text:
The Precarious Political Situation of President Muhammadu Buhari
By Frisky Larr
Today, President Muhammadu Buhari is in a position that no one can envy. His ride to power followed a rough terrain. He had critics including myself. He had admirers too. They were full of hopes in what his military-induced sense of obstinacy would bring to bear on Governance in a Jonathan-battered Nigeria. After all, Olusegun Obasanjo before him, had shown how easily a former military General could step on toes for the good of the country, at least, in his own perception. He also had haters and die-hard ones at that. His irredeemable haters will have nothing to do with his ethnic descent. They consider northern Nigerians as enemies of the country for their historical arrogance in leadership. Above all else, though, they naturally detest his military home-based attachment to the unity of Nigeria and that is what the minds that are endeared to his predecessor hated and still hate the most. Buhari was known for modesty and a measured lifestyle. Not known to be corrupt or encouraging corruption!
To make Buhari President, we the critics – and "we" were in the shadow of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka – had to make an about face on Buhari to see the back of Goodluck Jonathan with his destructive agenda.
Everyone, except the separatist-minded and non-patriotic Nigerians, was full of hope when Muhammadu Buhari became President. His phlegmatic inaugural speech was, however, everything else but revolutionary. It was the initial shot that struck momentum in the spine. It was soon followed by a long-drawn wait for a cabinet that bore the early signs of unpreparedness on the part of the new President. These negative surprises were willfully suppressed by an overwhelming audience of supporters, who were convinced deep down their heart that this President is, nevertheless, the messiah they envision him to be.
Early successes
And when cleansing started, he did not disappoint. He ordered the relocation of the central military command to the epicenter of insurgency and in rapid succession, the insurgents soon realized why the Nigerian Armed Forces had a regional reputation. The military was redeemed from the chain of battlefield disgraces that Buhari's predecessor had subjected it to, in the aftermath of corruption, pillaging and willful decimation.
Henceforth, priority was given to the adequate funding and equipment of the armed forces with armory and no longer the arming of militants in the creeks.
In a parallel action, the President quickly turned his attention to the corruption that crippled the military and started from his own tribal kinsman, who served as the arrowhead of the National Security Advisory Team, Sambo Dasuki. He was arrested and his financial crimes credibly exposed. Today, he languishes in detention and hardly anyone has tears to shed for him in the light of the gravity of what he collaborated in. This has, so far, made it difficult for critics and haters to wear the President the cloak of tribal and ethnic bigotry. The battle against corruption was launched in earnest. Partial revelations began to make the round and it became apparent, who got what share of which bounty and at what point in time. Money was recovered in quiet domestic diplomacy and prominent arrests were made to signal to the larger audience that the government meant business.
Evil tidings
Unfortunately, however, it was becoming apparent, in the run-up to the inauguration of the administration, that the fiscal life of the administration was bound to be constrained by some money crunch of sort. The price of the economy's mainstay had crumbled to a shocking depth in the global market. The economy was going to be cash-strapped and all the ambitious projects that were promised and predicated on a projected level of earnings were bound to run into trouble. A barrel of oil that has sold over several years, for an average of $100.00 on the global market suddenly fell to as low as $30.00. Recession crept in inevitably. While this made neutral minds and admirers of the President sad, it made his haters upbeat and elated. They wasted no time, hammering on what they characterized as the President's inefficiency. They were promptly tagged "The Wailers" since there was nothing the President did or will do that they will ever appreciate in spite of obvious adverse conditions.
One after the other, problems multiplied for the President. As the noose tightened around efforts to recover looted funds and as former President Jonathan continued to feature prominently in looting-related confessions, calls grew, for the questioning of the ex-President. In the absence of sufficient proceeds of oil sales though, it became incumbent on the government to concentrate on recovering stolen funds. Then the enemies suddenly mounted a formidable front. Sabotage actions began to take hold and the saboteurs called themselves the Niger Delta Avengers. Oil pipelines were blown in succession and output fell dramatically in addition to the plummeting market prices.
From nowhere and seemingly, without warning, a new secessionist movement launched destabilizing activities in the East and was led by a little know anti-intellectual youngster of immense nuisance value.
It was difficult not to point accusing fingers at the President's immediate predecessor in the face of the bitterness that trailed his ejection from power. A novum in the political history of Nigeria, where incumbents hitherto, never lost elections!
The President's Health
One bizarre feature of President Muhammadu Buhari's governance since inauguration, has always been his profound invisibility. Many times over, Nigerians clamored for reassuring public addresses by the President in puzzling times when the President's authority was challenged or the sovereignty of the country threatened. One highly interesting development was noted when news emerged of acts of corruption perpetrated by the President's inner circle. Most dramatic, was the charge of millions of Naira brazenly spent on grass-trimming. Insinuations emerged, of some elements in the government's circle that have hijacked a part of leadership. In each of these cases, the President excelled in silence and inaction when the folks expected decisive and intimidating leadership to draw the line on errant adventurers.
Then, the President would often launch surprising actions to take corrupt officers unaware. Most notable was the attempted cleanup of the judiciary that is littered with corrupt judges. It was a cosmetic venture of one step forward, two steps backward that, in the end, virtually left the status quo largely intact. Nothing was followed through.
Everyone had problem, understanding what the driving forces of the President were. No reaction to credible charges of corruption and power-grab by his inner circle. No visible address to the nation to show that someone was in charge. In more than two years in office, the President has hosted just one comprehensive media chat.
Then, news broke out that the President had serious health problems (probably life-threatening) that required a long-drawn residence overseas for proper medical attention.
A few things but not all, began to make more sense. His shortage of appetite for and inability to wage an all-out war on the enemies of the country could be appreciated against the backdrop of his declining health.
In the long period of his absence on medical leave, the President respected and honored all the relevant constitutional obligations to empower his deputy in his absence much to the chagrin of his inner cabinet, who would have loved to wield his powers. A novum in the country's political history. A huge success and a serious problem at the same time since it became incumbent upon the President to address the obnoxious deal of a daring cabal.
In spite of his silence and health-induced absence, within which secessionist agitations thrived almost uncontrolled, he soon moved to restore the unity of the country upon recovery and return to the country much as he had wrestled down Boko Haram long before it. He had also resolved the Avenger's challenge with visible ease albeit with non-transparent compromises.
The extent of damage that was done to the economy inherited by the President's government is well known to the discerning mind. The worst single hallmark was the fact that the owing of salaries by government institutions simply became a routine affair over the years in the face of boom and plenty. At a point, the preceding government took to borrowing from banks to pay Federal employees. Pension allocations were simply stolen, and pensioners left to wallow in pains. Contractors' fees were routinely owed till "thine Kingdom comes". The foreign reserves that several governments had struggled to boost for the rainy day, were simply stolen and depleted in the understanding that a President from the Niger Delta, which 'lays the golden egg', was simply taking or stealing back what rightly belonged to him.
That a nation with a serious intention to grow and better the lot of its citizens cannot thrive on this pedestrian mentality to say the least of the practice of owing salaries and pensions, is undisputable to the discerning mind. On this note, President Buhari launched a fight against many adversities to rectify this basic requirement of fixing the economy, without which no progress can ever be made. The President has released bailout funds repeatedly, to help states return the payment of wages and salaries to normalcy while revenue inflow had dropped dramatically. Yet, some states resisted this blatantly and with impunity invoking their autonomy in the running of their states. The bailout funds were misappropriated, partly stolen while some states continue to owe salaries all the same, without outrage from the wider public – not even the employees that are owed. President Buhari has moved to reset the clock of routine and regular pension payments to normalcy, while revenue intake has fallen dramatically. The recession that greeted the government's initial days in office with the crash of crude oil price and little reserves to fall back on, has long fizzled out.
The foreign reserves that are accumulated for the rainy day is now back on track and are being boosted once again. Infrastructural projects are reported to be quietly on course. Now, I hear that the construction of the second Niger Bridge to ease the traffic link of the East with the rest of the nation, has quietly made enormous progress.
Much as it counts as a part of the President's weakness, the fight against corruption is also one of the President's success stories. His daring attack on the corrupt judiciary was unprecedented. That will go down in history. Unfortunately, it wasn't followed through to the bitter end.
That avowed enemies of the administration will have none of this should not change a thing in the perception of the obvious. In part, the enemies do not only live in denial, they take active steps to sabotage progress. That, practically, explains the recent surge in the kidnapping of skilled foreign workers in the country as one act of sabotage to scare off foreign investment, while pipeline sabotage now seems to have become a bit more difficult to execute. And thank goodness, the price of crude oil is bouncing back while efforts at diversifying the economy is quietly in progress
The greatest weakness of President Buhari and his administration has been his election as President. To make Buhari the President of Nigeria, the leading priority of many well-meaning Nigerians, was to see the back of a disastrous Goodluck Jonathan. Many forces teamed up and the forces were not homogenous in purpose. While some were "sowing seeds", others were genuinely interested in the good of the country. One notable force that had and always has the good of Nigeria at heart was and remains former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
How much President Buhari is presently at the mercy of any of the forces who "sowed seeds", who they are and where they are is largely unknown. But it is true that the very expensive campaign that he ran to win the Presidency was financed by someone. It is also true that his own wife has had cause to cry out repeatedly, that President Buhari is being held hostage by the elements. Many of the President's supporters do this privately too.
The President has the ill-advised habit of avoiding dialog with the country when it is most needed. Precisely then, his silence turns out to be poison. By now, the President is well aware of the presence of a cabal in his inner circle burning to usurp his powers and even doing so at any opportunity given. The role reportedly played by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation to undermine Acting President Osinbanjo during the sick leave of the President is not forgotten. Cries of corruption in his inner circle are growing louder by the day and when action is taken, it is obstinately slow and largely cosmetic or too little, too late. Matters that should be referred to the EFCC for action are often referred to commissions of enquiry with reports that never see the light of day.
While it is incumbent on the President to choose his lieutenants and aides from amongst people that he can best work with, it is also a recipe for disaster to work covertly or overtly, to rekindle the age-old nostalgia for the northern dominance of political power. Even though I consider cries of the extreme northern dominance of the President's team as superfluous and irrelevant, I still do not think that the cries should be obstinately ignored. This is now even termed 'nepotism' in some quarters. Here, President Buhari should have learnt a lot from the color-blindness of Olusegun Obasanjo in the tribal ordering of things. So far, President Buhari has stuck strictly, to the constitutional requirements of the Federal Character and is doing the rest in line with tribal dictates. Even though I have no problem with this at all since those northerners are Nigerians, many others would have followed my line of reasoning if performance by such people was unblemished and corruption was not involved.
In the fight against corruption, many steps have been taken. Yet, the real big bang is waiting to be seen. Aside the half-hearted incursion into the Judiciary, no intimidating, deterrent or exemplary case or cases has/have been recorded. No doubt, a lot of quiet diplomacy may have led to the recovery of stolen funds. Yet, it is, unfortunately, not the essence of fighting corruption. Fighting corruption, the Ribadu-style is the language that Nigerians understand best no matter how much minority deviants will preach one element or the other, of the rule of law. It must not be one-sided. But it must be spectacular to provide a semblance, at least, that no one is above the law. Disgrace the culprits openly and they are well known everywhere. Prominent prosecutions cannot be done for Nigeria only in England while James Ibori comes back to town to become a kingmaker and not warned sternly to take a back seat for being a discredited role-model. Again, Buhari failed to embrace this crucial lesson from the Obasanjo days and it boils back to the question, who the silent "seed-sowers" may be behind the scene. Even though this assumption of "seed-sowers" may be wrong completely, the fact alone that the President's approach and attitude have encouraged this insinuation is serious enough as quality lapses and omission.
The reason that President Buhari still remains silent on the serious issue of the Fulani herdsmen and the troubles surrounding their activities is puzzling indeed and may have been the last straw for many observers. Thank goodness, the debate in public space has now served to provide information also, on the herdsmen's own side of the story that the public had hitherto, known little about. The President has nonetheless continued to do what he does best, namely remaining silent. If the President had applied this obstinacy of silence to the open fighting of corruption and step on powerful toes stubbornly, no matter whose ox is gored, his solid public base would have forever remained reassured and prove battle-ready.
The Obasanjo Conundrum
Now, like every other observer, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is no doubt, also troubled by multiple developments, most of which the public may not even be aware of. I have, therefore, had reasons to be troubled by the reaction of a few intellectuals, to the recent open letter of the former President admonishing the incumbent on his performance and possible future ambitions. From my intellectual friends, I always expect more constructive caution. Social media road-boys for whom the forums represent an outlet for a limited scope of self-realization will always do what they do best, namely abuse and vilify the former President. That will not come as a surprise. The intellectuals, however, always owe a duty to separate the wheat from the chaff.
From my information so far, I have reasons to believe that the problems of the Fulani herdsmen that have been allowed to persist for so long, may have played a crucial role in the timing of President Obasanjo's letter to the incumbent President. President Buhari's inordinate and obstinate silence on the issue has not helped matters any bit.
While I feel very uncomfortable with President Obasanjo's accusation of the incumbent President's dismal performance on the economic front because I know the challenges that the Buhari administration has had to confront and the steps it has taken to solve the basic problems, without which progress can never be made, I am, nonetheless, very cautious because I do not know what President Obasanjo knows that is beyond my reach. Since I have the very rare privilege of direct interaction with the former President, I will hold my breath until I meet him personally for a very frank exchange that he always permits and learn my lessons from him in the usual fashion.
So far, Nigerians are aware of a marauding cabal in the President's inner circle and the charges of corruption associated with them. Who knows the extent and depth of this malaise and how strongly they are impacting the President's performance? Does former President Obasanjo know more? Does anyone know why President Buhari is not overhauling the engine of his government in spite of the loud outcry also from his own wife? Would former President Obasanjo lose confidence in the system completely and call for a coalition of well-meaning individuals without a serious cause? What simplistic self-actualization would the former President need at this point in his life that he has never had?
Till the present moment, the public has no clue, what President Buhari's health challenges were or are. He is an old man that is not growing younger. His health dossier was never made public and Nigerians do not know the nature of the President's health challenges. Who knows the extent and depth of these challenges and their possible impediment on the President's capabilities?
President Obasanjo's submission is impatiently predicated on "early recovery and substantial growth" in the economy. Would he say this unless he knows of a serious restraining condition on the President's part?
While I also feel very uncomfortable that President Obasanjo is presently gaining applause from the wrong side of the fence, which he himself will not cherish, I fully understand that the Obasanjo conundrum will remain unresolved in the precarious Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, until the questions asked above are genuinely answered. For now, helpless separatists and irrational haters of the person Buhari, may seek comfort in the submissions of the former President as much they will, the fact will ever remain that President Obasanjo is principally driven by nothing less than patriotic, nation-building and never separatist or hate-based sentiments and precisely this makes the strictly fact-based reaction of President Buhari's team and the APC a constructive move to make.
Frisky Larr is the author of "Lost in Democracy" (amongst others) advancing possible indigenous alternatives to democracy as a political system in Africa.
This entry was posted on January 25, 2018 by Frisky Larr.
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hard-at-work
Hard At Work (MF)
by Cherie Amour
Shades of Love 2
Heat Rating: Scorching
[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romance]
Just when James Colfield wants to get away to mend his broken heart, a gorgeous brunette literally falls into his lap. Before he knows it, he's smitten with Miss Amazon. The problem is she's his new supervisor who has a huge chip on her shoulder and an extreme hatred for men.
Elizabeth Rivers can't believe her boss hired a new senior editor behind her back. What's more, she can't seem to take her eyes off the new dashingly handsome and smug employee.
The attraction between these two is scorching hot and they find it hard to concentrate on their jobs and promising careers. When they get stuck in an elevator alone together, whatever inhibitions they have seem to disappear. Will they give in to their wanton desires?
"I wrote this story because I loved the complex character I created in Let's Get Physical, James Colfield. I felt he needed his own story and an equally feisty, difficult female who could torture and tempt this sexy, virile man." ~ Cherie ~
Cover Art by Jinger Heaston
5 ANGELS: "I love this story. Hard at Work has refreshing characters that make the read enjoyable with every turn of the page. The action starts immediately as the reader is quickly lured into the storyline. The chemistry between Elizabeth and James is great. I love the way their need slowly burns within their heart to reach out to the other, as they wonder should they hold onto to the other, or not. Cherie Amour weaves delight into this splendid read. Elizabeth's sensations with her past experiences as well as James, and his hurtful feelings with losing someone, show how in-depth and wide their emotions run. Ms. Amour creatively weaves a splendid tale with wonderful dialogue that charms the reader. The characters are indeed genuine and produce a tale that almost comes to life." -- Linda L., Fallen Angel Reviews
4.5 BLUE RIBBONS: "Hard At Work is a sweet romance of heartbreak, insecurity and trust. Throw in a little work place angst and you end up with a book that's good from the first page to the last. Elizabeth and James are magic together they are at such different places and phases of their lives, that it uncanny how well they fit together give or take a few skirmishes. High level of sexual tension and funny moment make Ms Amour's Hard At Work a pleasure to have read." -- jhayboy, Romance Junkies
4 STARS: "Cherie Amour does an excellent job developing her characters, considering the length of the novel. The plot is interesting. Fans of romantica will enjoy Hard At Work." -- Debra Gaynor, ReviewYourBook.com
4 STARS: "I was so happy to be able to get the chance to review Hard at Work. Having read the first book, Let's Get Physical, I was anxious for James to get his own story and I can honestly say that this book does not disappoint. Cherie Amour, a rising star in the romance genre, takes the reader on a roller coaster type head tripIf you want to know the ending you'll have to read the book, don't worry it's well worth it." -- Valerie, Manic Readers
4 HEARTS: "Cherie Amour has aptly titled this book as the two can't seem to get control of their raging hormones at work or anywhere elseThe author makes this romance so close to what often happens in real life that it's almost scary." -- Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio
More From Shades of Love
Let's Get Physical (MF)
Cherie Amour
Miss Amazon huffed and walked back toward him muttering to herself while she tucked the ticket into her purse and lugged her onboard luggage and briefcase behind her. When she stopped, she opened the overhead compartment and tried to get her bulky piece of baggage into it.
As she stretched and struggled, her tight blouse lifted and he could see her flat tummy and the diamond piercing she had in her belly button. He could also see the blouse stretched open where her bosom was and her lacy red bra peeked through, along with her enticing cleavage. James lifted his brow and admired the view.
But after a minute's struggle, he stood. "Excuse me, madam, may I offer my assistance?" Standing fully erect, he could tell she was only a few inches shorter than he, maybe five feet eleven, or possibly even six feet tall.
When she turned and looked at him, his heart jumped. She had the most gorgeous green eyes he'd ever seen with long dark brown eyelashes. "It's 'Miss.' Thanks, but no thanks." She pushed harder and in a strained voice added, "I can handle it."
Within a few seconds, the bag popped into the compartment and she lost her equilibrium, falling into James's arms. Her right breast rubbed against his forearm as they made eye contact. Her perfume was intoxicating. His body reacted, naturally. "Are you all right?"
She broke eye contact first by pushing away. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"It's perfectly all right." He grinned.
But she didn't reciprocate his smile. Instead, she sat in the seat next to his and took out her laptop. The rush of cold air hit him from her brush off.Okay, this is going to be fun. He sat down as well and couldn't help but notice her short skirt rode up her leg, giving him a better view.
The woman definitely had a body to die for. He wondered how she looked without the dressy suit skirt and blouse. She certainly would be a handful in bed if her behavior today were any measure of her true character. He smirked, then took a deep breath and turned his attention to the view outside.
Within a few minutes, the 'Buckle seatbelts' light came on and the pilot and stationed stewardess both addressed the passengers on procedures and their plane's ETA. James continued to stare out the window as the plane took off and gained altitude. When he left that morning, it had been snowing lightly and although the wind was strong, it wasn't too bad.
The weather had changed. The wind blew fiercely and the snow made visibility impossible. Feeling bored, he turned to his neighbor. She looked busy reading a file on her laptop. He tried to lean in to see what was on the Word document.
Most probably sensing his efforts, she turned her laptop to the side. Strike Two.
Checking his watch and seeing he had quite a lot of time to kill, he decided to take his laptop out as well and finish the chapter of his mystery novel. He worked slowly at first since it always took him time to warm up and get into the story. He caught her, too, dipping subtly to see what he typed, but he leaned his back on the side, lifted his left knee, resting it on the seat, and turned the screen so he faced her and she couldn't see what he wrote.
James didn't glance up to see her reaction. He ignored her. Within five minutes, the words flowed through his fingers at incredible speed. He felt the occasional jerk and heave the plane made as it passed through turbulence, but he hardly took notice. Being totally oblivious to everything, except his story, he completed the chapter in record time. Checking his watch again, he realized they'd be landing soon, so he put his laptop away.
Miss Amazon had already put hers away. She leaned her head on the headrest and secured her seatbelt. She looked awfully pale and worried. He turned to her. "Is everything all right, miss?"
She stiffly nodded. "Yeah, it's just I hate turbulence. I usually sit near the window and for some reason that helps me, but the secretary at my company screwed up."
Feeling sympathetic, he leaned forward. "If you'd like my seat, I don't mind."
She stared at him with big eyes and stood. "Yes, please. That would help."
He got up and took her seat, moving his feet to the side, so she could pass him and sit in his seat. He peered at her ass as she wiggled past him. It indeed was a nice view, far better than the window. Before she could move further, her shoe seemed to catch on something and she tripped suddenly, falling into his lap.
For some warped reason, his hand ended up cupping her full breast in reflex to catch her. He saw her take a deep breath and stare at him. His cheeks heated up and he let go of her voluptuous breast in lightening speed. "Sorry."
She got up quickly, straightened her blouse, and sat in his seat. Still feeling extremely awkward, James decided to break the tension with some casual talk. "So, is this your first time to Toronto?"
She avoided his gaze and just stared out the window. "No, I live here. I'm coming back from vacation and a convention. I stopped in Montreal to visit family and friends."
"Oh, I see." He waited for her reciprocal question if this was his first time to Toronto, but it never came. He decided to force feed her the information anyway. "I'm moving to Toronto. Actually, I just got a job and am looking forward to—"
"Look, mister, I'm sorry, but I'm not in the mood for idle chit chat. I have too much on my mind, okay?"
He lifted his hand in surrender. "Sure, whatever. Sorry."
He zipped his mouth and stared at the chair in front of him, counting the minutes until the plane landed. It was the longest half hour of his life, and also, the most excruciatingly uncomfortable.
She couldn't break eye contact. His gaze captivated her, and lying on his massive chest made her body too weak to move.
"Are you all right, Elizabeth?" He spoke to her.
She heard his words, but they seemed like whispers in an ocean breeze. "Huh?"
He brought his arm up to caress her face. "Did you get hurt?"
Not moving a muscle, her face still close to his, she enjoyed his tender touch. She replied while staring into his heavenly eyes, "No, I'm fine. And you?"
"I'm okay." He smiled. "But my back gave out on me. Sorry." Looking at her mouth, he brought his index finger to her lips and traced them delicately.
A surge of desire ignited and traveled to her stomach, and then to her pelvic area, making her panties damp. It felt so good. Urging her words to be spoken aloud, she took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry, James. This is all my fault. Me and my stupid ideas. Are you in pa—?"
He put his finger to her lips. "Shh. It's okay. Now shut up, so I can kiss you."
Eyes wide, she stopped talking. He lifted his head an inch, bringing his hot lips to hers. The instant they made contact, Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat, as if her brain momentarily stopped telling it to function. His kiss made her swoon and she reciprocated his kiss by bringing her hands to each side of his face cupping his cheeks, and crushing her lips to his.
His tongue snaked into her mouth, claiming her by circling her tongue and licking her palate and teeth. He then took hold of her lower lip and sucked it. She lost her breath completely.
His mouth didn't let go of its hold on her lips. He stretched his arms lower to grab her body. He straightened her hips, so her leg didn't lean on his cock, which by now she knew was completely aroused. He spread her legs to either side of him, making her pelvis crush against his engorged penis. Her twat trembled with passion and her nub throbbed for more.
He pulled her skirt all the way up to her waist and took hold of her ass cheeks. He juggled them, making her clit tremble even more, then he slapped a cheek, making her moan in pleasure. Where did that come from? Her rational mind screamed for a second for her to pull away, stop acting like a trollop. This couldn't go any further, or she'd get hurt, like she had been in the past.
Her scars from two painful, abusive relationships were forged forever into her soul and had taken her spirit away, leaving her closed and frightened of men. But then came James with his charming accent and a face and body of a model. He was witty, smart, and so damn irresistible. Without her realizing it, he got under her skin and broke all her barriers she had built up around her to protect herself.
She knew now while he kissed her and roughly caressed her butt, her willpower to resist had flown the coop and would never come back. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Her fears of getting hurt be damned. Her body had suffered many years of deprivation. It was time to satisfy its urges and live dangerously, right here, right now.
She pulled his shirt out of his pants and snaked her fingers under it to touch his muscular chest. His body heat was intense. With every breath he took, her fingers moved higher to feel more of his massive chest and shoulders.
He growled, obviously enjoying her touch. He ended his wanton kiss and pushed her body up. Uttering no words, but gazing intensely into her eyes with an unfathomable hunger, he began unbuttoning her blouse. With each button he undid, a whiff of cool air danced over her skin, making goose pimples form along the way.
Once her blouse was completely opened, he peered at her chest. He brought his hand up to her snap at the front of her bra and opened it. Instantly, her breasts sprung out. Self-consciousness overwhelmed her then, and she brought her arm to cover her chest. Although her past boyfriends had never complained of her breasts, she worried James would find them less than flattering.
"No, Elizabeth, don't." He pushed her hand away. His eyes took in every inch of her chest and her taut nipples as she sat on him motionless. "You are beautiful." Her cheeks heated with his compliments.
He brought his hand to her breast, first fondling her mound, then circling her nipple, until it tightened even more and perked. She closed her eyes, enjoying his ministrations. Her cunt swelled with her rising desire. Years of neglect made her climax come on her swiftly, but before it hit her completely, the lights came on in the elevator, and it began to move downward.
She jumped in shock. "Oh, my God!"
James looked up. "I guess the power is back on."
She sprang to her feet, putting her bra on and buttoning her blouse. She had enough time to pull down her skirt when the doors opened. The building janitor stood there with a baffled look on his face.
Under Tanner's Thumb (MF)
Sage Burnett
The Mighty Flynn (MMF)
Sierra Dafoe
Cowboy Games (MF)
Wendi Darlin
Terms of Surrender (MF)
Gracie C. McKeever
Caroline's House (MFFM)
Beverly Sims
Summer Loving (MFM)
Flight to Avalon (MF)
Oh Baby (MFMM)
Ella Vines
One Queen with Two Kings (MMF)
Louisa Neil
Raven's Ranch (LoveXtreme)
Dani April

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
HRAFF Coverage
By Right Now
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
Right Now is very excited to announce our new partnership with the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. You can now expect extensive coverage of the festival through Right Now, including reviews, interviews and Vox Pops at the festival. Listeners and readers of Right Now will also be able to receive special ticket giveaways to festival films and events.
To see our coverage of the Festival, click here.
To get you in the mood, here's the Right Now trailer which is screening before select HRAFF films:
Under African Skies tells the controversial story of Paul Simon's African-influenced, critically acclaimed album Graceland, and reunites him with the South African musicians who contributed to the album 25 years on. To read Sam Ryan's review, click here.
Paul Simon reveals a sense of political naivety in "Under African Skies"
Our School is a poignant depiction of Romania's attempt to integrate Gypsy children – otherwise known as Roma – into mainstream Romanian schools. To read Sonia Nair's review, click here.
Roma children are integrated into mainstream schools in "Our School"
Buffalo Girls is the story of two young girls, Stam and Pet, and their quest to become national Muay Thai champions. It provides a glimpse into the world of child boxing, with its heavy emotional and physical toll. To read Maya Chanthaphavong's review, click here.
Stam receives advice between rounds in "Buffalo Girls".
The documentary Splinters, set in the town of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea as it prepares for the inaugural National Surfing titles, follows four young hopefuls in their quest to join the great names of surfing by representing their country abroad. To read Imogen White's review, click here.
Still image from "Splinters"
The International Shorts program is a kaleidoscope of the human experience. Each short film frames the next, taking viewers on a journey that explores the similarities and differences in human rights issues that individuals around the world are struggling with every day. To read Holly Kendall's review, click here.
Still image from "Mila Caos" in "International Shorts"
Joe Eggmolesse revisits the leprosarium on Fantome Island that was his home from the time he was taken from his family, at the age of seven. This documentary illuminates the horrors that come from racism and eugenics, and how these ideologies have justified horrific treatment of Indigenous Australians in the not-so-distant past. To read Felicity James's review, click here.
JOE EGGMOLESSE REVISITS CHILDHOOD PAIN IN "FANTOME ISLAND"
The Island President follows former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed's first term in office. The first part of the film details his 20-year struggle against the Maumoon Abdul Gayoom regime, his years in prison, and the overwhelming public support for democracy in 2008. However, Nasheed's ultimate struggle is against the rising ocean, and the lack of attention being paid by the rest of the world. To read Jess O'Callaghan's review, click here.
Still image from "The Island President"
Panel discussion 'Extreme Reactions to Creative Expression' engages with the cultural politics of extreme governmental responses towards creative expression. To read Sara's review, click here.
Panel Discussion 'Off the Wall: Is Street Art an Appropriate Medium to Voice Human Rights Issues?' To read Sonia's review click here.
Swanston Street by Tom Civil. Image from tomcivil.com/?p=341
Rhythm and Rights vox-pops and photographs. Click here.
Checkpoint at the Green Line (excerpt from Murder Under the Bridge)
By Kate Jessica Raphael
Read an excerpt of Kate Jessica Raphael's crime fiction novel 'Murder Under the Bridge', which is drawn directly from the author's experiences in Palestine.
Crime International affairs Women
Ace&jig brings human rights and sustainability into fashion
By Anika Baset
ace&jig are changing fashion by putting sustainability and human rights at the heart of everything they do.
Sustainability Women


What is the cheapest way to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
The cheapest way to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) is to drive which costs £7 - £11 and takes 1h.
What is the fastest way to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
The quickest way to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) is to taxi which costs £120 - £150 and takes 1h.
How far is it from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
The distance between Crouch End and Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) is 38 miles. The road distance is 45.8 miles.
How do I travel from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) without a car?
The best way to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) without a car is to subway and train which takes 1h 29m and costs £22 - £35.
How long does it take to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
It takes approximately 1h 29m to get from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway), including transfers.
Can I drive from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
Yes, the driving distance between Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) is 46 miles. It takes approximately 1h to drive from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway).
Where can I stay near Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway)?
There are 558+ hotels available in Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway). Prices start at £60 per night.
What companies run services between Crouch End, England and Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway), England?
There is no direct connection from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway). However, you can take the subway to Oxford Circus station, take the subway to Marylebone station, take the walk to London Marylebone, then take the train to Haddenham & Thame Parkway. Alternatively, you can take the taxi to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway).
Discover how to get to attractions and hotels near Thame.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a railway museum operated by the Quainton Railway Society Ltd. at Quainton Road railway station, about 5 mi west of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, England. The site is divided into two halves which are joined by two foot-bridges, one of which provides wheelchair access. Each side has a demonstration line with various workshop buildings as well as museum buildings.
Rome2rio makes travelling from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) easy.
Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Crouch End to Haddenham, Station (Haddenham& Thame Parkway) right here. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.


text:
package org.pmw.tinylog.policies;

import java.io.File;
import java.util.Calendar;

import org.pmw.tinylog.Configuration;

/**
 * Base class for time based policies.
 */
public abstract class AbstractTimeBasedPolicy implements Policy {

	private final Calendar calendar;
	private final int field;

	private int multiplier;
	private long nextTime;

	/**
	 * @param calendar
	 *            Time for next rollover
	 * @param field
	 *            Field (e.g. {@link Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY}) to increase after a rollover
	 */
	public AbstractTimeBasedPolicy(final Calendar calendar, final int field) {
		normalize(calendar, field);

		this.calendar = calendar;
		this.field = field;
		this.multiplier = 1;
		this.nextTime = calendar.getTimeInMillis();
	}

	@Override
	public void init(final Configuration configuration) {
		// Do nothing
	}

	@Override
	public final boolean check(final File logFile) {
		if (logFile.exists()) {
			Calendar clone = (Calendar) calendar.clone();
			clone.add(field, -1);
			return clone.getTimeInMillis() < logFile.lastModified();
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	}

	@Override
	public final boolean check(final String logEntry) {
		return System.currentTimeMillis() < nextTime;
	}

	@Override
	public final void reset() {
		Calendar clone = (Calendar) calendar.clone();
		do {
			clone.add(field, multiplier);
			++multiplier;
		} while (clone.getTimeInMillis() <= System.currentTimeMillis());
		nextTime = clone.getTimeInMillis();
	}

	/**
	 * Make sure that the time is in future.
	 *
	 * @param calendar
	 *            Calendar to normalize
	 * @param field
	 *            Field (e.g. {@link Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY}) to increase
	 */
	protected static void normalize(final Calendar calendar, final int field) {
		while (calendar.getTimeInMillis() <= System.currentTimeMillis()) {
			calendar.add(field, 1);
		}
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
HKIA closure: Singaporeans scramble to make alternative travel plans
Dhany Osman
·Editor
12 August 2019, 8:09 am
Protesters seen inside the Hong Kong International Airport on Monday (12 August 2019) afternoon. (PHOTOS: Courtesy of Joy Koh)
UPDATE: Flights have resumed at Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday morning (13 August).
SINGAPORE — Singaporeans affected by Monday (12 August) afternoon's flight cancellations at the Hong Kong International Airport are scrambling to make alternative plans to get home.
Melissa Lee, 38, was en route to the airport to catch her Cathay Pacific flight back to Singapore when the airport authorities abruptly cancelled all flights for passengers who were not already checked in.
According to media reports, the move came after thousands of pro-democracy protesters flooded the airport building, paralysing operations.
While Lee was on a bus towards the airport, she had hoped to be able to make it into the airport's lounge to wait things out. But she changed plans when she arrived at the terminal.
"I wasn't in the hall, but I saw that lots of people in black were thronging the airport terminal," the programme facilitator told Yahoo News Singapore.
"I was just outside the building, I saw more and more people dressed in black going into the airport. I didn't feel safe as the police had fired tear gas into an MTR station before," she added, referring to the city's Mass Transit Railway system.
Lee ended up making her way back to central Hong Kong and, as of 7.30pm, was on a bus to Shenzhen with plans to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh and return to Singapore via the Vietnamese city. She said she had yet to hear anything from the airline about the travel disruption.
'Awareness is important'
Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based flight attendant Jess Lee (unrelated) found herself stuck on the Indonesian island of Bali where she had been holidaying. Due to fly back to Hong Kong on Monday evening, the Singaporean found herself having to fork out an estimated $300 for another night's stay in Bali.
The 34-year-old now plans to travel to Hong Kong via Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Macau.
While the flight cancellations have caused her some inconvenience, Lee said that she understood what was going on at the Hong Kong airport and that the situation did not cause her an "ounce of frustration".
"Awareness is important. I witnessed the peaceful protest earlier on 26 July and I have trust that it is still a peaceful one today," she said.
"Hong Kong is in this plight because people have hopes for a better future."
Stay vigilant, monitor news: Singapore MFA
Separately, Singapore's Consulate-General in Hong Kong has advised Singaporeans in the city to stay vigilant, monitor the news and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Singaporeans were also encouraged to:
Check with their respective airlines for updates
Avoid protests and large public gatherings
Stay in touch with family and friends
Follow the Hong Kong Police Force on their social media accounts (https://www.facebook.com/hongkongpoliceforce and https://twitter.com/hkpoliceforce) for the latest updates
Stay updated on special traffic arrangements via www.td.gov.hk/en/special_news/spnews.htm
eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/
Those who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong, or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:
Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2527-2212 or +852-9466-1251 (after office hours)
E-mail: singcg_hkg@mfa.sg
With reporting by Esther Au Yong.
Hong Kong protests shut down airport


text:
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music
Rock Star Subtitles
Chris Cole was born to rock. His longtime girlfriend Emily believes his talent could take him all the way - but Chris worships at the altar of Bobby Beers, the fiery frontman for heavy metal legends Steel Dragon. By day, Chris still lives at home with his parents and spends his days repairing copy machines. But when Chris takes the stage, fronting Pennsylvania's premiere Steel Dragon tribute band, all of that disappears. Chris Cole is Bobby Beers - mesmerizing audiences with his perfect imitation of Beers' electrifying vocals. The night his bandmates boot him out of the group, Chris is devastated - until an unexpected phone call changes his life forever: He, Chris Cole, has been tapped to replace Bobby Beers as the lead singer of Steel Dragon. In an instant, Chris rockets to the dizzying heights of sudden stardom, rising from devotee to icon, from rock fan to rock god - the wanna-be who got to be. So what happens when an average guy gets everything he wants - and discovers it's not ...
as Chris 'Izzy' Cole
as Emily Poule
as Kirk Cuddy
as A.C.
Jeff Pilson
as Jorgen
as Ghode
as Mats, Steel Dragon Road Manager
Reviewed by Feistfan 8 /10
Stand up and Shoooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuutttttttt!!!!!!!!
I must admit I wasn't expecting much on this movie. I was surprised I truly enjoyed it as much as I did. The script wasn't oscar material, but it wasn't horrible either. The acting was great by Mark Wahlberg. Jennifer Aniston had a great supporting role, and looked lovely as ever. What made this movie for me was the music. If you do not like 80's glam metal or hair bands, then you probably wont like this movie. Its all about being a rockstar. Some cliche's were present, but didn't bring down the movie at all. I would recommend it to anyone who likes rock and roll and remember to Stand up and Shout!!! 8 of 10 for great acting and awesome music.
Reviewed by unbend_5440 6 /10
Music really saves it
As a huge fan of 80s Hard Rock, I was really looking forward to seeing Rock Star. As the movie started I was more than satisfied. A lot of the early scenes were funny and entertaining. The concert scenes made me feel like I was actually there. One major compliment I give this movie is that they made the songs from the fictional band STEEL DRAGON sound realistic for the time period the movie is in. If I didn't know better, I could've been fooled into thinking Steel Dragon was a real band, and all their songs actually were made in the mid 80s. The underdog portion of the story may not be original, but it still works none the less. And by the time Wahlberg's character was in his first concert with the band, I really thought Rock Star could be one of the coolest movies of the year.
But at about the halfway point, I was lost. The second half of this movie could've really used a lot of work on the script. I say that the second half of the script needed work, but what I should say is the second half of the movie actually could've used a script, period. The second half is held together by some predictable sequences, all telling the story of a guy indulging in the rock star life, which we've all heard and seen a thousand times. There were very few moments that actually were used to progress the story.
But I don't want to give the impression that Rock Star was no good. Although some of the movie didn't work, I still had a blast watching it. The music is what really holds it together. Both the original songs written for the film (Steel Dragon), and the background songs used. It's not often that you can hear bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Kiss, and Motley Crue used in a movie. And like I said before, the concert scenes are awesome.So for people who love great 80s Rock, this movie will be a lot of fun.
Rock Star is an average movie, with an above average soundtrack. Not a perfect film, but it provides enough entertainment for your money.
Reviewed by moonspinner55 7 /10
Comic book cynicism
Surprisingly well-acted, well-written movie about hard rockin'-but-decent young man getting that much-hoped-for ticket to stardom: his favorite heavy metal band wants him to replace their lead singer. Not far-fetched, the film tries keeping things in perspective and doesn't go over-the-top; it certainly makes you think twice about those lingering adolescent fantasies about being in the music business. But the script, despite solid dialogue, follows a tried-and-true, formulaic pattern, and gets bogged down by its own clichés in the final act. I enjoyed it much more than the sugary fluffball "Almost Famous". It has a nice, bitter edge to go with its heavy metal decadence, but a stronger finish might've made it more memorable. **1/2 from ****
The Cannonball Run
The War Between Men and Women


Despite the title, this is actually a guitar and flute recital; works for flute accompanied by guitar. It's also not particularly "Japanese" in feel; it's mostly a gentle and almost ambient sound, with little in the way of metre.
"A unique sensibility and an imaginative flair for its colours and expressiveness," say the sleeve notes but more prosaically we'd say it's dreamy flute and guitar, the kind of music you'd get on an old documentary about the tranquil yet alien life of a coral reef, The Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau, or similar.
Indeed, when we checked the sleeve notes, we found out that water was a major inspiration for many of the works. For example, the first piece, Takemitsu's Toward the Sea was commissioned by the Greenpeace Foundation for its Save the Whales campaign.
Nami no Bon is music by Takemitsu for a television drama dealing with the topic of the Japanese/American families in Hawaii, evoking the peace and quiet of the sea and sky.
Nodaira's Wave Recollections is "an investigation into the sounds and acoustic properties of the guitar" but recalls the earthquake and tsunami of 2011, the year it was written, while Nodaira's works include Water Drops.
Apart from odd moments of Orientalism, we think your average listener would hear a more Spanish or least European sound; an album of Japanese guitar for people who like neither guitar nor Japanese music, then.
It's got charm and it's tranquil, and for a guitar album it's going to appeal as much to lovers of the flute. Out now on Naxos, 8573911.


text:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<raid>
    <!--
	// Raid System by 5mok3
	// DO NOT CHANGE INTERVAL UNLESS YOU ARE SURE WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!
	-->

  <!--Announcements-->
  <announce delay="1000" type="Event" message="Orshabaal's minions are working on his return to the World. LEAVE Edron at once, mortals." />
  <announce delay="20000" type="Event" message="Orshabaal is about to make his way into the mortal realm. Run for your lives!" />
  <announce delay="60000" type="Event" message="Orshabaal has been summoned from hell to plague the lands of mortals once again." />
  <!--Single Spawns-->
  <singlespawn delay="60000" name="Orshabaal" x="33207" y="31719" z="7" />
  <!--Area Spawns-->
</raid>


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text:
Oldest DNA sequences reveal how mammoths evolved
Posted on February 23, 2021 by Sara Isenberg in Featured, Santa Cruz Tech Ecosystem
By Tim Stephens
February 23, 2021 — Santa Cruz, CA
(Image above: This illustration represents a reconstruction of the steppe mammoths that preceded the woolly mammoth, based on genetic analysis of ancient mammoth DNA. Illustration by Beth Zaiken/Centre for Palaeogenetics)
Analysis of ancient DNA sequences recovered from mammoth teeth reveal North American mammoths were descended from two earlier mammoth lineages
An international team of scientists has sequenced DNA recovered from mammoth remains as old as 1.2 million years. The analyses show that the Columbian mammoth that inhabited North America during the last ice age was a hybrid between the woolly mammoth and a previously unknown genetic lineage of mammoth.
The study, led by researchers at the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm and published February 17 in Nature, also provides new insights into when and how fast mammoths became adapted to cold climate.
Coauthor Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, said the results "push back pretty substantially what we'd come to think of as the oldest possible ancient DNA." The previous record was DNA from a 750,000-year-old horse, which Shapiro's team analyzed in 2013.
In the new study, researchers were able to analyze the genomes from three ancient mammoths, using DNA recovered from mammoth teeth that had been buried in the Siberian permafrost for 0.7 to 1.2 million years. Around one million years ago there were no woolly or Columbian mammoths, as they had not yet evolved. This was the time of their predecessor, the ancient steppe mammoth.
This is the first time that DNA has been sequenced and authenticated from million-year-old specimens, and extracting the DNA from the samples was challenging. The scientists found that only minute amounts of DNA remained in the samples and that the DNA was degraded into very small fragments.
"This DNA is incredibly old. The samples are a thousand times older than Viking remains, and even pre-date the existence of humans and Neanderthals", said senior author Love Dalén, professor of evolutionary genetics at the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm.
The age of the specimens was determined using both geological data and the molecular clock. The analyses showed that two of the specimens are more than one million years old, whereas the third is roughly 700 thousand years old and represents one of the earliest known woolly mammoths.
"We could tell from the geological and paleontological context that they were old, but we couldn't say with certainty how old," Shapiro said. "Fortunately, the DNA itself provides some clues. Because changes to the genome accumulate in a clock-like way, we could count the differences between these old mammoth genomes and other mammoth genomes (from mammoths that lived sufficiently recently that we can date their bones), and use this to approximate how long ago these old mammoths lived."
Unexpected origin
Analyses of the genomes showed that the oldest specimen, which was approximately 1.2 million years old, belonged to a previously unknown genetic lineage of mammoth. The researchers refer to this as the Krestovka mammoth, based on the locality where it was found. The results show that the Krestovka mammoth diverged from other Siberian mammoths more than two million years ago.
"This came as a complete surprise to us," said lead author Tom van der Valk. "All previous studies have indicated that there was only one species of mammoth in Siberia at that point in time, called the steppe mammoth. But our DNA analyses now show that there were two different genetic lineages, which we here refer to as the Adycha mammoth and the Krestovka mammoth. We can't say for sure yet, but we think these may represent two different species."
The researchers also suggest that it was mammoths that belonged to the Krestovka lineage that colonized North America some 1.5 million years ago. In addition, the analyses show that the Columbian mammoth that inhabited North America during the last ice age was a hybrid. Roughly half of its genome came from the Krestovka lineage and the other half from the woolly mammoth.
"This is an important discovery. It appears that the Columbian mammoth, one of the most iconic Ice Age species of North America, evolved through a hybridization that took place approximately 420,000 years ago", said co-lead author Patrícia Pečnerová.
Evolution and adaptation
The second million-year-old genome, from the Adycha mammoth, appears to have been ancestral to the woolly mammoth. The researchers could therefore compare its genome with the genome from one of the earliest known woolly mammoths that lived 0.7 million years ago, as well as with mammoth genomes that are only a few thousand years old. This made it possible to investigate how mammoths became adapted to a life in cold environments and to what extent these adaptations evolved during the speciation process.
The analyses showed that gene variants associated with life in the Arctic, such as hair growth, thermoregulation, fat deposits, cold tolerance, and circadian rhythms, were already present in the million-year-old mammoth, long before the origin of the woolly mammoth. These results indicate that most adaptations in the mammoth lineage happened slowly and gradually over time.
"Access to such ancient evolutionary history allows us to discover even more about how evolution works," Shapiro said. "There were at least two lineages of mammoths that lived in Siberia during the Middle Pleistocene, and both of these lineages contributed ancestry to mammoths that lived in North America."
The new results open the door for a broad array of future studies on other species. About one million years ago was a period when many species expanded across the globe. This was also a time period of major changes in climate and sea levels, as well as the last time that Earth's magnetic poles changed places. Because of this, the researchers think that genetic analyses on this time scale have great potential to explore a wide range of scientific questions.
"One of the big questions now is how far back in time we can go. We haven't reached the limit yet. An educated guess would be that we could recover DNA that is two million years old, and possibly go even as far back as 2.6 million. Before that, there was no permafrost where ancient DNA could have been preserved," said Anders Götherström, a professor in molecular archaeology and joint research leader at the Centre for Palaeogenetics.
The study is the result of an international collaboration involving 22 scientists from nine countries. In addition to researchers from UC Santa Cruz and the Centre for Palaeogenetics, a joint research centre funded by Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, the study also includes researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Natural History Museum and The Crick Institute in the United Kingdom, Potsdam University in Germany, China Agricultural University, the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, the Arctic University of Norway, and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
Originally published here: https://news.ucsc.edu/2021/02/mammoth-genomes.html
Tagged Beth Shapiro, genomics, UC Santa Cruz
UCSC launches the country's first graduate program in serious games
UCSC Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) to host 10th Anniversary Gala in May
Unlocking the COVID code
UC Santa Cruz microscope expert develops powerful new tools for biologists


Eluned Price reports on the snowdrop garden at Colesbourne Park.
Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire, described by Country Life magazine as "England's greatest snowdrop garden", is open to the public to show off its hundreds of varieties.
The home of Carolyn and Henry Elwes, Colesbourne's 30-acre garden and arboretum was originally planted by Henry John Elwes, the great-grandfather of the present owner. An avid and eccentric Victorian plant-hunter, he filled the garden with the spoils of his travels. Over the years, he amassed the biggest collection of bulbous plants in the world. The current restoration of the garden includes the replanting of many of his discoveries - such as the snowdrop Galanthus elwesii and varieties of his original crocus.
The arboretum shelters unusual trees such as Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar), seeds of which he brought back from Japan in a cigarette tin, and the southern beech, which he introduced to Britain.
Snowdrops and aconites have naturalised in drifts through the open woodland near the house, over the banks running down to the lake and in the hollow by the 18th-century icehouse and grotto.
Visitors to the Spring Garden at Colesbourne Park will find it full of early narcissi, cyclamen and hellebores of every hue from lime green to pearly white, pink and purple.
Colesbourne Park, on the A435 between Cirencester and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is open today and tomorrow from 1pm until dark, with teas and plant sales. Admission £5, children free. Dogs on a lead welcome. Further information: 01242 870264, www.snowdrop.org.uk. Other garden open days at Colesbourne Park include Daffodil Days from March 26 to 28.


As part of my blog renovation, I fixed my page for maps. I moved all the old, crufty maps I no longer like to the end, moved the geomorphs up, and added links to some forgotten one-page modules that I actually like quite a bit, so I'm not sure why they were missing. These are all "mega-dungeon plug-in modules", designed to be used in a mega-dungeon as sublevels or as part of a larger level. Just plug them into your dungeon, or draw up a rudimentary entrance and use them as stand-alone dungeons.
All links should be working, but let me know if any are broken. That seems to happen a lot with sites like Google Drive or Box.
I should do more with this. I'm working on some ideas.


Why are DE"s so GTK-centric?
I am curious. Why are the vast majoritiy of Linux DE's based on GTK?
Enlightenment … and all the rest.
Why is this? Is it because all the GTK distros are forks of GNOME or because there are some intrinsic benefits in the coding or implementation of GTK?
Just curious. I like KDE and I find the KDE apps and intergration excellent. Of course I use GTK apps but I am bemused as to why KDE seems to run with QT and virtually nothing else does, especially when the KDE apps seem so cool.
Maybe out of historical reasons regarding the license of the QT library. QT was not a free software at the beginning.
Good. It's true of the QT library was not a free software at the beginning. Now it's free software !!
For QT we have: KDE, Trinity (who needs more attention, excellent work) and LXQT (coming soon, the next version of Unity be in QT).
For GTK we have: Gnome, Cinnamon, Mate, XFCE, LXDE (still alive), Unity, Enlightenment and Budgie.
And using optional GTK or Qt libraries, there is OpenBox, BlackBox and the other *Box DEs, jwm, flwm, zwm, Window Maker a.k.a. wmaker, awesome, i3, ratpoison, and others.
OpenBox was actually the basis for LXDE, not GTK, it just pulled in some GTK base.
I must admit I was deliberately ignoring windows managers as these are not full on DE's.
In regards to DE's - the GTK leaning is just historical then? No technical reasons? Cool if not, just trying to understand.
I was research synthesizers and could not work out why electronic music really did not take off until 1976 with Jarrs's 'Oxygene.' Not saying that electronic artists not did exists prior to 1976, hey, Jarre was going Loooonnnnng before Oxygene but the floodgates did not open until 1976 onwards and really exploded into many different forms in 1978. Also, prior to 1976 most electronic music was, in my opinion, was flat.
Turns out that synthesizers were purely monophonic until 1975! And then you could only get two note machines! And the first real polyphonic synthesizers came out, guess when...? 1978!
So technology often drives artistic and social development. So I am checking on the QT and GKT influence on Linux. But it seems that it's pure history.
Having lived through the era described, I would also like to point out that analog synthesis (the only thing available prior to microprocessor horsepower enabling individual digital synthesis) was very cumbersome and expensive! Prior to digital synthesis, think music organs rather than synthesizer. Waveform modeling also required something to study the waveform (think oscilloscope). The Cathode Ray Tube was invented in 1897, but only became widely available, I believe, after usage in WWII radar screens. Many inventions and commercialization of those inventions depend on prior art being developed. For example, electric incandescent lights with 'frosted' glass envelopes to reduce glare.
cwsnyder wrote: Having lived through the era described, I would also like to point out that analog synthesis (the only thing available prior to microprocessor horsepower enabling individual digital synthesis) was very cumbersome and expensive! Prior to digital synthesis, think music organs rather than synthesizer. Waveform modeling also required something to study the waveform (think oscilloscope). The Cathode Ray Tube was invented in 1897, but only became widely available, I believe, after usage in WWII radar screens. Many inventions and commercialization of those inventions depend on prior art being developed. For example, electric incandescent lights with 'frosted' glass envelopes to reduce glare.
Quite! This also came out from my reading. Analog synths were also a pain because they could not be programmed and settings retained. The Prophet 5 was the breakthrough!
And German radar was actually superior to British radar during WWII but the British used Cathode ray tubes to visually display hits - an example of user friendliness beating technical superiority.
Hawaii, Lumina, and Papyros also use Qt. The GIMP Toolkit (GTK+) does appear to have most DEs but it's not that big a gap I think.
For GTK+ I'd count 6: Deepin, GNOME, Pantheon, ROX, Sugar, and Xfce. Or make that 7 to include LXDE though LXQt supersedes it eventually.
You can count 4 extra if you include Budgie, Cinnamon, MATE, and Unity; these mostly use applications developed by GNOME while the others all have their own file manager, terminal, text editor, calculator and so on.
For Qt I'd count 5: Hawaii, KDE, Lumina, LXQt, and Papyros.
You can count 6 if you include Trinity.
So, depending on how we count between 6 and 11 using GTK+ and between 8 and 10 using something else. Not that bad? Both GTK+ and Qt have interesting projects using them to build new DEs.
cwsnyder: RazorQT no longer exists more. They were fused, with part of the LXDE team and now are the LXQT Desktop. For now, it looks good, but its development it's "very slow". Certainly a small group of people in LXDE has plans to continue with GTK at this desktop fact are also "very slowly" translating LXDE in GTK 2 to LXDE in GTK 3. There is an unofficial repository for Arch Linux.
The Dark Side wrote: Papyros apparently it's a distribution and not a desktop environment (although it uses Material Design and QT5).
Just like various other desktop environments I named (Budgie, Hawaii, Pantheon), Papyros is a DE developed as principle part of a new Linux distro. The full name of the DE would be "Papyros shell". I kept it short. You can compile Papyros shell on other distros.
xenopeek wrote: Hawaii, Lumina, and Papyros also use Qt.
Thanks. I'll check it out. But I have never heard of these DE's before!! Wow!


In a world with so much on offer and knowledge abounding especially in terms of social media and being able to google everything! We need the wisdom that is from God to navigate daily life effectively and successfully.
I pray that you always seek His wisdom in all you are doing and open your heart to whoever and wherever God is speaking through after all He spoke through a donkey before.
When you reach for God's wisdom you have everything you need.


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AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/forum/)
Learn how legalization of weed will affect the West Side
By AustinTalks | November 5, 2019
A cannabis forum will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at 5437 W. Division. Sponsors of the event are the 15th Police District, 29th Ward Ald. Chris Taliaferro, MedMen, Westside Health Authority and the Cook County state's attorney's office.
Mayoral candidate Lightfoot had West Side stage to herself
By Suzanne McBride | March 31, 2019
Former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot answered questions about a number of issues before a crowd of a few hundred West Side residents on March 28. Her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, was a no show at the mayoral forum held less than a week before the April 2nd runoff.
mayoral race
Mayoral candidates talk West Side investment at NACCP forum
By AustinTalks | February 17, 2019
Eight of the 14 candidates running for mayor Feb. 26th participated in last week's forum, which was organized by the Chicago Westside chapter of the NAACP.
Hear from the mayoral candidates
By AustinTalks | February 8, 2019
All 14 candidates have been invited to the candidates forum, which will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 9 at Malcolm X College. The forum is sponsored by the Chicago Westside chapter of the NAACP and Austin Coming Together.
Community will discuss violence
By AustinTalks | October 5, 2017
Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, the Peace Makers Coalition and North Austin Council invite West Siders from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at 5730 W. Division St. Special guests expected to participate in the event include Ald. Chris Taliafero, Congressman Danny K. Davis and state Rep. Camille Lilly.
Commissioner Richard Boykin to hold open forum
By AustinTalks | June 16, 2016
Come to the June 21st meeting to learn more about pending legislation, property tax issues, public safety and more.
Some West Side aldermanic candidates debate the issues
By Terry Dean | March 14, 2015
Ald. Emma Mitts and her 37th Ward challenger, Chicago schoolteacher Tara Stamps, attended the March 11 event, as did 29th Ward candidate Chris Taliaferro and 24th Ward candidate Vetress Boyce.
Find out where the candidates stand
By AustinTalks | March 6, 2015
The Westside chapter of the NAACP is sponsoring forums March 26 for the 29th Ward and April 2 for the 37th Ward.
29th Ward hopefuls meet again
By T.J. Kremer III | February 9, 2015
Six of the eight candidates answered questions at a forum sponsored by the newly formed Advocates for Neighborhood Development and Empowerment.
New community group hosts forum Thursday for 29th Ward candidates
The event will be Feb. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 5 at Galewood Community Church, 1776 N. Narragansett Ave.
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In the heart of Cleveland's bustling downtown a remarkable rebirth is taking place. The 5th Street Arcades combine two historic glass-covered indoor streets, the 1898-era Colonial Arcade and the 1911 Euclid Arcade, into one vibrant destination for dining, retail and art.
Originally built to offer year-round accessibility during Cleveland's chilly winters, the arcades were among the first indoor shopping destinations in the country. In the last several years, the storefronts have filled up with local entrepreneurs offering food and goods of all kinds. Diners can choose from vegan food, sushi, kabobs or pizza. Shoppers can pick up a Cleveland souvenir, browse unique furniture made by local craftspeople, buy an organic baby shower gift or soothe a sweet tooth with locally made chocolates and cupcakes.
The soaring space also houses a winter farmers market and an increasing number of special events, including fashion shows, concerts, food tastings and benefits.


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USEF Votes to Support Olympic Format Changes at FEI General Assembly
PracticalHorseman
November 22, 2016--The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) voted at the November 22 FEI General Assembly to support changes to the Olympic format for equestrian sport.
The biggest change in format across all three Olympic disciplines involved the number of riders per team and how they are scored. In the previous format there were four riders that participated on each team with a drop score in each round of competition. Under the newly approved format there will be three riders per team and no drop score. The active reserve can be substituted into the competition at the beginning of any phase of competition.
"After careful assessment with much involvement from key stakeholders, we came to the conclusion that without the change in Olympic format, it was likely that one of our Olympic disciplines would be dropped from future Olympic Games. This would be unacceptable," said Murray Kessler, USEF President-Elect. "The International Olympic Committee (IOC) challenged our International Federation to present format changes that would increase relevance among fans and broaden global participation or risk being eliminated. These changes do just that and while we all resist change, this might even make the sport more exciting."
The driving factors which ultimately drove the decision for USEF to vote "Yes" on the format changes included:
Keeping show jumping, dressage, AND eventing all in the Olympic Games
Agreement to protect the current format for each sport at all other major championships
No reduction in Team USA members as the new format includes three riders plus an ACTIVE reserve that can participate and earn medals
Supporting the FEI and IOC's goal to give more countries in the world the opportunity to participate
Supporting the effort to make the sport easier to understand and fan friendly (the drop score was confusing)
Numerous other revisions to the details of the format changes that were made as the result on constructive dialogue in the various committees and forums leading up to the General Assembly vote
The USEF contingent was also able to accomplish changes or delay implementation of other proposed rules at the General Assembly that would have had severe negative unintended consequences on international sport in North America. The changes to the Olympic format along with other highlights from the General Assembly will be reviewed at the USEF Annual Meeting being held January 11-14, 2017 in Lexington, Ky.
Read more about the proposed changes to the Olympic format
USEF Names U.S. Olympic Eventing Team for Rio 2016 Olympic Games
USEF Substitutes Horse on U.S. Olympic Eventing Team
USEF Names U.S. Olympic Dressage Team for Rio 2016 Olympic Games
USEF Names Short List for the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team
USEF Names U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team for Rio 2016 Olympic Games


text:
Alex Van Beek
Former editor urges students to focus on the meaning of the student paper
They say a good liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, which is why the current discussion, or...
Green housing planned for fall
By ALEX VAN BEEK The University of Mary Washington is implementing a new Greenhousing initiative that seeks to unite a...
Student Drums Up Inspiration with Local Drumline
By ALEX VAN BEEK It's mid-October, more than halfway through the marching band season, and I'm still not able to...
Michelle Obama to Campaign at UMW Thursday
By ALISON THOET, COLLEEN HUBER and ALEX VAN BEEK Students lined up Tuesday morning from Lee Hall to Seacobeck Dining...
Police Look Into Student's Death
Fredericksburg police are investigating the circumstances of a 23-year-old University of Mary Washington student who was found dead in his...
Ken Tyler to Succeed Ed Hegmann as Athletics Director
The University of Mary Washington announced May 9 that it would appoint Ken Tyler as the new director of athletics....
Anthea Poole's Belly Dance Group is Fun for All
On my drive to the Dorothy Hart Community Center, I could not help but muse on what I was doing:...
Safety Walk Occurs Without Drama
After a history of controversial events on past University of Mary Washington's Safety Walks, this year's, held Nov. 9, occurred...
Interview with UMW's New Assistant Director of Great Lives
With the new academic year comes a noted addition to the University of Mary Washington's faculty. Charles J. Shields, the...
After rain delay, anticipation for event builds
By ALEX VAN BEEK Students that headed down to Marshall Hall on April 8 to take part in the annual...


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Very professional, friendly team. Every person I spoke with was encouraging and easy to work with. Jim and Amanda were awesome to work with throughout the process. Jim was excellent at explaining the steps and needs along the way in an easy to understand manner.
The team did a great job walking us through the steps of the process and making sure we had everything lined up for a smooth close.
I never had to guess or worry about what was going on or what phase of the transaction we were in. There was literally no stress and no surprises. Best mortgage process I've ever been through. Do yourselves a favor and choose Caliber Home Loans and the Murphy team specifically. It will change your perspective on this kind of transaction. Thanks everyone!.
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text:
← The Thousandth Test
Baseball and Pythagoras; or, Finger Painting the Word Picture by Numbers →
Ripeness Is All
Posted on August 8, 2018 by rightoffthebatbook
Jimmy Anderson offers a few words of advice.
Relentlessly, the English medium-fast bowler James Anderson is climbing the list of all-time wicket takers (in Test cricket). At the time of this writing, he's placed fifth (with 544), a mere 19 wickets below the great Australian quick Glenn McGrath, and in sight of becoming the fast bowler who's taken the most Test wickets. What's more, Anderson's body shows no signs of breaking down or his heart of losing interest, in spite of the fact that he just turned thirty-six and has been playing international cricket since 2003.
In fact, although the pace at which Anderson delivers the ball has slowed to the low- to mid-eighties (m.p.h.), he not only keeps on taking wickets, but keeps on improving. One lingering asterisk over his greatest-of-all-time status has been the number of runs he's conceded per wickets taken. Anderson's career got off to a very rocky start. Between his debut against Zimbabwe fifteen years ago and the last day of 2009, his average was an unremarkable wicket every 34.65 runs conceded—a consequence of tinkering with his action that caused him to slump in form and confidence. Between 2010 and today, however, his average has been a world-class 24.33 runs per wicket—an improvement of a full ten runs per wicket. The result is that Anderson is not only the most durable, reliable, and successful of England's Test bowlers, but (with an aggregate average of 27.19) at the heavily policed border of unquestionable GOAT territory.
Anderson's continued improvement is not only a testimony to his extraordinary fitness, intense enjoyment of the game, and fine cricketing brain, but also to the elegant and efficient mechanics of his bowling action and his remarkable control over the ball as it leaves his hand. Able to swing the ball both ways, he is now no longer reliant on England's cloud-cover and cool temperatures to make the ball do enough through the air or off the pitch to fool the batsman—although he still remains more successful in English conditions. His best-ever figures (7 wickets for 42 runs) came last year (beating out his 7–43 of 2008). Not only did he average a miserly 17.58 runs per wicket in 2017, but he allayed the skeptics during the dismal England tour of Australia in 2017–18, when he was his team's most successful bowler in harsh conditions. He is now a man for all pitches and climates, maintaining tight discipline over the line and length of his deliveries, and making scoring runs off him difficult.
The three bowlers above McGrath in the list—Anil Kumble (619 wickets), Shane Warne (708), and Muttiah Muralitharan (800)—were all spinners of the ball, an art and science with less wear-and-tear on the body than for those who run up to the wicket, ball after ball after ball. The spinners' records, each a testament to their greatness, are unlikely to be beaten, although Kumble and Muralitharan were thirty-eight when they played their last Tests. It's, therefore, conceivable that Anderson could play for another two years, and, if he maintains his current trajectory, would end up with an astonishing 626 wickets. Given England's ongoing trouble with finding a frontline seam bowler to replace him, and Anderson's ever-ripening skills, it's not out of the question that he could take more wickets, even more rapidly, and go on even longer. Either way, it's hard to imagine another fast bowler will ever catch him.
This entry was posted in Australia, Cricket, England, Right Off the Bat Website, Test Cricket, Zimbabwe and tagged Anil Kumble, Glenn McGrath, Jimmy Anderson, Literature, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne. Bookmark the permalink.