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Coronavirus Conversation – Luis P. Villarreal, Professor Emeritus, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, UC Irvine – Viruses, Infection & Coronavirus Updates
In this informative podcast, Luis P. Villarreal, Professor Emeritus, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, provides an overview of his thoughts on biological changes, virus evolution, viral gene therapy, and more.
Podcast Points:
Why is coronavirus more concerning than the standard flu?
An overview on the origin of the coronavirus
How do species continue to thrive while existing with persistent lifelong infections?
As a Founding Director of the Center for Virus Research, Villarreal has long been interested in research related to viruses. Villarreal holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego, and a BS from California State University at Los Angeles, in Biochemistry.
Dr. Villarreal discusses the current state of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly referred to as simply, coronavirus. He provides specific information on the origin of coronaviruses. As Dr. Villarreal states, most emerging viruses that go on to cause acute epidemics or a pandemic, typically come from a particular species found in the region that has a persistent lifelong infection.
Bats, in particular, harbor a great deal of coronaviruses, as well as other viruses. These viruses are specific to the species and within the host species, they typically show almost no evidence of disease. These viruses are passed from generation to generation in bats, but have almost no effect on bat health; it's an epigenome of the bat.
The research doctor provides some interesting examples of specific studies of mice. He explains the research that shows how mice, like some other species, benefit from the viruses they carry because the virus can act as a way of ensuring a particular colony's survival. For example, when mice engage in reproductive contact between colonies, the mice that are not colonized with the virus will die off.
Dr. Villarreal talks about the ways that coronavirus establishes itself in hosts. This coronavirus is particularly difficult to tackle because it is quite successful at transmission, because hosts who carry the virus will often have no signs, or few signs, of any actual infection. He states that this virus presents a complex problem because it, unlike some other viruses, seems to be acting as if it is trying to establish a persistent infection in humans, in a similar manner to how persistent infections become established in animal species.
In this event that is happening now, Dr. Villarreal states that this is an event of communication that has brought technology and science to its knees with the power it has exerted over human biology. Unfortunately, the United States' delayed reaction, its slow response to the coronavirus, is going to make things worse than they might have been if the virus had been taken seriously at the beginning.
Dr. Villarreal talks about some of the medications that are being repurposed for possible treatment of coronavirus. He discusses the clinical trials that are in progress and the need for immediate action. Continuing, Dr. Villarreal talks about the damage to the immune system that coronavirus creates, but details are thin at this point as to why it is happening. Going further, Dr. Villarreal talks about the virus and how it continues to retain its ability to harm in other species.
Dr. Villarreal is an SACNAS Distinguished Scientist, and he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from California State University, the National Science Foundation Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, and was elected as Fellow of the American Society of Microbiology.
http://media.blubrry.com/futuretechpodcast/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/findinggeniuspodcast/Coronavirus_Conversation__Luis_P._Villarreal_Professor_Emeritus_Molecular_Biology_and_Biochemistry_UC_Irvine__Viruses_Infection__Coronavirus_Updates.mp3


Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner in Douglas Sirk's "Imitation of Life" (1959).
When I was 4 or 5, the 1959 film "Imitation of Life" came on TV. It had two little girl characters, so I figured this must be a movie for kids. But I couldn't figure out what was going on, so I asked my mother to explain it. She did her best. She told me it was about a black girl "passing" as white. Then she tried to explain what "passing" meant, and I was really out in the reeds. I must have goofed it up somehow, because I thought the girl's mother was encouraging this thing called passing. I learned I was wrong when, as an adult, I finally watched Douglas Sirk's film in earnest.
This is a sometimes sweet, sometimes painfully dramatic, sometimes cliched Hollywood film that you've got to credit for being progressive for its time.
Annie (Juanita Moore), Susan (Terry Burnham) and Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker) under the boardwalk.
"Imitation of Life" opens on a sunny summer day at the Coney Island beach. We see Lora (Lana Turner), a blond woman with every bleached follicle sprayed into submission, frantically searching for her daughter. Meanwhile, under the boardwalk, a black woman named Annie (Juanita Moore) is giving hot dogs to two little girls, blond Susan (Terry Burnham) and brunett Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker). We correctly assume that the blond girl must belong to Lora.
"All her life," is Annie's reply.
Lora can't help but register surprise when told that Sarah Jane is Annie's daughter.
Annie assumes that the impeccably attired Lora has money, and offers to work for her as a domestic. Lora first declines the offer. (We find out later that she is barely making the rent.) But when she overhears Sarah Jane asking Annie where they're going to stay that night, Lora makes an on-the-spot decision that will affect the rest of her life: to invite Annie and Sarah Jane to her home. Susan is thrilled; she has a slightly older playmate, at least for the night.
Lora (Lana Turner) and Annie (Moore) in Lora's cramped NYC walk-up.
Home is a cramped NYC walk-up. Lora, a struggling actress, warns Annie that she has no money to pay her. But Annie is unfazed. She just smiles and takes over, finding little ways to lighten the financial burden: taking in washing, licking envelopes, making deals with the landlord and milkman.
Annie brings galoshes to Susan in school, to the girl's humiliation.
Something is brewing behind Sarah Jane's fixed expression. Her feelings become clear when, on a day that suddenly turns snowy, Annie totes the girl's galoshes to school. Like Peter denying Jesus, Sarah Jane tries to hide behind her book.
"Why do you have to be my mother?" she later says.
"It's a sin to be ashamed of what you are," Annie says.
Lora tries to explain to Susan why Sarah Jane is upset.
Lora eventually moves into a beautiful, secluded spread outside of the city, and becomes a movie star. Through it all, Annie remains in her employ. Even though the employer/employee lines are drawn and respected, beneath it all, Lora and Annie are more like sisters.
Annie pleads with grown-up Sarah Jane (Kohner) to come back home.
One scene in particular still draws gasps: when grown-up Sarah is confronted by her boyfriend (then-unknown Troy Donahue) after he hears talk that she is black. "Is it true?" he demands. "Is your mother a n*gger?" He brutally beats her — I counted six hard whacks to the face — and leaves her on the street, bloodied and crumpled.
Enough synopsizing. Just wanna add that the last 10 minutes will wring your tear ducts.
A portrait of Moore as Annie. The actress was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Below is a "Classic Critique" segment on "Imitation of Life" by film buff Mercedez. (Her Kohner imitation is a riot.) Gotta love it when the young folks pay respect to the old movies.


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Major Hoyt Sherman (November 21, 1827 – January 25, 1904), a member of the prominent Sherman family, was an American banker.

Biography
Hoyt Sherman was born in 1827 in Lancaster, Ohio, the son of Charles R. Sherman, Judge of the Ohio Supreme Court. He was the youngest of eleven children, brother of US Federal Judge Charles Taylor Sherman, US Senator John Sherman the distinguished Ohio statesman, and of Major General William T. Sherman of Civil War fame. Until eighteen years of age, Hoyt's time was divided between school and the printing office. In the spring of 1848 he came to Fort Des Moines, Iowa, then far out on the western frontier. In 1849 he was admitted to the bar and began to practice law, and also engaged in real estate business. In March of that year he was appointed by President Zachary Taylor postmaster of Des Moines, holding that position until the inauguration of President Franklin Pierce, when he resigned and was elected clerk of the District Court. President Abraham Lincoln appointed him the Army Paymaster at the start of the Civil War, with the rank of Major.

Upon his return, Hoyt teamed up with others and created Equitable of Iowa Insurance Company. During this time, he also gave his counsel, his time, and his money to ensure Des Moines had schools, including a college, a waterworks system, and many more facilities.

In 1854, he was the senior member of the banking house of Hoyt Sherman & Co., and upon the establishment of the State Bank of Iowa he became cashier of the Des Moines branch and was one of the directors on part of the State to supervise the system and guard the public interests. When the American Civil War began Mr. Sherman was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln paymaster in the Union army with the rank of major, holding the position for three years. He was one of the organizers of the Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa and for many years its general manager. That institution owes much of its stability and high standing to Major Sherman's reputation for integrity and skillful management.

In 1866, Major Sherman was a member of the House of the Eleventh General Assembly where he was chairman of the committee on railroads and a member of the committee of ways and means. In 1886, he was one of the founders of the Pioneer Lawmakers' Association and was one of its most influential members, serving as president and long a member of the executive committee. He contributed valuable historical articles to the Annals of Iowa on "Early Banking in Iowa," and on the "State Bank of Iowa." For many years he was the chief executive officer of the Associated Charities of Des Moines.

Sherman married Sarah Elvira Moulton (24 June 1837-1 March 1887) on December 25, 1855. One of their daughters, Adaline Moulton Sherman, was married to Frank Bestow Wiborg, and their children included Mary Hoyt Wiborg and Sara Sherman Wiborg.

Hoyt Sherman Place
In 1877 Hoyt Sherman built a grand manor; the structure is now a museum and performing arts center. The original house and gallery now display a collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings, as well as elaborately carved 17th-century furniture and other rare artifacts. The mansion, now known as Hoyt Sherman Place, lent its name to the surrounding Des Moines neighborhood of Sherman Hill. For many years Hoyt Sherman Place has served as the headquarters for Des Moines Women's Club.  The house and theater are now under the management of the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation.

See also

References

External links
 Sherman Genealogy Including Families of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, England By Thomas Townsend Sherman

1827 births
1904 deaths
American bankers
Businesspeople from Des Moines, Iowa
Politicians from Des Moines, Iowa
People from Lancaster, Ohio
People of Iowa in the American Civil War
Members of the Iowa House of Representatives
United States Army paymasters
Union Army officers
19th-century American businesspeople
Sherman family (U.S.)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Prolonged sun exposure this spring and summer could have far-reaching consequences that go beyond just the irritation of painful, sunburned skin. However, by taking simple steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of skin damage. Some of the precautions doctors recommend include conducting monthly self-examinations, reapplying sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater every two hours and forgoing sunbathing or trips to the tanning bed.
Skin cancer, which affects more people in the United States than any other form of cancer, is one of the only known cancers that can be greatly reduced or prevented by avoiding certain environmental factors. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause severe aging effects and cellular damage to sun-exposed skin. It is especially important for you to take special precautions when you'll be out in the sun for several hours.
Whether it is a trip to the lake, watching a little league baseball game on a Saturday afternoon or mowing the lawn, it is important that you protect yourself, and your family, from excess sun. The period from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is when ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays are the strongest. If you will be outside during these times, a baseball cap or hat, sunscreen applied 30 minutes prior to outside activities and protective clothing that covers exposed areas is strongly suggested.
An SPF of 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, which are the burning rays, and SPF 30 blocks 96 percent of UVB rays. You should choose a product that also protects against ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays, which are the aging rays. These types of sunscreens are labeled '"broad spectrum" sunscreens.
Sunscreen should include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to best combat the sun's ultraviolet rays and should be reapplied after getting out of water, even if the lotion is waterproof. The two most common areas susceptible to sun are the top of the ears and neck. Many children's sunscreens are now formulated as sprays, which makes them easier to apply, but it's also important to note that the "tan" from self-tanner products offers no protection from the sun.
Affecting more people in the United States than any other form of cancer, skin cancer is one of the only known cancers that can be greatly reduced or prevented by avoiding certain environmental factors, said Dr. Lawrence Mark, dermatology service chief at Eskenazi Health and assistant professor of Dermatology at the IU School of Medicine.
"Our general stance is sun avoidance is the best prevention," Dr. Mark said, adding the time it takes for skin damage to develop as a result of sun exposure can vary from person to person.
When conducting monthly self-examinations, a person should look closely for what dermatologists term the A-B-C-Ds, which stand for asymmetric, border, color and diameter. Doctors stress any skin marks that are asymmetric, have an irregular border, recently changed in color or increased in diameter should be examined more closely. Dr. Mark suggests if someone has a concern about skin health, he or she should make an appointment to see a primary care physician or dermatologist.
Check the expiration date on the sunscreen. Nearly full bottles of opened sunscreen can normally be kept for a year, provided they are stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, avoiding extremes of temperature, with the lid tightly closed. Throw away your sunscreen if there is only a little left or it has separated or been contaminated.
Follow the instructions on the pack and apply the product generously – most people apply too little sunscreen for it to be effective.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours during the day and after swimming.
Nothing blocks 100 percent of the sun's rays, so you should also use protective clothing and hats, as well as sunscreen.
To avoid "frying," do not apply too much greasy tanning oils, etc.


The second important record by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary set out the main components of cleverness led policing and offense decrease "Policing With Intellect" (HMIC, 1997).
Both report accepted the utilization of brains led policing tactics in crime reduced amount of high volume offences such as vehicle theft and burglary which up to now experienced only been found in tackling serious crime.
The use of information technology was viewed as the major vehicle and conduit for handling the increased information generated consequently of an change in coverage to intelligence led policing. The increasing dread locally about criminal offense and worries of crime, coupled with a loss of confidence in the authorities, fuelled a drive towards a rise in private security plans. This move sometimes appears in the progress of private security companies both personal and in shopping centres, initiated by both private people, commercial premises owners and insurance firms.
The desire and practice of amassing information resulted within the increase in the risk population (Maguire, 2000), but increased information and data will not actually lead to criminal offense reduction.
Although the authorities may benefit from access to large sums of statistical data, some academics have recommended that the impetus because of this has in fact emanated from other exterior companies such as health, insurance and education institutions (Ericson and Haggerty, 1997). The data processed by the authorities has been utilized by these establishments because of their own risk analysis purposes alternatively than being used for criminal offense decrease purposes.
The recent requirement of the police service to create total annual and other information and publishing key performance indications which required statistical comes back was another important reason for the computerisation of criminal records. In fact some commentators dispute that the personal computers are barely found in the fight against crime reduction (Ratcliffe and McCullalgh, 1998).
The unease that your police feel about the drive towards intelligence-led policing is set out in a report on Merseyside Police force (Barton & Evans, 2001). This research was undertaken over the twelve month period from April 1996 to Apr 1997. It uncovered that an intelligence-led methodology was adopted for all those key service areas and not simply crime with an focus on the value of circulating intellect and focusing on the role of intelligence-led criminal offenses elimination strategies. The execution of the new policy was achieved by the release of offense management units, push intellect systems and a make intellect bureau. ??
In assessing the new systems, the research workers were hindered because statistical data standardised across areas was not available. However predicated on a mixture of observation and talking to various officials, the researchers concluded that some areas of the process proved helpful well whilst others exhibited shortcomings.
The hurdles to the new insurance plan lay in different officers' understanding of "proactivity" with only limited training offered; no distinction between information and brains; no consistency of tasking meetings whose purpose was to increase cleverness gathering in each area; the diverting of officers onto reactive investigations.
The use of informers is fraught with complicated connotations particularly throughout the integrity of the information received from them in the light of the motivation.
An upsurge in intelligence-led policing has resulted in the original police-informer relationship being modernised and placed on a specialist footing. The modern term for participating with informants is real human source capabilities whereby the authorities can take and utilise the data and skill of those persons in culture who have usage of the criminal component within the community via an organised and structured HSC framework. It has been argued that there has been a dearth in the use of informants outside the sphere of organised offense (Innes 2000).
With the advancement of intelligence-led policing the police-informer romance has changed to a more sophisticated professional and moral system according of both recruitment and management of resources. The introduction in the UK of specific source handling devices and HSM items in certain authorities areas have advanced a more professional method of brains gathering.
The romance between law enforcement and sources remains an extremely controversial section of law enforcement. Specifically when participant informers are encouraged to commit crime because of the particular relationship with the police, major matter is expressed (Billingsley, 20??) A participant informer is person who is permitted to carry on committing a offense so the law enforcement officials can identify those main participants involved with organising the legal activity.
Research shows that some police officers tend to rely very closely on informants and also to condone various unlawful acts undertaken by a few of their options. If the use of informants becomes prolific it undermines the whole criminal analysis process as it is shrouded in secrecy, and intrigue and somewhat lacking in legitimacy itself, undermining the precept of transparency and openess within the authorities service and reducing the adage that justice must be seen to be done. Additionally some human relationships between officers and their sources have emerged as unhealthy relating to the controlling of sources by selective circulation of information by police officers managing the informants. (Cooper and Murphy, 20??). The harm to police legitimacy given the ethical troubles posed by the police/informer romance has been outlined by several commentators, (Dunningham and Norris, 1999).
Dealing with informants often places cops in invidious circumstances. The police officer has to balance their official duties to discover and reduce crime with a moral responsibility to be above bribery and problem. There is also various official tasks and all of these obligations need to be balanced when working in the marginally murky world of the unlawful underworld using its temptations and folks who would benefit from an officer's downfall. Nothing it appears can be studied at face value when working with informants. In his study of Melbourne authorities informers Settle noted the large discrepancy between your legal and the actual position of the police/informer relationship.
"Police are expected to be accountable to the law for his or her methods whilst at exactly the same time are under pressure to keep up order pragmatically" (Negotiate, 1995 p. 3) Basically which means that their activities must be justified in legalistic conditions but such conditions are in variance with several of the informal methods used in offense control such as informants.


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Workers will literally grind away at the Long Island Expressway in Maspeth to reduce traffic noise
Screenshot via YouTube/roadwaywiz
Things may soon get a little bit quieter for residents living close to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) in Maspeth.
Even before becoming an elected official last November, Assemblyman Brian Barnwell heard complaint after complaint from community members about the noise levels on and near the LIE between Maurice Avenue and 108th Street.
"We talked to Brian Barnwell, before he was even elected," said Robert Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) during the group's meeting on March 16. "We said you have to work on the noise on the LIE in Maspeth. It's crazy here; you can't even hear yourself talk."
In response to the community's concerns, Barnwell reached out to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to inspect the roadway and see if anything could be done to mitigate the noise coming from the LIE.
During the JPCA meeting, Barnwell officially announced that the state DOT agreed to diamond grind a portion of the roadway, which will alleviate some of the noise levels coming off of the LIE. Diamond grinding is a pavement preservation technique that not only smooths out roadway imperfections, but reduces the noise from the road as well.
As part of the maintenance program, State DOT will also repair of some of the pressure relief joints on the collector distributor road at the Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard Interchange, a representative from the agency said.
According to the state DOT, the diamond grinding work on the LIE is expected to begin in the early summer and be finished by the end of the year
"They said they're going to do it; I have the emails just in case," Barnwell said. "We've got to make sure that they do it. They said a year, so we're going to hold them to it."
Community Board 5 hosts virtual monthly meeting this week
Ridgewood, Maspeth and Middle Village residents, elected officials concerned about potential drawbacks of proposed Interborough Express Rail
Interborough Express proposal gets positive reviews from many Queens leaders, but not all

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Weeks of painstaking forensic work could lie ahead before police crack the murder of Jane Longhurst, senior officers have said.
Despite major developments, including the arrest of a 35-year-old man, since the teacher's burning body was discovered a week ago, police say there is still a lot of work yet to be done.
Results of forensic tests such as those on scraps of DNA could take weeks to gather, as happened in the case of eight-year-old Sarah Payne, whose body was also dumped near Pulborough.
But that forensic evidence was crucial in convicting Sarah's murderer, Roy Whiting - fibres found in his van matched those on her shoe.
A police source said: "You can never tell what the results of the forensic work will be, but some now take weeks. Our experience with Sarah Payne proved that there can be some incredibly powerful and useful results. It was months before he was charged."
On the investigation of the murder of Miss Longhurst, he added: "There is still lots of inquiry work, lots of forensics.
"It has been a very busy week with lots of developments beginning with the discovery of Jane's body and now a lot of work is in progress to achieve the goal - to bring her killer to justice."
Miss Longhurst, 31, who taught at a school for children with learning difficulties in Brighton, vanished from her home in the city which she shared with her partner Malcolm Sentence, 34, on March 14.
Detectives believe she was strangled shortly after her disappearance and kept "somewhere cool" for up to five weeks. A week ago she was dumped on Wiggonholt Common near Pulborough, at a beauty spot visible from footpaths and the road. The discovery of her watch, a match and a box of matches nearby were described as a "significant" breakthrough. These items were among those which were sent for forensic tests.
On Thursday, a 35-year-old man was arrested at his home in Hove, East Sussex. He was released on police bail without charge on Friday night.


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Home Forums > Topics of Interests > History, Travel, and Culture >
How Important Is Exposure To Classic Western Literature In Formalised Education?
Discussion in 'History, Travel, and Culture' started by Night Owl, Jul 19, 2016.
How important is exposure to classic Western literature in formalised Western education?
Almost essential.
Fairly important.
Take it or leave it.
Not important.
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Let's talk about the role and importance people feel the classic works of Western Civilization should play in formal Western education. Namely primary (elementary) and secondary, but also tertiary education.
I've been involved in many conversations where folks (who are teachers) older than myself bemoan the kind of literature been taught at schools, the casting away of poetry (especially exposure to notable poets), with popular teen books, magazine articles, and films, over represented in English classes and replacing exposure to the works of classic writers such as Homer, Dante, Goethe, Shakespeare etc. Also, I feel the Bible, even if treated just as literature should not be overlooked in the context of Western Civilization (and even the compilations of the Brothers Grimm). It would seem appropriate that both the old and the new should have their place. As for precedence, well that's all the more subjective (...I vote old).
I get a sense that over all, with the expected exceptions, Gen X and Y (I don't like the term Millennial - yuk) have not been exposed to such classic works in their formal education unless they have gone out on their own initiative to immerse themselves in the rich springs of their culture.
I myself am grateful for my grade 10 teacher who had leeway with the curriculum to expose us to various and poets and to Shakespeare. At the time I hated and loved it, but in hindsight it's been most valuable and rounding. On a curriculum basis the classics were solely introduced in Literature Class in yr 11 and 12, but I chose English Class (one could only pick one) since it allowed creative writing. It would have been good if exposure to the classics was sprinkled throughout my primary and secondary education - including exposure to classical history and mythology.
I feel myself to be a victim of this post-modern culture of ignorance (in this particular regards anyway) and slowly have availed myself to get in touch with classic Western works and their authors which I feel helps me get in touch with my cultural roots. I do despise the sense of snooty elitism that can abide among those who fornicate with such nostalgia for the mere sake of it, yet it needn't be the case.
In school were you taught a tapas of Western classics? What's your view on this in hindsight?
How important do you think exposure to classic Western literature is in formalised education?
I'll start another thread soliciting views on contemporary education today or tomorrow, as these two interrelate.
[Novelty fact: This is by far (as in, phenomenally so) the least used forum, and yet a large chunk of threads I've started have been 'in' here.]
Truth. Goodness. Beauty. Wisdom. Love.
"O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" (1 Cor 15:55).
#1 Night Owl, Jul 19, 2016
Siimplicity, Free, invisible and 1 other person like this.
Gaze My word . . . hmm
Yes, classics should be taught with a balance of some modern literature which have the potential to be classics. I think it's important to have a foundation of early writing so we know why literature is what it is today, so we can appreciate the development of language.
Growing up in the Caribbean, we were exposed to Shakespeare and other English authors include Bronte, Eyre, Dickens, Defoe, Stevenson, Verne, Carroll, Whitman, Crane, etc. Some I discovered on my own such as Frost and Thoreau found in the library. So, self education was a crucial part of exposure to some of these works. The King James Version of The Bible was hugely influential for me growing up, and helped me appreciate literature in ways other works didn't, especially Shakespeare.
However, there were still limitations. English canon was narrow, and it would have been nice to be exposed to a wider variety of literature, not necessarily modern popular literature, but a more diverse background. Too often the classics are held up as perfect examples of good literature, without any context, or sense of why a generation that is far removed from the stories and language in which they are written should naturally be able to read, understand, and relate to them.
Today, most people are more likely to connect with themes and language in literature because of how the stories and messages connect with their world. If there is no recognition of themselves whether in characters who look, think, and behave like they do, or connect with the story in addressing issues or subjects happening in the world today, they may find it difficult to see the value in the words on the page and embrace it.
The luxury of enjoying books outside of the classroom is that you can be engaged by the story, and characters, and can find meaning based on your own personal journey, not just because it was required or because you were told, "this is a great work of literature, so you should read it."
In other words, there has to be some rhyme or reason for the books read, and not simply a blanket expectation that they should be read because they are put on a pedestal as a member of the classical literary canon. There are quite a few books often held in high regard as good literature, but the writing or language is tedious or monotonous. The story may be significant, but the writing is difficult to wade through. That could be one reason why some classics are not as popular as they once were.
Since I'm not from the US, my only regret is not having read classic works of American literature early on such as Grapes of Wrath, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Invisible Man, 1984, On the Road, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc.
#2 Gaze, Jul 19, 2016
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Avalon Archipelago
The most important thing is to select the right historically significant texts and teach them in a way that communicates what they are about and why they are important - what they achieve as works of art that is essential to human beings, and why these things can't be achieved through other types of human endeavour. And the most fundamental concerns are elsewhere... what kind of facility to continue to engage with written texts in future are students taking away from all of this?
#3 invisible, Jul 19, 2016
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Night Owl, I can understand your frustration. I was taught Shakespeare every year at school from when I was 11. To me it seems like one Shakespeare a year, one canonical text a year, and a comprehensive unit of work on poetry for older students are probably sufficient at this pre-university level of study... but it also seems to me that those things are very important. The rest of the texts should maybe be more contemporary works that the students can learn from, and also things that they can really connect with.
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Bellosome swimming against the current
hmm.. growing up in Asia, we weren't really "obliged" to do book reports or read classics. we were taught more on the proper construction of sentences, usage, adjectives,nouns,theme writing etc.
Reading classics was actually more of my choice. Personally, I am envious of those who are/were studying abroad-- not because the quality of education here is bad, it's more of we weren't exposed to these things. To me, classics has a different approach on writing. (this is from my pov), like the overall context, word usage, more use of imagery, it has a different depth in it. Classics, takes as where the author wants us, as for modern literature, it's more of how the story relates to us. (not that it's a bad)
and as I am not an English speaker, having read some classics, i was able to broaden my knowledge on understanding English literature -- and my vocabulary (which isn't really much hahaha)
as i was typing this reply, I've realized that i read classics to learn, i read modern literature to enjoy. plus, it's easily accessible. As for the classic ones, not everything is available (where i'm from)
"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
#5 Bellosome, Jul 19, 2016
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Part of what we are talking about now reminds me of a discussion I had with an old friend. My friend is very bright and went on a full scholarship to Cambridge to write her doctoral thesis. After she finished it, (and came back to this part of the world), I chatted with her about the text she focused on (which I had read in the meantime). I was telling her "It was so intricate." She said "These dense components that people claim are boring contain purpose." I said "What is it with the idea that it is necessary to be incessantly entertained by a work of literature, that a work of art has to justify itself according to how entertaining it is. It's totally masturbatory." I don't think I will forget the expression of surprise on her face until I die. She genuinely hadn't considered it that way. That is something that is really deeply integrated to our cultural concept of what it means to consume literature. No one is surprised when mathematics and sciences aren't entertaining, but they think it is valuable to study those things anyhow. There is not a very good guiding sense in all of this of what it is about literature that is valuable, or why we should study it. I have worked super duper assiduously for my understandings of literature, but I'm not sure that my accomplishments are very appropriately appreciated by society.
When I think of literature (and arts more broadly), part of what I think of is that it is the scholarship of subjectivity, of the experiential processes of being. Sciences are not capable of dealing with this problem that is so essential to human beings. When I am reading, part of what I am doing is forcing my consciousness into an alternative state of being. You may not be actively enjoying it, but if you are engaging with it, you are learning, you are nourishing your mind, and you are growing as a person. None of this is to say that there is anything wrong with reading for pleasure! But in terms of education, I think children need to be taught to recognise the doors of understanding opening in their minds when they read, and to value that outcome, rather than to be taught to derive pleasure from reading. Whether this necessarily involves the "Western Canon" or not...
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brightmoon Community Member
I'd make on comment on this topic, but @invisible summarized my thoughts on it very nicely. I have nothing else to add
"La vie est la farce à mener par tous." Arthur Rimbaud
"sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangent" Virgil, 1:462 Aeneid
#7 brightmoon, Jul 19, 2016
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@Gist and @invisible sounds like your education was commendable on this front (Western front lol).
@Gist, a great post. And you touch upon a good point that although the Classics play an important role, and are almost essential, it is helpful to have exposure to works that fall outside the Canon, be they old or new, and even to other mediums (such as film), to provide a more holistic education, and to help equip people with critical thinking and analytical skills that are relevant to life today. You had the opposite problem to me.
@bellisima I guess I'd be surprised if they introduced Western Classics into Asiatic curriculums, even in an English class which, as a non-native language, is a language enabling class, as opposed to the format and function English classes play in native speaking English countries q:
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@invisible you made some really great comments!
invisible said: ↑
The most important thing is to select the right historically significant texts and teach them in a way that communicates what they are about and why they are important - what they achieve as works of art that is essential to human beings, and why these things can't be achieved through other types of human endeavour.
Yes, doing so by connecting the work in its historical context (and exploring that context), exploring the perennial humanity of the piece, applying it to today, and doing so with some passion to really bring it alive. One truly needs a guide like Dante had Virgil, to lead one through most classical works to really milk the utmost from such a teat. (Good end/footnotes can somewhat substitute for a personal guide lol).
"What is it with the idea that it is necessary to be incessantly entertained by a work of literature, that a work of art has to justify itself according to how entertaining it is. It's totally masturbatory.".
Pure gold. What an insightful way of looking at it. Thanks for sharing it. It's so, so true. I'm sure this literary, or rather, artistic hedonism has gradually but exponentially intensified since the modern age where entertainment has become seen not as a privilege but as a fundamental inalienable human right. On top of this, since the industrial revolution, but namely post-WWII, an economical mindset has become all pervasive, so that art itself, and hence literature, has become reduced to a commodity - a good to be used to satisfy and meet the demand of the consumer. The reader has gone from authentic reader (if ever there was such a thing) to a consumer. You're spot on.
Personally I committed myself to reading works such as the Divine Comedy and Ovid's Metamorphoses, not out of a desire to be entertained, but to encounter great art, to learn, to immerse myself in living history, in my cultural roots, to expand my horizons - not as an archaeologist digging into the past, but in order to ground me in my humanity, and assist me in my journey forward. For me, the Divine Comedy really required a devotion-like commitment, and at times parts encroached on tedium (especially when obscure historical figures in hell or heaven are mentioned), but I stuck with it, and am glad I read it. Was I entertained? Well, partly, but not really. Yet as you allude to, that's asking the wrong question. It was so much more than that. It also reminds me how superficial it is to solely judge a book as 'good' if it entertained one. Sure, I think a certain aesthetic quality to any art is important - it has to be approachable and engaging on some level - but ultimately it's about journey, and good art takes one on a journey that is rich and deep, whether it's short or long. And for me reading The Divine Comedy was a journey in every sense. An imaginative, conceptual, cultural, historical, and spiritual journey. And I think such language of journey applies to any text one reads, but there is, in my experience, something a little more sacred and grand about certain works, classical works - especially those heavy with time. One is making such a journey in the footprints where so many others have gone before, and yet, one arrives at the same destination having a completely new and different experience than those that went before.
Vict mechanical and habitual agent
Good question. I'm taking survey of english literature this and next semester because it's the one of the basics for an english degree. I avoided it for a decade by taking nearly every other lit course.
#10 Vict, Jul 21, 2016
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Night Owl said: ↑
Thanks for your writing Night Owl!!!! I hope you don't mind me contributing just a few stray thoughts.
Whether a piece of art contains a perennial humanity is a very interesting question, maybe a chicken-and-egg type question (whether we just see it that way because it has had such a tremendous influence over the culture that has informed us). I have no idea how to go about thinking about it properly, it is well beyond my skill as a scholar to think about that properly... but it is very interesting.
You have really caused me to reconsider my use of word "consumer". I admit somewhere along the line I had just adopted it interchangeably with "reader", had come to identify myself as a "consumer", and had never given it much thought again. But thank you for the insight, you're right, it's a different thing.
People have told me there is a significant branch of philosophy dealing with aesthetics. I am always really interested to check it out. If only I could get all this western canonical literary fiction read that is stacked up in my wardrobe, I could eventually move on to something like that!
I have never read any Dante, I always think of his work as "that Italian stuff", which is me making pure nonsense. I have read other monoliths though. Metamorphoses blew my mind. The Aeneid, The Odyssey (never read his blockbuster about the city falling though), erm... probably a few other translated classics (motivated mostly by a desire to find out more about sensational figures like Cassandra and Medea)... and reading most of it was a blast, a giant party. But I agree with you, all books are not equal, and you can really learn a lot by these works, they are so foundational, and they offer so many different perspectives. But I think that in general most of what I've read was composed from the 18th century onwards, and I think that I mostly thought it was just as good (maybe sometimes slightly more tedious).
BTW, footnotes and annotations FTW!
#11 invisible, Jul 25, 2016
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the Si master race.
I'm not sure, I think it would help if you told me what makes a classic a classic.
Video games are the velcro shoe of games.
#12 the, Jul 25, 2016
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the said: ↑
I think this is interesting. I think classics are usually properly defined as something that has survived from antiquity, but now it seems like anything can be a classic. I used to get asked this all the time in the bookstore and I would be like "OK, are you looking for texts from ancient times, or English literature?"
Associated category, "the canon", the clearest definition of which I ever read being something like "a text that is consistently studied in universities". Maybe something that has steadily been regarded as having been of major historical significance and has had a great deal of scholarly criticism done on it.
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There is more to "classics" than "antiquity" though isn't there. It's meant to refer to "advanced thought" that is pre-Christian. It is also has connotations of contrast against Romance, in terms of idealising emotional discipline as opposed to emotional freedom.
'′Classic′ - a book which people praise and don't read.' - Mark Twain
#15 Night Owl, Jul 25, 2016
Yes I had hoped there was a serious answer though.
Alright. Serious hat - on.
Ultimately 'classic' is a subjective label applied by a sort of social consensus to a work of literature which is "judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind" (definition of "classic" as an adjective) and "a work of art of recognized and established value" (definition of "classic" as a noun).
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In the Wings Community Member
xNTP
There's an assumption in the idea that classical literature is important that classical literature is the only type of literature in which Big Ideas can be explored or discussed, and I just don't think that's accurate. The entire Song of Ice and Fire series probably incorporates themes in both Romeo and Juliet and The Iliad, for instance, while adding in ideas of its own. Divergent and The Hunger Games both have themes worth talking about, too.
The main advantage of classics, really, is that you know what to say--they can be standardized and tested. But, I think that if a hypothetical English teacher were to be keeping up with book trends and discussing them with others, it wouldn't be hard to find something that kids don't already have some aversion to.
#18 In the Wings, Jul 25, 2016
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In the Wings said: ↑
A valid point for sure. I'm never an either or sort of person, but an and person. I like to see both a sampling of the classics and contemporary literature in education. The themes covered in Divergent and The Hunger Games are very worthwhile. Of course I emphaise the old as opposed to the new, some prefer to emphasie the new rather than the old. A point of agreement might be at least that to some extent, old and new works ought to be covered.
George R R Martin's works arise from both their generic situation and also a 21st century milieu that includes a vast historical context (they are medievalist aren't they?)... and that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the difference between them and the works of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is a fundamental part of English language culture, he is just massively THERE. Although I'm sure there are many valid comparisons to be made, and I think it is a potentially awesome idea to teach them in schools, Martin's works aren't an appropriate substitute for historically significant works. To start with (and to put it crudely), from the point of view of a literary scholar, offering those works as a replacement for historical works is kind of like saying "Oh, don't bother about basic anatomy, let's cut straight to electrolyte imbalance in dialysis patients, it's far more interesting and relevant to what we really want to achieve".
This comes back to issues about the way that literature is evaluated. We don't decide to refrain from teaching certain important aspects of science or mathematics subjects just because kids have previously formed an aversion to them, do we? That attitude to teaching is sloppy and lazy. If students derive pleasure from learning, that is ideal! But it's also beside the point. What's more important is that they are able to engage with the material, develop comprehension of it, appreciate its significance, and that they will be confident in their abilities to approach similar complex materials when encountering them in future.
Ignore Threads by Nobita


New York, N.Y. : Signet : Penguin Books USA, c1990.
x, 1093 pages ; 18 cm.
1 of 1 Central FICTION King, S.
0 of 1 Folsom Adult FICTION King, S.
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0 of 1 Belle Cooledge CD FICTION King, S.
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p2010. Penguin Audio, 35 sound discs (ca. 45 hr.) : digital ; 4 3/4 in.
20 copies, 22 people are on the wait list.
18 copies, 5 people are on the wait list.
5 copies, 11 people are on the wait list.
|a It / |c Stephen King.
|a New York, N.Y. : |b Signet : |b Penguin Books USA, |c c1990.
|a x, 1093 p. ; |c 18 cm.
|a Accelerated Reader AR |b UG |c 6.0 |d 70.0 |z 18940.
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text:
HomePosts tagged 'common good'
Ethiopia's Medemer Philosophy
February 25, 2020 Lawrence Abiy Ahmed, common good, economic reforms, Ethiopia, ethnicity, Fitsum Arega, Medemer, national unity, poverty, prosperity, Prosperity Party, shared humanity, USIP
I had the pleasure to attend a fascinating and enlightening discussion on what Medemer means and why Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has introduced this concept into Ethiopia today. The conversation was led by Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Ethiopian ambassador to the U. S. and included; Lencho Bati and Mamo Mihretu, both in the prime minister's office in Addis Ababa, and Etana Dinka, Oberlin College.
Prime Minister Abiy has authored a book, Medemer, (Amharic) and simultaneously launched the new nationwide Prosperity Party, which is an application of his Medemer philosophy.
The panelists explained to the overflow audience at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) in Washington, that the Medemer philosophy should guide both Ethiopia's domestic and foreign policy. Medemer embodies the concept of national unity and the need for all to work for the common good; for Ethiopia's prosperity, and its elimination of poverty. Amb. Arega said that Ethiopia cannot change the past, but Ethiopia needs new ideas that go beyond its highly charged ethnic politics. He spoke of the need for forgiveness in Ethiopian society, with no finger pointing, in order for Ethiopia to move forward. The idea of a shared-common humanity, embodied in Medemer, is the underpinning for establishing sound relationships with other nations.
Ethiopia is entering a challenging period, economically, politically, and socially. The nation is attempting to create an appropriate economic policy that will enable millions of educated youth to be absorbed into its workforce. The nation is also coming to terms with the limitations of almost thirty years of a federation of ethnic states. With national elections scheduled for August, Prime Minister Abiy's non-ethnic based Prosperity Party is provoking a healthy discourse about Ethiopia's identity.
All of these issues are relevant to the concept of Medemer, that was richly elaborated in the two-hour dialogue at USIP.
Watch: A Changing Ethiopia: Understanding Medemer
Read: Ethiopia's Prosperity Party: A Revolutionary Necessity
Ethiopia's Prosperity Party: A Revolutionary Necessity
January 8, 2020 January 8, 2020 Lawrence Abiy Ahmed, Adwa, Amhara, common good, common humanity, constitution, economic growth, EPRDF, Ethiopia, Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, ethnicity, Homo Sapiens, Medemer, nationalism, Oromo, Prosperity Party, Sidama, Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Front, synergy, Tigray
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has embarked on a bold effort to transform the political terrain of Ethiopia while simultaneously launching new economic reforms. The creation of the new Ethiopian Prosperity Party (PP) replaces the Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front-(EPRDF), founded in 1988. Dissolving the reigning EPRDF and fashioning a new national party, or what some refer to as a Pan-Ethiopian party, is a courageous and daring move, essential for Ethiopia's future. This emerging nation of over 105 million people, already a leader in economic development, is now embarking on a challenging path to create de novo a national party.
The EPRDF, which had governed Ethiopia since May 1991, was composed of four Regional States, plus the cities of Addis Ababa (the capital), and Dire Dawa. The four regional parties are: the Tigray People's Liberation Front-(TPLF); the Oromo People's Democratic Organization-(OPDO) (renamed early this year as Oromo Democratic Party-(ODP); the Amhara National Democratic Movement-(ANDM), (renamed early this year as Amhara Democratic Party-(ADP); and the Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement-(SEPDM), (a coalition of the 56 ethnic groups).
The EPRDF was fashioned to address Ethiopia's earlier history of dictatorial and monarchical rule. The designers of the governing party believed that acknowledging ethnic identity, which was not recognized for centuries, would solve the tensions of that time. Recent conflicts in Ethiopia have shown this arrangement to be ineffective.
Of the four parties that comprised the EPRDF, only the TPLF has refused to join the new PP. Already the governing parties representing 5 regions, which were not members of the EPRDF, but were recognized as allies of the EPRDF have joined the PP in preparation for May 2020 elections. They are: 1) Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP); 2) Benishangul-Gumuz Democratic Party (BDP); 3) Somali Democratic Party (SDP); 4) Gambela People's Democratic Movement (GPDM); and 5) Harari National League (HNL). The PP will be inclusive, intending to represent all communities, inviting Tigrayans, who live in and outside the region to join. The PP program will have Amharic as its working language as per the constitution. However, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Somali and Afar will also be the working languages of the new PP.
Prime Minister Abiy's founding of the PP on December 1, just six months before Ethiopia's national elections, is fraught with personal risks for the new Prime Minister. However, this endeavor is bursting with the potential to transform politics and social relations in Ethiopian society. Ethiopia has a splendid history thousands of years old, rich with a multiplicity of cultural backgrounds. The PP is intended to harmonize the diversity of the nation with a national non-ethnic based party.
Chair Persons of the eight parties who also represent eight Regions as governing parties worked under the umbrella of the EPRDF coalition signed a document for the establishment of Prosperity Party. Photo Credit OPM
Nationalism: Not Ethnic Nationalism
A sovereign nation-state is not a mosaic of diverse groups competing with each other for control of the government or pursuing administration posts to obtain economic and financial rewards. A sovereign nation should have a national identity and a mission orientation for its people; all its people, regardless of ethnic heritage. Contributing to the distinctive identity of Ethiopia was its military defeat of the Italian Empire in the battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896. Consequently, this victory, uniquely allowed Ethiopia to remain free from colonialism. Although this triumph occurred over one century ago, it is part of the psychological composition of the identity of all Ethiopians; whether they are conscious of its effects or not. Ethiopia's decades' long determination to develop from a disadvantaged nation to an aspiring lower middle-income nation with nascent light manufacturing industry is another feature of Ethiopia's national identity.
Professed ethnonationalism errs in that it attempts to substitute the demands, often for legitimate needs, of one particular group above the interests of all the citizens. A nation-state cannot survive in a Hobbesian war of all against each other to obtain the most goodies for "my people." Dare we forget the horrors of the ethnically driven tragic Biafran war in Nigeria from 1967-1970, and how geographic-ethnic distinctions have determined every unhealthy aspect of political and social life in Nigeria today?
Recriminations from the past are no excuse for actions today. Decisions concerning the best strategy for securing the future of Ethiopia must be based on how that policy will benefit the well-being of all citizens.
Medemer and Synergy
In his acceptance speech for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prime Minister Abiy spoke of the philosophy of the Medemer.
He said: "Medemer, an Amharic word, signifies synergy, convergence, and teamwork for a common destiny. Medemer is a homegrown idea that is reflected in our political, social, and economic life. I'd like to think of 'Medemer' as a social compact for Ethiopians to build a just, egalitarian, democratic, and humane society by pulling together our resources for our collective survival and prosperity…At its core, Medemer is a covenant of peace that seeks unity in our common humanity." One could appropriately, add for the "common good" of humankind.
Our "common humanity" exists in all of us. We are all born in the image of the Creator. All human beings are universally related by our endowed powers of creative mentation, more commonly known as reason. What distinguishes all human beings from the animal species is our mental power to discover new scientific and cultural principles embedded in our universe. All of us homo sapiens, regardless of where we were born, or any physical characteristics, are substantially more alike than we are different. Therefore, our needs, desires, and aspirations in life are similar. All human beings not only share a common interest to enhance our lives, but we also share a desire for a better future for our posterity. There is no class of superior people, who have more rights than others due to privileges of birth, religion, or skin color. Each of us are placed here on earth to contribute to the common good of our common humanity using our individual talents.
If we accept synergy to mean cooperation and collaboration to achieve an enhanced effect, then let us act synergistically to ensure a prosperous Ethiopia that provides for all its citizens.
The Constitution and Sidama
Inherent problems of the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia are evident in the November 2019 referendum conferring autonomy to Sidama. Ethiopia's constitution stipulates that with this lawful vote, the people of Sidama, the fifth largest ethnic group, will become the tenth ethnic regional state. Eight of the existing nine regional states are governed by the dominant ethnic group of that geographical region. However, the Sidama people reside in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region–(SNNPR), where many other small ethnic groups (around 56) also exist.
The Preamble of Ethiopia's Constitution properly emphasizes the conception of a united nation with a common purpose and goal for all its people. It deliberates on "advancing our economic and social development," "common interest….and the emergence of a common outlook," and "to live as one economic community." Article 14 resonates with the US Constitution, stating: "Every person has the inviolable right to life the security of person and liberty." The same principle is echoed in Article 43 of the Constitution: The Right to Development. "The basic aim of development activities shall be to enhance the capacity of citizens for development and to meet their basic needs."
The drawback to the Constitution begins in Article 8:Sovereignty of the People, where sovereign powers are divided up between "Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia." This is an obvious compromise to ethnicity. In truth; there is only one Ethiopian people and only one Ethiopian nation. The divisions in Ethiopian society are made explicit in Article39: "Every Nation, Nationality and People in Ethiopia has an unconditional right to self-determination, including the right of secession……the right to a full measure of self-government…" This separation of Ethiopians into multiple groups, outlined in the Constitution, is the seed for the tensions gripping Ethiopia today.
In the aftermath of the Sidama referendum, Ethiopia potentially faces a conundrum. Will other ethnic minorities now choose to follow the same path as Sidama in calling for autonomy as delineated in the Constitution? It appears so. In addition to Sidama Zone*, which is now claiming to be the 10th state, there are other Zones in the Southern Region that want to follow the same route to statehood. To quote William Shakespeare, "there's the rub." Clearly the Ethiopian Constitution, despite the best intentions, has proven to be unsuccessful in governing this multi-ethnic nation.
The Challenging Course Ahead
The emergence of a national party such as the PP can commence the process of uniting the nation by moving away from a society where ethnic interests are placed above the welfare of the nation. Ultimately the problematic features of the Ethiopian Constitution will have to be revisited. Not to address this thorny issue will allow instigators to use ethnicity to disrupt what is most necessary for Ethiopia to move forward; a healthy process of dialogue and debate on the future of Ethiopia.
This discourse should include a discussion by the Ethiopian people on changing the structure of ethnic-based parties. For example, Ghana's Constitution stipulates that "Every political party shall have a national character, and membership shall not be based on ethnic, religious, regional or other sectional divisions." That no political party shall be formed "(a) on ethnic, gender, religion regional, professional or other sectional divisions; or (b) which uses words, slogans or symbols which could arouse ethnic, gender, religious, regional professional or other sectional divisions."
The lack of vibrant Ethiopian nationalism creates a fertile environment for those who want to manipulate misplaced ethnic passions. The danger presents itself during times of social or economic stress, when the population's frustrations can be channeled along ethnic fault lines, manipulating Ethiopians to act against their true self-interest: progress for the nation of Ethiopia. Opportunistic ringleaders will attempt to misdirect the population against each other via competing ethnicities, instead of uniting society behind a national policy. A policy of economic growth that includes a strategy to generate employment opportunities for the millions of youth preparing to enter the workforce is in the vital interests of all citizens.
Of course, it will take time for people to shed their desire to control policy making through ethnic-based parties. It is an existential moment for Ethiopia, and a national grounded PP is a needed first step. It should be understood, that a sovereign nation, whose national mission is to promote the general welfare of its people does not require the elimination of historical cultures. On the contrary, the uniqueness and beauty of each ethnic culture can be synergistically woven into an elevated national character that transcends ethnicity.
*Zone is the middle tire next to the regional state in the governing structure that is also formed under ethnic lines the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR).
Lawrence Freeman is a Political-Economic Analyst for Africa, who has been involved in the economic development policy of Africa for 30 years. He is the creator of the blog: lawrencefreemanafricaandtheworld.com
Africa and China Cooperate on Development and Eliminating Poverty
November 8, 2019 January 5, 2020 Lawrence Africa, agriculture, CGTN, China, China International Import Expo, CIIE, common good, development, Djibouti, Ethiopia, manufacturing, Railroads, South Africa, Standard Gauge Railway, Xi Jinping
Cabinet applauds Chinese investment push for attracting R116bn
31st October 2019 BY: AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY
The South African government on Thursday applauded the growing trade and economic relations with the People's Republic of China, which has led to at least 88 Chinese companies investing massively in the country's economy.
Addressing media in Cape Town on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said the growing two-way trade between Beijing and Pretoria has led to Chinese companies investing a capital expenditure of R116-billion from 2003…
Read: South Africa Cabinet Applauds Chinese Investment
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China's capacity building support wins acclaim in Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) — Ethiopia on Monday commended China's support to the East African country's capacity development endeavors as the two countries set to mark 50 years anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.
Tilahun Sarka, Director General of Ethiopia-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR), stressed the vital importance of China's capacity development support at an event on Monday that marks the start of railway operations training for 47 Ethiopian train conductors.
Noting ongoing knowledge transfer activities that are jointly implemented by ERD, the Chinese government and the consortium of Chinese companies, Sarka also urged the new batch of trainees to effectively study train operations along with Chinese experts so as to realize the Ethiopian government's ambition in building the East African country's capacity in railway technology…
Read: China's capacity building support wins acclaim in Ethiopia
President Xi Jinping Addressing China International Import Expo: The Common Good of Humanity and Eliminating Poverty
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second China International Import Expo, President Xi Jinping discussed the continuing process of "reform and opening up," but focused his remarks on an appeal for the world to come together for the common good.
"Of the problems confronting the world economy, none can be resolved by a single country alone. We must all put the common good of humanity first rather than place one's own interest above the common interest of all. We must have a more open mindset and take more open steps, and work together to make the pie of the global market even bigger….
"All problems could be settled in the spirit of equality, mutual understanding and accommodation. We need to promote development through opening-up and deepen exchanges and cooperation among us. We need to join hands with each other instead of letting go of each others hands. We need to tear down walls, not to erect walls."
"China's development, viewed through the lens of history, is an integral part of the lofty cause of human progress. China will reach out its arms and offer countries in the world more opportunities of market, investment and growth. Together, we can achieve development for all. The Chinese civilization has always valued peace under heaven and harmony among nations. Let us all work in that spirit and contribute to an open global economy and to a community with a shared future for mankind."
President Xi Jinping delivered his keynote address "in front of a countdown screen for winning the country's battle against poverty," Xinhua reported. China has so far lifted some 850 million people out of poverty, and intends to do the same with the remaining 20 million by the end of 2020. Xinhua went on to report that "Xi said China is ready to share its poverty relief experience with other countries and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity featuring common development and the elimination of poverty."
Read my recent post: CGTN: China Reaches New Stage of Development With CIIE
Don't Listen to Propaganda & Gossip. Follow the Facts: China is not Creating a 'debt-trap' for Africa
November 3, 2018 November 5, 2018 Lawrence Africa, Belt and Road Initiative, China, common good, creativity, credit, debt, debt crisis, debt trap, FOCAC, Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, IMF, Paris Club, poverty, Treaty of Westphalia, western financial institutions, World Bank, Xi Jinping
A useful report, "Africa's growing debt crisis: Who is the debt owed to?" by the British based Jubilee Debt Campaign, again belies the propaganda and gossip that China is manipulating African nations into a 'debt-trap.' This report excerpted below, using figures from the World Bank, and the China Africa Research Institute-(CARI) at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington DC, shows the percentage of debt owed to China by African nations is not the cause of a debt crisis. In fact, in many cases the debt owed to China is less than the total owed to Western nations and financial institutions.
It is clear that for strictly geo-political reasons many Western think tanks and various media have gone into overdrive demonizing China with false claims of a new 'debt-trap.' This has also led to increased attacks on African leaders, portraying them as weak and not acting in the interest of their citizens. They have been accused of succumbing to China, which has been dubbed, the new imperial power. Sadly, many Africans have been duped, or simply out of frustration and anger, joined this western orchestrated chorus.
Of course, the truth of the matter is quite different. From the early 1980s on Western financial intuitions such as the IMF, World Bank, and Paris Club, loaded up African nations with so much debt that they were unable to service the debt, forcing them into unpayable arrears. The vicious irony, is that several hundred billion dollars of debt lent by the West was never meant to actual develop African economies. It was in fact, intended to create a real 'debt-trap' for Africa. It has only been in the last ten years that Africa's huge deficit in infrastructure is being addressed in collaboration with China's non-western model of development. As I have written over many years, debt is not the problem when it is used as credit to improve the productive powers of a society to increase its physical wealth. Technologically advanced infrastructure is an excellent, if not the premiere method to drive an economy forward. This is exactly what China is accomplishing through its Belt and Road Initiative, and is at the heart of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation-(FOCAC).
Unfortunately, the dominance of the "geo-political" ideology since the death of Franklin Roosevelt has thoroughly contaminated the thinking of Westerners and Africans alike. Creating a culture (with few exceptions) of people unable to think strategically, and who cynically reject the idea that a powerful nation would extend itself to actually assist other nations. China, according to all accounts, has lifted 700 million of its people out of poverty. President Xi Xinping has pledged to help eliminate poverty in Africa, the continent with highest rate of poverty in the world. Yet, many Africans reject this offer as insincere, suggesting a sinister motive lurking behind China's offer. This attitude, is in part, the result of today's political culture, which has failed to understand one of the most profound universal principles: all mankind shares a common interest in the development of the creative potential of each and every human being.
Let us all agree, now, that we will all act on the this principle of the common good, and affirm as did the Treaty of Westphalia, that the interest of the other is also the interest of thy self.
Forum On China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing, September 3-4, 2018
"Africa's growing debt crisis: Who is the debt owed to?"
(excerpts follow)
• African government external debt payments have doubled in two years, from an average of
5.9% of government revenue in 2015 to 11.8% in 2017
• 20% of African government external debt is owed to China
• 17% of African government external interest payments are made to China
• In contrast, 32% of African government external debt is owed to private lenders, and 35% to
multilateral institutions such as the World Bank
• 55% of external interest payments are to private creditors
Minimum amount of African government external debt owed to China as percentage of total debt is 18%
Creditor grouping, total debt owed, percentage of external debt owed, are as follows:
China $72 billion 18%
Paris Club $40 billion 10%
Other governments $18 billion 4%
World Bank $66 billion 16%
IMF $18 billion 4%
Other multilateral institutions $61 billion 15%
Private sector $132 billion 32%
Total $407 billion
Maximum amount of African government external debt owed to China as percentage of total debt is 24%
Creditor grouping'Total debt owed, percentage of external debt owed, are as follows:
China $100 billion 24%
Private sector (excl. Chinese
private sector)
$132 billion 32%
Checking these figures through country cases
Another way of identifying how much African government debt is owed to China is to look bottom-up at the individual data available by each government.
Of these 16 countries, 14 have figures on how much debt is owed to China (for the full analysis see Appendix 1.). Of these 14:
• 11 owe less than 18% of their debt to China (Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritania, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Sudan and Zimbabwe).
• Three owe more than 24% -Djibouti (68%), Zambia (30%) and Cameroon (29%).
• The mean average amount owed to China is 15% of a government's external debt, and the median average is 8%
Read Complete Report: Who Is Africa Debt's Owed To?
The Debate On China's Role In Africa; A Different Point Of View
October 21, 2018 November 30, 2018 Lawrence agriculture, Alexander Hamilton, Belt and Road Initiative, China, common good, creativity, credit, debt trap, energy, FOCAC, Franklin Roosevelt, good debt, industrialization, Infrastructure, Marshall plan, Railroads, US, Xi Jinping
The Council of African Security and Development-CASADE has published my article regarding the debate over whether China is forcing African nations into a new 'debt trap.' Despite the propaganda from some Africans and Westerners, China is not the new imperialist in Africa. You can read my analysis below.
CASADE: COUNCIL ON AFRICAN SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT
READ The Debate on China's Role in Africa a Different Point of View
A Brief Response: Marshall Plan for Africa or "Debt Trap?"
Lawrence Freeman.
The world is witnessing an increase in attacks on Africa's relationships with China in various articles, as well as low-level, unthoughtful, messages on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Not only does that content intend to demonize China as the new colonial empire of Africa, but it also includes vulgar demeaning caricatures of African Heads of State.
Could the reason for the uptick of these kinds of diatribes be related to the successful September 3-4, Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, attended by leaders from almost every African nation? China has reached out to Africa and formed a special relationship which is being embraced by African Heads of State. It should be clear to any intelligent historian, that China is not acting as an Imperialist manner towards Africa.
However, what has been conspicuously, egregiously omitted from this unsubstantiated vilification of China, is the history of Western nations and institutions, which have acted as an Imperialist power towards Africa. The latest accusation is that China is deliberately entrapping African nations into unpayable debt. However, this is precisely what the IMF, World Bank, Paris Club, along with their allies in the City of London and Wall Street did to Africa immediately following the "Winds of Change."
The motivation for this propaganda barrage is that China via FOCAC and the Belt & Road Initiative is offering African nations a pathway toward growth uncontrolled by the financial predators in the City of London and Wall Street. Contrary to the myth that China is stealing African resources; which the Western powers did first under slavery, then under colonialism, and have continued under neo-colonialism, China is actually providing credit for physical infrastructure; the sin qua non to spur economic growth.
Debt and Credit for What?
A pervasive and quite serious problem affecting well-intentioned individuals from all corners of the globe is the lack of understanding of what actually creates economic growth. Neither money, nor financial transactions, nor derivatives, nor speculation, nor rising stock markets, nor the market place are the cause of growth or synonymous with real economic growth.
Credits issued for infrastructure; water, energy, rail, roads, healthcare, and education, identifying the most vital categories, if properly organized, leads to an increase in the productivity i.e. the economic power of the society. This is measured by the ability of society to increase its physical output from one production cycle to the next. By utilizing advanced technologies embedded in new capital equipment, including infrastructure, farmers and workers can produce more efficiently. Simply providing abundant energy, high-speed railroads, and water inputs to an African nation would lead to a jump in economic output. Shortly after the death of President Kennedy, the US ceased its commitment to assist Africa nations in expanding their infrastructure.
China is committed to lending, issuing credit-yes creating a debt to fund long-term investment in infrastructure. Credit directed in this way is good debt. With non-usurious interest rates over 15-20 years, the loan can be retired from the profit it generates to society. This form of debt is not equivalent to the hundreds of billions of dollars African nations were forced to pay to the financial capitals of the world for loans to cover rigged terms of trade, and currency devaluations.
If you study the American System of Political Economy with its cornerstone; Alexander Hamilton's national credit policy, you will realize that China is emulating the best of America's past. For example, President Franklin Roosevelt, who successfully applied Hamilton's principle to rebuild the Depression riddled US with state issued credits, would have little trouble understanding the principles of President Xi Jinping's Belt & Road.
Economics and the Common Good
There is a deeper level to comprehending economic growth. Every human being is united by a universal principle often expressed as the "common good of mankind." Yes, all human beings regardless of religion, color, ethnicity, or place of birth, share a "common interest." We are all created with the power of creativity. Not logic, not deduction, not induction, but the power to hypothesis new ideas. The power of discovery, to discern new principles of the universe that we previously did not know but were there waiting to be revealed to the human mind. These scientific discoveries spawn new technologies which are the primary source of economic growth. Thus, it is the responsibility, nay the obligation of every society to nurture and develop that creative potential innate in all its citizens from birth to death.
For all citizens to realize their potential, live productive lives, and raise their families without fear of hunger and security, a nation must have the economic means to expand the total physical wealth of society over succeeding generations. An advanced industrialized nation requires a healthy manufacturing sector, which is also an essential component of a productive agriculture sector. The absence of robust agro-manufacturing economies in Africa is crime along with its huge deficit in infrastructure. Sadly, the West does not have the vision to assist African nations in overcoming these deficiencies. China in all, but name has launched the equivalent of a Marshall Plan for Africa.
Among the eight major initiatives that President Xi laid out at the Africa-China Summit, China will:
1.Promote industrialization; 2. Support agricultural assistance programs; 3. Work with the African Union (Agenda 2063) to formulate a China-Africa infrastructure cooperation program; 4. Increase its imports from Africa, in particular non-resources products; 5. Train 1,000 high-caliber Africans for training in innovation sectors; provide Africa with 50,000 government scholarships; and sponsor seminar and workshop opportunities for 50,000 Africans and invite 2,000 African students to visit China for exchanges.
China has come to understand that it is the common interest of its own country, and in the fact all nations, is to help Africa develop productive industrialized societies not dependent on revenue from one resource or one crop. Under these improved conditions, hunger and poverty, the underlying causes for conflict, can be eliminated. Great progress can be accomplished in Africa and the world, if the US and Europe acquire the wisdom to join China's Spirit of the Belt & Road
September 20, 2018 December 7, 2018 Lawrence Africa, African Development Bank, African Union, agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, Belt and Road Initiative, China, common good, credits, Cyril Ramaphosa. Paul Kegame, debt, development, energy, industrialization, Infrastructure, manufacturing, Marshall plan, Nigeria, President Buhari, Railroads, Rwanda, South Africa, Transaqua, Uhur Kenyatta, Xi Jinping
Lawrence Freeman
Could the reason for the uptick of these kinds of diatribes be related to the successful September 3-4, Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, attended by leaders from almost every African nation? China has reached out to Arica and formed a special relationship which is being embraced by African Heads of State. It should be clear to any intelligent historian, that China is not acting as an Imperialist manner towards Africa.
For all citizens to realize their potential, live productive lives, and raise their families without fear of hunger and security, a nation must have the economic means to expand the total physical wealth of society over succeeding generations. An advanced industrialized nation requires a healthy manufacturing sector, which is also an essential component of a productive agriculture sector. The absence of robust agro-manufacturing economies in Africa is crime along with its huge deficit in infrastructure.
Sadly, the West does not have the vision to assist African nations in overcoming these deficiencies. China in all, but name has launched the equivalent of a Marshall Plan for Africa.
Below are three articles with excerpts that provide useful background to understanding Africa's productive relationship with China.
"The recently concluded China-Africa Summit offers a new deal for Africa's recovery. The Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has the making of a 21st century equivalent of the Marshall Plan, America's massive economic rescue programe that President Harry Truman unveiled for Europe on April 3, 1948.
AFRICA'S INDUSTRIALISATION
On its part, China is taking a Pan-African approach targeting projects with regional impact such as Kenya's standard gauge railway. Like the Marshall Plan that prioritized the reindustrialization of Europe after the war, China is laudably giving a pride of place to Africa's industrialisation.
Industrialization was top on the list of President Xi Jinping's eight-point plan to guide Chinese aid to Africa in the next three years. Recipients of Marshall Plan had to invest 60 percent of these funds in industry. The funds also involved Technical Assistance Programes to create a skilled labor force to drive industrialization." Read: China's Marshall Plan for Africa-Debt or New Deal ?
"Speaking as the Chairman of the African Union, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, expressed the will of Africa very clearly: "Africa wishes to be a full and integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative." And in spite of the myriad attacks in the Western media regarding the Belt and Road's alleged "debt trap"—and its description of China's extensive involvement in Africa as a "new colonialism"—this "fake news" has not blurred the vision of Africa's leaders, who have stayed focused on the future of the continent.
Ramaphosa also praised the work of China's Belt and Road Initiative: "Why do we support the Belt and Road Initiative?" "Because we are confident that this initiative, which effectively complements the work of FOCAC, will reduce the costs and increase the volume of trade between Africa and China. It will encourage the development of Africa's infrastructure, a critical requirement for meaningful regional and continental integration." Read: FOCAC Summit: Turning Point in History
"It can be said that this sentiment is near universal among the African nations now participating in the BRI. Indeed the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the summit, "Let me be very clear that Africa has absolutely no debt crisis; African countries are desperate for infrastructure. The population is rising, urbanization is there, and fiscal space is very small." The AfDB president added, "They are taking on a lot more debt, but in the right way." Read: Changes Underway as FOCAC Convenes


Recently, the Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant officially opened in Saudi Arabia, a new advanced technology masterbatch production base. This is Kerui Te's second masterbatch plant in the country to replace the existing base in Riyadh.
The new site, located in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, is home to 32 major hydrocarbon, petrochemical and mineral industries. The plant is part of the Clariant Masterbatch Company in Saudi Arabia, a joint venture between Clariant and Rowad, a major Middle East plastic product maker and part of Tasnee, the second largest industrial company in Saudi Arabia. The plant will mainly focus on the production of white masterbatch.
Clariant Chief Financial Officer Patrick Jany said: "The joint investment with Rowad expands our global network and further enhances our presence in the Middle East and Africa, one of the key growth markets for plastics applications."
Its geographical location provides easy access to key raw materials as well as maritime and airport facilities, both for exporting goods to the factory and for Saudi Arabian customers as well as the wider Middle East and Africa region. This is Clariant Masterbatch's second manufacturing center in Saudi Arabia, while the other is based in Riyadh, home of the company.
Marco Cenisio, head of the masterbatch business unit, said the project is one of the most important investments in masterbatch business in recent years.
Saeed Al Ajrafi is a board member of Clariant Masterbatch Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia and a vice president of Tasnee. He added: "We are pleased to officially open the plant and the additional capacity that the plant will bring will allow us to expand our market share in the plastics industry downstream of the region."


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Tigers Great Lance Parrish New Manager For Whitecaps
allendale101/YouTube
The Detroit Tigers moved around some of their minor league managers and a member of their 1984 Championship team is making a move to Grand Rapids.
According to the story at M-Live, Former Tigers catcher Lance Parrish is making the move to manage the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps. He has spent the last four season as the manager for Double A Erie.
Along with his time in Erie, Parrish coached with the Tigers in the early 2000's. He also managed in the L.A. Dodgers minor league system.
This is just one of a few moves the Tigers recently made to their minor league system. Whitecaps manager Mike Rabelo is moving up to Class A Lakeland. Lakeland manager Andrew Graham is moving to replace Parrish in Erie.
The Whitecaps are coming off a great season where they won 91 games.
TIGERS AFFILIATE IN WEST MICHIGAN WINS AWARD FOR BEST TEAM
Bonus Video: Fly Talks To WWE Superstar Tyler Breeze Before Smackdown Event At Wings Event Center.
Filed Under: baseball, grand rapids


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Financial Times Group profits reach £55 million despite "weak" advertising
The Financial Times Group has been one of the best to adapt from the print to digital worlds, with 55% of revenues now coming from digital and services.
Their 652,000 print an digital subscriptions now account for 63% of revenues, compared to 48% in 2008, but that growth has been at the expense of advertising revenues that have fallen from 52% in 2008 to 37% today.
In their financial figures published earlier this week, the FT described advertising sales as "short term and generally weak", but also said they have grown market share with luxury and financial sectors that have shown good growth in digital.
The FT has also developed an technological solution for matching advertisers' content to relevant FT.com articles in real-time using semantic profiling called FT Smart Match, although the figures from this source were not split out in the figures.
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Song of the Day: Sérgio Mendes "Magalenha"
Alex Deley 10:00 am on August 26, 2019 August 22, 2019
Talented pianist and bandleader, Sérgio Mendes, scored a huge comeback hit with the now Carnival classic, "Magalenha". Appearing on his 1992 album, Brasileiro, the song helped to re-establish Mendes at the very top tier of Brazilian pop music and was a huge international success to boot. The song is a relentless parade track, powered by marching band rhythms and call-and-response vocals. The lead vocal by formidable Brazilian musician Carlinhos Brown features some impressive rapid-fire vocal tricks that seem impossible to replicate, that is, until you hear the response chorus matching him note for note. The song was a big party hit and was the subject of a number of club remixes, both in Brazil and across Europe. In my opinion, though I enjoy many of the remixes, the original version is still my favorite as it manages to dig deep into Afro-Brazilian identity and, while on face, seeming simple, is really a work of incredible rhythmic and harmonic sophistication.
Sérgio Mendes was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1941. He is probably best known for his work as bandleader and impresario behind with the sophisticated bossa-pop outfit, Brasil '66. The group was enormously popular throughout the 1960's, releasing clever bossa renditions of then-current US and UK chart hits mixed-in with a heavy dose of Brazilian fare. Alongside his role leading the various iterations of Brasil '66, Mendes was also a talented jazz pianist who led trios and worked as a sessions man. While his career has waxed and waned over the years, Mendes remains a force in contemporary Brazilian music.
BONUS! one of my favorite club remixes of the song.
Categories: Blog, Brazil, Latin, music, samba, Song of the Day	Tags: Brazil, Carlinhos Brown, music, samba, Sergio Mendes, song of the day
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