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Historical Flooding
The medieval Topcliffe manorial court rolls are full of reports of flooding due to poor upkeep of mill pools, ditches and stretches of the river. Sometimes this was due to deliberate damming of the river, presumably to enhance the flow to a particular mill or ditch.
Flooding in the 20th Century
Flooding in Malton Lane 1928
Raymond Course
Flooding at Station Road (possibly 1950s)
Melbourn Local History Group
One major potential impact of the river on the village would have been flooding. We have no records of flooding until the 1930s. This may have been because the channels were well maintained by mill and riparian owners and the water meadows and osier beds operated as a sink for excess water during heavy rain. However, it is possible that evidence for flooding earlier in the century will come to light in the future.
Mr Hopkinson, who lived at the Bury, does not remember the lake flooding but on two occasions in his forty year residence the cellar flooded to a depth of one foot.
1930s to 1953
For the period from the 1930s to 1953 we are lucky that Jenny Pollock has provided a very interesting set of documents collected by her grandfather, Cyril Hagger, when he was chairman of Melbourn Parish Council in the 1950s. These have references to flooding issues documented at the County Council since the 1930s (about a 124 letters, reports and proposals between 1930 and 1941). There is also a diagram of proposed work on the Mel to try and prevent the flooding. He estimated the cost at £500. However, the Ouse River Board estimated £4,500 for a full scheme (the higher cost of the full scheme was due to the need to adjust several bridges). Mr Hagger suggested regrading the channel for about half a mile above Flambards Mill (called by him Burnt Mill) to give a faster flowing stream. In some ways this is what the River Mel Restoration Group have achieved in a slightly different way.
The main reasons that flooding was occurring were suggested as:
Millowners no longer taking responsibility for proper maintenance and therefore good flow along the main channel;
Riparian owners not taking responsibility for clearing their parts of the river or associated drains and ditches;
Accumulation of kitchen waste in uncleared ditches (correspondence indicates that this should have been washed into the river from the ditches!);
Accumulation of silt;
Discontinuance of osier beds;
Discontinuance of water meadows;
Seepage through the banks;
A breach in the bank near Sheene Mill possibly partially due to damming up and weed growth below the breach;
Classification of the river.
The classification of the River was one of the main issues impeding a solution. It was classified as an arterial watercourse. This meant that it was not large enough to be classified as a main river (1930 Drainage Act) so didn't come under the jurisdiction and funding of the Great Ouse River Board. It was also too big to be managed and funded by the Agricultural Board who were responsible for ditches on agricultural land. There were some unsuccessful attempts to reclassify it with a special sub committee of the Ouse River Board inspecting the Mel and reporting back. Apparently they had to prove "agricultural importance" in order for the Mel to be reclassified and this they failed to do.
The Rural District Council (RDC) did maintain the stretch from Topcliffe to the Rhee as "an awarded ditch" i.e. the stretch downstream from where mill owners took responsibility. This is appears to be an artificial, dredged, channel.
Unfortunately the documents end in March 1953 with the position unresolved. However, it is possible that some alteration of the course of the Mel was carried out in the late 1950s along the lines of the plans prepared by Mr Hagger as described by a Melbourn resident Sid Brazier.
A letter in January 1953 lists the following flooding and waterlogged farmed acreage estimated at 100 to 200 acres. These are probably Melbourn areas:
Vicarage Meadows 2 flooded or waterlogged;
W Coningsby 30 flooded, 10 waterlogged;
P. Ward 20 flooded, 20 waterlogged;
P.G. Gadsby 10 flooded;
H.T. Kitchener 9 waterlogged;
J Stanford 16 Foxfields, 6 The Moor;
Recreation Ground 1
There was a particular problem where Station Road turns the corner by Sheene farm. Mr Joseph Andrew Pepper of Orchard Cottage, Station Road (now 61) was badly affected on a number of occasions as recorded in correspondence from his lawyer in 1952. The problem was particularly acute as Orchard Cottage was a 1662 grade 2 listed building.
Thirty local residents signed a letter dated 7th August 1952 to the Rural District Council complaining about the lack of action related to flooding. The principal signatory was Wilfred D. Thurley of Scawby Holme in Station Road, Meldreth. As well as general flooding problems and blockage of the road the letter refers to "objectionable smells" from backed up soil drains. We can only guess at what that meant! It also mentions a previous incident two months previously. It therefore appears that this particular sequence of flooding was during the summer, which appears to have been dry between the two floods.
The correspondence indicates a reluctance for any of the potential bodies involved to take responsibility. The parties which could have taken responsibility included:
The Cambridgeshire Agricultural Executive Committee;
The Ministry of Agriculture;
Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) (in the 1950s they appeared to have no statutory powers to carry out work without being reimbursed);
South Cambridgeshire Rural District Council. (In the 1950s the powers to act were the same as for the County Council);
The Great Ouse River Board (not able to act as the Mel was not a "main river" as defined in the Land Drainage Act 1930);
A Drainage Board (it was not in a drainage district and attempts to set one up were opposed at a public meeting in Royston in 1952 due to the cost which would have fallen on ratepayers);
Melbourn Parish Council;
Meldreth Parish Council;
The riparian owners;
The mill owners.
The mill owners had taken responsibility for ensuring there was a good flow (and hence flooding avoided) while the mills were operative. However, they now disclaimed responsibility and they had no legal responsibility anyway. In 1937 CCC served two of them notices under section 35 of the 1930 Land Drainage Act: J.W. Ward of Sheene Mill and H.O.S Ellis, who owned Flambards Mill. Ellis complied and cleared his stretch but Ward was charged £15 2s.6d for work carried out by the Council. He didn't pay and the charge was reduced to £10 15s and 6d as the court considered that the Council had over charged.
The mill wheels and facing plates were removed in 1942 following an inspection in 1941 under the provisions of section 19 of the Agriculture (miscellaneous war provisions) Act 1940. However, this did not seem to have had much effect on the flooding problems. Some dredging work and repair of banks was carried out from central funding in 1942.
The riparian owners constituted a particular problem as there appears to have been no compulsory powers to force them to contribute and it was virtually impossible to get them all to agree. Also, as the proposal was for a one-off scheme without ongoing maintenance, the problem was likely to recur. There was an attempt at a voluntary scheme in 1947 which failed and again in 1953. In 1948 the Ministry of Agriculture did offer to fund 50% of the works but the rest would have to be funded by the riparian owners. This was not accepted.
In 1948 it was proposed that prisoners of war should clear the river. This had happened in in August 1918 under the Defence of the Realm regulations. The prisoners worked on the whole length, even damming and diverting the course of the river so they could clear the main channel, deal with over hanging vegetation and repair banks. The silt was thrown out at the sides. However, in 1948 this proposal was turned down by the Ministry of Agriculture as it was considered that it would relieve the riparian owners of their responsibility and would not guarantee ongoing maintenance. There was concern that letting off the riparian owners in Meldreth would set a precedent as there were similar problems around the country. A letter from the Ministry of Agriculture to the then MP (Mr Howard) in 1952 states that this is a "country-wide" problem and therefore "special arrangements" cannot be made in this case.
At a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture in 1948 the County Council explained that the riparian owners were unlikely to all contribute to a voluntary scheme for two main reasons: (a) a substantial part of the problem related to agricultural land some distance from the river banks and (b) there was a large number of small riparian owners with land on both sides of the deeper parts of the river which did not flood. The Ministry agreed that the position was most unsatisfactory.
An attempt in 1953 to get them to contribute received only three replies. The letter was sent to:
Rev. H.A.L Jukes, the Vicarage Melbourn;
B J Stanford, The Moor, Melbourn;
W G Conningsby, Westholme, Station Road, Melbourn;
P Ward, College Farm, Meldreth;
G C Palmer, Sheene Manor, Melbourn;
Mrs E L Worland, Valley House, Meldreth;
D A Elbourn, Orchard house, Melbourn;
A J Palmer, Cawdon House, Melbourn;
E H Ellis, High Street, Meldreth;
The "Misses" Elbourn, Elmcroft, High Street, Meldreth.
This appears to only include land owners between Sheene Mill and Flambards Mill.
Mr J.W.Ward of Sheene Mill was also asked to contribute
There was a government report published in 1951 on land drainage issues: The Heneage report. Nothing had been done about it in 1959.
A report in 1941 by an inspector from the Ministry of Agriculture says: "I have read through the Cambridge County Council's file in connection with this river and since 1930 no less than 124 letters and reports have been written; notices have been issued and police action resulting in one conviction, but after all this the situation remains unchanged".
The last letter in the sequence states: "It is very disappointing that the Agricultural Executive Committee are now trying to throw the responsibility for preparing a scheme back upon the County Council. The letter appears to be somewhat contradictory. In the second paragraph it is stated that the committee agree that the County Council cannot make use of their powers to prepare a scheme under Section 52 of the Land Drainage Act 1930 while consideration is being given to the constitution of an Internal Drainage District, and yet in the penultimate paragraph the committee are pressing the County Council to prepare a scheme for submission to the riparian owners." The letter continues in this vein and most of the correspondence is related to trying to find which body, or the riparian owners, should take responsibility for the problem.
A link to the document containing the correspondence shared with us by Jenny Pollock at the bottom of this page.
Sid Brazier who lives in Rose Lane, Melbourn remembers the river being cleared out in 1953 between the playing field and Flambards Mill.
It is possible that the problem was only solved with the impact of the bypass drainage systems and the fall in the level of the river due to increased extraction. One of our informants said that it is now a "warded waterway" (I can't find a definition of this) and that he has to keep the land clear so that South Cambridgeshire District Council can come in to clear it. He said that they had done this twice in the last ten years.
A Melbourn resident remembers that "The Meads"; the area between the station and Sheene mill was not suitable for arable crops until the revision of the drainage systems with bypass because it was too wet. It was used for grazing horses.
The land behind Sheene Manor on Station Road was described as being very wet. It was planted with willows for cricket bats at the time of the bypass construction, which may also have helped alleviate the flooding problem. They were replaced by Italian alders and poplars when the willows were cropped. Hardwood species did not flourish because the ground was so wet. However these were felled in 2019 and (as at November 2019) have not been replaced.
Modern Riparian Responsibilities
A watercourse is any channel through which water flows, including piped water. There are now two classes: main rivers (managed by the Environmental Agency) and ordinary watercourses (which are managed by the local drainage authority). My interpretation is that the Mel is an ordinary watercourse (the Rhee is a main river). There is no separate drainage authority for South Cambridgeshire so the responsibility lies with the District Council. For both types of watercourses the responsibility for maintenance and repair lies with the riparian owners.
However, the Environmental Agency (EA) does take an interest in the river and works with the River Mel Restoration Group, for instance doing sampling of the invertebrate life in the river and the quality of the water, particularly related to the sewerage plant discharge. The EA also regularly clears the river and monitors the flow at Topcliffe Mill, where there is a gauging station.
Riparian owners (the owners of land containing or adjoining a watercourse) responsibilities for watercourses are operative under common law, although there is a body of legislation that can also affect these responsibilities:
The Water Resources Act 1991;
The Land Drainage Act 1991;
The Public Health Act 1936;
The Environmental Protection Act 1990;
The Highways Act 1980.
They have the right to:
receive flow of water in its natural state, without undue interference in quantity or quality;
protect their property from flooding and their land from erosion;
fish (with a rod licence).
They have a responsibility to:
pass on flow without obstruction, pollution or diversion affecting the rights of others
accept flood flows through their land, even if caused by inadequate capacity downstream;
maintain the bed and banks of the watercourse (including trees and shrubs growing on the banks) and clear any debris, natural or otherwise, even if it did not originate on their land;
keep the bed and banks clear from any matter that could cause an obstruction.
The riparian owners on the Mel have given permission for the Mel River Restoration Group to carry out most of the activities to ensure compliance.
The Environment Agency document "Life on the Edge" provides a detailed explanation of riparian responsibilities.
Surprisingly riparian owners are under no common law duty to clear a watercourse which becomes silted or obstructed through natural causes. However, drainage authorities may legally require them to carry out such works (although this power is not often used).
Under Public Health legislation a Parish Council may:
deal with any pond, pool, ditch, gutter or place … likely to be prejudicial to health. However, they must not interfere with any private right, or with any public drainage, sewerage or sewage disposal works;
execute any works related to, or as a consequence of this action;
contribute towards the expenses incurred by any other person who carries out the work.
Flooding Correspondence, 1950s (807k)


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Archaeological finding at the excavation of Verucchio-Pian del Monte.
This two-year English Language Master's Degree course – The Ancient Mediterranean World: History, Archaeology and Art – will enable you to explore the past from a variety of thematic and analytical perspectives. Pavia is surrounded by world-class prehistoric, Roman and medieval heritage and by several Museums with historic Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman collections. The course makes full use of our rich archaeological landscape, including regular study trips and fieldwork opportunities (archaeological excavations, surveys and Museums labs). Staff currently run surveys and excavations in Cappadocia (Turkey) and in several parts of Italy, including at two UNESCO world heritage sites (Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli and Dos dell'Arca prehistoric settlement in Valle Camonica, both). Pavia University has signed official agreements in order to promote the study of ancient civilisations with several Institutions: New York University – ISAW, the Egyptian Museum of Turin, the Soprintendenza of Piedmont and the Istituto Villa Adriana-Villa d'Este at Tivoli, Rome.
Pavia University has a long and distinguished history of Mediterranean studies. We provide quality teaching in small groups which will enable you to develop first hand expertise with artefacts and historical documents (including papyri and inscriptions) that most students can only dream of.
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Throughout the course you will have opportunities to engage with our research in the Mediterranean World, considered through Archaeology and History in a unique perspective, combining written documents and material and artistic culture of all the civilisations facing the Mediterranean from the 2nd millennium to the Middle Ages. The programme includes the study of Near Eastern, Egyptology, Proto-history of the Italian Peninsula, Greek, Etruscan and Roman History and Archaeology, Archaeology of Magna Graecia and Medieval Archaeology. We have an extensive programme of invited speakers organised by our staff, we regularly host Visiting Professors from several Universities and collaborate deeply with the Italian Archaeological Service: our existing agreements include possibilities of several internships. As a demonstration of our commitment, our Department was recognised as a Department of Excellence 2018-2022 with an award by the Italian Ministry of Education.
Masters students will have full access to exceptional facilities on campus. These include libraries and archaeological collections, built up by the Pavia University Library and Museums Services. You will be based in the historic San Tommaso Building (brochure), located at the heart of Pavia, where you will have full access to one of the richest Libraries in Northern Italy, on a surface of 5.000 m2 and containing dedicated study spaces, reading rooms and IT facilities. Students are also entitled to an interlibrary loan allowance to support their studies.
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The Ancient Mediterranean World MA is designed to prepare you for a wide range of job careers. Graduates will find work opportunities in the fields of professional archaeology, managing and promotion of archaeological heritage and cultural management. The Ancient Mediterranean World MA graduates will also be fully acknowledged and prepared for a possible continuation of the study, towards a Specialization School or a Ph.D degree, for a career in the academic or research organizations, as well as in the national institutions (archaeological Superintendencies and museums).
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Jordan & Azerbaijan to Start Flights to Pakistan
Jordan and Azerbaijan will commence their flight operations in different cities of Pakistan to their respective capital cities by next year – a step aimed at promoting tourism and bilateral trade.
The direct flights from Pakistan's different cities to these tourist countries will provide convenience to citizens of all three countries and save precious time and hard-earned money. Traveling conditions and visa availability for tourists will be gradually made easy.
The arriving airlines will also intensify the competition among foreign airlines as usually tourists and businessmen from these countries use connecting flights to reach their required destinations from each side.
Pakistan's aviation regulator has given a green signal to Royal Jordanian to start operations from different cities of Pakistan, an official exclusively told ProPakistani at the two-day international travel and tourism expo, Pakistan Travel Mart 2019.
Royal Jordanian is the flag carrier airline from Jordan which will commence its direct flights from three cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Initially, one flight will be started from each station which might increase with demand. The airline will initially connect the capital of Jordan, Amman, and then flight services may begin from different cities of Jordan.
Jordan is a famous Middle Eastern country known for its tourism, natural scenery, multi-cultural sites, and multi-religious societies. Pakistani travelers usually take different airlines to tour Jordan.
Azerbaijan's Airlines
Azerbaijan will also start a direct flight from Karachi and Lahore to its capital city Baku next year mainly to attract tourists from Pakistan. The national flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, will likely operate between the two countries.
According to the official statement,
With a direct flight in the foreseeable future, we encourage Pakistani travelers to discover all the possibilities and unique offerings awaiting in Azerbaijan.
"Pakistani visitors can enjoy an easy visa policy with the newly implemented ASAN visa system. Citizens can obtain an e-visa in 3 simple steps from the convenience of their home or mobile devices," added Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board.
We are delighted to introduce our country and the "Take another look" campaign in Pakistan through Pakistan Travel Mart 2019 taking place from October 8-10 in Karachi.
It is interesting to note that Azerbaijan welcomed 41,268 Pakistani travelers in 2018. In January-August of 2019, Azerbaijan has already received 28,576 Pakistani citizens, which is a 12.9% increase in comparison to the same period last year.
Currently, various transit air routes are available to connect Pakistan with Azerbaijan including Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air and Air Arabia.
Among the country's top attractions is the ancient Ashabi-Kahf that was also mentioned in the Holy Qur'an attracts thousands of tourists from the Middle East and South Asia to the western territory of Azerbaijan.
Besides tourism, the Pakistani traders' community had explored the huge potential in Jordan and Azerbaijan for exports of their products which could be feasible with the direct flights from these countries with the easy access and the less cost of logistics and doing business.
The present exports of different goods and services will likely be increased with the commencement of airlines from these countries to Pakistan.
Pakistani visitors get high appreciation in Azerbaijan due to close cultural and brotherly relations


Why not get the family together and enjoy our mouth watering Heritage and classic Thai lunch dishes.
Please make it very clear to our staff when ordering vegetarian or vegan options so that we can ensure that ingredients used in our dishes & sauces are appropriate to your dietary preferences.
Only some dishes contain nuts but we have nuts in our kitchen so we cannot guarantee that any of our dishes are completely free from them. Please make any intolerance know to our staff.
Dishes are freshly prepared and cooked with spiciness typical to the dish. Please let us know if you would like yours milder or spicier.
Enjoy a selection of our dishes, served on a hand painted porcelain tray.
A feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Stir-fried chicken with fresh chillies and assorted Thai herbs.
Tender chicken breast cooked in mild yellow curry paste and coconut milk.
Crispy fried assorted vegetables in tempura batter, flavoured with chilli and coconut dressing. It's just about every desirable flavour in Thai Cooking!
Stir-fried minced chicken with fresh chillies and Thai basil leaves, served with a fried egg.
Please note. Some of our dishes may contain traces of nuts, wheat, gluten or other such ingredients. Please make any intolerance known to our staff and request our full allergy list for clarity.


I think I got it at the bike file festival, because I remember this girl handing out flyers there. It's a detailed comparison of the merits of cars and penguins. The author definitely favors penguins. I guess we should all start riding penguins to work.
I was at Allen's house, and we were digging through his garage looking for a ball joint tool, and we came across this. It looks like some kind of press. I'll post to the rec.crafts.metalworking group and see if anyone knows. If they do, I'll post the result here.
Updated: It's a valve spring compressor for small engines. That's the answer I got from the rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup. Those guys are good. Here's the link. The group also suggested it might work as a small universal joint tool, which sounds plausible, or as a cat carrier, which doesn't.
on Friday at the bicycle film festival last night. I brought the chairs and the beer, and he brought the pizza. There were some ... interesting movies there. Afterward he showed off his new car. See how I covered up his license plate in the second photo with my fingers so none of you reading this can track him down and find him?
John sent me this photo today.
He took it with his camera phone in Orlando. In case you don't recognize it, it's a photo of the marker that denotes the southernmost point in the United States. Which is in Key West near the east end of Duval Street. So why was the marker loaded on a trailer heading north on the turnpike?


What part can we all play to increase productivity?
A recent report by the BBC noted that the productivity of UK workers has dropped back to pre-financial crisis levels. The Office for National Statistics stated that hourly output fell 0.5% in the first three months of the year, and Economists have warned that the UK's productivity continues to lag behind its major trading partners such as the US, France and Germany.
Ian Brinkley, acting chief economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development stated that "Unless more is done to tackle the nation's low productivity, people's wages and living standards will continue to fall and the UK will be ill-equipped to compete once we do leave the EU." Other economists, however, have said productivity – which is output divided by hours spent producing it – has partly fallen because there are record numbers of people in work.
Whatever the reason, we need to think about what part we can all play in increasing productivity and we strongly believe that having an engaged workforce is a crucial factor to business success. Just imagine if people in your business wanted to and could give their best each day. What difference would that make to the energy, the enthusiasm, the creativity, the effort they each put in? What difference would that make to you?
We believe a good starting point is to give employees a voice, to listen to them, to understand what's working for them and what's getting in their way. However, this is only valuable if people are open and honest, and leaders are brave enough to listen (and we mean really listen) to what people have to say. This is where we can help, our employee engagement surveys provide a means for confidential and anonymous feedback, and our analysis of the results are presented back in an honest and balanced manner, providing real insight.
However, there is little point on gathering insight if you don't take action on the results, and this is where, in our experience, many companies fall down. At Pro-Development, we work closely with businesses to identify actions and act as a conscience to ensure key actions are delivered to drive up employee engagement.
Ultimately, the research is out there, it's a fact that an engaged workforce can drive up productivity on average by 5% and profit on average by 12%. And, let's face it, who wouldn't want to see an increase like that on their bottom line? We are here to help you and love making a difference so if you would like to increase your productivity and have a highly engaged workforce, why not come along to our next workshop.
If you would like to join us at our next workshop to find out what you can do to bring the best out in your teams, increase productivity and sales which links directly to your bottom line then choose a date below and book a place. We have had such great feedback about our workshops that we know that it will be a great few hours invested!
The next available workshop dates are 13th September and 11th October 2017 from 10am-12noon followed by a light lunch with the chance to network and it will be held at our offices at Forest Farm Business Park, Fulford, YORK, YO19 4RH. All just for £25 + VAT to cover room hire and lunch. See you there!
We were really excited to hold another of our Employee Engagement workshops yesterday. People often ask us what we mean by Employee Engagement. The definition we like to use is "a workplace approach designed to ensure that employees are committed to their company's goals and values, motivated to contributing to success and able at the same time to enhance their own sense of wellbeing". This can be simplified to setting the right workplace conditions to help people to 'be their best'. One of the most important things we can do is to really listen to people. Feeling that you are listened to is important, but to really engage people we need to go even deeper, do we really listen to understand people?
How do we demonstrate that we really understand people? Not through an annual appraisal according to recent CIPD research. Many companies are moving away from the traditional appraisal to an emphasis on a continuous development dialogue and high-quality conversations and feedback. Managers need to be supported in how to have rich conversations, including giving and receiving honest feedback. One of the greatest gifts you can give your people is time for them to talk and for you to listen to them, to understand them and to find out what really motivates them and how they like to feel valued and recognised. We often practice selective listening, or we listen to respond, to move our own agenda forward. Listening to understand is completely different. We listen with our eyes as well as our ears, and by really listening, we give the other person time to think. Stephen Covey calls this giving people 'psychological air'. It's rare but powerful and can make a real difference to engagement not just in the workplace but with friends and family too. We often find when we run employee engagement projects, that when we interview people and ask questions of how engaged they are at work and really truly listen to them, people will often tell us that it is the first time they have felt anyone has really "heard them" and will tell us that they have found it really helpful just being able to talk. Next time you sit down for a chat, think about the quality of your own listening, and take time to listen to understand – it can be very engaging! We'd love to know what difference it makes.
To find out more about our Employee Engagement projects including surveys and interviews click here. To find out how to support your managers to have honest conversations and to give and receive feedback, click here.
We have just had another bank holiday and many people we spoke to couldn't wait for another Monday off work – but why do we find Mondays such a drag?
Is it the sense of loss of freedom or the mundane routine of it all, the treadmill of life! Or maybe it's the people you work with dragging you down or the overwhelming sense of inability to make a difference. How can you combat the Monday morning blues?
First thing Monday morning get outside, have a coffee in your garden or go for a walk. Listen to the birds singing, feel the sunshine (or wind) on your face.
Ever heard of self-fullfilling prophecy? The prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true! Fill your head with more positive thoughts about the great things you achieved last week and the brilliant things you can achieve this week!
Keep Monday mornings (or at least part of them) free to plan your week, get organised and maybe have a little sort out so you are in a great position for the week ahead.
Undertake an act of kindness to make someone smile. Recognise a colleague's efforts, tell someone what you value about them, compliment somebody, make a cuppa for the team. It costs nothing but a smile is priceless.
Treat yourself to your favorite meal at teatime, or go to the gym or watch that programme you missed on catch up TV.
If you feel fed up and need to inject a bit of enthusiasm back into you life and work, why not contact us, we can help.


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Motorcyclist killed in Palmdale traffic crash
by The AV Times Staff • September 17, 2018
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. [Image via AV News Crew]
PALMDALE – A motorcyclist died in Palmdale on Saturday after a motorist made a U-turn in front of him, authorities said.
The fatal collision happened around 3:47 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, on 35th Street East just north of Avenue Q-10, according to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff's Station.
"The preliminary facts of this investigation indicate that a male riding a motorcycle was traveling southbound on 35th Street East in the No. 1 lane. A Ford Escape was traveling southbound on 35th Street East and attempted to make a U-turn from the No. 2 lane of travel in front of the motorcyclist, and the two vehicles collided," the news release states.
The motorcyclist, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The Ford Escape's driver was cooperative during the investigation and was treated at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, according to the news release. The driver's name was not immediately released.
Anyone with information on this traffic collision is encouraged to contact the Palmdale Sheriff's Station at 661-272-2400.
The Ford Escape's driver was cooperative during the investigation and was treated at Palmdale Regional Medical Center. [AV News Crew]
Filed Under: Palmdale
44 comments for "Motorcyclist killed in Palmdale traffic crash"
Rest in Peace Art, our Prayers go out to your Familia & friends.
The Campos Familia – Wiseburn Califas'
Sad day says
My deepest condolences for the friends and family members of the man who passed away. I know the driver quite well. He has been an advid motorcycle driver for 10+ yrs owning a Harley Davidson bike he custom built. I say this because he is suffering with the loss of not only the gentleman who lost his life but that of a fellow rider. Love and light.
Walter says
Go fund me has been set up for those that would like to contribute to funeral expenses for such a beloved man of the Los Angeles and Antelope Valley communities.
gf.me/u/mdny83
Art, you will be truly missed, your jokes,smiles, and most of all your friendship of over 40 years.
Saint Michael watch over him and may the Angels of God keep his family strong.
Love Lola and Ray
SNOOP says
RIP ART
PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
RIP Art. So sad this happened. This is the second such accident which a driver illegally pulled u-turns in front of motorcycles. I think this driver should be charged with Manslaughter.
Missing you says
Your going to be missed so much I still can't believe your gone our good Lord took a great man with a big heart I'm going to miss your jokes your smile your laughs I just want to say thank you for always being there when I was dealing with my cancer may you rest in paradise
Just Saying says
Not saying that I'm "pro Tim" or anything (although besides the anti cop thing, he is a very intelligent man. He just isn't ruled by his emotions, which I know pisses a lot of people off), but you guys really are jumping all over him for nothing. The generalization that he made towards motorcycle riders was just that, a generalization. AND it was made in response to someone else's generalization about car drivers. I don't think that anyone here is suggesting whatsoever, that this motorcycle rider was at fault in any way (because obviously he wasn't). But to even hint at violence due to a generalized statement made on a public commented website? That's ridiculous. Do you really feel that you are honoring this man by threatening someone because a stranger on the internet said that motorcycles zoom by him in his neighborhood??
Not quite, as I stated in my point to him, which I did in a respectful way I thought because I get a kick out of him too, it was the wrong place and time to bring it up. He is correct in what he stated on some riders being idiots, but most are not, and in this case the rider was in the wrong place at the wrong time with a person in a car who for one reason or another did not see him. I just wanted to convey that since the article stated what happened was no fault of the bike rider, it could be brought up another time about the idiot riders.
Tim Scott says
I concede that this article is not an ideal place for the "reckless motorcyclists" generalization, but it is equally the wrong place for the "if you get in a crash because you don't see a motorcycle you deserve the death penalty" generalization that gets made EVERY time such a collision is reported here.
some guy says
Just Saying = Tim
Not every intelligent comment made here is made by me.
I'll take that as a compliment. From both of you!
Old Vet says
I dunno, Tim, telling someone to go die like you have many times over the years is pretty vengeful, and you weren't even grieving. Practice what you preach.
That isn't said out of vengeance, that's a statement on how I think they could improve the world. The military forced me to get my head around the idea that in the context of improving the world it would be okay to incinerate a hundred million men, women, children, their homes, businesses, and family pets, so I don't have a whole lot of "lives matter" left in me. You perhaps served in a different capacity or a different time.
David and I will miss you Art. We pray for peace and strength for the family. It broke David's heart ❤ and mine when we found out this morning what had happened to such a wonderful, caring amazing person. RIP You will be deeply missed and loved.
Love ❤ David & Lisa Zepeda
I love you cousin !!!
Abel Perez says
Tim, you are so biased in your comments and I don't appreciate them. Please respect our friend who was a responsible and positive contributor to society.You would not to "cross paths" with my brother Dave, me, or any one of the motorcyclists friends. So, you have no idea what your talking about. Blaming our friend shows your total lack of empathy. Like Dave said, get your head out of your ass! STFU.
Abel Perez
I know you wanna sound smart and edgy but you just come off as a jerk. I'd love to see you say this out loud in public, but you won't, because you're a coward that harasses families in mourning online. I've met middle schoolers with more maturity. If you're really serious, then why don't you show us your face instead of hiding behind an anonymous internet account. Oh wait. You won't, because you're a sniveling little coward. Get a life, get a conscious, and leave these poor folk alone. Better watch out before someone figures out they can google "tim scott in palmdale".
Jovana says
The man who died was my friend and former supervisor. He was a compassionate, wonderful man. This is definitely a tragedy, my heart hurts as I'm typing this! He will be extremely missed! Prayers go out to his family.
P.S I wish that some of the commenters would have just a little bit of the compassion he had.
This just happened to my daughter last month right in front of the Palmdale bowling alley. The other driver pulled a u-turn across 2 lanes of traffic and the center divider. She hit him (obviously) and totaled her car. She was ok but he was laughing like it was no big deal.
Laughing says
Maybe this driver, and others like this driver, will pay attention and learn to make turns correctly.
Just this morning I had two idiots make left turns from traffic lane (there was a turn lane present) to cut through a parking lot because they had missed the left turn arrow.
Both are idiots because where they turned allows for a full u-turn from that turn lane. Not to mention the illegal whip left turn from the traffic lane.
Jia says
Obviously the driver of the car was an idiot and caused someone to lose their life. Were you there Tim?
Nope. I was making a general response about motorcycle riders in return on a general response about car drivers. It had nothing to do with the individuals in this particular collision.
Dave Mello says
Tim you definitely have your Head up your Ass. The Rider was a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, both on and off the road. He was someone who cared for people and never asked for anything in return. He was My Friend and Brother for over 45 years. He leaves a Family and Grandchildren behind. Better Pray you and Me never cross paths.
As always, if you want to find me it's easy to do. Since you clearly also misunderstood my comment I refer you to my response to Matt below. If you still want to "cross paths" let me know.
But of course you keyboard commandos never come through.
Tim, you have an utter lack of regard for a human life. Blaming the victim, is appalling, and you don't even care what the article says, because you are completely self-centered. I feel sorry for you.
Steve Cinn says
People need to slow down,get off their cell phones,quit being in such a rush like your waiting for the next web site on your phone to show up and your internet is slow,people don't drive the speed limit or follow any of the road rules. If you pay attention most people in a rush have dinged up cars or major damage to there cars and I laugh. I have a 1993 car with no body damage at all,why I follow all driving laws at all times and never speed.Riders pay the price for these total scrum bag drivers,leave early to go to your destination don't race like a race car driver in a mini van or a truck. Let's get it together people,driving is a privilege.
CYC'S says
How can u say he was speeding the guy was a safe Driver dont judge if you were not there i was with him that day just left a fundraiser and this happened some people are lame it happen and its sad god BLESSES yhat brother people need to take time and look around its not so hard ..MLR TO THE BROTHER THAT PASSED AND FOR HIS FAMILY
T. Kelly Sr says
Tim not cool with that comment bruh you need to think before you write he has a family and they read things like this put yourself in there shoes and then let's see how you would respond. RIP my friend praying for you and your family you will truly be missed.
Frances M. says
RIPANOTHER FALLEN BROTHER.NO MATTER HOW MANY COMMENTS..GOOD OR BAD..REMEMBER SOMEONE LOST THEIR LIFE!! I'M SURE IT WAS A ACCIDENT REGARDLESS..BOTH FAMILIES WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE ACTIONS OF DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.
May he rest in peace. Heard nothing but good things about him. His family is in my prayers.
Fred lee says
I think the driver of this car should be charged with manslaughter I do not see how this Driver can sleep at night what he has done to the riders family and friends and love ones
I agree especially if the driver was turning from the wrong lane
What is it going to take to get car drivers to start looking for motorcyclists?
I dunno. What is it going to take to get motorcycle riders to quit whipping down residential streets like they are on a freeway?
Tim, I read the comments on here all of the time, but as a former m.k motorcycle rider, I can say for sure, u have no idea how many times I would come to an intersection wondering if that guy waiting to make a left turn can see me. Only due to the fact that u have no idea how many cars have turned in front on me. Caused my hands and feet to be on the brakes everytime I came to an intersection. I had a daughter so I stopped riding out of fear that other drivers would hit me and I no longer could be there for her. Again I usually agree and get a kick out of ur posts, but here u are generalizing when most riders are cautious. Maybe in some cases u are correct, which can only be fact. But to make that comment on here when it was already stated that the car turned in front of the bike is not cool, and is definitely out of bounds for the riders family. Again, much respect to u sir, keep doing what u do. I was just felt that, that comment on this article was out of line.
Note that my comment wasn't intended to be a statement on what happened in this case. I don't claim to know if this rider was cautious. I just find the "let's destroy the car driver" mentality to be extremely tiresome.
I do know that on many occasions while making a right turn at an intersection in a residential neighborhood a motorcycle rider has whipped past me "lanesharing" where a car behind me would have just slowed until i was out of their way. Sometimes I saw them coming and sometimes I didn't. I'd like to think if I was making a U turn instead of a right either I'd have seen them or they'd have not passed, but I can't say that for sure.
I do understand the motorcyclist complaint, because for a fair stretch of my life I drove a two seater sports car that could pass under the mirrors on my truck with about a foot to spare and I used to wonder if it was actually invisible. Like you, I white knuckled it a lot, and was on a constant edge making sure I not only controlled my vehicle but correctly anticipated everyone else on the road. I anticipated them based on the assumption "they are just never going to see me and I have to act accordingly," and I think motorcycle riders just have to be willing to do the same thing as part of deciding to ride. When I wasn't willing any more I got a 3/4 ton pickup with bad paint, and surprisingly everyone on the road suddenly developed eagle vision and always saw me coming. That's how the world works.
Anyway, no disrespect intended, and my condolences to the family. Thanks for the heads up that I was out of line.
⭕some guy⭕ says
OK I think Tim deserves a "pass" on this one.. his explanation actually makes some sense.. but we need to keep an eye on him…
Tim challenging a man that is in deep pain, just shows he is a narcissist. He's a troll. Unfortunately trolls come with the territory.
Jackie, most of the "my brother motorcyclist" posters who rage against car drivers aren't in any deep pain. They make the same posts every time there is an accident between a motorcycle and a car and probably have never even met their "lost brother." At some point they got cut off because they weren't seen (everyone does, even people in cars) and they want to rage about it, so they take the opportunity. Mostly I just give them someone specific to focus on.
Tim , the car attempted to make a U-turn from the No. 2 lane in front of the motorcycle. This driver's unfortunate decision to make a U-turn in front of this man resulted in his death. What a tragedy for his family and friends. Your comment is inappropriate.
☠Some Guy☠ says
Is today your first day here? ALL his comments are inappropriate!! And yet YOU seem to take his side quite often…
Yes very often


Pluripotent stem cells can be obtained from embryonic stage or generated by in vitro reprogramming of terminally differentiated somatic cells. Such reprogrammed cells possess similar developmental potential as embryonic stem (ES) cells and therefore are an indispensible source of diverse cell types, including cardiomyocytes (CMs), for basic research. CMs derived from ES cells and reprogrammed cells can provide possibilities for study of development, differentiation processes, stem cell malignancy and genetic diseases in vitro. Such studies can allow for development of novel compounds for drug discovery and toxicity testing which might help to develop more efficient and safer drugs The present thesis is based on analyzing the impact of switching the cell fate on the differentiated state of reprogrammed cells using cardiomyocytes as a model. Detailed structural molecular and functional characterization of CMs derived from ES cells and reprogrammed cells like fusion hybrid (FH) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was performed. Somatic cells (spleenocytes and bone marrow cells) were fused with ES cells to generate FH cells. The formed hybrid cells were morphologically similar to pluripotent ES cells and retained a tetraploid genome through many passages. Spontaneous differentiation led to formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) with appearance of beating areas representing differentiation to cardiac lineage. The EBs derived from FH cells also retained tetraploid genome and expressed major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules of both fusing partners. FH derived CM expressed typical cardiac structural proteins and intact β-adrenergic and muscarinic signaling receptors. Atrial, ventricular and pacemaker cardiac subtypes could be found in FH-CMs. Thus, CMs derived from tetraploid FH cells appear to be structurally and functionally intact. Ongoing research proved iPS cell technology to be more robust reprogramming strategy. In order to obtain homogenous population of CMs for further studies an iPS cell line TiB7.4 was genetically manipulated to allow for antibiotic-based purification of cardiomyocytes after spontaneous differentiation. We generated highly purified CMs from transgenic murine iPS and ES cell lines expressing puromycin N-acetyltransferase and EGFP under the control of α-myosin heavy chain promoter. iPS and ES cells differentiated into CMs at comparable efficiencies yielding highly purified CMs after drug selection. Purified iPS- and ES-CMs exhibited indistinguishable structural properties, similarly responded to pharmacological agents, expressed functional voltage-gated sodium, calcium and potassium channels and possessed comparable current densities. Global transcriptional profile and gene ontology signature of transgenic iPS-CMs were very similar to that of ES-CMs but clearly distinct from fibroblasts that were used to generate iPS cells and differentiated cells in iPS or ES cell-derived embryoid bodies. After puromycin selection, iPS-CMs did not contain any residual pluripotent cells nor formed teratoma in immunodeficient mice. Therefore, cell fate switching brought about by reprogramming does not affect the structural, molecular and functional characteristics of cardiac derivatives of the reprogrammed cells.


Online preregistration is closed. Space is still available and attendees may register on site starting at 7:00 a.m. For questions contact the Virginia Mason CME department at (206) 341-0142.
The 7th Update in Inflammatory Bowel Disease course will review new and forthcoming medical and surgical therapeutic approaches in IBD and its associated manifestations, as well their impact on the current management of these conditions. The therapeutic landscape in IBD is changing very fast, resulting in rapid and dramatic changes to therapeutic algorithms and disease monitoring. The course will review the impact of positioning new therapeutics, optimization of medical therapy, disease management in pregnancy, alternative therapeutics and multidisciplinary approaches to complex clinical scenarios including abscesses and fistulas.
It will also cover novel therapies including the advent of biosimilar drugs and their impact in the management of IBD patients.
This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Brian Feagan, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Teaching methods include lecture, panel discussion, audience response, case presentation and question-and-answer with faculty.
Online registration will be open through Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
Credit Designations: The Virginia Mason Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Contact Hours: Virginia Mason is a provider of nursing continuing education contact hours. Provider is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP15905 for 6.5 Contact Hours (6.5 clock hours), March 22, 2019.
This activity is solely sponsored by Virginia Mason Medical Center.


text:
New image shows one half of the final Nexus 5 (2015) design
By David Nield 06 September 2015
LG's third Nexus on the way
Another leaked LG Nexus 5 image.
Bet you were worried we hadn't seen a Nexus 5 leak for a couple of minutes, weren't you? Thanks to a multitude of sources there's now very little we don't know about the flagship phones that Google is set to unveil on 29 September, and there's a new image to add to the pile for the cheaper model.
This one comes courtesy of AndroidPIT and shows the back of the LG Nexus 5 (2015 edition) in all its white glory. The picture is a genuine photo, not a tweaked press rendering, according to AndroidPIT's anonymous source.
The familiar Nexus logo is present and correct, as is the fingerprint sensor we've been hearing so much about. There's also a raised camera lens (we're expecting a 13MP snapper), an auto-focus module, and an LED flash.
Picture imperfect
The image lines up very nicely with other leaked pictures we've seen in the past. AndroidPIT predicts a price point of under US$400 (that's roughly £265 or AUS$580), but based on its sources the site seems to think camera performance won't be on a par with the LG G4.
That would be a shame, as Google's Nexus line has often been let down by inferior camera modules - and as every self-respecting selfie-taker or Instagrammer knows, a good-quality snapper is essential in today's modern age.
You can look forward to a 5.2-inch Full HD screen, a Snapdragon 808 processor, 4GB of RAM and the new-fangled USB Type-C, assuming all the rumours are true of course. In a couple of weeks, we'll know for sure.
Nexus 5 2015 release date, news and rumours
Via PhoneArena


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With a 20-ton prehistoric megalodon shark prowling the depths of the ocean and wreaking havoc on an undersea research station, no one in the water is safe. So it's up to shark hunter Spencer Northcutt (Antonio Sabato Jr.) to send the animal to a watery grave. Driving Spencer on his deadly mission is the knowledge that the very same shark -- a creature that was thought to be extinct -- killed his parents when he was only a boy.


Your strongest characteristic that will see you through the toughest of times is your ability to not care about a person's opinions of you.
Opinions, birthdays and assholes. Everyone has one. Unfortunately due to Facebook I have seen or been reminded of least two of those attributes about you.
I'd rather regret something that I did than regret something that I did not.
Those who would give up integrity to purchase a little job security, deserve neither integrity nor job security. I'm paraphrasing here.
The mark of the true teacher isn't in teaching you the how, but in teaching you the why.
Have And Have Not? There Is Only Do.
It is what we do, with what we have, rather than what we have, that really matters.
I write my IQ in Octal to make me feel better about myself.
"Man up." "Grow a pair." "That's juvenile." "That's unprofessional." Trite phrases we throw out there when we have run out of valid points in our argument and hope to shame the other person in to submission. It only works on you if you allow it to.
The first true A.I. will be in the cloud. The second true A.I. will be in your phone. The third true A.I. will autonomously pass us by on the street and we won't even notice.
Your critics will damn you if you do, and damn you if you don't. I'd rather be damned because I did, than be damned because I did not.
I like to pay it forward and do so several times per week. I do not like to be scolded because I rejected the opportunity to drop everything and hurry off to spend several months working on a non-validated idea from a person with no track record of having achieved anything in life.
"I didn't do it when I had the chance" are words of regret.
L.A.? You want to know what L.A. is? L.A is driving two miles in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour to pay $15 for parking so you can have a $7 coffee.


text:
5 Connexions Directory of Groups & Websites
10 Sources Experts & Spokespersons
18 Sources Library
1 From the Connexions Archives
The Accumulation of Capital
Rosa Luxemburg's analysis of the inherent contradictions of capitalist accumulation.
Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century 1914 - 1991
Hobsbawm, Eric
A overview of the history of the years 1914 - 1991.
Anatomy of Egypt's Revolution: Conditions and Consequences
Al-Amin, Esam
Like perfect storms, several factors have to simultaneously and collectively come together for popular uprisings or protests, even massive ones, to turn into a revolution. That is why only a few of th...
Bloggers Name and Shame Torturers in Egypt
McGrath, Cam
Egyptian bloggers use the Internet to expose police abuse and torture.
Captive Nation - Egypt And The West
What mainstream media consumers will find almost nowhere (perhaps literally nowhere) is a detailed analysis of how US-UK support for Mubarak fits with a pattern of US-UK support for dictators across t...
Chomsky.Info
The Noam Chomsky Web site.
Connexions Library: Africa Focus
Selected articles, books, websites and other resources on Africa.
Connexions Library: Middle East Focus
Selected articles, books, websites and other resources on the Middle East.
Crossing Rafah: Heading to Gaza
Barber, Johnny
Egypt and Beyond: Against The Current vol. 151
Achcar, Gilbert
An interview with Gilbert Achcar. Gilbert Achcar, who grew up in Lebanon, is professor of development studies and international relations at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London, ...
Egypt at the tipping point?
Beinin, Joel
Egypt Shakes the World: Against The Current vol. 151
Peled, Yoav; LeVine, Mark
Suzi Weissman interviewed Yoav Peled and Mark LeVine on her program "Beneath the Surface," KPFK Pacifica Radio in Los Angeles, on February 11, 2010. The following are edited excerpts from those discus...
Egyptian Labor Erupting: Against The Current vol. 142
Said, Atef
In April 2009, a familiar scenario was repeated, as Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's police apparatus assaulted planned demonstrations and a Mahalla textile workers' strike. A year earlier, many act...
The Egyptian Uprising in the American Media: Obscuring the Obvious
Georgy, Joshua Farouk
It is no wonder that most Americans are hopelessly in the dark. Middle East "news" in the mainstream is constructed so that people remain in a perpetual state of confusion and fear.
Egyptian Women and the Revolution
Radwan, Noha
Radwan focuses on the role women are playing in the Egyptian Revolution, their reasons for being active in the movement, and the repercussions they experience as a result of their involvement.
Egypt's Aunt Peaceful
Bonilla, Isadora
Ghada Shahbender knows the Egyptian Revolution Didn´t Start in January 2011, because she was there seven years ago reminding the government ¨We Are Watching¨
Egypt's Long Labor History: Against The Current vol. 142
The Egyptian working class is one of the oldest in the region, with a long history of internationalist solidarity. Egyptian loading and longshoremen workers in 1947, for example, boycotted the Dutch s...
Egypt's Revolution at Three
Radwan examines the Egyptian Revolution and the rise of General Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi after the ousting of President Morsi.
The End of the "Leaderless" Revolution: A Global Fallacy and the Military Intervention in Egypt
Tugal, Cihan
When movements don't have (or claim not to have) ideologies, agendas, demands and leaders, they can go in two directions: they can dissipate (as did Occupy), or serve the agendas of others. The end of...
From Portugal to Egypt: a Cautionary Tale: The Anti-Empire Report
Blum, William
The events in Egypt cannot help but remind me of Portugal. Here, there, and everywhere, now and before, the United States of America, as always, is petrified of anything genuinely progressive or socia...
ISIS Church Bombings Kill 47 in Egypt
Ditz, Jason
Ditz details two recent ISIS attacks in Egypt targeting Christian churches and followers.
Justice for All: the Struggle for Worker Rights in Egypt: A Report by the Solidarity Center
A report on recent workers' struggles in Egypt, against falling wages, oppressive working conditions, and violations of workers' rights, in the face of an authoritarian and repressive government.
Last Sparks From Tahrir Square: Tahrir Square Died, But Not the Revolution
Vltchek, Andre
Once again, the prisons of Egypt are full. The hospitals are overflowing with injured men and women. But the fight, the 'process' goes on; it is not dying. Tahrir Square died, but the revolution is ge...
Mainspring of the Arab Revolt: A review of Lineages of Revolt by Adam Hanieh
Machover, Moshe
This book ought to be read — or better, studied — by every socialist interested in the Middle East.
The Making of Egypt's Revolution: People Power in Action
El-Amin, Esam
A Man Apart: The Life of Henri Curiel
Perrault, Gilles
Curiel was a key figure in founding the Egyptian and Sudanese communist movements; he trained and influenced most of the left militants in Nasser's Free Officer movement. Curiel remained one of the mo...
A Marxist History of the World part 96:1956: Hungary and Suez
1956 was a year of war, revolution, and disillusionment – a year after which nothing could ever be quite the same again.
Massacres That Matter - Part 1 - 'Responsibility To Protect' In Egypt, Libya And Syria
Edwards, David
Where offending states fail to live up to this responsibility by inflicting genocide, ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity on their own people, the international community has a responsi...
Memoirs from the Women's Prison
Saadawi, Nawal el
Nawal El Saadawi was imprisoned in 1981 by Anwar Sadat for alleged "crimes against the State." She offers both firsthand witness to women's resistance to state violence and insights into the formation...
Mubarak's Last Gasps: From Counter-Attack to Departure Day
Revolution and counter-revolution in Egypt.
Mubarak's third force terror tactic
Africa, David
President Mubarak unleashed his 'personal' thugs in a failed attempt to silence protestors seeking an end to his regime. The tactics of deploying so-called third forces is a tried and tested method of...
New wave of attacks on freedom of information
With the trial of former president Mohamed Morsi and major leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood under wa, Egyptian media workers are targets of attack. Freedom of information is threatened. Measures incl...
The No-Nonsense Guide to Terrorism
Barker, Jonathan
An in-depth look at the nature of terrorism that discusses questioning terrorism, assessing it, the difference between state terrorism and group terrorism, morality and history, and war and politics.
On Egypt
Historical compromise over an attempt at democratic change.
On Egypt: An interview with Gilbert Achcar
An interview with Gilbert Achcar.
Overthrowing other people's governments: The Master List
Instances of the United States overthrowing, or attempting to overthrow, a foreign government since the Second World War.
Palestine Peace Not Apartheid
Carter, Jimmy
Former U.S. President Carter calls Israel's treatment of Palestinians 'apartheid' and identifies continuing Israeli control of the occupied territories as the primary obstacle to peace.
A People's History of the World: From the Stone Age to the New Millennium
Harman, Chris
Harman describes the shape and course of human history as a narrative of ordinary people forming and re-forming complex societies in pursuit of common human goals.
Press for Conversion #51: May 2003
Why is the U.S. government reviled by so many people in the Middle East and North Africa? This issue looks at the past 50 years of wars and regime changes in the region and unveils a consistent patter...
Recovering Nonviolent History: Civil Resistance in Liberation Struggles
Bartkowski, Maciej (ed.)
Essays showing, in considerable detail, the varied roles played by civil resistance in fifteen liberation struggles in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Roads to the Arab Uprisings: Book review of "The Journey to Tahrir" eds. Sowers and Toensing and "The Arab Revolts" eds. McMurray and Ufheil-Somers
Wainer, Kit Adam
The strength of all the essays in these two collections is that the principal trends the authors analyzed have become critical background to recent events in Egypt and Syria during the summer of 2013,...
The Scramble for Africa: White Man's Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876 to 1912
Pakenham, Thomas
Describes the brief vicious scramble by Europe's imperial powers to seize colonies throughout the continent of Africa. Pakenham strips the impresarios of imperialism of their veneer of Victorian heroi...
A Short History of Progress
Wright, Ronald
If the population growth, consumption of resources, and technological advances continue according to the trend of the twentieth century, at the expense of the earth, the outcome may be disastrous.
The Socialist Register 1964: Volume 1: A Survey of Movements & Ideas
Miliband, Ralph; Saville, John (ed.s)
The Socialist Register 1976: Volume 13: A Survey of Movements & Ideas
Miliband, Ralph; Saville, John (eds.)
Steel walls cannot contain the struggle for freedom
Nimah, Hasan Abu
If siege is an act of aggression and war, then breaking out of it by any means is an act of self-defense and resistance.
The strike that led to Tahir Square: An act of courage that launched a revolution
Sly, Liz
Labour struggles at Egypt's largest cotton mill, starting in 2006, laid the groundwork for the revolution of 2011.
Towards a New Cold War: Essays on the Current Crisis and How We Got There
A sobering assessment of American foreign policy from the end of the Vietnam era to Ronald Reagan.
Tunisia, Then Egypt: Why Now?
Davidson, Lawrence
Under what circumstances does passivity turn into revolt?
Two years since Rabaa massacre, impunity still reigns in Egypt
On this day two years ago, the Egyptian army and riot police launched a deadly onslaught on supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured.
Understanding the counter-revolution
Bouharoun, Jad
A review of Gilbert Achcar, Morbid Symptoms: Relapse in the Arab Uprising (Saqi, 2016).
The US/EU Manufactured Egyptian Nightmare has Arrived: The Ogre of Egypt Now Wants a Mandate for Wholesale Slaughter
Kassem, Omar
Article on the internationally-financed regime of Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt.
Why No Reporters in Suez?: The Real Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Cramer, Mary Lynn
What is happening in Tahrir Square Cairo has been built on the backs of millions of Egyptian workers who waged 3,000 strikes over the past eight years.
Why the Revolt in Egypt?: Against The Current vol. 152
La Botz, Dan
Why has the Arab world suddenly erupted in revolution from Tunisia to Egypt, from Bahrain to Yemen? Above all, why Egypt, the largest and most important of the Arab nations?
Winning the Rank and File Soldiers in Egypt: An Historical Drama Unfolds
Borrero, Carlos
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will wield power during and immediately after the current transition of the toppling of Mohamed Morsi.
Connexions Directory of Groups & Websites
Europe Solidaire Sans Frontieres
ESSF est une association de solidarit' internationale. Traitant d'un large 'ventail de questions, notre site pr'sente une information militante sur de nombreuses luttes et campagnes ; ainsi que des ar...
My Catbird Seat
Our mission is to inform and educate the public on issues of the US/Middle East conflicts that are unreported, underreported, or distorted in the American media. We will also reflect the incredible r...
Near East Cultural and Educational Foundation of Canada
NECEF is an academically oriented volunteer organization whose extensive international network of individuals and NGO's with expertise about and concern for the Arab World includes a Canadian speakers...
PLAN International Canada
Plan International Canada strives to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of children, families and communities in more than 30 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Central and Sout...
Community of Sahelo-Saharan States
Embassy Row
International Crisis Group
Partners in Population and Development
CPJ condemns harsh prison sentences for Journalists in Egypt
CPJ talk about its opinions on the sentencing of 3 journalists to long prison sentences in Egypt on terrorism-related charges.
Egypt: Security authorities confiscate book about corruption
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) reports that the Egyptian security authorities have confiscated a book entitled "A Flood of Corruption and the Advance of bin Laden in Algeria" ...
Egypt's civil society facing renewed government crackdown
If the Egyptian authorities are successful in their attempt to prevent non-governmental organisations from working, independent civil society in Egypt risks being wiped out.
Four Al-Jazeera journalists arrested arbitrarily in Cairo
Reporters Without Borders condemns the arrests of four Al-Jazeera journalists by the Egyptian secret police in Cairo and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
IFJ Condemns Killing of Egyptian Journalist in Damanhur
The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the killing on Monday night, 19 August, of Egyptian daily Al Ahram''s bureau regional chief, Tamer Abdel Raouf, shot by soldiers at an army ch...
IFJ-FAJ Delegation Urges Egyptian Prime Minister to Release Al-Jazeera Jailed Journalists
The International Federation of Journalists welcomes the meeting this morning in Cairo between an IFJ-FAJ delegation and Egypt's Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab to discuss the imprisonment of the three ...
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Home » Newsroom » News Stories » 2009 News » Commencement 2009: Seven to receive honorary degrees on May 24
Stonyfield CEO Gary Hirshberg
Commencement 2009: Seven to receive honorary degrees on May 24
MIDDLEBURY, Vt. ? Gary Hirshberg, president and CE-Yo, as he likes to be called, of Stonyfield Farm, will deliver the commencement address at the Middlebury College graduation ceremony on May 24. Hirshberg will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Betty and David Jones, John and Bonnie McCardell, Frank Sesno and Clara Yu will also receive honorary degrees.
Where and when is commencement? What should I wear? What other events are on the weekend schedule?
Get answers to these questions and more at the Commencement 2009 Web site.
"Hirshberg is an inspiring example of someone who has been a creative and innovative force in today's socially conscious business world," said Middlebury College President Ronald D. Liebowitz. "He is a successful risk-taker and living proof that one can not only survive but succeed in our capitalist system while also behaving honorably, ethically and with due concern for the larger society and the need to give back. It is important that our graduating students, and indeed all of us, have the opportunity to learn from examples such as his that it is possible to be successful in the for-profit sector without compromising one's core values."
For more than 26 years, Hirshberg has overseen the phenomenal success of Londonderry, N.H.-based Stonyfield Farm, from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school in 1983 to its current $340 million in annual sales. With a compounded annual growth rate of more than 24 percent for the last 18 years, Stonyfield has consistently produced high quality products using innovative marketing techniques that blend the company's social, environmental, and financial missions.
Hirshberg joined Stonyfield Farm just a few months after its start in 1983. Initially, he directed the Rural Education Center, the small organic farming school from which Stonyfield was launched. Previously, in addition to serving as a trustee of the farming school, Hirshberg had served as executive director of The New Alchemy Institute - a research and education center dedicated to organic farming, aquaculture and renewable energy.
A New Hampshire native, Hirshberg was one of the first graduates of Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. He has won numerous awards for corporate and environmental leadership, including Global Green USA's 1999 "Green Cross Millennium Award for Corporate Environmental Leadership." In 1998, he was named "Business Leader of the Year" by Business NH Magazine and "New Hampshire's 1998 Small Business Person of the Year" by the United States Small Business Administration. In 2001, Stonyfield Farm entered into a partnership with Groupe Danone, and in 2005, Hirshberg was named managing director of Stonyfield Europe, a joint venture between the two firms with brands in Canada, Ireland and France.
Hirshberg serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards including Applegate Farms, the Dannon Company, Honest Tea, Peak Organic Brewing Company, Sambazon, Climate Counts and the Danone Communities Fund, and has received six honorary doctorates. He is the chairman and co-founder of O'Naturals, a natural fast food restaurant company, and the author of "Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World" (2008). He also served on the advisory panel for Newsweek magazine's Global Environmental Leadership Conference.
The college will award six other individuals with honorary degrees as well.
Betty Ashbury Jones will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. She is a current trustee and former vice chair of the Middlebury College board, and has been an active participant in the growth and vision of the college during her years of service. Her term expires this year. She is an alumna of the Middlebury Language Schools, where she earned a master's in French in 1986 and received her cane as a graduate of the French School at the 2005 Language Schools Commencement. In 1999, she established the Betty A. Jones M.A. '86 Language Schools Financial Aid Fund as part of the Bicentennial Campaign. Income from the fund provides financial aid to graduate students attending the Language Schools. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, she attended the University of Louisville and later taught French there for many years. Jones and her husband David have five children and 11 grandchildren.
David Allen Jones will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Jones, a current trustee of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Louisville, where he studied accounting on a Naval ROTC scholarship. He earned a law degree at Yale University and worked in a law firm in Louisville for a short time. In 1961, he founded Humana, Inc., which today is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health care companies. He served as chief executive officer of Humana for 37 years and board chair for 44 years before retiring in 2005. He is a director of Glenview Trust Co., and a retired director of Abbott Laboratories and several other companies. As a trustee at Monterey, he has been a strong advocate for the academic excellence initiative and, with his wife Betty, established a $3 million challenge grant to support those efforts. He holds honorary doctorates from the Chicago Medical School, the University of Louisville, Transylvania University and the Claremont Graduate School.
John Malcolm McCardell Jr. will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. McCardell was the 15th president of Middlebury College, from 1992 to 2004. As president, he led a successful capital campaign that exceeded its $200 million goal, and oversaw the addition of several significant facilities to the Middlebury campus, including the 220,000-square-foot science center, which the board of trustees later named The John M. McCardell Jr. Bicentennial Hall. An endowed professorship also bears his name, and the John and Bonnie McCardell Scholarship annually supports students from the South who attend the college. In June 2004 he returned to the classroom as college professor. A 1971 graduate of Washington and Lee University, he did graduate work at Johns Hopkins and Harvard before joining the history department at Middlebury in 1976. In addition to teaching, he has been dean for academic development and planning, dean of the faculty, provost and vice president for academic affairs and acting president. In 2001, he was named "Vermonter of the Year" by the Burlington Free Press. He served as chairman of the Division III Presidents' Council of the NCAA in 2003 and led a successful and comprehensive division-wide reform effort. In 2006, he founded Choose Responsibility, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage the public in informed and dispassionate debate over the effects of the 21-year-old drinking age. McCardell and his wife Bonnie live in Cornwall and have two sons.
Bonnie Greenwald McCardell will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. McCardell has always played an active in the Middlebury community - from her early work in special education to past leadership in helping to found the Child Care Fund of Vermont. In 1984, she became the co-director of the Mary Johnson Children's Center, which continues to serve a diverse group of children. One of many passions is her strong commitment to highlighting the nationwide need for quality childcare and education. Her work on Middlebury College's "Page 1" literacy campaign during the 2000 Bicentennial Celebration resulted in the donation of more than 22,000 books to various literacy programs and organizations across the country. During her husband's tenure as president, she helped establish the annual Middlebury College Public Service Leadership Awards. In 2004, the college established the Bonnie McCardell Public Service Award, which is given to a student who best exemplifies outreach in support of youth during the middle and high school years. She is an avid and spirited fan at local sports events, and a dedicated volunteer for organizations such as the United Way of Addison County, which she co-chaired with her husband in 2005. In 2004, she and her husband received an Honorary Alumni Plaque Award from the college to highlight their many years and multiple dimensions of kind and generous service.
Frank Wright Sesno will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. A graduate of the class of 1977, Sesno was a term trustee of Middlebury from 1994-2004. He began his journalistic career at Middlebury's own WRMC radio. After graduating, he worked as news director for a radio station in Springfield before joining the staff of the Associated Press Radio Network, where he advanced rapidly to serve as national, White House and then overseas correspondent. In 1984, he joined Cable News Network (CNN) and over the next 17 years served as White House correspondent during the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He later hosted CNN's Sunday interview show, "Late Edition with Frank Sesno" and then became senior vice president and Washington bureau chief. He coordinated coverage of the Clinton impeachment proceedings, the 2000 presidential election, and the government's response to the September 11 attacks. He has consistently helped Middlebury students obtain internships at CNN and other organizations in Washington. As a member of the board, he served on the Student Affairs and Buildings and Grounds Committees. He is currently the director of George Washington University's School of Media and Public Policy and also teaches courses in documentary filmmaking and journalistic ethics. Prior to that he was a professor of public policy and communication at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. His wife Kathleen is also a graduate of the class of 1977. Their son Matthew is a graduate of Middlebury's class of 2006 and their son Christopher is a member of the class of 2009.
Clara Yu, who recently retired as president of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, will receive an honorary Doctor of Education degree. Yu joined the Middlebury College faculty in 1987 as an assistant professor of Chinese language and literature. After receiving tenure in 1993, she was appointed vice president for languages and director of the Summer Language Schools. In that capacity, she restructured the operation of Middlebury's Language Schools and Schools Abroad and designed a rigorous three-year program that became the prototype of Middlebury's highly acclaimed international studies major. In 1996, Yu founded the Center for Educational Technology (CET) at Middlebury and oversaw the successful completion of a five-year initiative to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of language instruction through the use of technology. In 2001, she founded the National Institute for Technology and Liberal Education (NITLE), which serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration for 81 liberal arts colleges. In 2006, she was inaugurated as the 12th president of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a position in which she helped write a new chapter in Middlebury's leadership in global education. She retired from that position in 2008. She received her bachelor of arts from the National Taiwan University and her master's and doctorate from the University of Illinois. Before joining the Middlebury faculty, she taught at Dartmouth College and the University of Maryland, and served as an artificial intelligence consultant in the Washington, D.C., area.
The Middlebury College commencement will be held outdoors regardless of the weather on the main quadrangle behind Voter Hall on College Street (Route 125) at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 24. More than 5,000 family and friends are expected to attend.
For more information, contact Commencement and Events Planning Coordinator Kathleen Knippler at knippler@middlebury.edu or 802-443-5393.