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Tag Archives: Redistricting
The Rick Perry legacy
Tomorrow, Governor-elect Greg Abbott will take the reigns from Rick Perry and officially become just 'Governor Abbott.' For the first time since the Clinton administration, Texas will have a new governor. Indeed, Perry has served in office for more than 14 years, shattering all the old records set by his predecessors.
I've been putting off writing about this, because I do not necessarily feel qualified to editorialize about political events that transpired in 2000 or 2001. I was six years old when Perry assumed office, so opining on some of Perry's first acts would be a lot like my father talking about his experience in observing Dwight Eisenhower or Allan Shivers' respective tenures in office.
Perry, of course, took office on December 21st, 2000, the day that George W. Bush resigned the governorship in preparation to become president. Perry had served as the Lieutenant Governor since 1999, and previously served two terms as Agriculture Commissioner from 1991 to 1999. He also served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, from 1985 to 1991, the first two of which as a Democrat.
I'm not going to meticulously go over the ebbs and flows of his time in office, others have done a much better job at that. Rather, I want to examine two ideas about Perry that have always stayed with me from his time in office. Contrary to what some may expect from me, they are actually quite positive.
If this makes sense, Perry is an ideologue –but in a good way. When he first took office, his co-leaders were quite different. The Speaker of the House, Pete Laney, was a Democrat, and the acting Lieutenant Governor, State Senator Bill Ratliff (R-Titus County), was a tremendously moderate Republican who could absolutely not succeed in one of his party's primaries today (think Nelson Rockefeller, except from East Texas). After the conclusion of the 77th Legislature in 2001, Perry vetoed a record number of bills. Even when compared to Ratliff's successor, David Dewhurst, Perry was right-wing.
Today, however, Perry is seen as an establishment figure. Bud Kennedy at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram opined that he could run for president as the "anti-Cruz," a more pragmatic establishment type. Compared to, as of tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick or Attorney General Ken Paxton (or even Abbott), Perry is on the moderate side of his party. Obviously, the governor did not tack to the left in an era when so many others zoomed the other way. On the other hand, Perry has a firmly planted set of core beliefs, which does not change because of partisan winds. Love him or hate him, that's an admirable quality, one that is less and less common in successful politicians.
Second, Perry — at his core — always appears to have all of Texas at heart. Sure, there was the rampant cronyism/corruption. But any even rudimentary student of Texas political history knows that is the rule and not the exception. Unlike Abbott or Patrick, in my opinion, Perry genuinely believed what he was doing would be good for the average Texan (as much as he may have been mistaken in some instances), not the average Republican primary voter.
I have found myself agreeing more and more with the band of Democrats who feel that Perry's successors will be considerably worse than him, and we will one day covet the comparable pragmatism in the Perry administration. There is certainly some truth in this, but it is important to not get carried away.
Perry pushed through venal so-called "tort reform" that lobotomized much of our court system, including the resurgence of cruddy legal jurisprudence typically only found in Great Britain. He was instrumental in the horrendous gerrymandering scheme that reduced 90%+ of legislative districts to uncompetitive backwaters. More recently, he vigorously pushed the omnibus anti-abortion legislation that Wendy Davis filibustered and he attempted to coerce an unfriendly prosecutor into resigning by threatening (and following through) to veto funding (this is what he was indicted regarding).
Obviously, Texas can't get much worse off on many fronts, but on others it surely can. Perhaps most horrifying about Abbott and his ilk is that they have no central moral principles, nothing preventing them from grandstanding and demagoguery in the face of an increasingly extreme minority that monopolizes the political process. When they start demanding book burnings or the rescinding of the bill of rights, Perry would have rightly put his foot down. Abbott and Patrick, to the contrary, I'm unsure about.
Adios, mofo. We'll miss you (sort of).
Standard | | Tagged 2016 Election, Abortion, Allan Shivers, Bill Ratliff, Dan Patrick, Dwight Eisenhower, Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, Pete Laney, Public Integrity Unit, Redistricting, Rick Perry, Ted Cruz, Tort Reform, Wendy Davis	| 2 Comments
by Texpatriate Editorial Board
Texpatriate endorses in CD2
Editorial note: A previous version of this editorial inadvertently misspelled Mr Letsos' first name. We have fixed the typo with apologies to Mr Letsos.
Texas' 2nd Congressional District is a remarkably unique creature. Historically situated in deep East Texas, it has been occupied by some of the great behemoths of Texas politics, namely Jack Brooks and Charlie Wilson. In 2004, under the stewardship of Tom DeLay, the Texas Legislature gerrymandered the district into an entirely new creation, combining swaths of East Texas with not only northeastern Harris County, but the working class neighborhoods of Beaumont. A prominent Criminal District Judge from Houston, Ted Poe, received the Republican nomination and handily defeated Congressman Nick Lampson, the Democrat who had represented the Beaumont area for many years.
This board has always been cautious about Poe's tenure as a Congressman. All in all and most generously, it is best characterized by relentless adherence to majoritarian principles and interests of constituents. Still, we have historically been impressed by his steadfast dedication to justice. As a District Judge, overseeing felonious cases, Poe was renowned for handing down bizarre sentences that "fit the crime," including requiring thieves to march around the establishments they store from with signs notifying the public of their crimes.
Perhaps most importantly, Poe has been a tireless advocate against human trafficking. Specifically, this board has been wowed by his introduction of the Justice for Victims of Human Trafficking Act in this most recent session of Congress. The bill increases appropriations for Federal law enforcement agencies to fight the heinous crimes and increases penalties for all those involved with the despicable practice. It has unanimously passed the House of Representatives, under Poe's guidance, and is now waiting for action in the Senate.
Furthermore, Poe has incessantly been a valued representative to his constituents, even in areas not necessarily prone to voting for him. During 2011 redistricting, the 2nd District was rearranged once again, with the East Texas and Beaumont precincts being swapped out for inner-city Houston, namely Montrose and Timbergrove, two Democratic neighborhoods. This board has been particularly impressed with how Poe has been receptive to his new constituents desires, unlike their previous Congressman, John Culberson.
While Culberson continues to be at the behest of special interests trying to stymie an invaluable expansion of Light Rail throughout Montrose, Poe calmly polled his constituents and –upon learning they overwhelmingly supported expansion– began fighting for their interests. Poe sets an example for all his contemporaries, Democratic or Republican.
Of course, we are not without our criticisms. Poe is sadly somewhat right-wing on many social issues, and his views on immigration and foreign policy are sadly out of touch. However, even in representing these poor positions, Poe manages to successfully channel the desires of his constituents.
While we like Poe's Democratic opponents, Niko Letsos, we believe he simply lacks the experience for Congress. The job requires someone without the need for on-the-job training, as well as an individual with a complex grasp of the myriad issues facing this State and this Country. While we may give Letsos the benefit of the doubt on the former, even a cursory glance over his website will show a somewhat superficial grasp of the issues. We likely agree with Letsos on some issues over Poe; predominantly those aforementioned social issues. However, this election ultimately comes down to a decision on experience and engagement. This board believes Poe decisively possesses both.
Noah M. Horwitz wrote an individual addendum to this editorial
I share my good friend Andrew's views on the positive qualities Poe brings to his district, as well as the concerns over Letsos' inexperience in the realm of politics. However, I do believe that he undervalued the importance of issues themselves.
Poe is a great representative for his people, but should this publication merely validate what is popular and not what is right? I disagree with Poe on abortion, on gay marriage, on Obamacare, on immigration reform, on taxes and on the general way that Congress should be run. These are significant points for me and, if I were to live in Poe's district, they would make voting for him difficult.
Obviously, it would be easy for Letsos to say that he disagrees with Poe on the flashpoints while sharing his commitment to ending human trafficking. All the members of the House ostensibly shared that commitment, but it took Poe to actually craft a bill that attempts to solve a very terrible problem. Poe's go-getter attitude on this issue and others is, in my opinion, his strongest attribute.
I don't know how I would vote if I lived in Poe's district. I honestly cannot see myself voting for the Republican in good faith, given their position in national politics. Alas, I don't live in the 2nd district. My good friend Andrew does, though, so I will listen to what he has to say.
The Texpatriate Editorial Board is comprised of Noah M. Horwitz & Olivia Arena of Austin, George Bailey of Boston, Luis Fayad of College Station and Andrew Scott Romo of New Orleans. Editorials represent a majority opinion of the voting board.
Standard | | Tagged 113th Congress, 2014 Election, Andy, Charlie Wilson, Editorial Board, Endorsements, Human Trafficking, Jack Brooks, John Culberson, METRO, Nick Lampson, Nike Letsos, Redistricting, Ted Poe, Tom DeLay	| 5 Comments
Primaries will not be delayed
The Texas Tribune reports that the 2014 Texas primaries will be scheduled normally; they will occur at the beginning of March. The decision was undertaken by the Federal Judges in San Antonio (the closest district court to the capital), who noted that, while litigation would continue against the constitutionality of the Legislature drawn maps (which are identical to the Court drawn maps from earlier), it would not affect the regularly schedule 2014 election, including the unreasonably early primary election.
One may recall that the Chronicle noted the possibility of another delayed primary last month. This was discussed as something that could adversely affect David Dewhurst in his upcoming contentious primary fight.
This is important for Democrats as well. While today's Houston Chronicle article on the topic discusses the horrible setback that Democrats have suffered, I must beg to differ. The article notes that Texas has an exceptionally early primary and, therefore, a very short campaign season (only about the two months from New Year's to March 4th).
All of this is true, but the article conflates the present situation with a far different one: a regularly scheduled primary in May. While a May primary, that has been planned in May in advanced, would offer a great respite for challengers –both Democrats and Tea Party– and help their campaigns, the same is not true of what happened in 2012.
In 2012, the primaries were delayed without much warning, and the new primary election date was up in the air for a long amount of time. As the Court-ordered maps and the Legislature-drawn maps differed significantly, a plethora of candidates were unaware of which seat they would actually be running in.
This utter chaos, this pandemonium on the ground, is not good for challengers. It creates disorganized campaigns that waste far too much of their time and money on extraneous details. Such scenarios ultimately benefit the incumbent, as the incumbent is always at default to win an election because of superior name recognition and funding.
Accordingly, Democrats should be happy that the primary will be on the normally scheduled day in districts we are already familiar with.
Off the Kuff has more.
Standard | | Tagged 2014 Election, David Dewhurst, Redistricting	| 0 comments
Another delayed Primary?
The Houston Chronicle reports that continued legal fights over redistricting may very well delay the 2014 Primaries again, similar to what happened in the 2012 primary election season.
That is about all of the substance the article talks about, as following the brief news item, the Chronicle goes on a long tangent about how a delayed primary could impact incumbents in a negative away. This, of course, is a less-than-subtle way of prophesying doom for David Dewhurst, since he both was the only incumbent officeholder adversely affected in the 2012 primary and the only incumbent running for re-election next year (though, if one were comfortable calling Dewhurst "incumbent" in a 2012 Senate election, I suppose Abbott, Patterson, Staples, et al are incumbents too).
For the life of me, I can't find any hard proof as to this happening. The Chronicle seems to just be guessing/assuming it since there is ongoing legal action. It is probably a pretty good assumption, but let's not forget there is not actual proof as to this occurrence.
Delaying a primary to May wreaks havoc on the entire schedule of events moving forward for the election. Most notably, it means that the runoff does not take place until July, thus placing party conventions square in the middle of the two elections, as was the case last year. This doesn't really matter in the Democratic convention because it doesn't matter who we nominate because they don't win. To play the devil's advocate, though, it is quite an impediment to the Republicans' convention, as their primaries are what actually choose our officeholders. For the sake of party unity, it is devastating to not have some of the top tickets filled at the convention.
Now, I suppose there is something to be said about the fact that there are never competitive Statewide Democratic primaries in Texas, so we will have our spots picked earlier and it will give us the advantage. That hasn't ever really been the case, nationally or locally, so I have very little faith in it making a difference next year.
Just something to keep in mind moving forward.
Standard | | Tagged Redistricting	| 1 Comment
Redistricting bill signed
You can tell how bad it is gotten for advocates of equity in redistricting that I am actually relieved about this. The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that the Governor has signed SB2, SB3 and SB4. The three bills were the only thing to get out of the 1st Special Session and they codify the temporary court-drawn State House, Senate Senate and US House redistricting bills as the permanent maps. These are the maps being used through the 2020 elections now.
As you may recall, I attended & testified at both of the redistricting hearings in Houston. As expected, the Republicans on the committee didn't listen to a word we said (to be fair, most of the Democrats didn't too) and rubber stamped all of these maps. All along party lines, the bills passed the legislature and made their way to Perry's desk.
Now, this is actually important because it could be a whole lot worse. After the Shelby case, observers noted that the injunction against the 2011 Legislature approved maps had technically been struck. Accordingly, there was some speculation that Perry would veto the court-drawn maps and attempt to revive the 2011 ones. This event closes the door to such speculation.
Standard | | Tagged 83rd Legislature, Redistricting	| 0 comments
Citizens' Filibuster and more
Most notably, after holding a largely successful "Citizens Filibuster" into the wee hours of the morning yesterday, the House State Affairs Committee adjourned without voting on the Omnibus Abortion restriction bill. However, the committee quietly reconvened today and voted out the bill.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that the hearings on HB60, the equivalent of the Senate's anti-abortion bill but also including the 20 week ban, extended until 3:40 in the morning last night as nearly 2000 women showed up to testify against the burdensome regulations. I was in meetings all day today, so I never had a chance to be on the first people writing on this. Off the Kuff, Texas Leftist and Brains & Eggs (who spelled my name right, yea!!!) have much more on the topic of the filibuster.
The bigger issue, unfortunately, is that it didn't really mean much. The Texas Tribune reports that the State Affairs Committee approved the bill anyway. However, there is actually quite a lot to discuss on the actions by this committee. The committee not only approved HB60, which is different than the Senate's bill (SB5), but they also rubber-stamped SB5 itself. This means the legislation goes straight to Perry if the full House votes favorably upon it. However, in one shining glimmer of hope, the Tribune article notes that there may have been a Point of Order violation when Chairman Bryan Cook cut testimony short.
From the Tribune article: "Farrar and reproductive rights advocates allege Cook's decision to end testimony could endanger the legislation. House members may be able to kill the bill on a point of order if the committee did not follow proper legislative procedures when they ended testimony. If approved, advocates could also sue the state and seek to overturn the legislation, arguing the state ignored democratic processes by denying them the opportunity to speak on the bill."
If Turner and his gang can P.O.O. the bill, that would be fabulous. I have always maintained that this bill would be unconstitutional and summarily thrown out in Federal Court. Last but not least, I thoroughly recommend watching Rachel Maddow's thoughts on the matter. Jessica Farrar joins her as the guest (TX @ 6 min; Farrar @ 14 min).
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26315908/#52280296
Though I can't find an article for it, I know that the House third-read passed the redistricting maps. It's a done deal now.
Finally, in an exceedingly bizarre series of events, the Austin American-Statesman reports that Sen. John Whitmire alleged that Governor Perry vetoed one of his bills, SB1234/Truancy Reform, by mistake. The article opened the idea of Perry calling a mea culpa on the matter, and the Legislature summarily re-approving the legislation in the final days of the Special Session. However, in the recent update to the article, Perry reaffirmed it was not by mistake. Even if it was (it probably was), there is no way he would ever admit to it, it would make him look too bad. Whitmire claims he had some good sources, but as our Editorial Board says, he isn't always to be trusted.
I was supposed to meet with Dan Branch today, but Special Session needs came calling. I did get to see, in unrelated news, a mock trial being put on by Dallas County. It was the hypothetical "Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald." After a very, very, very short trial for Capital Murder (three hours), a jury of Dallas' judges deadlocked 9-3 in favor of guilt. It will be in the news soon enough, and you will probably see me in the video (I'm in the second row).
Standard | | Tagged 83rd Legislature, Abortion, Byron Cook, Jessica Farrar, John Whitmire, Redistricting, Rick Perry, Sylvester Turner	| 1 Comment
Lege update 6/20
There are a few other things that have happened at the Capitol in the last two days that I have missed. So, briefly, I will attempt to explain and discuss these two actions.
First, reports The Texas Tribune, the Senate is moving towards approving SJR2, which would amend the constitution to allow for the the rainy day fund to be partially depleted in order to fund transportation infrastructure projects. I talked about this bill at length a few days ago, when it passed a Senate panel.
Off the Kuff has more about the topic.
Next, the San Antonio Express-News reports that the House has taken up the Senate's bill to apply life-with-parole to 17 year-olds who commit Capital Murder. I talked at length about this bill when the Senate passed it. The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously approved the Senate's bill. The House, however, discussed alternative proposals, preserving the possibility that the Senate may retake up the measure.
Rep. Bryan Hughes (R-Wood County), never really especially progressive, pleasantly surprised me by offering up a better solution to this problem: allowing juries to choose a range of punishments ranging from 25 years to life-without-parole. As a reminder, the Supreme Court said that life w/o parole for 17 year olds is not unconstitutional, per se, but rather only when they are the mandatory sentence. Accordingly, a greater consensus existed in the House to preserve the penalty as an option, allowing juries to choose between life with parole and life without parole. This presents an interesting conundrum, because, in Texas, prosecutors and defense attorneys generally do not discuss parole options before a jury takes up a sentencing matter. When a jury convicts for life with parole, they usually just think they are convicting for "life."
Third, the Austin American-Statesman discusses the building momentum in the House to override Perry's line item veto of Public Integrity Unit funding. Sylvester Turner, recently named the "Bull of the Brazos" by Texas Monthly, is leading a coalition to override the veto. This will be interesting to watch. Obviously, Turner can get the votes of all the Democrats. Thereafter, he will still need about 45 Representatives and 9 Senators. I think that is possible, though. Perry ticked off a lot of Republicans when he vetoed their bills (Kel Seliger and Dan Patrick, anyone?), so they may be easy pickings for payback. Just a theory, though.
Last, but certainly not least, and this is fresh off the press, the House has voted to rubber stamp the Redistricting bills. The Houston Chronicle states that these are second readings, with final approval expected tomorrow. At that point, it will just be the Governor's signature standing in the way of these vile maps being adopted.
I'm up in Dallas for the next few days on official business. Saw/met Ken Starr and Justice Samuel Alito today, so I guess you could say it was a success. I'll probably have more to talk about tonight.
Standard | | Tagged 83rd Legislature, Bryan Hughes, Ken Starr, Redistricting, Rick Perry, Rosemary Lehmberg, Samuel Alito, Sylvester Turner	| 1 Comment


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Paul Varas's Girlfriend: Who is Paul Varas Dating?
DatingTikTok Stars
By Eric Sanchez
Paul Varas
Born in United States, Paul Varas is best known for being a tiktok star. Paul is turning 20 years old in ; he was born on July 19, 2003. He jumped off his roof and performed a Fortnite dance upon landing in an early TikTok.
There are usually many dating news and scandals surrounding famous celebrities. The most frequently asked questions are, is Paul Varas single or dating, and who is Paul Varas's girlfriend? We are here to clear up and debunk dating rumors surrounding Paul's love life and girlfriends.
All you need to know about Paul Varas and an insight at Paul Varas's relationships, dating timeline, affairs, exes, biography, and more. ⤵
Paul Varas biography
Paul Varas was born on Saturday, July 19, 2003, in United States. His given name is Paul Varas, and friends just call his Paul. Currently, he is 19 years old, and his 20th birthday is in . You can learn more interesting insights about this date, as well as your own birthday, at BirthdayDetails.
Paul was born in the Generation Z, his zodiac animal is a Goat, and his spirit animal is a Woodpecker. The goat year is associated with a pure and gentle heart. They'd rather suffer in silence than dispute and upset someone else's mood. Even in silence, they maintain their own point of view. When it comes to their obsessions, they will go to any length to make their dreams come true. Though kind, goats have a few tricks up their sleeves. They are adept at employing soft power, gently and politely persuading others to their side.
People born on July 19 have a zodiac sign of Cancer. Cancer, as represented by the crab, smoothly glides between sea and beach, symbolizing cancer's capacity to dwell in both emotional and material realms. Cancers are extremely perceptive, and their psychic powers materialize in physical settings. However, like the hard-shelled crabs, this water sign is eager to go to any length to defend itself emotionally. You'll need to build trust in order to get to know this sign!
Short form comedy content creator who is recognized for sharing relatable skits on his imafrenchguy TikTok account. He has gone on to garner more than 40,000 fans on the platform. He was born in the United States.
There are a lot of celebrity romances that blossom every year. Let us take a look at Paul's dating past below.
Who is Paul Varas dating?
According to our records, the American 19-year-old tiktok star is most likely single now. Paul Varas remains relatively quiet when it comes to sharing his personal life and makes it a point to stay out of the public eye. He may not be dating anyone publicly, but Paul may be seeing someone in private, and details were not made public yet. So it's probably not safe to jump to conclusions.
The details about Paul Varass's girlfriends and past relationships vary, so we can never be 100% sure. We use multiple online sources such as DatingRumor.com, and other publicly available data to ensure that our dating info and facts are accurate.
Our goal is to make our dating information precise and updated. This page was updated in January 2023 with the latest dating information and news. If you have new details about who Paul Varas is dating today, please email us.
Paul Varas girlfriend & dating history
Not all is known about Paul Varas's past relationships and partners. While it's usually simple to find out who Paul is dating, it is harder to track all his hookups, flings, and breakups. Even in 2023, celebrities manage to surprise us with the way they keep their lives private.
Paul Varas had at least relationships. He has no children. Paul Varas has not been previously engaged. Surveys show that around 40% of men say "I love you" to their partner for the first time within the first month of a relationship, but men wait 90 days on average, and women take an average of 134 days. The information about previous dates and hookups is constantly updated.
Insights about Paul Varas
Is Paul Varas single or dating?
Paul Varas is single.
How many relationships did Paul Varas have?
Paul Varas had at least relationship in the past.
How many children does Paul Varas have?
Did Paul Varas have any affairs?
How old is Paul Varas?
Paul Varas is 19 years old. His next birthday is in .
What is Paul Varas's zodiac sign?
His zodiac sign is a Cancer with a ruling planet of Moon. According to the Chinese horoscope, Paul's zodiac animal is a Goat.
What is Paul's full name?
His real name is Paul Varas.
What is Paul Varas's Net Worth?
What is Paul Varas's life path number?
Paul Varas's life path number is 22.
Pick up line #777: Is it hot in here or is it just you?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


What's at the top of your business spending this year? Chances are, it's cyber security.
You understand the importance of protecting your business data. You've seen spending increase at organizations as a result of reacting to big security breaches. You want to help your organization be on top of their protection game. You want to be proactive.
Here are five strategies to help with that. You'll push to make it happen.
1. Get buy-in from the top. Your executives have to lead. They have to deliver the message that the initiative is not simply to spend IT dollars but to protect against real threats. And they have to be part of the changes as well. These aren't strategies to roll out for everyone else at the company. Make sure the C-suite is aware that they often have the greatest access to valuable data and, thus, need to protect it with the best security as well. No opting out of password policies!
2. Roll out a company-wide educational campaign. Tell everyone: this is what we're doing; this is why it's imperative; these are the processes that are not optional. Transparency and buy-in are must haves.
3. Choose the right tech. Carefully evaluate your partners and purchases. Make sure they fit your business needs and provide the configuration that will meet regulations/requirements and support your business's growth. For instance, when reviewing VPN providers, one step in making your choice would be to understand and evaluate VPN Protocols to pick the right fit.
4. Focus on business processes. Often cyber security becomes a business process problem. Step back and evaluate the entire initiative as a business problem, not a technology problem. Cyber security initiatives are a corporation project, not simply a siloed IT effort. Technology and cyber security are pieces of the whole, which should be focused on business practices and user education plans. Wrap your corporate culture around a focus on strong cyber security.
5. Finish with the most important: your people. You can put the most amazing, latest and greatest tech into your building; hook up to the fastest cloud solutions; and create in-depth, beautiful reports with the data. But tech can't fix bad choices. If people click the malicious link, download the corrupted file, visit a dangerous website—your tech will not save you. Share this message with everyone.
Put those cyber security dollars to good use through a highly successful implementation. You have the drive to do it.


Since her first novel, Roy has been published five books of nonfiction including Broken Republic and Capitalism: A Ghost Story that cover a range of nonfiction, covering India's 1998 nuclear tests, the rise of Hindu Nationalism, the armed Maoist insurrection in central India, the struggle for self-determination in Kashmir and US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. She has been jailed in the past for her views and is even now facing a trial for criminal contempt of court for an essay she wrote about an incarcerated college lecturer.
Arundhati Roy is the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things. She has written several nonfiction books covering environmental, political and human rights issues, including The Algebra of Infinite Justice, Listening to Grasshoppers, Broken Republic, Capitalism: A Ghost Story and, most recently, Things That Can and Cannot Be Said, co-authored with John Cusack. She has been jailed in the past for her views and is even now facing a trial for criminal contempt of court for an essay she wrote about an incarcerated college lecturer. Her latest novel is The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.


Видео: Australia Network Study English Series 1 Episode 1 "Electronic Crime"
Australia Network Study English Series 1 Episode 1 "Electronic Crime"
In this series, we look at the skills you'll need to write formal, academic English, and you'll have the chance to listen to people talking about topics you'll find at colleges and universities.
In today's episode we're going to hear someone talking about a new type of crime – electronic crime.
Listen carefully to this police officer.
Then we're going to look at word families, and do some spelling.
It is a new frontier, and there are old, traditional forms of crime being committed electronically, and via computers and the internet, but there are also new crime types emerging.
Electronic crime really does cross over a whole range of different crime types.
You can imagine stalking offences that may be facilitated via email, harassment, threatening emails, small-scale fraud offences, right up through to large-scale frauds committed via the internet.
OK, so let's have a closer look at that clip.
We're going to focus on vocabulary building, and word groups, but first, listen again to this sentence. See if you can hear the keyword, the main subject of the sentence.
It is a new frontier, and there are old, traditional forms of crime being committed electronically, and via computers and the internet.
He says there are old, traditional forms of crime being committed electronically.
The keyword is 'crime'. That's what the sentence is about.
We say that a crime is committed, or done.
To commit a crime is to do something illegal.
Let's have a closer look at the word 'crime'.
In English, many words can change to have different uses. In this way, they form word groups.
Learning words groups is an excellent way to build your vocabulary.
You should write them down in a table like this showing adjectives, nouns, verbs, and adverbs.
Of course, there are often at least 2 different sorts of nouns – nouns for things, and nouns for people.
Let's have a look at the crime word group.
Crime is a noun. It's a thing.
A 'criminal' is a person who commits a crime.
Criminal is also the adjective. We can describe something by using the word 'criminal' before the noun. That was a criminal act.
And we have the adverb criminally. To behave criminally is to behave in an illegal way.
There's no verb from crime. We have to use the phrase to commit a crime.
OK. We'll come back to our table a bit later.
Right now, listen to what sort of crimes are being committed these days – and listen for an '-l-y' adverb.
He says there are old forms of crime being committed electronically.
Electronically is an adverb. It means in an electronic way, or using electronics.
Electronics is the study of electricity and the things that use electricity.
He uses the phrases 'electronic crime', and 'committed electronically'.


text:
Fear the Walking Dead is a TV series starring Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, and Cliff Curtis. A Walking Dead spin-off, set in Los Angeles, following two families who must band together to survive the undead apocalypse.
Designed to frighten and panic, cause dread and alarm, and to invoke our hidden worst fears, captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience. Keeps the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. It is a serious presentations, stories with settings and life situations that portray realistic characters in conflict with themselves. It shows us beings at their best, their worst, and everything in-between.
By Dave Erickson, Robert Kirkman.
Stars: Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, Cliff Curtis, Rubén Blades.
Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller


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Il Campionato italiano di tennistavolo è una competizione sportiva, stabilita a cadenza usualmente annuale e inerente al gioco a livello agonistico del tennistavolo, altresì noto col termine colloquiale (onomatopeico) ping pong. È attualmente (2022) campione d'Italia la Top Spin Messina.

Storia
È organizzato e patrocinato dalla federazione competente, la FITeT. Il primo venne istituito e disputato nel 1948 senza distinzioni di genere maschile o femminile tra atlete/i impegnati.

Formula
Oggigiorno, analogamente ad altre discipline sportive, le serie A e B e C con le rispettive suddivisioni (A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2, C-1) sono organizzate con un unico livello nazionale, o prevedono raggruppamenti tra macroaree, con regioni disciplinabili a contiguità territoriale - dalle serie inferiori alla C-2 l'ambito è regionale -. Parimenti, a meno che non siano concisi - tornei di 1-3 giorni -, è d'uso che anche le fasi finali delle competizioni, prevedono playout o playoff per determinare retrocessioni o vincitore finale.

L'accesso riservato alla partecipazione maschile o femminile avviene dalla serie B, mentre al di sotto sono consentite squadre "unisex".

Albo vincitori serie A maschile

Note

Voci correlate
 Tennistavolo in Italia
 Coppa Italia (tennis tavolo femminile)
 Coppa Italia (tennis tavolo maschile)

Collegamenti esterni

Competizioni di tennistavolo per stato
Tennistavolo in Italia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Oil prices rose on Friday as U.S. sanctions against Iran looked set to tighten supply, outweighing concerns that global trade disputes will slow economic growth and demand for fuel.
Benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 40 cents at $72.47 a barrel by 1350 GMT. U.S. light crude CLc1 was 75 cents higher at $67.56 a barrel.
Escalating trade disputes have cast a shadow over the outlook for economic growth and pushed up the dollar, the currency in which oil is traded internationally, making it more expensive for consumers using other currencies.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday the oil market could see more turbulence later this year.


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Episode 3002 - Troubled Hearts
When Calls the Heart – Season 3 Production Blog
Wow, I just finished giving my notes on Derek Thompson's wonderful script, "Troubled Hearts," which goes into production tomorrow, and I just keep pinching myself. How did we get here? Season 3… really? It's something I could not have dreamed about years ago when Michael Landon Jr. and I were struggling to get "When Calls the Heart" off the ground. Derek's script will be Episode 1 of the third season, and behind us we have a 2-hour pilot movie in 2013, 22 hours of episodes across the first two seasons, plus now a Holiday "New Year's Wish" movie in the can, which I can't wait for the fans to see. I have to say, this is all very humbling. This is such a competitive, cut-throat business, and to think we have a TV series on the verge of becoming a mainstream hit… well, I could just pass from this life a very happy, fulfilled man. (But I'm going to try not to for at least a few more years ).
The truth is, there is so much to be grateful for… our partners at Hallmark Channel who believed in us when nobody else did. Our amazing cast, including Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Jack Wagner and so many others. Our incredible, intrepid Vancouver crew who can work anybody under the table in every kind of weather (you hear that postmen?). Our gifted Season 3 writers, led by Robin Bernheim, Paul Jackson and Derek Thompson. And finally, the #Hearties, the most amazing fan group in the history of Television. My last name is Bird, so I can get away with using the cliché lyric that the Hearties are the wind beneath our wings. I am thrilled that many of them will soon be making a trek here to Hope Valley to have a reunion with us, to experience this fictional town which represents so many, very real values that they love and aspire to. In my mind, the 29,000 or so Hearties who have officially signed up to be our No. 1 fans on Facebook – and the hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) more "Hearties-to-be" are the reason for this show now. We are making it for them because we know there are many more like them in this culture of zombies and vampires who are starving for stories like the ones we are telling.
Which reminds me… thank you, thank you, thank you, Hearties, for speaking your mind about what you liked (and didn't like) in Seasons 1 and 2. Your opinions matter. We heard you loud and clear, and I guarantee what we filmed in a "New Year's Wish" and what I just read from Derek Thompson you are going to love, love, love. If you don't, well, I hope you'll watch anyway. And if you do, well, you are Hearties. You know what you have to do now. Season 4 anyone?
-- Brian Bird
Episode 3003 - A Time to Speak
As I read Richard Manning's beautiful teleplay for the episode we're about to film, which in production shorthand speak is called S3-E3 (sounds like a Star Wars character, right?), I'm reminded of the many values and virtues our little fictional town of Hope Valley has come to represent for our loyal Hearties fan base. Of course the virtue of hope is never in short supply. But in this episode, we're going to discover that Hope Valley is also a place of grace.
As we watch the news and fret over the chaotic events of the world, it's easy to come to the conclusion that grace has disappeared from face of the earth. Politicians squabble, incivility reigns, wars are waged, innocents are hurt, damage ensues… and grace seems to be MIA. Can a TV show about a town where hope and faith abound fix that? That's a tall order, but perhaps not completely out of the realm of possibility. What's that old expression… how do you save a world full of starving children? One child at a time. It's the idea of lighting of one candle to dispel the darkness instead of just cursing it. Well, how do we save a media culture bent on cynicism and hopelessness? Perhaps one TV show like "When Calls the Heart" at a time.
That sort of e-Fangelism is what the Hearties have been doing since they burst on the scene in season one… sharing their love of the show, one friend at a time. And that's one of the important themes Richard has written so beautifully about in this episode: a pastor losing his way, and a town overcoming its own cynicism and biases to show him grace. It all starts with one person, Abigail Stanton, who has been the recipient of grace many times in her life, now paying it forward to a man who needs it more than anybody. My hope and prayer for "When Calls the Heart" is that these Season three episodes will be like a health tonic for a soul-parched culture. Good-tasting medicine for what ails it. Because when people show each other grace on TV, or in real life, only good things can come of it. Until next episode… grace to you.
Episode 3004 - Heart of a Hero
By popular demand, Elizabeth's journal is back in Season 3 and I just know "Hearties" and other fans of "When Calls the Heart" are going to love where we are taking that story element this year. We'll be shooting some of those "writing" and Elizabeth "voiceover" scenes today. In fact, as Josef Anderson's fine script for this episode is making clear, Elizabeth is moving from just "Dear Diary" to full-blown author. I love that evolution in her character: Elizabeth Thatcher, author. And the title for this episode, "Heart of a Hero," could not be more appropriate because that is what this series has become all about – the Hero's Quest – a way of telling stories that goes back 4,000 years. All the great epic poems and myths of human history have Hero's Journeys, because since the dawn of man, human beings have been wired, starving for story.
We need to see and hear those milestones and accomplishments in our stories because it is food for our souls. No matter where (or what era) we come from, we hunger to watch our heroes and protagonists go on personal journeys of character growth. They start with a personal flaw or deficit and they end up growing to overcome those deficits – outcomes that usually coincide with solving big problems and saving the day. In fact, this is the secret sauce of why we have fallen in love with Elizabeth and Jack and Abigail and Bill, and even Henry Gowen.
What I love about Hope Valley is that it is full of character quests. Nobody treads water. They grow, they struggle, but they usually see the light, just like the rest of us hope to do. And Elizabeth serves as our narrator, drawing out the common truths and lessons to which we can all relate. For which we all hunger. Hearties, thank you, thank you for reminding us in Season 3 of the importance of those spoken and written words, realizations and revelations. Elizabeth's narration speaks to our hearts, and I believe that's the reason this show continues to find new viewers who fall in love with Hope Valley. I hope we can fill up an entire library of Elizabeth's journals, devotionals and novels by the time we're done with "When Calls the Heart." How about you?
Episode 3005 - A Gentle Heart
I must say, it's both amazing and horrifying to watch the U.S. presidential race just getting underway in America from my Langley, B.C., hotel room. Horrifying because it looks like it's going to be the weirdest election cycle I have ever seen in my adult life, and that goes back 10 years or so J. I watched one of the debates this week and I suddenly thought I was at Ringling Bros. Circus. One of the candidates, whom I shall not name, was pontificating about being both a man of faith and willing to punch anybody who punched him first. I guess that old "turn the other cheek" guideline for life has turned into "turn the other fist," and it makes me worry about my country's future. The reason I even bring that up is because it's a far cry from the values of Hope Valley, and that is profoundly obvious in Derek Thomson's wonderful script, "A Gentle Heart," which airs this week.
There is an amazing scene between Lori Loughlin's Abigail Stanton character and one of the new settlers, Edith, whose baby is suffering from a fever. The woman is so grateful to Abigail for looking out for her and her baby, arranging medical attention and food, and says she doesn't have the money to pay Abigail back. Abigail tells her it's not necessary. "You're part of Hope Valley now. We take care of each other here." Edith is deeply moved by this idea, almost as if she wonders how a town like this could even be possible.
There's another wonderful story line between Erin Krakow's Miss Thatcher and one of her new students, a young girl named Hattie whose family has moved to Hope Valley from Hamilton, and she fails to make friends in school because she treats all the other kids poorly. To fix the conflict, Elizabeth decides to stage "Kindness Week" in her classroom – a theme the whole town decides to participate in – ending with a cotillion-like dance to help the students learn manners and how to be compassionate with one another. It's a very moving conclusion when Elizabeth finally learns the secret of Hattie's poor attitude – a deep loss she is holding onto – and helps free her from her pain.
Kindness Week in Hope Valley, a place where the residents take care of each other with compassion and second chances. Call it old fashioned, or maybe call it revolutionary, the values of Hope Valley are still alive and well in our culture. I'm pretty sure lots of Hearties practice these kinds of virtues in their families and neighborhoods, and I know there is a hugely underserved TV audience out there we are trying to reach with our show that also cares deeply about these kinds of values for their families.
But it's noisy and ugly out there sometimes. The headlines scream chaos and a lack of civility everywhere we turn… even in presidential politics. I would love to see our brave little show somehow drown out all that negative noise and serve notice on all the cynics: Hey, lose the bitter, antagonistic attitude. The clenched jaws and the frowns make you look like you're sucking on a lemon, and are giving you wrinkles. It's time for hope and a smile and Kindness Week. Pay some consideration and thoughtfulness forward. And watch When Calls the Heart… for goodness sake. It might keep things from getting too weird out there.
– Brian Bird
Episode 3006 - Forever in My Heart
As production gets under way this week on "Forever in my Heart," from a fine script by Josef Anderson, I have to confess… I can't wait for our growing worldwide audience to see this episode, starting with our American fans in a few months. The reason I'm excited is that if you could bottle up everything "When Calls the Heart" has come to stand for in its first three seasons, it would be this: Family is the cure for what ails the human race. When fathers or mothers go missing, and families are fractured, there is a tear in society that no amount of money or special programs can repair. When children have no one to love them or model their lives after, the roads of life are painful and confusing, and their futures are uncertain. Without intervention, they often go on to repeat the mistakes of their parents with their own children.
Without family, the universe doesn't work properly. It doesn't make sense. It's broken.
So when Jack Thornton goes to patch a hole in the tent of new Hope Valley settler Edith, he discovers that she and her new baby boy, Oliver, are all alone because her young husband, Roy, has abandoned them. And in a storyline that will conclude with our next script, our Mountie goes into action, searching out Roy at the silver mine where he is working to appeal to him to come home and be the husband and father he needs to be. What he finds in Roy is not belligerence, hostility or lack of love… but fear. Roy feels afraid, unworthy, unable to be a provider. How many millions of families are shattered today for similar reasons?
Meanwhile, in town, Abigail and Cody get the surprise of their lives when Cody's older sister, Becky, makes her return to Hope Valley. Although she is still convalescing from her illness and confined to her wheelchair, she and Cody are thrilled to be back together because they are orphans who only had each other to depend on before Abigail took them in. Yet despite their reunion, Becky is afraid to try to learn to walk again because that's what the hardships of life can do to young person without parents or mentors to help them. Fear of the future overwhelms them, in a way, paralyzes them. It's hard enough just growing up, let alone growing without a Mom or a Dad, or both. Elizabeth helps encourage Becky's talents and dreams, and eases her fear of the future, which ultimately helps get her back on her feet. But that's not the best part.
In one of the most moving scenes to me of Season 3, our wonderful star Lori Loughlin assures Becky that she is not without family. Abigail confesses to both her and Cody that God has placed it in her heart to adopt them. This storyline is especially gratifying to my wife, Patty, and I as adoptive parents of two beautiful daughters. But I'm also thrilled for Lori, such a terrific role model and devoted mother herself, who gave us the idea for this Hope Valley adoption story.
As it turns out, love is thicker than blood. Nurture is tougher than nature. Family can repair the tear in the universe. Maybe our little show is good medicine for the world, and for the soul.
Episode 3007 - Heartbreak
This week we begin filming a script co-written by head writer Robin Bernheim and Richard Manning (better known as "Ricky" in the writing room). It's called "Heartbreak" and I have to say it is about as fine as it gets when it comes to firing on all story cylinders. There is lots of Ricky's trademark humor, but also lots of Robin's tear-producing emotional moments. And oh, my… it's Tears Ahoy in this episode as we conclude some of the poignant storylines set up in previous episodes and introduce some new ones. Also we get a proposal of marriage – although not the one I'm sure the Hearties will be craving after our Season 2 Finale seismic shift caused a collective gasp across North America. (I'm not kidding… I saw videos posted on Twitter and Facebook of whole groups of Hearties of all ages screaming at their TV sets).
Early on in Act One of the script, Abigail Stanton has this line: "It's just hard to let go." She's referring to the surprise arrival of Cody and Becky's Aunt Caroline and the prospect of the kids leaving Hope Valley to live with their only blood relatives, a decision that will rob Abigail of her chance at motherhood again with these two kids she has fallen in love with. As I think about the rest of the episode, the theme of "letting go" is on almost every page.
The silver miner, Roy, who we met in the last episode and who abandoned his wife, Edith, and baby boy, Oliver, at the settler's camp has to let go of deep hurt and bitterness suffered in his childhood. When Jack tries yet again to encourage him to do the right thing by his wife and child, Roy reveals the thorn in his side – a father who was never there for him as a boy and who robbed him of the confidence of being a good husband and father.
Then there's Rosemary who has to learn to let go of some of her aspirations of being a star in order to hold onto what has become even more important to her – that guy in the plaid pants who blew into town in Season 2 on his motorcycle and brought prosperity to Hope Valley once again after the mine closed. She realizes she loves Lee Coulter more than her unfulfilled dreams.
Bill and Jack have to let go of their biases against Henry Gowen when their investigation of the sabotage of Lee's sawmill reveals that the perpetrator is Wade Barrett and not the usually guilty Mayor who this time has been framed. Even Elizabeth has to let go of her hopes and dreams for Becky's talents and future when Aunt Caroline rules out college for her.
As for Jack and Elizabeth, this episode more than any other in Season 3 feels like they are finally shedding the hurt and confused emotions of that Season 2 cliffhanger. At least, Hearties will be pleased at the amount of snogging that goes on between them in this episode .
And as I reflect back on these three amazing seasons of When Calls the Heart, I can't help but be a little emotional. Hope Valley has come so far since its days as Coal Valley, and so have all of our characters. They are having to let go of so much, and yet in doing so, are gaining so much more. Sometimes in this life, we have to be willing to stop clutching so tightly to what we think we need in order to receive the blessing of what we really need.
Someday… I hope in the very distant future… we will have to let go of Elizabeth and Jack, Abigail and Pastor Frank, Bill and Nora, Lee and Rosemary, Cody and Becky, Florence and Dotty, little Opal and Brownie, and all the rest of our Hope Valleyites… even Mayor Gowen… at least until they return to us in reruns. I went through that same sad parting with characters I loved and wrote for on at least five other TV series. But what we will all be left with in the Hearties Nation are the lessons we learned on the journey, and the flesh-and-blood relationships we made along the way. I think that will be the ultimate legacy of When Calls the Heart. I hope you agree!
Episode 3008 - Hearts in Question
There's an old quote I love from famed British Talk Show Host David Frost: "Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home." Frost said these words back in the day when TV was actually a lot friendlier than it is today. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want 95 percent of the characters on TV these days as a guest on my couch.
Given the script we're prepping, "Hearts in Question," which starts production in a few days, I don't think the same statement is true for any of our Hope Valley characters. Well, maybe Wade Barrett, Jake Garrison and Nate Tolliver, not so much. But I would actually have Henry Gowen over for a cup of coffee and a lesson on The Golden Rule. But not the one he's familiar with: "He who has the gold makes the rules." The one Pastor Frank would preach: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."
However, this is the episode where Mountie Jack may have a little stick in his craw about his new houseguest – Charlotte Thornton – also known as "Ma." Of course, none of the men in the cast and crew had any issues with the brilliant casting of our special guest-star playing Charlotte, the beautiful Brooke Shields. Charlotte, scripted wonderfully by this episode's writer, Cynthia Cohen, is one of the sassiest ladies in the west. She can ride, hunt and chew with the best of them, man or woman. She is Annie Oakley on steroids, and the last person Jack ever expected to show up, or probably ever wanted to have to introduce to Elizabeth.
As many tears as we shed in the last episode, I think this storyline is going to provide twice as many laughs. A little-known secret about scripts: When our team of writers and producers reads a script for the first time, we use check marks in the margins to indicate whenever a situation or line of dialogue makes us laugh. In the case of this script, I had check marks on every page in which Jack, Charlotte and Elizabeth were in scenes together. Talk about an awkward stew of emotions, expectations, missteps and foot-in-mouth moments. Charlotte is trying to size up her son's girlfriend, at the same time giving her cooking lessons from the All-Lard Recipe Book. Meanwhile, a nervous Elizabeth is trying to make the best impression possible and saying all the wrong things, and Jack, well, he's pretty much a noodle-head around both of them the entire show. A good time will be had by all Hearties when this threesome is onscreen.
Besides the stormy relationship between Charlotte, Jack and Elizabeth, other storms are brewing in Hope Valley, which we are using to set up some explosive thunder in the Season 3 finale. Having read the draft of that episode… Hearties shouldn't get too comfortable in chuckle-town. A torrent of tears is on the horizon next week.
That's when we need to remember what When Calls the Heart is all about. Those unwanted houseguests, unforeseen complications and messy challenges we all face… are temporary. All worrying does is borrow tomorrow's trouble today. If we can laugh at ourselves and our circumstances a little more often, work hard to do what we know must be done, and pray for peace in the storm, we can get through anything. That's how they roll in Hope Valley. And so should we!
Episode 3009 - Prayers From the Heart
This is it – the final seven days of production of Season 3 of When Calls the Heart and the script cued up to begin filming tomorrow is a good one. It is written by Paul Jackson and titled, "Prayers from the Heart." This is our third season finale, and I cannot believe how far this show has come in the last 30 months. It seems like only yesterday that I was getting off a plane in Vancouver, B.C., with my pal, Michael Landon, Jr., and we were touring the Jamestown Movie Ranch for the very first time, trying to envision it being the home of our town, then called "Coal Valley" and now aptly renamed "Hope Valley." So many wonderful memories on the journey, along with some hard ones, a few detours, some good story experimentation, a lot laughter, and buckets of tears shed.
And for me, absolutely the best two things about this experience are these: First, some of the most enjoyable relationships with cast and crew of my 30 years working as a story-teller in this business; and secondly, the God-send of the Hearties, our electrifying Super Fans without whom I increasingly realize we could not be making this series.
In this episode, Mr. Jackson has illuminated a few of what I believe are the great and enduring truths of the human experience.
First, I love that old saying that "God collects our tears and never wastes our pain." What I think that means is that whatever suffering or trouble we go through in this life, it's an opportunity for growth. Growth of character, endurance and focus on others. We certainly can decide to become victims when life deals us a hand from the bottom of the deck. Or we can choose to replace our self-pity with empathy for those around us. In this episode, we throw the citizens of Hope Valley into their worst disaster since the explosion of the mine in Season 1. And we're going to watch them go through the worst storm, landslide and flood of their lives. But we'll also see them band together and sacrifice for each other to beat back the consequences and save their community. Failure is not an option. It can't be. Our culture could use a dose of that kind of cooperation and resolve today, couldn't it?
Secondly, joy is not something we should practice only when things are going well. Living a joy-filled life, even when things are looking grim is the key to surviving any circumstance. It doesn't mean having a delusional, "Polly Anna" attitude. It means choosing not to focus on what you've lost, but on what you still have – the riches of a family, friends and community that care about you.
Finally, instead of praying for a miracle, why don't we become the miracle? Rather than praying for provisions, bridesmaid dresses absolutely can be used as bandages for wounded neighbors. A wedding reception feast can sustain a town in need when the other food runs out. And in the process, a self-absorbed Bride can become the most generous Benefactor ever.
And when our hero, Mountie Jack, almost loses his life trying to save others, it's not just prayer that brings him back from the brink. It's a town that loves him and rallies in the street and refuses to leave until they get a healing. And Elizabeth becomes the hands and feet of that healing, never leaving his side, caring for him, nurturing him, reminding him of all that they mean to each other, of all that they still have to accomplish, and insisting that he wake up and get busy.
That's the essence of what When Calls the Heart has always strived to be. Yes, this is our Season 3 Finale, and even if it ends up as our Series Finale, the lessons of this show are the kind of deeper magic the human family and the world have always, and will always need. Until we meet again in Hope Valley, or on some other byway, God speed.
UPDATE, April 11, 2016: Congratulations on Season 4, Hearties!! When this post was originally written, we had no idea what the future held at the end of Season 3. But I think you did. Your posts and Twitter dominance and Hearties Parties and E-fangelism for When Calls the Heart never failed. Instead of praying for a miracle, the Hearties have become the miracle. And now this show will go on, and I have no doubt so will your miracles!


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Q: What is emacs MRev mode? I could not find anything relevant after searching "MRev", so I hope someone can offer a tip.
Here is a picture below, viewing .css code in Text mode with Flyspell minor mode. MRev does not disappear when changing files, so it appears to be a minor mode.

A: It is magit-auto-revert-mode. You can disable it by following expression.
(magit-auto-revert-mode -1)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Humor/Satire March 13, 2017 March 13, 2017
G.E., Kellyanne Conway Announce New "Spy-crowave" That Shoots 4k Video, Takes 128 Megapixel Pictures
General Electric and Kellyanne Conway teamed-up to announce a brand new line of special, high-tech spying microwaves to shareholders today.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — General Electric has announced that it has agreed to work with the Trump administration to design, develop, and sell a hundred million new, special, microwaves to be implemented in governmental offices, Planned Parenthoods, and homes of Democratic voters by the end of 2019. The new microwaves will feature "state of the tinfoil" features like a 4k-capable video processor, 128 gigabytes of on-board RAM, and a front-facing digital imaging lens capable of taking 128 megapixel pictures.
"These will be the most high tech microwaves the world has ever seen," said G.E.'s deputy vice media liaison Helen Sharp during a Monday morning press conference, "and when Ms. Conway called to offer us this project, we jumped at the opportunity to do our patriotic duty."
RELATED: Trump Orders Kellyanne Conway to Move White House Microwaves to Secret Gas Chamber Below Bowling Green, Kentucky
Sharp, who was joined by top White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and Co-President Doanld Trump at a press conference announcing the TF-3000 line of "spy-crowave"microwaves, said that the microwaves will be designed to work in "commercial, home, or governmental environs" and will have a "bevy of top features inspired by Ms. Conway herself." The spy-crowaves will be constructed to the highest of Trump standards, meaning they'll last at least two or three weeks.
"We're going to have G.E. make these microwaves," Trump said, "and then we'll put them in every federal office so we can make sure they're implementing only the presidential agenda. Steve was very adamant his agenda be followed, and that's what we're gonna do."
Conway explained that the microwaves would also go into Planned Parenthood offices to ensure no abortions were performed with federal funds. Ms. Conway also explained that the high-tech kitchen appliances will be available "free of charge" to registered Democrats.
"We want to know what Democrats are thinking, as Democrats are thinking it," Conway explained, "so we'll give them away to Democrats. All you have to do is agree to let us prosecute you for anything we hear you say on the surveillance tapes. But other than that, hey, FREE MICROWAVE, guys!"
Ms. Sharp explained that the TF-3000 — so named because its internal components will be wrapped in "government grade, anti-chemtrail tin foil" will cost roughly $2000 in a retail setting, but thinks that's more than a fair price.
"Considering all the fancy tech we're going to have to invent to meet Ms. Conway's science-fiction level demands," Sharp said, "anything less than two grand per unit would be highly suspect."
RELATED: Conway and Spicer Desperately Trying to Reach Michael Flynn Via the Microwave Network
Co-President Trump told reporters and shareholders that he's also asked G.E.'s design team to work on some other projects.
"I want fizzy lifting drinks, where you drink the soda and you fly," Trump said, "and I'd also like the ability to beam a bar of chocolate over the airwaves to any television set in the country. If the eggheads and nerds at NASA can't do it, then the eggheads and nerds at G.E. better be able to, or by presidential decree I will dissolve the company and declare myself King of General Electric."
Shares of General Electric stayed steady throughout the day, despite the announcement. This is a developing story.
Follow James on Twitter @JamboSchlarmbo.
Donald Trump, General Electric, Kellyanne Conway, microwave
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Ted Cruz: Trump shouldn't be president because he's 'less subtly disgusting than me.'
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Dignity Buys Formerly Discriminated-Against Mississippi Gay Man Giant Mansion


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Will Donald Trump force Republicans to admit they can do worse than Hillary Clinton?
Josh Barro
Mar. 10, 2016, 6:54 PM
Donald Trump.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Here's a truth partisans are not supposed to admit: Whether the president is a Democrat or Republican, America usually remains more or less the same place.
Policy changes matter, and therefore it matters who wins elections.
But the institutions that underlie our government and society matter more than which party steers those institutions at a given time.
Because of this truth, there are more important things than which party wins a presidential election. Leaders who threaten to undermine those fundamental institutions — even if they are within your own party — are worse than normal politicians from the other party. But that's a damaging admission that party-loyal politicians really prefer not to have to make.
The campaign of Donald Trump is like an experiment — seeing whether a GOP candidate can be so manifestly threatening to the institutions that prevent American society from falling apart that he will get Republican officials to admit that there are worse outcomes than electing Hillary Clinton.
That breaking point hasn't arrived yet for most Republicans.
Marco Rubio, for example, has called Trump an "erratic individual" and a "con artist" who "is wholly unprepared to be president of the United States" and "has no ideas of any substance on the important issues." But despite all that, he says that he's standing by a pledge to support Trump if he's nominated.
So this week, Trump has ratcheted up the test. Will normal Republican officials continue to insist that a candidate whose supporters have committed repeated acts of violence, and who defends by his staff when they allegedly do so, make for a less horrifying president than Hillary Clinton?
John McGraw, 78, explains to Inside Edition why he sucker punched Rakeem Jones, 26, at a Donald Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on March 9.
On Tuesday, Trump's campaign manager allegedly roughly grabbed the arm of Breitbart News reporter Michelle Fields and yanked her away from Trump as she asked a question, leaving her with bruises, according to Fields and Washington Post reporter Ben Terris.
The Trump campaign responded with a denial and attacks against Fields' trustworthiness, even though Politico obtained an apparently corroborating audiotape.
On Wednesday, an attendee apparently sucker punched a young black man, a protester who was being escorted out of a Trump rally. Local police proceeded to detain the man who had been punched, only arresting the alleged perpetrator after the assault got news coverage. The alleged attacker, 78-year-old John McGraw, told Inside Edition that he enjoyed "socking the hell out of that big mouth" and "next time we see him, we might have to kill him."
Obviously, Trump did not instruct McGraw to commit assault. But at a rally last month, he did say that he'd like to punch a protester in the face, like you could in the "good old days" when such a protester would "be carried out on a stretcher." And at another rally last month, he encouraged attendees to "knock the crap out of" any protesters who brought tomatoes to throw, saying that he'd pay the legal fees of anyone who did so.
Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks released a statement saying only that "we are not involved." Trump surrogate Andy Dean — a former contestant on "The Apprentice," of course — told CNN on Thursday that the punch was "impressive" for a 78-year-old and looked like "good exercise."
Trump has created a campaign culture that joyfully celebrates violence. From the attacks against protesters, to threatening to kill the families of terrorists, to insisting the military will commit war crimes if he instructs them to do so, he is explicitly rejecting the institution of the rule of law that underlies American happiness and prosperity.
This should be scarier than a president who won't repeal Obamacare.
It is not literally impossible to conceive a Republican candidate too horrible for Republicans to endorse. In 1991, when white-supremacist leader David Duke was the Republican nominee for governor of Louisiana, Republicans all the way up to President George H.W. Bush endorsed his opponent, who was not only a Democrat but widely considered to be corrupt.
"Vote for the crook, it's important" went the slogan for supporting Edwin Edwards over Duke, and it worked. Duke still won a solid majority of white voters, despite the Republican establishment falling away from him, but he lost the election.
So this is a question that needs to be put repeatedly to non-Trump Republicans: Has Trump reached David Duke levels of unacceptability? How about now? What about now?
It was the last question at last week's debate, and it deserves to be asked again tonight of Rubio, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich: After what we've seen this week, do you really still stand by your pledge to support this man for president?
SEE ALSO: 'Good exercise': Donald Trump supporter on CNN defends man who allegedly hit protester
NOW WATCH: Trump celebrated victory with a batch of 'Trump Steaks' that some are saying were actually from another company
More: Donald Trump


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If you feel inspired by any of these lovely veggie recipes then we'd love to see your creations on Facebook and Instagram! Simply follow us and tag us in your posts with @DiscoverGreatVeg. Or if you can't get enough these veggie delights then check out the rest of our tasty veggie recipes!
Risotto is an Italian classic dish and something that everyone should have in their repertoire. Packed with plenty of cavolo nero, red kidney beans and chestnut mushrooms this version is a colourful mix of flavours and textures. Why not try using cannellini beans as an alternative to the kidney beans to switch things up a bit?
This dish gives a little taste of Japan to your evening meals. The key ingredient (other than the cavolo nero of course) is the miso paste. Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning and it pairs perfectly with the vegetables and thick rice noodles for a light supper.
Cooks Tip: remove the noodles to enjoy the vegetables as a tasty side dish.
Our Bombay Leek & Potato Filo Parcels are perfect for starters or nibbles when you've got friends over, or as an accompaniment to a vegetable curry. They are filled with leeks, peas and potatoes with just a dash of curry powder for a subtle spicy kick. Serve with mango chutney and natural yogurt for a refreshing finishing touch.
You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make this Leek, Feta and Filo Roulade as it looks so impressive! This tasty pastry roll is perfect if you've got friends over for lunch. If you're a real cheese fanatic then why not swap the feta for goat's cheese for a slightly richer flavour.
This Open Lasagne with Spinach and Poached Egg makes a delicious meat free alternative to a traditional lasagne. Try adding chilli flakes to your tomato sauce for a bit of an extra kick. For a lighter lunch option, simply by cut the lasagne sheets in half.
Swap your usual weekend takeaway for this fakeaway. Our Kale and Squash Curry is great served with scattered toasted flaked almonds, basmati rice and a dollop of mango chutney.


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OCTA Santa Ana Transportation
OCTA to host a day of service animal training aboard OC Bus this Saturday
Oct 1, 2021 buses, octa, Service Dogs
ORANGE – Whether it's the loud pop of a car engine, the screech of a car tire as it hugs a turn, or a group of teens talking loudly as they wait to board an OC Bus, the streets of Orange County can be full of distractions for a service animal trying to stay focused.
That's why the Orange County Transportation Authority once again is proud to host a day of free service-animal training aboard OC Bus, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.
During the training, service and therapy animals are welcome to ride special OC Buses for free between the Anaheim-ARTIC Metrolink station and stops at Downtown Disney and GardenWalk shopping mall in Anaheim.
A roundtrip training bus will depart every 20 minutes, allowing trainers to ride with their animals to practice boarding, riding and exiting the bus. Trainers are encouraged to ride multiple times.
"Service dogs are more than just companions, they provide essential support to individuals with physical or mental disabilities," said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. "The OCTA Service Animal Training is a unique opportunity to help service animals in training get a real-life experience in a transit environment."
The event begins at 8 a.m. at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), 2626 E. Katella Ave. in Anaheim. Free parking will be available in Lot A. Trainers and their animals are also welcome to ride a Metrolink train to the event, though standard Metrolink fares will apply.
Program alumni and friends and family are all invited to attend. Registration is available in advance or at ARTIC on the morning of the event, starting at 7:30 a.m.
For more information, visit www.octa.net/bus/promotions/service-animal-training.
About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county's 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail, environmental programs and active transportation.
SAPD gun and drug bust update
This week's Cochino List includes 1st St. Burger House


We have a great variety of live music in Digbeth, from jazz at The Spotted Dog every Tuesday, to monthly events like Sunday Xpress at The Adam and Eve.
Well, now that traditional silent gap on a Wednesday has been filled by One Pound Fish at Suki10c!
Featuring acoustic, semi-acoustic, and full electric bands, soloists, and duos, there is bound to be something to tickle your fancy. Master of Ceremonies Boogie Dave books selected acts, but is also happy for open-mic-type shenanigans to take place.
The night last week ended with some freestyle jamming, which is just typical of the relaxed atmosphere that only an intimate venue like Suki10c can provide. And with the world-class art that adorns the walls, the £1 entry gives you the added benefit of seeing one of Birmingham's best-kept secret galleries!


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French soldier shoots knife-wielding man in Lyon
Bomb-disposal experts work outside a residence in Oullins, near Lyon, France, on May 27, 2019.	Romain Lafabregue / AFP / Getty Images
LYON — A French soldier opened fire on Sunday at a man clad in a North African-style robe who was threatening military personnel with a knife in Lyon, police and the public prosecutor said.
The assailant was wounded in the leg in front of the Desgenettes military hospital in the eastern French city.
Lyon's public prosecutor Nicolas Jacquet said an investigation was underway into "attempted voluntary homicide on persons with a public service mission."
The man, in a long djellaba robe and carrying a knife, was spotted around 2 p.m. local time on the hospital grounds but refused to stop when asked to by a military patrol.
"After a summons, a soldier used his weapon, once," the prosecutor told reporters.
The man was taken to the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, but not in a life-threatening condition.
Home to Europe's largest Muslim community, French security forces are on alert after a series of attacks by Islamist militants and sympathizers in recent years.
 Astronaut David Saint-Jacques returns to Earth St. Joseph's Training School abuse: Why papal apology matters to survivor,...
Motorcyclist, 55, dies of injuries sustained in Monday night collision


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Crop diversification can help the agricultural sector become more productive and sustainable
A panel of experts from research, industry, government and start-ups discuss opportunities
and challenges related to crop diversification.
A panel of experts from research, industry, government and start-ups discuss opportunities and challenges related to crop diversification.
Although many different crops are grown in the UK, arable production is dominated by just three: wheat (32% of total arable crop area), barley (32%), and oilseed rape (9%) (Agriculture in the United Kingdom, 2020). Farmers face mounting challenges on several fronts, from rising input costs to increased pest and disease pressure and restrictions in crop protection products. There is also a growing awareness of issues related to domestic food security and sustainable production. Crop diversification approaches have the potential to address some of these concerns, making them an emerging priority in the sector.
During the May 2021 meeting of the KTN Plant Sector Advisory Board, stakeholders from research, industry, government and start-ups came together to discuss opportunities and challenges related to crop diversification.
Our panel of experts shared initiatives already underway and identified developing trends and opportunities. Here are some of the highlights of our deep dive into crop diversification.
Diverse approaches to diversification
The term 'crop diversification' can refer to a variety of approaches such as use of cover crops, diverse crop rotations, studies of crop wild relatives, herbal leys, intercropping, integrated livestock and crop systems, agroforestry, and novel crops. While some of these approaches are long-standing, particularly in other geographies, tailoring them for the UK context has great potential for innovation and impact. Benefits will depend on which tactics are employed, although they are almost all touted as drivers of improved soil health, biodiversity and resilience to climate change.
When asked which of the above methodologies warranted further investment and/or research activity, members of the KTN Plant Sector Advisory Board indicated that while all of the above were of interest, novel crops offer particularly exciting opportunities for industry (e.g. commercial plant breeders and agricultural seed suppliers), farmers, and academia.
Novel crops – growing quinoa in the UK
Guest speaker Dr Stephen Jones, Founder and Director of The British Quinoa Company, further enlivened the discussion around novel crops. Dr Jones described how he began producing quinoa in the UK and the "back to basics" troubleshooting involved. Even seemingly straightforward agronomy decisions (e.g. seeding rate, drill depth, use of herbicides, variety selection, etc) were a matter of trial and error. It took seven years to get from the first on-farm trials to a commercial crop, as establishing a new production system and fostering relationships with supply chain partners took considerable time and effort.
Several factors make a crop a strong candidate for UK introduction. Suitability to the UK climate is essential. Commercial concerns are also important; PSAB members noted that the possible failure to identify suitable markets or anticipate consumer demand for a new crop are critical barriers to widespread uptake of crop diversification efforts. For quinoa, its high protein content and substantial pre-existing customer demand bolster its potential for import substitution.
In discussing which other crops should be further explored in UK production systems, PSAB members broadly agreed that production of protein crops (particularly soya) is a promising trend, given the fast-growing market demand for plant-based protein in both food and animal feed.
The gap between domestic protein crop production and growing demand was explored in a presentation from PSAB member Dr Richard Harrison, Director of Cambridge Crop Research at NIAB. He outlined the institute's comprehensive strategy to address this gap, which in the short term includes enhancing varieties and increasing uptake of established UK protein crops (faba bean, pea) and improving the agronomy of UK soya varieties.
Dr Harrison also described a Defra-funded, NIAB-led project that aims to identify and appraise the potential of underutilised and novel crops that can be incorporated into UK rotations. Stakeholders will aid in developing screening criteria, and potential market opportunities will factor into evaluations. Outputs will include recommendations on which crops to prioritise, how the government can provide support, and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Dr Harrison also emphasized the importance of within-species diversity, describing plant breeding as a balance between purging undesirable characteristics and introducing beneficial traits such as nutrient use efficiency and disease resistance. NIAB's 'Superwheat' research enables the introduction of genetic diversity from crop wild relatives into modern UK wheat varieties via resynthesised wheat, created by crossing durum wheat with wild goatgrass. Lines with desirable traits can then be integrated into breeding programmes.
With such an inherently broad topic, there was insufficient time to fully explore all related opportunities. However, PSAB members briefly remarked on prospects for robotics and precision agriculture, non-food crops (e.g. for textiles and biocomposites), and links with soil health and carbon sequestration. Several members stressed the importance of alignment across the supply chain as well as the need for coordination between government departments.
Available support
When asked how crop diversification efforts could be boosted, PSAB members agreed that an array of initiatives are needed. Increasing funding for research and knowledge exchange schemes were identified as priority actions, and technology development and direct support for farmers were also championed. An overwhelming majority of PSAB members indicated that they would be keen to apply for grant funding relating to crop diversification. Fortunately, several opportunities are likely to arise in the coming months.
Within the Horizon Europe Work Programme, a number of initiatives within Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) may be of interest to those looking to develop crop diversification projects.
Although details are still forthcoming, Defra's Innovation Research & Development Scheme is set to get underway in 2022. The recent Farming Innovation Pathways competition, run together with the Transforming Food Production programme, gave some insight into the types of schemes that may be available in the coming years.
If you have an innovative idea relating to crop diversification and are seeking funding or connections, please get in touch with Kaeli Johnson, one of our plant & crop experts within the KTN AgriFood team.
Agrifood at KTN
Horticultural Quality and Food Loss Network: May 2021 opportunities
The Horticultural Quality and Food Loss Network is providing £90k for pump-priming funds for feasibility studies and preliminary data collection, ring-fenced funds for Early Career Researchers, £5k for Business Interaction Vouchers, and £5k for Networking Visit Funding, open to all UK based researchers at UKRI eligible institutions.
Opens: 04/05/2021 Closes: 06/08/2021
View All Funding Opportunities
Kaeli Johnson
Knowledge Transfer Manager - Agri Food (Crops)


On July 5, 2007, Al-Sahab, Al-Qaeda's media production company, posted a 95 minute video message by Al-Qaeda Deputy Ayman Al-Zawahiri titled "The Advice of One Concerned." The following is a brief summary of some of the main themes discussed by Al-Zawahiri.
The first part of Al-Zawahiri's message is an urgent call for Muslims to support the ISI and a desperate attempt to establish the ISI's legitimacy. In this part, Al-Zawahiri attacks Muslim scholars around the Islamic world for their persistent refusal to issue fatwas that support the ISI and, worse, for the harsh criticism they aim at the ISI and its jihad endeavor. According to him, these same scholars have endorsed with their silence political entities such as the Hamas government despite the fact that it lacks important qualifications which the ISI possesses. He stresses, for example, that while the Hamas government in Gaza "connects to its other half [government] in Ramallah [only] through television circuits and while the head of the government… can move between the two parts [of his government] only after the IDF permits him and searches him," the ISI has a coherent government and its ministers can move freely in the ISI's self-governed territory. Yet, Muslim scholars who criticized the ISI have never questioned the Hamas government's legitimacy.
The message further reveals Al-Zawahiri's growing distress over the persistent opposition to the ISI among many Iraqi military groups. Al-Zawahiri pleads with these groups not to turn their back on the ISI but to try to work out their differences with the ISI while working together with its mujahideen. He also appeals to the ISI to be more open to criticism leveled at it by other jihad groups and requests mujahideen to "solve their problems [privately] amongst themselves… as [he does] not see the benefit in making public the problems of the mujahideen." He further urges mujahideen "to find from among the people of rationality, wisdom and faithfulness, those who will unite and reconcile [them] and command right and forbid wrong and rule with justice."
Al-Zawahiri dedicates a significant portion of his message to what he labels as "the Saudi conspiracy against Iraq," describing it as "the hidden yet greatest danger facing Iraq today." He warns that neighboring Arab countries, prominent among them is Saudi Arabia, present themselves as guardians of Iraqi Muslims' rights but they are in fact agents of the Americans. He claims that since the Saudi regime is corrupt and looks only after its own interests and the interests of the Crusaders, it cannot be trusted to protect the rights of Muslims in Iraq. He further maintains that since political life in Saudi Arabia "means only submission to the will of the princes of Al-Saud, chanting their praises and keeping silence about their corruption" no healthy political process can evolve in Iraq under the auspices of the Saudi regime. He ends this section by calling upon "Muslims [in Iraq] and Afghanistan [to beware] of the religion-trading traitors who conspired with the crusaders to invade Iraq and Afghanistan and to help the Crusaders to fight the mujahideen in exchange for [being] installed in positions of power."
In what appears to be an attempt to appease the Shi'ites in Iraq, Al-Zawahiri implores Shi'ites not to believe those who accuse the mujahideen affiliated with the ISI of being the enemies of Husayn [Ibn 'Ali] and the Ahl Al-Bayt. "[The mujahideen] are Husayn's helpers, his allies and his soldiers. Had they attended his battle [in Karbala in 680], they would have fought in front of him and under his banner and would have placed their throats before his [to be slaughtered]… [In contrast] the Americans and Crusaders curse [Husayn] and his father [Ali]… and fight Al-Husayn's religion, doctrine and [spiritual] path."
Al-Zawahiri appeals to Muslims around the world to beware of messages of retractions by imprisoned mujahideen in Islamic countries saying: "[They] should not be listened to or relied upon in [their] statements and opinions" because these messages are dictated by their jailors. He than explains that imprisoned scholars' statements and writings should be believed and followed only when these scholars do not contradict the monotheist creed which they possessed prior to their imprisonment. He cites the example of Sayyid Qutb who refused to backtrack and renounce his creed in exchange for being pardoned saying: "The finger which testifies to the unity of Allah in every prayer refuses to write a petition of mercy to the oppressor."
 Husayn is considered by the Shi'ites as their third imam.
 The descendents of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and his cousin Ali.


Elegance is evident in this high-floor, duplex apartment in Saba 2, JLT. Furnished but fully air-conditioned, you'll love the luxurious feel that emanates from the 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms of this 1,560 sqft. property with a parking space.
The photos show the spotless living area and the lovely bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, designed with the right-sized windows to enhance the brightness of the spaces. From one window, you'll be gifted with the view of the beautiful Jumeirah Island.
Your stay is made more rewarding thanks to your privileged access to the property's shared swimming pool and gymnasium. Location is also ideal as it is close to the Metro station, public parks, cafes, supermarkets, restaurants, bank facilities, walking trails, various retail outlets & the world-class Dubai Marina.


The soundtrack of life is not just what's "now playing." It's when the perfect song comes on at exactly the right moment. That's why we're going one deeper with the best new music of the week for the soundtrack of your life. Get ready to add five new songs to your personal rotation.
Scottish producer Calvin Harris teams up with the American pop rock up band Haim in his newest single "Pray to God" featuring Haim. The song was released on Harris' album Motion and now they are playing it on the radio. In the music video, the Haim sisters sing amid a dark forest dressed in flowing black garb. They are accompanied by an assortment of woodland creatures, including wolves, a bear and a lion. But Harris does not appear, leaving us to wonder where he is exactly.
Perfect for: Sitting on the hood of your car, staring off into the distance and musing over your high school relationship the night after graduation.
This week Drake unexpectedly dropped If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Billboard predicts that the follow up to Nothing Was the Same will easily debut at number one in next week's charts. This will be the fourth number one for Drake, who was recently featured by the New York Times as the "first true post-Kanye superstar." In "Energy," one of three debut singles, Drake reflects upon people that want to drain him of his energy using the full effect of his trademark lilt.
Perfect for: When you need to find some way to cope with the haters. Even if your only haters are those mean customers at work.
Flosstradamus is an EDM act, so they release something new every week to the delight of their hordes of loyal fans. For their latest single they collaborated with UK artist TroyBoi. Usually Chicago based production duo Flosstradamus claims Mad Decent, but "SOUNDCLASH" is out now on Ultra Music. The bouncy romp is another one for the ladies to twerk to at the local trap music party.
Perfect for: When you want to dance and talk, because it has a groove you can dance to with minimal vocals. You could play it during an early opening DJ set, or as bed music on your indie podcast.
With appearances from Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Usher and R Kelly, Kid Ink's Ride or Die LP debuted at #14 on the Billboard Top 200 this week. Then the Los Angeles rapper released a new music video for the lead single off the soundtrack to Furious 7, featuring a score of famous rappers. In the video Kid Ink, YG, Wale, Tyga and Rich Homie Quan each rap in front of their own car. This is spliced between scenes from the seventh installment of the Fast and the Furious film series.
Perfect for: Since street racing is highly illegal, this is clearly a road trip song. Try listening to it on the way to a really good concert that's worth the trip to the next town over.
Future house producer Shaun Frank hails from Toronto Canada. His new single "Mind Made Up" is due out February 24 on Dim Mak Records. It follows a collaboration with Borgeous on Spinnin' Records called "This Could Be Love" featuring Delaney Jane. Frank has been officially spinning since 2013, and already has mad support from 3LAU, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens and Steve Aoki.
Perfect for: When you're dancing around in front of the mirror and pre-gaming while you get ready to go to the rave.