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Media release - Better Connected: a national conversation begins on a roadmap for a more modern, digitally connected health system
Health Ministers approve Australia's National Digital Health strategy
5 April 2019: The Australian Digital Health Agency has today opened an online consultation for all Australians, including frontline clinicians, consumers, healthcare organisations and the technology sector to have their say on a more modern, digitally connected health system.
The online consultation is part of a nationwide series of discussions used to co-design the National Health Interoperability Roadmap, which will agree the standards and priorities required to achieve a more modern digitally connected health system in Australia.
The Roadmap is a key priority of the National Digital Health Strategy, which was approved by all states and territories through the Council of Australian Government (COAG) Health Council in 2017.
The National Digital Health Strategy highlights the importance of connected health services and calls for the definition of standards to support interoperability that will support clinicians, patients and citizens make the best health and care decisions.
"Industry clinical software supports millions of digital transactions daily through public and private health systems," said Emma Hossack, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Software Industry Association.
"A collaborative consensus on standards will increase confidence of all users and make a more interconnected health system possible for patients and their healthcare providers."
In addition to the online consultation, the Agency will be facilitating over 50 digital health community conversations over coming months with members of the healthcare sector, health technology industry and consumer representatives to collaborate on how digital technology can best support the delivery of a person-centred healthcare system that prevents disease and empowers personal wellbeing.
Sharing the right health information at the right time is critical to high quality, sustainable health and care. Currently, many digital health systems in separate healthcare locations are unable to talk to each other. Information collected about a patient – for example in a hospital or a GP practice – often isn't made available to others involved in a patient's care.
"Based on my experience as a patient, having a better-connected system will ensure I can have more control over my own health information and greater access to more efficient and safer services," said patient advocate Harry Iles-Mann.
"It means knowing that when it matters most, the management of my health and wellbeing by the system is being supported by a network of information sharing tailored to my own needs and expectations."
In almost every part of our lives, whether it's banking, transport, travel or maintaining social or business connections, technology has changed the way we do things. Just as people expect technology to seamlessly support them in their everyday lives, both consumers and healthcare professionals expect digital technology to support the delivery of high-quality healthcare.
Interoperability holds the potential to bring patients' records together from a range of systems and to provide access to information from disparate sources, give consumers and providers greater visibility and enable research and innovation.
For example, 20% of Australians have a confirmed allergy. Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have increased five-fold over the past 20 years, and drug allergy induced anaphylaxis deaths have increased by 300%. In clinical situations where a patient is deteriorating and requires immediate intervention, knowing whether a drug may cause life‐threatening anaphylaxis is vital.
This first consultation, hosted by Agency chief executive officer, Mr Tim Kelsey, was held on 18 March 2019 at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney and brought together leaders from medical colleges, innovation experts, privacy advocates.
At the launch, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said: "A better-connected healthcare system will allow doctors to spend less time ringing around and searching for faxes and more time talking with patients."
"Today is about ensuring the road to a better digitally connected system is a two-way conversation."
"Best use of data and technology is key to sustainable, high quality and person-centred health care," said Agency chief executive officer Tim Kelsey.
"We've made progress since the National Digital Health Strategy was launched in 2018 – including creating a My Health Record for 9 out of 10 Australians, and developing standards for secure digital messages to replace letters and fax machines in healthcare. We are now developing the plan to move Australia to the next stage of connected care.
"Improving the interoperability of health and care services so that the right information is available at the right time for the right person is fundamental to improving the outcomes and experience of healthcare."
The online consultation survey is now available.
The Agency also welcomes written submissions by email or mail.
Address: L25/175 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Mobile: 0428 772 421 Email: [email protected]
About the Australian Digital Health Agency
The Agency is tasked with improving health outcomes for all Australians through the delivery of digital healthcare systems, and implementing Australia's National Digital Health Strategy – Safe, Seamless, and Secure: evolving health and care to meet the needs of modern Australia in collaboration with partners across the community. The Agency is the System Operator of My Health Record, and provides leadership, coordination, and delivery of a collaborative and innovative approach to utilising technology to support and enhance a clinically safe and connected national health system. These improvements will give individuals more control of their health and their health information, and support healthcare providers to deliver informed healthcare through access to current clinical and treatment information. Further information: www.digitalhealth.gov.au.
Download the media release - Better Connected: a national conversation begins on a roadmap for a more modern, digitally connected health system (PDF, 154KB)
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Australia's Digital Health strategy
By operation of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing the Australian Digital Health Agency) Rule 2016, on 1 July 2016, all the assets and liabilities of NEHTA will vest in the Australian Digital Health Agency. In this website, on and from 1 July 2016, all references to "National E-Health Transition Authority" or "NEHTA" will be deemed to be references to the Australian Digital Health Agency. PCEHR means the My Health Record, formerly the "Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record", within the meaning of the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth), formerly called the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Act 2012 (Cth).
This website has been designed to be as accessible as possible. We are continually updating it to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. If you have any problems using this site, or a document you need is not in a format you can access, email us or call us.
Copyright ©2015-2019 Australian Digital Health Agency


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NBC Cancels Show After 17-Year Run
NBC just pulled the plug on one of its longest-running shows. After 17 years, the network is ending "Last Call with Carson Daly," Variety reports.
"Daly is stepping away from the series but will continue on as the host of the Orange Room on 'Today' as well as the host and producer of 'The Voice' for NBC," Variety reports.
The series launched in 2002 and will have aired 2,000 episodes by the time it wraps, the report notes. "A date for the final episode and a new show for the 1:30 a.m. weeknight timeslot will be announced at a later date," Variety adds.
Daly is quoted saying: "If you had told me in 2002 I would be a part of the historic NBC late-night family for 17 years, I would have said you were crazy! Hard to believe it's been so long — 2,000 episodes. It's time to move on to something new and let someone else have access to this incredible platform."
Non-Traditional Awards Offer Hope — and Compassion
California Governor Kills LA-SF High-Speed Train

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Plumbing Industry News
A Game-Changer For Showerheads?
By Mike Miazga
DOE has proposed to redefine showerheads as shower valves.
In early June, the U.S. Department of Energy, without advance notice to stakeholders, proposed to re-define showerheads as shower valves, which would allow only a single showerhead using no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute per showering compartment.
"All components that are supplied standard together and function from one inlet (i.e., after the mixing valve) form a single showerhead for purposes of the maximum water-use standards," is how DOE's new interpretation of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act's maximum water-use standard reads.
Thus, if a showerhead's standard components, operating in their maximum design flow configuration, taken together use in excess of 2.5 gpm when flowing at 80 psi - even if each component individually does not exceed 2.5 gpm - it would be ruled noncompliant based on the DOE's new interpretation of EPCA.
DOE spokeswoman
Jen Stutsmansaid the new interpretation came about after several complaints were received alleging certain showerhead products were exceeding the federal water-conservation standard.
"In the course of investigating these complaints, (we) discovered some confusion as to how the department's definition of 'showerhead' for water-conservation purposes applied to new showerhead designs being marketed under names such as waterfalls, shower towers, rainheads and shower systems," Stutsman told
pme.
Shortly after the initial furor arose, Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Executive DirectorBarbara Higgensmet with DOE officials. She said she came back only slightly encouraged by the fact that DOE's initial directive contained clumsy language.
The new definition does not impose an outright ban on multiple showerheads, as originally feared. However, the ruling would require manufacturers to restrict water flow to one outlet at a time and add more valves for multiple outlet operation. "These restrictions are still quite onerous," Higgens said.
The final day of DOE's comment period was June 18. In the days leading up to June 18, Higgens was busy issuing "action alerts" to PMI members to urge them to speak out against the new interpretation
"We have received a number of comments providing feedback on the draft interpretative rule from the industry and the public," Stutsman said.
While manufacturers acknowledged they will be affected in varying degrees from a compliance, financial and production standpoint if the new definition becomes law, they expressed much greater concern about another segment of the equation - the consumer.
The proposal also would affect the commercial sector (hotels, nursing homes, schools and health clubs where systems such as gang showers and multifunction showerheads are prevalent). It could have an especially negative consequence for the aging-in-place population and persons with disabilities who may rely on using a hand shower on a multihead system while sitting on a shower stool.
But Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association Government Relations DirectorKevin Schwalbcautioned water savings may not be ultimately realized under the proposed new definition.
"In order to maintain compliance with unique codes and regulations dealing with commercial buildings such as hospitals, retirement homes, school and special-needs locations, this definition will require installation of additional mixing valves, which defeats the DOE's intended purpose for this interpretation," Schwalb noted. "This would not result in the intended water savings this rule is trying to accomplish."
Stutsman said after the comments are reviewed, DOE intends to issue a final interpretative rule to clarify the showerhead definition as used in DOE rules.
"As we proceed, we will be mindful of manufacturers' production decisions that may have been based on a misunderstanding of the definition of the term showerhead and how it related to the department's conservation standards," Stutsman said.
Stutsman noted if the draft interpretation is implemented, it would not outright ban fixtures such as hand nozzles and fixed nozzles.
"It makes clear that the full range of available showerhead products, including products with a hand nozzle and fixed nozzle, must meet the federal water-conservation standard on the books since 1998 - 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 pounds per square inch," she explained.
While manufacturers and organizations such as PMI and PHCC have submitted comments, there are those who wonder why the two sides can't simply sit down and craft a workable solution that benefits all parties involved.
"We need to get together and look at this and determine what is in the best interests of everybody," said Moen Group Product ManagerMike Reffner, who is in favor of uniform flow rates being established throughout the country. "You have manufacturers willing to collaborate with agencies. The precedent is there."
-pmeConsulting Editor Jim Olsztynski contributed to this report.
Follow pme on Twitter!
Mike Miazga (former group editorial director for BNP Media's Plumbing Group) is now the vice president of sales/membership at the American Supply Association (ASA). Supply House Times is proud to be the official publication and brand of the ASA — a relationship that spans more than a decade.
Mike's relationship with BNP Media and the Plumbing Group continues today. He now writes a monthly ASA-focused column for Supply House Times and acts as an editorial consultant to BNP Media's Plumbing Group.
In his 10-plus years at BNP Media, Miazga was senior editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer before taking over chief editor duties at Supply House Times in 2011. In addition to his role as editorial director, Miazga continued as Supply House Times chief editor and the editor of the American Supply Association's PVF Outlook eNewsletter. He also enjoyed three stints as PM Engineer's chief editor, holding dual roles as Supply House Times and PM Engineer chief editor on two occasions.
Miazga started his career in newspapers at the age of 19 and has more than 25 years of newsroom, management, editorial and public/media relations experience, and is a former high-school baseball and golf head varsity coach. Mike and his family are still based out of the Chicago area (with ASA Headquarters in Itasca, Illinois). You can reach Mike at PlumbingGroup89@gmail.com.
DOE Sheds Light On Showerhead Re-Definition
DOE Likely To Modify Showerhead Definition
Showerhead Ruling Imminent


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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speak to the media about the COVID-19 virus outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Canada's inability to manufacture vaccines in-house will delay distribution: Trudeau
First doses of COVID-19 vaccine expected in first few months of 2021, prime minister says
Canada will not be first in line for COVID-19 vaccines, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during his morning briefing in front of Rideau Cottage on Tuesday (Nov. 24).
"We recognize the disadvantage Canada has of not having a domestic pharmaceutical industry capable of making the vaccines," Trudeau said.
"We have secured tens of million of doses of many different kinds of vaccines."
Canada has secured deals with all three vaccine candidates currently showing high efficacy in late stage trials: AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna.
VIDEO: How do the leading COVID vaccines differ? And what does that mean for Canada?
"We're expecting to start receiving those doses in the first few months of 2021," Trudeau said, but noted that the citizens of the countries manufacturing the vaccines will likely get the first doses before they are shipped internationally.
Trudeau said that in the future, Canada would ramp up its own vaccine manufacturing "because we never want to be caught short again, without the ability to support Canadians directly."
The federal government announced in August that it was contributing $120 million over two years to build a biomanufacturing facility in Montreal that includes the National Research Council.
During a separate news conference, Public Procurement Minister Anita Anand said Canada has signed contracts for more doses per capita than any country in the world and that efforts are now underway to prepare for their arrival in the next few months.
That involves buying 126 freezers, including 26 ultracold ones, to hold millions of doses of vaccines. Ottawa is also seeking private bidders to run the logistics and considering what role the military could play. The country also signed a deal with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly for an initial order of up to 26,000 doses of their COVID-19 antibody therapy Bamlanivimab. The drug is a monoclonal antibody designed to block the virus from attaching to and entering human cells, thus potentially preventing the virus from causing COVID-19 illness. The treatment was developed in collaberation with with AbCellera Biologics, a Vancouver-based technology company that searches, decodes and analyzes natural immune systems to find antibodies that can be developed to prevent and treat disease.
Canada continued to see new COVID-19 cases and deaths, with more than 1,000 each from Ontario and Quebec. Last week saw more than 5,050 new cases nationwide each day, with about 2,000 people hospitalized each day with the virus. An average of 70 people died due to COVID-19 each day last week.
"There are more regions of the country with high infection rates," Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Tuesday.
"And it is clear that COVID-19 knows no bounds. Communities, jurisdictions and whole regions that were little, if at all, impacted in the past (are) now seeing community spread. Some areas are experiencing very high rates of infection for the first time."
READ MORE: What do rising positivity rates mean for B.C.? It's not entirely clear
CoronavirusJustin Trudeau
Help from B.C. man allows American family to reunite in Alaska
Meghan Markle reveals she had miscarriage in the summer


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Home/All News/Commonwealth Games – Singles Finals
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Commonwealth Games – Singles Finals
RESULTS: Commonwealth Games Squash, Glasgow, Scotland
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [2] James Willstrop (ENG) 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5 (100m)
Bronze medal play-off:
[3] Peter Barker (ENG) bt [4] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6 (53m)
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [2] Laura Massaro (ENG) 12-10, 11-2, 11-5 (44m)
[3] Joelle King (NZL) bt [4] Alison Waters (ENG) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 (42m)
Nicol David & Nick Matthew Celebrate Historic Commonwealth Games Double
Top seeds Nicol David and Nick Matthew marked an historic Commonwealth Games double today when both successfully retained their Squash singles titles at the Glasgow 2014 Games.
David – the world No1 from Malaysia who is competing in her fifth successive Games since her maiden home soil appearance in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, aged 15 – beat England's world champion Laura Massaro in the women's final, whilst world No2 Matthew survived a five-game battle with fellow Englishman James Willstrop in a repeat of the 2010 men's final in Delhi.
The matches brought to a close an exhilarating five-day festival of squash staged on a spectacular all-glass showcourt atScotstoun Sports Campus in Scotland's largest city, watched by unprecedented crowds in excess of 2,000 each day.
Massaro, the only player who has beaten David five times, established leads of 8-4 and 9-7 in the opening game before reaching game-ball at 10-9.
But the 30-year-old Malaysian, who has topped the world rankings unopposed since August 2006, played the shot of the match – a forehand boast which just cleared the tin – to draw level before clinching the game 12-10.
David went on to take the next two games 11-2, 11-5 to claiming the gold medal for the second time in a row, after 44 minutes.
"Winning the first game was crucial – it was really tough out there, I had to put the pressure on," said the beaming champion. "I've been working on that shot (to save game-ball at 9-10) for a long time!
"Laura is the most competitive player on the Tour – she's so determined, she just doesn't let go.
"It's only just hit me that I am the Commonwealth Games champion for the second time – it really is remarkable.
"Today is the Malaysian festival of Hari Raya (the Muslim 'Eid Mubarak' celebration to mark the end of Ramadan) – which makes it even more special for me.
"I really wanted this gold."
Massaro, a Commonwealth Games medallist for the first time, said: "Before the event, my goal was to get a medal. I was desperate for gold and when you spend the whole time aiming for that, this is a bit disappointing.
"I know when Nicol gets in front and gets the first game, it settles her down. She played really well – but I felt I was playing really well too," added the world No2 from Preston.
On David's crucial shot in the opening game, Massaro said: "She tends to pull out an awesome shot on game-ball down!"
The men's final also featured the top two seeds – with the Yorkshire pair marking their 53rd meeting and Matthew boasting a 41-11 lead.
Both players arrived in Glasgow following injury scares – Matthew underwent knee surgery six weeks ago and Willstrop suffered a mystery ailment which hampered his preparation.
Defending champion Matthew took the opening game after 25 minutes – but Willstrop recovered from an early Matthew lead in the second to draw level.
Willstrop seemed tired in the third as Matthew regained his lead – but the Harrogate-based underdog dug deep to win the fourth to set up a decider.
Matthew led throughout the fifth before raising his arms in joy after securing his 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5 title triumph in exactly 100 minutes.
"Considering what we've both been through, this match is a testament to both of us – we were both winners out there and both deserve to stand at the top of the podium," Matthew told the media afterwards.
"I was on a hospital bed six weeks ago and he was told he might never play again.
"And Chris (Robertson) reminded me of that when I came off court at two-all – 'you're a winner whatever happens' said my coach.
"I probably played some of my best squash in the fourth game, which I lost," added the Sheffield star.
"I'm very proud to win a second gold medal – and it's thanks to the people who have helped to get me to this stage."
It was an unexpectedly upbeat Willstrop who explained his thoughts after his defeat. "I'm disappointed to lose, of course, but I am really proud of my performance. I just enjoyed every second of it – I just loved being on that court. I've come off having lost, but I'm happy.
"I have great respect for what Nick has achieved. It's miraculous what he's done to get back after his surgery.
"When I got the results of the second scan (after a first had suggested a serious condition), it was like getting a new lease of life.
"I did hit a wall in the third – but I got second wind in the fourth. I haven't had a match like that for ages, but neither has he.
"This is not a loss – I've won a silver medal. Playing on an occasion like this doesn't get any better."
The men's bronze medal play-off resulted in a 1-2-3 for England when third seed Peter Barker beat Indian semi-final first-timer Saurav Ghosal, the No4 seed, 11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6. The women's bronze went to Joelle King after the New Zealander beat England's Alison Waters 11-7, 11-7, 11-5.
After winning his second successive singles bronze, Barker said: "I was really gutted after yesterday – but to have come away today without a medal would have been even worse. It's been a long and tough week. I wanted a medal and badly wanted to improve on my bronze in Delhi.
"It's the first England medal – and that's why we are here. Medals is what the England team have all worked so hard for.
"Saurav played well – it was a really hard match and for him to have backed up his earlier matches in this way shows how far he has come. He has had some great PSA wins.
"I hope it's a great final – I wish I was in it. I know Nick has worked really hard over the past few weeks and the reaction on James's face last night when he won shows how good he feels about making the final.
"This crowd has been the best I've ever played in front of. People asked me yesterday if I'd be able to pick myself up for this today? Believe me, it's a privilege and honour to be able to play in such an arena."
When asked if he could look positively at the result, as the youngest of the 2014 semi-finalists and the only one likely to be competing in the 2018 Games, Ghosal said: "It's hard right now to think of that. I've trained really hard for this – four years is too far away. Right now I'm just gutted.
"To do everything I've done and not come away with anything tangible is super depressing. Yesterday I played really – and came up against two players really sharp on the day. But I'm happy I could back up four days in a row."
King's reaction to her win: "One of the most pleasing things about this is the way I've played all week. I really enjoyed myself out there today – I felt able to let go. I loved every second of it – it's amazing what you can do when you relax.
"I felt I rose to the occasion.
"I'm really happy to have won a medal and can now look forward to doing better in four years' time – I'm still young enough, aren't I?" said the 25-year-old.
"The crowd and atmosphere is AMAZING and the court is beautiful! I've never played in front of anything like it – and it's been like this all week, with the crowds cheering for both players. I have to say a big thank you to Scotland."
Waters' reaction was brief: "Joelle played well – she was better on the day. It just wasn't my day."
Full Commonwealth Games Coverage
CWG 2014 CWG2014
Commonwealth Games Semi-Finals
Commonwealth Games - Doubles Day One
Darwish Battles Into Hong Kong Quarters
Caballero Appointed Youth Olympic Games Ambassador
Grinham Downs Duncalf In Qatar Revenge
Commonwealth Games Doubles – Day Five


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Exhibition shows a modern love story about one man, a camera and nature
Inspired by watching Steve Irwin and crocodiles as a child, followed by Spring Watch on BBC TV, Benn McIntyre goes out and buys a camera.
By Horsham Museum
Thursday, 22nd October 2015, 1:38 pm
Photograph by Benn McIntyre
Then he learns about what to do and how to do it by photography forums. Then he publishes the results on Facebook.
This is a modern day love story: a love of photography and nature.
Photography enthusiasts are invited to Horsham District Council's Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, which features 16 of Benn's photographs.
The exhibition is called British Wildlife and opens on Monday, November 2.
It features photographs taken by Southwater resident Benn over the past 18 months. Remarkably, most have been taken locally in the Horsham area, revealing just how rich the wildlife is in the district.
Not only do the photographs showcase the British wildlife on the doorsteps but they also capture the character and inquisitiveness of the animals, raising the question of who is looking at whom.
One photograph of a badger reveals a strong and powerful creature whose black and white fur is contrasted by the soft green tints of grass. Another picture shows a heron whose reflection in the still waters masks the drama that is about to happen as it hunts for fish.
This exhibition is the first public display of Benn's images, seen only previously on the internet.
Benn said: "At the age of 23 I am holding my first exhibition.
"I am over the moon to be able to show people my photos in print form as many people still don't have access to the internet. I think its great that everybody has an opportunity to be inspired by the wonderful wildlife on the British Isle.
"I would like to photograph every species of mammal and bird in the UK."
In that aim he is reflecting the desire of a former resident of Horsham, John G Millais, who not only drew but hunted the animals and birds, gaining worldwide fame 100 years ago.
Benn's love affair doesn't kill the animals, but celebrates them in photography.
Visit British Wildlife at Horsham Museum and celebrate the passion with him and read a modern day story of how that enthusiasm was inspired and developed.
The show runs until December 24. Admission is free.
Horsham Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
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2 Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. 4 A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.
15 Then Moses said to the LORD, 16 "O LORD, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd."
13 So Moses and his assistant Joshua set out, and Moses climbed up the mountain of God.
1 When Moses had finished giving these instructions to all the people of Israel, 2 he said, "I am now 120 years old, and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has told me, 'You will not cross the Jordan River.' 3 But the LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the LORD promised."
18 The LORD replied, "Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. 21 When direction from the LORD is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the LORD—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do." 22 So Moses did as the LORD commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 23 Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.
1 One day a petition was presented by the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, was a descendant of Hepher son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph. 2 These women stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 3 "Our father died in the wilderness," they said. "He was not among Korah's followers, who rebelled against the LORD; he died because of his own sin. But he had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives." 5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD. 6 And the LORD replied to Moses, 7 "The claim of the daughters of Zelophehad is legitimate. You must give them a grant of land along with their father's relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father."
9 You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
5 All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. 6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father.


If you are interested in continuing your fine arts studies this summer at a music or art camp, but need financial assistance to attend, please consider applying for a scholarship from Friends of Fine Arts.
To be considered, your application must be submitted by Tuesday, March 22. Download a copy here. Please return your completed application to Mr. Williams, Downers Grove South Fine Arts Department Chair.
Questions about the application process? Please ask Mr. Williams.
Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) is an organization of parents, educators and community members supporting and promoting fine arts programs at Downers Grove South (DGS) High School through gifts and service.
Copyright 2014. Downers Grove South Friends of Fine Arts, 1436 Norfolk, Downers Grove, IL 60516. Ethereal theme. Powered by Blogger.


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Music Supervisor Jabari Ali Talks Music
Spotlight on August 16, 2018 0Likes At The Movies
You have sat and witnessed this musically genius' ideas in some of America's top films. He was behind the music for Training Day, Brooklyn Finest, Waist Deep, Gun Hill, and many others. Jabari Ali is a trailblazer as a music supervisor. His most recent work, The Equalizer 2, included popular music artists Migos, Tee Grizzley, and more. Ali worked as the music supervisor working alongside the film's director Antoine Fuqua.
ATM: How do a professional on your level stay humbled each day?
JA: I keep God first and have a wonderful family. When you are behind the scenes there is no need for security. It is really about the work.
ATM: Express the appearance of the string based that led you to pick it up in elementary school.
JA: I'm going, to be honest. I really wanted to do percussion. I played the drums, with the local drill team, and performed at the Watts Parade every year. I was a tenor drummer. I could never really get out of evolving into a snare drummer. Percussion was my love as far as instruments. I was larger than the average boy in elementary school.
ATM & JA: Laughs.
JA: Mr. Miller was my band director. He said, "Hey, I want you to try this string base because no one else can hold it." This became my instrument. I could carry and log it around.
ATM: Explain the opportunities of working behind the camera.
JA: There is a more longevity with your career. There are sound mixers, music supervisors, composers, post-production supervisors, and sound designers. Post-production is where the magic happens. Young people have a lot of opportunities behind the camera. People have to make it to these conferences to receive the information. It is about the contacts and the relationships you build.
ATM: What did Coach Major Dean teach you about masculinity at a young age?
JA: I went to the legendary high school called Crenshaw High School. We are soon going to celebrate the high school's 50th anniversary. I will participate in it as entertainment. I will put a black tie event together. He would have been honored if he was still alive. I have so much love for Coach Dean. He was very passionate and coached hard. Coach Dean loved even harder. In reference to masculinity, he taught me that you have to care. You have to care for people and respect them the way you want to be respected. You receive these things from home, but it was applied to sports. He taught me beyond masculinity. Coach Dean was a spirit man, coach, teacher, and mentor. He had a way to get you to understand that you have to do certain things. This can really bring me to tears because he believed in me when I did not believe in myself. He would pick me up and leave if I was not ready. My mother would be at work. I could not really get there sometimes. Coach Dean would say, "I will pick you up on my way to work. If you are not ready, then you are on your own." He would come and
honk. I had to be ready or else it would be a 45-minute walk to school. I was not a gang member. I had to walk through 2-3 different neighborhoods at night to get home. It was challenging. Especially if you are younger and your name is not in the papers. You do not have that pass yet. He would drop us off and made sure we got in. He was also our Dean so you did not want to get in trouble.
ATM: What is your family's response to you working as the music supervisor on The Equalizer 2?
JA: They are very proud and excited. We are a proud family. My family is extremely supportive including my daughters. We all went to go see the movie together. It was about 40 of us. It was equivalent to. . . wait. What is your favorite sports team? What do you like?
ATM: I like the Steelers.
JA: It is like Hines Ward scoring the game and getting a touchdown. Everyone goes crazy. It felt like that. All 40 people were of family and friends. The credits roll, and your name comes up. The sounds are like the noise in a stadium.
ATM: Do you at all take the chance to sit back and say wow? A lot of times people are so in tune with the process that it makes them not see the magic or the creativeness that is currently going on.
JA: Yes, with this film in particular. Everyone has this wow factor. There were several wow factors with this film. You know when you have that right marriage between scene and music. You can just feel it. You get the chill bumps on your arm. When you lock the music up to the scene it just becomes it. It is magic. This is what I look for.
ATM: Have you ever second guessed yourself?
JA: This is a good question. It is more about making sure. It went from Nipsey Hussle's Dedication to Kendrick Lamar to Tee Grizzly to Migos' Supastars. I was making sure we had the best that served the picture and narrative.
ATM: Your job is about combining music and media. How does Jabari pick songs? What elements in creativeness do you look at in a song to pick it?
JA: The song has to enhance the storytelling. It must echo what the director wants.
ATM: What's a day like for you?
JA: Showing up to the Sony studio. Antoine Fuqua and I have a run through for ten or fifteen minutes. I go in with music editor and go through the music chart. I put up a chart for every film. I go over my Sony notes with him. I go over source music and spotting music. I spend a lot of time spotting different things. I have to make sure the scene starts correctly. These are the creative things you get into. I sit at my desk to call publishers and people who represent copyright from a business standpoint to put together a deal. This is what I think we should offer. I meet with Antoine again. He might what to talk about things musically. The sound editor thought to put Mozart in it. We did not use the piece. I found a rendition of the song out in Italy with an orchestra. It all worked.
ATM: What distinct qualities about you as a music supervisor differs compared to others? What makes you different?
JA: My relationships makes me different. I pride myself on my relationships. This is not just with publishers, artists, producers, and songwriters. I am not afraid to go outside the box to strive for something special with a scene. I just go for it.
ATM: How did you gain respect for people to notice you?
JA: You gain respect as a doer. You can talk but you get respect based on what you can do. My respect for filmmakers is mutual. They put their all into it. I cannot help but reciprocate this.
ATM: Where do you see your career in five years?
JA: It as such a monumental feeling to have the number one movie in the country. This was a first for me. I am proud and grateful for this. I see myself making a transition. My goal is to produce some features and shorts. I have some great projects in mind. One is the Ohio players biopic. I am excited to get back in the ring again with Antoine Fuqua. We use boxing terms. We have the Scarface reboot.
ATM: Jabari, do you consider yourself successful?
JA: There are more things that I want to do. I have considered the things already learned as successful. I really do. There is more to do. They're not too many people of color who are music supervisors working behind the scene. This shows young people that it can be done. It is a success from this point. I came up during an era without social media and Google in this business. I had to earn relationships. You really had to get out to earn and make these relationships. I still value this today. I got my first start on Training Day. It is 17 years later. One in between was Brooklyn Finest. This is my third time with Antoine Fuqua. The third time is always a charm. Having the number one movie in the box office is equivalent to winning the Superbowl.
ATM: How many failed attempts did you go through to get where you are today?
JA: I have had soo many no's. I have read so many scripts. I have been up for so many hours and worked so many projects. When you get down to one or two films and they go in another direction. I can name quadruple no's than yes'. This has been for television shows, films, and documentaries.
ATM: What keeps you progressing?
JA: The failure in it all kept me from stopping. I am not stopping as you can see. Did you get a chance to see the movie?
ATM: Yes I did.
JA: What was your favorite scene?
ATM: When Denzel yelled at the young man about deciding a different route in life other than drugs and guns. You see the intensity in both of their eyes.
JA: So powerful! "Why not me." "Why me." "Why not you." This was heavy.
ATM: What was your favorite scene?
JA: This was my favorite scene. I read this scene out of context meaning the film was not put together but only in parts. This scene made me cry. Denzel freestyled this scene. This was him being himself with this character. Antoine and I both had a bad youth in the inner. He was in the inner city of Pittsburgh and I was in the inner city of Los Angeles at 13. I am passionate about music and film. There are some stories that have to be told. He found a way to bridge the gap between generations. Similar to yourself you can feel the passion. This was important for Antoine. He had to give this scene passion and realness. We had to include Migos's Narcos. It brings it to a real place. Not only visually, but also what you are seeing. You get the emotion on top of this. You suck all the music out of it and only the dialogue with Denzel. It makes it special and amazing.
ATM: Describe a life without music. What if the outside noise was just music?
JA: There is no life without music because music and rhythm is your heartbeat.
ATM: This is deep.
JA: Music is life. There is no life without music. We listen to music while in our mother's womb. This is the first music and beat that we hear. When it stops that means life is done.
ATM: Music is something you cannot escape. These tunes come from the streetlights, rain, and the wind pushing your hair back and forth. It is inevitable. Music comes with life once you receive the key to be born. Our voices have just become music.
Music has a way to fill one's soul. Ali invited us inside his musical mind and agenda once again with The Equalizer 2. This film helped us understand each scene through emotions musically. Ali is currently working in the music department on Fox's Shots Fired.
Tags: Equalizer 2, Music, On Set
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S. Epatha Merkerson of NBC's Chicago Med


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Online Bitcoin casinos give gamers the rare chance of experiencing the full thrill of an actual roulette session. The gaming studio also comes with an exciting setting. It places the gamblers face-to-face with the game's croupier. He or she easily monitors the proceedings of the game. If you've not played this fantastic game yet, this simple guide will set you on the right course.
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Before you start playing, it's crucial for every player to find a Roulette slot that matches their Bitcoin bankroll and style of play. You'll need to decide if you want to play it as a virtual variation or live. After signing up, you'll be required to make a bet using your chips before the dealer spins the wheel.
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I hope you can give me an answer to this question

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Our toll-free Tourist Hotline (0800-011-765) serves visitors from all over the world around the clock in Mandarin, English and Japanese. Find us if you have an emergency. The hotline is considered by many as an indispensable, useful tourist service.


If your New Years resolution is to give up smoking – now is the perfect time as the government decides to bring in new laws regarding smoking in cars.
Smoking in cars with children will be banned in England, under new laws put forward by the government. The ban which if passed by parliament will take effect in England as of 1st October 2015. A fine of £50 will be issued to people who smoke or who fail to prevent another person smoking whilst carrying under 18s.
Smoke can stay in the air for up to two and a half hours even with a window open.
Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer. Exposure has been strongly linked to chest infections, asthma, ear problems and cot death in children.
Research indicates 300,000 children in the UK visit a GP each year because of the effects of second-hand smoke, with 9,500 going to hospital.
Smoking in a car creates a higher concentration of toxins than in a bar, some research has put it at 11 times higher.
Bans on smoking in cars when children are present already exist in some US States, including California, as well as parts of Canada and Australia. A ban on smoking in cars has also been put forward in Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland said it was considering a ban.
At Begin Driving we follow the rules and all our cars are strictly No smoking as already required by law. We constantly remind smokers to have consideration for others that use our cars.
We wish you all a happy new year and hope that you are successful with all you're new year resolutions.


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"Any Other Team, You'd Be Out Of The F—ing League!": John Wall Blasts Young Rockets
Dave Litman January 18, 2023 Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers
John Wall has opened up on his frustrations of playing with the young and undisciplined Houston Rockets in his last NBA stop.
He said on a podcast this week that it was just "a bad organization right now; they gotta fix some sh*t around." He tried to school his neophyte teammates on the way the NBA really is:
I always talked to Jalen Green, Kevin Porter, K.J. (Kenyon Martin Jr.), I'm like, 'Don't get adjusted to this losing s–t, this is not how the league is.
But at the same time, I had to tell them, like, 'This s–t y'all are getting away with over here, if you go to any other team, you'd be out of the f—ing league. You wouldn't play.' I'm trying to explain that to them because they think it's sweet. But I'm like, 'If you ever get traded and go somewhere else, you going to be like, 'This motherf—er was right'.
It appears things haven't changed much in Houston since Wall's time there, as another veteran, still with the Rockets, Eric Gordon, also blasted his young teammates earlier this month, saying they don't "play for one another" or "do what's right by your teammates."
Wall also brought up the unfortunate way his Rockets' time ended, as he sat out the entire season last year, mainly because they asked him to come off the bench.
"For who?", asked Wall, rhetorically, "'No offence, but who? I was your best player last year.'"
Wall eventually took a buyout at the end of the season, receiving the bulk of his $47M owed on the final year of his contract, and moved on to the Los Angeles Clippers this season. He's currently averaging 11.4 points and 5.2 assists in about 22 minutes a game for LA.
And as for those young Rockets, they're still not 'getting it.' The team sits dead last in the NBA at 10-34.
Photo: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports


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The Fall And Rise Of Turkey At Eurovision Written by John Kennedy O'Connor on December 20, 2012 | 34 Comments
In the last week, TRT have announced they are withdrawing Turkey from the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. The nation that once struggled at Eurovision until televoting and diaspora kicked in have decided enough is enough, and are criticising some of the core rules of the Song Contest in the 21st century.
Can their arguments be justified, or is Turkey simply taking their ball away and not letting anyone else play? John Kennedy O'Connor looks at the rise and fall of Turkey at Eurovision.
So farewell then Turkey."We've had enough", yes that is your catchphrase. Unless there is a miraculous volte-face, the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will not be staged in Istanbul, Ankara, or indeed anywhere on Turkish soil. The Turks have taken their key changes away and have withdrawn from Eurovision 2013, following in the steps of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal and Slovakia.
The latter three countries have never won the contest, nor indeed made any real impact on the scoreboard at all, so their absence probably lessens the blow to the contest line-up. Indeed, the Slovaks haven't been seen in the Saturday night show since 1998, when they placed 21st. Over 48 years the Portuguese have always had a very dubious relationship with the Eurovision voters, never having placed in the top five at all, the only country from the pre-expansion of 1993 to suffer that ignominy. And if it wasn't for Hari Mata Hari's 3rd place in 2006 there wouldn't be much for the fans to remember about Bosnia & Herzegovina either.
Magdalena Tul, Poland 2011 (Photo: Pieter Van Den Berghe (EBU))
Many people have added Poland to the list of withdrawing countries as well, even though they are technically continuing their AWOL run from 2012. Their impressive debut in 1994 (scoring a splendid 2nd place) has never been matched and only one further top ten finish ever occurred for them, with seven of their last eight entries failing to qualify.
If we're including Poland, then we can't forget previous entrants Monaco, Morocco, Andorra, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, who are all staying away from Malmö in May. Luxembourg and Monaco are sorely missed in some quarters, both having triumphed in the Contest back in the days when it was largely a Western European event. Six wins between them is the same as the ex-Soviet Union and Yugoslav bloc can boast combined. Yet by the time those two departed the competition, neither was enjoying particularly good results. Monaco's return was short lived when they failed to progress beyond the semi-final stage.
It may smack of bad sportsmanship, but you can understand really why these countries have given up the ghost.
But not so Turkey.
From Zero To Hero, Every Way That They Can
Like Portugal, the Turks had a very dodgy start to their Eurovision story, finishing last upon their debut in 1975. Certainly, with only Israel and Yugoslavia for company amongst countries outside the traditional Western and Nordic European geography, all three countries entries seemed at odds with the music being submitted by everyone else.
Turkey had another problem… their mutually antagonistic relationship with the Greeks next door. Greece got a one year start on the Turks in the contest and withdrew when Turkey entered the following year. The Turks did the same in 1976 when Greece opted for a Cypriot singer singing (or some might say wailing) an impassioned plea for her homeland, so recently occupied by the Turkish army. It wasn't until 1978 that the two countries felt comfortable enough to share the Eurovision stage and despite the odd withdrawal on both sides for varying reasons, the two settled down to be familiar Eurovision nations over the coming decades; despite neither nation finding much appreciation for their efforts.
Then the voting system began to shift away from the reliance on national juries. Turkey found they were to be one of the biggest surprise beneficiaries of the embryonic tele-voting instigated in 1997. Prior to this year, the Turks had grazed the top 10 only once, when in 1986 they found themselves at a high of 9th out of the 20 songs. Otherwise, their track record was grim. 17 entries on the bottom half of the scoreboard, including three last places, two with no points at all.
All that changed in 1997 when to the astonishment of most, including the Turks themselves, they soared up the scoreboard to finish 3rd, with four countries awarding their song 'Dinle' douze points! Remarkable, particularly when considering that their previous eighteen entries had amassed just three 12 points between them! Turkey's new found popularity was something of a blip, but there was clear evidence that a rosier, nay, more golden, Eurovision future lay ahead. Five countries tele-voted in 1997 and all had the Turks on their score sheet; the Germans putting them at the very top for the very first time.
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Despite this excellent result (perhaps made even more remarkable as the Turkish entry was performed in the cursed second place in the running order), it didn't immediately spark a particularly great new future for the continually failing Eurovision nation. The next couple of years didn't bring top ten finishes, but they did bring a regular 'douze points' from the tele-voters of Germany. A nation with a very high population of Turkish expats, it was clear that a sense of national pride was prevailing and the German votes were being heavily influenced by this loyalty.
Things began to get better again for the Turks from 2000 when they started experimenting with English songs. Now it wasn't just the expats in Germany, but those in the Netherlands and France who were willing to show their support year in, year out. Despite a couple of slip backs, it seemed that with heavy diaspora support through tele-voting, Turkey were finally getting the knack of the Contest and this proved the case when at last they took gold in the 2003 contest in Riga, with the belly-dancing Sertab Erener squeaking home in 1st place, bringing the contest to Istanbul and putting a Eurovision Song Contest trophy on the TRT Executive's shelf.
From that moment on, there really was no looking back. Although another victory has so far eluded the Turks, generally speaking, they've had one of the most consistent records of any country since the turn of the century. Indeed, since winning in 2003, only three of their entries have failed to place in the top seven in the final. Pretty remarkable for a country that had such an arid period of failure for so very long. But all of a sudden, TRT appear to have fallen out of love with the contest they had become to be so apparently good at. Why?
Failing To Live It Up
According to the press release issued by the station, the Turkish TV executives are unhappy with both the current voting structure (50% jury/50% tele-voting) and that the Big Five nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are given automatic places in the Saturday night Grand Final. Both are reasonable arguments that have been raised by many fans. But are they reasonable for the Turks?
Yuksek Sadakat, Turkey 2011 (Pieter Van Den Berghe (EBU))
Prior to 1993, any country that wanted to enter could do so, simply by complying with the EBU rulebook. From 1993 until 1999, every participating country was vulnerable to qualification procedures, based largely on their previous results. Since 2000, this has not applied to any of the Big Five. So what? What impact has this had on Turkey? In this period, the Turks have only once failed to qualify for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. That was in 2011 in Düsseldorf, when they placed 13th in their semi-final.
But was this failure now due to the imposition of the 50/50 voting split that had served them so well in 2010? Clearly, not. In Moscow and again in Oslo, the Turks had done very nicely; that letter attaining their second best finish ever, in fact. Even if there hadn't been a 50/50 split in the 2011 semi-final, neither the jury nor the tele-voters put the Turks in their top ten, so regardless of which method was used, they wouldn't have qualified. Both sets of judges simply didn't rate the song and lest we forget, it is a Song Contest after all.
Love Me Back?
Since the Big Five nations don't participate in the semi-finals, but they do vote, they can hardly be blamed for the failure of Turkey's 2011 entry either. Do the Turks perhaps think that had they not had to qualify at all, their result in the 2011 Final would have been better? Hard to imagine based on the 13th place out of the 19 entries in their semi that an automatic qualification would have produced something particularly special from Yuksek Sadakat (who were an internal selection). But being in the final directly, even if you ultimately finished last, is a big difference than being knocked out in the semi.
Does the Big Five rule create an unfair advantage for those who enjoy that status, particularly to the detriment to those that don't? Apparently not. Since their win in 2003, only when Germany won the contest convincingly in 2010, have Turkey ever been bettered in the final by one of the Big Five, with Italy scoring 2nd the following year when the Turks were relegated.
Man-boat, Man-boat, you have made a Man-Boat! (Andres Putting (EBU))
Maybe that's the point. Since being given automatic passage, the record of the Big Five isn't particularly impressive. The point could be argued therefore that since they aren't generally coming up with songs that are deemed of particularly high quality by those judging them (the viewers or the jury) that putting them straight through to the final is unfair on countries that are only narrowly missing out on a place in the final. That's a strong argument indeed. If you take certain examples ('Even If' in 2008 and 'Love Will Set You Free' in 2012, both for the United Kingdom), it's impossible to imagine some of the Big Five entries coming through a semi-final in a million years, based on their low scores achieved in the Grand Final.
But without the Big Five's viewing figures on the Saturday night attracting sponsors, without their entry fee offsetting that cost for the smaller countries taking part, and without their presence legitimising the Contest, there would be no Eurovision Song Contest. Indeed there would be no EBU. Twenty songs are still given the chance to compete in the Eurovision final every year, the same number generally speaking that has competed each Saturday night since the late 1970's. It's a tricky argument with fair play on one side and economic reality on the other.
Shake It Up?
Qualification began in 1993. Twenty Contests have now been held under a number of qualification systems. Thirteen of them have been staged with the 'big' nations removed from the procedure. Turkey failed to qualify twice: Once with the Big Five (then the Big Four) also having to navigate qualification, in 1994 under a questionable system that wasn't revealed until after their 1993 result was deemed insufficient; and once more in 2011 as discussed. It isn't at all clear that the Big Five rule has impacted Turkey in any way shape or form. If they're implying that the Big Five songs simply aren't good enough and should be tested in qualification, then that's a reasonable argument indeed and one that I am sure many other nations ponder. Certainly the fans and viewers do. If this is the reason Turkey have left, it's not an argument that's easily refuted.
There can be no Ley with no Rimi Rimi, but can there be Eurovision without Turkey? It would seem so. Can there be a Eurovision without the Big Five? I would suggest not. Yes, it survived 1982 when neither France nor Italy turned up, but perhaps the saving grace came from the global mega-hit that won that year. Did anyone really notice that Germany weren't there in 1996 or that Italy was missing in action over an extended period? I did, but who can say if the wider audience cared?
Kenan Doğulu Shaking It Up, Turkey 2007
Turkey has benefitted from the introduction of tele-voting more than most. You only have to compare their record prior to 1997 and since to pick up on that. Arguably, you could also point to the expansion of the Contest as having been favourable to the Turkish entries. The arrival of their ex-Soviet neighbours did certainly help their fortunes. Could it be that switching to English made all the difference? Or that their entries just got better? Who knows? Whatever the reason, Turkey has been one of the most consistently high scoring nations over the past decade. It's a shame they are now leaving, just as it's a shame when any country leaves the contest.
Turkey's Withdrawal Is A Loss To The Contest
I'm all in favour of a smaller Eurovision final. Writing as a fan, I really dislike that the final has become so huge. When it first increased to 22, then 23, then 25 nations, I was thrilled; but not anymore. It should shrink. Alas, I can't put forward any meaningful way of doing this; at least not one that would likely gain universal acceptance and besides, nobody has asked me. Nations withdrawing is not the answer; particularly as this diminishes the semi-finals, not the final itself.
Personally, I won't miss Turkey at Eurovision. I know I'm generally out-of-step with the masses of fans who seem to adore the Turkish entries, but their entries have always left me cold; or indeed, sometimes quite hot under the collar. I've sat with gaping jaw and bulging eyes on many occasions as Turkish entries I've truly despised have rocketed up the final scoreboard, punching way above their weight, largely in my mind anyway, thanks to their reliance on their tele-voting diaspora. There, I've written it. 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2010 particularly spring to mind as results that left me silenced. However, I fully accept that music (perhaps more so 'Eurovision' music) is totally subjective and one man's Après Toi is another man's Diggi-Loo, Diggi-Ley. I always bow to the result.
TRT have taken the decision to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest, but the reasons given simply don't add up. They won't be in Malmo and that diminishes the Contest as a whole; as indeed does the absence of Luxembourg, Monaco, Poland, Portugal and every other nation not taking part. I hope they come back soon, but for now it's farewell and the end of this Eurovision chapter for Turkey.
34 responses to "The Fall And Rise Of Turkey At Eurovision"
There's definitely something fishy going on at TRT. My Turkish colleague says the public at large do not support the decision to withdraw.
Seán says:
It is certainly an odd decision by TRT, whatever the real reasoning behind it. Certainly it is difficult to argue that recent contests have been made the contest any less fair than contests during the mid 2000's. We have consistently seen, since the introduction of jury voting, countries can be less and less secure about having a high probability of either being in the final or obtaining a high placing in it.
I'd also be closely watch what Azerbaijan say about the contest given the impact of the Turkish withdrawal.
Elvir says:
Well, your comment om Bosnia is somehow very harsh and subjective. Bosnia did have a great impact om ESC. Except Hari Mata Hari they had many top 10 spots: Dino Merlin twice, Deen, Regina and Laka. And don't forget that Bosnia, together with Ukraine, is the only country which made it to the final every year since the semifinals were introduced. So Bosnia will be missed indeed!
Tzachee Groupper says:
let me suggest a reason for the turkish wuthdrawal. it' more political. they say that esc has become unfair and bla bla bla, no one believes that, when it comes from turkish mouths, due to the very recent history of the contest. there is a big difference between the turkey of 10 years ago, then the turkey we all know today. turkey is moving further and further towards more and more islamist policy, and for a country that is rulled and directed by islamists, esc is perceived as western, shameful, decadent and pointless, hence they chose to leave.
BJ Murphy says:
Now who will Azeribaijan give their 12 to?
Ewan Spence says:
My bet is Azeri's douze will go to Ukraine, with Russia and Georgia in contention. All depends on the other songs of course.
"Prior to 1993, any country that wanted to enter could do so, simply by complying with the EBU rulebook. "
Well, there was also that period at the end of the 80's/beginning of the 90's when the EBU tried to cap the final at 22 entries, and told Malta to go bugger off when they tried to return to the Contest (only making it back in 1991, when the Netherlands withdrew and opened up a spot).
Zack says:
I always dislike TRT's committee and their act to politicize the contest. I never liked your their selection process as well.
However I find their point valid indeed.
Not to particular country but all other countries have to go thru semifinal to be qualified to go to final unlike few countries . Those few countries go to Final without competition. When you hate someone it doesn't mean whatever he/she says should be perceived as false or groundless. Put aside your moronic hatred and racism and look into picture from broader angle. Eurovision suppose to create a bridge between different different communities.
@Tzachee Groupper Turkish people against islamist policies. The secular system of Turks has been hijacked by Europe, Russia and Middle east. Europeans have been supporting pro-islamic movements in Turkey and aiding terrorists to target secular Turkish intellectuals. PM Erdogan himself has no genetic connection with Turks. He is pure hemshinite (Muslim armenian) and most of the ministers are kurds. Better get your facts right before making your statements
Great read…
I believe the reason Turkey isn't in this year might have something to do with Syria.
Either they want to show compassion to suffering muslims in Syria or a war against Syria might take place soon and they don't want to look too western to the groups in Syria that will aid them in the war to topple the government.
So it's either Syria…
Or it's something else, maybe they were expecting Tourism from Eurovision and now that Tourism is at 35+ million a year in Turkey, they feel Eurovision isn't needed any more?
I think tht maks sens too, Eurovision is a from of marketing for many countries to attract tourists and investments.
Final guess would be…
Something is going on that we will never know about 🙂
Just read some article about the reason why Turkey (TRT) jumped off the Eurovision.
It seems on Friday when Eurovision was being rehearsed in Sweden 2 gay men kissed eachother during the rehearsal and TRT decided to opt out this year do to the incident, wich makes sense considering the conservative leadership in Turkey.
Also found this:
"Eurovision 2013 to feature first lesbian kiss in protest against lack of gay marriage legislation"
So it seems like there are 2 similar reasons for Turkey to now want to take part in this years eurovision.
Am I right? 🙂
Altan says:
This article doesn't do justice to the Turkish logic for withdrawing. Through either a lack of journalistic skills or mere laziness, all it does is assume the reason behind that move is bad sportsmanship. However, according to a multitude of Turkish language newspapers, the decision to quit was purely because Turkey wanted to join the big five by offering to pay for the contest that we all enjoy. The big five refused.
Why did Turkey offer to pay? Well aside from the benefit being part of a Big Six would offer, the Turkish economy is one of the few in Europe, unlike Ireland, Portugal or Greece, to have zero national debt. The country is now a lender to the IMF, and therefore can afford it. So in these tough times for Western Europe, why refuse Turkish money for Eurovision, especially if it really is a "song contest"?
Eric Graf says:
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't think your "multitude of Turkish newspapers" have much credibility with that story.
Why is that then?
It's just not a plausible story.
The Contest is put on by the EBU. The Big 5 are merely participants, and wouldn't have any say in the matter.
Who in Turkey offered to pay? The government? TRT? Someone else?
Why *would* the EBU turn them down?
Turkey does not have "zero national debt" anyway. They're clearly doing much better than most of the countries in the contest, but they still ran a budget deficit of 897 million lire in the first quarter of 2013. (Source: http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/149148/minister-turkey-cuts-budget-deficit-by-86-percent.html )
And even if the rest of the story is totally true, you still have to explain why Turkey would just totally quit the contest just because their offer wasn't accepted. "Take our money or we're leaving"? That's a strange way to behave.
The story makes no sense at all. You need to be more cynical about your media.
I'm not convinced that the story is not plausible. The EBU is an alliance of public broadcasters, so is not detached from national governments that own state television and therefore not detached from their political aims. In some EU countries, the very mention of the presence of Turkey, even in a minor and insignificant way, in the contest is too intolerable for many. This is a country that has been foolishly knocking on Europe's door for 50 years, whie Europeans slam it in her face. So..to answer your question, I would believe that Turkey would be singled out again by Europeans.
I was hoping you might argue that newspapers are mostly privately owned by figures like R. Murdoch and therefore cannot be objective since the owner would have a say. This would have been a good point about the state of media. Yet what I sensed instead from you is a disdain for Turkish media in particular. Pity.
Now I realise that newspapers in general nowadays, not specifically Turkish ones have a bad reputation for phone hacking and the paparazzi, but they are still for most people the main way they get their news. Naturally, many newspapers have political identities/leanings, but whether in print or digitally, newspapers by and large produce accurate and factual news. Journalists by and large have a vested interest in their own reputation to work within a universal journalistic framework. So I have no reason to doubt newspapers like Zaman and Hurriyet, which I read regularly.
By the way, where do you get your news from?
Secondly, every country borrows including Turkey but the difference is that Turkey has a budget surplus, whereas most EU countries do not. I'm not trying to say however that the grass is greener in Turkey, as Turks lack many social benefits Europeans have. The Turkish system is based on the American model and so is very different. I guess this is the price they pay for high growth.
http://www.xe.com/news/2013/05/15/3352685.htm
First of all, I'm an American, and I know about Rupert Murdoch's crummy biased media, being from the home of Fox News.
But I have no idea what Turkish media is like. You're the one that said a "multitude" of Turkish media was making the report, and I took your word for it.
I was just evaluating your Eurovision story on its merits, as I do all news stories regardless of their source. And, sorry, I still don't think it's plausible.
Perhaps that's what the TRT spokespeople are actually saying. But whoever is saying it, I say "baloney".
Turkey has not been discriminated against (and neither has UK or Ireland or anyone else).
I can think of many reasons Turkey might want to quit the contest – unhappiness with the racy content, concern about the ratings, genuinely feeling right or wrong that the rules are biased against them – but "we quit because we had money and they wouldn't take it"? That makes ABSOLUTELY no sense at all.
Even if you WERE being discriminated against, I'm sure they would still be glad to take your money.
As I said earlier, I would believe the story and have no concrete reason to really doubt it. The crux of your argument is that Turkish over-reaction doesn't make any sense to YOU (And your own idea of how people should behave ) and therefore is implausible. However, culturally Turks do tend to be very sensitive. And there is some justification for sensitivity in that country's dealings with other Europeans.
From a Turkish perspective, the issue in question is not that the money itself wasn't gracefully accepted in the good will and spirit in which it was offered. The wider issue is about the lack of a level playing field. Why are some countries' dollars (or euros) more acceptable than others?
As I pointed out before, as somebody who lives and breathes Europe, for some Europeans (by no means all) having a 99% Muslim country become one of a 'Big Six' would be too much to accept. There is an ongoing debate in Europe over the very identity of the continent, who is part of it and who is excluded, where does the boundaries end etc….
Opinions vary of course, but there is a large group that see Europe as having a Judeo-Christian identity, and cannot come to terms with including in any way shape or form the 20% of the continent that is culturally Muslim. And yes as obnoxious as it may sound, there are those who would like to see the back of Turkey.
Seeing a country leave the ESC is always sad, especially one that adds to the musical diversity of the ESC, like Turkey. In that light, I regret them leaving. But I have to admit, being Dutch, that a part of me is glad they are gone as well. It has annoyed the hell out of me seeing our twelve points automatically go to Turkey year after year, regardless of the quality of their entry. (Sertab deserved those points, and maybe Manga too, but that's it). Now at least our voting results can reflect our appreciation of the songs again, instead of our demographics.
I agree with you that the voting system sucks, presumably this is why they brought back jury voting. However, Turkey's exit will not really rectify this in the wider contest. Countries will continue to vote along political, ethnic and linguistic lines, and British artists will probably still be 'punished' for the Iraq war. And of course, the most classic example is how Greece and Cyprus will always unashamedly vote for each other year on year without fail….
Equally tragic for artists is the way sings are short listed in the semi finals. I thought it was wrong that the Dutch entry You and Me by Joan Franka was relegated last year. It was a beautiful song sung by a Dutch artist of Turkish origin.
I know, you absolutely right, this doesn't solve "the problem". I don't even conceive neighbouring voting as that big of a problem, I mean, every nation is guilty of voting for their neighbours, us included. And I do believe this had to do with similar taste in certain regions. Nothing wrong with that. The song that appeals to all regions wins, like Denmark this year. But I do remember for example the Dutch votes in 2010: only 4 points for winner Lena, only 6 points for other top 5 contender and neighbour Tom Dice, both with very strong songs, and then 8 points for Turkey and 12 points for Armenia that both had insignificant songs in that year in my opinion. I couldn't believe it when I heard our announcer say it. No way was that a reflection of Dutch taste. I remember everybody in the bar being pissed off about it. But I guess all this is not Turkey's fault, and we should hope they return. I do hope the ESC didn't refuse their offer to contribute more in some attempt to keep the ESC a western dominated thing. That would be very unfair. I can relate more to the idea of Turkey becoming more religious and feeling the show is not appropiate.
Joan Franka, btw, I think blew her own changes by insisting on wearing that ridiculous indian headdress and then singing off key in the semi-final. I liked the song too, and had she performed it well and with a normal appearance, I think it would have gone through. We don't blame that one on block voting or diaspora voting at all. She was just too unexperienced. Too bad for her, she is a really nice girl and normally a good singer.
ReneWiersma says:
"and British artists will probably still be 'punished' for the Iraq war"
Except in 2009, when bizarrely everyone seemed to have forgotten about the Iraq war for a moment, and Jade Ewen came in 5th for the UK.
Please, if you want to do well, stop making excuses and start sending better songs.
Seda says:
When I was reading your article I felt speechless..
I should say same as you were listening Turkish songs in the contest"cold; or indeed, sometimes quite hot under the collar. I've sat with gaping jaw and bulging eyes"…
This is the exact reason Turks should not be in this contest anymore ..
Your article is general feelings of Nations of Europe …Racist , Jealous , with a sore loser pain of past This is the true face of Europe toward Turks ..
Generally Cold European Culture is so different than Turkish Culture , With our songs actually we brought our warmness, friendly sweet spirit and soul..We brought our Dignity , Our Courage, Our Strenghts ..We stood there as we stood strong for Centuries in European Lands..
So There You go …You wont have us anymore , be happy in your cold world…From Turkey you wont find much people listen most of those songs anyway , most of those songs have no soul no spirit ..Really dont give us any warm feelings..We used to watch it because our Country was participant. Now no more excuse to watch that racist, political "song" contest .
No more phone calls , no more spending our money to phone companies 🙂
Good decision .I am proud of my Country;s decision . Until this contest is a fair song contest , no big fives , no politics , no racism …Then maybe we can consider again …
Oy vey.
Tom @ Waegook Tom says:
Seda, you sound like a crazy woman. Seriously. I've been to Turkey and I love the country, but the decision makes no sense. Also, getting 12 points automatically every year from a country that has a large Turkish diaspora – that's not fair. Sertab's winning song was great, but the others? Not so much. How can you call it racism, when Turkey have done so well in the past decade? Please, come up with a new argument.
Neighbour voting isn't fair, either – that's the only thing that can explain the now departed Bosnia's bizarre amount of top 10 finishes. I don't remember a single one of their songs.
As a Brit, I don't really care how we do in Eurovision. Some of our songs have been awful. Even Jade Ewen's was pretty bad, and don't get me started on Bonnie Tyler or that guy singing about teenagers. But the UK at least votes fairly and doesn't rely on neighbours to give it points.
The whole contest is pretty much a farce now. Denmark's win was well-deserved this year, as were Norway and Azerbaijan's strong showings. I have no idea how Ukraine did so well with such a bland song but then look at who voted for them…sigh.
My dear fellow Tom,
I was watching Eurovision when you were still spermatozoa. And I can tell you that for a very long time, until very recently Turkey always did badly. We as Turks could rely on this and even place a handsome sum of money as a bet. I must admit sometimes even I was astounded at how badly they did in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
It was not until televoting was introduced and new Eastern countries joined that Turkey's position improved.
However, the important question here is: why did Turkey do considerably less well under a 100% jury voting system but the opposite under televoting? How can you account for these differences?
Some may say the public televoting sucks because Turkish guest workers are all regimentally calling to vote for Turkey. I would consider this a somewhat sloppy sweeping generalisation – would the same charge be levelled at other nationalities?
Others may say that in hindsight jury voting must have been determined by people not sympathetic and possibly with a poor view of Turkey. After reading the article above where the author (an Irishman whose country is as far away from Turkey as you can get) admits that he would not miss Turkey, I can well believe this argument.
I cannot understand why Turkey and Israel has been taking part in the Eurovision.
They do not belong to Europe.
Why doesn't Lebanon and the rest of the countries who have borders with the above countries participate?
Can some one reply to me…..
Marina, (1) entry is based on the EBU transmission area – as long as part of a country is in that, it can be a full EBU member and enter ESC (2) Lebanon actually can enter, but they have some issues if they do (such as the presence of Israel).
"Eurovision" is not Europe, it's an international broadcasting network, also known as the EBU. And Israel and Turkey are both members of the network.
As to your second question … Unfortunately, it boils down to this: Lebanon etc. don't participate because Israel got there first. Participating countries must broadcast ALL the competing performances, and to do so would be to recognize Israel as a country … and that's illegal in most other Middle-Eastern nations.
Sevgi says:
wow… this article is totally… well, I dont care anyways.
It was annouced as Turkeys withdrawals related to unfair voting system back then. Sounds as a good enough reason to back away. Any logic can catch this, I guess. Personally I didnt seek any other hidden motive. It sounds just convincing to me.
Turks cant complain about unfairness, since they made some high ranks in the past? One cant stand against unfairness if they are not the victim? Im shocked at how crude minds you have there!
Previous voting system had its own problems as well. Yeah, we can talk about Azerbaijan, but first we have to dig up some explicit tendencies of other countries through esc history.
And about this being anti-gay or conservative, or any other bullshit talk when it comes to Turkey… I think government want to keep citizens support by acting almighty, because of this they sometimes make a scene in deed. But to lay a hand on rights of secular state is out of question. State of law acts eventually. Just like Twitter case. But for esc… hahaha… I guess nothing wavers for poor contest inside Turks hearts anymore. Maybe they are satisfied with explanation made by TRT. Or maybe they think esc is a financial burden. Maybe esc lost its popularity.
I mean, deductions from Turkeys withdrawal from esc (other than countrys given reason) seems kind of pathetic. Or I should say esc is behind the last on the list.
A Turk says:
Eurovision is blasphemy and disrespect to Islam…
Just kidding, or perhaps checking how biased you might be towards a nation you still can not quite understand or never even bothered to at least try to understand.
Whatever the real reason behind Turkey's withdrawal is, facts such as the political influences in favor of or against most of the participating countries, overall education level of voters as well as their questionable qualification as music critics, or simply the validity of a one night performance determining how good a song might be (although now the music is not live and only the singing is live) all have great effect on how legitimate and sincere this "song" contest is.
Believe it or not, as a young boy I would wait a whole damn year for this contest. And the results, no matter how bitter they were, did not have any effect on how I would wait again the next year. Each time with endless hope to see my country score better or even win! This is just a sample of the spirit and mentality of a common Turkish citizen. But Eurovision simply lost taste in time. Not because we grew more religious or we are bad sportsmen or what not. Simply because it lost its taste as it persistantly proved each and every year to be nothing but a political arena of races either trying to defeat each one and another or suck up to their neighbours and political allies. Despite what TRT had in mind when they made the decision, Eurovision is as such. Basically, whatever their agenda is, you can not blame anyone for not wanting to participate anymore in something that has already proven to be not worth all the sincere efforts, time and money invested in it.
One can speculate, criticize or even badmouth (like the definitely biased author of the article above) but they can not put all the blame of diaspora on a single country and its nation while it is clear as daylight that almost the whole competition works the same way. Similarly, trashing all the songs of a country which do not agree with their taste while excluding many other trash songs from different countries (being further proof of how purely biased the author is) can only serve to discredit the objectivity of the author. If the author aimed these, then hats of to him as this article serves its purpose very well indeed.
Final word, even this post is a live example of why a Turk would be upset with anything and would oppose it with all their being. We can be your best friend, we are that good and sincere, and we can be our best enemy becase once again we are that good and sincere.
Turkish defright says:
There is only one loser in Turkey not being in this competition and that is the competition itself, probably 80 million viewers now do not bother to watch it and that is a big viewer loss. Personaly i prefered the days when everyone sang in their own language Turkey had some brilliant songs that got a silly ammount of points simply because of racism or taste in the old days, although not every song was a hit there were some very brilliant classics that made for me a mockery of the song contest. Singing in English killed the spirit of this competition and shows the disregard for world music that arrogantly parades as the Eurovision song contest.
Glomfield says:
I don't know how you can be so wrong about the split results of the 2011 contest. Yes, Turkey didn't pass through with flying colours, but they did get a 10th place and would have been in the final, if it was for pure televoting.
ARMYSLOT88 says:
I love love love this post!
I've learned that when someone brings me their drama (their "feedback") it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with them. I'm their mirror.
I really enjoyed this post.


She won the Tamgha e Imtiaz for her contribution to the entertainment industry, yet people in Pakistan trolled the number 1 actress Mehwish Hayat because that's what we do best. While many congratulated her on this epic achievement, there were many who considered her a nobody, despite her four films doing more business than the entire box office report of Reema's career, who by the way won the Pride of Performance the same day.
Until Pakistan Day, Mehwish let the trolls do their pathetic job but as soon as she was back in her city, she decided to give the haters a piece of her mind. She took to Twitter to give a befitting reply to the hatemongers and shut them up in an epic manner.
Hit In Pakistan congratulates Mehwish Hayat for making us all proud and hope that she continues to do that in coming years. As for the troll machine, they should do something constructive so that one day, someone might confer something upon them.