suicide and attempted suicide seems especially prevalent among high school students. There were 27 youth suicides from January 1, 2014 to March 16, 2017—seven of which occurred in the greater Helena area.
The Capital High HOSA club submitted the most photos and will receive a $1,000 award. The Helena High School HOSA club placed second and will receive a $500 award. Individual award winners are listed below.
Mountain-Pacific appreciates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana for their funding and support on this important initiative.
We've just released our 2017 impact statement! See what we are doing to partner within our communities to provide solutions for better health.
See PDF version of press release.
Helena, Mont., (August 31, 2017) – Mountain-Pacific Quality Health will continue conducting work related to drug use review (DUR), pharmacy case management and the operation of a formulary committee for the State of Montana under a two-year, $2 million plus contract, awarded August 25, 2017.
Mountain-Pacific holds state and federal contracts geared to improving health care and the systems that provide it. Mountain-Pacific has offices in Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
Helena, Mont., (August 16, 2017) Mountain-Pacific Quality Health will lead a one-year project that aims to increase the awareness of mental illness and reduce teen suicide in the greater Helena area. On August 14, 2017, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana presented Mountain-Pacific with a $50,000 grant to help fund the project.
Montana ranks among the highest in the nation for suicide. In fact, Montana's suicide rate has been at or near the top for nearly four decades. Suicide and attempted suicide seem especially prevalent among high school students. There were 27 youth suicides from January 1, 2014 to March 16, 2017—seven of which occurred in the greater Helena area.
"At base, the project will involve teens helping teens," says Mountain-Pacific's Janet Whitmoyer. "We'll establish a youth task force and look to its members to develop messaging and strategies geared to increasing awareness of problems common to this age group such as the stigma of mental health, stress, relationship issues and bullying. The goal is to supply teens with an arsenal of tools and resources that will help them cope with the stressors that are often pre-cursors to suicidal behavior. The ultimate goal is to develop an effective, youth-centered campaign that can be adapted and replicated in other communities throughout the state, region and even nationally.
Mountain-Pacific engaged a consortium of stakeholders, including the Helena School district, the East Helena School District, Shodair Children's Hospital and the Montana Hospital Association.
(Helena, Mont.) – Mountain-Pacific Quality Health will partner on an initiative that aims to strengthen primary care through payment reform and improving care delivery in Montana and Hawaii.
The five-year project, called Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+), is a nationwide initiative. It provides financial incentives for participating Medicare and Medicaid primary practices to improve health outcomes. Mountain-Pacific will partner with the Lewin Group, a leading health care policy research and management consulting firm. The contract was awarded through a competitive request for proposal process and will be administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Mountain-Pacific will work with 55 practices in Montana and more than 100 practices in Hawaii. The initiative is a public-private partnership that spans across 14 states. It will enable primary care practices to deliver the best possible health outcomes for their patients and will pay providers for achieving those results. CPC+ is a multi-payer model that brings together Medicare, state Medicaid agencies and private insurance companies to move the health care system toward a payment model that values quality of care over quantity of services. This new project builds on the Comprehensive Primary Care initiative that launched in late 2012.


At Central Ontario Psychology, we firmly believe in increased, equitable access to psychological care. We work towards making this happen by working closely with the Ontario Psychological Association, and supporting its efforts. Unfortunately, psychological services in private practices are not currently covered by OHIP, and it's still difficult to access psychological care in publicly funded settings.
The standard fee for psychological services is $225 per hour. However, in an effort to make our services more affordable, we are often able to reduce our standard fees. Our services are often covered by Extended Health Benefits plans, though the annual limits can vary considerably; please consult your plan for details.
Services provided by an associate under our supervision may be available at a reduced cost, but note that some plans do not accept this arrangement. If you are to be seen by a supervisee, it's important to ensure your benefits will cover it. We have developed a guide for communicating to your insurance provider about supervised services; please click here.
In addition to Extended Health Benefits, our services may be covered by WSIB, auto insurance, long term disability providers, or Veterans Affairs Canada.


text:
EU Council President Van Rompuy: The Time of the Nation-State is Over
By Yoram Hazony, November 14, 2010
A reader from India who read my last two letters about the ideas driving European Union ("Israel Through European Eyes," July 14, 2010; and "More on Kuhn, Kant, and the Nation-State," August 26, 2010) has drawn my attention to a speech last week by the President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy. If you thought my description of the worldview militating toward European Union was too philosophical to correspond to what actual European political leaders are saying and thinking, it's worth taking a look at his remarks, which reflect the trends I described quite well.
Van Rompuy, who is Belgian, made his comments at an assembly of European leaders marking the 21st anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall on November 9. The text of the speech is quite an achievement — a truly extraordinary display of ingratitude, which fails even once, even in passing, to mention that it was the American nation-state that brought down the Berlin Wall, making possible the present era of peace and prosperity in Europe. For van Rompuy, there is only one cause of peace in Europe, namely, what he calls "the European idea":
The European idea has been the most successful and most generous project in the world since 1945. It has united the whole continent and brought us peace and prosperity.
Indeed, van Rompuy says he sees the ongoing project of absorbing more and more countries into the EU as the engine that is bringing about the end of the era of "barbarism and violence" in European history. He explicitly says the EU is the "guarantee of peace" in Europe:
[The] desire [of Balkan nations] to join our club follows a time of barbarism and violence…. This should encourage us even further to welcome them. Why? Because almost all who are now part of Europe have experienced great upheavals within living memory. It is true for Germany, France and the other founders after the destruction of the Second World War. It is true for Greece, Spain and Portugal after the end of their dictatorships. It is true for the former communist countries which joined us after the Wall came down. In every enlargement, the Union has absorbed the shocks. As an anchor of stability. As a haven of prosperity and freedom. As a guarantee of peace.
This is pretty surprising. Isn't it American power that has been the "guarantee of peace" in Europe? Isn't it the American nation-state that liberated Europe from imperial Nazi Germany, and then from the threat of the Soviet empire? Van Rompuy doesn't remember any of this. In fact, in his 4,700 words marking the fall of the Berlin Wall, he doesn't find space to mention the United States once.
For him, what's been happening in Europe has nothing to do with America. What's happening is this: "The idea of Europe" has created a "continent of values" — European values that are themselves the sole cause of the peace and prosperity of European peoples today.
That's pretty surprising, too. But it does open up whole new vistas of ingratitude for us to contemplate: Isn't it basically English and Scottish ideas, developed to govern and defend the British nation-state, that are today being borrowed to build the "continent of values" that van Rompuy heads? Isn't it "the idea of Europe" that motivated Philip II, Napoleon, Hitler? For quite a few centuries, it seems as though it's been the British nation-state (together with its admirers in France, America, Austria) that has been teaching the world what it means for peoples to live in freedom and decency, while "the idea of Europe" has spawned a succession of tyrannies. But van Rompuy doesn't remember any of this either. What excites him about this "continent of values" is precisely that the era of the "nation-state is over":
[W]e speak about Europe as the continent of values…. The time of the homogenous nation-state is over. Each European country has to be open for different cultures.
The time of the nation-state may be over, but van Rompuy says we have to be on our guard, because there are still bad guys around: These are the "Euro-sceptics," who think that dismantling the nation-states of Europe may not be the greatest idea anyone has ever had. Van Rumpoy says these Euro-sceptics are spreading illusions and lies, and that their "nationalism" threatens to plunge Europe back into war:
We have together to fight the danger of a new Euro-scepticism…. In every Member State, there are people who believe their country can survive alone in the globalised world. It is more than an illusion: it is a lie! … The biggest enemy of Europe today is fear. Fear leads to egoism, egoism leads to nationalism, and nationalism leads to war. ("Le nationalisme, c'est la guerre" — F. Mitterrand).
Most of van Rompuy's text is written as a message for Europeans. But he doesn't pass up the chance to send a message to nations outside the EU's borders. Van Rompuy says that the non-European nations had better wise up too: They can no longer rely on "their military muscle" to resolve their problems, as they did in the past. Because if they do, they will find themselves "isolated":
[P]ower and influence in the world are more and more a matter of economy, and less of weapons. Recent regional conflicts like in Iraq and Afghanistan have clearly demonstrated the limits of military intervention. Emerging powers are also learning the lesson that they cannot rely on their growing military muscle without the risk of isolating themselves.
There you have it. The New Paradigmers' worldview in a nutshell: Military power in the service of national interests just isn't going to do it anymore. And if you think otherwise, we'll find ways to "isolate" you and help you come to your senses.
As I say, van Rompuy doesn't trouble himself to mention the United States. And he doesn't mention Israel either. But he doesn't have to. It's obvious where all this is headed. For van Rompuy, there's trouble on the horizon and the threat comes from the continued existence of nation-states, which inisist on using force to defend the lives and interests of their peoples. Disgust for America and downright hatred for Israel are the inevitable outcome of this line of thought.
If you want to take a look, you can get the complete text of van Rompuy's address here.
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