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Category: Bullies
Being Ourselves
Published on March 7, 2019 March 4, 2019 by Sharron BurnettLeave a comment
Photo by Noelle Otto on Pexels.com
One of the hardest things in life is to be brave enough to be yourself
—-Bradley Cooper to Lady Gaga before their performance at the Oscars
It seems as though the whole world is suddenly in love with Lady Gaga. In the movie A Star Is Born she shed the outrageous costumes and makeup that has always been so much a part of her onstage persona and instead looked into the cameras in all of her natural glory. Without gimmicks or electronic orchestrations she simply sang and showed the world her inner beauty and vulnerability and strength. It landed her an Academy Award for her music and allowed her to come close to winning one for her acting in her screen debut. I suppose that we all love the movie both for its tender story and for the truth that in those celluloid moments a true star of enormous merit was born and her name is Lady Gaga.
I like pop music and I have enjoyed rocking and singing along with Lady Gaga in hits like Telephone, Bad Romance, and Alejandro. I smiled at her goofy costumes that I never thought she actually needed to attract attention. I liked her music just as it was, but I suppose that in today's market there have to be ways of standing out from the crowded field of would be artists. It was when I heard Lady Gaga sing a duet with Tony Bennett that I first understood what astonishing talent she had. She stood next to him in a black evening gown reminiscent of the 1940's and without much more than the accompaniment of a piano sang a torch song that displayed her voice as never before. Later she sang the National Anthem and both surprised and thrilled the crowd with the realization that she was much more than just a flash in the pan of music.
Still, it was other information that I had learned about Lady Gaga that made me a dedicated fan, someone in her corner for the long haul. I was tutoring students at a local high school when I met a sweet young man who was struggling not just with mathematics but with all of the kinds of angst that torture teenagers. He was trying to find himself and to determine the direction in life that he truly wanted to follow. He was a bright and reflective individual who constantly considered probing questions about the world and his place in it. He worked hard to improve his knowledge of math, but also was dedicated to critically thinking about life in general. He often spoke of both his fears and his dreams and I enjoyed being of small help in his journey of self understanding.
At one point he had an opportunity to apply for a spot at a conference for teens sponsored by Lady Gaga. He asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him which I was more than happy to do. Not long after he excitedly announced that he had been chosen to participate in the gathering of young people from across the United States. I was happy for him and felt that the committee that selected him had been wise in noticing how earnest he was to learn more about coping with our human condition.
The student returned to our usual tutoring sessions with a renewed spirit not just about his academics, but also his feelings about himself. He glowed with a new confidence and spoke of how inspiring all of the sessions had been. He showed me photos with the friends he had made and breathlessly described how he had surprisingly been tapped as a leader. Then he talked about Lady Gaga and how she had motivated him and all of the kids to love themselves and be proud of whomever they were. He showed me a video of her speaking to them that was so encouraging and understanding. He felt as though she understood the struggles that he and the others had been enduring. He noted how her concern for them showed in her facial expressions as she seemingly spoke to each of their hearts.
When I listened to him and then to Lady Gaga's words I felt her compassion and sensed her wisdom. I understood why he believed that she was targeting him with her gaze and her advice. She was not a star pandering to her audience but a human with a generous heart hoping to help heal those that where broken or confused. It was a moving experience for me to see just how much she really cared about the teens who had come to find some kind of solace from her.
I've since learned that Lady Gaga is from a big happy Italian family. She enjoys old fashioned Sunday dinners with them and is unabashedly proud of her heritage. She is a sensitive soul who worries a bit too much and like many is sometimes her own worst critic. All of her natural beauty and talent and vulnerability came through in her movie portrayal under the direction of Bradley Cooper. What we saw on that big screen was as though a butterfly was emerging from a cocoon and we rejoiced at the wonder of it.
I suppose that most of us are romantics at heart. We enjoy a good love story and A Star Is Born is certainly one of those, but it is also a story of illness and addiction. I believe that given her real life efforts to help those who struggle it is little wonder that Lady Gaga's role as an unconditional lover was a perfect part for her. Every aspect of the wonderful person that she is burst from the screen and into our hearts.
As we watched Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper perform at the Academy Awards we witnessed a personal chemistry that may be the love of friends, the love of collaborators or perhaps even a bit of romance. Whatever it was came directly from Lady Gaga's heart and Bradley Cooper's belief in her. It was so true and good and devoid of guile that like my student we felt as though she was sending us all a personal message, telling us to be brave enough ourselves. There is nothing quite as beautiful.
Categories Blog, Building character, Bullies, Commentary, Emotions, Heroes, Life, Love, Movies, Music, The arts, The Oscars, Tribute
Let's Stop
Published on October 31, 2018 October 17, 2018 by Sharron BurnettLeave a comment
The idea of harassing another human being has always been repugnant to me. When I was in the fourth grade I had a teacher who should never been in the profession. Her method of managing the classroom was known for its terror and humiliation. I despised what I saw her do and heard her say even at the young age of nine.
In middle school I witnessed some of the boys making fun of one of my female classmates to the point that she literally broke one day and had an emotional meltdown. My all time favorite teacher came to her defense in a manner that inspired me. I would never forget the deft way in which she taught all of us that bullying behaviors are never acceptable. She literally stopped the practice in its tracks and restored the young woman's self esteem and status in the process. I so admired the idea of speaking up for someone who is unfairly being targeted with ugliness.
As a teacher I made it my focus to watch for instances of students being emotionally or physically torn apart by the kind of mob rule that constitutes bullying. I was unwilling to look the other way, or to justify such behaviors even when the object of derision was not a particularly likable person. I fought many such battles again and again, sometimes even with my colleagues who took a general dislike to certain individuals. Something in my personality found constant harassment for any reason to be horrific.
I've made it well known that I do not care for President Donald Trump. He himself has the horrific habit of making exceedingly offensive remarks about anyone whom he perceives to be out of step with him. His boorish behavior is a turnoff and embarrassment to me. I cannot accept him as simply being someone who is using his bully pulpit to fight for certain causes. A leader can be strong like Theodore Roosevelt or Abraham Lincoln without demeaning others in the process. Nonetheless, I believe that far too many in our society have reacted to our president with insults and anger that is as disturbing to me as any utterance that Trump has made.
I have been particularly concerned by the taunts hurled at Melania Trump and her son. I do not know the First Lady nor do I have any idea why she chose to marry Donald Trump. As a matter of fact, it is really none of my business or anyone else's to concern ourselves with such things. What I do see is a stunningly beautiful woman who carries herself with great dignity and kindness. I also note that many of her efforts to be thoughtful are thrown in her face.
From the very beginning Melania Trump has been overly criticized at every turn. When she showed up for her husband's inauguration wearing a modest and lovely blue suit it was suggested that she had copied another first lady. Her attempts at decorating the White House for Christmas were ridiculed as being weird and creepy. When she wore high heels to flood ravaged Houston there were those who wondered how she could have been so tone deaf. Her recent visit to Africa was covered not for the compassion that she displayed but for her choice of wardrobe. It seems that because she committed the sin of marrying Donald Trump she will forever be found inadequate and even repulsive.
I have to admit that I was a huge fan of Bill Clinton. After his liaison with intern Monica Lewinsky the luster wore off for me. What bothered me most was that his wife, Hillary, stood by his side. I argued that she should have left him like any honorable woman might have done. I spoke of this with my mother, and in her wisdom she argued that none of us will ever really understand the dynamics of a relationship between two people. She further insisted that it's not our place to do so. She defended Hillary's choice to stand by her man, and urged me to worry about my own household.
I think that my mother was absolutely right. It is not up to any of us to judge another because of the ways in which they choose to love. Such things are actually a kind of mystery to anyone on the outside looking in. So it has been with countless first ladies including Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and now Melania Trump. Often their love for their husbands seems incredulous to us because of the unfaithfulness that they have had to endure, but they were in fact able to overlook seemingly insurmountable flaws in their spouses. They should not be insulted because they remain faithful to someone that seems to betray them. They have their reasons.
The latest travesty aimed at Melania Trump should be soundly criticized by anyone who is of good heart, and most especially by all women. A rapper named T.I. has made a video that features a Melania look alike wearing a raincoat like one for which the First Lady was shamed. The model enters what appears to be the Oval Office, climbs on a desk, takes off the coat, and dances in the nude. If all persons of even moderate decency do not find this utterly offensive, then I worry about the future of this nation. If we do not demonstrate respect for all people regardless of their beliefs, then I fear that our children are learning lessons that will not bode well.
It's well past time that we all speak out whenever we witness the unfair degradation of anyone. If we rationalize bullying of any form or just laugh as though it is a joke we are complicit in allowing harm to fester in our midst. If we might unite in one common cause it should be to insist that this sort of thing should never be allowed. It is not funny nor is it justified. Let's stop!
Categories Blog, Building character, Bullies, Commentary, Courage, Emotions, Empathy, Life, Love, News, Politics, Tolerance, Women
A Fit of Nincompoopery
Published on August 8, 2018 August 6, 2018 by Sharron BurnettLeave a comment
Photo by GEORGE DESIPRIS on Pexels.com
According to the dictionary a nincompoop is a silly or foolish person. Nincompoopery refers to the beliefs and behaviors of a nincompoop. It is folly, stupidity. With a tip of the hat to Nero Wolf who first proposed the turn of the phrase, I submit that each day Twitter becomes the locale of many "fits of nincompoopery."
Let's face it, how much of great worth can be stated or argued in only one hundred forty characters? The comments are generally so terse that they might be interpreted in dozens of different ways, and therein lies a great number of the problems. Add to that the trolls lurking under the Twitter bridge and the so called discussions often become quite nasty, festering like plastic bags for perpetuity. Many a soul has lost a job or been revealed as a scum bag because of an outburst of tweets that might better have been left unsaid. We now live in a world of instant verbal arguments among strangers who somehow erroneously believe that they are doing no harm. It all reminds me of the back and forth that I sometimes heard among rival groups of fourth graders when I was teaching elementary school long ago.
Sure it's a free country and all that, but frankly I'm becoming quite weary of the vast numbers of degrading tweets, particularly when they come from people who should know better than to let their fingers run afoul of common decency. We all see and hear things that make us angry, but generally control our temptations to lash out. There is a certain level of immaturity associated with outbursts that are hurtful to other people, so I find myself wondering when we lost our sense of decorum.
We have Roseann Barr, who has never seemed to know when to keep her mouth shut, losing a popular television series over rash racist observations. There is a New York Times journalist who seems to think that there is nothing particularly wrong with hurling invective at white men. The director of the highly successful Avengers series was recently fired over troublesome tweets and jokes made many years ago. Of course there is also the embarrassing aspect of the President of the United States making a fool of himself and the country far too many times with his late night rants. Regardless of the defenses being suggested in these cases, we somehow have a sense that something is going terribly wrong, particularly when we accept such behaviors as normal.
Freedom of speech is an important aspect of our Bill of Rights and certainly insults between adults are nothing new, but the more frequent incidence of such behavior is bothersome to me. I prefer a bit of propriety in public. If two people wish to engage in verbal fisticuffs in private, so be it, but why do we now seem to actually encourage public verbal executions, and even sometimes get down in the mud with the perpetrators?
Believe me, I do not wish to indict certain individuals or political persuasions because quite frankly there is plenty of criticism to go around to all sorts of people. I'd just like to encourage everyone to be careful about rapid responses that are hurtful and ugly. Those kind of things have a nasty way of coming back on us, but more importantly we need to rise above the muck and grime as a way of life. Nobody ever wins an argument with invective, and most often it's not even necessary to attempt to do so. What does it really matter if someone disagrees with our beliefs? Why should we feel compelled to put down individuals with whom we have a difference of opinion. The likelihood that we will actually make a difference in their thinking is slim to none. Indeed what will probably happen is that we will make them even more enraged.
I refuse to be that person who gets pulled into verbal battles, and I think that we would all do well to walk away when a fight of words seems imminent. I learned long ago as an educator that ignoring nincompoopery is the quickest way to shut it down. Most people who engage in such shenanigans are just looking for an audience and I refuse to give them one. Perhaps more of us should consider bringing in the crickets whenever someone is being outrageous.
As a society we still have not yet learned how to deal with social media successfully. We forget our manners and too often neglect to take a deep breath before reacting. We have people using our outrage to stoke their own egos. We don't have to play their game.
I am slowly learning how to move quickly past comments and tweets that make me feel uncomfortable. I choose to let them just lie on the ground seemingly unnoticed. I am seeing more and more evidence that lots of folks are following the same routine. The most egregious remarks that I see are frequently going without response, which is the way that we might all shut them down.
There is a flock of mockingbirds living in the trees in my backyard. They chatter day and night, but I have learned how to turn off the volume in my head. Now I scarcely hear them even though they are still there. I'm doing the same with Twitter.
Categories Blog, Bullies, Commentary, Emotions, Humor, Language, Life, News, Politics, Technology, The Internet
Published on June 20, 2018 June 19, 2018 by Sharron BurnettLeave a comment
When my mother was only three or four years old her mother had a mental breakdown. The full details of the event are sketchy, but the certainty of what happened to my mom is very clear. The little tyke loved her mama and felt safe with her. When medical personal came to the house, restrained her mother, and then drove away in an ambulance the child that my mother was felt confused and betrayed. This event had a lasting impact on her that was so traumatic that it haunted her the rest of her life. She often spoke of the disdain that she felt for her father whom she held responsible for what she viewed as the imprisonment of her mom. She insisted that her mother had been a good woman who did not deserve the horrific treatment that befell her. Unlike her older siblings she was never able to accept that her mama had been very sick and in need of treatment. She had been so very young when she was torn from her mother's loving care that it impacted the very essence of her thinking. The scars left by the separation never healed.
My youngest daughter endured a similar situation that was less dramatic but nonetheless frightening to her. When she was not yet three years old my husband contracted a fungal disease that required hospitalization and a long regimen of chemotherapy. Our family was thrown into a kind of chaotic state when we learned that the disease was often fatal. We spent months in a new routine of hospital visits and uncertainty. Years later my girl endured a bought with severe anxiety and depression. Her psychiatrist asked what had occurred at around the age of three that had seemingly caused the her to have an enduring sense of uncertainty and fear. He noted that something had so affected my daughter that she had buried deep seated emotions that were finally coming to the surface and causing her despondency. It was shocking to learn that something that had happened more than a decade earlier that was seemingly resolved had such a profound affect.
Young children see and hear and feel far more than we sometimes know. They are aware of what is happening around them to a larger extent than we imagine, but they do not always have the capacity to interpret the interchanges with their environment, particularly when the security represented by a parent is taken from them. They are unable to fully express the need for the warmth and love of a mother or father that is so essential to their healthy development. It is critical that they have all of their most basic needs addressed, and there is generally no better person to do that for them than a parent who genuinely cares for them. So much of the basic personality is formed during early childhood and every event plays an important role in development. As children we all cling to our parents and look to them to supply our most essential needs. When that relationship is suddenly severed children lose all sense of safety. Unless they are carefully counseled and loved the event will have a lifelong impact.
My father died when I was eight years old. People often marvel that my memories of the days following his death are so crystal clear. I am able to vividly recall people, conversations, the weather, and most of all my own jumbled feelings. I was far more aware of what was happening that the adults around me ever imagined. That being said, without the maturity of adulthood I am certain that I often misinterpreted my situation, and not in a good way. I became a fearful child, someone unwilling to take risks. I was afraid of people and life. It would take me twenty or more years to overcome the shock and awe of the sudden loss of someone that I so loved, and I became a somewhat neurotic and sad little girl. It was only through my study of childhood development and my association with truly caring people that I was able to eventually lay all of the demons that had so haunted me to rest.
For these reasons I am both appalled and concerned for the welfare of immigrant children who are currently being separated from their parents. I realize that we have laws, and the adults who come here illegally are breaking them. In that regard there are many needed discussions regarding the issues, but it seems certain to me that taking children away while their parents are being processed is deeply wrong. The consequences of such inhumane decisions will impact these little ones for decades. The trauma that our government is inflicting on them is morally untenable, as anyone familiar with children understands. In spite of efforts to provide food, beds, education, games and other such amenities to care for them the one thing that the little ones require is missing. They must have their parents to feel secure. What we are doing is so egregious that we simply cannot justify the actions with by quoting laws or even the Bible. We must know that we are bending the truth and God's word when we attempt to do such things.
I love my country and believe in its innate goodness. It has of late been overtaken by an incivility that is toxic. There seems to be an attitude that winning is more important than being just. The good people in our midst are being pushed aside by bullies, and the ideals of honor and respect are all too often being eschewed by those who insist on all or nothing in their political dealings. As citizens we must join together in the common cause of decency, following the lead of heroes the world over who insist on standing for what is right rather than what will make them popular. We must end the ugliness by demonstrating our best natures. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of our country. We can no longer allow tactics that so scorch the earth. If we don't save the children of the world regardless of the circumstances we are doomed to a dark future. Our best hope is in finding our natural goodness again and doing what we know to be right.
Categories Blog, Building character, Bullies, Children, Commentary, Courage, Education, Emotions, Empathy, Family, Heroes, Life, Love, News, Tolerance, Tragedy


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(Credit: Alamy)
Jean-Michel Basquiat's estate has pulled an NTF drawing from auction
@TomTaylorFO
Fri 30th Apr 2021 13.30 BST
The estate of the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat has forbidden the sale of an NFT drawing that would have allowed the buyer to destroy the original artwork.
Firstly, what is an NFT? In short, it's a sort of non-tradable unique data token that nobody can understand anything about, but the gist of it is perhaps best summed up by StadiumTalk which refers to it as some sort of online "Mona Lisa of baseball cards."
It was announced earlier this week that Basquiat's mixed media artwork, Free Comb with Pagoda, which he crafted in 1986 on OpenSea, would be sold at auction for one Ethereum (which currently trades at around $2700 USD).
However, if it was sold as an NFT, it would allow the buyer to deconstructive all of the other data for the artwork ensuring that they hold the one and only copy.
Following this revelation, the Basquiat estate has since intervened. A statement from licensing agent David Stark read, "The estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat owns the copyright in the artwork referenced."
Later adding, "No license or rights were conveyed to the seller and the NFT has subsequently been removed from sale."
Daystrom, the company who were backing the auction listing, announced, "While blockchain transactions are widely considered a trusted source of authentication and provenance, best copyright practices have yet to evolve for the digital economy."
Whether or not there is any future in NFT remains to be seen. However, this debacle is indicative of the problems that the medium will face moving forward with the surrounds of uncertainty.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Got it!! Many thanks, but oh, how sometimes one feels a fool.
I made a update with some bug fixes, like the "flying" doors. That never occured for me, but it is real and occurs sometimes at other players . I hope so this solves the problem.
There are no any changes, only bugfixes.
Köszönöm, Sensut! Jó munka!!! Nagyon érdekes volt játszani az új pályádat, mint Drakula és Báthory sorozatot is.
Örvendek, hogy még Being Thief folytatását tervezel. Ezért meg szeretnék tudni mikor őt fogod tenni és miről lesz a tárgya , ha ez persze nem titok. Örömmel megint majd segítsem a fordításokkal is.
Kívánom neked a Báthory magyarítását mielőbb készíteni. Nem tudom miért a szövegeit eredetileg angolul írtad meg, de remélem, a következő játszanivalódban a főnyelvvé teszed a gyönyörű nyelvet, amin tárgyalunk. Amikor hallgatom a zenét ezen a dallamos nyelven, élvezem a szépségét.
Milyen jó magyar nyelvű zenéket ismersz? Egyelőre Fresh-t hallgatottam, csinos lányok . Szintén nekem tetszenek Unique és Desperado daljai. De valamit még szeretnék hallgatni.
PS: miért szerinted a magyar, e gazdag szókinccsel kifejező nyelv, nem olyan népszerű, mint például az olasz vagy a német?
Last edited by Winter Cat; 4th Dec 2011 at 15:05.
Just finished your outstanding mission and really enjoyed it. It was difficult enough that I had to do a lot of searching and sneaking but not so hard that I had to keep running to the forums for help. Thanks for your efforts.
I cant get the Machine working. I played with all the weapons and nothing checks off. There is 3 terminals with levers that do nothing (with off lights on them). The switches dont even work. Help ???
One of the best FM's I've played in a long time. I'm about an hour in and it is extremely fun, has a very classic thief feel to it. I love the sandbox style as well, so many places to sneak, so much to steal!
Thanks Sensut! I'm looking forward to playing it.
I can't seem to "obtain information about the Mechanists' activity." Suggestions?
Also, I've read in a few posts here about a "machine" that's being built. I haven't seen this or gotten the objective... what's up with that?
Edit: So right after posting this question, I stumbled across the answer. How often does that happen?
In the Mechanist area, find the outside railroad (not the secret underground railroad). Go to the left along the tracks, and you find a Watcher guarding a room. Passing through the series of rooms, you eventually get to the machines being built (like giant Spiders). First, power up the machines, then find a way to bust one of them. In the course of this, you complete both the objectives above.
Last edited by Alic; 1st Jun 2011 at 10:46.
The area with the safe is one of the first things I found.
At the beginning right outside the Inn there is a room with a large generator and behind the it a passage downwards. It would be easy to miss. Follow your nose along that route and you'll find the area with a large safe and smaller boxes that take the key cards.
to access that large safe you'll need Karras' gear and the teller's gear locates in the mech area and the tellers house respectively.
Ahh thank you very much i had found that vault earlier on but had no idea that it contained the sketch.
Just finished with over 14,000 in loot. What a great mission. I loved exploring the city and finding ways to get in the buildings. Thanks so much for your efforts, Sensut.
Honestly, I was surprised at the good welcome of this mission. You believe it or not, this was only a fun for me to build it and I hoped for nothing from it. But good to know about the fact that the real Thief soul still lives in us .
Last edited by Sensut; 2nd Jun 2011 at 17:09.
Good job Sensut, I had actually given up on Thief and figured I was "over it," but I had a blast with this mission.


Today Instagram is one of the most efficient ways to promote one's business. With more than 500 million users – the number is still growing! – this social networking platform gives a great opportunity to expand your audience, provided you know how to market on Instagram and keep up with the latest Instagram trends.Considering how fast it changes, it might not be an easy task.
1. Managing multiple accounts on Instagram.
Earlier if you had created multiple accounts, you would have to log out of one account to log into another. Not anymore – now you can easily switch between accounts, many marketing executives use it to create pages for each of their products.
It's been a while since videos have become a significant part of Instagram. The duration of videos increased from 15 to 60 seconds, and now we have an option to upload a video without soundtrack – users seem to like them a lot.
This feature is for those who do not need to keep their videos and photos in their profile. Whatever you post in Stories disappears from your profile in 24 hours, you thus share images with friends without overloading them.
Instagram for business, i.e. verifying your account as business account, allows adding contact methods and directions and unlocks access to promoted posts and analytics. The data you get can be crucial for your business development.
Although the app was launched a while ago, its popularity did not cease to increase till now. Boomerang is extremely easy-to-use: it records one full second of video and loops it, similar to GIF.
One thing that makes a big difference for your promotional activities is the way you post pictures on Instagram. You can upload Instagram from Mac directly, without sending photos to your mobile first with the help of Uplet by Eltima. This software tool enables uploading to Instagram from Mac thus retaining the original quality and resolution of images. And if you ever wondered how to upload to Instagram multiple images in one go – Uplet allows you to post multiple pictures at a time. Have a look at the app's commercial license, it is best fit for your business purposes.
A lot more awaits Instagram users in the near future, and if you want to use Instagram to promote your products and services, it is wise to keep yourself updated on the latest trends and newest features.


Re: DO U KNOW THIS ?
On this auspicious day it is really a very nice feel and to hear such good information.
Lets all be in this Om bliss always.
After a Long time, I am reading your post. Very nice information.
OMSAIRAM!Venku bhai,Thanks for sharing this beautiful Sai Pooja with all of us.
Venku ji, thats indeed a very interesting find.
Good work and may Baba bless you and every one in this beautiful Mandhir.


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Mikri Vigla (Greek: Μικρή Βίγλα, "little lookout") is a small village on the Greek island of Naxos famed for its nearby beaches.  It is located about  south of the city of Naxos.

Its popular nearby beaches include Parthena, located to the north and 600 meters (1800 ft) long, and Limanaki, to the west that goes on for 3200 meters (10,500 ft) till Kastraki village.

Populated places in Naxos (regional unit)
Naxos

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The Caribbean Writer is delighted to announce the 2016 shortlist for Volume 30 prizes. The winners will be announced in January 2017.
The list of prizes include: The Canute A. Brodhurst Prize, The Daily News Prize, The David Hough Literary Prize, The Marvin E. Williams Literary Prize, The Cecile de Jongh Literary Prize, and The Charlotte and Isidor Paiewonsky Prize.
Of the 400 submissions for Volume 30, not all could have been selected but, even among those not selected, so many captured our imagination and admiration. The nuances of these explosive times are captured at some temperature in Volume 30. Of that number, the following selections are under consideration for a prize. One writer will be selected from each category.
An annual prize of $500 is awarded to resident of the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands.
An annual prize of $500 is awarded to an author residing in the Caribbean. This prize is donated by Sonja Hough, owner of Sonja's Designs, the handmade jewelry designer in Christiansted, St. Croix, in memory of her late husband.
An annual prize of $500 is awarded to a new or emerging writer. This prize is donated by Marvin's widow, Dasil Williams, in honor of her late husband who served as the editor of The Caribbean Writer from 2003 – 2008.
An annual prize of $500 is awarded to a Caribbean author whose work best expresses the spirit of the Caribbean. This prize is donated by former Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. in honor of his wife, Cecile de Jongh's, abiding commitment to literacy in the territory especially among the young people of the Virgin Islands.
An annual prize of $250 is awarded to a writer for first-time publication in The Caribbean Writer. This prize is donated by the Paiewonsky family.


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Gossip World Tour: Sleeping With Sirens, Set It Off, and The Gospel Youth - Winnipeg, MB
I'd love to be starting these reviews with how nice the weather was outside, but still, the frigid Winnipeg weather on February 1st didn't keep the fans home from stepping out and getting a little cold to fill up the Burton Cummings Theatre to see Sleeping With Sirens, Set It Off, and The Gospel Youth perform live. I'm not sure of what circumstance, but the band Southpaw was absent from the Canadian dates of the tour. Sleeping With Sirens is currently on tour promoting their latest album, Gossip.
Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.
The United Kingdom-based rock band The Gospel Youth opened up the night to a warm welcome by the Winnipeg crowd. It was the first time the band has performed in Winnipeg and their set seemed well received by everyone packed inside the venue. When asked by vocalist, Samuel Little, "Has anyone heard of us before?" A few screams developed throughout the theatre. The Gospel Youth performed such songs as, "Lighting Fires," "Wildfire," "Moods Like English Weather," among others. The Gospel Youth is surely a band to watch out for in the future. They're just at the start of what's looking like a very promising career. I hope to see the band back to Winnipeg on a future tour soon.
Next to perform was Set It Off, who hails out of Tampa, Florida. Set It Off is no stranger to Winnipeg and the rest of Canada. The band has been touring Canada since before they signed their first record deal and have been to Winnipeg on many occasions in the past. Some of these shows played to nearly no one in attendance. One of the first instances of these tours I was fortunate to attend was in, I believe it was 2011, if not 2012. Set It Off went off on a Canadian tour, the Winnipeg stop of the tour was at the now-closed Ellice Theatre & Cafe. The bands vocalist, Cody Carson and I also recall drummer, Maxx Danziger was not able to get into the country for the tour and the local musician Mike Burnard had to fill in on vocals for the band, who performed a quick three-song acoustic set for what I remember was about fifteen to twenty-five people in the venue.
It was clear that many of the Winnipeg audience was more than aware of who Set It Off was. A plethora of people in the crowd was singing along to songs such as, "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing," "Ancient History," "Bleak December," "Why Worry," and "NME," which included an interesting choice of a cover of the Backstreet Boys' 1997 hit single, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," after the bridge of the song. The Backstreet Boys cover was accompanied by a choreographed dance by the members of the band. Every time I've seen Set It Off live, the band always goes above and beyond to make sure to meet all their fans after their set and after the show, even if it means standing in the cold if they have to. Which luckily, they didn't have to during the night.
The final act on the stage was the Orlando, Florida-based band, Sleeping With Sirens. The band has dabbled in various genres over their five albums but is best known for their vocalist, Kellin Quinn's leggero tenor vocal range. It's rather shocking that such a band as successful as Sleeping With Sirens, who have been on dozens and dozens of tours has now only ever been to Winnipeg for the second time. The last time Sleeping With Sirens have been to the city was way back in October of 2010. They performed at the West End Cultural Centre on an opening spot for Enter Shikari on their Destabilize North American tour. At the time, Sleeping With Sirens would've been touring their debut album, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear. The fans were ecstatic when the band arrived on the stage. Most of the fans in attendance were probably seeing, which I'd assume for some is their favourite band for the first time or even again for some fans. Starting the set off strong with the songs, "Feel," "Low," and "Go Go Go." It set the shape of what this set was going to be. A mixture of fun, nostalgic, and powerful songs. Right before Sleeping With Sirens performed their song, "One Man Army," vocalist Kellin Quinn said that it was one of the best songs he's ever written as a musician. The band followed with three songs acoustically, "With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear," the title track of their recently released album, Gossip, and their epic rock ballad, "The Strays." These three songs were a nice nod to their acoustic EP release from 2012 If You Were a Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack. It was nice to have vocalist, Kellin Quinn's voice shine on top of guitarist, Nick Martin's acoustic playings. The band closed the set off strong with their song, "Legends." Lastly, after a long chant for "one more song," Sleeping With Sirens returned to the stage to perform a two-song encore consisting of the songs, "If You Can't Hang" and "Kick Me." The only disappointing thing I took from the band's entire set was that the band's songs, "2 Chord" and "If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn" were on the setlist for the night, but not performed during the performance. Every performance from The Gospel Youth, Set It Off, and Sleeping With Sirens was all great in their own right. I did not want the show to come to an end, and I'm sure many others didn't themselves. This tour has a well-rounded lineup that should not be missed. If you have the chance, you'll be missing out if you don't attend an upcoming date of this tour. Quite frankly, I hope to see Sleeping With Sirens, Set It Off, and The Gospel Youth back to Winnipeg and the Canadian prairies again very soon.
Kellin Quinn
Cody Carson


text:
Current 2018 Main Ed. (1/14/2019); Titles 1 to 4 2012 Ed. and Supplement V (1/12/2018) 2012 Ed. and Supplement IV (1/6/2017) 2012 Ed. and Supplement III (1/3/2016) 2012 Ed. and Supplement II (1/5/2015) 2012 Ed. and Supplement I (1/16/2014) 2012 Main Ed. (1/15/2013) 2006 Ed. and Supplement V (1/3/2012) 2006 Ed. and Supplement IV (1/7/2011) 2006 Ed. and Supplement III (2/1/2010) 2006 Ed. and Supplement II (1/5/2009) 2006 Ed. and Supplement I (1/8/2008) 2006 Main Ed. (1/3/2007) 2000 Ed. and Supplement V (1/2/2006) 2000 Ed. and Supplement IV (1/3/2005) 2000 Ed. and Supplement III (1/19/2004) 2000 Ed. and Supplement II (1/6/2003) 2000 Ed. and Supplement I (1/22/2002) 2000 Main Ed. (1/2/2001) 1994 Ed. and Supplement V (1/23/2000) 1994 Ed. and Supplement IV (1/5/1999) 1994 Ed. and Supplement III (1/26/1998) 1994 Ed. and Supplement II (1/6/1997) 1994 Ed. and Supplement I (1/16/1996) 1994 Main Ed. (1/4/1995)
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42 USC CHAPTER 23, Division A, SUBCHAPTER XIX, Part A: Remedial Action at Active Processing Sites
From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 23—DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL OF ATOMIC ENERGYDivision A—Atomic EnergySUBCHAPTER XIX—REMEDIAL ACTION AND URANIUM REVITALIZATION
Part A—Remedial Action at Active Processing Sites
§2296a. Remedial action program
(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), the costs of decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by persons licensed under section 2092 or 2111 of this title for any activity at such site which results or has resulted in the production of byproduct material.
(b) Reimbursement
(1) In general
The Secretary of Energy shall, subject to paragraph (2), reimburse at least annually a licensee described in subsection (a) for such portion of the costs described in such subsection as are—
(A) determined by the Secretary to be attributable to byproduct material generated as an incident of sales to the United States; and
(B) either—
(i) incurred by such licensee not later than December 31, 2007; or
(ii) incurred by a licensee after December 31, 2007, in accordance with a plan for subsequent decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action approved by the Secretary.
(2) Amount
(A) To individual active site uranium licensees
The amount of reimbursement paid to any licensee under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Secretary in accordance with regulations issued pursuant to section 2296a–1 of this title and, for uranium mill tailings only, shall not exceed an amount equal to $6.25 multiplied by the dry short tons of byproduct material located on October 24, 1992, at the site of the activities of such licensee described in subsection (a), and generated as an incident of sales to the United States.
(B) To all active site uranium licensees
Payments made under paragraph (1) to active site uranium licensees shall not in the aggregate exceed $350,000,000.
(C) To thorium licensees
Payments made under paragraph (1) to the licensee of the active thorium site shall not exceed $365,000,000, and may only be made for off-site disposal. Such payments shall not exceed the following amounts:
(i) $90,000,000 in fiscal year 2002.
(ii) $55,000,000 in fiscal year 2003.
(iii) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2004.
(iv) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2005.
(v) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2006.
(vi) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Any amounts authorized to be paid in a fiscal year under this subparagraph that are not paid in that fiscal year may be paid in subsequent fiscal years.
(D) Inflation escalation index
The amounts in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph shall be increased annually based upon an inflation index. The Secretary shall determine the appropriate index to apply.
(E) Additional reimbursement
(i) Determination of excess
The Secretary shall determine as of December 31, 2008, whether the amount authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section 2296a–2 of this title, when considered with the $6.25 per dry short ton limit on reimbursement, exceeds the amount reimbursable to the licensees under subsection (b)(2).
(ii) In the event of excess
If the Secretary determines under clause (i) that there is an excess, the Secretary may allow reimbursement in excess of $6.25 per dry short ton on a prorated basis at such sites where the costs reimbursable under subsection (b)(1) exceed the $6.25 per dry short ton limitation described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(3) Byproduct location
Notwithstanding the requirement of paragraph (2)(A) that byproduct material be located at the site on October 24, 1992, byproduct material moved from the site of the Edgemont Mill to a disposal site as the result of the decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action of such mill shall be eligible for reimbursement to the extent eligible under paragraph (1).
(Pub. L. 102–486, title X, §1001, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2946; Pub. L. 104–259, §3(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3173; Pub. L. 105–388, §11(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3484; Pub. L. 106–317, §1, Oct. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 1277; Pub. L. 107–222, §1(a), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1336.)
Section was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and not as part of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 which comprises this chapter.
2002—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 107–222 substituted "$365,000,000" for "$140,000,000" and inserted at end "Such payments shall not exceed the following amounts:
"(i) $90,000,000 in fiscal year 2002.
"(ii) $55,000,000 in fiscal year 2003.
"(iii) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2004.
"(iv) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2005.
"(v) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2006.
"(vi) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Any amounts authorized to be paid in a fiscal year under this subparagraph that are not paid in that fiscal year may be paid in subsequent fiscal years."
2000—Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 106–317, §1(1), substituted "2007" for "2002".
Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 106–317, §1(2), substituted "incurred by a licensee after December 31, 2007," for "placed in escrow not later than December 31, 2002,".
Subsec. (b)(2)(E)(i). Pub. L. 106–317, §1(3), substituted "December 31, 2008" for "July 31, 2005".
1998—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–388 substituted "$140,000,000" for "$65,000,000".
1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–259, §3(a)(1), substituted "$6.25" for "$5.50".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–259, §3(a)(2), substituted "$350,000,000" for "$270,000,000".
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 104–259, §3(a)(3), substituted "$65,000,000" for "$40,000,000".
Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 104–259, §3(a)(4), (5), substituted "$6.25" for "$5.50" wherever appearing.
§2296a–1. Regulations
Within 180 days of October 24, 1992, the Secretary shall issue regulations governing reimbursement under section 2296a of this title. An active uranium or thorium processing site owner shall apply for reimbursement hereunder by submitting a request for the amount of reimbursement, together with reasonable documentation in support thereof, to the Secretary. Any such request for reimbursement, supported by reasonable documentation, shall be approved by the Secretary and reimbursement therefor shall be made in a timely manner subject only to the limitations of section 2296a of this title.
(Pub. L. 102–486, title X, §1002, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2947.)
§2296a–2. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated $715,000,000 to carry out this part. The aggregate amount authorized in the preceding sentence shall be increased annually as provided in section 2296a of this title, based upon an inflation index to be determined by the Secretary.
(b) Source
Funds described in subsection (a) shall be provided from the Fund established under section 2297g of this title.
(Pub. L. 102–486, title X, §1003, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2947; Pub. L. 104–259, §3(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3174; Pub. L. 105–388, §11(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 107–222, §1(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1336.)
2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–222 substituted "$715,000,000" for "$490,000,000".
§2296a–3. Definitions
For purposes of this part:
(1) The term "active uranium or thorium processing site" means—
(A) any uranium or thorium processing site, including the mill, containing byproduct material for which a license (issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or its predecessor agency under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 [42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.], or by a State as permitted under section 274 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2021)) for the production at such site of any uranium or thorium derived from ore—
(i) was in effect on January 1, 1978;
(ii) was issued or renewed after January 1, 1978; or
(iii) for which an application for renewal or issuance was pending on, or after January 1, 1978; and
(B) any other real property or improvement on such real property that is determined by the Secretary or by a State as permitted under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2021) to be—
(i) in the vicinity of such site; and
(ii) contaminated with residual byproduct material;
(2) The term "byproduct material" has the meaning given such term in section 11 e. (2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,1 (42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2)); and
(3) The term "decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action" means work performed prior to or subsequent to October 24, 1992, which is necessary to comply with all applicable requirements of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.), or where appropriate, with requirements established by a State that is a party to a discontinuance agreement under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2021).
References in Text
The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, referred to in par. (1)(A), is act Aug. 1, 1946, ch. 724, as added by act Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1073, §1, 68 Stat. 919, which is classified principally to this chapter (§2011 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of this title and Tables.
The Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978, referred to in par. (3), is Pub. L. 95–604, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3021, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 88 (§7901 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7901 of this title and Tables.
1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.


text:
State Comission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons
ABOUT OF THE STATE
NAGORNO-
KARABAKH
Information of The State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.
On January 26, 2017, the member of the State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Chairperson of the parliament's Human Rights Committee Bahar Muradova has today met with Elena Ajmone Sessera, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Azerbaijan.
Speaking about Azerbaijan's relations with the ICRC, the vice-speaker highlighted the committee's work in conflict zones and care provided by the committee representatives to refugees, internally displaced persons, prisoners of war and missing people all over the world, the parliament told APA.
Muradova brought to the fore the fate of Azerbaijanis, who were captured and went missing as a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The vice speaker expressed concern about the fate of Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev who were taken hostage in Kalbajar in 2014.
She noted that Armenian armed forces periodically violate the ceasefire with Azerbaijan and the civilian population of Azerbaijan residing in the border area is subjected to physical and moral aggression.
Muradova pointed out that the body of Azerbaijani soldier Chingiz Gurbanov, who died fighting to prevent the Armenian provocation at the state border in December last year, is still being kept by the Armenia side.
Despite numerous calls and appeals from local and international organizations, Armenia, in contravention of the norms of international law and the Geneva Convention, still refuses to return the Azerbaijani soldier's body, the vice-speaker said.
On Jan. 23, the Human Rights Committee made a statement calling on international organizations to take urgent measures regarding the return of the Azerbaijani soldier's body, Muradova recalled.
The vice-speaker also called on the ICRC to use every opportunity to release the Azerbaijanis taken hostage in Kalbajar and return the Azerbaijani soldier's body
The ICRC Delegation head in turn said the return of Chingiz Gurbanov's body is in the spotlight.
Elena Ajmone Sessera said the ICRC mandate includes only humanitarian actions and they do not have the authority to intervene in political issues. She noted that ICRC representatives and medical staff periodically visit Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, taken hostage in Kalbajar.
The sides then discussed the regulation on international practice the issues of hostages and prisoners of war and the return of the bodies of those killed during combat operations. Ms. Sessera referred to the provisions of international law in relation to these issues.
Moreover, the sides exchanged views on prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ICRC.
POWs, hostages and missing persons
ARMENIAN TERROR
VIDEOARCHIVE
"Aga-dede" muslim cemetery in Armenia.
The act of vandalism in the muslim graveyard.
The testimony of J.A. Guseynov who was held in Armenian captivity.
The testimony of Kh.T.Amirova who was held in Armenian captivity.
The testimony of R.I.Azizov who was held in Armenian captivity.
The testimony of M.M.Mammadov who was held in Armenian captivity.
President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev Foundation Ministry of Defence The Cabinet of Ministers Milli Mejlis State Security Service AzerTac
© 2015, State Comission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons


So, uh, meat metaphors aside, let's break this blend down a bit. We're looking at an oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper over aged long-fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. It's a rich, medium-bodied blend that's incredibly consistent from cigar to cigar. Expect notes of rich cedar and cocoa, with a creamy, earthy core. This new release is a Graycliff you don't want to miss out on, so act fast!
Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro-WOW,very flavorful and one of the best smokes ever.
I purchased Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro cigars for my husband as a gift for Christmas. He enjoys Graycliff cigars very much. Come to find out he purchases them on a regular basis at a much lower cost than what I paid for them so although I wasn't overly concerned at the time I purchased them it was a lesson learned that these cigars and others can be acquired at lesser prices. None the less they were well received and being enjoyed.
Draws easily and starts delivering spicy notes and hints of pepper up front and stays consistent all the way to the end. Would recommend and will purchase again.
Not a bad smoke a little strong out of wrapper after a little time to marinate in the humidor. This smoke is a keeper. Lou from Chilltown J.C. Stay puffing my friends.
I was looking for something new to try and thought I'd give Grayclif a try. This particular one is a nice, flavorful, even burning smoke.
Just had one last nite and it was De-lish.Keep rollin-em.
Great Cigar, like a porterhouse steak for a Great Deal!!!
This was an awesome experience. Even burn, great flavor and good smoke output.
Veteran cigar smoker,first time I've tried these.Very impressed,great,even burn,plenty of flavor,what I would call a "professional cigar"..not necessarily for the beginner!
Love the entire Graycliff line. They're expensive to grab the specials when they come by!!
Very difficult to compare this cigar with anything else, outstanding!
Excellent cigar, well worth the money. I fell in love with these cigars when I visited the Bahamas a few years ago. And now CI offers great pricing on them. Sit back, drink some Rum and smoke a Graycliff...... Yah Mon!!
These Graycliff ten-year vintage Madura cigars are the finest on the market at an affordable price. In my opinion Graycliff is one of the finest cigar makers in the world. The rich, dark and oily wrapper ensures a tasty and consistent smoke with no chances of unraveling and diminishing one's experience. Unconditionally a premium cigar! Enjoy!
This is one my favorites, when CI has them on special they're a must purchase. The bouquet has hints of plum, chocolate with some coffee it's a great stick.
One of the best small cigars. The retail price seems too high and I would not pay that but when they go on sale it is time to grab them. Love these cigars.
For the price I really cannot complain.Had problems with tunneling and uneven burn.
Good burn, plenty of smoke, carried a good ash. Can't wait to have another!
Just a very delicious, smooth offering from graycliff. Perfect for mellow relaxing smoke.
Decent Cigar. Large band hides imperfections. The 5 pack I received had 3 with holes in wrapper.
I'm headed to Nassau, Bahamas in a few weeks, and I wanted to try something from Graycliff, as I plan to visit the factory. I thoroughly enjoyed this stick! It's a well made, tasty maduro! You won't be disappointed.
Great construction razor sharp burn and delicious! Picked up on special sale price and hope to see it again soon.
Not my favourite. Felt like the cigar tasted more of char than much else.
delicious cigar. Complex, but not overpowering. I found it to be a first rate smoke. Quickly one of my favorites! Dark, rich flavors, but still on the mild side. Pricy, so I hope it goes on special again soon, cuz I'll snap some up!
Was hoping for a bit more from this after reading the reviews. However, have to say a bit disappointed. It had a bit of a tight draw and needed to be relit a few times. But, just didn't get much flavor from it at all. It was a smooth cigar, but very light on the taste and almost no finish. Still have a few more from the sampler pack and will hope for better experience.
The cigars are great. I had a 20% discount and wasn't able to use it. Was disappointed.
The Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro PG is a great cigar. Well constructed, even burn, pleasant smoke. Give yourself a treat and put some of these in your humidor.
Great smoke and have not received a bad one yet!
Great full flavors without the harshness. Would order again.
They burn like a champ and are full of rich and flavorful smoke. It's hard to say no when they taste so good. Man do I love these oily cigars.
Graycliff 10 Year Vintage was introduced to me by a great friend who had recently purchased them through CI. From the first retro hale I was hooked. Upon my delivery of outstanding deal of two five packs, arrived quick to Germany. Overall great hour to an hour and a half smoke of a medium body, full of rich flavors of cream and cedar. Well recommended to all.
I let these sit in the humidor for a few weeks and they are fantastic a great maduro.I would definitely buy them again.
Some mighty fine cigars here!
What a deal....in searching others I could not find anything even close to this deal, and what a cigar. I can't tell you if it has hints of this or that or the other thing (cigar snob talk) but when I smoke a great one, I know it. Hope this deal sticks around long enough to get more.
Strong smooth one of my favorites.
I bought cigars from other company's then I ordered from C.I. now I only buy from Cigar International.
I would have to give it 7 on a scale 1 to 10. A good smoke but would not be worth the full price. Mainly a taste issue. For discount price a good smoke.
Very tasty smokes. Wrapped up a bit too tight though... almost all of them had the torpedo tip bent or cracked because of the tightness of the packaging, but hey, i cut them off anyway right?
Decent maduro, but a little dry, you can tell when you clip it, but it does have a fairly even burn.
I found it to be a smooth and mellow cigar. One of my favorites. I enjoyed the cigar so much that i sent some to my bother-in-law as a gift.
One of the best cigars I have had in a very long time. This is a gem. I had tried this cigar about a year ago and only had a few of them. I found myself hesitating to smoke the last one because, at the time, I couldn't find them anywhere. Well, there back! It is bold and at the same time smooth..very rich and tasty. I strongly recommend to anyone who likes a bold/strong cigar with lots of smoke to give this one a try. As a result of the current offer on these, I now have a good supply and I smoke them all the time...a go to cigar. Thank you to Cigars International for this great deal on a cigar that I would call; a surprise!
FANTASTIC STICK!!!! Smoked both the 30 year , and 10 year extremely smooth with lots of flavor. The 10 year must say is my go to cigar with a rock glass of makers mark, can't go wrong with CI AND THE 10 year graycliff.
4.5 Stars, actually... I loved them at first. Now, after some age, I love them a little more. There's a really earthy quality here that seems to sweeten just a bit over time. Grab 'em on a deal and give 'em a try!
I enjoy different smokes, average 2 cigars per day and prefer the medium to full strength as long as the cigar is smooth. This is so far the best cigar I have yet to smoke. The taste explodes as you smoke it. If I were a Rich man this would be the only cigar in my humidors.
I must agree with William & Charles - Smooth, rich , well-aged & well-constructed. These are among the elite, top-shelf cigars in flavor & quality. For me, it's a special occasion stick, but as my income grows who knows? I could see myself adding 2-3 of these into my weekly allotment without losing interest for a long time. If you're on the fence, look for them as part of a deal. It's totally worth it.
I bought these years ago and I have kept them in the Humi for years!! I'll pull one out maybe every 2 years as a special Treat. I think they are more medium-full than medium. Incredible yet pricy. A Special Occasion Smoke! M mmmm!!!
This is a very good cigar. It has a deep dark bold espresso with hints of dark chocolate and Cedar. The well aged dark and oily maduro wrapper provide the right amount of sweetness.
Graycliff 10 Year Vintage Maduro cigars are superlative !


In many computer related forums and message boards that we have read for the past few weeks, we have noticed the increasing number of individuals who ask the same questions and that question is: Do Computer Glasses Really Work? To answer this question effectively, one must also justify his purpose of wearing them. Does this individual wear computer glasses to protect his eyes from the glares that digital screens emit? Or is he looking for something that will "heal" the eye strain he experience while looking at the computer screen?
The purpose of most computer glasses is to protect the eye from the blue light most digital screens emit. The theory is, this harmful blue light can cause several symptoms especially if someone sit in front of the computer or TV for extended number of hours. This is especially true for gamers and for employees who mostly work in front of computers. If you have felt neck pain, dry eyes, headaches and red eyes, you may probably be suffering from eye strain. To address this, you have multiple options to try one of which is the utilization of computer glasses.
What makes computer glasses different from conventional glasses?
Computer glasses are designed and built to help the eyes see the screen better. It enhances how the image is projected on the screen and seen by the eyes. Through its several coatings (depending on the manufacturer and the purpose of the eyeglasses). The glasses may have several different types of coatings.
One of the most common computer glasses coatings include anti reflective coating which further protects the eyes from harmful light spectrum that the computer emits which can reduce or even hurt the natural functions of the eyes.


^ "Drug Abuse: Where is The Way of Remedy? (Part II- Some Dangerous Silent Killers)". DhakaInsider. 2014-06-20. Archived from the original on 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
^ Barrister Omar Khan Joy (March 27, 2010). "Your Advocate". Law and Our Rights. The Daily Star. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
^ "Narcotics Control Act,1990 (Bangladesh)" (PDF). UNODC.
^ "Asia Regional Profile: Bangladesh" (PDF). UNODC: 10. September 2005.
This page was last edited on 19 November 2018, at 03:16 (UTC).


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Alliance Brass Ltd was initially developed with the idea of creating a range of mouthpieces for Besson brass instruments. The mouthpieces immediately became popular and the range has since expanded to include Signature Lines by some of the most famous brass player from the world's leading brass bands. The Alliance range of world-beating designs can be heard in many of the finest brass bands and orchestras. Made in England to the highest standards, each mouthpiece is presented in a leather pouch and gift box.
Alliance Mouthpieces were introduced to the market in 2006 by Dr Roger Webster, who was Solo Cornet of the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the time, using advice from some of the leading brass players in the world, including James Gourlay, Steven Mead, Jamie Prophet, Richard Brown and Lesley Howie.
The mouthpieces are renowned for their superb finish and consistency of manufacture. They have a warmth of sound, brilliance and an ability to project making them ideal for twenty-first century bands and orchestras.
David Childs, the world's leading euphonium player and Professor of Euphonium at the University of North Texas , said of his Signature Line "Alliance excelled itself in producing this high quality, precision engineered, versatile range of mouthpieces. With their attractive aesthetic and extra weight, the Alliance DC range offers me everything I want from a mouthpiece: great response, stability in the extreme registers, absolute comfort and the opportunity to create a quality sound."
Alliance Brass Ltd is proud to be a British-made product and has been recognised by Made in Britain for its successful contribution to Britain's manufacturing community.
Alliance Brass is committed to exceptional quality and innovation, making the finest brass accessories for musicians, and celebrating our heritage and traditions as a family-owned British company.
We are committed to:
Maintaining our reputation for high quality craftsmanship while encouraging innovation and exploration of new technologies
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Underwood Golf Complex -Sunset, is a Military, 18 hole golf course located in El Paso, Texas. The underwood Golf Facility has two 18-hole courses, Sunset and Sunrise.
The oldest of the two courses is Sunset. Sunset first opened for play in 1934.
Underwood Golf Complex -Sunset plays to 6,629 yards from the back tees. Par for Sunset is 72. The course rating is 70.4 and the slope rating is 120.
Greens were rebuilt five years ago, and are the most challenging green complexes in the city.
Best greens in the area. Although, it is a military course it is open to all, and green fees are discounted on Mondays and Tuesdays and regular price $20 walking the rest of the week.
Monday/Tuesday specials are great. Military retirees sometimes slow play. US Gov't. workers allowed to play. MUST show credentials. NO discount. Overall, a very good course. Scenic and relaxing. Play it every chance I can.


On another episode of "What shoes did MacKenzie buy now". I have a serious addiction to great shoes. Shoes make or break the outfit, Remember that. I've had some great outfits planned out and couldn't find the right shade of brown to wear with it and instantly changed. I take that shoe game seriously.
My thing recently has been buying quality shoes, over quantity. I would rather have shoes I know will last me years and still be in style, rather then trendy shoes that'll fall apart on me in a year. Building a quality closet has been my adult thing lately. I take time shopping now, but I still have those impulsive purchases now and again.
Sometimes being an adult is fun.


Today's post, contributed by an outside writer, is brought to you by Philam Asset Management, Inc.
Looking for another way to invest your money? Consider a balanced mutual fund, offering a single investment fund that has characteristics of both stocks and bonds. While primarily, a mutual fund allows you to choose between a stock or a bond, a balanced fund gives you the best of both types of investment. Think of it as a hybrid investment which reflects growth in income and equity.
But let's dive even deeper into the pros and cons of a balanced fund.
This will all depend on your goals as an investor, of course. With that being said, a balanced fund can endure different market conditions. Which means that if bond markets are weak, the stock portion of your investment may still hold its value. On the other hand, if stocks fall, the bond portion of your balanced fund may earn for you.
Balanced funds may be particularly appealing to those nearing or already in retirement. While no investment is 100% safe, they are a comparatively conservative product, making them attractive to those who don't have time to ride the ups and downs of the market.
Remember that a balanced fund just allocates an amount to both asset classes within a set minimum and maximum. It is still just one investment. So let's say you put $10,000 in a balanced mutual fund; it could be divided 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30.
But you might need more growth to achieve your long-term goals–especially if one or both markets are being unpredictable or unstable. Additionally, balanced fund investors might not be able to maximize the gains of a bullish market, just as equity prices increase.
Remember to check the expense ratio before you purchase any mutual fund.
Basically, a balanced fund allows you to play safe. We all know that any type of investment comes with certain risks, mostly because we would not know what the market will be like in 3 years or 5 years' time. You may choose to put money into an asset that is predicted to earn big in the future, but it is possible that the opposite may happen.
With a balanced fund, you will be owning two assets that do not necessarily move up and down at the same time. Not only does this provide you with more of a safety net, but you will also still be likely to preserve your investment regardless of the performance of one asset.
It would be best to familiarize yourself with the stock and bond markets individually, especially if this is your first foray into investing. A good foundation of those two will help guide you in your desired asset allocation—the percentage in stocks and the percentage in bonds–for both assets once you have decided you're ready to invest in a balanced fund investment.
This entry was posted in Money Management on December 19, 2017 by femmefrugality.


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REACH Interview Series: Mitch Joel
The Reach Interview Series is an informal dialogue between Andy Molinsky and respected thought leaders about the challenges of stepping outside your comfort zone, especially in the process of developing yourself as a leader.
Mitch Joel is the president of Mirum, a worldwide digital marketing agency operating in 20 countries with 2000 employees. He's a marketing guru who has been dubbed by Marketing Magazine as the "Rock Star of Digital Marketing," and a speaker who has shared the stage with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Malcolm Gladwell, Anthony Robbins, and Tom Peters. What you might not know about Mitch, however, is that he's never been completely comfortable speaking in public. And in this interview, he discusses why — and how he manages the challenges.
How to Network Like a Pro–Even If You're Shy, Introverted, or Really Just Hate Doing It
The ability to network – to develop contacts and personal connections with a variety of people who might be helpful to you and your career – is a critical skill for any of us.
The Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations Across Cultures
Most of us don't enjoy having difficult conversations, period — but when they involve someone from our own culture, we can usually rely on some basic shared assumptions about what the interaction should look like.
REACH Interview Series: Tom Kolditz
Tom Kolditz had quite a few things to say about leadership!
Encourage Foreign-Born Employees to Participate More in Meetings
Imagine the following: Feng Li is a Chinese-born management consultant for a major American-based professional services firm in Chicago.


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Turkey won't bow to US 'ultimatums' on Russia missile system
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's foreign minister said Thursday his country won't bow to "ultimatums" after the United States warned Turkey it was excluding it from the F-35 fighter jet program over its deal with Russia to purchase its S-400 missile defense system.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu attends Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, early Saturday, June 1, 2019. Muslim leaders from some 57 nations gathered in Islam's holiest city of Mecca late Friday to discuss a breadth of critical issues ranging from a spike in tensions in the Persian Gulf, to Palestinian statehood, the plight of Rohingya refugees and the growing threat of Islamophobia.
U.S. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a letter to his Turkish counterpart last week that the training of Turkish pilots will end July 31 and that Turkey wouldn't be allowed to take final possession of the four F-35 aircraft it bought.
Shanahan also warned that Ankara's purchase of the Russian system could hamper America's future relationship with Turkey, a NATO member which has been a critical U.S. partner and base for combat operations, including for the war in Syria.
Washington insists the Russian missile defense system poses a security risk to the F-35 program. The issue has strained already tense ties between the U.S. and Turkey. Speaking to reporters at a joint news conference with his French counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reiterated that the S-400 deal had been concluded and that Turkey would take delivery of the S-400 missiles.
He said: "Turkey won't reverse its decision with such letters." Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar meanwhile, held a telephone conversation with Shanahan during which he told his counterpart that the Turkey was disturbed "by the tone and stance of the letter that does not suit the spirit of alliance," the Defense Ministry said.
A ministry statement said the two men agreed to hold further talks at a NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
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When I speak, women from Muzaffarpur's lanes, women travelling in third class compartments, are speaking through me: Anamika
Anamika of Muzaffarpur has been selected for Sahitya Akademi Award 2021, for her poetry from 2014; 'Tokri Mein Digant, Theri Gatha.'
In conversation with Anamika:
How does it feel to receive the highest honorary award for literature?
In the beginning, I was a little dazed, then I realised that I am just a medium through which a cause is being recognised. My writing is rooted in personal, historical, and mythological memories, and I am rooted in the tradition and the aspirations of the common women in my part of the world. Through me they felt recognised.
Twenty-nine people have received this award for poetry in Hindi language since 1955, and you are the first women to receive it. What do you think about the late recognition of women in Poetry?
People have never taken women seriously; they associated them with care ethics and mute obedience. Now, when women are speaking up; critically, holding up their agency, it has become difficult for men to accept the fact.
Initially men associated women with poetry which is the medium for emotional Intelligence, and men thought women to have emotional surplus, and obviously they hardly cared to listen to them. But when women from different walks of life emerged as a unit and started mixing personal lives with political through their poetry, it did shake men.
With time, internet arrived, and it became easier for women to gain recognition, having less contact with publishers and editors. Women are able to self-publish their work and build a fan base for themselves, which has helped to raise their confidence and self-esteem.
Patriarchy is still operative but to a large extent we are now making our voices heard. We had this in our heart that men too are human, and they are not beyond repair, so, we have been able to gradually bring a change.
Your poetry challenges Patriarchy, it talks about the 'personal turning political' and how women are socialized to be exploited. What inspired your characters and stories?
I am a human with an entire village of characters which I have raised in my deeper consciousness and they have been constantly talking through me.
The characters I have met in different points in time and places, a part of them have stayed with me. They have left certain moral enquiry, a narrative, and set of dialogues with me. Ultimately, when my work was recognized, I had a satisfaction of them being heard.
In past, a lot of women poets went unrecognized. But when we tried to connect to our grandmother's generation, we found letters and diaries on them, which brought a huge difference in understanding feminist literature.
How did Bihar play a role in shaping you as a poet, writer?
I was born in a time when Indian People's Theater Association (IPTA) movement and Patna radio stations were doing well, sending out a message of freedom of expression.
Patna had varied magazines, Mobile libraries with collection of Soviet Russian literature, libraries including British council library, Sinha library, Khuda Bakhsh library were quite active. Even smaller towns were culturally rich with magazines like Nayi Dhara, folk artists like Bhikhari Thakur, Natya Mandal and centers for Classical music. They contributed a lot in my growing up years.
When I was growing up, JP movement happened, and we came to a realization that we needed more than political Independence; Social, economic, and psychological independence especially for women and marginalized sections were needed.
My father used to share stories about the 'Summer School of Politics' which was run in Sonpur, where Phanishwar Nath Renu and Jai Prakash Narayan took classes on Socialism.
With Dinkar's portrayal of Gandhian ideology, active political discussions being part our daily lives, we (Bihar) were politically aware, culturally active, and constantly felt that revolution was on its way.
Mahasweta Di ( referring to Mahasweta Devi) always said that if at all revolution comes, it will come from Bihar.
What do you remember from your childhood days in Bihar?
During 1970's battle, there used to be blackouts. The whole Mohalla back in Muzaffarpur used to gather in those dark nights and shared stories. It is the most memorable part of my being.
The idea of multiple mothering used to be practiced wherein, a single child received care from all the ladies in the Mohalla. Growing up amidst multiple women from varied cultures has stayed with me.
Being a professor in English literature and winning an award for a Poem in Hindi language, what is your relationship with both languages?
My father always thought of me who would build bridges across culture, language, and people. Growing up in a joint family we had women from different districts of Bihar with varied dialects coexisting, often called as 'Chhapra wali chachi', 'Saharsa wali Maami'; they contributed to my understanding of language. Children in Bihar are usually exposed to multiple window of dialects through stories, people, and books based on our culture.
You are the third literary writer from Bihar to win Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry in Hindi language after Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Arun Kamal. How does it feel to share the title with them?
I have adorned them; I have adorned their poetry. I am just opening a new window of women's perspective on wider issues. Dinkar wrote on women issues with a radical approach whereas Kamal dealt sensitively with the women's topic, here I am giving it a compassionate approach. I feel that I am just there as one of them. I am indebted to the whole tradition.
All your poems (Anushtup, Doob-dhaan, Khurdari Hatheliyaan, and Paani ko Sab Yaad thaa) challenges Patriarchy. What makes 'Tokri Mein Digant- Theri Gatha' different from all other poems of yours?
In the present life women hardly gets access to Nirvana. The poem is a time travel where women from different sections of the society finds a 'Theri' or a human Buddha figure, who is more like a 'Sakha' (friend) than a spiritual leader to them; they have established an imaginary dialogue with him.
Who are your favourite poets from Bihar?
I admire Alok Dhanwa's poems. My father (Shyamnandan Kishore), Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Nagarjun, Janaki Vallabh Shashtri, to name a few have been a very important part of my childhood.
What do you want to convey to the young aspiring poets and writers from Bihar?
Read a lot. Bihar has an active resource to racial memory and easy access to dialects which helps form strong base. Visit libraries, form study circles, and participate actively in discussions.
Alok DhanwaAnamikaAnamika JhaMuzzaffarpurSahitya Kala AkademiSahitya Kala Akademi AwardTheri GathaTokri Mein Digant
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Neha Nupur
On 24 Jul, 2016


In a sobering finding, a recent report by the World Bank states that the world's poorest households are more likely to have access to mobile phones than to toilets. The late neurologist Oliver Sacks, in a posthumous piece in The New Yorker, worries that "a majority of the population is now glued almost without pause to phones or other devices What we are seeing — and bringing on ourselves — resembles a neurological catastrophe on a giant scale."
WESTPORT, Conn. — The history of blaming the media for the ills of adolescents, let alone society writ large, is long and colorful. Many of us remember being protected from the potential effects of seeing the bottom half of the TV screen when "Elvis the Pelvis" was gyrating on the Ed Sullivan Show on Jan. 6, 1957 — ironically, to a gospel number. Tipper Gore made a name for herself forcing record labels to add warning stickers to albums after her daughter Karenna brought home a copy of Prince's "Purple Rain" album.
Of course, every whip has a backlash, and Tipper's efforts must be said to have been worth it, if only for the contents of the warning label the late musical polymath Frank Zappa decided to put on his next record: "This album contains material which a truly free society would neither fear nor suppress religious fanatics and ultra-conservative political organizations violate your First Amendment rights by attempting to censor rock & roll albums."
The successor to the threat of the devil in a blue dress of rock music has been video gaming, which has appeared at first blush to be a violence factory. However, like many things in the media space and beyond, looks can be deceiving.
If it isn't counter-intuitive, it probably isn't intuitive at all. In fact, in one of the most definitive studies to date on the topic, a recent study involving more than 2,000 British teens by the Oxford Internet Institute found no link whatsoever between playing "violent" video games and real-world aggressive behavior. In the words of the study's lead researcher, Andrew Przybylski, "A cherry-picked result can add undue weight to the moral panic surrounding video games." They may be more outlet than trigger.
Far more worrisome is the wholesale migration of mankind to the palm-sized supercomputer known as a mobile phone. In a sobering finding, a recent report by the World Bank states that the world's poorest households are more likely to have access to mobile phones than to toilets. The late neurologist Oliver Sacks, in a posthumous piece in The New Yorker, worries that "a majority of the population is now glued almost without pause to phones or other devices What we are seeing — and bringing on ourselves — resembles a neurological catastrophe on a giant scale."
There are physiological as well as behavioral aspects to our cellular umbilical cord. If held to the ear, the electromagnetic radiation in a mobile phone is powerful enough to accelerate brain activity after less than an hour. More troubling, the bone marrow in a child's head absorbs ten times more radiation than an adult's. While studies differ on the impact on brain health and possible carcinogenesis, a two-year study by Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority found that radiation from mobile phones can cause brain tissue damage. Use its speaker mode.
While rock music and video gaming were seen as threats largely to the young, a recent study by Reviews.org surprised its researchers by finding little difference in the newest and more problematic media development, phone behavior, between young and old. Telephonic bad habits cut across demographics. More than 90 percent in the study feel uneasy leaving home without their phone — doubtless spouses and kids are easier to part with — and more than three-out-of-four consider themselves addicted to their phone. The majority check their phone up to 160 times a day, and almost one-quarter check their phone with up to twice that frequency.
One area of difference is by gender: nearly 60 percent of men use their phones for adult content — you know who you are — versus just over one-third of women. Anthony Weiner and Jeff Bezos, please stand down.
In a more immediate danger zone, the majority use or look at their phone while driving, and in the brave-new-world category, nearly 60 percent have texted someone in the same room. Deep into the too-much-information bucket, more than two-thirds admit using their phone while on the toilet. Folks, this is what the mute button is for. Use it.
Where we are headed with all this phonophilia is anyone's guess, but the fact that it was Sacks' deathbed concern should worry us in turn. After cataloguing the cellphone tsunami all around him, Sacks longed to see the glass as half-full: "I dare to hope that, despite everything, human life and its richness of cultures will survive, even on a ravaged earth." This is not exactly consoling, but at least he lands somewhere alongside Albert Einstein when he wrote to physicist Max Born in 1926 that, "I, in any case, am convinced He does not play dice with the universe." Whether He tweets is perhaps another story for another time.
So take those old records off the shelf, boot up Grand Theft Auto on your multiplayer system, and park the phone.
Dalton Delan, a regular Eagle contributor, has won Emmy, Peabody and duPont-Columbia awards for his work as a television producer.


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What's in the bill?
'Call it the stupidity of America' – Gruber Video on ObamaCare
Posted on November 10, 2014 by bcse
Editor's Note – Most transparent administration ever…? 'Fraud in the inducement' – Obama Care! The chief architect of this disaster now reveals that they relied on America to be "stupid' and admitted it. We have reported and written about this crime on America so often, it is hard to choose which words to introduce this new revelation without writing a book.
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Many in America knew that Obama Care was bad for us all, and we knew that there were too many pages to digest it, and we knew it was being shoved down our throats by a heavily Democrat Party controlled Senate, House, and White House, and we knew it was fraud and unconstitutional. So did the chief architect.
Chief architect of Obama Care, Jonathan Gruber knew America was 'stupid' and knew they could hide things from you through lack of transparency. Watch the video below.
They purposefully twisted and manipulated things so that the CBO could not score the mandates as taxes, yet the SCOTUS tells us the penalties were taxes. This MIT economist, Jonathan Gruber, knew America was "stupid," wasn't paying close attention and you were punked, and it is your fault America for allowing this abomination called Obama Care to be foisted upon us all.
"Call it the stupidity of America…" – Gruber
Does the truth even matter anymore? Credibility in the White House and the DNC has just been reduced to an all time low. America, you voted for Obama twice.
The old saying, 'once bitten, twice shy' really did not matter. Anyone who voted for this situation should be absolutely embarrassed about how duped they were.
We'd like to say this is likely the biggest 'told you so' moment ever, but we cannot revel in being correct because the damage that has been done may never be fully recovered and we would be called racists.
We certainly hope that SCOTUS makes the correct ruling in the newest case before them on 'subsidies' to gut this farce perpetrated on America. We are pleased with the results of the midterms because it appears America woke up and is not as 'stupid' as Gruber and the left think we all are.
Explain this again Ms Pelosi – "We have to pass it to see what's in it…" But it was not a tax – remember that winner?
Obamacare Architect: "Lack of Transparency" Helped Law Pass
From Judicial Watch
The esteemed college professor who served as one of Obamacare's key architects has admitted that a "lack of transparency" helped the administration pass the disastrous healthcare law, which is facing a number of legal challenges.
It's a scandalous confession for an administration that has repeatedly vowed to be the most transparent in history. The information comes straight from Jonathan Gruber, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) economist who served as a technical consultant to the Obama administration during the Affordable Care Act's (Obamacare) design.
Gruber was recorded during a panel and the video recently surfaced and has been making the rounds on the internet.
"This bill was written in a tortured way to make sure CBO did not score the mandate as taxes," Gruber says. "If CBO scored the mandate as taxes, the bill dies. Okay, so it's written to do that. In terms of risk rated subsidies, if you had a law which said that healthy people are going to pay in – you made explicit healthy people pay in and sick people get money, it would not have passed… Lack of transparency is a huge political advantage. And basically, call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but basically that was really really critical for the thing to pass…"
Gruber also makes clear that the individual mandate, upheld by the Supreme Court only because it's considered a tax, was not actually a tax in the original law because it never would have passed. The Obamacare designer is essentially saying that the administration intentionally deceived the public to push its hostile takeover of the nation's healthcare system.
"Look, I wish Mark was right that we could make it all transparent, but I'd rather have this law than not," Gruber says in the recorded presentation.
The Gruber tape marks the latest of many scandals involving Obamacare. Judicial Watch has been a frontrunner in exposing the healthcare law's multiple boondoggles and has sued the administration on behalf of a South Florida orthodontist over the unlawful, one-year delay of the employer mandate.
The mandate, which subjects certain large employers to tax penalties if they don't offer "affordable, minimum essential" health insurance coverage to their employees, was postponed without the approval of Congress.
It marked one of more than a dozen times that the administration unilaterally rewrote the healthcare law by executive fiat.
JW also sued the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to obtain records about controversial Obamacare navigators and their qualifications and background checks.
Earlier this year JW obtained records from HHS illustrating the scope of the Obamacare rollout disaster, including the fact that on its first full day of operation the government site—Healthcare.gov—received only one enrollment. On the second day of Healthcare.gov operation, 48% of registrations failed, according to the records obtained by JW as a result of a lawsuit.
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Tagged with Fraud in the inducement, Jonathan Gruber, MIT Economist, Nancy Pelosi, Obama Care, What's in the bill?
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