text:
Creating Shared Value Prize
Phase: Expert Review
How Rural Nicaraguan Communities are Learning by Earning
The Learning Tutorial System (SAT) is a secondary and technical education program committed to the economic development of rural communities
Written by Marco A. Blanco
Updated on 19:53, Dec 29, 2017
I confirm that I am fully aware of the eligibility criteria, and based on its description, I am eligible to apply to the CSV Prize 2017.
Yes, I'm eligible
Fabretto
Initiative stage
Scaling (the solution has passed the previous stages and is growing its impact on a regional or global scale)
Annual budget in 2017 (USD)
Number of beneficiaries impacted so far
Nonprofit, NGO, or citizen sector
Secondary Focus Area
Headquarters location: Country
Headquarters location: City
Location(s) of impact
Nicaragua: Madriz, Managua, Nueva Segovia, and Southern Region of the Caribbean Coast (RACCS)
https://fabretto.org
Business owner. College student. Innovator. At just 17 years old, Diego has accomplished more than many twice his age. While enrolled in SAT, Diego received his high school diploma, earned a college scholarship, and founded his own business. As part of a classroom project, Diego and his classmates set up a small business processing and selling coffee at affordable prices to exporters and their community. This is how "Cafe El Sabanero" was born. This is how "learning by earning" worked for Diego.
In 2014, SAT strengthened its "learning by earning" approach by forming new alliances with corporate partners, like Mayorga Organics and Burke Agro. Rural youth can now generate vital income within SAT, as they learn how to diversify their family farms with organic chia, honey, and tropical fruits. SAT is designed to teach and train the younger generations, but in its process it accomplishes much more: it creates value for everyone involved, both near and far, from local farmers to businesses.
Katherine was 15-years old in her second year of SAT, when she learned about the growing demand of chia. In pursuit of a SAT certificate, she and her family worked to fulfill the environmental criteria to be an official organic farm. Upon completion, the Mayorga Organics Corporation--another SAT partner--subsidized chia seeds for Katherine's farm. That year, Katherine and her family produced 500 Ibs. of chia, which Mayorga Organics purchased for export to the US economy. #SATCreatesValue
A fourth-year SAT student, Noelia, shows off her new poultry farming project. As Noelia learns about agriculture and business, this Income-generating venture also provides her family with an additional source of revenue. On a larger scale, SAT is designed to combat gender inequality via advocacy and outreach initiatives. In SAT's current class, 44% of the students are female--an impressive figure in a largely machista society. #LearningbyEarning #SATCreatesValue
From left to right: Olvin, alongside his two tutors, demonstrates his first harvest of strawberries in October of 2017. #LearnbyEarning #SATCreatesValue
SAT brings the opportunities of today's economy directly into the classroom. #LearnbyEarning #SATCreatesValue
In rural Nicaragua, there are few opportunities for gainful employment. Through lessons in business development, SAT teaches youth how to create their own economic opportunities and become a productive adult who also contributes to community development. As a former student and current tutor, Danys Ramirez exemplifies SAT's values, who in 2015 created a corn mill business that now provides jobs for students, a time-saving service for rural women, and a source of revenue for SAT.
A 1,000-square foot greenhouse co-funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund (FOMIN) and the Japan Special Fund for Poverty Reduction (JPO), where SAT students learn about controlled environment agriculture, which protect the crops from natural calamities and insects. SAT's greenhouse also grows organic, nutrient-rich crops to be sold in the local market, which leads the center a step closer to being self-sustainable while also contributing to areas characterized by food insecurity.
16-year old Holman discusses how SAT helped him and his family produce chia. Crop diversification is a proven strategy that enables rural families to gain greater food security, while creating an additional source of revenue. However, SAT is a unique initiative because it links rural youth and their families with value chains that operate with highly in-demand products, such as chia in this case. #LearningbyEarning #SATCreatesValue
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Problem: What problem is this initiative trying to address?
In Nicaragua, over 50% of the population living in rural communities survives on less than $2 per day. For generations, rural youth from these communities are born into bleak living conditions unable to meet basic needs. To break this cycle of poverty, rural communities need human capital capable of spurring economic development. SAT addresses this need by providing rural youth with the knowledge and skills required to create new businesses, run sustainable farms, and serve as leaders within their community.
Solution Summary: What is the proposed solution? What do you see as its most promising aspects for creating shared value?
The Tutorial Learning System (commonly known by its Spanish acronym, SAT) is an alternative rural educational model, which provides youth with nationally accredited secondary education and technical training. SAT works by utilizing existing infrastructure and land in remote communities to offer three options: 1) a 5-year high school degree accredited by the Ministry of Education (MINED); 2) certificate courses in agri-business accredited by the National Instituted for Technical Education (INATEC); or (3) a hybrid offering that combines facets from options 1 and 2. Adopting a "learn by doing" approach, SAT tutors teach both formal and technical subjects tailored to the rural environment. From geometry to bee-keeping, students are taught to use their skills to solve actual problems within their community. For example, Danys, a SAT graduate turned tutor, designed a corn mill business that provides a time-saving service for rural women and meaningful employment for local youth.
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Specify both the social and the environmental impact of your work
Since its inception in 2007, SAT has grown from serving 300 rural youth in northern Nicaragua, into a nationwide program supported by government institutions and corporate partners. In 2018, SAT is expected to benefit 1,700 youth in 58 communities. One of the ways SAT benefits youth is by instilling values like community service. Over its 10-year history, program youth have executed hundreds of service projects, including community clean-ups, recycling initiatives, and women's empowerment trainings. Through these activities, rural youth learn to view themselves as part of a larger whole. The principle benefit of SAT, however, is its ability to prepare youth for life after the classroom. As of 2016, over 420 rural youth have graduated from SAT's high school program. 81% of these graduates are currently furthering their studies and/or engaged in agri-business (e.g. coffee growing, poultry farming, and beekeeping)—a notable achievement for communities with poverty rates above 50%
Financial sustainability plan: How is this initiative financially supported? How will you ensure its financial sustainability long-term?
SAT is supported primarily through institutional grants, which cover approximately 80% of the program's budget. Of note is a $1.8 million grant from the Inter-American Development Bank that extends through 2020. Individual donations garnered from events, campaigns, and a sponsorship program cover the remaining 20% of costs. To create sustainability in the long-term, Fabretto will (1) grow its for-profit arm that connects youth entrepreneurs to value chains and markets (fees collected are reinvested into the program), (2) engage Nicaragua's Ministry of Education in discussions about absorbing select costs, (3) digitize the program's curriculum to eliminate the need for expensive textbooks, and (4) partner with private sector enterprises interested in using the program for CSR/CSV purposes.
Unique value proposition: What makes your initiative innovative? How does your project differ from other organizations working in the same field?
SAT has two key features that distinguish it from other rural education interventions and youth outreach initiatives in Nicaragua: 1) Accreditation: SAT is the only education intervention whose high school degrees and vocational certificates receive accreditation by MINED and INATEC, respectively. 2) Learning by Earning: Unlike other educational interventions, SAT links student's income-generating projects with value chains that are in need of specific skills and/ or niche products.
Founding story: Share a story about the "Aha!" moment that sparked the beginning of this initiative.
SAT's primary goal has always been to increase rural youth's access to quality education and training through a hands-on approach. In 2014, however, a 15-year old student named Katherine transformed this approach from "learning by doing" into "learning by earning." With the help of her tutor and Mayorga Organics., Katherine applied her lessons in improved farming techniques to create an organic chia farm. By 2014, SAT had received considerable attention from companies seeking specific skills and/or niche products. Mayorga Org., like many of SAT's corporate partners, views the skill gap in rural Nicaragua as an opportunity for investment, and willingly supplied chia seeds. That year, Katherine grew 500 lbs. of chia that Mayorga Org. purchased and exported to the US. She and her family increased their revenue enough to purchase 3 dairy cows. This is how "learning by earning" was born.
Where did you hear about the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Prize?
Ashoka page or contact
Program Design Clarity: We are hungry to know more about what exactly your model consists of. Succinctly list a) what main activities are you doing with your beneficiaries, b) where you carry out the activities? c) how often? d) for how many hours? e) who delivers the services? and f) any other brief details
SAT works by establishing learning spaces within communities utilizing existing infrastructure and land, eliminating youth's need to traverse long distances to public schools. Those who participate can enroll for free in one of three options: (1) a 5-year degree offering, which provides a high school diploma accredited by MINED, (2) individual, technical courses accredited by INATEC, and (3) a hybrid program, which enables youth enrolled in a Saturday-only high school program (run by MINED) to supplement their education with technical courses during the week. Youth participating in the HS degree option attend classes and conduct project activities from February to December, 5 days per week, for 4 hours per day (options 2 and 3 run similarly but primarily focus on skills training). Each week, SAT tutors, who typically come from the community in which they work, educate youth in five subjects: agriculture, science, mathematics, communication, and community service. Youth complete the HS degree program with 4,000 hours of training that prepares them to further their education, generate a sustainable income, and serve as community leaders. In each of the three options, SAT students are encouraged to put their knowledge into practice via income-generating ventures. Fabretto's "Learning by Earning" initiative connects these ventures with interested businesses, entrepreneurs, and value chains which provide access to new, more profitable markets.
We are interested in learning more about your initiative's broad impact on sustainable development. Please reply ONLY to the question(s) related to your above focus area.
SAT is available to rural Nicaraguan youth, ages 13 and up, regardless of social, economic, religious, ethnic or any other status. As an equitable educational model, SAT is designed to combat gender inequality in rural areas by implementing on-going studies and social campaigns to raise female participation. In the past 3 years, SAT has maintained a female enrollment rate above 48%--a notable achievement in a predominantly machista society that undermines women's role in education and the economy. With almost a third of Nicaragua's population between the ages of 15 to 29, SAT's long-term goal is to create a generation of talented, working professionals that can galvanize economic development. However, the program also focuses on imparting knowledge and skills that can solve actual problems in the community. This means the curriculum is tailored to context. For example, in Nicaragua's dry corridor, where a 3-year drought has crippled the livelihoods of 30,000 families, youth receive training in natural resource management, crop diversification, and use of irrigation technologies. These climate-smart skills not only enable youth to mitigate environmental threats but also generate a sustainable income. SAT does not simply generate an income for students, it also ensures their sustainability. Fabretto's for-profit arm links student ventures to profitable markets, provides continuous financial counsel, and facilitates the integration of any cost-saving biotechnologies.
Creating shared value: How does your initiative create value for different stakeholders?
In 10 years, SAT has developed thousands of young individuals who are interested in agriculture, knowledgable about good practices, possess an entrepreneurial drive, and follow a vocation to build the production capabilities of their rural communities. Seeing their potential, Fabretto launched a small for-profit arm. Fabretto Comercial S.A. began as a small endeavor in 2011 to help connect these highly gifted individuals with potential businesses who are looking for specific skills, niche products, or to increase their output. These corporate partners pay good prices and offer favorable conditions to small producers from rural communities where SAT is implemented. Fabretto works with partners like Burke Agro, Ingemann, Counter Culture Coffee, and Sol Maya, which in turn reinvest part of their profits in social benefits and education programs Fabretto offers to young people. Today, Fabretto is using this model as a Creating Shared Value approach to bridge the skills gap in Nicaragua.
How is your initiative funded, now and over the next 5 years?
In 2017, SAT had an annual budget of roughly $950,000. Currently, an approximate 80% of SAT's funding is derived from grants and donations. However, Fabretto "Learning by Earning" initiative enables SAT to become less grant-dependent and more financially sustainable. Expanding its corporate partners interested in implementing SAT as a CSV approach, Fabretto can further increase the funds re-invested in SAT programs. This can be achieved with the following activities: (1) conduct market studies to identify potential partners, high-value markets, supply chains; (2) elaborate a SAT curriculum focused on specific crops, high-value chains, or corporate needs; (3) standardize a financing model for potential ventures with agricultural investors.
How do you plan to influence your field of work if you are a winner of this edition of the CSV Prize?
SAT provides a way for youth to generate sustainable income while also responding to the needs of the agricultural sector. In addition, it also empowers a whole population of youth, ages 15-29, to be the veritable agents of change. SAT helps youth and their families enter the formal economy, which bodes well for policy changes in the near future. Along the way, SAT students enact numerous public service activities to mitigate the effects of poverty and natural disasters. As winner of the CSV Prize, Fabretto would launch public campaigns, disseminate marketing materials, and create a public dialogue to further espouse SAT as an equitable CSV approach that spurs development for all of Nicaragua.
How will you leverage an investment from Nestle to expand the impact of your work?
Fabretto Comercial S.A. focuses on selling the products of SAT income-generating ventures; however, it lacks a clear structure in Fabretto and responds to opportunities as they arise. The goal is to strengthen Fabretto Comercial S.A. by (1) design a business plan and strategy which includes hiring and financing a sales expert; (2) implement a fund management model that provides financing to student ventures but also establishes a channel of revenue to be reinvested in SAT activities; (3) train a team of 10 technical specialists to identify high-value chains, integrate biotechnologies, and provide ongoing financial counsel; and (4) establishing an investment fund of US$100,000 to grant loans to producers (e.g., provide seed capital).
Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact? What's the projected impact for the coming years? Are you planning to expand your programme into new locations? On what assumptions do you build your scale-up plans?
SAT was created in 1974 by the Foundation for the Application and Teaching of Science, for rural communities in Colombia. Later, it was implemented in Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, and Nicaragua. A total of more than 300,000 students have benefitted from it. Fabretto's plan is not necessarily to expand geographically. The chief goal is to strengthen its "Learning by Earning" strategy. SAT will continue to be active in 58 rural Nicaraguan communities; however, Fabretto's S.A. Comercial will gain a stronger role in expanding its corporate network by (1) conducting market research to identity lucrative agricultural supply chains; (2) help link student ventures with high-value supply chains and profitable markets; (3) standardize a process of financing SAT ventures with agricultural investors; (4) ensure ventures sustainability by providing continuous financial counsel and strategic advice; (5) launch certificate courses focused on financial literacy and business development.
Team: What is the current composition of your team (types of roles, number of full-time vs. part-time staff, board members, etc.)? How will this team evolve as your initiative grows?
Fabretto, the organization implementing SAT in Nicaragua, is governed by a Board of Directors of seven members, which meets annually to provide strategic, financial, and technical counsel on current and prospective programs. Kevin Marinacci, Fabretto's Chief Executive Officer, has 25 years of experience with the organization. The Executive Team consists of five key roles: President, VP-Director of Programs, VP-Director of Marketing & Communications, Managing Director of Finance, and Managing Director of Development. Each executive staff and board member holds advanced degrees in their fields. The board and executive team serve a staff of over 350, who work to operate SAT in 58 rural communities and 5 departments in Nicaragua.
Awards: What awards or honors has the initiative received?
•The Qatar Foundation named SAT as a WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education) Award semifinalist (2013) •The Brookings Institution chose SAT as 1 of 12 case studies for its Millions Learning Project (2015) •The Drucker Foundation named SAT an Annual Prize semifinalist (2016) •The Inter-American Development Bank awarded SAT $1.8 mill in 2016
Organizational leadership: How are you influencing your field of work in the present?
One of SAT's vital forms of public change is through the empowerment and training of teachers, who guide the learning process as opposed to simply imparting information ala traditional high schools. Fabretto recruits tutors from the communities in which the program is implemented (many are standout program graduates) and continually develops their understanding of the methodology. One of tutors' responsibilities is to help youth put knowledge into practice through the development of income-generating projects. In many instances, these projects become viable businesses, which tutors and other program staff help youth grow. Tutors become community leaders, creating change, and serving as role models that raises that status of teachers.
Should you be successful, please confirm your availability to attend the Ashoka Impact Boot camp and Creating Shared Value Prize Live Pitch Event at the World Water Forum 13-16 March 2018
Yes, I am available to attend the events on 13-16 March 2018
26 evaluations so far
1. Overall evaluation
5 - This idea rocked my world. It's awesome! - 76.9%
4 - This idea seems really exciting. With a little more polishing, it'd be among my favorites. - 3.8%
3 - I think the idea is great, but it needs some work before it moves onto the next round. - 3.8%
2 - I liked it fine but preferred others. - 11.5%
1 - It didn't make my heart beat faster. Needs significant revisions. - 3.8%
2. Innovation
5 - Absolutely, 100%! - 61.5%
4 - I feel really good about this - very promising - 23.1%
3 - This has some good elements and some areas for development - 11.5%
2 - This doesn't inspire me so much - 3.8%
1 - This entry is weak here - 0%
3. Social and/or Environmental Impact
4 - I feel really good about this - very promising - 7.7%
2 - This doesn't inspire me so much - 0%
1 - This entry is weak here - 3.8%
4. Financial sustainability
4 - I feel really good about this - very promising - 100%
Nothing stands out! I thought it was great. - 0%
5. Potential to Scale / Replicability
3 - This has some good elements and some areas for development - 7.7%
6. Organizational Leadership
7. Potential for Creating Shared Value
Marco A. Blanco
SAT's Theory of Change.pdf
SAT Beneficiary Experience.pdf
John Albertson
Edited on 10:48, Jan 13, 2020
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text:
Front Matter The Kingdom of Osman The Fall of Bajazet Capture of Constantinople Selim the Destroyer Solyman the Magnificent Internal Decay Downfall of Turkish Power Wars with Russia Reforms of Selim III Recent Generations Chronology of the Ottomans Rulers of the Osmanli
Greatest Nations: Turkey - C. F. Horne
Internal Decay and its Temporary Arrest under Murad IV
THE SIEGE OF SZIGETH (FROM AN ANCIENT MANUSCRIPT.)
[Authorities: As before. also Stirling-Maxwell, "Lon John of Austria"; Dyer, "History of Europe"; Menzies, " Turkey Old and New."]
The death of Solyman was concealed from his troops by his devoted Vizier, Sokolli. The Vizier was well aware that the news would cause the soldiers to abandon the siege of Szigeth in discouragement; and he was determined that the fortress before which his master had perished should not remain untaken to boast of its resistance. For seven weeks the body of the dead "Lord of the Age" was borne about in a closed litter, as though the empty shell still held its former tenant. Officers approached and bowed low to it and heard Sokolli, stooping within the curtains, repeat feeble words of command.
The fortress succumbed at last, and its heroic defendants rushed forth to death in a final charge. The Countess Zrinyi, remaining behind, blew up the powder magazine at the entrance of the victors, hurling the entire fortress into air and carrying with it skyward three thousand Janizaries. Sokolli announced that the object of the campaign was accomplished, and withdrew the army in good order. Only when the homeward march was well advanced, was the demise of the great Sultan proclaimed and his outworn body permitted to have rest. His authority passed to his only surviving son, the drunken, imbecile Selim, called even by his own reverent historians, Selim the Sot.
Of no land has it been more true than of Turkey, that the fortune of the people followed that of their rulers. For three centuries the descendants of Ertoghrul had handed their kingship steadily from father to soli. Ten generations of leaders, all efficient and only one or two falling below real greatness of mind or body, had established for the Osmanli an almost superhuman reverence in the hearts of their people. But with the death of Solyman, the genius of his race suddenly disappears. His successors sink to a general level of feebleness as impressive as was the grandeur of the earlier generations. One or two of the later Sultans rise, perhaps, to the ordinary stature of mankind, but as a race they grovel beneath contempt.
For this evil change we must hold Solyman responsible, Solyman and Khurrem, "the laughing one," the Sultana whose machinations destroyed all the capable sons of her royal lover and left him only Selim, the worthless child whom, with a mother's instinct of his need of her, Khurrem had made her favorite.
DESTRUCTION OF SZIGETH—COUNTESS ZRINYI BLOWS UP THE POWDER MAGAZINE.
The character of Selim II (1566-1574) had come to be well understood by his father and all his people, but such was the absolute devotion of the nation to the house of Osman, that no one thought for a moment of disputing his succession. The lives, the fortunes, and the consciences of the whole Turkish race were placed unreservedly in the hands of an acknowledged drunkard and half-imbecile. Through him this power descended to the children of his vile amours.
The weakness of one man could not of course cause the immediate downfall of so vast and firmly founded an empire. For a time the high spirit of Solyman still pervaded its counsels. Except when swayed by his Sultana, he had been a keen judge of men, and he had drawn around him a body of noble servitors. The venal Vizier Rustem, the creature of Khurrem, had been succeeded in his high office as second head of the empire by Sokolli, the artful secreter of his master's death, a soldier and statesman worthy of the rank.
Sokolli, by a wise diplomacy, managed to retain until his death, not only his place but also his honor, and was the real ruler of the empire throughout Selim's reign and during the first years of his successor. Selim was awed by his Vizier's. high repute, and being content to revel in idleness with boon companions, seldom intruded on affairs of state.
The Turkish troops, however, were accustomed to being led to battle by their Sultan, and their inefficiency without the religious enthusiasm aroused by his presence, or at least by his guidance from afar, was soon sadly demonstrated. Sokolli had conceived the bold and statesmanly project of uniting by a canal the two great Russian rivers, the Volga and the Don, and thus securing for the Turkish fleet a passage from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. This would assuredly have resulted in the conquest of all northern Persia, which was no longer protected from the Turks by the valor of its warriors, but only by the difficulty of approach across its dreary deserts. Azov, the city at the mouth of the Don, was already in Ottoman hands; but the region of the canal and Astrakhan, the famous port at the mouth of the Volga, had half a century before been taken from the Tartars by the Russians.
Sokolli's project, therefore, brought Russians and Turks for the first time into armed conflict. A force was sent to build the canal, another to seize Astrakhan, and the great Khan of the Crimea, ruler of all the northern Black Sea shore under the suzerainty of the Sultan, was commanded to aid the expedition. Instead, he naturally did all he could to discourage it. He did not wish the Ottomans brought closer to his domain, and in greater numbers. He worked upon the religious fears of the soldiers, reminded them of their distance from the Sultan, and explained that the short nights of the north would make it impossible for them to perform the duties of their faith, which required them to pray at evening, at midnight, and again at dawn. While in this superstitious mood they were attacked both at Astrakhan and on the Don by Russian forces. The disheartened Turks easily allowed themselves to be driven back and abandoned the expedition (1569). To the Ottoman Empire this appeared a mere frontier repulse by a barbarian tribe, and not till a century later did the two predestined rivals meet again in strife.
A far more noted disaster of Selim's reign was the great sea-fight of Lepanto (1571). According to some authorities this was directly attributable to the Sultan's drunken folly. He had acquired a special liking for the wine of Cyprus, and insisted that the home of so delicious a beverage must assuredly be added to his domains. The island of Cyprus belonged to Venice, and Sokolli, who on Solyman's death had hurriedly made peace with Western Europe, had no wish to revive against the ill-governed Turks, a coalition of the Christian powers. For once, however, all his arguments and diplomatic manoeuvres in opposition to his master were without avail. With besotted stubbornness Selim insisted that Cyprus he must have. It was invaded and captured for him at a cost of fifty thousand lives.
The struggle left Venice, like Hungary, exhausted by her long resistance to the Ottomans. Another Solyman might have seized upon her territories with ease; but Selim's utterly unjustified aggression against Cyprus roused all Europe and startled the other states into a selfish fear for themselves. What Sokolli had dreaded took place. A Christian league was formed by the Pope, and an immense fleet was gathered not only of Venetian but of Spanish, Papal, Maltese, and other galleys, over two hundred in all. This armament, under the leadership of the renowned Don John of Austria, advanced to the Turkish coast and was met off Lepanto by the navy of Selim, superior to it in numbers, but hastily gathered and ill-prepared.
THE CAPTIVES OF LEPANTO.
The battle of Lepanto was the greatest naval disaster the Turks ever encountered. If we except only the defeat of the Spanish Armada in the same genera ton, no other sea-fight in history can compare with this, in the number of men and ships engaged, and in the completeness of the defeat. The entire Turkish fleet was destroyed or captured with the exception of a single squadron of about forty ships. The commander of this wing, the celebrated Ouloudj All, Bey of Algiers, had protested against encountering the enemy while the Turks were so unprepared. He was overborne in council, but in the battle he held his own. At its close; seeing the destruction that had come upon the Turkish centre, he with the ships of his wing broke boldly through the line of the Christians and escaped.
When news of this disastrous overthrow reached Constantinople, even Selim was startled from his indifference. He devoted his own private treasures to ship-building, he gave up a portion of his garden for the ship-yard. Ouloudj Ali, with the ships that he had rescued, cruised from port to port collecting around this remnant of the navy all the scattered craft that could be pressed into service. The Christian admirals, on the contrary, had, dispersed to their homes to sing Te Deums of victory. When another year came around, there was a second Turkish fleet apparently as powerful as before, which under Ouloudj Ali, now surnamed Kilidj (the sword), baffled the Christian advance at every point.
A peace was agreed upon in 1573. Not only did Turkey retain Cyprus, but the helpless Venetians agreed to repay her for the cost of its conquest. Christian writers learning this said bitterly, that despite all the celebrations it was really the Turks who had won the battle of Lepanto.
Selim died from a drunken fall, and his son, Murad III (1574–95) a weakling in mind and body, succeeded him. The first words of each new Sultan on assuming power are regarded by his superstitious subjects as prophetic of the character of his reign. Murad's were, "I am hungry, bring me something to eat." His first official act was to command the slaughter of five brothers, apparently as worthless as himself. Murad was a woman-lover, always in his harem and completely under the influence of its occupants. His early reign was still marked by victories. Turkish generals conducted a successful and even glorious war against Persia, wresting from her all Georgia and the ancient capital, Tabriz. The peace of 1590 confirming these conquests marks the date of the greatest expansion of Turkish territory.
But the drain which for a quarter of a century had been sapping the resources of the empire to supply the debauchery of its base rulers, now began to be apparent. Not from the strength of its enemies without, but from decay within, came the downfall of the Turkish State. The marvel seems only that it so long withstood the evils gnawing at its root. Let us enumerate again the more obvious and generally recognized of these causes of decay. They were the repressive laws of Mahomet II, which arrested the development of the people; the ferocity of Selim the Destroyer, which taught them fear and falsehood; the increasing number and turbulence of the Janizaries, whose whole training urged them to insolence and oppression; the corruption in office, which was introduced by the Vizier Rustem, and which after Sokolli's death pervaded the entire empire; and above and behind all these, lay the inherent evil of an hereditary despotism, the decay which sooner or later must enervate its rulers.
In 1590 the foreign nations little suspected the change that had come over the conquering Turks. France sought their alliance. Elizabeth of England wrote them long letters urging their attack upon her enemy Philip II of Spain, and explaining to them how similar their faith was to that of Protestant England and how opposed were both to Catholicism. It was a common saying among the Turks, that very little was needed to make the English genuine Mahometans.
The miseries of the people could not, however, be longer ignored. The devoted peasantry of Asia Minor had given of their substance to repeated tax-collectors until they faced starvation. The unpaid troops lived perforce by plunder, while their money was held back by thieving officers. In 1589 the storm broke. The Janizaries in the capital, furious at a new fraud imposed on them, surrounded the royal palace clamoring for the heads of the officials whose guilt they suspected. Sultan Murad yielded in instant terror, and the heads which they demanded rolled at their feet.
If one head, why not another? The Janizaries had learned their power. Twice within the next four years they repeated their clamor and compelled the removal of Grand Viziers who had not pleased them. Rival bands of troops fought civil wars against one another in the streets of Constantinople. Internal revolt, a thing hitherto unknown among the Turks, broke out in Asia Minor among the starving peasantry. The Christian border dependencies were also harassed beyond endurance. The mild and humane treatment previously accorded them was changed to intolerable oppression. Their people rebelled. In the "Wallachian Vespers" (1594) all the peaceful Turks of Wallachia were suddenly slaughtered. Both there and in Transylvania, the disorganized Ottoman armies were repeatedly and disgracefully defeated. The surrounding nations began to rouse themselves and take fresh heart against the hitherto irresistible Osmanli. The German Empire declared war and joined the Transylvanian insurgents. Even the Persians defended their threatened frontier with the vigor of new hope.
Amid these disasters Murad III died in dreary dissatisfaction and despondency. He was succeeded by his son Mahomet III (1595-1603), who signalized his accession by the execution of his nineteen brothers and also eight of his father's wives. The brothers were all young, probably all worthless, and the slaughter deserves mention only as being the most extensive of those hideous holocausts offered by each new Sultan to the evil policy of his race. Mahomet III instituted what became the practice of the future, by keeping his sons in a special part of the palace called the "cage" from which they never emerged except to die or to reign. Their unfitness to do either seems thus to have been most effectually insured.
THE TRAGEDY ON THE ACCESSION OF MAHOMET III.
Meanwhile the advancing armies of the Germans, Hungarians and rebels had driven the Turks from almost all their European possessions north of the Danube. Every counsellor who still cared for the preservation of the empire, now vehemently urged the new Sultan to take the field in person. Only by his presence could the fanaticism of the soldiers be once more aroused, their obedience secured, and the triumphant enemies checked. After long hesitation and evasion, Mahomet III consented to lead his troops as his ancestors had done. Moreover, the sacred standard of his namesake, the Prophet Mahomet, the most holy and treasured relic of the empire, was taken from its sanctuary and borne before the soldiers to inspire them.
They met the allied Christian armies on the plain of Cerestes near the river Theiss, and there were three days of fighting. The first day the Mahometans lost several standards and even the sacred relic of the Prophet was endangered. The terrified Sultan insisted he must withdraw and leave the troops to protect his retreat. Long and passionate entreaties from his generals persuaded him to remain, and the second day the Turks made some advance. The third day saw the final issue. Almost the entire army of the Turks was driven from the field, but a sudden charge of their cavalry caught the enemy unprepared and swept the whole Christian array into panic-stricken flight. Fifty thousand were slain. This was the last great triumph of Turk over Caucasian, of Mussulman over Christian(1596).
The Sultan took advantage of his tremendous victory to retreat to his capital .and resume his life of indolence. Fortunately his generals proved able to maintain themselves against the weakened enemy, and the contest dragged on without much success on either side until in the reign of Mahomet's successor, peace was made by the treaty of Sitavorak (1606). This is worthy of note as the first diplomatic meeting in which the Turks condescended to deal with the Christians on equal terms, sending them high ambassadors, consenting to forego the customary presents, and employing toward the German Emperor titles of dignity equal to those with which the Sultan was addressed.
Why follow further the full list of the feeble rulers who now disgraced the throne of Osman? The irresponsible supremacy and tyranny of the Janizaries had become fully established, and their former masters were obliged to bend to their every whim. Osman II (1618-1622), the grandson of Mahomet III, deserves mention because, though only fourteen when crowned, he had evidently some conception of the disgrace of his position and endeavored to reassert his power.
He was a savage youth who practised archery by shooting at prisoners of war, and when the supply of these ran low, he fastened up one of his own attendants as a target. To weaken the Janizaries, he made war on Poland and sent them thither. They preferred however to return and quarrel at home. Osman then announced his intent of making a pilgrimage to Mecca; but the Janizaries learned that his real purpose was to collect an army in Asia and return to crush them for their frequent seditions. In fury they demanded the heads of his advisers, and having secured these, they swept on to the farthest extreme of rebellion. Seizing Osman. himself, they dragged him to prison and slew him there with excesses of cruelty equal to his own. They then placed upon the throne his predecessor Mustapha I, who had been deposed for utter imbecility. Even the feeling of personal loyalty and exaggerated reverence for the reigning descendant of Ertoghrul was thus broken down at last. The divinity which in Turkey had actually grown to "hedge a king" now shielded him no more. It was life for life; and the successors of Osmanli could no longer slaughter their subjects with the same comfortable and reassuring sense of personal inviolability which had so upheld the successors of Osman I.
Murad IV (1623-1640), son of the poor imbecile Mustapha, was the next Sultan, to assert himself. For a time he stayed the fall of the empire, holding the Janizaries in subjection and suppressing extortion and injustice by means of an injustice even more relentless. When Murad ascended the throne the Persians were victorious on the frontiers; all Asia Minor was in successful revolt; fleets of Cossack marauders were plundering even along the Bosphorus itself; the royal treasury was empty; and Murad was a boy of only twelve. In one of their tumults, the blood-thirsty rabble still dignified by the name of troops demanded the heads of seventeen of the young Sultan's closest friends and councillors. These he yielded to them perforce. But the mere fact that he protested against yielding led the Janizaries to talk of his dethronement.
It is evident that Murad studied the situation long and thoughtfully; but he made no movement until he reached the age of twenty. Then slowly and cautiously he gathered round him what little remained of better sentiment within the capital. He employed the antagonism of the Janizaries against the other troops, to suppress the latter. Afterward he seized upon the leaders of the Janizaries, themselves. A few faithful followers supported him, and the soldiers were bullied into submission. A celebrated gathering was held at which Murad himself and then each one of his officials swore to restore the ancient order, justice and honor of the empire.
LOSS OF THE MOSLEM STANDARDS AT CERESTES.
Then began a reign of terror, a series of wholesale executions. The Sultan, had kept track of every servant who had ever insulted him, every soldier who had, rioted in the streets. They were killed by hundreds. Unwarned victims were. summoned from their homes night after night by secret messengers and haled. before secret executioners. No man knew but his own turn might come next, and no man dared oppose this grim and watchful young avenger.
Having thus established himself in his capital, Murad made a royal progress through his empire, taking not of the state of every district and slaying every unjust official he encountered. His character has often been paralleled with that of Selim the Destroyer. At first Murad struck down only the guilty, but the habit of massacre grew. The value of human life was lost to him, and at the merest suspicion against the officials who came forth from each town and knelt before his charger, he would strike out savagely with his scimeter. Their heads rolled beneath the goofs of his steed. Worse and worse grew his unrestrained ferocity until it was a madness in itself, and in his later years he seemed scarce human. A party of women were making merry in a field, and he ordered them drowned merely because their laughter disturbed him as he passed. If, as he rode forth, any unfortunate crossed or impeded the road, the offender was shot down, often by the Sultan himself.
Before Murad's severity thus degenerated into atrocity, it had already brought back to the empire something of the ancient military order and prestige. Once more a Sultan led his armies in person, and the Persians felt the weight of his iron hand. They were defeated and reduced to such a degree that it was nearly a century before they again measured themselves against the might of Turkey.
Murad had no sons of his own, hence he had permitted one of his brothers, Ibrahim, to survive, though keeping the unfortunate in confinement and in a constant fear of assassination which reduced him to a pitiful state of mental weakness. Murad in his own last hour resolved to slay this brother also, and commanded his execution. The attendants of the Sultan, horrified at the thought of the utter extinction of the sacred race, strove to dissuade their master from his purpose, and when he persisted, they only pretended to have obeyed him. The fierce despot in the very pangs of death insisted on seeing the corpse, and expired in a desperate effort to rise and be thus assured of the fulfillment of his order. Ibrahim, being hurriedly told of his brother's fate and hailed as Sultan, refused to believe his fortune, barricaded his door and swore to fight for life. Not until Murad's body was in its turn borne before him, did he accept the truth, and realize that his chance had come to rule.
Sultan Ibrahim (1640-1648) promptly proceeded to undo what little good his brother had accomplished. He presents to us the type of Ottoman Sultan at its very lowest, a fool so dull as to know no pleasure but debauchery, a trembling coward who dared not leave his palace walls, who squandered untold wealth upon his harem and thought of his subjects only as the source of all the treasure of which he robbed them to satisfy his immeasurable extravagances.
Fiction is outdone by such tales as that of his "fur tax." An old woman maundering through ancient fairy stories for the amusement of his idle beauties, described a king clothed all in sables and having every drapery about his palace and even its carpets underfoot of the same rare and costly fur. The impossible vastness of the idea challenged Ibrahim's weak mind. He vowed he could do as much and immediately laid a "fur tax" upon his entire empire, ordering every high official to send him such quantities of sables as in reality did not exist in the entire world. Homes were desolated and officers tortured to compel their compliance with this impossible demand, and Ibrahim long insisted upon enforcing the punishments though he could not get the furs.
At another time, finding that his ladies delighted in buying all sorts of fineries, but that paying the bills was less pleasant, he commanded that every shopkeeper must allow members of the royal harem to take what they pleased without payment. Then, one of his capricious beauties complaining that shopping by daylight was uncomfortable, he further ordered the unlucky merchants to keep their places open through the night, and well lighted so that no part of their wares might pass unobserved by their expensive customers.
Ibrahim was so fortunate or unfortunate as to secure a Vizier who, caring only for his place, not for his country, humored his master's folly to its fullest bent. Whenever the feeble minded Sultan himself expressed amaze that what he desired was invariably approved as right, the Vizier replied, "My Sultan, thou art Caliph; thou art God's Shadow upon earth. Every idea which thy spirit entertains is a revelation from Heaven. Thy orders, even when they appear unreasonable, have an innate reasonableness, which thy slave ever reveres, though he may not always understand."
This comfortable doctrine Ibrahim eagerly accepted, and he insisted upon using it to justify every whim, every cruelty, every foulest abomination. Surely no ruler, no government, could have sunk to lower depths of self-abandonment than the Osmanli had thus reached.
TURKISH WARRIOR (FROM A CONTEMPORARY PRINT)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Android WebView Hardware Acceleration Artefact Workarounds So there's a known bug with WebView hardware acceleration in Android,
see here for example: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=17352
Disabling hardware acceleration is not an option for me.
I've read these great references:

*

*Android webview slow

*https://plus.google.com/+PaulIrish/posts/ccP98BTMd5Z

*http://riamobilesolutions.com/android-webview-scrolling-performance/
My question is that if HWA(Hardware Acceleration) is turned on, does anyone know any CSS/HTML workarounds to prevent the rendering artefacts that can occur?
I'm only seeing them when I give focus to a form field, it seems to cause vsync-esque and subpixel glitches. When I focus on the field, the whole page seems to jitter.
It seems position: absolute has something to do with this, too.
Did anyone get any experience solving this?

A: add:
-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
-webkit-perspective: 1000;
backface-visibility: hidden;
perspective: 1000;

if you working with 3d transform.. it is a cheap trick BUT it will improve the performance espacially on iPad..
furthermore you can try to
-webkit-transform: rotateZ(0deg);

AFAIK rotations can boost the performance because gpu´s are much better in rotating something..
another way is to lay down an 'without function' transformation on each element on the screen..
please let me know if i could help you.

A: Put this code in your class:
webview.getSettings().setRenderPriority(RenderPriority.HIGH);

if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 19) {
    webView.setLayerType(View.LAYER_TYPE_HARDWARE, null);
}
else {
    webView.setLayerType(View.LAYER_TYPE_SOFTWARE, null);
}

A: I've had similar issues with rendering when HWA was enabled. The rendering issues disappeared when I applied the following line to body (in css).
body {
  -webkit-transform: translateZ(0);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Should BJP go to any length to win Gujarat: Chidambaram
Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for levelling allegations against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Vice President Hamid Ansari during the Gujarat election campaign.
"Is winning an election so important that such allegations can be made against a former Prime Minister and a former Vice President," Chidambaram asked in a tweet.
Chidambaram also said the BJP's campaign Gujarat in the last few days, especially on Sunday, had gone "beyond bizarre". "Should a political party go to any length to win an election?"
Chidambaram was obviously referring to Modi's insinuation at a public meeting on Sunday in Gujarat that Singh and Ansari attended a dinner at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's house where a former Pakistan foreign minister and the current High Commissioner of that country in India were also present.
Modi also accused Pakistan of colluding with Congress leaders to defeat the BJP in Gujarat.
BJP campaign Congress leaders Gujarat Gujarat election Hamid Ansari levelling Manmohan Singh Narendra Modi news P Chidambaram Prime Minister Vice President	2017-12-11
Chirag Paswan attacks Nitish, gives him time to sort things out


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Hamilton seeking first Spanish GP win next weekend
By Luke SmithMay 2, 2014, 6:45 AM EDT
After a three week break, Formula 1 is set to return next weekend with the beginning of the European season at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Having won the last three races, the man in peak form is unquestionably Lewis Hamilton, and the Briton is now looking to extend this streak by claiming his first victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
"It's been good to have a bit of a break between races: for us as drivers and also for the team who have been working flat out for so many weeks," he explained. "But after three great weekends in Malaysia, Bahrain and China I'm obviously keen to get on to the next one and continue that positive momentum into the next leg of the season.
"I've never won in Barcelona but I'm in a good place right now and I'm hoping that this will be the year, although it's clear who the fans' favorite will be!
"The circuit is fantastic, our car has performed well so far and I'm really looking forward to a good race."
As Hamilton alluded to, Spanish driver Fernando Alonso will have home support behind him as the grandstands are draped in Ferrari red and Oviedo blue for the weekend.
Having won the race twice, the two-time world champion will be hoping to spoil Mercedes' party and snatch a win next Sunday, although it might be something of a long shot given the Silver Arrows' dominance so far this season.
Instead, it looks set to be another intra-team battle at Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both continue to tussle for the championship lead. Rosberg currently holds the upper hand by just four points, but having seen his teammate win the last three races, he will unquestionably have been rattled slightly.
It is by no means a foregone conclusion, but if there is one man to back at this early stage to win in Spain, it has to be Hamilton.


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Q: Making libinput touchpad configuration permanent I'm using libinput as touchpad driver for my laptop. I can configure the various settings using xinput, but can't find out a way to make these settings permanent. Looks like I need to edit the configuration file
in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ by adding necessary options. If that's the case, where can I find a list of various options supported by libinput?

A: Have you checked out the manual page for libinput? You haven't mentioned your distribution, but the Debian version of the documentation can be found here.

A: Option "NaturalScrolling" "on"
solved it for me.
had to add this option to the configuration file. It was the 30-touchpad.conf file in
/etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/
small list of other options:
https://wiki.debian.org/LibinputTouchpad


The Sales Associate has the opportunity to interact with hundreds of customers to help guide them in their vehicle purchase. This could be through an Internet-lead, a phone call or a customer who walks in to the store. The goal is to create an exceptional vehicle-buying experience to build customer loyalty to our dealership.
WE HAVE EXCELLENT CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES!
Full-time Automotive Technician needed for luxury new car dealership. Preferably Ford Certified with a minimum of 2 years' experience. Valid license to complete state inspections. Competitive salary & benefit package available.
All applicants must pass pre-employment testing, Back ground checks, MVR, drug test, and have a valid driver's license.
Automotive Dealership seeking a responsible, courteous employee.
Perform wheel alignment, brake shoe/pad replacement, tire changing, routine vehicle maintenance and comprehensive vehicle inspections.
Clean criminal record, and able to pass physical and drug screen.
Respond by email only, Please provide experience and references.


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somethingforyourmallorcaweekend Uncategorized October 3, 2020 6 Minutes
Most people who know me would say I'm probably not a risk taker and on the whole I would agree. But when I look back on my life, I've had my moments. It probably all started when I completely flunked my exams. I was pretty good at school but hated revision. I was too busy playing in the school rugby, football, basketball and cricket teams. At the weekends playing for my Youth football team and my town team of Ware FC, who I made my debut at 15 in the Isthmian League. So I decided to go back and do another year and resit the exams I failed. It became apparent that it would be a total waste of time, a teacher said "it might be worth you getting out and discovering the World Prior."
Anyone who knows me will tell you I have a peculiar personality, give me a microphone and I'll talk to thousands with no problem. Put me in a room of people I don't know and I really struggle. I can't tell you why but I've been like it for years. It all started not long after I left school, as a shy 18 year old I applied to become a Butlins Redcoat. Much to my parents surprise I got the job and off I went to Saltdean near Brighton. My Mum said I'd last a week and I ended up staying four years and I made my way up to Chief Redcoat. After four years I'd had enough and decided to follow In my Dads footsteps and become an Estate Agent. I hated it. After about 9 months I bumped into an old Redcoat mate who asked me what I was up to. He said he'd been working as a holiday Rep and I should apply as it was just like being a Redcoat but you had to sell excursions too. So I did, I got the job and l was packed off here to Mallorca, that was 1990. Once again my Mum wasn't sure. By now I was far more confident but this was moving to another country. Four years I was a Rep and had the time of my life. My favourite excursion was Pirates, so much so that the boss and complete legend, Jacques Sasson offered me a job. But it meant leaving my ability to travel more, stay in the same place and join a company which at the time was 95% Spanish. Fourteen years I was in the show and helping with sales and once again had enormous fun. I met my Wife Rachael who played Captain Scarlet and we married in 2005. I left the show in 2007 to spend more time with my then 1 year old Son Jacob and to work behind the scenes in the show. In 2008 and 2010 I ran the London Marathon for Great Ormond Street. Now I'm a bit of a fat lad so doing that was tough but I finished. Doesn't matter if the bin men were telling me to hurry up!
Since coming off the stage there's been two occasions that I've had to fill in for a few days in the show. Could I still do it? Well I managed, let's put it like that. But keeping up with the younger acrobats 10-15 years later wasn't easy, but I loved it. The best thing was that my kids got to see me in the show after only ever watching me on a DVD.
In 2011 I decided to set up the radio and that has been a real roller coaster but once again great fun. Working on the radio and particularly the Charity work we've done has been the most rewarding and when I look back we've been asked to do some pretty crazy and risky things. More importantly though this was risk but with reward as we were raising money for charity. Some of them with my co-presenter Ayesha and some without.
As a Pirate I had long hair for the show so one of our radio challenges was to have it all shaved off. We did it on stage at Europe Day and it got loads of donations.
Do you remember those blow up assault courses that used to be in the sea? Well Ayesha and I were challenged to run against Des and Gordon from the Drive show. They cheated like you can't believe, Ayesha smashed It, me the fat lad struggled and I'm sure I did my meniscus in my knee that day. That raised 200€.
We were challenged to swim with the sharks at Palma Aquarium for comic relief. Bearing in mind I've never dived before this was a tough one. As we got to the top of the big tank you could see their fins swimming around. Have you fed them yet we asked nervously, no we're waiting for you to finish first was the reply! Blimey that wasn't the answer we were expecting. We did it though and raised 2,250.00€.
The boys at AVIT Marine, one of our advertisers thought it would be funny to ask me to wear a Spurs shirt for the whole of one of the Radiothons and another year to support them in their remaining games of the season. Remember I'm an Arsenal fan so it couldn't be any worse. That raised 1,825.00€.
On our last show of one year on the radio before Christmas we were challenged to run into the sea. So on a freezing December day we did it fully clothed and raised 100€ to add to our Christmas Appeal.
I was asked by one of the listeners to do a full body wax. I agreed everything apart from the Crown Jewels! I'd never done it before and it was painful to be honest but after while I got used to it. That raised 850€.
That brings me nicely onto this years challenge. Stewart from The Aviation Centre contacted us to ask if we would like to go up in a helicopter? As always Ayesha was up for it but I wasn't so sure. I've developed a fear of heights not majorly but enough to not really want to go up in a helicopter. We decided to put it up as a challenge and raised 250.00€, to make me go. On the day we met Stewart at their office at the Son Bonet Aerodrome which used to be the international airport many years ago. He gave us a safety demonstration and off we went. As we approached the helicopter he asked if we would the doors removed? What! Are you mad? I said, with Ayesha laughing in the background. We settled on one door to be taken off so Ayesha sit by that one and I could sit by the closed one. We took off and headed out to the South West. I can't deny it's an amazing feeling and the views are spectacular. Stewart said he'd flown helicopters all over the World but nothing comes close to Mallorca's scenery. We flew over where I lived and then up the west coast. Anyone that knows Mallorca will say that the west coast is the most beautiful part of the island. But seeing it from the sea makes it all the more amazing. We landed for lunch, that's not a phrase you say every day! Lunch was at the luxurious hotel Son Brull just outside Pollensa and very nice it was too. Then it was back to the helicopter for a run back through the centre of the island over the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs which are currently at 60% capacity the highest they've been in years.
Stewart was great and good fun which immediately put me at ease. I thoroughly recommend you giving it a go. They offer Private and Commercial licenses plus pleasure flights or Heli lunches. With Christmas coming up it might make a great present. You can find them on http://www.theaviationcentre.com or call or what's app Stewart on (0034) 638 603 197.
A risk taker? Maybe not, but It's been fun. I wonder what's around the corner?
Take care everyone and enjoy your weekend!
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.30-11.00am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. If you can't hear him on the radio then you'll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance!
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Home / Blog / Living Well / In Florida Accepting the ISPA Visionary Award
In Florida Accepting the ISPA Visionary Award
Published: Wednesday, October 17th 2012
in Living Well
by Susie Ellis
Am currently attending the ISPA conference in Orlando, Florida. It was an honor to be named their 2012 Visionary Award recipient. While I didn't have a lot of time to prepare remarks since my trip to India ended on Saturday and ISPA began on Sunday, I did jot down some thoughts and shared them with the audience. It was my first time using a teleprompter (thumbs up on that) and in order to do so I had to write out my remarks. So thought I would share them with you – plus a photo snapped by Sallie Fraenkel right afterward. Here then were my words….
"When I received the phone call telling me that I would be this year's recipient of the ISPA Visionary Award, I was really moved. I hung up the phone and just sat there, and tears came to my eyes. It seemed so odd to receive an award for something that has been such a privilege.
It has been 40 years since I started my career in this industry and I don't believe there has been one day since in my entire career where I wished I was doing something else. How lucky for me to have found something early in my life that has given me so much joy and fulfillment.
I do want to say three very important thank you's.
The first thank you undoubtedly goes to Deborah Szekely. I know that I do not need to introduce her to this audience. Everyone knows Deborah as the godmother of the spa industry. She is the person who hired me as a fitness instructor at the Golden Door almost 40 years ago. Little did I know at the time that Deborah, who was a tad intimidating to me at the time, would become not only my boss, but my mentor, a second "mom" to me and then eventually a true friend. It is a joy to have her stay with me whenever she comes to New York and I have loved supporting her new dream – Wellness Warriors that I am sure you will hear more about in the next few days.
My second thank you goes to ISPA. I do remember when ISPA was formed – it was 1991 and there is no doubt that it has been a huge contributor to the industry. It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to two of ISPA's early Presidents, Alex Szekely and Jerry Katzoff. I have benefited greatly from all the work done over the past 21 years – each board member, each board chair person, all who served as president or executive director deserve thanks – really from all of us. And a special thank you to Lynne McNees who has been at the helm as President for so many years now. My work in spa trend forecasting and developing the Global Spa and Wellness Summit was birthed from this foundation and I am truly grateful to ISPA.
My third thank you goes to my husband Peter – and it is my greatest and most passionate thanks. In fact the word thank you doesn't begin to describe how grateful I am for having shared so much of my life with him. Fittingly I met Peter at a spa – the Golden Door actually. That was 29 years ago. Many of you know Peter as the CEO of our company, SpaFinder Wellness, but most of you don't know that Peter also cooks me breakfast every morning and has dinner on the table when I return from work every evening. He also does all the grocery shopping, loves to buy me clothes, and makes most of the decorating decisions in our living spaces. He also pays all the bills, sees to our travel arrangements and makes sure that my life is not all about work – as it surely would be if I wasn't married to him. We often joke that he is the "best wife" anyone can have. He has also shared with me the chance to help raise his two children who were very young when we first met. I am blessed to be able to call Courtney and Nicholas my daughter and son today. And while all of that deserves thanks beyond words, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that Peter has also supported my passions financially. He has often mentioned to others that "Susie has a lot of million dollar ideas." …and only partially in jest adds that…"and each of them have cost me a million dollars." That really is close to the truth! While he had many wonderful years in the spotlight as a successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry, he has now stepped back and given me these past years as a gift…and allowed me to soar.
And finally, if I may, a word to those of you here in the audience who may just be starting out in your careers. I think the future of the spa and wellness industry will be even more exciting than the past. Why you might ask? Well, it is because the conversation is now a truly global one. Healing traditions from countries and peoples all over the world are now opening up new opportunities and with the technology available today and the advancements in science and research, the modern spa industry has a tremendous future.
2 days ago I returned from a 10 day trip to India where I had a chance to explore the rich healing traditions of a country that has contributed among other things, Ayurveda, yoga and meditation to our industry. That visit underscored my somewhat crazy belief that the spa and wellness industry not only touches people – literally – in body mind and spirit, but that it is a significant contributor to understandings between people. We shouldn't dismiss our contribution to world peace.
It's been a great 40 years, and while it is sometimes tempting to think that I am coming close to the end of my career, I must say that Deborah's determination to live to 100 and still make significant contributions is an inspiration. And if I am a visionary as this visionary award might indicate, with the future for our industry looking so vibrant, I might just plan on being involved for a few more decades. But shh….don't tell my husband that.
Thank you so much for this honor."
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by BCV October 19, 20199:00 AM November 30, 2019
"Love Yourself" by Gary Jordan
We made it to the weekend, y'all! Hope the week wasn't too hard on you. If so, take some time and listen to some new music. Today, we have "Love Yourself" from the South Florida artist, Gary Jordan.
When it comes to this song, I may be a bit biased because it's an artist from the home section, South Florida. The city was given a shoutout about :44 seconds into the song, and from that point I was hooked. "Came from the bottom, now it's bada-bing!"
Jordan was inspired to create this song as a message to a younger version of himself. At the beginning of the song, he provides a few points of advice which he learned from his experiences. The song can be seen as a message to other youth with a similar upbringing and background. "Looked for a hero and found out [that] I am him." Love yourself first before putting your love, interest, time, and effort in other things is the message I take from the track.
Now, stepping back from my bias and giving my honest opinion, I feel the vibes from the beat and the visual, if you're watching/listening via YouTube, carried the first half of the song over the lyrics. That would be my only criticism. However, at around 1:50 of the song, Jordan brought the energy to close out the song. I understand the message of the song for everyone is to love yourself and such a message can't be delivered overly aggressive, but it would have been nice to see the energy from that part of the song spread throughout from beginning to end.
Love Yourself is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify. For more information about Gary Jordan, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for new music, videos, reviews, and more!
Tagged with: Apple Music Broward County Dade County Gary Jordan hip hop Independent Artist Independent Music Love Yourself Miami Music New Music new release New Single New Video Playlist Rap South Florida spotify


In this episode, the guys test their might as they reveal their favorite supporting characters from the Mortal Kombat universe.
In this episode, the guys sing some of the greatest hits of 90s sitcom theme songs. Will yor favorite make the list? Maybe!
The guys also check discuss not recording for forever, as well as wrestling and mention the Ninja Turtles a couple times.
Also, Eric is jealous of Fatman on Batman, and for good reason.
Tune in and marvel that they even continue to work on a show that's as godawful as this!


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Home/Animal News Stories, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page/The Last Stand of the Gharial
The Last Stand of the Gharial
Critically Endangered Crocodile Species – The Gharial on the Brink of Extinction
In a web log article back in February we reported on the mysterious deaths of a number of adult Gharial crocodiles in their last remaining sanctuaries in northern India. This long-snouted fish-eating Crocodilian can trace its ancestry back to the dinosaurs but the species is facing extinction.
To read the first article: Time Running Out for the Indian Gharial
Analysis of the bloated corpses of these crocodiles show high levels of lead, but the fish that they eat don't show any significant levels of this toxic metal. The demise of the Gharial in one of the last natural habitats remains a mystery.
In another one of the few places in India where these animals can still be seen in the wild, their last nesting sandbank is under threat from construction companies anxious to commandeer the sand for use in building projects.
The plight of this extremely rare reptile and the work of a remarkable group of conservationists as they attempt to save it is highlighted in a BBC 2 programme this evening – part of the Natural World series.
Herptologist Romulus Whitaker in collaboration with other conservationists has set up a "crocodile bank" (Madras Crocodile Bank Trust), this conservation centre has managed to start a breeding programme for gharials (the first time this has been achieved). Thanks to efforts of Romulus and his dedicated team this magnificent creature may have a future after all.
The Natural World is broadcast tonight at 8pm GMT on BBC2.
By Mike| 2014-03-24T17:15:28+00:00	December 2nd, 2008|Animal News Stories, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page|0 Comments


Who are you and where do you come from? My name is Colin Adams. I am married to Nicki, and have four children: Glen (8), Rebekah (6), Grace (4) and Beth (1 1/2 years). I originally hail from Glasgow but lived in Edinburgh for 6 years before moving to Northern Ireland in 2009.
What do you do? I am the pastor of Ballymoney Baptist Church, Northern Ireland. For six years I had the privilege of serving as an Associate Pastor with Charlotte Baptist Chapel in Edinburgh. Before coming to Edinburgh I studied theology for four years at International Christian College in Glasgow.
What do you believe? Not less than the UCCF statement of faith, but in fuller terms, probably something more like the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Most essentially: I believe in a personal, Triune, Creator God; a fallen humanity; that Jesus died for sinners (to bear their condemnation and endure their judgement), yet was raised to life, appearing to many witnesses; and that Jesus will one day return to earth again. If all this is new to you, read this.
Why this blog? There are several preaching-blogs that I already appreciate (see my links). Nonetheless there is still fairly little blogging being done relative to such an important task as preaching. I hope Unashamed Workman will help fill in this gap. Personally, this is a space for me to think through how I can be a "workman" who is not ashamed, one who "correctly handles the word of truth." Let me underscore that I speak as a student and learner of preaching, not as a teacher and expert!
I can't promise to always respond but I do try.
And here it is, January 22nd 2007, and "Unashamed Workman" is already Challies' "King for a Week"! Well spotted on Challies' part, and well deserved, too.
The quote attributed to John Stott is a puzzle.
Karl Barth has been quoted as saying: newspaper on one hand, bible in other: is needed. Please calrify who said what and cite reference please.
happy birthday to you…happy birthday to you. Hope you both have a lovely evening.
If you like good expository preaching, you should check out the best Bob Jones University has to offer: my pastor of almost 10 years, Mark Minnick. He preaches sequentially through books. His series on Ephesians, encompassing my undergrad years, was one of the greatest thrills of my spiritual life.
I just came across your blog. I'm glad to see a British blog dedicated to good preaching! I'd love you to take a look at the new blog I've recently started and consider adding it to your list of Blogs for Preachers. I am co-authoring the blog with a great young preacher from Portland, OR, Mike Roth. We are posting articles on applied homiletical theory, aspects of delivery, discussions of how to preach specific Biblical texts and preaching book reviews. If you're interested, the blog should explain all about us and the content.
Now I've found your site I'll be back!
Only one question – why haven't you asked your ten questions to PG? Do the emails take too long to return or something?
That's a great point John. I'll need to get round to that!
This a very nice blog. Lots of good links, etc. I will be back again.
Colin, I really appreciate your blog and, especially, the 10 questions asked of various pastors. I would suggest my pastor, Dr. Charles (Bobby) Holt, as someone to answer those questions. You can listen to many of his sermons on our church website, http://www.vgbc.org. If you like his expository style, then contact him through the website and ask away! Our church is Vista Grande Baptists Church in Colorado Springs, CO.
Hi. Nice to meet you. I am listening to your post from Mark Driscoll.
You've a new regular visitor to the blog brother. This is an superb resource that I as a pastor will be frequenting.
Just came across your blog in the last couple of days and really enjoy your posts. This is a great resource !
C'mon Colin, we want Driscoll!
Hey John, nice to hear from you – even IF you are goading me! 🙂 Believe it or not, I actually put the questions in Driscoll's hand when he was over here. He's kind of busy though, so I'd be surprised if they're ever returned….
Sydney is great – so far it has rained more than Edinburgh… and it supposed ot be Summer here.
Ministry is … great fun, hard work, challenging, rewarding … ministry basically.
I read your blog regularly and have found it to be challenging, encouraging and edifying. I have especially been enjoying the sermon series from Jeremiah and have found it to be a valuable resource as I teach through that book in my Sunday School class.
I would really like to listen to the homiletics audio by Bryan Chapell, but the links don't seem to be working. Is it just me or is it something on your end.
Thanks for the hard work you do for us!
Dean, my computer does that as well. After it comes up with the fail message, highlight your URL once more and hit return again. When my computer refreshes the audio then comes on.
Go figure, works that way for me too! Thanks for the help and the wonderful resource.
Excellent blog.. many thanks.. appreciate the links and the encouragement.
Colin, thanks for your blog! I just began my studies in seminary here in the States at Southwestern Baptist Theological and look forward to gaining insight from your blog!
Still appreciating your blog. A favour, brother, could you change my link from biblicalpreaching.wordpress.com to the new URL biblicalpreaching.net – thanks so much!
Sure Peter, will change that ….
Finding your blog a helpful reminder that Oak Hill is simply a means to an end, not the end itself.
Look forward to being back in Edinburgh for the summer, especially having been reminded by the link from your blog not to wast it.
When I found your blog, I was interested to see that you're originally from Glasgow. I'm also a Glaswegian. It was good to see a photo of Charlotte Chapel. I've never been to a service there. The mention of Charlotte Chapel did, however, bring back a distant memory. I met Derek Prime, in 1971, at a conference in at Netherhall Conference, Largs. I think he may have been preaching on 1 Peter 1:3. I have a recollection of a comment he made, comparing "living hope" (RSV) and "lively hope" (AV). I was greatly blessed by his ministry. When I returned to Glasgow and attended the evening service at Sandyford-Henderson, I was called to the ministry through the preaching of George Philip. He was preaching on Elisha taking up the mantle of prophetic ministry when Elijah was taken up to heaven. This was the challenge to bring God's Word to the next generation. Now that I'm one of the older generation, it's good to see a young man like yourself with the great ambition of being an "unashamed workman." When I was studying for the ministry, I nearly went to New College. If I had come to Edinburgh, as a Church of Scotland candidate for the ministry and a member of Sandyford, I would probably have sat under the ministry of Jim Philip at Holyrood Abbey. I think, however, following my brief encounter with Derek Prime's ministry, there would have been more than a few visits to Charlotte Chapel. As it happened, I decided – in the week the University began – to study at Glasgow. I never did visit Charlotte Chapel and haven't visited Edinburgh very often (especially in recent years, since I left my first charge in Dunfermline where I served from 1980 to 1996). Thanks for setting me off on a trip down memory lane!! Your blog looks good. I'm going to add your blog to the list of "Other Blogs" at my blog and will visit it again.
The link from my name won't link now. I closed that blog. This comment should leave a link that will work.
Just stumbled across your blog, I don't think we have met but I went to Charlotte for 10 years, while John Smuts and John Percival were there – just before you arrived I think. I've signed up to receive updates so looking forward to what's to come. I'm in Dundee these days attending Central Baptist. Keep up the good work at Charlotte and say hello to Peter from me.
I've also added Unashamed Workman to my blogroll. Thanks for all the interesting posts.
I'm pastor of a Reformed Baptist church, Goodwood Baptist in Cape Town.
Committed to expository preaching…know Mark Dever, having been to one of the 'weekenders' at his church.
How do I sign up to this?
We publish a church history magazine in the US called "Leben". Our next issue will include an article about George Whitefield. I ntoiced that in your archive page you have a painting of Whitefield preaching. I am trying to get a copy of that painting. Do you know the source? Thank you for your help.
I would like to share with you a good ebook that's free to help pastors and their wives with discouragement and burnout. You can find it at: http://www.stoppastorburnout.com . It's quite helpful.
If you have pastor friends or even their wives, we are currently inviting pastors and pastor wives to join charter membership club for free for 2 months,you might want to share this with them. You may visit http://www.susandavidlifecoach.com/index.php/sponsors for more information.
Feel free to share this with your friends or people you care for.
Surely it is time for you and other reformed bloggers to disassociate yourselves from this kind of stuff and the arrogant and God-dishonouring attitude which goes along with it. The truth should not be mixed with muck in this way and those who belive they have the truth should speak it in love and not in ridicule of others as is often the style of Mr Johnson and his blog.
Meanwhile, thank you for your blog which, by way of contrast, I find very helpful.
I wanted to say congratulations on your installation as the new Pastor of Ballymoney Baptist Church AND congrats on being the 64th most popular church blog in the world!
I thoroughly enjoy visiting your blog and reading your insightful posts/links. Keep 'em up.
I appreciate your blog's focus on preaching and have benefited from it.
I'm a seminarian at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was profoundly impressed with a recent special lecture titled "The Extemporaneous Mode of Preaching" by Dr. John Carrick (OPC). It's a powerful address that compares this mode of preaching to other methods such as sermon reading and sermon reciting. Dr Carrick often calls to our attention such noble preachers as Dr Lloyd-Jones, Spurgeon, Broadus, Dabney, and more recent men such as Al Martin, to make his case.
I hope you'll listen to it and give us your thoughts on it.
I have tried to email you several times today and the emails keep getting bounced back, because it says your box is full. Would you please email me with an address I can contact you at?
Greetings from Scotland. I trust that all is going well in your ministry there in Ballymoney and that you are conscious of the Lord's enabling presence and grace. It's good to keep 'tabs' on you via your blog.
I was wondering if you can assist me with something. I am trying to draw up for the College students recommended book list for a small library for those starting out on ministry. You know, the essential commentaries, study books etc etc. I know MacArthur has one of about 750 books which is very big for this stage of things and also probably a bit out of date. I wondered whether you were aware of another list somewhere that I could access or even, whether through the medium of your blog, you could get suggestions from folk.
so could you edit the link which you have kept on your link list – if you still want to link of course! Keep up the good work. Keep fanning the flame!
I would like to gracious suggest you change Rev. Richard Phillips URL to his broadcast page, ApplyingGodsLivingWord.org. He is no longer in Florida and that link is broken. From his broadcast page, you can stream most of his edited messages, as well as download MP3s.
Just found your blog today. THANKS!
I would like to seek permission to translate an article or two for an Italian-language website, but your email listed here doesn't work. Can you please contact me about permissions?


text:
Q: why does passing an object by value generate smaller assembly? I'm playing around with references in C++ on a Cortex-M4 and I noticed that when I change the argument of a function to pass the object by value I get smaller assembly code.
struct Foo
{
    int x;
    int y;
    int bar[128];
    float f;
    float b;
    char hello;
    int * i;
};

Foo &getFoo(void)
{
    static Foo _f;
    return _f;
}

void passFoo(Foo& f)
{
    f.x = 0;
    return;
}

int main(void)
{
    Foo & f = getFoo();
    passFoo(f);
}

Assembly output:
getFoo():
        ldr     r0, .L3
        bx      lr
.L3:
        .word   .LANCHOR0
passFoo(Foo&):
        movs    r3, #0
        str     r3, [r0]
        bx      lr
main:
        ldr     r3, .L7
        movs    r0, #0
        str     r0, [r3]
        bx      lr
.L7:
        .word   .LANCHOR0

Godbolt
If I change the argument of passFoo to take Foo by value not by reference the output assembly is smaller.
struct Foo
{
    int x;
    int y;
    int bar[128];
    float f;
    float b;
    char hello;
    int * i;
};

Foo &getFoo(void)
{
    static Foo _f;
    return _f;
}

void passFoo(Foo f)
{
    f.x = 0;
    return;
}

int main(void)
{
    Foo & f = getFoo();
    passFoo(f);
}

Assembly output:
getFoo():
        ldr     r0, .L3
        bx      lr
.L3:
        .word   .LANCHOR0
passFoo(Foo):
        sub     sp, sp, #16
        stm     sp, {r0, r1, r2, r3}
        add     sp, sp, #16
        bx      lr
main:
        movs    r0, #0
        bx      lr

Godbolt
Why is that?
I'm trying to figure out whether the references can be completely otpimized out by the compiler.
What is more interesting is that the above happened when I added more members in the struct Foo.


If you ask a business appraiser, you will hear: business value is in the eyes of the beholder. In formal jargon, business valuation results depend on the standard of value you use.
One of these standards is known as the intrinsic value. As the name implies, this is the measure of value one figures out by focusing on the fundamental characteristics that create value in a company. Note that this is very different than the fair market value that is often used by business people when comparing a company to other firms.
Intrinsic value is the price of business ownership that is determined by a valuation analyst following an in-depth or fundamental review of the company's earning power, assets, and other value drivers.
In layman's terms, the company's intrinsic value is its true or real value, something that is revealed after careful consideration of all the value creating factors. An analyst setting out to figure out the company's real worth will study its products, customer base, competitive position, relationships with suppliers, capital resources, management, skilled staff, among others.
What happens if many serious investors do this analysis and arrive at pretty much the same value number? Now the intrinsic value becomes the company's market value as these leading investors cast their votes by buying or selling company's stock at a certain price.
Figuring out intrinsic value for any business is no easy task. It is named fundamental analysis for a reason. If you really want to know what a company is worth, you roll up your sleeves and delve into a rigorous study of all the important elements that create or destroy value in the firm. Your investment decision is then guided by your conclusions: is the company's stock priced higher, lower or in line with your findings?
This lets you weed out market hype and inflated prices and zero in on value priced companies worth your while. The serious investor is rewarded with insight into promising companies before the market sentiment catches up. You get to hit pay dirt before the gold rush sets in.
Note that the legal definition of intrinsic value may differ from the economic concept. When in doubt and facing a legal challenge, check with your attorney on how the case law or local statutes see it.


I'll touch on this subject one more time and then let it rest.
Just to show that our preconceived notions of what the racecar needs are often wrong, and that slavish devotion to simplistic notions of vehicle dynamics are equally wrong, it happened again this weekend at Autobahn.
One car I engineered felt like it needed a crisper turn-in with more support. But, it was worse with a slightly stiffer front bar, not better - as is often the case. Turns out it needed more low-speed bump damping and less front bar.
Another car I engineered lost front grip with a lower nose on the bump damping curve, despite expectations that it would gain front grip from that change. After all, the rear had just gained grip from a similar change.
At the next event, I may have to abandon these seemingly solid conclusions, too, if they prove to have been track-specific.
-Listen to the car and the driver. They are reality. Your preconceived notions are not.
-The solution to a question may go contrary to common theory or your experience.
In the first example, could we look at (roll) damping ratios and determine that the baseline setting was "outside of the ballpark?" I guess the big question is why/what made it work this way?
Enjoying your blog. Gets the old brain cogs turning!


Peiyi Wong is a Los Angeles and New York-based scenographer and interdisciplinary artist.
She designs sets and costumes for theater, opera, dance, and film with a particular interest in experimental and cross-disciplinary modes of expression and collaboration.
Her original works draw heavily from her experience as a contemporary theater artist. They often incorporate at least one if not several elements of installation, interactivity, movement/performance, puppetry, or video. This work, on occasion, also informs or supplements her more traditional theatrical and production design process.
Peiyi holds an MFA in Scenic Design and Integrated Media from the California Institute of the Arts. She received her BA in Literature and Visual Arts from Columbia University.
Her theater work has been shown at REDCAT, Automata, HERE Arts Center, P.S. 122, The Ontological-Hysteric Theater, The Chocolate Factory, Access Theater Gallery, The Brick, The Prague Quadrennial, and multiple other venues and institutions in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Mount Desert Island, ME.
Film design work and art direction has been or is due to be screened at Tribeca, Toronto, and Asian-American International Film Festivals.


text:
Tampa JCC engages community, writers in Books & Conversations Festival
Kendra Langlie | Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Tampa's Jewish Book Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is bringing in authors from the national stage as well as showcasing local authors in its two week "Books & Conversations" Festival that kicks off October 18, 2015. The festival is open to the public and most of the events take place at the Tampa Jewish Community Center located at 13009 Community Campus Drive near Citrus Park Mall.
"We are offering experiences, not just a chance to hear an author talk about their book," says Jewish Books & Conversation Committee Chair Debbie Doliner who says that in addition to promoting Jewish literature, the festival aims to engage attendees and the authors in conversation.
"We don't want just 'readers' — this is open to the entire Tampa Bay community,'' Dominer says. "There is always great food and drink and some other interesting aspect."
Many of the authors write on Jewish themes, such as Washington-based Sarah Wildman's award-winning Paper Love, Searching for the Girl My Grandfather Left Behind who discovered in her grandfather's love letters and her subsequent research, the story of his escape from pre-World War II Europe and the lover he left behind. Dan Ephron, former Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Newsweek and The Daily Beast, explores the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and its continuing impact in Killing A King, The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the Remaking of Israel. Local author Lynda Lippman-Lockhart's book, The Laundry Room, brings to life the true story of the clandestine ammunitions factory run by young Israelis to arm its troops at the end of the British occupation in the late 1940s.
Other themes are more universal – tickets are selling fast for author Judith Viorst's luncheon at Maggiano's. Viorst's diverse writing ranges from newspaper to children's books –- you may recognize Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day which sold over 2 million copies and was made into a Disney comedy last year -- to adult fiction and nonfiction. She is also slated as a highly entertaining personality and poet and to that end will discuss her latest book Wait For Me and Other Poems About the Irritations and Consolations of a Long Marriage.
Joshua Braff, author of the The Daddy Diaries and until recently a Tampa Bay resident, and local author Barbara Post-Askin who wrote Reflections of Liberty, A Memoir will also be presenting during the festival.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting the Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation; reservations are recommended.
Arts, Connections, Diversity, Talent


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Westcombe Park is a quiet and leafy residential oasis nestled between Blackheath and Greenwich Park. It benefits from the light and space of the heath together with the history and splendour of maritime Greenwich.
While the shops and restaurants of Blackheath Village and Greenwich are in easy reach, we are also served by an excellent array of businesses, coffee shops and restaurants at Blackheath Royal Standard and surrounding Westcombe Park Station. We are proud that these include a number of independents and a branch of Greenwich Library.
Transport links are superb as we have two mainline stations, Westcombe Park and Maze Hill, which offer a fast and frequent service to Central London and Kent. Numerous buses also serve our area, with some running 24 hours, which link Westcombe Park residents to London Underground's Jubilee line at North Greenwich and the DLR at the Cutty Sark as well as Central and South East London.
The area also boasts a number of highly sought after state and private schools, several being highly rated by OFSTED.
Unusually for London, Westcombe Park is an area where you get a strong sense of community. This is nurtured by the Westcombe Society and the many events it holds for local residents in Westcombe Park's community centre, Mycenae House, and its extensive garden. The Westcombe Society also produces an award-winning (and free) community paper, Westcombe News, produced and delivered by devoted volunteers.
Westcombe Park has something to offer everyone – a calm and environmentally conscientious community which is well connected to the city. The area provides convenient amenities for those with a busy schedule in addition to excellent schools, clubs, classes and voluntary opportunities.
No wonder so many local residents will tell you that once you move to Westcombe Park you'll never want to leave!


During the months of October and November, Erie Together spent a significant amout of effort planning and executing two large events: the Erie Together Cross Team Meeting on October 17 and the Erie Together Community Forum on November 13. Both events were well attended, garnered valuable input and interest, and were important to Erie Together's work.
Please Click here to read the Activity Report for December 2012.


I was fairly competent at spelling, but not perfect.
I never entered a competition to test myself against others.
I cannot recall ever being assigned a writing exercise as punishment.
In elementary school I was always willing to stay behind and wash the chalk board.
I enjoyed games like hangman, I always enjoyed using the word "zephyr" on a new group of kids, a word which I had learned from Dungeons & Dragons.
I stopped paying attention in class when it came time to learn how to diagram sentences.
I do not remember doing anything of the sort in elementary or middle school, but it was a part of the 9th grade curriculum, and I was content to never turn in any of that homework, and fail those lessons alltogether.
My grammar is fine, though on occasion I write a long sentence, and I might quibble with an editor over the placement of a comma; I occasionally misuse the semicolon.
I remember once in the 4th grade getting stuck, experiencing a mental block on how to spell the word "use." I spelled it, "youse" and the teacher called me to her desk about that.
I knew that I was spelling the word wrong even as I was printing it, but for some reason I could not think my way around it.
As an undergraduate I often chaffed when a teacher in a philosophy class or a theology class would take points off a paper for grammar and spelling.
This did not have a huge impact on me but it did have some.
I was especially perturbed when they would do this in areas of grammar where the rules are "gray," un-fixed, and where the writer has some choice.
I dropped out of high school when I was fifteen years old.
I did not take another writing class or English class, or a class of any kind until I was nineteen.
I started back up at the Minneapolis Community College.
I was enrolled in a remedial writing course.
We were asked to write a couple of paragraphs every day. The first paragraphs that I turned in came back to me covered in red ink. All of the professor's comments were related to punctuation.
The teacher was very kind, and he explained in very simple terms how to use a comma, period, and a semicolon.
No one else has ever explained it so clearly.
Even I cannot recreate his simple mode of instruction, but following his guidance, every assignment I turned in thereafter was perfect.
b. A comma may be used in a place of a period at any time, because a comma can be used in two ways; either to join a complete clause to an incomplete clause, or to join two complete clauses.
c. A semicolon can may be used to join a two complete clauses, in which the subjects or main ideas of each clause are closely related. It may also be used to break up parts of a list.