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Sarambwe Reserve Support Project by VONA
Categories: Journal no. 42, Protective Measures, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Sarambwe, Mountain Gorilla, Gorilla Journal, Success Stories
Ranger patrol on a trail that marks the boundary of the Sarambwe Reserve (© Augustin Rwimo)
The Sarambwe Reserve Integrated Management Support Project ran from 2009 to early 2011. The project was funded by IUCN France and B&RD and implemented by the Congolese NGO VONA (Voix de la Nature)
establish 28 km of trails for monitoring and ecotourism purposes
demarcate 14 km of the reserve boundary by tree planting
assist in the establishment of a structure to promote dialogue and the resolution of conflicts around the reserve, involving at least 10 stakeholders
capacity building of 12 ICCN staff in monitoring, protection and ecotourism
develop 75 ha close to the reserve for agro-forestry and small-scale reforestation
facilitate monitoring and protection of the reserve by making funds available for daily patrols and the fight against poaching.
The project targeted the villages of Mwiganywa, Ngoma, Mugandu, Rutukira, Kibanda and Sarambwe; a total population of 17,235 people. 377 of these local people benefitted directly from the project through employment or training in various activities.
Additional target groups were the Congolese Government and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN). These institutions benefitted through various interventions, particularly training provided to their staff and assistance given in monitoring and protection.
Activities and Achieved Results
Training in monitoring and ecotourism: Two training sessions in monitoring and in the use of GPS units were organised for the project staff in February and March 2010, financed by the Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe (B&RD). Six rangers and four trackers participated in the training. The most important topics covered were habitat types, collecting and saving geographical coordinates, the biology of the gorillas, and the use of compasses.
Organisation of a workshop on the management of Sarambwe: This activity was implemented during the first phase of the project. The workshop participants were drawn from all sections of Sarambwe society: representatives of the Rutshuru administration and of Kiwanja City, international NGOs and programmes (WWF, CARPE, IGCP), local NGOs and associations working in Sarambwe, a representative of the Pygmies, and ICCN staff. The 35 participants spent 3 days discussing issues concerning how to improve the management of Sarambwe.
The recommendations formulated at the end of the workshop were followed up during the remainder of the project, contributing to its success.
Establishment of a village committee for participatory management: Following the workshop, a committee was set up with the task of resolving conflicts and following up development activities in the vicinity of the reserve. On 30th May 2010 it was officially introduced to the ICCN, the local authorities and NGOs, and to VONA. The committee consists of 18 village representatives (including 4 women) and the chief of the village grouping.
Boundary planting: Three boundary trails, with a total length of 17.2 km, are already established along the southern, eastern and western border of the Sarambwe Reserve. The southern trail is 3 km long and runs along the Evi River; the eastern trail is 6 km long and separates the Sarambwe Reserve from the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the Ugandan side of the border; the western trail is 8.2 km long and separates the reserve from the community-owned lands. The western boundary turns to the east in an angle to form the northern limit of the reserve.
The eastern trail has been maintained twice. The western trail has only been cut for a length of 600 m and been maintained once. This latter trail was demarcated with 983 Erythrina abyssinica trees, 745 of which replaced seedlings that had been planted previously.
Establishing monitoring and patrolling trails: Ten east-west trails and one north-south trail (the so-called central trail) have been cut inside the reserve with a total length of 32,380 m (compared to the planned 28,000 m). This means that an extra 4,380 m has been cut, an excess of 15.43% achieved above the target.
Raising of forestry and agro-forestry seedlings in nurseries: Four nurseries are operating and have already produced 95,000 seedlings for forestry and agro-forestry use, allowing the small-scale reforestation of 24 ha and the cultivation of 65 ha with agro-forestry species. The local population, the target group of the project, selected the following trees for planting: Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Calliandra, Leucaena, cypress,Maesopsis and Markhamia.
Support for monitoring: To support monitoring in Sarambwe, the project issued funds to the ICCN for food for patrols. The project covered the rangers' food rations for the whole of the last year; the funds for the current year will be transferred.
Ugandans who had invaded the reserve - claiming that they were on Ugandan soil - were forced to abandon their fields in September 2010. Of the estimated 400 ha they had occupied, 350 are regenerating.
Several poachers have been arrested, resulting in a decrease of poaching in the reserve. As a result, the gorillas have become more visible and signs of their presence have become more widely distributed over the reserve's 980 ha.
Regeneration has to be monitored such that forest can be restored and the fauna can be maintained. The number of Sarambwe rangers has been reduced as the Head of the Sarambwe post also uses local trackers for patrols, but the trackers do not receive incentives such as allowances or food rations.
Construction of patrol posts: As stipulated in the original project document, B&RD has funded the construction of a Sarambwe ranger post. Construction started in November and was completed in early December 2010.
Provision of food rations to the patrols: B&RD funding provided the patrols with food rations until the end of December 2010. The provision of rations made it possible to conduct continuous monitoring of the reserve.
Project Beneficiaries
A total of 479 people from the local population have benefitted directly from the project. In addition, several local schools have received seedlings for their school gardens: the Kisharu primary school with 600 pupils, the Kasarabandwa primary school with 212 pupils and the Agricultural and Pedagogic Technical Institute of Kisharu with 200 students. The involvement of the local schools in seedling production has resulted in the establishment of school nurseries, an idea developed by the Initiative Brousse and WWF.
In order to determine how people have benefitted from the project, a short survey was conducted among 33 out of the 80 permanent workers. Their answers confirm that the project has helped them considerably:
All workers have been able to pay the school fees for their children while they have been working for the project.
Four workers invested in two to six piglets, respectively, which have now developed into adult pigs. The sale of these pigs enables them to pay for school fees and other family expenditures.
20 mothers have organised themselves into associations and were able to pay for cuttings of improved disease-resistant varieties of manioc. Cultivation of the improved manioc is up to twice as profitable as the old varieties, not taking into account what is needed for food.
Six workers have been able to buy corrugated iron sheets and roof their houses.
Three workers have bought themselves plots of land along the main road.
The project has achieved 100% of targets for most planned activities, and exceeded 100% for the remainder. The infrastructure built up by the project, such as boundary plantings, monitoring trails, and tree nurseries, will continue to be used by the local population and the reserve staff. Thanks to the training they have received, the rangers, trackers and nursery attendants will be able to maintain their activities. The project has strengthened the relationship between the local population and Sarambwe Reserve, and it has prepared the ground for the establishment of school nurseries by WWF/PEVi (Environmental Programme for the Virungas).
Claude Sikubwabo Kiyengo


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Documenting the Nostalgic History of Upper East Tennessee
Johnson's Depot
Bristol Overrun by Hobos in Advance of William Jennings Bryan's 1901 Visit
An old newspaper from July 1901 dealt with three news items: the visit of William Jennings Bryan to Bristol, the arrival of the Secretary of Agriculture to consider a proposed Appalachian Park reserve and the death of a Blountville Civil War veteran.
Soon after William Jennings Bryan was scheduled to visit Bristol, it appeared that the city had been overrun with hoboes for several days prior to the visit. The transients' scheme was to conduct fleecing schemes on unsuspecting victims when the crowd gathered on that special day.
During the visit, about a half dozen of the suspicious characters were incarcerated and police were on the lookout for others who might embarrass the city. Two strangers were found feigning as cripples and begging for money from gullible residents.
Another, who refused to identify himself, was locked up on that Saturday night for assaulting a visitor with a stone. The gentleman, who was at the Union Depot, suffered a fractured skull. A witness to the attack stated that the stranger first demanded money from the victim but was refused.
Within an hour from the time the tickets for Bryan's lecture went on sale, every seat in the reserved section of the Opera House had been taken. It was evident that hundreds of admirers of the noted Nebraskan would have to be content with seeing him from a distance.
Postcard of William Jennings Bryan and His Running Mate
Mr. Bryan's voice still counted in all parts of the country, but probably more so in his own great section beyond the Mississippi. And it was no small service he rendered the Democratic Party in the west, while Democratic leaders in another sections, who had tried to drive him from the party, were knifing the party's candidate for President.
Many historians firmly believe that no public man in the country's history had been so heavily abused and belittled as William Jennings Bryan. However, he held it together with patience and forbearance that should have won the admiration of even his enemies.
The prohibition victory in Nebraska doubtless was very gratifying to Mr. Bryan, since he was a fearless and forceful foe of the liquor traffic and also for the fact that the substance had been driven out of his state due largely to his never ceasing labors to that end.
Perhaps Bryan is best remembered for joining the prosecution team in 1925 in the trial of John Scopes, a Tennessee schoolteacher charged with violating the Butler Act, which forbid teaching evolution in the public schools. Bryan took the stand and underwent a scathing cross-examination by Clarence Darrow. Although Bryan`s side won the case, it was later thrown out on an appeal. Furthermore, the famed politician paid a high price for the victory; he died less than a week later.
In other news, it was announced here that James A. Wilson, United States Secretary of Agriculture, was on a tour of inspection of the proposed Appalachian Park reserve. The land embraced a section of several states in the South. It required $5 million to buy the lands under contemplation and several more millions to build roads through the remote areas and otherwise improve them.
It was firmly believed that the next Congress would bring about the new Appalachian reserve, but that did not happen. The national park would come several years later. During Secretary Wilson and his party's visit, they spend four days at the Cloudland Hotel on beautiful Roan Mountain.
More news included a Civil War veteran, Mr. James P. Snapp, who died at his home at Blountville, Tennessee at the age of 78. He was described as being a useful citizen and left valuable property to his relatives. He never married, was a good soldier during the War Between the States and took a firm stand for the Confederacy. Mr. Snapp graduated from Emory and Henry College at the age of 20. Some of his many relatives resided in Bristol.
Bob Taylor's 1906 Depiction of Spiritual, Traditional Christmas
During Christmas 1906, Gov. Bob Taylor submitted a depiction to The Comet newspaper, offering his views of what Christmas is all about, from both the spiritual and traditional sides of the holiday:
Bob L. Taylor in One of His More Reflective Poses
"The season of peace and good will joins upon us the command to love one another and this command all mankind cheerfully complies with during the time of cheer and good feeling. A man can love even his successful political opponents at Christmas.
"I love to think of that first Christmas in far off Galilee. I see the lovely maiden mother holding to her heart the Holy Babe, dazzled by the radiant purity of its angel face. The rapture of a young mother when she clasps her first-born to her breast is an ecstasy but little lower than the angels feel as they bow before the throne of the Most High.
"In that first exalted moment, she molds and shapes Him to a high, pure destiny, such as the mind of a man scarcely conceives and triumphantly spanning countless eons of eternity, she hears his name ringing ever louder and clearer through the ages and wraps herself with sublime humanity in the thought that she has given to his Maker's service a man.
"Thus mothers have brooded and dreamed since time began and their pure aspirations and high hope and enduring faith clear the world of sin and baseness. God walks with them in their communings and God's listening ear attends rather their prayers and supplications than to the records of mans' misdeeds.
"His power, which fashioned man in His own image, reaches out to touch our hearts and renew man's allegiance to Him at this blessed Christmas tide. I think He is nearer to us at this time than any other. His thought is manifest in every rock and hill and vale, in every brook and river, which bears upon its bosom crystal temples to His glory.
"The rustle of His wings is in every zephyr; His might is in every tempest. He dwells in the dark pavilion of every storm cloud and the heavens above us teem with His myriads of shining witnesses.
When I was a young man in my teens and twenties, the Christmas season was the brightest of the year. I used to take my fiddle under my arm at evening when the whippoorwill began to sing and the stars began to twinkle and hie me away to the merry makings in the mountains. We always gathered at the happy home of some jolly warmhearted old neighbor who threw open his doors to the young folks for an evening of mirth and pleasure.
"During the candy pulling and the country dance amid peals of laughter and shouts of merriment, we pulled the taffy into golden hanks and the glad hours floated away on silver waves of music that rippled out like mountain brooks from under the bridge of my fiddle.
"When the old-fashioned clock that stood on the floor struck 12, our carnival of candy and kisses and wheeling and whirling in the Old Virginia Reel had reached the high tide of unspeakable bliss and unutterable joy. The moonbeams danced in the air to the melody of the fiddle and the bow.
"The drowsy hills awoke from their slumbers and clattered back in echoes the jangle of the dwindling shoe soles. When the clock struck two, the sound of revelry had died away, the fiddle had fainted with exhaustion, the lovers scattered into dark corners where each Romeo sat and held his sweetheart's hand in silence until the chickens crowed for day and then we went home with the girls in the morning."
In 1914, London-Kirkpatrick Hardware Claimed "The Very Best Place to Do Your Shopping"
In the 1950s, many of us faithfully went to see western movies at the Liberty Theatre located at 221 E. Main Street. The building on the west (Fountain Square) side at 219 E. Main was the Darling Shop, a ladies clothing store. If we were to turn the clock back to Christmas 1914, we would have encountered another business operating from that site – the London-Kirkpatrick Hardware Company.
That year, the business issued an 8-page advertisement printed on slick high quality paper that was chocked full of ads, including pictures of their merchandise. In addition, there were 49 jokes to amuse the reader.
Today's feature is a nostalgic excursion through those eight pages. Along the way, you will encounter Christmas gifts that were exchanged exactly 100 years ago this month. The sales ad offered these comments:
"The advantage in Christmas shopping is always with the early buyer. Firms make special efforts to provide desirable goods adapted for presents and many of these are sold almost exclusively at this time of the year.
"No merchant desires to carry over goods from one season to another, consequently their stock is adapted to meet the probable sale. Again, when stocks are depleted, it is frequently impossible to secure a further supply in time for the holidays.
"You have a certain number of Christmas presents that you wish to make and would feel miserable and mean if you did not. Therefore, do not put it off until the last minute, but make your selections at once.
"Our store offers exceptional advantages. Perhaps you do not realize the many thousands of articles that we carry and if you would only take the trouble to call on us and look around, you would not fail to find many which would be just the thing you are looking for. We will be glad to lay aside your purchases so that you may be sure to have them at the proper time.
"By purchasing in advance, you not only secure the advantage of complete stocks but you may be sure to receive the full attention of someone who is conversant with the goods and may be of real assistance to you in making your selections. You may depend absolutely on any statement which will be made.
"We carry the best makes procurable in each separate line and to have purchased from us is a recommendation for quality.
"Decide now to make us an early call and you will be surprised how large a proportion of your presents you can purchase from us."
Gifts for the Family: "What to give the different members of the family, as well as our many friends who are closely associated with us, is always a difficult problem. Our stores offer exceptional advantages for procuring suitable presents for all. We shall not attempt to make a list as it would be out of proportion to the space, which we can devote to this purpose. Below, we provide a few suggestions which may be of value."
Gifts for Mother: "Mother would appreciated any kind of present and it need not be expensive either, for it is the love and respect of the giver, which she cherishes most. To be remembered is the all important thing. Any article of household use, which she has felt the need, would be very acceptable, even though it might be nothing more than a paring knife. Of course, you will give mother as nice a present as you can afford and put her name down on the list first."
Gifts for Father: "Any old thing will do for dad. He pays the bills and doesn't expect much in return, but all the same, he will appreciate any Christmas remembrance. Tools of many different kinds or a pocket knife, razor, strop of anything of this kind would be most appropriated."
Gifts for Sister: "Sister is a little more particular than mother or father as to what she would like. It would probably be a nice set of scissors, a fancy pen knife, manicure set or something of this class. If she is very small, a little sadiron or other hardware toy would tickle her."
Gifts for Brother: "Brother is very decided in his wants. He has probably been making them known for some time before Christmas and it will not be difficult to make a selection. However, it is a good plan to encourage him in the use of tools. You could purchase a small set or select a few tools for his very own that would give him necessary groundwork. A pocket knife is a favorite present for a boy, but the things he wants are too numerous to mention here."
Percolators and Bake Dishes: "The appearance of the dinner table seems to add or detract from the pleasure of the meal and that is one of the reasons that the recipient of a percolator or a bake dish would be very pleased. We have different patterns and finishes and the prices vary accordingly."
Chafing Dishes: "Every girl and woman longs for a chafing dish and has visions of a luncheon at which she presides and serves dainties prepared in one. We have selected some beauties, which vary in price according to size and finish. We have chafing dish forks and spoons also.
Useful, Appropriate Gifts: "Articles for kitchens and household use make appropriate presents for housewives, especially for those who delight in such work. Having the tools to lessen or improve the work makes an otherwise irksome task a pleasure. There are many articles of this character, which you cannot fail to note at our store."
For the Ladies: "Manicure files, cuticle and nail scissors are only a small portion of articles of real worth, which we can supply. We want to call attention to our first line of scissors, pen knifes and other articles."
Buy Her a Washer: "The store wrote a little poem for those ladies whose husbands needed to give her the tools to lighten her household chores: 'When I think as I strive, Like a bee in the hive, Without tools to lessen the task, If hubby but knew, How much there's to do, He'd surely get all that I ask.'"
We Knew It All the Time: "Another rhyme challenged the husband to be more proactive in providing her with the things she needs to care for her family: 'When mother is in the kitchen, She always pleasure brings, So why should you deny her, She needs a lot of things."
Cross-Cut Saws: "The speed with which a good saw will cut through a log is the best reason for being extra particular to get the right article. We carry all you can wish in this line in sizes to suit you with handles of different patterns, also designed for one or two men."
Guns and Ammunition: "Do you recall to your mind the many pleasant hours spent in the open air, free from care? Does it call to mind a need for the future? If it is a gun, a rifle, loaded shells or cartridges, remember that we are in a position to aid you. Or if you are in need of a hunting coat, leggings, gun or file case or hunting equipment of any kind, right here is the place to purchase it."
Air Rifles: "Whether he be a small boy or a youth in his teens, if he does not already own an air riffle, he dreams of being the proud possessor of one. There are pop guns for the small boys and many kinds of air rifles for the youth. The prices range from 25 cents up."
Tools for the Boy: "Tools are always desirable presents for boys and young men. They encourage the inventive instinct but most of all tend to keep them from bad company or idleness at a critical stage of their life. Good tools are long lived and the money spent in a kit is the best investment parents can make."
Wagons, Coasters and Go-Carts: "Only an empty purse can be offered as a valid excuse for denying children of these heart gladdeners. Express wagons are especially desirable because of the many uses they can be put to.
A coaster or an automobile wagon is the dream of every boy who does not possess one. A doll's go-cart will gladden any girl's heart."
Roller Skates: "Whenever there are a few roads of good walk or pavement, roller skates are in demand. Children get a world of enjoyment out of the now well-established sport and an abundance of muscle-building exercise. It also aids largely in lung development. Good skates can be secured at almost any price you want to pay."
Nut Picks and Cracks: "It is hard to find a present that combines so much real worth for the price as a set of nut picks and cracks made of steel, beautifully knurled and nickel plated. The are practically everlasting and may be had with the cracker wrapped in paper or in more expensive cases."
Electric Flashlights: "Electric flashlights have proven to be wonderfully useful, convenient gifts and are always on the job. Push the button and you have a light. They are made in different shapes and sizes. Some are quite inexpensive. We carry batteries and lamps for renewing."
Pen and Jack Knives: "We have pen knives and jack knives in great variety and of every description. They include knives with pearl, tortoise shell, celluloid, stag, horn, aluminum or bone handles. These splendid values sell for $.50, $.75 and $1.00."
Ordinary and Safety Razors: "Ordinary razors are as popular they have ever been and our stock embraces every shape, size or style of grinding. A good razor can be secured for $1.00 and cost as much as $3.50, depending upon the brand, finish and grinding. Let us help you in the selection. We sell safety razors of merit. You can get a splendid one for $1.00. Silver of gold plating, extra fine cases and equipment cost $2.00 to $6.00 and higher."
Carpenters' Tools: "A tool box, chest or cabinet, is a sort of central office where you may find what you wish as the beginning of a workshop. A set of tools is an investment that will repay many times the outlay. Good tool cabinets can be obtained for $7.50, $10.00, $15.00 and up."
Sleds and Skates: "To illustrate our complete line of either skates or sleds would require more space than we can devote. If there is any particular style, quantity of finish you desire, you may be almost sure to find it in our stock. Call and be convinced."
Aluminum Utensils: "Pure aluminum ware, because of its age-resisting qualities, make it particularly appropriate for Christmas presents. An article of such beauty, perfection in finish, that is not only good to look upon but will wear long, will be appreciated by any housewife."
Silver Plated Ware and Table Cutlery: "In buying silverware, quality is the all-important consideration and on that you may depend if secured from us. We are prepared to furnish the latest patterns of knives, forks, spoons and fancy pieces, single and in sets, with or without cases."
Scissors and Shears: "We carry 15 varieties of scissors and have many others in addition. Ladies' scissors range from four to six inches in length and in several different grades. We have embroidery scissors, buttonhole and pocket scissors, nail and manicure scissors, scissors with fancy handles, scissors in sets and fancy cases. Prices fare $.15 up. We can supply you with a pair of shears at almost any price you wish to pay.
"If you desire a pair that will last almost a lifetime, retain a good edge, cut smoothly and to the point, we can provide it. We carry a large assortment of the most celebrated shears to be had, which we guarantee. Sizes range from 6-12 inches and include straight, bent or draw cut. Splendid values from $.50 to $1.00."
Carving Knives, Forks: "Let us show you our complete line of carving knives and forks, which includes carves of the most celebrated manufacture. We have beautiful handles of any material with or without a steel to match, packed in elegant covered and fancy-lined boxes or cases. A wide variation in values. Excellent carving knives and forks with prices ranging up to $15.00 and exceptional values from $1.50 to $5.00."
Kitchen Knives: "We carry knives for the kitchen, including butcher, bread and cooks' knives of several sizes and prices. We have paring knifes in a large variety of shapes and finish, as well as cake knives, slicers, kitchen cleavers, cooking forks and many other similar articles for the kitchen. Splendid values are available from $.25 to $1.00.
For 10 Cents or Less: "You will find hundreds of useful articles in our stock that may be bought for ten cents or less which will fill a long-felt want in your shop, household or kitchen."
The Holiday Hints went beyond advertisements to make their publication entertaining as well as informative. It was loaded with 49 jokes such as this one: "A stranger entered a church in the middle of a sermon and seated himself in the back pew. After a short time, he grew tired and leaning over to an old member of the congregation whispered, 'How long has he been preaching?' '30 or 40 years,' the old man replied. 'I will stay then,' decided the stranger, 'he must be nearly finished with his message.'"
The next time you are in downtown Johnson City, stand in front of 219 E. Main Street and try to visualize Christmas shopping there in 1914. Imagine shopping there this Christmas for the items mentioned and the prices quoted.
The Comet Newspaper Offered Christmas Message to Its Readers in Dec. 1909
The Comet newspaper offered a Christmas message for its readers in December 1909. Here is a paraphrase of it:
Furniture Store Ad from 1909
It would be hard to imagine a world without Christmas. This time of year is one of merrymaking, with each family choosing its own special way of celebrating the special day with mouth-watering feasts and eye-popping festivals.
Christmas belongs to no one nation alone, nor to one tongue, nor to one latitude or longitude, nor to one color or creed. Neither is it a movable feast, though it comes with the frost of winter and with the perfume of drooping blossoms in the southern hemisphere.
Although we associate Christmas with the jeweled and candled tree and the blazing Yule log, though the deer of St. Nicholas prance over the snow and young hearts are merry and old hearts are glad.
Yet even they are but the outcome and fulfillment of that deeper note which marks this day a note of good will to men that were sung first by the angels of Bethlehem.
It is the spirit of will to others that all men feel or should feel on Christmas. It is this spirit which makes the day distinct and pre-eminent. It is this spirit, which distinguishes the day from all other days?
We have given it joyous ceremonials. We have given it services that have grown in beauty and sentiment through the centuries. Although we have done this for Christmas, Christmas has done far more for us. It has given to the world this one day, when all about its hemispheres like a finely wrought web, one thought is woven in the minds of men, inspiring the best and noblest actions of the year.
There is no one who does not feel its influence or in failing to feel it does not pity himself that his joy is dead. The poorest, the keenest sufferer, the happiest, the most prosperous of men all obey one common impulse. They give their best, poor as some their offerings may be for the joy of others.
It is this that Christmas has done for the world, stirring men to common action and with such a chain of thought about the world, growing stronger and wider with each one of these 1909 years. Who can doubt that in its spirit may be found the true secret those great philanthropic measure, which beyond all other events, mark the enlightened legislation of our day
There are self-appointed censors who see none of the joys and only the burdens of Christmas. They dwell on the obligations of the day and the burden of making gifts. But the spirit of Christmas is not with such as these and the gifts at which they murmur never belonged to the day.
It is one of gifts that one must think on Christmas, since it was on that day the greatest of gift was made to the world. A present must always be free, be untrammeled, impose no obligation and have no taint of selfishness in it, nor any spirit of barter or gain.
Giving must spring spontaneously from the highest and most noble impulse in ourselves. There is a joy and a blessedness in giving, but there is something even higher than this when the thought of the good belonging to others prevails over these. We have only to look at the world's greatest gift and draw our meaning from it
There lies in each one's hand a great privilege on Christmas day beyond all other days. Whether by word or good cheer, of hope and encouragement, whether by kindly greeting or a gentle act of courtesy, or whether by gifts or merrymakings, or by the simplest things we do or by the greatest, the privilege and power are ours of making another feel all the joy that is our own.
For joy is God-given and belongs by right to each and all of us and as through joy in Christ, we came to a knowledge of the common brotherhood of man, so through joy in each other we may learn to know Christ again, until all hands are joined and all heads are bent and the prayer of Tiny Tim is the prayer of each of us … "God bless us every one."
Area Youngsters' Letters to Jolly Old St. Nicholas in 1909
A comparison of letters written to Santa Claus today with those penned in 1909 shows noted similarities and differences. Let's sample a few. You just might recognize a relative or friend listed:
Robert & Charles Naff: "Please bring us a tricycle, candy, nuts, oranges, firecrackers, a little wagon to haul wood on, a little pig that we can wind up and it will run, a knife, some Roman candles and bring little Vaught a rubber ring to chew on. We are good little boys. We have to walk two miles to school."
Kathleen Naff: "Please bring me a little bed, cloak and a go-cart for my doll. Her name is Edith. I want some candy, nuts, oranges and raisins. Don't forget Vaught. Bring him a rattle trap. I am a good little girl four years old." (I bet Mom and Dad helped with your note.)
Thomas Love: "I want you to bring me a gun and I would like to have some more toys for Christmas. I would like a wagon too and a sled to ride down the hill on. I am bad in school, but I work hard." (I love that.)
Leonard Millard Dunn: "I am a little boy 12 years old. I go to school every day that I can. My teacher is Miss Tomlinson and she is a good teacher. I want some books, and a sled, some raisins, apples and oranges, a pair of skates, a wagon, candy and a gun." (One vote for Miss Tomlinson).
Frank Snodgrass: "I want you to bring me a little wagon and a little bicycle and some nuts, candy and oranges. I want some firecrackers to shoot Christmas night. Buy the poor children some toys too. I want you to bring everybody some nice things too." (Nice comment, Frank.)
Elmer Ellsworth: "I would like a gun, a football, a steam engine, a balance bat, toolset, a wagon, a pencil box, a billy goat, a harness, some oranges, apples, bananas and some books to read." (Nice variety, Elmer).
Stanley Harvey: "I have been good in school every day. You must bring me some oranges, candy, a gun that will kill rabbits and a wagon that I can ride down the hill on."
Guy Marten Young: "I am a good boy in school and I want a gun, bicycle, some candy, nuts, caps for my cap gun, a knife and a collar for my dog. Goodbye." (Goodbye.)
Sam Harriss: "I am a good boy in school and I want a Morrow Coaster Brake bicycle and some candy, nuts, firecrackers and an apple." (According to a sales brochure, the brake not only stopped the bike, it drove the wheel forward and gave a smooth, easy ride while coasting.)
Lawrence Brown: "I am a good boy in school. I want you to bring me a gun and a Studebaker wagon, candy, nuts, fruits and a tricycle. Your friend."
Lyle Barton: I am going to tell you that I want a bicycle, a pony, a lot of candy and a box of cartridges. (Wow, a pony.)
Frank Humphrey: "I have been a good boy in school and tell you that I want a box of cartridges, apples and nuts.
Charlie Keys: "First of all, I want a shotgun and cartridges to shoot in it. I want a magic lantern. Then I want all the other people to have a merry Christmas and I want firecrackers, Roman candles, sky rockets, candy, nuts, oranges and that is all for this time."
Cecil Bolton: "I want a pony and little wagon, a gun, some candy, orange, apple and some fire crackers and that is all I want for this time."
Charles L Ruffin: "I am not very bad at school. I like my teacher very much. Will you please send me some things that you think I want. Don't forget the poor people on Christmas Eve night. I want some oranges, nuts, dates, figs, and a big horn." (Very thoughtful of you, Charles.)
Goldie Thomas: "I want a big doll that can open and shut its eyes. Bring my teacher a pair of button shoes and lots of pretty dishes and lots of things. My teacher's name is Miss Tomlinson. I want you to please bring me a pair of nice shoes and a story book and candy, oranges and nuts. So I will close. Bring all the poor children lots of things." (Nice note, Goldie, and a second vote for Miss Tomlinson.)
I hope you enjoyed the letters from youngsters of 1909. I hope they got what they wanted.
Bob & Alf
Conveyences

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Surya Grahan 2021 Impact on Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Libra, Capricorn, Gemini to be Worst Affected | Remedies And What Not to do
Surya Grahan 2021 Impact on Zodiac Signs: Numerologist and astrologer Sidhharrth S Kumar talks about four zodiac signs that seem to be worst affected by the solar eclipse of June 10, 2021.
Updated: June 10, 2021 12:27 PM IST
By India.com Lifestyle Staff | Edited by Vineeta Kumar
Surya Grahan 2021
Surya Grahan June 10, 2021 impact on zodiac signs: Total eclipses – be it solar or lunar eclipse – are bound to occur for another 600 million years, and astrologically speaking these eclipses have a profound effect on human life due to the position of the moon in the sign. Sidhharrth S Kumar, Founder of NumroVani, speaks to india.com and mentions the zodiac signs that will be highly impacted with the occurrence of the solar eclipse or Surya Grahan on Thursday.
Horoscope Today, December 22, Thursday: Scorpio Should Donate Food Items, Cancerians Should Help a Friend
Horoscope Today, December 21, Wednesday: Taurus Should Complete Tasks on Time, Librans Should Donate Grains
Horoscope Today, December 20, Tuesday: Marital Problems Will End For Aries, Taurus Must Respect Elders
When will the Solar Eclipse occur in India?
For the year 2021, the first Solar Eclipse also known as the 'Ring of Fire' will be visible on June 10, 2021, and it has occurred just a fortnight after Lunar Eclipse, which occurred on May 26, 2021. The Annular Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon is farthest from Earth. Due to the distance between the Moon and the Earth, the Moon appears smaller and is unable to block the complete sunlight thereby creating a ring of light that is emitted by the Sun. This is the dramatic 'ring of fire' or the Annular Solar Eclipse.
Which cities will witness the Solar Eclipse 2021?
This solar eclipse will not be visible in most parts of India. Only some parts of north and northeastern India will get the visibility of the eclipse. People in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada will witness a brief partial Solar Eclipse. Only a small area of northern Ontario and Quebec will see the dramatic 'ring of fire'. Those living in northern Europe, including Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Scandinavia will also be able to see a partial Solar Eclipse.
Time of the Solar Eclipse: 13:42 IST to 18:41. This is the same day when Shani Jayanti will also be celebrated across the country.
Impact of Solar Eclipse on Zodiac Signs
Please note that the mentioned impact is based on the moon sign of a person i.e. zodiac signs in which the moon of a person is placed. The Solar eclipse will be in the Taurus sign and Mrigashirsha Nakshatra and even though its visibility will be limited in India (almost negligible visibility), it is going to impact every person. Here's the list of the four zodiac signs (moon raashi) that should be extra cautious:
Surya Grahan impact on Taurus (Vrish)
Take caution while dealing with people
Remedies: Donate anything pink to needy, Mix curd in bathing water
Surya Grahan impact on Gemini (Mithun)
Loss in business
Hard work will not be easily recognized
Remedies: Donate anything green, Mix EMBLICA oil in bathing water or apply it on the body before taking a bath
Surya Grahan impact on Libra (Tula)
Worried mind
Stress in personal and professional life
Misunderstanding with life partner/business partner
Remedies: Donate any white thing, Mix curd in bathing water after the eclipse
Surya Grahan impact on Capricorn (Makar)
Mental worry
Health-related issues
Do not begin a new task this may lead to problems
Remedies: Donate any black thing to the needy, Mix Nagarmotha powder in bathing water after the eclipse
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Astrology News on India.com.
astrological prediction
Horosocpe
Published Date: June 10, 2021 6:30 AM IST
Updated Date: June 10, 2021 12:27 PM IST
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Gen. Keane's Iraq War Conflicts
By TheRealNews.com
Retired Gen. Jack Keane, who played a key role in getting Gen. David Petraeus put in charge of the Iraq War and pushing for a U.S. troop escalation, is now working behind the scenes to force President Barack Obama to back off his commitment to withdraw U.S. combat forces in 16 months.
In this endeavor, historian/journalist Gareth Porter reports that Keane has conflicts of interest. Even as he promotes policies that expand the military budget, he also works for private military contractors that have fattened up their profits during the Iraq War.
(The story summary continues below.)
In this sense, Keane serves as an example of the military-industrial complex at work. [For Gareth Porter's print story, click here.]
TheRealNews.com is an independent news network that produces stories of global interest.
To comment to us by e-mail, click here.


The essential guide to sharpening dialogue.
Poor dialogue is one of the main reasons for a publisher's reader glazing over when reading a first-time novel, where the author has seen fit to include every superfluous utterance of every-day speech. The purpose of dialogue is to move the story along and to give added dimension to the characters through what they say, and often think. Creating Meaningful Dialogue helps to get rid of the dross from your typescript and retain the gold in the story. Try to incorporate the exercises given at the end of each chapter into your own writing where appropriate and see how it improves the flow of the dialogue by making the characters come alive. With added input from publishers and publisher's readers, this book is invaluable for all would-be novelists and fiction writers.


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Home Pets Pet Guides Termite Droppings: How to Identify and Remove Them
Termite Droppings: How to Identify and Remove Them
Termites are unwelcome guests in any house where there's something made of wood — that is any house at all. There are many species of these little species, some of which are more common than others. What is similar about them is that they cause destruction to our homes by feasting on wooden walls, floors, and furniture.
Termite droppings are often the first sign of an infestation that can go unnoticed for a long time since the critters tend to leave the surface of whatever they devour intact. This article explains how to spot and treat termite poop.
Termite Excrement Identification
There are many termite species around the planet. In the USA alone, subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites are more or less common, causing considerable concern. Although feces don't vary greatly depending on the species, minor differences in poop color and size, as well as pooping habits exist.
Before we continue to learn how to spot termite feces, however, let's deal with a common misunderstanding that exists regarding the topic. It is related to what is referred to as termite frass.
When you start researching pest droppings, especially in the context of wood-destroying buggers, you might be confused by how some people say frass is another word for droppings and others maintain these are two different things.
Drywood Termite droppings. Credit: extension.msstate.edu
Credit: ucanr.edu
The truth is that frass consists of feces mixed with a lot of other materials. These include finely ground wood powder that's generated as the termites proceed with their excavation work, mud, etc. The fecal matter that makes it up is liquid in some species.
This means you're unlikely to spot it as such regardless of what species you are dealing with; it's mostly frass that signalizes termite infestation. For the purpose of this article, termite waste is referred to as poop, excrements, feces, and frass interchangeably.
What Does Termite Poop Look Like
If you look at termite poop pictures, you'll notice immediately that the color of what you see varies, but the shape is more or less consistent. In most cases, the frass resembles small granules.
Those who look closely enough might notice that sometimes termite droppings have a characteristic oval shape, with rounded ends and six indentations in them. Such frass often appears in mounds in places where wood has been destroyed, in particular, outside of wooden objects as termites push their frass out to make room for them in the tunnels.
This is characteristic of drywood termites, probably one of the most common species to attack our homes along with subterranean termites. The latter, however, don't tend to leave a lot of frass.
Apart from the drywood termites droppings, dampwood frass is produced as the insects' feast on wooden furniture and structures with high water content (hence the name). Luckily, the species is uncommon in people's homes.
The color of termite pellets can vary from light, such as sandy, to nearly black. A pile can thus resemble sawdust, sand, or dirt. This depends primarily on the pest's most recent diet and isn't helpful in terms of identifying whether the frass is old or new. Frass is often masked by dust, too.
If you feel like you need to inspect your house for signs of termite infestation, look for droppings on window sills and around the frames, on the floor, particularly under the carpet and in and around cracks and crevices, and on furniture such as beds (this applies if you suspect ceiling damage).
Termite Excrement Risks
Just in case you are alarmed that termite droppings are a biological weapon potentially spreading disease, this is nothing but prejudice. However, allergic reactions might occur in sensitized individuals.
Removing Termite Waste
Luckily, termite poop is not in and of itself hazardous, so you needn't treat it like it is. This doesn't mean you should live it lying where it is, though. The simplest way to proceed is to use your vacuum cleaner to suck it up and dispose of it as you would of normal waste. It's also advisable to use regular household disinfectants afterwards.
Remember to appraise the wooden surface/object you've found the frass next to after you've removed the waste.
Related post: Recommended Termite Killer Sprays
What If I've Found Termite Frass in My House?
Frass is not a sure sign of an ongoing infestation. However, you should look for other symptoms if there's a pile or more on your property. These are as follows:
sagging floors;
doors and windows that won't close or open properly;
cracks or little holes in the foundation and/or walls, possibly with paint damage;
characteristic mud tubes on the walls;
discarded wings;
flying termite sightings.
If you've come to believe you have termites, I recommend that you contact a pest control service for professional advice since these pests aren't the easiest to keep in check.
Termite Feces FAQ
In this section, I answer some common questions regarding termite poop in brief terms.
Are termite droppings harmful?
They aren't per se, except they can cause allergic reactions and asthma if you are sensitized, or your immune system is compromised.
What are the signs of termites in your home?
Signs of termite infestation include hollow, loose-feeling spots in the wood. You might also come across a termite swarm (not to be confused with ant swarms).
How do you know if termite droppings are old or new?
There's no way to tell how old termite feces are. They don't usually change color or texture over time, so old and new droppings look largely the same.
Termite Poop? You'd Better Hurry Up
Heaps of frass, or fecal matter mixed with wood shavings from consumed objects and mud, are a strong indication you're dealing with a termite attack. It's thus essential that you know how to identify the droppings and where to look for them in case you suspect an infestation. Remember that the little critters work slowly but can destroy your property beyond repair if you let them feast on it for a long time!
Have you ever had termites? If yes, how did you find out? You're welcome to share your stories in the Comments section.
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San Angelo neighborhood carries tradition of bonding through Christmas spirit
Santa Rita carries tradition of decorating Paseo De Vaca Street and putting up Christmas shadow boxes display.
San Angelo neighborhood carries tradition of bonding through Christmas spirit Santa Rita carries tradition of decorating Paseo De Vaca Street and putting up Christmas shadow boxes display. Check out this story on gosanangelo.com: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/entertainment/2019/12/18/santa-rita-christmas-nativity-san-angelo-shadow-boxes/2675449001/
Rosanna Aguilera, San Angelo Standard-Times Published 1:22 p.m. CT Dec. 18, 2019
Kirstin Bell (left), with her friend Brianna Furman and mother Leslie Bell, walk down the line of shadowboxes depicting the Christmas story "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on display in the Santa Rita neighborhood in San Angelo in 2013. (Photo: Standard-Times file)
SAN ANGELO — This San Angelo neighborhood has a tradition of bonding through Christmas spirit.
The Santa Rita neighborhood puts up Christmas lights along Paseo De Vaca St. and Santa Rita Park every year. They also have a tradition of placing shadow boxes displaying 'Twas the Night Before Christmas story since 1948.
Resident Marilynn Golightly said men of the neighborhood spend two weekends every year lighting up the neighborhood.
"It's fathers, sons, grandchildren, they all help build the Christmas spirit in the neighborhood," Golightly said.
New LED lights were purchased this season to enhance the display. The night lights cost around $2,500 and money was raised in the community to help pay for them.
"These men take the leadership role because they want to continue to build on this and make it bigger and better every year," Golightly said.
The center of Paseo De Vaca Street is decked out to lead visitors down the street to the Santa Rita tradition of shadowboxes with the popular poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." (Photo: Rosanna Aguilera / San Angelo Standard-Times)
The boxes are open from 6-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 28 and are display on Algerita Drive. They are restored yearly and are brought out the first Monday in December.
"It's amazing how many people from around town and outside of town run up to go through the boxes," Golightly said.
DeCoty Coffee and Chick-fil-A provides hot chocolate and cookies for viewers on the weekends.
There is also security on duty everyday for safety of viewers and the boxes.
Golightly said every year they get volunteers from the neighborhood every night to open and close the boxes.
"I don't know 99% of the people who sign up, but they are in the neighborhood and are getting involved with us," she said. "It takes a neighborhood to build a strong community and that's what we are really doing in Santa Rita with so many people."
Golightly said she goes down to the display most nights to see if her help is needed. She also makes hot chocolate on Saturday's for viewers.
"The beauty of this is all the people that are involved in it and are eager to help," she said. "It's a healthy neighborhood where we are all reaching out and meeting each other while getting into the Christmas spirit; it's neighborly love and connection."
Ten shadowboxes depicting the Christmas story "Twas the Night Before Christmas" line Algerita Drive near Santa Rita Elementary School in San Angelo. The display is sponsored by the Greater Santa Rita Homeowners' Association and will be open for viewing 6-10 p.m. daily through the end of December. (Photo: Standard-Times file)
Rosanna Aguilera covers entertainment, things to do and trending news in West Texas. Send her news tips at raguilera@gannett.com. Consider supporting West Texas journalism with a subscription to GoSanAngelo.com.
Read or Share this story: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/entertainment/2019/12/18/santa-rita-christmas-nativity-san-angelo-shadow-boxes/2675449001/


Those of us who live in the U.S. and other free countries enjoy the liberty to express ourselves through the written word. Currently, the press in the States is under attack for alleged bias and failure to check facts; whether or not these allegations are true, they write on—because they can. The press is not stifled; it can speak freely.
Authors can also speak freely. Whether we write fiction, nonfiction, or fiction based on fact, we can say what we please with impunity as long as we avoid defaming another person in a way that causes them financial loss. While the publicity resulting from a libel suit might generate enough curiosity to sell some books, it might not be in our best interest in the long run. Thoughtlessly or viciously written words can follow us through a lifetime and impact our credibility as writers. Besides, we have other avenues in which to address almost any issue. Freedom of the press grants us carte blanche to say almost anything we like—within a well disguised fictional setting.
Most of us write what we know, what we like (or don't like), what inspires us. As a fiction writer, I observe people, watch the news (as much as I can tolerate, which some days is very little), listen to what those around me say—and what they don't say. I have my soapboxes, my pet peeves, my favorite things. Bottom line: These are all the building blocks needed to lay the foundation for a story.
Suppose we, someone we know, or someone we've read or heard about has suffered a severe trauma. Can we incorporate that experience in a story? Yes, of course, but we need to be discreet. Will our written words cause anyone pain? embarrassment? loss? To avoid those scenarios, we can change the location, the people involved, even sometimes the gender, and we can sufficiently alter the circumstances to protect those who should be protected. As Diana wrote in her July 6 post and as noted in this article, "with freedom comes responsibility."
The media climate today promotes name calling, slamming others, and violence when one does not get one's way. We are not required to be part of that mentality; in fact, we have a wonderful forum to show the possible consequences of such thinking and behavior. We can write.
On a personal note, my books address women's issues, relationships, various forms of abuse, and choices people make to continue in a negative lifestyle or rise above their circumstances. While they generally fall into the category of women's fiction, several of them contain strong male types. The stories are realistic, sometimes painfully so, and the three-dimensional characters step up from the pages to invite readers to take their hands and come along for the journey. Hopefully, the stories touch peoples' lives and hearts and perhaps show a positive path to some who may feel locked into a lifestyle that threatens their very existence.
What are your stories about? Do you use them to cite the wrongs in the world we live it? How do you pull readers into your words? What techniques do you use to make your characters live?
Freedom of speech and the exploration of dissenting views has never been more critical. The ability to cherry pick information to only support a worldview seems toxic to me. I am thankful we still have writers capable of cogent discussion.
Definitely. I appreciate that we can incorporate so much into a fiction story that we cannot necessarily say with impunity.
It's a great outlet, Dani.
Re your statement in the first paragraph, "The press is not stifled; it can speak freely" ... Stephen Colbert will have MSNBC's Mika & Joe on his show tonight. I expect they'll have something to say about how representatives of the White House attempted to trample on their First Amendment rights. We all need to stay vigilant!
In 1839 English novelist/playright Edward Bulwer-Lytton penned these well-known words about the power of writing: The pen is mightier than the sword. Those words are as true today as they were more than 175 years ago. Vigilance, discretion, and wisdom still need to guide our "pens" as we create stories relevant to our time, but we are certainly free to speak out about the ills and dangers of the world we live in.
My work in progress has one storyline that parallels some of today's problems. It's hard not to inject personal opinions in stories. In fact, I want to do that. We, as writers not journalists, have only our stories to make a difference. Some have become advocates for or against social situations, and in doing so have brought attention to those situations. I applaud them.
The options we have to express opinions and concerns in fiction are almost endless. A great story can be a very effective soapbox.
Yes, with freedom comes great responsibility. Thanks for this post, Linda.
I tend to write about the darker sides of life, but there's usually an uplifting message in there somewhere.
I, too, write realistically. Novels include a number of thorny issues, such as child and spousal abuse, crime, infidelity, narcissism, prejudice, suicide, and so forth -- not all in one book, of course. How characters handle these life-altering situations and grow beyond them create the foundation for the story, and the challenges they face often result from their own actions/decisions. Lots of positives are peppered throughout, the intent being that readers should never be left unsatisfied or depressed.
Since most stories do come from our life experiences, unless we are writing fantasy or sci-fi, it is hard not to have some of our personal agenda in them. I have been an advocate of "justice for all" so my books tend to deal with social issues of injustice and how my characters work through their take on certain issues.
Your approach is great because many of us may face similar social issues or injustices and therefore relate to stories in those arena. Over the years I have found different perspectives on issues in my own life that helped me consider options that had not previously been on the table.


I need to replace the fuel pump for my Mustang. I have looked online at parts suppliers at YouTube videos and there seems to be a confusion as to what kind of fuel pump is in the car. I see two totally different looking types of pump that claim to be for a 1998 3.8 base model w/o California emissions. One looks like a electric motor attached to some metal frame and another looks like a plastic tub that sits in the tank. Even the parts sellers show both types under the year make model submodel without explaining which is which. I need to order the pump before I take it out since the car is running (just hard to start) and I need it to drive to work until a weekend when I can replace it. Can anyone tell me what the differences are in these two types and how to tell which one that I have?
Quick Reply: Fuel Pump for 98 3.8L model. Not sure which type?


As a number of pension funds around the world come to grips with implementing the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals into their portfolios, money managers have also been working away in the background.
Despite the work by some high-profile institutional investors, some managers said they are not yet getting questions from their clients.
"Clients are not bringing it up with us directly yet, but companies are," said Will Oulton, global head, responsible investment at First State Investments in London. "We have seen companies quite proactive in saying, 'We're going to report on how contributing to the SDGs is most relevant to our sector,'" he said.
Last November, the Treasury launched the Patient Capital Review.
Its aim was to identify the barriers that innovative companies may face in gaining access to long term, supportive finance.
It is being overseen by an A list of entrepreneurs and investment experts, chaired by former Permira head Sir Damon Buffini, who are supremely well-qualified to define the issue and recommend solutions.
Earlier this year, Future Planet Capital, a global innovation platform, announced the launch of a $39m British Innovation Fund, designed to focus on the "commercialisation of research emerging out of UK universities".
Future Planet also acts as a platform for some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, scouting opportunities among emerging talent at universities around the globe.
Future Planet Capital wants to connect investors to startups to help solve the biggest issues facing the planet.
The world's first global university venture fund was founded in 2015 to connect major investors, startups and academics to develop commercially viable technology that addresses challenges around climate change, health, sustainability, education, or security.
Today, Future Planet Capital hosted an inaugural awards ceremony honouring the best start-ups across five categories at the Global Corporate Venturing Symposium.
The overall winner, PragmatIC, was picked by a judging panel chaired by world-renowned architect Lord Foster, with other panel members including education reformer Lord Nat Wei, Patrick Chung, founding partner of Xfund, Nick Greenwood, Fund Manager, Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund and Jim Wilkinson, CEO, Oxford Sciences Innovation.
DMS Governance ("DMS"), the world's leading fund governance firm, is delighted to announce the addition of Future Planet Fund 1 (the "Fund") to its DMS QIAIF Platform ICAV. This is a global innovation fund, connecting the world's biggest investors to the best minds, to profitably address the world's greatest challenges. The investment objective is to maximize long-term capital gains by providing multi-stage investment in technology and life science firms. The Fund will invest in innovations that (i) are relatively immune to macroeconomic factors, (ii) reduce unrewarded risks, (iii) are scalable and have a proven business model.
Congenica, a world leader in clinical genomics software for inherited diseases, today announced completion of its recently announced Series B funding round with additional investments from new strategically important investors BGI Genomics (BGI), a recognized global leader in genomics, Healthlink Capital (Healthlink), another well-established China-based life-science investor and Future Planet Capital, a global innovation fund.
Future Planet Capital and Milltrust International Group launched the British Innovation Fund (BIF) with £30m ($39m) in commitments last month from investors including Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund.
Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund, Maidenhead, England, committed £15 million ($18.9m) and is the seed investor in a new strategy to direct institutional capital into the commercialisation of U.K. university innovation.
The British Innovation Fund was launched by Future Planet Capital and Milltrust International Group.
The UK's £1.9bn (€2.3bn) Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund is to invest £15m in a new fund aiming to direct institutional capital into the commercialisation of UK university research.
The local authority pension fund committed the £15m to the British Innovation Fund (BIF), launched on 1 December by Future Planet Capital and Milltrust International Group.
The fund has received commitments of £30m so far.
Tsinghua News Network July 5 power July 1. Tsinghua - Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI) and Future Planet Capital (FPC) in the East Room of the Office of the word Tsinghua University signed an agreement on the cultivation and within China and worldwide accelerate innovation Investment cooperation letter of intent. Berkeley dean of Tsinghua University Professor KANG Feiyu Shenzhen and Future Planet Capital Executive Chairman Douglas · Mr. Hansen-Luke (Douglas Hansen-Luke) on behalf of the two sides signed a memorandum. Yang Bin, vice president of Tsinghua University attended the signing ceremony and delivered a speech.


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What the Mayweather-Pacquiao Distribution Problems Say About the Future of Linear Television
December 27, 2015 May 4, 2015 by Morgan Wick
Of the many, many issues with the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, from the fact it took so long to be put together to the continued arguments even after the fight came together to Credential-gate to the lackluster nature of the fight itself, the one that I found to be most interesting, and most telling both of the problems facing boxing and of the future of big-time sporting events in general, was the massive problems just getting the fight to the people who ordered it on pay-per-view. Every major cable system and probably most of the top minor systems were fending off complaints:
Add Time Warner Cable & Mediacom to this list as well. https://t.co/3Ie32qIJuj
— Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) May 3, 2015
Though the cable systems took the brunt of the abuse, I'm not sure they were really to blame. HBO and Showtime called on people to "order early to avoid possible problems late" out of fear "the system" wouldn't be able to handle a surge of orders, and the use of the singular suggests their concerns were on the joint venture's end. As people flooded Twitter and operator lines with complaints on Saturday, though, HBO seemed to pass the buck back to distributors, so maybe I'm reading too much into it. Regardless, the result was the same: so many people wanted to watch the fight that "the system" couldn't handle them all, to the point that the fight itself was delayed 45 minutes to allow all the orders to be processed. That doesn't happen with other live events with far larger audiences than the over 3 million estimated buys of this fight:
No doubt, Pay-Per-View took a big step backwards tonight with #MayPac. Not nearly as many tech issues with bigger TV events on other mediums
— Douglas Pucci (@SonOfTheBronx) May 3, 2015
What's the difference? When it comes to events like the Super Bowl, cable operators don't have to process each order individually – anyone can just turn on whatever channel the game is on if they're already subscribed to or otherwise able to receive it. Hmm, I wonder if there's any other means of distribution that's like pay-per-view in this way…
Besides serving as a potential knockout punch (if you'll pardon the pun) to the idea that the Internet can ever replace linear television entirely, more evidently and directly this debacle raises serious questions about whether or not the Internet might lead to more widespread adoption of the pay-per-view model, which this fight showed cannot scale to the level of many millions of households with or without the benefits of linear television. Broadcasters are hoping to include the ability to restrict their content to paying customers like cable networks have in the next-generation television standard, but methinks that's more likely to take the form of the subscription model than a pay-per-view model; I can't imagine big events like the Super Bowl moving to a platform any more restricted than an ESPN/HBO-type platform (and I certainly hope the NFL, already courting streaming disaster with this upcoming season's experiment with airing one London game on a digital platform, won't compound it by making it a pay-per-view experience). Indeed, I can't help but wonder, assuming there's sufficient economic incentive to avoid this fate in the future, whether the WWE's move to a subscription model with the WWE Network, as well as boxing's sudden recolonization of broadcast and non-premium cable television this year (by way of Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions), might be rooted in a recognition that both "sports" might need to either dump the PPV model entirely or at least maintain the advantages of linear television if either one is going to continue to survive and thrive in the media landscape of the future.
Categories Boxing, Sports TV Business, The Game to Show the Games, TV BusinessLeave a comment
2014 Boxing Ratings Wrap-Up
March 18, 2015 by Morgan Wick
Putting together a list of the most-watched boxing fights of the year by myself poses a unique challenge. Both HBO and Showtime break up their boxing cards into multiple parts for ratings purposes that include both actual fights and bridge segments between fights, and to someone like me who's just looking at the raw numbers it's not at all clear which is which, especially when fights end in early knockouts – if you look at the chart you see I've listed two different time slots for one fight because I'm not sure my primary source identified which one was the actual fight correctly. I'm confident enough in the completeness of my sources that next year I'm probably going to do a chronological list of fight cards, similar to what I had for UFC last year, with all the numbers I have for them, and let you interpret them as you will. In the meantime, I'm going to take Dan Rafael's top 16 fights of 2014 and use that as a baseline to extend the list as far as I can be reasonably confident in to a top 20, though I can't be 100% certain there isn't an interloper in the bottom four spots. The second table lists buyrates for all the PPV cards of 2014.
18-49 ratings, when available, from TV by the Numbers, TV Media Insights, or other sources. Household ratings for HBO/Showtime fights from SportsBusiness Daily, for ESPN from Son of the Bronx.
Read more2014 Boxing Ratings Wrap-Up
Categories Boxing, Sports TV RatingsLeave a comment
Can boxing re-colonize broadcast television?
December 27, 2015 July 3, 2012 by Morgan Wick
I didn't pay much attention when NBC announced an expansion of its relationship with promoter Main Events for its Fight Night series on NBC Sports Network – it wasn't even enough to budge my Sports TV Wars count. But there is one aspect of the deal that is intriguing: up to two fights (presumably per year) airing on the main NBC network.
Before you go heralding the return of boxing to broadcast television a year after Fox's relationship with the UFC began, keep in mind that these probably aren't even fights of the caliber you'd see on Showtime, let alone HBO or pay-per-view. Don't expect many if any world title matches; most fight cards on ESPN2, NBCSN or FSN tend to be focused on building up-and-coming fighters in hopes that, one day, they'll fight for a title and justify the investment in the original broadcasts. To me, that makes it somewhat mystifying that NBC would put boxing on its broadcast network when it'll pale in comparison to the matches even hardcore fans of the sport would be interested in. I doubt any of the other broadcast networks are going to put boxing on anytime soon, though CBS could certainly take a card off Showtime if they wanted. Granted, calling the NBC shows "Fight Night" is a bit of a misnomer, as the first broadcast show will run 4-6 PM ET, but that raises its own questions regarding whether it's a good idea to hold US-based cards so early. (And it's emblematic of the decline of the sport that boxing, once a broadcast mainstay, isn't a solution for a network looking to follow Fox's lead in giving Saturday night to sports, even with Saturday's own decline. To be fair, though, that timeslot does better facilitate a European audience.)
NBC and Main Events seem to be big on the notion of inviting fighters from any promotion to participate on their cards, thus presumably pinning their hopes on being the premier source of boxing on broadly-available television. I'm not a big enough fan of the sport to know how well it's worked so far beyond press-release spin, but color me skeptical. Boxing, rather infamously, has become a rather territorial sport, and just because Main Events is willing to play with others doesn't mean the others, especially the big boys Golden Boy and Top Rank, will want to play with them.
NBC and boxing can help each other greatly, but I'm skeptical whether the relationship will be enough to overcome the larger problems with the sport. Considering how high most people seem to be on the partnership, though, I'm willing to be pleasantly surprised, but don't expect it to be a panacea, especially for the ongoing loss of interest to mixed martial arts.
Categories Boxing, Sports TV Business, The Game to Show the GamesLeave a comment
The State of Boxing
June 11, 2012 June 11, 2012 by Morgan Wick
WWF Superstars, 6/2/12
"Ladies and gentlemen," says Mean Gene Okerlund, "I'm standing backstage with World Wrestling Federation heavyweight champion Manny Pacquiao, and his manager Bob Arum. Manny, next week you'll be defending your World Wrestling Federation championship against Timothy Bradley on Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC, in a match where if you lose, you get an automatic rematch at the Survivor Series pay-per-view Thanksgiving week – "
"I'm not going to lose, Gene," Pacquiao interrupts. "I've beaten everyone they've thrown in front of me for years, and I'm not going to go down now."
"Well, Mr. Pacquiao," Okerlund continues, "you're going up against a former Intercontinental Champion that hasn't lost a match in the World Wrestling Federation. Are you concerned about the challenge he poses compared to what you've faced in the past?"
"I'm not worried," Pacquiao replies. "He's never faced anyone as tough as me."
"Everyone wants you to fight Floyd 'Money' Mayweather, Manny," says Okerlund. "What do you think are the odds of that happening once he returns from his suspension?"
"If it happens, it happens," says Pacquiao. "Right now all I can worry about is my match against Tim Bradley at Saturday Night's Main Event."
"One last question, Mr. Pacquiao," says Okerlund. "It's been reported that your contract with Bob Arum ends at the end of this year, are you going to – "
"I'm just worried about my match with Tim Bradley, Gene," says Pacquiao as he walks off.
Later that night, Okerlund conducts another interview with the challenger Timothy Bradley, but only gets one response out of him before Bradley walks off:
"Don't believe the hype," Bradley says. "I know how good Pacquiao is. But trust me, there will be a rematch at Survivor Series. I guarantee it."
Saturday Night's Main Event, 6/9/12
Pacquiao comes out like a man possessed, whipping Bradley from pillar to post. Bradley can barely get any offense in against the champion, and at one point Okerlund begs the official to stop the fight. But the fight continues, and Bradley starts to come back, getting more and more offense in, eventually getting Pacquiao in his Desert Storm submission move. Pacquiao begins struggling to break the hold… and then the bell rings.
"Did he tap?" asks Okerlund. "I don't think he tapped!"
Pacquiao looks incensed as Bradley quickly grabs the belt from Arum and runs off with the official raising his hand in victory, boos raining down from the rafters and garbage being thrown into the arena. Pacquiao looks around for Arum, who takes off like a rocket through the crowd. Pacquiao spits in his general direction, then storms off in a huff as Okerlund expresses his astonishment at the spectacle we have just witnessed.
WWF Superstars, 6/16/12
Okerlund informs the audience that WWF Commissioner Jack Tunney will not investigate what happened in the Pacquiao-Bradley fight at Saturday Night's Main Event, news that does not sit well with the audience in the arena or with Rowdy Roddy Piper, who expresses his displeasure at the outcome in rather colorful language before introducing Pacquiao as the guest of his Piper's Pit segment. Before he can get a question out, however, Pacquiao grabs the mic from him.
"I don't want questions, I want answers," says Pacquiao. "I want Bob Arum to come out here right now. I want him to answer for what he did to me last night."
"Manny," says Arum, "I'm as upset about this as you are. What happened to you last night was an outrage, and I have an official complaint in to the WWF Board of Directors. In fact, I'm not going to allow there to be a rematch at Survivor Series until there's been a full and thorough investigation, I assure you of that."
Pacquiao ponders these words for a few seconds, then steps up and embraces Arum… before giving him Pac-Man Fever and dropping him through a table, then ripping his shirt off as the fans go wild.
"April 7th," yells Pacquiao into the microphone. "Me and Floyd Mayweather are gonna have the Fight of the Century at WrestleMania and there's not a damn thing you can do about it!"
The crowd goes nuts and Pacquiao soaks in their adulation as his theme music plays.
Okay, maybe that's not what happened, but doesn't it say a lot that it's close to what people THINK happened?
Categories Boxing, My writings, WrestlingLeave a comment
A new set of college football rankings for us to play with!
September 8, 2010 by Morgan Wick
That feeling is in the air… it's college football time again, and with it comes the return of all-out obsessive coverage on Da Blog. Both lineal titles (college and NFL) have been belatedly updated, including the new 2009 Boise State title and Super Bowl XLIV title. (I'll have a post on the new holder of 2006 Boise State coming soon.) Although my Da Blog Poll came out to two votes to keep the College Football Schedule to one to junk it, I'm getting rid of it anyway. I need all the free time I can get to work on other things, and along with the College Football Rankings, starting Week 3 I'll be premiering a new college football concept that has a lot more reason to premiere at the point any two teams can be connected to one another through a series of games… and one that could prove to be a lot more time-consuming than the Schedule ever was.
I started thinking about this with regards to combat sports like boxing and MMA, which I may extend this concept to eventually. If any sport has a more confusing title situation than college football, it's those two (and horse racing), with all the different weight classes, not to mention all the different sanctioning bodies in the former. But for all the confusion over who the champ is, how the champ is determined is fairly straightforward: to be the man, you have to beat the man. So long as the champion does not lose, that person will remain the champion. This is taken to the point where lists of rankings will actually separate out the champion from the ranked fighters. No matter how strong a record you may rack up, to be the man, you have to beat the man. The championship system in combat sports is predicated on the notion that the result of a single fight is representative of which fighter is better overall. The same principle should be in play for ranking fighters below the champion.
Now, in what other sport is this the case? I don't just ask this rhetorical question because I already created the college football lineal title on the same notion. You regularly hear the argument that Team A is better than Team B because Team A beat Team B, even if it was by one point in overtime at home. In a sense, this is the philosophy behind the BCS Title Game, as well as, to a lesser extent, the Super Bowl. (In most other sports a series of games determines the champion, removing some of the uncertainty and ambiguity of a single game.) You take what you think is the top two teams, pit them against each other, and the winner is the champion, as well as considered "better". As I pointed out last year, 2005 USC may well have been as good as ESPN said they were when they infamously started comparing the Trojans to all the great teams of the past, but we take it as given that Texas was the better team, because they beat USC. And BCS arguments are regularly settled by comparing whether one of the teams under discussion beat the other.
So I'm introducing what I call the line-of-sight rankings, to bring if not objectivity, at least consistency to the criteria we already use to argue about college football. Every team is situated below all the teams it lost to and above all the teams it beat. Obviously, there will be contradictions in the rankings, and in those cases we'll have to throw out some games. We'll determine what games to throw out in this order:
If two or more different contradictions can be resolved by throwing out a single game, throw out that game. Throw out the game that resolves the most contradictions, except that if a game is the most recent game for at least one team, it is considered to resolve one fewer contradiction than it actually does.
Otherwise, always eliminate home-team victories before neutral-site games, and neutral-site games before road-team victories.
Among games of similar siting, for every full 10 points of the margin of victory, add one to the week number. Then eliminate the game with the lowest week number, but do not eliminate a team's most recent game. In event of a tie, eliminate the game with the smaller margin of victory. If there is still a tie, add the total number of losses for the winning team to the total number of wins by the losing team, and eliminate the game where that number is higher. If there is still a tie, remove the prohibition on eliminating a team's most recent game, and if that does not help, subtract the losing team's C Rating from the winning team's C Rating, and eliminate the game where that number is lower.
Because every team doesn't play every other team in college football, there will still be ambiguity in the rankings. If a team's worst relevant loss is to the #5 team, and their best relevant win is to the #10 team, where between those two numbers is the team itself ranked? I settle these situations as follows:
If there is a "pod" of only one team as described above, including undefeated teams, rank the team directly ahead of the best team beaten in a relevant win. Winless teams are ranked directly behind their worst relevant loss. The team in question will have the rank of their worst relevant loss in parenthesis or, if undefeated in relevant games but not #1, have their entry boldfaced.
If there are two or more "pods" of multiple teams each that can be ranked a certain way between any two teams (or at the top or bottom of the rankings), or if there are two individual teams that can be ranked between another two teams but whose ranking vis-a-vis one another is unclear, break them up and rank them separately, within their own pods. Each team's rank is listed as their best possible ranking except at the top of the rankings, when it is their worst possible ranking. In the case of the individual teams, they are listed as tied and in C Rating order unless one has a lineal title.
I'll whip out the first rankings Week 3, when they become meaningful, and we'll see how they play themselves out over the course of the season, and how much work they add to my already heavy workload.
Categories Blog News, Boxing, College Football Lineal Title, College Football Rankings, College Football Schedule, Line-Of-Sight Rankings, NFL Lineal TitleLeave a comment
Sports Watcher for the weekend of 4/14-15
September 2, 2009 April 13, 2007 by Morgan Wick
All times PDT.
1-3 PM: MISL Soccer, Detroit at Milwaukee (VS.). Did you know the Detroit Ignition are an expansion team? You wouldn't be so impressed if you knew four teams make the playoffs… out of a six-team league.
4-6:30 PM: NHL Hockey, Tampa Bay at New Jersey (CBC). Folks in Canada are incenced the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins (w/Sid the Kid) and Ottawa Senators (only Canadian team in the Eastern Conference Playoffs) is not in prime time, and they have to watch an all-American game on CBC, solely to appease NBC. But the worst part is, the game CBC is airing isn't available nationally in the States! Personally, I blame NBC for not showing any hockey in primetime other than the Finals. If you really want to grow the game so much in the States by force-feeding us Sidney Crosby, would it really hurt to put it in primetime on by far the weakest night of the week, which the Big Four hardly bother to program anyway?
(Before you think "Is that a sign they're adding insult to injury by throwing CBC a game no one on either side of the border cares about?" consider that the game on Versus pits the 8-seed Islanders "versus" the 1-seed Sabres. Talk about a squash.)
(Incidentially, while CBC recently locked up a long-term deal with the NHL, NBC only re-upped for one more year with an option for a second… which at first glance appears to be a retread of the previous deal, which was similar, until you note that this coming year is also the last year of the NBA on ABC.)
10:30-3 PM: NASCAR Racing, Samsung 500 (FOX). Three drivers have over 900 points out of five with 800. It's lonely at the top of NASCAR.
5-8 PM: MLB Baseball, San Diego @ Los Angeles (ESPN). It's Jackie Robinson Day in MLB and Bud Selig is allowing any player to wear his number; the Dodgers, the team that first put him in the big leagues, is one of a few teams doing it for everybody (Mike Cameron is the only one for the Padres). Expect more 42's than even Douglas Adams could have ever dreamed. Clearly that day will be the day our planet is obliterated for a freeway bypass.
Baseball and hockey pre-empt boxing, TNA wrestling, and BodogFight MMA from the Watcher, but I did find out that my local cable system now shows exactly THREE PPV channels (outside the porn-only channels), which show porno in lighter hours than you'd think. Is "on demand" creating a new world, one which could force boxing, wrestling, and MMA to re-think their strategies as they increasingly become the only reason for PPV's existence (alongside porn, but that might be headed for "on demand" as well once parental controls are advanced enough to allow it)? Spike TV will carry UFC 70 for free in the States next week in what could be the most watched (by network executives) and most pivotal sports event on television in recent memory. It could be a test that could establish, once and for all, the viability and popularity of MMA, could be a "test of the waters" for boxing and MMA, to determine if cable is financially viable, to determine if it's time to come out of the PPV shelter and possibly on the road to respectability, and if that part's successful, it could be one final nail in the coffin for PPV. (What it would do to professional wrestling, for which PPV is an integral part of the business model to the point where a "big event" happens once a month, not once a year, is anyone's guess.)
Categories Auto racing, Baseball, Boxing, Classic Da Blog, MISL, NHL, Sports Watcher, UFC, WrestlingLeave a comment


text:
Gilead Sciences Receives Subpoena from U.S. Department of Justice
Jun 14, 2011 8:31am
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jun 10, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that it has received a subpoena from the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California requesting documents related to the manufacture, and related quality and distribution practices, of Atripla(R), Emtriva(R), Hepsera(R), Letairis(R), Truvada(R), Viread(R) and our investigational fixed-dose combination of Truvada and EdurantTM. Gilead is cooperating in this civil and criminal investigation.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company's mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead has operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Emtriva, Hepsera, Letairis, Truvada and Viread are registered trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Atripla is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC.
Edurant is a trademark of Tibotec Pharmaceuticals.
For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company's website at www.gilead.com or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.
SOURCE: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Patrick O'Brien, 650-522-1936 (Investors)
Cara Miller, 650-522-1616 (Media)


Choosing new floor tiles for your Calgary home is a great idea but take a little consideration. Well-maintained tiles last for a long time so the decisions you make now ill influence your home's style for years to come. At Nu-Way Floor Fashions, we're tile, carpet, and hardwood floor experts in the Calgary area. Here are just a few questions to ask yourself before looking for the tiling that's right for you.
What Room Will the Tiles Be In?
Different rooms in your home will require different kinds of tiling. In the bathroom, for example, you'll have to make sure that whatever tiling you choose will stand up well to the high levels of moisture that bathrooms experience. Will a ceramic or porcelain tile work better for the room's purpose? If the tiles will be for an outdoor patio, will they withstand a Calgary winter? Once you've chosen the right kind of tile for the room, you'll be able to focus on things like size, style, and colour.
Will the Tile Colour Match the Whole Room?
It's best to have an idea of what the completed room will be before setting your heart on particular floor tiles. If you've already purchased items for the room, the colour of your tile should match those items. To create a complete harmonious effect of your Calgary home, you have to consider each component of a room in terms of all the others and not simply pick individual components that you like on their own.
How Easy Will the Tile Be to Clean?
It's a bit dull and practical when imagining your dream kitchen but, trust us, you'll be thanking yourself for thinking of it in a few months. If you're going to be cleaning a room frequently (as we do with bathrooms, for instance), you may want to opt for bigger tiles with smooth finishes. Since there are fewer crevasses, they'll be easier to clean.
What Kinds of Tile Are Available?
Whether you want to follow the current craze for rustic, faux wood look, pick a classic and elegant marble tile, or choose something completely unique, our experts at Nu-Way Floor Fashions in Calgary can help. Contact us today to find out more about what tile is right for your home.


I love fall and back to school fashion. So even though I've graduated college and won't be learning in a classroom this fall, I've still created the perfect back to school look. You can't go wrong with cords for fall and they are on my current "must-have" list (it's a long list). Animal motifs are going to be huge this fall and you this fox is the cutest. Hello, adorable. And in my dream outfit, this cape and backpack would be with me. I can live in fantasy land. So what are your back to school must haves? Or on your fall clothing wish list?
Just spotted those suede Tom wedges in their fall catalogue and I absolutely LOVE! They are on my long list of fall "must-haves" too!
Too cute, I LOVE that fox sweater! It's my last year at school, so this definitely gave me some inspiration :) Love your blog!


text:
Q: Python re.split ',' around "" and '' string = "\"Hello, \", 'world!'"

a = re.split(idk, a)

print(a)

Here what i want:
>>> ['Hello, ', 'world!']

but i am not know how do it

A: You can have this output but the code for that is not very beautiful
First the regex:
string = "\"Hello, \", 'world!'"

a = re.split("\"|'|\", '", string)

print(a)

Give this output:
['', 'Hello, ', ', ', 'world!', '']

Now you need to filter the array:
a = list(filter(lambda s: len(s) > 0 and s != ', ', a))

print(a)

And you have the desired output:
['Hello, ', 'world!']

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Advice for renters before they move in and should problems arise.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Below are a tips from experts at Legal Aid Society and Cleveland Tenants Organization on renting and tenants' rights.
What's below might help avoid situations like ones in this story, about the Brown brothers, two notorious Cleveland landlords.
For specific advice, contact Legal Aid or head to an upcoming clinic to chat in person with an attorney.
Verbal agreements are hard to enforce. Get any terms in writing, including things like rent amount, payment method, responsibility for utilities. If the landlord is providing appliances or promising any improvements or fixes, make sure that is in writing as well.
Read any lease before signing (and then read it again.) Keep a copy for your records.
Simple online research can reveal red flags about a landlord or home you want to rent.
Take photos of each room to document the conditions.
Document what needs to be repaired. Keep a log with the date and details of the request and any response or keep emails or text messages.
Keep proof of rent payments. It's best to pay by check or money order. If paying cash, get a dated and signed receipt with the amount.
Landlords are required to maintain habitable rental units that comply with housing, building, health and safety standards.
If a landlord fails to make needed repairs, a tenant can deposit rent payments with the clerk of the local municipal or housing court, where they will be held until repairs are made. However, the tenant must be current with rent payments, give the landlord written notice of the needed repairs and a reasonable amount of time (usually 30 days) to fix the problem.
Either a landlord or a tenant may terminate a month-to-month agreement by giving 30 days notice.
For a longer-term or written lease, the method of termination or renewal should be spelled out; including the date the agreement expires.
Breaking a lease by moving early or violating a law can leave a tenant responsible for costs until the unit is re-rented.
Below are answers to other commonly asked landlord/tenant questions.
Find a comprehensive guide to Ohio Landlord-Tenant law here.
For immediate assistance to find shelter.
Legal help related to landlord-tenant situations for low-income individuals.
If a landlord has attempted or succeeded in an illegal eviction.
If you are threatened or physically harmed. Evictions are civil matters - not criminal - police aren't likely to intervene when it comes to disputes over rent or property.
How can a landlord legally evict a tenant?
The landlord must first serve a 3-day notice to vacate the property in person or by mail. If the tenant does not move, then the landlord must file a case with the city or housing court asking that tenant be removed and the property cleared. The court will schedule a hearing and the tenant will receive a notice to be in court and a complaint. At the hearing, the landlord may present evidence in support of the eviction and the tenant may present a defense to the eviction action. A tenant may raise the issue of bad conditions as a defense or a counterclaim at the eviction hearing. If an eviction is ordered, the landlord will make arrangements with the court to have the tenant's belonging removed from the unit if the tenant does not move. Local procedures may vary, check with your municipal court or an attorney.
Is my landlord permitted to change the locks, terminate a utility service, or take my property from the rental unit in order to force me to move?
No. These are called "self-help evictions" and that is illegal.
If a tenant has missed a rent payment, violated the lease agreement or failed to meet obligations the landlord must serve the proper notice and file an eviction action through the local court, according to Ohio Landlord-Tenant law. It is unlawful for a landlord to attempt an eviction outside of the court system.
Can I stop a landlord from retaliation?
Joined with other tenants to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
A landlord who engages in retaliation may be held liable for any actual damages to the tenant and for reasonable attorney's fees.
Can a landlord enter an apartment whenever they chose?
No. A landlord may enter a tenant's unit only after giving a 24-hour notice, except in case of emergency. Landlords may not enter at an unreasonable time or in an unreasonable manner. Landlords may not make repeated requests for entry that have the effect of harassment. Tenants may seek injunctive relief from the courts when landlords abuse their right of access. Ohio Landlord Tenant Law does not prohibit a tenant from installing her/his own locks on the rental premises, although this may be prohibited by agreement in a lease. A tenant can't unreasonably restrict the landlord's access to a home or apartment.


Comfortable navy blue velvet trousers designed by One More In The Family, from the new Fall Winter 2018/2019 Collection - Baby Boy and Girl clothing line. 1+ In the Family is a young brand made in Barcelona entirely dedicated to children, from 0 months up to 4 years. Its collections feature versatile clothing, with a minimal and refined taste, designed by the designer and mother of three children Gemma Mases, to ensure maximum convenience and comfort. This comfortable trousers, from the A / W Baby and Newborn Collection, is made of soft pure cotton fabric, which guarantees a perfect and comfortable fit. Details: classic front opening with flap and button, rounded pockets on the front, ribbed ribbed ankles, patch pockets on the back, monochrome blue oil surface with characteristic ribbed work. The trousers signed 1+ In The Family are available in the unisex New Born and Baby sizes, from 6 months to 4 years.