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Author: '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Independent Child Protection Consultant working globally with Expatriate Communities, in particular International Schools to support their 'whole school community' in respect of safeguarding and child protection.
October 13, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
For those of you still actively involved in the delivery of online learning please note that back in April 2020 the Safer Recruitment Consortium (UK) published an addendum to their 'Guidance for a Safer Working Practices' document.
The Safer Recruitment Consortium is a partnership between four organisations with the safety and wellbeing of children at their heart:
NSPCC
Lucy Faithfull Foundation
The addendum was written to help schools consider the safeguarding issues around remote online learning, with changes and additions highlighted in yellow. The addendum should be read alongside the full guidance, 'Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings – May 2019'.
October 5, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Recruitment (iv): Sentry for Safer Recruitment
How do you manage recruitment processes within your International School? Do you have an integrated safer recruitment program incorporating child protection measures relevant to all staffing levels including teacher, contractor, and volunteer engagement?
Sentry is a safeguarding software tool that can effectively manage your integrated safer recruitment processes whilst acting as your Single Central Record.
Easy recording of all recruitment checks;
System guides you through the recruitment process;
Enables progress monitoring of outstanding checks;
Ensures recruitment processes are robust;
Critical first line of defence against those presenting as a risk to children and young people;
Quick reference dashboards;
Automated workflows; and
Up-to-date guidance, advice and best practice.
Consider reviewing now!
June 22, 2020 October 5, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Social World Podcast – Post COVID19 Social Work
Dave Niven, Head of the Social World Podcast, recently interviewed Professor Ngoh Tiong Tan Chair of the Global Institute for Social Work about contributions social work can make to communities in the context of the Covid19 pandemic.
Professor Tan discussed facilitating crisis management with vulnerable groups and the importance of social solidarity; neighbourliness; compassion; social wellbeing and heightened levels of awareness at such times. In line with ITFCP recommendations, he stressed the value of building social networks within host countries including with local social work specialists and agencies. Is your school making efforts to identify vulnerable indigenous staff or others in your community linked to this issue?
See Podcast 091 at http://socialworldpodcast.com
June 20, 2020 June 21, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
ChildSafeguarding.com Online Course Launch Webinar
We're officially launching ChildSafeguarding.com's Online Child Protection Course for support staff in schools on 30 June 2020 – offered in multiple languages. During our launch webinar we will include a tour of the site and a demonstration of the course. There will also be an opportunity to answer any questions people may ask. We would love you to join one of the two webinars we are holding on that day. The details are below:
Webinar 1: 30 June 2020 – 10am Singapore-Beijing / 12pm Sydney / 7 pm Los Angeles (June 29th)
Register here: https://edtch.co/2zFvXcW
Webinar 2: 30 June 2020 – 6pm Singapore / 2pm Dubai / 11am London
Register here: https://edtch.co/2AF4yZ2
May 18, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
A Recovery Curriculum: Loss and Life for our children and schools post pandemic.
"When will they actually go back to school?" This is the cry from many parents, as we write and there is no answer. But that does not stop us thinking about what it will be like for each and every one of our children, at whatever age, stage or ability level on the day they walk through the classroom door.
It would be naive of any Headteacher/Principal to think that the child will pick up the Curriculum at exactly the same point at which they left it on the day their school closed. Too much has happened. Listen to what the children are saying (Full report by Barry Carpenter & Matthew Carpenter).
April 27, 2020 April 27, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Child Protection Incident Recording
CPOMS provide safeguarding, pastoral and wellbeing solutions for schools across the world. They have recently been recognised for their innovation by receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise.
Given the current international COVID emergency, and the challenge for schools having to track vulnerable students in disparate locations around the world without having access to key information, CPOMS are offering their digital safeguarding recording system FREE until September 2020 to all schools not currently using a digital safeguarding recording system.
Furthermore, MyConcern Safeguarding Software who provide safeguarding services and software to many thousands of schools is being offered FREE to all schools until September 2020 that currently don't have an electronic record keeping system.
Online Safety (ii) 'Whisper' Anonymous Reporting
The South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) UK have made their reporting app 'Whisper' available for FREE for UK and International Schools at this time. An anonymous reporting service that will enable anyone in your whole-school community to securely raise safeguarding or other concerns by using a reporting form.
There are numerous inclusive encrypted features including Live Chat via Website, so that you can keep in touch with the individual who is reporting. Users need to know how frequently their messages will be reviewed and what the response times are likely to be.
A safe way for parents, staff and students to report safeguarding concerns 24/7.
IMPROVED VISIBILITY – REPORT WITHOUT FEAR
April 4, 2020 April 27, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Online Safety (i)
The global coronavirus pandemic has increased opportunities for online child abusers to target children. We should take measures to ensure that our whole school communities monitor any increased risks – and act to prevent or intervene wherever necessary.
The effect of the pandemic means some IT companies may reduce usual levels of moderation commonly in place to combat sexual abuse online. Many children are not currently at school and are spending considerably more time online at home. They will be using the Internet to stay in touch with family and friends as well as to learn. This could lead to an increased risk of exposure to harmful content and possible sexual exploitation.
March 3, 2020 March 3, 2020 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
The USA as the only country in the world not to have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC 1989) has recently (2019/2020) been focussed on a review of their respective state 'statute of limitation' laws pertaining to child sexual abuse.
In International School settings this raises a significant issue for senior leadership within strategic safeguarding and child protection team discussions. What do you know about the statute of limitations specifically related to sexual abuse – historical adult or child related – and legislative equivalents in your host countries? This knowledge has potential relevance when it comes to responding to and supporting staff or students – current and past.
November 30, 2019 '112 Safeguarding' for Expatriate Communities
Bullying (iii)
'Ditch the Label' has published its annual bullying survey 2019. Findings of survey results from 2,347 children and young people aged 12-20 across the UK include: 22% said they were bullied in the past 12 months; of those bullied 62% were bullied by a classmate and 37% by someone at school they did not know; and 33% said that they had suicidal thoughts; while 41% were left feeling anxious after being bullied.
In light of this report now may be a good time to review your Peer-On-Peer Abuse policy; your anti-bullying policy and procedures; curriculum materials and suicide recognition and prevention strategies. If you need help, support or guidance, please contact me.


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Te Karere
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Fair Go
Q+A
Falling roll forces school closures
Published: 7:06PM Friday December 12, 2003
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Moratorium on school closures
Revamp for Hawke's Bay schools
First day for new school
It is predicted that in the next decade the total school roll will drop by about 76,000 students, and that has already led to school closures and reviews nationwide.
Many communities have been left confused and frustrated by the closures.
Lansdowne School in Masterton will cease to exist at the end of January next year. It will merge with two other local schools to become part of the new Lakeview School.
"I recognise it as being inevitable but that doesn't mean that we have to like it," says principal Richard Williams.
"The Ministry tried to tell us it was a community initiative but in matter of fact it wasn't - the schools involved had good [Education Review Office] reports...there really was no need for them to be merged."
In the next week 33 schools in Opunake, Putaruru, Turangi, Dannevirke, Masterton, Waitaki and Taieri will close their doors, while reviews are underway in the Far North, Taihape, south Taranaki, Wairoa, Upper Hutt, Timaru and Invercargill.
"It seems to me ridiculous to spend a lot of money to...merge two schools to try and get something better than we've got," says Upper Hutt parent Rosie Purchas. "I don't think you can get anything better than we've got."
Many communities have fought school closures every step of the way.
"If commonsense prevails we'll win the battle," Purchas says. "I think if we don't win the battle that will be quite an indictment on the Labour government."
But the government argues the current makeup of NZ schools is not doing the children any favours.
"What we are essentially saying to an area is that the money that you are spending on your grounds and buildings, that you are spending on your painting contractors and others, can actually go into the classrooms for your kids," says Education Minister Trevor Mallard.
Around 300 schools are likely to close in the next 10 to 15 years.
Herald gossip columnist's 'natural selection' tweet 'horrifying' and 'cruel' video
Man charged with murder of woman in Dunedin
Auckland hangi workshop 'an opportunity to reconnect'
NZ defence teams in Darwin for warfighting exercise
Nelson assault victim dies in Wellington Hospital
Speed and alcohol suspected in serious Marlborough crash
'I wasn't thinking probably' - carousel-riding rower breaks his silence video
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Home Music Travis Barker Might Have Paid Tribute To Kourtney Kardashian With New Tattoo
Travis Barker Might Have Paid Tribute To Kourtney Kardashian With New Tattoo
March 27, 2021 | Subhojeet Mukherjee
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has been in a relationship with Kourtney Kardashian for some time now. The two made their relationship official on Valentine's Day this year and since then, fans have been really engaged with everything that goes on in their relationship.
Travis Barker recently took to Instagram and uploaded a video of a new tattoo that he got. The tattoo simply said, "You're so cool!" This was a reference to the 1993 movie True Romance, which was written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott.
It was previously revealed by Kourtney Kardashian that she is a huge fan of the film. Barker also confirmed the inspiration behind the tattoo with another post.
Fans also speculated that the handwriting was likely to be Kardashian's. Due to all these signs, fans came to the conclusion that Barker's latest tattoo is a tribute to his love Kourtney Kardashian. This was certainly a touching way Barker showed his love for Kardashian.
Tags: Blink-182Kourtney KardashianTravis Barker
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Original soundtrack CD magically re-scored and re-interpreted by The Real Tuesday Weld with guest stars English alchemist David Piper and Brazilian sonic collagist Cibelle.
If you buy the BFI DVD through Antique Beat you will receive a free copy of the soundtrack CD.
We are offering this album (normally £7.99) at a 30% discount. Sale ends on 3rd December 2018.
"Are you a dreamer? I will sell one to you, For I have so many, you see."
The Real Tuesday Weld were commissioned by the British Film Institute to record their alternative soundtrack to Hans Richter's 1948 surrealist cult classic 'Dreams That Money Can Buy' after sell out performances at London's National Film Theatre and The Turbine Hall of The Tate Modern and a variety of International film festivals.
The film's wonderfully strange Jungian dream sequences, designed by the likes of Man Ray, Duchamp, Alexander Calder and Fernand Leger, are magically re-scored and re-interpreted by the band and guest stars David Piper and Cibelle.


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Mousey Movie Review - The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger must be horrible! Seriously, it was a box office bomb so it must be really really bad. Estimates say that for Disney it was a loss of anywhere between $160-190 Million (capital M). But box office success does not mean good. And I can thing of plenty of movies that were not good that were huge successes financially. And others that the box office was a disappointment but a personal hit for me. As many of you can guess, John Carter for me is a movie that I loved despite receipts.
So I was not out to get The Lone Ranger. And I was willing and wanted to go see this western starring Armie Hammer as the masked lawman and Disney golden boy Johnny Depp as the Native American warrior Tonto. But the summer schedule kept me out of the theater and by the time the summer was over we decided financially it made more sense to buy the movie instead of rushing into the theater while the film was on its way out (very quickly).
Mrs Banks: Someone at Central Casting must really like English actress Ruth Wilson. I first saw her in a theatrical release in Saving Mr. Banks as Margaret Goff. And though I thought her character was very understated, I did feel sympathy for her as we experienced the Goff family troubles through her oldest daughters eyes. What I did not realize is that Wilson had made her Disney debut earlier in the year as Rebecca Reid, wife of Texas Ranger Dan Reid, in The Lone Ranger and served as the primary romantic interest in the movie. As both characters, Wilson in effect plays pioneer women who work on the edges of modern society. And Wilson brings to both roles brings the air of someone who longs for a more civilized life.
The Disneyland Railroad: One of the reasons I did not see The Lone Ranger in the theater was because I was traveling to Disneyland for my summer vacation while Depp's newest film was released. When we arrived at Disneyland we entered the park for the first time on the Sunday after and sitting in front of the park right after the bus loading area was The Constitution the train from the film. Two cast members dutifully guarded the train. And it was really impressive to see the size difference between this train and the ones in the park. Now I really had not listened to box office reports, because I was too busy with my family. And I took some pictures in front of the train with my kids. But I have no family free pictures to share with you. Because on Wednesday the train was gone. The way I remember it was we went into the park and the train was there. And then we came out after lunch for a nap and the entire train was gone. Seriously, it was a huge engine. But it was gone. It was like it never existed! Then I knew it had not gone well for Mr. Depp and I figured The Lone Ranger was getting the John Carter treatment!
Family Friendly: I do not want to sound like I am a grumpy guy, but I really do wonder if Walt Disney would have released The Long Ranger under the Walt Disney name. I did enjoy the action adventure that the movie provided. And I thought the moral compass was true to a Disney family film with the Lone Ranger being a champion for justice. But, it has a huge body count! It has to have more deaths that any of the Pirates films, maybe more than the four combined. And this is not the A-Team where shooting happens but bullets only hit non-living things. No, this is a movie that I would question before showing a youngster. A day before I watched The Lone Ranger I received a text asking if it was kid approved. I said it was Disney so how bad could it be! I may have been wrong. And Disney may have done their core audience a favor be releasing this film under Touchstone instead.
The Old Mill: The William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini has been used in a number of media pieces. These include the Disney classic short The Old Mill which uses the "Ranz des Vaches" or "Call to the Cows" segment to open the morning. But probably the most famous use is in the classic television show The Lone Ranger, which used the "Finale" as its theme song. As a kid who grew up with four television stations, I saw a ton of the Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels program despite the fact it entered production nearly 30 years before I was born! The Hammer and Depp collaboration pays homage to the classic show by using the Overture throughout the final big action segment (maybe it should be BIG ACTION). And because of the use of this musical tribute it makes the ending sequence even more enjoyable. Honestly, it really does show how a piece of music can set a mood. For someone like me, I knew something exciting was happening. For the Between Kids who have no idea who Clayton Moore is, they knew something fast paced was breaking out in front of them.
Infinity: Okay, it is not part of the movie, but the Disney Infinity Lone Ranger Play Set is really really fun. The Between Kid and I crushed it over our holiday break. And even for me as a fairly mature adult I enjoyed playing cowboys and robbers, occasionally going out on our own two man posse on missions. You may have overlooked this Play Set if you play Disney Infinity. If you have I recommend grabbing it since it may be my favorite Play Set to date.
John Carter: Everyone is going to compare The Lone Ranger to John Carter. I will admit they did get the same post-release treatment. Disney quickly washed their hands of both. And I do not expect Disney to try a Western again soon. But let us remember they did not get the same treatment before their releases. John Carter was marginalized. The Lone Ranger was included with the release of Disney Infinity! John Carter did not have a big name actor. The Lone Ranger had the Disney golden boy Johnny Depp. Yes, Disney wanted this film to succeed, so its failure is even more disappointing than the film Disney wanted to forget!
Like John Carter I enjoyed the escapist adventure in The Lone Ranger. I still prefer Andrew Stanton's sci-fi film on a critical level. Which did not lose quite as much for Disney as Depp did in this adventure. But like Stanton, Depp has a good Disney track record so he is allowed a Disney stumble, though the relationship with producer Jerry Bruckheimer is effectually at an end for new intellectual property. I would say if you have not seen The Lone Ranger, grab some pop and popcorn and give it a chance some Friday night. It might just be fun.
Labels: Armie Hammer, Disney Infinity, Disneyland Resort, John Carter, Johnny Depp, Mousey Movie Review, Ruth Wilson, Saving Mr. Banks, The Lone Ranger
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Vallensbæk is een parochie van de Deense Volkskerk in de Deense gemeente Vallensbæk. De parochie maakt deel uit van het bisdom Helsingør en telt 10.007 kerkleden op een bevolking van 12.382 (2004). De parochie was tot 1970 deel van Smørum Herred. In dat jaar werd de parochie opgenomen in de nieuwe gemeente Vallensbæk.

Parochie in Denemarken
Vallensbæk

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Hovione doctoral researcher Beatriz Noriega returns to ISAB's labs in Stockholm for her ongoing research into preclinical in vitro dissolution testing. She talks to Lab Blog about why she believes dissolution testing is critical, and how she's hoping to prove it.
Hovione Ph.D. researcher Beatriz Noriega has been working for two years so far on her doctoral thesis, authoring four well-received posters and with two accepted for the next Respiratory Drug Delivery (RDD) Conference in April 2018. This is Beatriz's second research visit to ISAB's labs to use the in vitro simulation tool DissolvIt, as part of her work in the Particle Design and Inhalation Development department of Hovione's R&D Drug Product Development. Her mission? "No matter how similar formulations may seem, until you analyse dissolution you never really know," says Beatriz. She took time out from her research to talk to our ISAB Lab Blog.


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Talipariti hamabo
(Siebold & Zucc.) Fryxell
The name of this species has recently (2001) been changed from Hibiscus hamabo, though this is not universally recognised as yet(2009)[
Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
Hibiscus hamabo Siebold & Zucc.
Hibiscus tiliaceus hamabo (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim.
Pariti hamabo (Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai
Photograph by: KENPEI
Close-up of flower
Flowering branch
Autumn leaf colour, at Nagasaki.
Photograph by: ???
Hibiscus hamabo is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing 1 - 5 metres tall[
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
MacMillan Press
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
The plant is harvested from the wild as a local source of fibre. It is sometimes cultivated for this fibre in Japan, and is also grown as an ornamental[
Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants
http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336
Terse details of a huge range of useful plants.
Contributions from the University of Michigan Herbarium Vol. 23
Anderson C. (Editor)
A series of botanical articles including a proposed new genus Talipariti, separated from Hibiscus. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
E. Asia - southern Japan, Korea.
Coastal sands; near sea level[
Habit Deciduous Shrub
Cultivation Status Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild
Mainly a sub-tropical plant, but able to be cultivated in the tropics, it is the most northerly ranging species in this genus, extending to latitude 34°N[
]. It is able to be cultivated in temperate areas, withstanding considerable winter cold[
A strong fibre is obtained from the bark[
]. It is used to make rope[
Seed -
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2021-01-21. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Talipariti+hamabo>


New York family law is complicated. Sometimes, the trial court gets it wrong. Pursuing an appeal may be your final opportunity to obtain a different outcome.
I am Robert Dapelo, a Long Island divorce and appeals attorney based in Patchogue. I work hard to help my clients succeed. My experience spans not only family law, but also appellate law and procedure. I have spent more than 25 years as a litigator. As a result, I know how to identify and present strong grounds for appeal. I also help parties seeking to defend against an appeal.
Your chances of prevailing on appeal depend on the exact issue involved. For that reason, it is important to seek guidance before pursuing an appeal. You can turn to me for an honest assessment of your case.
An appeal is much different from proceedings at the trial court level. There are different legal standards and procedural rules. To some extent, appeals require a different skill set than trial work, especially as most of the arguments on appeal take place in writing.
As a respected appellate lawyer, I have the skills and dedication necessary for successfully navigating the appeals process. Let me help you develop an effective strategy. To get started, call The Law Offices of Robert W. Dapelo, Esq., PC, at 631-654-9500 or toll free at 888-325-6199. You can also get in touch via email. The initial consultation is free of charge.


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EU Elections 2019 10-09-2018
Weber: I am concerned about key issues in Hungary
EURACTIV Poland's media partner "Gazeta Wyborcza" interviewed Manfred Weber, who announced his candidacy to be the Spitzenkandidat of the European Peoples' Party in the 2019 European elections.
Future EU 20-08-2018
Europe's values are not negotiable, German foreign minister tells Poland
If European values are subjected to pressure in individual member states, this must be resolved in dialogue between member states and EU institutions, German head of diplomacy, Heiko Maas, said ahead of his second visit to Poland in an interview with EURACTIV Poland's media partner Gazeta Wyborcza.
Defence policy 18-10-2017
Finnish President: What is a union that cannot provide security for its citizens?
Finland's President Sauli Niinistö does not rule out a common foreign policy, which would make the European Union a global player. In an interview with EURACTIV's media partner Gazeta Wyborcza, he speaks about security threats on the eastern border and his support for deeper integration in security and defence policy.
Justice & Home Affairs 22-05-2017
Timmermans: 'Poland should be a leader in Europe – but it needs to cooperate'
The current Brussels/Warsaw spat is not a war of words between Frans Timmermans and Poland (as the Polish government presents it), but rather a collective demand by a decisive majority of EU states to respect the rule of law, the First Vice-President of the European Commission told EURACTIV's partner Gazeta Wyborcza.
Brexit 24-03-2017
Scottish minister: We are better off without London
After declaring independence from the UK, Scotland will improve its relationship with England. However, we have to make decisions about key affairs ourselves. Today, Europe is the most important, Alasdair Allan told EURACTIV's partner Gazeta Wyborcza.
EU fundamental rights chief: 'Without human rights, Europe loses its integrity'
Head of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Michael O'Flaherty insists that the EU has not given up on Poland and that Brussels is capable of dealing with the problems that currently face it. EURACTIV's partner Gazeta Wyborcza reports.
RSS - Gazeta Wyborcza


DAVID CRAYFORD …………… AMERICA STILL LIVING IN THEIR FANTASY LAND ……………. PLANNING TO BACK THE US DOLLAR WITH GOLD ……….
8 gold standard in 1913.
chasing power every generation, or 35 years.
3 money, and plan for retirement.
16 trolled by the market not the government.
2 since then and twice the level since 2000.
6 helped cause the Great Depression and stagflation.
16 SEC. 2. DEFINE THE DOLLAR IN TERMS OF GOLD.
25 tory gold definition of the dollar.
1 SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE OF HOLDING.
The only way for this bill to move forward and become reality is for America to steal more Gold from the Global Debt Facility, and they are trying very hard to do that with in excess of over 4,500 mercenaries (Former Military and Intelligence operatives) in the Philippines right now, and some in Indonesia.
It appears to me that America is in a "Damage Limitation" mode, and at the same time creating far more damage than that which they have so far.
American credibility throughout the world has dramatically diminished within the last 40 - 50 years, and it is still going down.
i).America had no gold left to pay its debts, or pay the "Calls" against the US Dollar to be redeemed in Gold.
ii).A "fiat" US Dollar would allow America to increase the number of US Dollars in circulation, both Nationally and Internationally, to support growth and increased international trade. By introducing the "Fiat" US Dollar, America conveniently avoided doing what President Kennedy attempted to do in 1963 which was allocating Gold of the Global Debt Facility, with the now legally voided Green Hilton Treaty between America and President Soekarno as Master Holder of the Gold secreted away in Indonesia; which in turn would see more Gold Backed US Dollars in circulation thus increasing growth and international trade.
The US did not want to be beholding to The Global Debt Facility. It already has thousands of Billions in Debt to The Global Debt Facility. Instead the US has stolen anything and everything to get their hands on ever since 1920, irrespective of who owns it, and then quietly using the stolen assets in different schemes that show America to be the richest and strongest nation of the world. In fact, that latter statement is actually the opposite to the real situation whereby America has always lived off the backs of others with total impunity.
America has no financial discipline and never has had. Stumbling from one financial disaster to another, to another, and another, on a continuous basis.
After 1971, America started to link the US Dollar to oil, which started yet another problem, being it hadn't got enough oil for the amount of US Dollars in circulation. Then they started wars with countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, because those countries, all with substantial quantities of oil and oil reserves, would not fall in line with American financial policy, nor did they desire to be controlled by the Federal Reserve.
Just one disaster after another, and America does not even appear to realise it. Instead they just "Carry on Regardless" and to hell with the rest of the world, and with that policy they are making more and more enemies each and every year.
It doesn't matter what they try, and most of it is illegal anyhow, they will always fail and throw the whole world into disarray.
The US Dollar is very much over-rated and over-valued, based upon lies and market manipulation, and whilst that manipulation factor exists, with fancy names apportioned to such schemes which no one understands, the US wrongly maintains its international strength, at the expense of all other countries.
Furthermore, America uses its position of the US Dollar being the International Reserve Currency to its political advantage over many countries of the world, enacting laws that actually trap innocent people into the realm of Bribery, Corruption, Fraud, etc. followed by Extradition Orders, or Military action, which eventually lead to the silencing of any opposition, exposure, even counter actions, especially from the more known persons like Sadam Hussein - Iraq, Muammar Gaddafi - Libya, Bassar El Assad - Syria, Ferdinand Marcos - Philippines, Kusno Sosrodiharjo Soekarno - Indonesia, Dr. Ray Dam - ITC, Palavi - Shah of Iran, and many other not so well known internationally.
Back to the subject matter of American Gold. The claimed quantity of American Gold has been questioned many times over the last 25 - 30 years, with many people of high rank having access to Fort Knox stating "there is no Gold there at all". Suddenly, America have over 7,000 MT, so is it Gold Plated Tungsten, as the Chinese found out about 2 -3 years ago, or, is it stolen Gold from The Global Debt Facility, or it is just a simple case of Lies and Deceit all over again?
Anything was possible, including criminal actions of the most enormous magnitude during the Bush, Clinton, and Obama regimes.
It may be that all three of the above are applicable but no one will ever know unless a full audit is undertaken as well as testing each and every bar for purity, and that, dear readers, is, unfortunately, not going to happen any time soon.
Eventually the truth will be exposed, as it always does, because lies do not last forever and such lies eventually become exposed for what they really are, just lies. Then and only then will the world realise how it has been continuously conned by America, time and time again, and the world will at least start to regain common sense and decency.


BYOD | What is Bring your Own Device Policy?
What is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)?
BYOD is an organizational policy that authorizes employees to bring their personal devices like mobiles, laptops and tablets to get connected over the corporate network. Employees can gain access to the corporate mails and even company's confidential data and applications using BYOD.
BYOD is the emerging trend of employees using their personal devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops etc, to remotely access any organizational network to carry out work. BYOD encompasses BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone), BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) and BYOPC (Bring Your Own PC) and is now encouraged by companies all over the world.
Employees can thus access official mail on their smartphone, connect to office and work using their laptop even while they are traveling and use tablets to be part of conferences that happen at their office when they are away.
BYOD is important today since employees would want to deliver their best in today's competitive world and companies too would want to make the most of the manpower they have at hand.
Mobile devices used today are much advanced than the systems deployed by the IT departments in many companies. Thus it would prove fruitful for any company today to adopt lightweight ultrabooks, phones with large screens etc as part of their work culture. Experts believe that even if the IT departments in certain companies wouldn't want to encourage or adopt BYOD, they won't be able to prevent it from happening, in today's scenario. Hence, it's good for any company not to pose hurdles in the path of consumerized mobility; they should instead attempt to make full use of this after forming a thorough understanding of its benefits and risks.
Boosts productivity. Employees can always work by accessing work using their personal devices and they can even check emails and update presentations while on vacation or while traveling back home. This works towards boosting productivity for any company.
Helps companies improve employee morale. Employees work with devices that they are more comfortable with and are hence happier when they work in places where BYOD is encouraged.
Helps cut costs, especially for SMBs. The money that needs to be invested on buying hardware, software etc can be utilized for other things even as employees use their own personal devices for work. Thus SMBs can benefit out of BYOD in a very direct manner.
BYOD helps improve the relationship between employees and IT departments, as per experts.
BYOD helps companies stay abreast of changing technology as employees using personal devices for work would stay up-to-date as regards technology and would use the same for the company as well.
Having BYOD policies could help companies attract new employees because there are many people who'd love to use their own mobile devices for work as well.
Security issues are of much concern for companies adopting BYOD. Most IT specialists believe that adopting BYOD causes serious security issues to any company and the data that the company stores on its systems/network. The security threats arise due to the increased number of people who would be accessing a company's data using other devices and also due to the fact that malware could get in through any BYOD device that isn't properly secured.
Company files and data, which are free to be accessed by employees using their personal devices, could also end up in wrong hands. Such data can be easily seen or stolen by outsiders with malicious intentions.
BYOD devices might also get stolen or they may get lost, which would also cause data breaches.
The IT departments in companies where BYOD is practiced would have to undergo tremendous pressure support, managing and securing all BYOD devices.
It is here to stay is certain; it's nothing short of a revolution. Today organizations rely a lot on BYOD; increased use of smartphones and other mobile devices have led organizations to adopt BYOD practices. At present over 40% organizations have adopted it. Experts say that by the end of the decade, over 85% of organizations worldwide would have adopted BYOD, in one form or the other. Small and Medium businesses are and would be making the most of the BYOD trend, owing to obvious reasons.
Having a well-defined BYOD policy is a must for any organization that has adopted BYOD. Such a BYOD policy, which governs how the devices can be used and which ensures maximum security to the organization, its customers and all data that the organization handles, should focus on the following aspects.
The BYOD policy should have clear clauses as regards the devices or kind of devices that need to be used and also about the OSs that the organization would support.
The policy should be clear as regards the functions that can be accessed by employees using personal devices.
There should be policies about the importance of having strong passwords to protect each single device that an employee is using.
The policies should be clear as regards usage of applications; outside applications that could pose a threat to organizational security should be banned.
There should be clarity regarding costs, the mobile costs, that a company would provide to employees.
Employees should be made to sign the BYOD policy before they start using any personal devices for work or when they start working for the company.
We've already discussed the benefits of BYOD, plus the drawbacks as well. Despite the drawbacks, especially the security risks involved, adopting BYOD is always rewarding for any organization today. The work becomes easy and dynamic, profits are enhanced, productivity increases and employees are satisfied and more involved. It also offers maximum mobility to corporate resources. Overall, it's totally rewarding for any company, any organization.
Adopting and implementing BYOD is important, but any organization that implements it should ensure that it's fully prepared for it. In addition to preparing a BYOD policy, there should be attempts to address all related security issues. The policies should be clear- as regards wiping of data from employees' personal devices, regarding access of data and transfer of data and also regarding the type of encryption to be adopted.
A company that adopts Bring Your Own Device policy should differentiate business data and personal data and should also ensure that access to corporate data is privilege-based. All employees should be educated on various aspects of security and should also be taught to be responsible while using their personal devices for work. An audit on access to personal data and the kinds of devices used could help companies ensure maximum security. Having a comprehensive MDM (Mobile Device Management) suite is also important because with too many mobile devices being used to access organizational network and data, it won't be practically possible to manage and monitor each single device within the network.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.


Unless you're like me and have been riding your bicycle throughout the winter, you're probably thinking right about now that it's high time to get your wheels out. Conveniently, the U of T Mountain Bike Team is having a spring bike tune-up fundraiser!
Get ready to get fit, increase your vitamin D intake, and cruise past the suckers stuck in traffic!


We know that turning your corporate vision and strategy into operational reality can be challenging and disruptive to business as usual. So we provide direction, guidance and innovative services to support and enable the successful execution of change initiatives. Our experienced consultants guide and support you through strategic based analysis to develop and implement the entire business portfolio, prioritising which projects and programmes will achieve most business benefit.
Adamatech ensures that any technology not only meets the requirements of its users but that it is implemented and managed to realise the promised benefits.
We provide programme and project management consultancy to assist our clients to deliver controlled change to transform their business.
We focus on the provision of client side project management expertise to ensure that our client's project objectives are not just conceived that are actually successfully delivered within the ever present constraints of time, cost and quality.


What do you get when you pit two teams going nowhere near the post-season? You get the kind of tedious start that took place Friday at the Pepsi Center where the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers needed to take it to a shootout to settle the score.
DENVER — What do you get when you pit two teams going nowhere near the post-season? You get the kind of tedious start that took place Friday at the Pepsi Center where the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers needed to take it to a shootout to settle the score.
It was the first meeting between the teams this season, and it unfolded hours after Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish had plucked David Perron out of the lineup and sent him to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2015 draft pick as well as winger Rob Klinkhammer, who will meet the team back in Edmonton.
The Oilers left with a point in a 2-1 loss after Matt Duchene and Alex Tanguay both beat goalie Ben Scrivens in the shootout. Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov stopped both Oilers shooters: Derek Roy and Jordan Eberle.
After blowing leads in games against the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames, but still managing to snag three points, the Oilers were down 1-0 and outshot 22-14 through the first 40 minutes against the Avs.
They had just two scoring chances, including a backhand attempt by forward Benoit Pouliot, who was denied by Varlomov with a left pad save in the first period.
Pouliot, who had missed the previous 18 games with a broken foot bone, returned with a guard on his boot and started out alongside Roy and Teddy Purcell.
"It's been a long month, month and a half," he said.
His return did lessen the loss of Perron, right from the start of the game and continuing into the third, when he positioned himself in front of the net to convert a power play opportunity into a tie game.
"The timing of the trade, with him coming back maybe evens things out a little bit, but it's always tough to see guys go," said Oilers forward Taylor Hall.
Following a first period that was shy on highlights and shorter on goals, the Avs took the lead in the second period after forward Daniel Briere, all alone on Scrivens' doorstep, finished a pass from Matt Duchene.
The Avs are now 15-15-8, while the Oilers return to Edmonton with a record of 8-22-9. They are also returning with a 12-game road losing streak, having lost every game they've played away from Rexall Place since defeating the New York Rangers on Nov. 9.
OIL DROPS: In the eight games the Oilers have played under Nelson, they have gone to overtime five times. This was their second shootout.


I have an Ideapad 700-15ISK with BIOS version E5CN56WW.
I installed an SSD on it with windows 10 and left the original HD for data.
As I am having some issues with the laptop (shut downs and missing keystrokes) I read that updating the BIOS could solve the problem.
I have downloaded from this website the E5CN63WW version. It seems to work properly (a black window appears, etc) and after 5 seconds it reboots the computer.
The problem is that after the reboot, I still have the E5CN56WW version.
Try downloading and install any of the BIOS versions below then update to BIOS version E5CN56WW. Update us how it goes.
Sorry for the late reply. I did not get any notification in my email.
I have tried with version 58ww with the same result.
It starts the updating, black screen with some info and then reboot.
Nothing change, still in 56ww.


Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday to launch the construction of a China-Sri Lanka friendship hospital in Polonnaruwa in north central Sri Lanka.
The National Nephrology Specialist Hospital is being constructed following a request by President Sirisena to the Chinese government.
The 25,517-square-meter hospital, which will be the largest kidney hospital in South Asia, will include 200 inpatient beds and 100 hemodialysis beds.
The construction of the hospital is expected to be completed in two years.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Sirisena said this hospital would not only benefit the people of Polonnaruwa, but would benefit the entire island country.
He said with the assistance of China, this kidney hospital would have state-of-the-art facilities and would be one of the finest kidney hospitals in the region.
Sirisena thanked the Chinese government for fulfilling his request and conducting the feasibility studies to build the hospital.
Noting that China and Sri Lanka shared very strong ties, he said China had also contributed to Sri Lanka's economic development.
Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the hospital would include all the latest facilities to treat patients suffering from kidney diseases and it was being constructed in Polonnaruwa as it was the district which had the highest number of patients with chronic kidney diseases.
Senaratne said to date officials were unable to detect the specific reasons leading to kidney diseases in this area and this hospital would be beneficial for these patients as it would also include facilities to conduct kidney dialysis.
"Foreign patients who are suffering from kidney diseases can also seek treatment in this hospital once it is completed in 2020. We are thankful to the Chinese government for fulfilling the president's request and constructing this hospital," Senaratne said.
Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan said Polonnaruwa, which was dubbed as 'Asia's capital,' is a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
He said the construction of this special hospital in Polonnaruwa would add more value to this city and the hospital itself would treat thousands of people suffering from chronic kidney disease.
The China-Sri Lanka Friendship Nephrology Hospital will also include an Out Patients Treatment Department and six modern surgical theatres needed for kidney transplants.
There will also be a 200-seat auditorium with a car park which can accommodate 300 vehicles.


Fearless Nadia and The Dragon.
As a kid, I remember how I wished someone would follow me around with a handheld camera, capturing my bravado. My childish mind fancied being under the spotlight, for I believed I was Fearless Nadia.
I was around 7 then, a babysitter for my kid brother, who was three. The very protective elder sister who would slay dragons for her younger sibling. Sadly, there weren't any real dragons then, except the one who breathed fire each time he roared out my name.
So it happened that one hot summer afternoon, I was entertaining my kid brother in our tiny backyard. There was this wall that separated our house from our backdoor neighbours'. A wall which the cats used as a hunting ground at night.
Eager for an adventure of sorts, I lifted my brother and seated him on the wall. It wasn't too high a structure–a mere three feet in height–and was right under a papaya tree that offered some cool respite.
After getting him settled, I climbed up, myself, to show him the very beautiful world that was our backyard. It being noontime, I wasn't scared of any feline company to spoil the show. God, I hated those evil looking cats back then; particularly a tomcat, who seemed like the devil incarnate. His ugly, yellow eyes gave me a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.
So, there we sat, a happy pair of kids counting papayas and enjoying some avian orchestra when all of a sudden, I felt a presence behind me.
I turned around to see HIM standing just a few feet away, glaring at me with his evil eyes. His tail up high and his stance–all ready to pounce on his prey. Or so I thought.
My stomach began churning like crazy as my mind began visualising every kind of horrid scene, with blood splattered all over the wall and me covered with scratch marks and bites.
My heart thumped madly in my chest. I couldn't even hear myself yelling at him to go away. Was I really yelling? Or yelping? I can't recollect.
But, I do remember picking up my brother and jumping to the ground, into mother's tiny vegetable patch. Of course, the jump wasn't timed perfectly. I landed on my back, with my kid brother on top of me.
I had saved my kid brother from the evil feline!
Oh boy, was I relieved or what!
Scrambling to get up and pick up my brother, all at once, I tripped on one of the tomato plants. But, I managed to flee the spot and rush indoors, with the sibling bawling his head off.
I was shivering with panic and fear, and yet feeling extremely brave and proud for having played the role of Nadia to perfection. But, little did I imagine the kind of reaction our little escapade would elicit from The Dragon.
Trembling with nervous excitement, I narrated the incident to dad and mother, proudly stating how I had saved the kiddo from the tomcat, and also from falling to the ground and hurting himself. I was imagining myself on the silver screen during the entire episode, being lauded and patted on the back by The Dragon, but was soon brought to my senses with a whack on my leg.
"Why the hell did you have to place him on the wall?" roared The Dragon. I gaped at him, openmouthed, unable to speak. I mean, unbelievable, right, after everything you go through for that kid?
The whack, the kid bawling, dad yelling–all of it wiped out all the bravado I had felt just moments ago. My shoulders drooped, I walked out of the room, dejected. I think I swore I'd never even touch their favourite child, ever again!
That was the last time I climbed that damned backyard wall. I stopped enjoying our backyard adventures, too.
I didn't stop imagining being followed by someone with a handheld camera, though. Guess I must have been a silver screen star in some past life!
The Dragon mellowed with age, thankfully. Now he is the timid rabbit that I used to be all those years ago.
And, I am The Dragon.
This post has been written for the YeahWrite weekly writing challenge.
I discovered YeahWrite at Shailaja's blog some years ago. She had written a post for the YeahWrite Weekly Writing Challenges.
Her post was flawless, as all of her posts always are. The language, the grammar, the tone of the post — all of it.
On visiting YeahWrite, I found how they have weekly challenges for fiction, non-fiction, and micro-prose, where you write for the one you are comfortable with and then share it with them.
The YeahWrite community helps you cultivate your writing; helps you polish your craft by critiquing and feedback that focuses on the areas you need to work on.
The first post I wrote for one of the challenges, I received a lengthy 'love letter' from them. And, it contained a detailed feedback that showed me where I had made errors and where I had scored.
That was my first such post that had been actually critiqued instead of just appreciated in the comments section as always.
It did come as a shock to me when I realised where I stood. I mean, I needed to work a LOT as far as my writing was concerned. It embarrassed me no end –that love letter– and made me think things over.
I needed to work on every aspect of my writing if I had to earn some brownie points from the YeahWrite team. I was ready to work, but at the same time, I was also intimidated by the whole ritual of getting the feedback for my work. A serious critique can pull you down from the pedestal you have placed yourself on!
It was Shailaja, who explained how criticism was necessary for me if I wanted to improve my craft. Without that, I would only be a mediocre writer!
Last year, I began sharing my posts for the Non-fiction writing challenges at YeahWrite. This time, though, they had done away with the love letters and instead shared the feedback in the comments section.
The thing with writing posts for YeahWrite is once you know what's expected of you, you tend to put in extra effort into your writing. And, do you know what that does? It helps hone your writing to a degree you never imagined!
It holds a mirror to your work and shows you exactly where you err, and where you shine. And, that is what we writers need to know.
Our blogger friends will never point out our mistakes. Some of them are too sweet to even point out our typos! But, that's the adulation we really do not need if we are to do well for ourselves.
So, if you are a newbie blogger, or an old-timer, and haven't heard about YeahWrite, then I would suggest you pay them a visit. And, start participating in their weekly writing challenges. Yes, you will have to slog to present good work; you will also find it embarrassing having your mistakes pointed out in the comments section under your posts.
But, believe me, it will definitely be worth it!
My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about my blog, Metanoia, and my blogging journey from the time I started, 5 years ago. The lessons I learned, the tips and tricks I picked up from fellow bloggers and the guidelines I could have used back when I began.
You will find all of my A to Z posts here.
Few days ago, I spotted a little girl cycling around my apartment complex, oblivious to the world. It was nostalgia for me as I remembered my childhood, when as a little girl, I had done the same, albeit a bit later than my friends.
Not adept at pedalling, I spent many an evening watching my friends cycling around our neighbourhood, laughing as they pedalled by.
Their happy demeanour never failed to catch my eye. The ribbons in their pigtails coming loose as they flew past on their cycles, their giggles echoing all around as they swapped jokes about this or that, or teased each other as they raced ahead. How I yearned to join them and experience the magic, myself!
No, they never teased me, or laughed at the lone figure watching them (with a tinge of jealousy). Their laughter was born out of the freedom they experienced on their two-wheelers. Or so I would like to believe.
An older cousin promised to teach me to cycle. Sadly, though, he lacked patience and was not very good at managing his time.
Dad used to be busy with his work, and expecting mum to run alongside me as I cycled, was unimaginable! I remember wondering how long before I would be one of those girls, atop my own bicycle, shrieking with delight.
One fine day, the sun shone from behind the clouds of despair and Lady Luck smiled upon me. Uncle Shri, our friendly neighbour, called out to me as I stood in my veranda, watching my friends cycle.
"Why don't you join your friends, Shilpa?" he enquired.
"I am afraid I can't cycle, Uncle," I murmured, embarrassedly.
"Uh-huh. No problem, child. I will teach you to cycle. Believe me, it is the most easiest thing on earth! In fact, you can learn it in a day!" he gushed.
His excitement was highly contagious, because no sooner were those words out of his mouth than I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the shop that gave cycles on rent.
A rupee for an hour was the rent for the rusty bicycles. I was thrilled simply to be standing there, gaping at those beauties! It was indeed my lucky day!
Uncle Shri paid the rent and urged me to climb onto a cycle. Gingerly, I perched onto its triangular seat and held the handlebar with my cold and trembling hands. My feet firmly on the ground, I waited for the next instruction. Uncle Shri noticed the enthusiasm in my eyes, perhaps, because he had this big smile on his benevolent face.
"Now, Shilpa, all you need to do, is place your feet on the pedals and, well, pedal away! Oh, and remember, do not look down. You must focus on the road ahead ,okay? " he beamed, encouragingly.
"But, Uncle, what if I lose my balance and fall?" I mumbled, nervously.
Trembling with excitement and nervousness, I began to pedal – slowly, at first, and then a little faster – wobbling and faltering, I manoeuvred my way through the busy street, with Uncle running alongside me, cheering on.
Try as I might, my eyes wouldn't leave the cycle's handlebar. I was too exhilarated to remember Uncle's instructions. Each time he said, "Look up, Shilpa! You might run into someone!" I would jerk my head up and look ahead, and then lower my head all over again, to gaze at the rotating wheel.
So mesmerised was I in the entire activity, I did not even notice when Uncle let go of my seat. I just kept pedalling on!
I cycled up to my house and called out to mum. Squealed would be the right word here, because she rushed outdoors to see what the matter was. My ear-to-ear grin was enough for mum to know I was finally fulfilling my dream, thanks to Uncle Shri.
Uncle was so right. That day, I had learnt to cycle! Well, almost. It did take some more days for me to learn to focus on the road. Days, and some mishaps, too.
But, I learnt to cycle, and soon joined my gang of girls.
And, experienced that magic I had been longing for all those days.
All thanks to Uncle Shri.


19 sonic structures for didjeridu and electro-acoustics, from primitive tribal drum circles to space-age electronic tsunamis, created with unconventional recording techniques, custom effects, psychoacoustics, sound design, and twisted studio procedures.
"The Buzzard Has Landed" is a collection of sound projects by the noisician Loping Buzzard, completed from 2005 to 2010 with a vast number of didjeridus along with gopichand, berimbau, danmo, cajon, cuica, bilma, a variety of flutes, drums, and homemade noise makers. The styles range from impromptu drum circles to pure musique concrète to Dada pop to horror to comedy to surreal. An Eagle may have been first to land on the Moon, but it will be a Buzzard first to Mars!
01 - Buzzard Intro – Fowl Play: Elements of a typical gig. Enthusiastic MC, disinterested crowd, drunk heckler. Drums, didj, wooden free reed noisemaker, Flexatone.
02 - Daybreak: ElectroDidj. Double tracked.
03 - Eye Witness: On a dare, recorded, edited, and mixed in under an hour. Vocals are from a taped interview with a UFO witness. Didj, lots of drums & other percussion, thunder tube.
04 - AtmosFear: Space is not so silent. Synths & didj.
05 - Wind Gust: Solo didj.
06 - Bubble Story: Acousmatic tape pieces and didj.
07 - ElectroDidj 2A: Solo ElectroDidj. Live electric slide didj with expression pedals.
08 - Factory Blues: Waiting for quitting time. Didj, drums, bass, harmonica.
09 - Sink Synch: Inspired by a slow-draining sink. Didj, sink, Vietnamese danmo.
10 - Cymbalic Psychotic: Cymbal with ElectroDidj.
11 - Parable: Acousmatic tape pieces and didj.
12 - Bull Creek: A popular gathering place for centuries. Didj, drums, percussion, cuica, flutes.
13 - K9R10: Starring every dog in the neighborhood. Field recordings.
14 - Sky Dance: Drum circle around the fire with didj.
15 - String Theory – guitar: Because every instrument is a percussion instrument (if played correctly). Didj and electric guitar.
16 - Fluid Chamber: From two short recordings of dripping water, manipulated over 70 tracks with 500 edits.
17 - Rainforest: Didj creatures in the trees. Recorded during a thunderstorm. Storm and many didjeridus.
18 - Nightfall: Solo ElectroDidj.
19 - My Place – Terror-torial: Don't mess with hermits.
Cultural disclaimer: Though my ancestors are Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and possibly French, my recordings do not reflect, nor in any way represent, the traditional customs or music of ANY culture. Ancient musical instruments from all over the world were used with great respect for, and many thanks to, the indigenous people of this planet and their customs. This album features didjeridus and other world instruments on most tracks, but it is not Aboriginal music; it is not Native American music; it is not New Age. Some songs may work well with meditation (Rainforest), some may not (My Place), while other compositions could lead to out-of-body experiences (Fluid Chamber). No claims of healing or transformative powers are implied.
"...original and very interesting in the way you "play" with the sounds."
"...too noisy to be music, too musical to be noise."
I call myself a Noisician because my work is "too noisy to be music and too musical to be noise," as one critic stated. I approach audio in an almost a visual way, coming from a background in art, so I hear and arrange sounds as textures, colors, patterns, shapes, transparency, weight, highlights, and shadows, and bring them together in unique spaces of varied dimensions.
Raised on country, bluegrass, and gospel, I soon discovered the early Pink Floyd instrumental works on the radio and was thrilled with the sound. Shortly thereafter, Rick Wakeman's solo work alerted me to the existence of synthesizers and I began seeking out electronic works, beginning with the first two albums of Isao Tomita. Eventually, I found the early works of electronic music pioneers to be the most interesting to me.
Early electronic music was revolutionary because it made all kinds of new sounds possible and those sounds could be arranged in ways that conformed to musical conventions or NOT. I was interested in recordings that challenged how we define music, and I absorbed the early electronic works of Morton Subotnick, Charles Dodge, Ralph Lundsten, David Vorhaus, and especially Ilhan Mimaroglu (whose "Wing of the Delirious Demon" I consider one of the most original recordings ever made) as well as the avant-garde and musique concrète works of Steve Reich and John Cage.
Music of this type was hard to find, and I wished that I could make my own sounds and music that I could enjoy. In ninth grade, I wrote a score for electronic music using a graphic notation system that I devised, but I had no way of realizing the music because synthesizers at that time were rarely found outside of university computer music labs. By the early 80s, I was making audio tapes with whatever equipment I could piece together. A lot of tapes were made during that period with no musical instruments at all, using instead, aluminum foil, carefully tuned bicycle spokes, metal shelving, glass bowls, and small microphones placed inside of spaces like a freezer or a five-gallon glass bottle. It was years before I finally acquired a Moog synthesizer and put together a crude no-budget studio. Most of the work done at that time was accomplished by abusing equipment. For instance, I discovered that by jamming a screwdriver between the transport buttons on one particular cassette deck and twisting this way or that, I could speed up or slow down the tape, allowing for recording and playback at different speeds.
By the time analog was giving way to digital, I abandoned synthesizers and electronics for one of the most ancient of instruments, the Australian Aboriginal aerophone, the didjeridu (or didgeridoo, didjeridoo, yidaki, etc.) I went totally acoustic, seeking out ancient percussion instruments from all over the world. Playing didjeridu extensively, I wanted to make a didjeridu CD and in pursuit of that goal, obtained an Akai DPS-24 studio deck, better microphones, studio monitors, and more and more gear. With multiple tracks to work with, it was too tempting to add other instruments. I began collecting even more drums and world percussion instruments and incorporating them into my compositions. Eventually, I began letting more electronics re-enter my work, adding drum sequencers, synthesizers, vocoders, electric guitar, and even a Theremin.
Lately, I have been working on an evolving contraption I call ElectroDidj, which merges the ancient acoustics with modern electronics, centered around a DidgeriBone slide didj, designed by Charlie McMahon, that I've equipped with a saxophone microphone, a contact mic, and a pickup running through various effects boxes and expression pedals with custom settings to produce an array of effects for different frequencies. My next CD will probably be more of an ambient soundtrack movie score sound design using a lot of field recordings and some archive material.
If you like my recordings, tell all your friends. If you don't like my recordings, tell all your enemies!
Major influences: Ilhan Mimaroglu, Yves Labat, Andrew Rudin, Max Neuhaus, Pink Floyd, Leon Russell, Djalu Gurruwiwi, Mark Atkins, David Hudson, David Vourhaus, Inlakesh, Yothu Yindi, Hugh Le Caine, Osamu Kitajima, Steve Reich, John Cage, Mickey Hart, Blue Man Group, Klaus Nomi, Dr. John, Kodo Drummers, Ken Nordine, Frank Zappa, Daddaism, planetary science, quantum physics.
I love this CD. I listen to it in my car. It's great on boring commutes -- adds joy to your life and a grin to your face. You'll wish you had been in the studio when LB was recording this stuff!


Derrick was born and raised in Suffolk/Portsmouth, VA. He received Christ at the tender age of 9 through the direction and growth in a Christian home. He was heavily involved in sports and numerous church ministries throughout his adolescent and teenage life. Upon graduation in 1991, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) embarking on an adventure much greater than he envisioned. Leaving home, he took the discipline and desire to succeed he was taught with him but left Christ. After numerous accomplishments sport and work related had him thinking life was perfect, a life changing experience literally altered his thought process. This experience would limit his military service to 6 years as he was medically retired in 1998. Derrick is a firm believer in Proverbs 3:12, the Lord disciplines or corrects those he loves. This is why he excepts his life change and gave his life back to Christ in 1998. After coaching high school basketball for 6 years in VA, he moved his family to Houston where his wife Paula is from. After searching for his place in life again for some years, he feels God placed him with Fellowship of Christian Athletes to serve Him and be a positive mentor and influence to others.


The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association provides a summary of all decisions which have been made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) relating to a request for a variation from an LVVTA Technical Requirement.
The LVV Standards, Information Sheets and the Hobby Car Manual cover the majority of LVV certification needs.
However, because there are many, often innovative, ways a vehicle can be modified, it is not possible to cover every situation in a workable set of documents. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) therefore considers designs that are not included in the existing code documentation.
The LVVTA Operating Requirements Schedule (subsection 4.6) outlines the process by which LVV Certifiers identify the need for a TAC application. Variations from technical requirements are approved or rejected by the TAC based on their merits on a case-by-case basis.
Whether an application for variation from technical requirements is approved or declined by the TAC, it will be notified on this page. This notification is intended to help vehicle owners determine if their idea is worth pursuing – if you have a similar modification and wish to apply for a variation from technical requirements, contact an LVV Certifier.
* Applications will be notified within two weeks of the date of the TAC meeting.
* In line with New Zealand privacy law and LVVTA policy, no commercially sensitive information or applicant details will be published.
* If you want to request a previous application, there will be a cost associated with the retrieval and review process, and some details may not be appropriate for release.
December 7th 2016 - 1 variation from Technical Requirements was considered at this meeting however details are withheld from public domain for reasons of commercial sensitivity.


text:
The right to not pledge
February 26, 2010 in Uncategorized | Tags: civil liberties, education, First Amendment
A Maryland teenage student refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the teacher had her basically arrested for it. On the first day she refused, the teacher sent her to the office (one wonders why the principal didn't rectify the situation immediately). On the second day the teacher called the school police to have her removed from the classroom as the teacher insulted her and allowed other class members to taunt her.
The ACLU is involved and quite frankly I don't think they should let the district off with just an apology. The district recognizes that she had the right, but there really should be zero tolerance for this. Give the girl credit for her courage, but this teacher's actions have probably made the duration of the girl's high school time a living hell. Quite frankly, having this teacher wag his/her finger at the kids he/she has already whipped up is a remedy which will do more to aggravate than mitigate. And personally I think the teacher should be required to attend a high school civics class and pass it.
If the facts of the article are correct, the teacher should be dismissed immediately. The American Nazis (*) are going to be showing up more and more frequently now.
(*) I know the word is overused. I'm using it here precisely because it fits.
Joe Blow
Eric, in the new era of the medieval Dark Age, sometimes I am pleasantly surprised – someone lights a candle. There may be some hope for you yet.
kaivalya
Thanks for bringing this to our attention Eric.
But seriously, do they still have High School Civics classes?
I went to High School in Southern California in the 90's and we only had History classes – no Civics. I think the lack of Civics classes are a serious problem in our Democracy right now.
ED Denson
Any idea of the student's background. Takes a lot of nerve to stand up for what you believe by sitting down for the pledge. Are her parents card carrying ACLU members, libertarians, or some other kind of independent thinkers? Did she read something somewhere and decide on her own to do this courageous act? There must be more here than meets the eye. At this point its like a story from Little Rock in the late 1950's which says "Black girl goes to class in white high school" without mentioning the national guard or the mob outside the school. I'd like to know "the rest of the story."
Bruce Ross
Besides the civics class, which the teacher obviously needs, what would you suggest as a remedy? I mean, I think she's a maroon, but one mistake is not a firing offense.
Fred Mangels
Ed wrote, I'd like to know "the rest of the story."
Agreed. When I hear such stories, I'd like to know the whole situation.
Bruce wrote, …I mean, I think she's a maroon, but one mistake is not a firing offense.
I believe that should be "moron". Still, I understand what you're saying. Yet, just like with the girl, I can't help but wonder what the teacher's story is.
And for what it's worth: I hate the Pledge of Allegiance.
It isn't going to be just teachers such as the one mentioned in this article. There is a disturbing new movement among our law enforcement and military (among others) to . . .
vow[ing] to disobey "unconstitutional" orders from what they view as an increasingly tyrannical government.
Take a gander at this article from Mother Jones . . .
Oath Keepers and the Age of Treason
Unk John
Maybe I was just lucky or whatever, but as a high school teacher for some years in a school just north of Bellingham, WA; I made it a point on the first day of school to inform the kids that no one in this country should be made to stand and recite the Pledge. I would then point out that anyone choosing to remain seated should also remain silent. They should remain as silent as I was … and I never recited it.
Only once did anyone have a problem with it. A young man told me he was convinced that I "hated America," and he intended to complain to his parents. If they ever brought it up with the principal, he never mentioned it to me.
I do not like reciting the pledge of allegiance weekly at Rotary. I feel like a third grader. I show my allegiance by paying taxes. I just generally come in at "with liberty and justice for all" and I add please. Love America, hate doing the pledge.
moviedad
Problem is, I actually believe in those words.
Great point, Bunny. Also just how much value is a pledge that must be constantly renewed? Is the pledge understood to be transient?Only holding true until the next time you see a flag at a public assembly? I doubt it. Perhaps it is something to be said once in a lifetime. Surely the pledge of allegiance should have the power of marriage vows, otherwise what could it really mean? Probably too it should not be said by children under the age of consent, or people in coercive situations? I mean is it patriotism, or brainwashing, when children say it in school?
McKinleyville Kris
It could be a religious freedom issue as Jehovah's Witness do not salute the flag (or worship idols in any other way.) There were several at my HS who did not recite the pledge, but they stood politely as the rest of us did. Don't ever remember them being singled out for abuse as a result, though.
No, I really meant maroon — tinyurl.com/mv3xle — but in any case I withdraw the abuse.
I don't imagine the story's so complicated. The teacher probably takes the Pledge and her duty to instill a sense of patriotism in her children seriously. Good on her.
Unfortunately, she just doesn't know that loving our country means loving our Supreme Court's defense of the right *not* to say the Pledge of Allegiance. And, really, not everyone's a constitutional scholar.
Maybe the school administrators need to do a better job of explaining just what the rules are and how to handle a non-Pledger. I'm sure they will next year.
Eric Kirk
Bruce – I disagree with Mitch in that I think dismissal is harsh, but I do think a public apology and perhaps a temporary suspension is in order depending on the extent of the verbal abuse.
On another tack, there is an irony to the whole Pledge debate. Edward Bellamy was an utopian socialist in the 19th century, famous for his novel Looking Forward. The Pledge was originally written (sans the "under God" provision later included ostensibly to combat "atheistic communism") by his nephew, also a socialist.
I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America
and to the "REPUBLIC" for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with "LIBERTY," and "JUSTICE" for "All"
So what's the problem?
I think maybe the 'indivisible' part has to do with the secessionists.
No one should feel forced to recite any oath. But personally I feel this statement, along with the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, with the Bill of Rights. Are powerful declarations of what our country is really all about. These are the ideals of the American people. Not the greed and capitalistic orgies that pass for patriotism these days.
If the ruling class actually believed in 'America,' they would not be enforcing racism or economic oppression of the poor. Or selling us out to the Chinese just to make a short-term profit. They wouldn't be able to sleep in their $10,000 beds, knowing that they helped the health insurance industry make billions by causing the deaths of children and elderly people who've died from a lack of medical care.
Think of the true utopia we'd live in here in America, if powerful and wealthy people in positions of control actually felt bound to act according the pledge.
A refusal to recite the pledge, is an exercise of the liberty referred to in the pledge itself.
The only part of the pledge that I have real trouble with is "under God." I have less trouble with "to the flag," but it is confusing. If they mean it in the way that it is a symbol, okay, but then why does it say, "and to the republic for which it stands…yada yada? The word "and" implies that the flag and the republic are two separate things and allegiance is pledged to borh
For those of you who might believe I have too much time on my hands, just wait till you read the next paragraph. It will prove you to be undeniably correct.
I don't mean to be picky here, but Moviedad, you have just written something that I have always found interesting. You wrote, "… One nation under God, indivisible, ,,, etc." Many people have pointed out that there is no comma after the word "nation", yet people who have been reciting the pledge since they were children invariably hesitate after that word. The same is true of today's children who recite every day in school.
What interests me most about it is what it says about human behavior. I believe that the hesitation is due to a sort of lemming like behavior, albeit far less abusive than the action taken by the lemmings themselves. The reasons for it go back to something Eric said in a post above.
The words "under God", were of course, not written in the original version. They were added somewhere in the early to mid fifties. I was in maybe the fourth or fifth grade at the time. The new version confused us. Sometimes we would completely forget about the new words and sometimes we would get them in. However, because there had always been a comma after the word "nation" we would hesitate after that word. That continued even after throwing in the new words became the norm.
It wasn't just the kids. The teachers and other adults did it as well. So, every new generation coming up was indoctrinated by people who would recite it incorrectly. Thus they grew up, and the next gener…well, you get the idea.
My sister says I'm an endless stream of worthless thoughts. They may be worthless, but that's not less than nothing.
If it did not contain the "under God bit" that was added I would have much less difficulty with it than I do.
It is also my view that patriotism without thought is a very dangerous thing no matter what the particular political viewpoint is. Just as activism without thought can cause much damage.
Some would say that "Under God" is still secular, since it doesn't say "under Jesus," or "Under Yahweh."
I don't know. I'm not sure I believe that the country was originally founded on "Religious Freedom." Seems the only freedom of religion they practiced was burning homeopathic healers alive, and stealing their farms.
The hypocrisy is not lost on me.
I would change it to: "One nation under the universal ionic bonding force of the known universe."
Your points are well taken though. But these statements, held onto so tightly by the Tea-baggers and Neo-Cons; are the only weapons available to challenge these groups on their un-American activities. Supporting the rich, cutting the poor off from even the most basic human needs. Deciding a person's worth based on their genetics.
I'll be the first one to say 99% of statements made in political speeches are BS. For most of the wealthy politicians; the pledge, the declaration, the constitution, might as well been written by Karl Marx himself.
suzy blah blah
i'm not fancying any god, who isn't, at the very least, willing to get on the bottom sometimes.
@Suzy . . . heh . . . heh . . . oh my oh my God as a bottom!
Unk John – I actually had an embarrassing experience on my first substitute teaching position when I was up there – I guess it's 20 years ago now. Yeesh.
Anyway, I was in a Lyndon High classroom and the bell rang. As I was about to take roll, one of the girls told me that I was supposed to lead the class in flag salute. So I had the class stand up, and then all of the sudden froze. It'd been so long I couldn't even remember how it started. The same girl started it for me and glanced over with a smile. I'll always be grateful for her Christian charity.
As for the concept of pledging to a flag rather than the Constitution or nation in general, Barbara Ehrenreich in her book "Blood Rites" about the history of war, claims that the emphasis on the flag itself is unique to America.
American patriotism, like the nationalisms of other nations, is celebrated on special holidays, and these are, in most instances, dedicated to particular wars or the memory of war. The Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day all provide occasions for militaristic parades and the display of nationalistic emblems and symbols, especially the flag. On these and other occasions, such as commemorations of particular wars or battles, bugles are blown, wreaths are ceremoniously laid on monuments or graves, veterans dress up in their old uniforms, and politicians deliver speeches glorifying the nationalistic values of duty and "sacrifice." Through such rituals and observances of nationalism as a "secular religion," historian
George L. Mosse has written, war is "made sacred."[42]
But the "religion" of American patriotism is also distinctive in at least two ways. First, it features a peculiar kind of idolatry which can only be called
a "cult of the flag."* {*Other comparable, English- speaking nations–the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia–do not indulge in flag worship. According to the Wall Street Journal (Nov. 7, 1996), British efforts to create a mass market for Union Jacks have fallen flat: "Many don't like what it stands for. A fair number aren't sure when, or if, the law lets them unfurl it. Quite a few haven't the foggiest idea of which side of it is up."} Just as the wartime Japanese fetishized the emperor's portrait, Americans fetishize their flag. A patriotic pamphlet from 1900 declared in unabashedly religious terms that the United States "must develop, define and protect the cult of her flag, and the symbol of that cult–the Star Spangled Banner– must be kept inviolate as are the emblems of all religions."[43] Early twentieth-century leaders of the Daughters of the American Revolution held that "what the cross is to our church, the flag is to our country," and, in more overtly primitive terms, that the flag had been "made sacred and holy by bloody sacrifice".[16]
The American flag can be found in almost every kind of public space, including churches, and it must be handled in carefully prescribed, ritual ways, down to the procedure for folding. It is "worshipped" by displaying it, by pledging allegiance to it, and, occasionally, by kneeling and kissing it.[45] It is the subject of our national anthem, which celebrates a military victory signaled by the survival, not of the American soldiers, but of the American flag, when the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
And anyone who still doubts that the American flag is an object of religious veneration need only consider the language of the proposed constitutional amendment, narrowly defeated in the Senate in 1995, forbidding the "desecration" of flags.
Either way you cut it. A lot of good men died under that piece of cloth. Regardless of the "real" reasons for the conflict. In the military (Navy for me) the flag is held sacred just for that reason. Most of our people who die in wars, don't understand the geopolitical ramifications of the conflict. It's very simple, there's our flag, there is where my people are.
People in the military have pretty deep opinions about the flag. It's a powerful symbol for some, and merely a tool of manipulation for others.
Slaves were also dragged across the Atlantic under that piece of cloth.
And Native Americans massacred under it as well.
Yes, and jay walking has taken place under the cloth as well. And hopscotch, and cake baking too.
Moviedad – but do members of the military in other countries have a similar reverence for their flag? Ehrenreich says no. I have no idea. It may be that we are a particularly religious country and so approach our rituals accordingly.
moviedad,
I'm sure you are right that "a lot of good men died under that piece of cloth." Probably some good women, too.
The problem I have with a teacher who would force a student to perform a pledge of allegiance is that he or she is desecrating what that flag stands for.
America's flag is not, to me, about "this is where my people are." America's flag, to me, represents the incredibly important concepts that (1) the guy in charge is not a representative of the divine, and has no business making that claim; and (2) the government does not have the right to tell individuals what to believe. To force someone to salute that piece of cloth and assert that it represents "one nation under god" is to devalue the things it stands for.
It would be disgusting to appear at a veteran's memorial and disrupt it, because that would be dishonoring the sacrifices made by so many in order to maintain the chain that has brought us freedom. For similar reasons, I find it disgusting to think of any public employee ordering a member of the public to salute anything and state something that they perhaps don't actually believe.
If America's flag were about "this is where my people are," there would be absolutely nothing (in my opinion) more worthy about our piece of cloth than that of Canada, Mexico, or any other country's piece of cloth.
Moviedad, in my 6 years in the U. S. Army I never got to the point where I looked at the flag as anything more than a symbol. I don't consider the flag sacred and I think we really do take it far too serious. I mean, if a person is truly supposed to burn the flag if it touches the ground, then I start to worry about it being more than a mere symbol in the eyes of people. It seems like a form of worship and I can't support that.
Anything else I might say about this topic would be redundant since I agree entirely with Mitch's statement.
Eric, I think one of your other "Lynden stories" would be more fun to relate. The one involving a bus ride with a bunch of Australian High School basketball players. I believe some of them expressed their desires for cats, or something like that.
A "Symbol?" Silly me, I thought that's what I was trying to say.
I'm sorry if I offended. I have no problem with that, and I really like your suggestion for replacing "under God." It's lengthy, but all encompassing.
Won't be as funny since I can't mimic the accent in writing. But that was funny!
This seems to be yet another example of the a growing totalitarian state mentality, where the government is the object of religious worship. The state school system has created a system where the state is supreme.
A more visible and destructive example of this was the "Great Eldorado Roundup" in Texas, in which 439 children of an unpopular religion were legally kidnapped by the state and the corrupt local judge. Fortunately, the state appeals court and state supreme court stepped in and sent the children back to their homes.
http://parent-rights.blogspot.com/2009/07/scoreboard-flds-439-texas-0.html
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i got it too. took the dealer. they couldn't find anything.
Mine does it also, on start up and shut down.
Have not taken it into the dealer yet.
If they find a solution I will post it here.
Check the catalytic converter heat shield. It may be loose. I have an '09 LTZ and never had any exhaust rattle.
sound like a light sabor from starwars? Mine did that for about 10,000 miles then just quit. It would do it real bad on first start in the morning after it set all night.. usualy lasted abour 30-45 seconds. Then in real cold weather ( under 30* ) it would do it at red lights ever now and then.
My exhaust also smoked for ever, like steam when its cold... it still does that no matter what the temp is, also i always have small puddles of water under them its done that from day one.
FYI, I have a 2013 Impala LTZ. Does the same thing. ONLY when started up when the engine is cold, lasts for all of 4 seconds, then you never hear it again. Also, it doesn't make the sound when you drive either. It's only when started up.
my 2013 LT does it too! I've thought about replacing the exhaust.. or detach the exhaust at the manifolds and see if its still there. somewhat glad to hear that it wasnt just mine.. thought it was a sign of things to come.
FYI: There is a TSB on this issue and GM is well aware of it. I was advised it is the double wall of the y-pipe and there is no fix. They "can" replace the y-pipe, but new y-pipe has same design with potential for same issue. Goes away relatively quickly once car is started and moved a little, but I agree, annoying just the same.
Some customers may comment on a brief rattle or noise heard from the front or the rear of the vehicle on a cold start up.
This may be caused by the "Y" pipe inner and outer components expanding at different rates resulting in the rattle/noise.
This is a normal characteristic of the vehicle's exhaust system and no repair(s) should be attempted for this concern.
Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle. It will not impact the designed performance or reliability of the vehicle. Please share this information with the customer, including a copy of this message.
For further information, please contact GM Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for assistance.
Eric, thanks so, so much for this. I guess this is what we've all wanted to hear from GM, at least that they acknowledge this is an issue in the form of a TSB, document, or something.
That's why I put a Magnaflow catback on lol. When I took my OEM exhaust off you could see it was double walled in some places not in others. I also like that the Magnaflow has a even Y pipe instead of the offset of the factory exhaust.
What is the purpose of a "double walled" exhaust pipe in the first place? Just added strength or something?
This is exactly what i needed to read!, Thanks! Now time to stop worrying about mechanical issues and order that CAi. The wife and I just bought a 2013 Impala LTZ Black 4 days ago, and I noticed this sound, So glad to know I didn't get ripped off LOL.


text:
Making a Good Game Worse: Monster Rancher the Anime
Probably in an attempt to prove that there are no good instances of a game crossing over into either anime or movies, the late 90's gave us the perfect example of things that you probably didn't want to see in the way of Monster Rancher the anime. Based on a video game with so little plot that they could have easily made it about a man who raises monsters only to sell them for drug money and still have managed to make it fall well within the game's cannon, the writers of this show instead decided to go the Never Ending Story route and have a child from Earth sucked into the world of the game where they he has free license to act like a moron and ask questions about things that he should know from his own world.
[local /wp-content/uploads/2011/04/monsterrancherintro.wmv nolink]
Very similar to that terrible internet music video "Friday" the intro to this show somehow manages to be the worst thing ever and so addictive that days later it is easy to catch one's self mumbling the lyrics out load. The show aired Saturday mornings, while I was in high school, so it managed to fall in that perfect time period where I had nothing to do until noon on any given weekend, and was also too lazy to not lie in bed and watch whatever crap I got on a TV that only could get local channels—this basically meant that during the week most people within ear shot wanted me dead for mumbling something about a world where monsters rule.
The plot of the show follows a small child, Genki, who manages to win a Monster Battle Tournament –which is so meaningless in context of the game that I have no idea what they are even hinting at– and receives a super-secret game disc shipped to him a few weeks later. What really annoys me about the first episode is that there is an attempt to show Monster Rancher off as having the same depth as another fighting game, say Street Fighter, but the entire problem with that is that it is more of an RPG than anything and contains monsters that are so overly broken by design that they can kill pretty much anything in one hit. Anyone who played that game for anyone amount of time knows that you just spam the strongest attack that any monster has and blindly hope that it lands every time, trying to pretend that there is strategy or depth just insults everyone involved.
After receiving the "beta" of the new game coming out, something that would never happen now because the first thing that anyone would do would be to upload it to the internet, Genki throws it into his PS1. Oddly the new game seems to be less of a pre-release and more gateway into a world where all kinds of monsters want to kill him as quickly and painfully as they can manage. Oddly this seems to be more of a punishment for being the best Monster Rancher player on the planet as opposed to the reward that he was promised.
I find it interesting that the 90's also proved to be a time for anime where it could have a couple hundred episodes, most of which almost never have anything that even resembles plot movement. The VHS that I own, which contains the first three episodes, has about a grand total of 3/4 of an episode worth of plot. Sure, most first episodes of many shows serve only to introduce the main character and are by definition worthless, but the second episode of this show seems to be more about the fact that he was sucked into another world without shoes on.
No, really, there is an entire 30 seconds of the second episode where he simply puts on shoes and a jacket/cloak. I guess there is an argument to the level of detail that the show follows that he wasn't wearing shoes when he came to this world, as he was in his bedroom playing a video game, but in the same breath he also has rollerblades that he doesn't wear because they make walking up hills complicated. I might not have been the biggest fan of skates back in the day, but I do remember that they only ever worked on completely evenly paved roads–this entire world is devoid of those and yet he still makes them work through his seemingly demon-like fountains of energy and uncaringness about physics. Also he doesn't have any socks, and personal experience taught me that skates with no socks is a great way to get massive blisters.
The third episode isn't any better. Sure, there is an addition to the main cast, but that is also the only thing that happens. The first half of the episode is about Genki wandering aimlessly and loudly through some woods to find where the stone golem lives, and a chunk of the later half is the crew acting like the new guy is going to eat them. Oddly it ends up seemingly like they are being more racist then protective of themselves, and I secretly hoped that the rock dude was going to call them on it.
As the way that plot goes that is pretty much it, nothing of great meaning happens. From what little research I did online it seems that the show "gets good" later on, seemingly getting very dark in some of the later episodes. I really have to say that besides being really impressed that anyone out there even remembers that this show exists is that there are people who actively defend how awesome "it gets".
I wouldn't really know about that because let's be honest, like every other show that was ever on Saturday mornings only the first 10 episodes where ever really shown, everything else was probably a one shot deal when Fox decided to run a marathon for the contractual obligation they signed. If you remember anything about this show getting "dark" you were probably way more devoted to this than was healthy. I mean the only reason that I own this tape is because while ordering a large chunk of other anime I was given the choice of adding this in for 50 cents.
Posted on April 26, 2011 April 27, 2013 Author gillmanCategories Articles, Featured, gamesTags Anime, fox, monster rancher, ps1, saturday morning, shoes, tv
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