text:
First Deposition Released on Clinton Email Case
by Eric Zuesse
The U.S. Ambassador, Lewis Lukens's, sworn testimony in the case of Hillary Clinton's privatization of the U.S. Secretary of State's email is the first evidence to be released in the Clinton email cases, and it was published on May 26th at the website of Judicial Watch, the organization that originally brought the suit. Headlining "First Deposition Testimony from Clinton Email Discovery Released", it reported that:
Judicial Watch today released the deposition transcript of Ambassador Lewis Lukens, former deputy assistant secretary of state and executive director of the State Department's executive secretariat. The transcript is available here. Amb. Lukens was deposed last week as part of the discovery granted to Judicial Watch by U.S. District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in response to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit involving former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's unsecured, non-government email system (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:13-cv-01363)).
Lukens is the first of seven depositions of former Clinton top aides and State Department officials that Judicial Watch has scheduled over the next four weeks. Also to be deposed are Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin, as well as top State Department official Patrick Kennedy, and former State IT employee Bryan Pagliano.
In his testimony, Lukens described his State Department role:
I've been a Foreign Service officer for 27 years. I've served in Southern China; in the Ivory Coast; in Sydney, Australia; in Dublin, Ireland; in Baghdad; Vancouver, British Columbia; Dakar, Senegal; and three tours in Washington, D.C., as well as my current position in San Francisco.
While Clinton was Secretary of State, his role was heading "logistics and management support" and he had "roughly 110 employees working for me" including the "IRM" or Information Resource Management team. Also, during his questioning, he was asked "You traveled with Mrs. Clinton on all of her foreign travel?" while he was employed there, and he answered: "Yes."
Representative excerpts from his testimony will be presented here:
While Clinton's office was being prepared for her:
Q: Do you know if Mrs. Clinton — if the IRM office set up an e-mail address for Mrs. Clinton?
A: I don't believe they did.
Q: Do you know why they didn't?
A: I don't think it was asked for.
Q: Would Mrs. Clinton have — was it required for Mrs. Clinton to ask for an e-mail address for one to be assigned to her?
Q: Was it unusual — at the time did you think it was unusual that Mrs. Clinton didn't want an e-mail address assigned to her?
Q: Why not?
A: I'm not aware of former Secretaries of State having e-mail addresses on our system.
In other words: her having an e-mail address assigned to her was "required," but the custom at the U.S. Department of State was to ignore this 'requirement'.
(AUTHOR'S NOTE: Regardless of whether violating the regulations or even the law has been ignored in the past, violations are supposed to be punished or prosecuted. Prior refusal to prosecute does not constitute legal excuse for continuing refusal to prosecute: it instead constitutes a government in which some persons who are supposedly in the service of, and who are definitely being paid by, the public, are, in practice, above the regulations or even the laws — in other words, a dictatorship. However, this aspect of the questioning was not pursued.)
Lukens then said that her violation on that matter was ignored and that a "BB" or Blackberry account was instead requested by "HRC' Hillary Rodham Clinton. Lukens's notes indicated that he had asked HRC's agent, "On the BB for HRC, can we chat this morning?" and "I may have thought of a workaround [to evade the State Department's regulations] but need more info on her BB use." He explained during this questioning of him: "So the crux of the issue was that BlackBerrys and iPhones are not allowed in the Secretary's office suite, so the question was, how is the Secretary going to be able to check her e-mails if she's not able to have the Blackberry at her desk with her."
Q: And so what did you — did you propose a solution at that point?
A: So my proposal was to set up a computer on her desk, a standalone computer [not part of the State Department's system], for her to be able to access the Internet to check her e-mails [privatized — and therefore not subject to FOIA requests or historians' investigations].
However, Clinton's agent insisted on a private computer also being set up "across the hall" "for her to check her BlackBerry" even though no private BlackBerry was allowed on the premises. This was to be the "workaround."
In an email, Lukens had written, and the questioner referenced it:
Also think we should go ahead, but will await your green light, and set up a standalone PC in the Secretary's office connected to the Internet, but not go through our system, to enable her to check her e-mails from her desk."
That proposal was accepted and was done. Then:
Q: Do you know if this setup would have been any different from the setup of other employees?
A: Yes, this would have been different.
Q: How would it have been different?
A: My understanding is that most of the employees' computers in the State Department are connected through the State Department's OpenNet e-mail system …
Q: So this would have been separate from the OpenNet system?
A: Correct.
He was asked why he had proposed this solution, and he said it was "For ease of access" and, "as far as I knew, there was no requirement for her to be connected to our system" (even though he had earlier said that her having an email address assigned to her in the State Department's system, the OpenNet system, was "required"). He said that the "ease of access" would be because of there being "fewer passwords."
He was asked whether doing things this way was necessary in order for her to be able to access the Internet from the State Department, and he said, "the Internet is available" to employees at the office, just as anywhere.
He was asked about the inconvenience of the State Department's passwords system, and he said that he eliminated her need for any passwords:
A: She wouldn't have had a password.
Q: So the computer would have just been open and be able to use without going through any security features?
Though he was paid by U.S. taxpayers, apparently his only concern was to please his superiors, whom he trusted unquestioningly despite their evident unconcern about "security" etc.
In further questioning of Mr. Lukens, it became clear that he never gave any thought to what the purpose behind the State Department's regulations was: he didn't even notice that Hillary Clinton's buddy and top aide Huma Abedin at the Department was also using only a private email account — even though he regularly had been communicating via email with her.
There were many instances in the questioning, in which the U.S. Department of 'Justice's attorney there, Caroline Lewis Wolverton, was trying to hamper the attorney for Judicial Watch from asking questions of Mr. Lukens, such as this:
Q: At any point during these conversations or during these e-mails or others did you find it unusual that Ms. Abedin was using a non-state.gov e-mail account?
MS. WOLVERTON: Objection. Vague.
Q: When sending these e-mails to Ms. Abedin, did you think about the fact that they were not — you were sending e-mails to her non-state.gov e-mail account?
A: Not that I recall.
Q: Thinking about it now, do you think it's — was it rare to send emails to State Department employees on another e-mail account but the one that was assigned by the State Department?
Q: Was this unusual, sending e-mail — was it unusual for you to send emails to Ms. Abedin on a non-state.gov account?
MS. WOLVERTON: Objection. Lack of foundation.
Q: During your four years, did you communicate with — sorry, during the two years of overlap, did you communicate with Ms. Abedin by e-mail?
Q: Was it frequent?
Q: Do you recall — during that time, did you recall sending e-mails to her state.gov e-mail account?
Q: Do you recall — before receiving these exhibits, did you recall sending e-mails to a non-state.gov account?
Q: Do you recall thinking at any point about where you were sending e-mails to Ms. Abedin?
Q: Do you recall if Ms. Abedin ever told you what e-mail accounts to use for her?
Q: Do you recall how you — do you know how you would have received the e-mail account that was used to send these e-mails?
Q: Do you recall — I'll ask the question again. Do you recall how you learned where to send these e-mails, or how you learned of the e-mail address that you used to send these e-mails?
A: I must have received an e-mail from her at some point from that address.
Q: So this may have been an auto fill on your BlackBerry or Outlook when you were sending these?
MS. WOLVERTON: Objection. Objection, calls for speculation.
Q: Would this — to ask the question again, was it most likely an auto fill feature or do you think you would have manually entered in her e-mail account to send her these e-mails?
MS. WOLVERTON: Same objection.
MR. BEKESHA [representing the Questioner, but now addressing the lawyer for the 'Justice' Department]: Are you instructing the witness not to answer?
MS. WOLVERTON: No.
Q: Would you like me to repeat the question?
A: Yes, please.
Q: Would this — would you have sent these e-mails using this e-mail address because of an auto fill feature on a piece of computer equipment or because you would have manually typed in her e-mail address?
A: I would say because of the auto fill feature.
Investigative historian Eric Zuesse is the author, most recently, of They're Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010, and of CHRIST'S VENTRILOQUISTS: The Event that Created Christianity.
FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestWhatsAppvKontakteEmail
Filed under: empire watch, latest, United States
Tagged with: Clinton e-mail, Eric Zuesse, Hillary Clinton, transcript, USA
can you spare $1.00 a month to support independent media
Unlike the Guardian we are NOT funded by Bill & Melinda Gates, or any other NGO or government. So a few coins in our jar to help us keep going are always appreciated.
Our Bitcoin JTR code is: 1JR1whUa3G24wXpDyqMKpieckMGGW2u2VX
This is about influence peddling on a ,massive scale. And 30000 emails, which, under the law, ought to have been kept on record for the future, being deleted.
The Republicans are right, for once, this case should be handed over to a Special Prosecutor, the Attorney General and President have a clear conflict of interest.
As the transcript shows the Attorney General's lawyer is running interference to protect the presumed nominee of the the Democratic party.
the Intercept today reports that the head of Goldman Sachs invested in the Hedge Fund that Hillary's son in law set up. An unwise decision as it turned out because the Fund invested heavily in Greek economic growth. Maybe it thought the Secretary of State could do something to tame the Troika.
wardropper
Reply to bevin
This is not because "the Republicans are right for once".
There are apparently over a million White House emails "missing" from G.W.'s time there and that wasn't because the Democrats are right for once either.
I hope we can all remember that party politics is not a good enough smoke screen for individual wrongdoing, since the party never has to go to jail or pay the fine.
joekano76
Reblogged this on TheFlippinTruth.
Glenn Becker
I am not an HRC fan at all but this:
is an error. The statement it is in response to read as follows:
The requirement was for her to ask for an email address (if one was desired) — NOT to have an email address assigned to her. At least that would be my reading.
mohandeer
spectacular failure
Come off it Major Sabb (retired), criticism of Clinton's devious ploy to avoid transparency in her official duties is hardly 'America bashing'. I imagine your claims of helping weak nations might just bring a wry smile to anyone unaffected by interventions in Iraq, Libya or Afghanistan and I would guess the inhabitants of these countries had rather wished you hadn't decided to 'help'. Unlike you, pride in my nationality is a distant memory and in any case, we have no input into where we are born, which renders nationalism a rather strange notion.
Lastly, I can't see the point in military memorials. Young men dying in wars for no good reason is primarily caused by politicians (whose family are kept well away from any harm) so to watch them appear at these memorials as concerned, lip trembling leaders sickens me . By the way, did you mean hundreds of thousands of US soldiers died, not millions?
raymondsabb
Reply to spectacular failure
Hmmm, bold words for a ghost. At least I don't hide my identity behind a screen name such as "spectacular failure". Therefore your comment has no merit and as such I will ignore it.
"Would Mrs. Clinton have — was it required for Mrs. Clinton to ask for an e-mail address for one to be assigned to her?" Your comment "In other words: her having an e-mail address assigned to her was "required," but the custom at the U.S. Department of State was to ignore this 'requirement'."
You haven't nailed anything there – it also reads that if she wanted an email address, she had to ask for one. No requirement for her to have one because if it was a departmental requirement, it should have been done automatically..
Why don't you folks in Europe stop beating us up over here. It we had not intervened in Europe you would have a dictator ruling over you all. Not as someone said (Russia won the war.) America lost millions of soldiers fighting for your freedom and to this day we have cemetery's Scattered about in Europe with the remains of our loved ones buried on your soil. Can't say that about America having Europes loved ones buried here now can you. So this (Our Memorial Day) where we honor those who went before us here at home and on YOUR soil, call a truce to the Let's Bash America campaign will you……… And because I do not hide behind screen names when I call out people here you go.
I am Major Raymond Sabb, USArmy Retired. I said all that and am proud to say I am an American. With all our charms and faults, all our ethnic diversities and all our problems, we are still a nation that gives those who are weaker the strength and freedom to be strong in their beliefs, good, bad or indifferent we are a nation of many formed into a nation of one. Wishing you all a Safe Memorial Day because it is not just our Memorial Day, it is all of ours as we remember those who gave their all for our freedom world wide. – [email protected]
jag37777
Reply to raymondsabb
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties
This is an inappropriate place to be trolling. You do not know the nationalities of the people who set up this website so you cannot say Off-Guardian.org is European. Even if they all were, they have every right to post articles written by Americans, such as Mr Zuesse is. If you have a beef with the article about a presidential candidate (whose husband incidentally avoided the Vietnam War draft by going to a university in the UK, about the same that his successor as President of the US also avoided the draft by being enrolled in a flight squad), you should address the points it is making.
Norman Pilon
Ah, yes, "the price of freedom" that only Americans pay and the not the countless millions extirpated in that selfless sacrifice. Funny, that, that the exceptional nation has its citizens dying all around the globe defending everyone from themselves while no one yet but American Indians and Black Slaves and Americans themselves have bled into the sacred soil of the God blessed Nation. Did you get a chance to read Pilger's "Silencing the United States as It Prepares for War?" You can find it, here, on this website, a click or two away . . .
Copyright © 2021 OffGuardian
Theme: OffGuardian by Wild Reality.net
This Week in The Guardian
Follow OffGuardian


There he sat. Just where he's been for 60 years. Right in the middle of ministry at Boones Creek Bible Church. At the age of 90, Rod's health has really gone downhill in the past year or so, but his heart for the Lord and ministry has not waned a bit.
We are currently involved in a major remodeling project at our church. The work began in earnest Sunday night, May 15, when all the restrooms were completely gutted including the flooring. During this past week, willing workers have come to help in this much-needed renovation. Saturday was an official "work day" at church. As I came upstairs from the gym into the church foyer, there, shuffling through the front door, was Rod. He couldn't stand it any longer to stay home and wonder about what was happening at his beloved church. Since he can't drive, he had his son to bring him.
* He is always in the foyer looking for visitors, even to this day. In past days, they were looking for young college age singles or married couples to take home and serve them a country Sunday dinner. Rod and Hope's home was a place of hospitality, homemade bread, and fried chicken!
* No matter the event, they are there. I still have pictured in mind the Sunday night we stuffed 15,000 Bible story CDs to be shipped to Brazil. Since age has caused Rod and Hope's fingers to not be so nimble, this was an impossible task. Did they just stay home? No. They sat in chairs parked in the middle of the gym and reveled in the joy seeing the gospel being prepared for needy hearts. They sat positioned as our cheerleaders. Again, in recent months, their attendance has dropped off a bit due to their health.
* How often I have seen a tear run down his cheek; a tear of joy when a soul was saved or when folks joined the church or when He saw God do some other amazing work.
* Rod doesn't say much, but that twinkle in his eyes says tons!
* One morning, the donuts came up short for our fellowship time between Sunday School and the morning church service. For the next several Sundays, he made sure the supply was sufficient by his own contribution of Krispy Kreme's.
* How often he has given candy to the kids, and not just any candy, but Russell Stover candy.
Sunday morning he arrived early for church. Once again, he shuffled into the partially completed foyer restrooms, looked around, and said, "Looks good!" Even at 90, Rod cares about the work of God, and he wants to be right in the middle of it as best as possible. How I wish "his tribe" would increase; a people right in the middle of serving God and making much of Christ!
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD (Psalm 122:1).
Previous Article How's Your Passion?
This picture and story just brings tears to my eyes because I have watched him so Faithfully serve at our church. I often wonder, "who will take his place?" I'm not sure anyone ever could! There will be others who will be faithful but will they be as faithful as he has been? Maybe I just need to step up and make it me!


Suspension of disbelief — While used all the time in story-telling, the phrase always struck me as a particularly awkward and unwriterly agglomeration or words. It seems more appropriate for a turn-of-the-century magic show than for literature.
To begin with, the human brain cannot grasp a negative without first comprehending or at least thinking of its positive. The mind first considers 'belief' and, after momentary processing, pulls up 'disbelief'. Then the grey cells attach 'suspension of', resulting in complex mental gymnastics for a simple concept, even if we remain unaware of the internal computing at the time.
'Suspend' is one of those words that can mean virtually its opposite, a contronym if you will, like the word 'citation' in North American English. You can suspend fruit bits in Jell-o or suspend a balloon in mid-air. But if you suspend the suspending, they come crashing down, much like my faith in our phrase under discussion.
Imagine an author constructing posits like fragile clouds floating in the sky. That writer has suspended his beliefs. He wants his audience to believe those illusions hover there in the magical atmosphere of his tale.
Science and engineering students play sly and sometimes sophisticated jokes on one another such as disassembling a Volkswagon and reassembling it in a boy's dorm room.
An urban legend has it Coca Cola will dissolve metals overnight, engine blocks or some such. A freshman went on about this and sophomores suggested the only way to prove or disprove it was to run the experiment himself. They helped him gather half a dozen different types of nails to leave in a jar that night.
The next morning the freshman awoke to find the nails had dissolved into nothingness, thus proving the urban legend. Upperclassmen clapped him on the back and complimented him on his research.
They didn't compliment his naïveté, his suspension of disbelief. As you figured out, the sophomores silently removed the nails in the middle of the night.
Thus when you think about it, an author of fiction is ultimately asking for belief… a believing in his world rather than the reality surrounding us.
Everyone knows what 'suspend disbelief' means, but nobody's bothered to come up with more elegant wording. We could toy with 'enbelief' or 'sur-belief' or even 'lief', although that last means 'gladly'.
"Suspension of disbelief" is a useful concept, and quite hard to render accurately in French. The direct translation is clumsy. It is close to "licence poétique" but poetic license designates a liberty of the author rather than the reader blindly following the enchantment.
Succomber à l'enchantement— I like that. If I can't have credinţa, I vote for that.
Does 'suspension of disbelief' seem awkward to you? What are your ideas, your suggestions?
I did an article on suspension of disbelief last year in the context of a review of Ellery Queen's The Glass Village. My favorite quote on the subject is the one from Aristotle that heads up the article. "Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."
I am used to hearing the phrase as "willing suspension of disbelief," and it works just fine for me. By the way, it comes from Samuel Coleridge, 1817. Interesting piece, Leigh.
Circumstances under which I'm willing to suspend disbelief usually involve what I think of as 'believable' sci-fi and artificial intelligence, rather than LoTR-type fantasy.
"[Science fiction is] that class of prose narrative treating of a situation that could not arise in the world we know, but which is hypothesised on the basis of some innovation in science or technology, or pseudo-science or pseudo-technology, whether human or extra-terrestrial in origin. It is distinguished from pure fantasy by its need to achieve verisimilitude and win the 'willing suspension of disbelief' through scientific plausibility."
Leigh -- Interesting column! And great quotes on the subject, from you and in the comments as well.
As usual, I love your title.
Interesting post, Leigh. Like Rob, I find "willing suspension of disbelief" a useful phrase--but then,I'm a big Coleridge fan. How could we enjoy a poem such as "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" unless we consciously decide to shut down our usual tendency to say, "That couldn't really happen!" Works that present themselves as realistic portrayals of human experience can't expect readers to make such a complete suspension. But almost any work of fiction asks readers to suspend disbelief to some extent.
Dale, thanks for mentioning your article. I like that quote.
Bonnie and Rob, I notice outside of Coleridge, the word 'willing' isn't always used. I like to think that's because an expert story-teller can seduce the senses that the recipient loses awareness of the real world and never quite knows when she or he enters that magic.
ABA, as you know I like hard science fiction, so I find a John Brunner style much more believable. All the same, I loved adventure stories set in Africa or South America or even Mars, the kind where the story swept the reader along. Thank you for the links.
John, thanks for that. As you say, good quotes from France and from our readers.
Tagline for first Superman movie: "You'll believe a man can fly." Sure enough, I did, or at least I suspended my disbelief. I'd been doing that since I was five or six and reading comic books and Greek myths. It's easy for me. What I have trouble believing is current reality.


Located only 40min from Regina stands this luxurious four season home with 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms situated in Glen Harbour on Last Mountain Lake. This 1811sqft home is situated on two lots with a valley edge view of the lake. This 2 storey home has a large open vaulted ceiling over the kitchen & living room. The large eat-in kitchen has ample cupboard space, walk-in pantry & tile flooring. The living room has a large bay window & hardwood flooring. There is a 22' x 12' family room adjacent to the kitchen & a bedroom finishing off the main level. 2nd level has 2 bedrooms, 4pc bathroom & a large hallway which is used as a den. Well-groomed yard has a double detached garage, an above ground pool, garden area, storage shed, trees, shrubs & circle drive. This home has pride of ownership & shows 10 out of 10! Please contact Listing Agent for more info and to book your own personal viewing.


text:
Six types of courts exist in Montana: "the court of impeachment, which is the senate", the supreme court, the district courts, the justices' courts, municipal courts, and courts of incorporated cities or towns. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-101. Administrative courts and tribal courts also exist, but they are not recognized as "courts of record."
The district courts have statewide jurisdiction and handle all major criminal, civil, and family law matters, as well as de novo appellate review of justices' court, municipal court, and city or town court matters. The Montana Supreme Court conducts appellate review of orders and judgments of Montana's district courts and directly rules on writs and ballot issues. All counties have a justice of the peace. Larger cities have municipal courts and smaller ones have city or town courts. Justices of the Peace and city or town judges need not be licensed attorneys.
District courts may establish "small claims court" for small dollar cases to provide speedy remedies using an informal and less costly process. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 3-12-101 and -102. Small claims court is not a physical court; it is a process implemented by district court judges, who select the judges and determine their salaries. Often, small claims court judges hold another judicial office. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-12-201.
The rules that apply to courts of limited jurisdiction–municipal courts, justices' courts, and city or town courts–may differ significantly from those that apply to district courts, particularly regarding involvement of attorneys and attorney fees. The prevailing party may be awarded its attorney's fees in an appeal from a court of limited jurisdiction. See, e.g., Mont. Code Ann. § 25-33-305. Under small claims court rules, judges or court personnel may help parties file their claims, a party may not be represented by an attorney unless all parties are represented by an attorney, and business entities may be represented by anyone having appropriate agency authority. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 3-12-202, 25-35-505(2), 25-35-505(3). A defendant who does not remove the matter to justice court waives the right to a trial by jury and representation by an attorney. Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-605. Attorney's fees may be awarded to a defendant who removes a matter to justice court but does not prevail. Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-806. In justices' court, a person who is not a licensed attorney may act as attorney. Mont. Code Ann. § 25-31-601.
The Montana Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over all cases in law and in equity, original jurisdiction to issue writs and review ballot statements, and supervisory control over all state courts. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 3-2-201 to 3-2-203; Mont. Const. Art. VII, § 2.
The jurisdiction of district courts extends to the boundaries of the State of Montana. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-312(1). District courts have original jurisdiction in all civil matters in both law and equity (including probate and family law matters), all criminal cases amounting to a felony, specified misdemeanor cases, all cases that could result in a judgment against the state for the payment of money, and cases involving naturalization or certain writs. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-302. They also have appellate jurisdiction over cases in courts of limited jurisdiction. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-303.
Municipal courts have concurrent and coordinated jurisdiction with the justices' courts of the county where the city is located, exclusive original jurisdiction of all civil and criminal violations of city ordinances, and concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in actions under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-6-103.
Justices of the peace have jurisdiction only in their county over temporary orders of protection, most damage claims where the amount in controversy exclusive of costs and fees does not exceed $12,000, and misdemeanor crimes. They also have concurrent jurisdiction with district courts over claims brought under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Montana Code Ann. §§ 3-10-301, 3-10-304(1).
City or town courts have exclusive jurisdiction over civil and criminal violations of city ordinances and over amounts in controversy not in excess of $9,500, exclusive of costs and fees, but have no jurisdiction over foreclosure actions involving public property. Mont. Code Ann. § 3-11-103.
Small claims court jurisdiction extends over all actions for the recovery of money or specific personal property when the amount claimed does not exceed $7,000, exclusive of costs and the defendant can be served within the county where the action is commenced. Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-502(1).
Montana has no commercial courts.
Mediation is required for most appeals heard by the Montana Supreme Court. Rule 7, M.R.App.P. Mediation may be statutorily required for particular claims and is generally required for all claims in all courts by local rule or court order.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Back to Stand-alone Essays
Tolkienian Dr. Who?
Are Samurai Swords Elf Magic?
'...falling asleep again'
Baum vs. Tolkien on Fairy Tales
'...and so, of course, not true.'
A Subcreator's Dreams
'I do not choose...'
| home | back to Stand-alone Essays
I was watching a Nova story about how Samurai swords were/are made, and -- What? You don't see how watching Nova could create a Tolkien moment?
Anyway, it seems that the swordsmiths who made the swords for medieval Samurai did so with a steel so strong and "tough" (i.e., can withstand force without breaking) that it amazed modern metallurgists when they analyzed it. The Samurai swordsmiths discovered steel without scientifically understanding it, but they weren't unique in that: there were other peoples who made steel for centuries before carbon (which has to be added to iron to make steel) was known as an element. The Japanese learned to forge iron specifically in a charcoal fire, which would provide purer carbon than a regular wood fire. The iron melts into the fire and "cooks" within it, in an earthen enclosure that has its side broken open to release the steel when it's ready. This was first done in medieval times, but it's still being done by masters of the art in Japan - the Nova program let us watch bits of the process.
So how did these medieval masters learn to make steel that was superior to all other steel being made at the time - and to almost all of the steel being made today? Did they determine exactly what needed to be done through scientific trials and then teach the precise process to the next generation? No, at least not in the way we'd normally think of it. It's done intuitively. The program compared it to cooking with "a bit of this" and "a pinch of that," but that's a poor parallel (as the voiceover admitted).
Above all else, it's done as a spiritual activity. The voiceover said that, in the Shinto religion, gods are found in all aspects of nature. In what I suspect is still a very limited parallel, the sword master learns to understand the gods of the iron and the fire. By watching and listening he knows what needs to be done when. The breaking open of the enclosure is a moment of truth: not all steel made this way will be worthy of becoming a Samurai sword. But if the master has correctly interpreted the gods, he will have made steel unlike any other.
A spiritual process demands a spiritual attitude. As with the writing of an icon (a true icon isn't "painted" but "written"), the master of steelmaking needs to be spiritually prepared beforehand and then remain in a state of spiritual awareness throughout the process in order to understand the divine communication being received. The master we watched on Nova went without sleep for 36 hours, constantly tending, watching, and listening to the fire. Toward the end of the process, we saw him sitting against the earthen enclosure, eyes closed, a very slight smile coming to his face as he heard the completion drawing near.
There was one sentence that I finished (out loud) for the narrator, although he ended it differently than I did. He said that if someone believes an activity is spiritual, he will give his best efforts to it. I said that if someone believes an activity is spiritual - it is. Any limitation there is on communication with the divine occurs on our end, not on God's; in order to reach us, God can take any path we open. I believe this traditional steel-making process is something Tolkien would have included within his understanding of "splintered light" as he talks about it in his poem "Mythopoeia": that myths and legends carry an element of truth, even though it may be a very limited understanding of truth. They show the light of the divine - even if it is splintered light.
Tolkien wasn't a polytheist or a pantheist. He didn't believe in many gods, but in The One. His belief wasn't that God exists within nature, but that nature exists within God. The very fact that nature's existence is held by God, though, makes it one path that can be taken by the divine communication God longs to have with us. I don't know that God particularly cares about the strength of Samurai swords, but I'm convinced God cares deeply about the man I saw beginning to smile after 36 hours of constant centering in an attempt to understand divine communication.
Tolkien's Elves are people to whom The One has given an innate ability to interact with nature in a way that mortals can't. The way the master of Samurai steelmaking can act in such close concert with the natural elements of iron and carbon reminds me of being able to guide a horse with a word, or capture light within the water of a fountain, or weave fabric that blends in with any natural background. Maybe we mortals have the potential to be a lot more "Elvish" than we think.
Permission to republish this essay elsewhere on the web is granted, provided this copyright notice and an active link to this site are included.
The background on this page is made from a reduced image of the gateway at Omaha's botanical gardens that was a gift from our sister city in Japan. Passing through the gateway is considered a spiritual act.
home | back to Stand-alone Essays


text:
Thank goodness for generous community
Thank goodness for old friends, and new ones, too.
Thank goodness for generous community Thank goodness for old friends, and new ones, too. Check out this story on thenorthwestern.com: http://oshko.sh/1FpIuxd
Diane Abraham, President and CEO, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Published 12:30 p.m. CT Sept. 26, 2015
Diane Abraham(Photo: Courtesy of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation)
A few years ago when I returned to the Fox Valley after leading hospital foundations in Arizona, it felt like a homecoming.
My family and old friends welcomed me with open arms, and so did the new friends I quickly found here in Oshkosh.
As I prepare to open a new chapter in my career in philanthropy, I will close this chapter leading the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation with pride and gratitude. I will leave my position as president and chief executive officer with confidence that this 87-year-old institution has a strong foundation and a clear path for continued growth into the future.
I've had the honor of being involved with many great initiatives during the past two years. Some of the projects the Foundation is cultivating address long-fought challenges like drug abuse and addiction, economic development and health care.
I'm especially proud of the public-philanthropic partnerships the Foundation has forged. Together, we have leveraged the work of our public entities with the Foundation's resources to improve the quality of life in our communities.
These partnerships have resulted in innovative programs that are changing the way we help low-income residents become self-sufficient and at-risk students position themselves for brighter futures. We have helped our law enforcement agencies provide a higher level of safety with the right equipment, training and tools. And we've given the community a place where people of all abilities can come together and play.
The Foundation could not make the impact that it does without the strong relationships we have built. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a prime example. The Foundation not only values UWO's co-investment on projects to improve our community, but has relied on its expertise to guide us in our own strategic planning.
The J. J. Keller Foundation and U.S. Venture not only have bolstered support for agencies that serve residents' basic needs, but they have helped the Foundation strengthen our local agencies' ability to be innovative and search for long-term solutions to our community's deep-rooted challenges.
The City of Oshkosh and Oshkosh Area School District administrations understand a team approach to solving problems. We appreciate their collaborative spirit, "can-do" attitude and being a voice at the table for so many important discussions.
I have made wonderful friends with and have great respect for our partners in philanthropy through the Foundation's affiliates in the Women's Fund, Green Lake County and Winneconne, whose supporters possess such ambition and passion to serve.
I remember the first week after I arrived in Oshkosh, I took my grandson to the Menominee Park Zoo. Noah was overjoyed by the playful otters, Winnie and Minnie, in the new exhibit funded by two of the Foundation's donors. As the otters splashed about and Noah giggled, I thought to myself, how wonderful that this community is full of extremely generous people like the donors who funded that exhibit. Thousands of people each year quietly, and humbly, give of themselves in time and resources to support our community, from education and scholarships, to arts and recreation, to housing and basic needs.
For the past 87 years, the Foundation has provided stewardship of our generous donors' gifts, with leadership and a collaborative spirit, that have made our community an even better place to live.
There's an African proverb that reads: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Thank goodness for old friends, and the new ones, who are going the distance with me on this journey of giving.
Diane Abraham is the third president and chief executive officer of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. She has resigned her position, effective Oct. 9. The Board of Directors plans to name an interim leader while a search for a permanent successor is conducted.
Read or Share this story: http://oshko.sh/1FpIuxd
Oshkosh man gets prison for crash that killed two, injured dog
Two boating incidents reported on Big Green Lake during storm


Overlooking Albert Park Lake, this boutique space is a blank canvas just waiting for you to create an unforgettable event that is uniquely yours.
The Park truly is a room with a view.
The Park featuring high ceilings and full length glass windows, allows for an abundance of natural light. boasting a large outdoor, covered balcony with sweeping views, perfect location for canapés and pre-dinner drinks. At full capacity, The Park can accommodate over 400+ guests however the space can divided into a more intimate setting for numbers from 80 guests onwards.
Raise a toast with family and friends on our stunning lakeside deck before moving inside to celebrate your relationship and dance the night away.
Head Chef Dave Falson's inspired menu has been thoughtfully matched with a selection of local and international beverages.
The Park is an event venue that overlooks Albert Park Lake in Albert Park, Victoria, Australia. The venue, with complete lakeside frontage, is a ten minute drive from the Melbourne central business district. An outdoor, covered balcony is an ideal location for cocktails and canapés upon arrival.
The Park has a stylish warehouse interior that can be used as a blank canvas to create a unique engagement celebration. The boutique space features high ceilings and full length windows. Adjustable walls ensure the space is configured to each event. The Park can host engagement parties for 50 to 500 guests, with standing room for up to 1000 guests.
An Event Coordinator helps tailor an event package. The culinary team crafts menus that feature familiar ingredients and flavours, aromas, and textures that are seasonal, on trend, and inventive. Menus are matched with a selection of local and international beverages. In addition to innovative cuisine, the venue offers complimentary use of cocktail furniture and décor pieces.
Albert Park has a long beach frontage which features many grand buildings. The town boasts outstanding examples of Edwardian and Victorian housing. Recreation opportunities are found at Albert Park Golf Course, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, and Fawkner Park.
Offering an enviable location alongside stunning lakeside views, The Park overlooking Albert Park Lake is ideal for events from the elegantly simple to truly extravagant.


text:
Police ticket man for running backwards
Man says he will fight ticket in court
A Miami Beach man received a ticket for running backwards through the streets, but he said that won't stop him from doing it again.Alex Mesa said he's been jogging backwards for six years and has never had a problem until someone called authorities on Saturday."Four police officers for someone who's jogging backwards? Someone who is doing the right thing? That's uncalled for. That's a waste of manpower," said Mesa.A driver said Mesa was running in between cars."He was jogging in between cars. A concerned citizen called 911. Officers were dispatched to that area. They observed this behavior and advised them that he couldn't do it. He said he's always done it and will do it again," said Miami Beach Police spokesman Robert Hernandez. Police cited him for obstructing traffic, but he said he doesn't think he did anything wrong."I'm not doing anything different from somebody roller skating, skateboarding or riding bicycles in the middle of the street," Mesa said.Mesa refuses to stop running backwards and plans to fight his ticket in court. He thinks he was only ticketed after police found out about a past drug charge.NBC News Channel contributed to this story.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. —
A Miami Beach man received a ticket for running backwards through the streets, but he said that won't stop him from doing it again.
Alex Mesa said he's been jogging backwards for six years and has never had a problem until someone called authorities on Saturday.
"Four police officers for someone who's jogging backwards? Someone who is doing the right thing? That's uncalled for. That's a waste of manpower," said Mesa.
A driver said Mesa was running in between cars.
"He was jogging in between cars. A concerned citizen called 911. Officers were dispatched to that area. They observed this behavior and advised them that he couldn't do it. He said he's always done it and will do it again," said Miami Beach Police spokesman Robert Hernandez.
Police cited him for obstructing traffic, but he said he doesn't think he did anything wrong.
"I'm not doing anything different from somebody roller skating, skateboarding or riding bicycles in the middle of the street," Mesa said.
Mesa refuses to stop running backwards and plans to fight his ticket in court. He thinks he was only ticketed after police found out about a past drug charge.
NBC News Channel contributed to this story.


text:
Home News Australia captain Aaron Finch confident lack of fans won't impact England series
Australia captain Aaron Finch confident lack of fans won't impact England series
Australia captain Aaron Finch has insisted his team do not need any extra motivation from the crowd to do well against England in the upcoming white-ball series.
Finch's side will take on England in three Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals between September 4 and 16, all behind closed doors – their first competitive action since the coronavirus lockdown in March.
The 33-year-old acknowledged it was "always good to have that crowd to entertain and that banter from English crowds is pretty special", but he does not expect the lack of spectators to impact the matches.
"We played the game against New Zealand at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), which was our last game (in March), behind closed doors, so I don't think that we need any extra motivation or we don't need any crowd to pump you up – not that we get it here in the UK anyway," he said.
"So that is going to be different, no doubt, but at the end of the day we are still playing international cricket.
"What it'll come down to is pride in your performance and representing your country really proudly."
Our Aussie men are headed for the UK, in a very socially distanced way! Travel safe team 👊
📸 | Adam Zampa pic.twitter.com/r5ZLPeNbxu
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 23, 2020
Finch continued: "For the health of the global game we need cricket up and running so our part as players is to make sure that we're doing everything that we can – obviously within the restrictions of international travel and following health authorities' protocols and government restrictions.
"But I think for global cricket to be up and running is so important on so many levels so for us as players this is just our part to play in that."
The Australian men's Qantas Tour of England has been confirmed, and squad announced with excitement about the inclusion of several young players: https://t.co/SSPJ8awSpk pic.twitter.com/D3n5u3CImM
Australia's last white-ball match was on March 13, while England have played a series against Ireland as well as Test matches against the West Indies and Pakistan.
When asked whether England's more advanced preparation would be much of an advantage for the hosts, Finch said: "I think that just comes down to our professionalism and our preparation. I think we're going to give ourselves every opportunity to hit the ground running in our first T20 match.
"You can only control what you can control and by doing that, by having really intense training sessions and practice games we can give ourselves every opportunity to be up to international speed."
Buckle up! It's the Finch XI v the Cummins XI… what a way for the Aussies to get back into the swing of white-ball cricket in the UK: https://t.co/kY2go2cjYG pic.twitter.com/0tj1J8KLdn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 26, 2020
The visitors have arrived into a bio-secure bubble in Derby but will be transferring to Southampton ahead of their first intra-squad warm-up 50-over match on Friday.
Asked what he expected in the warm-up matches, Finch replied: "I think first off it's about getting a little bit of rust out.
"We haven't played a competitive match for five months so I know guys will be feeling their way back in to playing competitive cricket and I have to understand that but also as long as we keep improving and making sure that every opportunity we get to play and perform the way that we're learning from that.
"We understand that results don't always go your way as a team and as an individual and, as long as the processes that we're following are right and the thought processes are right, I think that we'll be on the right track."
Jack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler's stumping was a crucial moment.
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
Jack Leach's five wickets ended the home side's resistance.
Angelo Mathews half-century holds up England's bid for first Test victory
Sri Lanka were 302 for seven at tea for a lead of 16 runs.
Sri Lanka close in on England's lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts' second innings.
Joe Root's double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
England captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.


text:
Morrissey-solo Wiki
California Son
MORRISSEY Studio Album
Name California Son
Release 24 May 2019
Total Length 39:58
Recorded Recording took place at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, July-August 2018.
Writer/composer Multiple
Producer Joe Chiccarelli
Art work Liam Lynch
Vinyl Etching No matrix message
Publisher Étienne / BMG
Format(s) Vinyl, CD, Digital, Test Pressing
Chart position UK #4
US #95
UK Vinyl Chart #1
Studio Album chronology
Low In High School
I Am Not A Dog On A Chain
1 Track list
2 Video - The Making Of (California Son Interview Series)
6 Discogs information (additional release)
Morning Starship – 3:29 (Jobriath)
Don't Interrupt The Sorrow – 4:06 (Joni Mitchell)
Only A Pawn In Their Game – 3:46 (Bob Dylan)
Suffer The Little Children – 3:30 (Buffy Sainte-Marie)
Days Of Decision – 2:55 (Phil Ochs)
It's Over – 2:52 (Roy Orbison)
Wedding Bell Blues – 2:56 (Laura Nyro)
Loneliness Remembers What Happiness Forgets – 2:09 (Bacharach And David)
Lady Willpower – 3:07 (Jerry Fuller)
When You Close Your Eyes – 3:29 (Billy Mernit, Carly Simon)
Lenny's Tune – 3:30 (Tim Hardin)
Some Say I Got Devil – 4:08 (Melanie Safka)
Video - The Making Of (California Son Interview Series)
"California Son" info - Discogs
"California Son" info - Wikipedia
"California Son" released (May 24, 2019); full album now on YouTube - Morrissey-solo
Artwork, Design - Liam Lynch
Edited By [Digital Editing] - Lars Fox
Engineer [Additional Engineers] - Chris Dugan
Engineer [Additional Engineers] - Marcus Paquin
Engineer [Additional Engineers] - Tim Kvasnosky
Mastered By - Chris Allgood
Mastered By - Emily Lazar
Mixed By - Ken Sluiter
Mixed By - Ryan Freeland
Photography By [Cover Photo] - Michael Muller (2)
Producer, Mixed By, Recorded By - Joe Chiccarelli
Recorded By - Bill Mims
Comes with an inlay with a surprisingly high rate of misspellings.
California Son - Discogs master release: https://www.discogs.com/master/1552229
California Son (LP Album) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/13639083-Morrissey-California-Son
Discogs information (additional release)
Indie stores exclusive "sky blue" vinyl. Includes a 210mm x 274mm sized insert with credits.
California Son (LP Album Blue) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/13662894-Morrissey-California-Son
Comes in a gatefold cardboard sleeve.
Recorded in Los Angeles, California 2018 P&C 2018 BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited
Recorded at Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California. (July-August 2018) Mastered at The Lodge Mastering, New York City.
California Son (Album) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/13658126-Morrissey-California-Son
California Son is the twelfth solo studio album by English singer Morrissey. Released on 24 May 2019 on the singer's label étienne and licensed on BMG, the album is a collection of cover versions. The single "Wedding Bell Blues", initially written and sung by Laura Nyro in 1966, featured Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day on backing vocals. Recorded in 2018, the album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli, a frequent collaborator of Morrissey.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Son
Retrieved from "https://www.morrissey-solo.com/w/index.php?title=California_Son&oldid=13012"


The ImpresS ex ante approach relies on three main principles: the focus on the generation of outcomes, on long term processes and on building a shared vision on the hypothetical impact narrative among partners. Three main tools are used: the innovation story, the outcome mapping and the impact pathway.
The ImpresS ex ante approach is a participatory, iterative and adaptive process, that better takes into account the impact when constructing a research intervention, (the intervention can be a research or development project or cluster of projects). It aims at formulating hypothesis about impact pathways. This approach focuses on the actors that are protagonists of an innovation process and puts them at the centre of the construction of plausible impact pathways. This construction ideally includes all partners that will be involved in an intervention, supports them to identify the desired and most convincing impact pathway that the innovation process should follow. It makes explicit the underlying logic of how things will happen and with whom, and the most plausible hypotheses on which the intervention is going to act. It also aims at building interventions that are capable to learn during their implementation and take informed steering actions when necessary.
The approach enables the formulation of a common vision based on a hypothetical impact narrative shared among partners.
During the implementation of an intervention, adjustments and adaptations to the initial impact pathway identified might occur. ImpresS ex ante includes the definition of a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system focused on outcomes that will enable strategic management and understanding of outcome generating processes.
The ImpresS ex ante approach relies, among others, on three main tools.
The innovation narrative. Innovations, their outcomes and their impacts, are not the result of a linear process. Research actions at CIRAD are conducted in close partnership with stakeholders, academics and non-academics from diverse contexts. Hence, in order to implement successful interventions, it is fundamental to explore and discuss among the partners, during project design and planning, what is the plausible innovation narrative that the intervention will unfold. This innovation narrative is built on an initial diagnosis, a participatory problems analysis, an actors and power mapping, the identification of project clusters, and plausible impact hypotheses on the innovation trajectory, in which research can play different roles (transfer, co-design, support, open innovation).
The outcome mapping. The ImpresS ex ante approach is actor-focused. It defines outcomes as actor's appropriation of outputs of an intervention, leading to new practices (in agriculture or management), new organizations, new rules. They lead therefore to changes in practices or behaviors of actors who interact directly or indirectly with the intervention's outputs. Through the « Outcome mapping » phase, partners that have been involved in the intervention identify the desired outcomes, the role of different stakeholders in generating those outcomes, and the major changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills and so on, that are desirable to achieve changes in practices and behaviors. In order to incentivize the generation of outcomes, the mapping involves identifying the potential obstacles to these desired changes, and the strategies that the intervention can realistically devise to overcome them. During outcome mapping, a specific attention is given to those outcome-generating processes that involve public policy and capacity strengthening of different actors, including research.
The impact pathway represents and makes explicit the causal links between its various elements (see below an illustration of an ImpresS impact pathway diagram).


text:
Live Review – Yonaka + King No-One, July Jones
Words: Dani Willgress
Last night LDN got to head down to Yonaka's show at O2 Kentish Town Forum, London. It was phenomenal! With support from King No-One and July Jones alongside Yonaka's career-defining performance, it's one you are going to wish you had seen.
July Jones
Kicking off the night is July Jones, a British-Slovene electro-pop artist and she really brings boisterous energy to O2 Kentish Town's stage. The feminine power she emits is contagious, as it empowers the crowd while she captivates them with her playful demeanour. Her music is all about female empowerment, her track 'Girls can do anything' is no exception. It's at this point the crowd erupt with excitement. It's always a very good sign for an artist, to have such a massive response despite being the first musician to take the stage, Jones is undoubtedly going places, at hyperspeed.
July Jones has a new EP titled Silly Little Dreams PT 1 out 8th April 2022 be sure to check it out!
With the thump of bass tones encouraging the crowd to dance and the shimmering of alt-pop guitar, it's easy to get lost in the music. The upbeat vocals echo around the venue, enticing with emotion. Originating from york, the band have been taking over the Manchester scene, now storming across the rest of the UK making their presence known. With shows like this, it's clear why they are so popular up North and it's rubbing off on the rest of the nation.
Powerful, eccentric and full of character, YONAKA's set is bringing everything you'd want from the Brighton rock band and blowing already high expectations out of the water. The BIMM alumni band are playing the prestigious O2 Kentish Town Forum. Since they formed in 2014, YONAKA have moved from strength to strength building an incredibly dedicated fanbase across the UK and far beyond.
Tonight the performance is faultless, from the massive amounts of energy, the brilliant setlist choices, to the awesome handmade suits designed by John Biggs, tonight the band are undoubtedly bringing their all.
Kicking the set off with 'Ordinary' into 'Greedy' then the chugging intro to 'Punchbag' the energy is climbing with every song that passes, the crowd engrossed in every second of the set. Things calm down briefly for 'Raise Your Glass. Before starting the track, lead singer Theresa Jarvis address the crowd "I feel like we give ourselves such a hard time for our past and just fuck it! Leave it, let it be."
One of the most moving moments of the night has to be the stripped back version of 'Guilty' it is raw and emits pure vulnerability.
The night concludes with the emotional track 'Anthem', the crowd hanging onto every last word, before closing the show with high power, 'Rockstar'.
daniwillgress 4th Mar 2022 10th Mar 2022 feature, July Jones, King No One, LDN, ldnmagazine, Yonaka
Previous Previous post: The new issue of LDN is out now!
Next Next post: New Music Friday 04/03/2022


text:
Preview: Huddersfield Town (H)
Bury FC v Huddersfield Town
Pre-Season Friendly
Sunday, 16th July - Kick Off 3pm
Preview: A lot has changed since the Sunderland game eight days ago. Two strikers have left, one has returned and, perhaps, the biggest boost, for Lee Clark, is the players' fitness and, most importantly, a lack of injuries.
In saying that though, there are one or two minor knocks, but nothing serious. Joe Skarz has a very bruised toe after having his foot trodden on during a pre-season training session in Marbella. Phil Edwards has a sore knee and Callum Styles suffered with the effects of the horrendous heat on the Andalusian coast.
Nathan Cameron and Danny Mayor are progressing well, after their injury woes of last season, to such an extent, that both players took part in full training sessions at some point during the week.
Lee Clark will, again, use Sunday's game as a "minute gathering exercise". There is only so much you can do in training and playing a game against Premier League quality opposition cannot be done the training ground. Minutes into legs brings endurance, endurance brings quality, quality brings results – there is a laid down and set plan for everything.
The trip to Marbella has been hailed a complete success in terms of fitness, team bonding and a lack of injuries and it's been a stunning week for the lads. They have had a tough week yet none are tired or have been overworked. They have had lots of fitness sessions and lots of football sessions.
The loss of James Vaughan mid-week was fairly inevitable and although there were talks of a new, extended deal, it quickly became evident that he would not sign any such deal on the table. After the season he had last year, can anyone begrudge JV of wanting to succeed elsewhere? George Miller's move to Middlesbrough came in under the radar slightly but, again, there is a carefully laid plan to replace him or any player that leaves for whatever reason.
If there's anything the week in Marbella has proved it's that Lee Clark is meticulous in his planning and he has planned for every eventuality. Even as he boarded the plane in Malaga on Saturday afternoon, he was making plans and putting things into place.
The arrival of Nicky Ajose was planned. It was simply a case of picking up the phone to Charlton Athletic, once a deal had been agreed with Sunderland, as Nicky had agreed to everything before Vaughan left the Shakers base in Spain.
The quality of opposition is the key to fitness for Lee Clark and you're not going to better the quality of opposition that arrives at Gigg Lane on Sunday afternoon. Newly promoted to the Premier League and, having made a raft of signings over the summer, the self-proclaimed pride of Yorkshire will arrive at Gigg Lane as a Premier League Side and everyone at Gigg Lane will welcome them to Bury as a top-flight side and we wish them well in their maiden season in the Premier League.
The new season is just THREE weeks away and the forthcoming game on Tuesday night, at Macclesfield, will see the lads again look for getting minutes into legs but there will be a little more emphasis on tactics and on set plays. The starting eleven, on Sunday, will bear nothing to that we will see in three weeks' time when Walsall arrive at Gigg Lane.
Pre-season has, thus far, been nothing but successful and it's set for the next stage at 3pm on Sunday and with Premier League opposition in town, what more could you ask for?
Admission Prices: Click here for full details.
Season Tickets: Plenty of time to get your early bird phase two season ticket – click here for full details.
Programmes: A "three games in one" pre-season, 32-page match programme, costing £2.00, will be available in and around the ground.
Social Club and Club Shop: Click here for full details.
Coverage: Full match commentary will be available on iFollow FREE OF CHARGE. Maurice Dickson and Brian Rigby will be on air from around 2:45 pm for the game and we'll also have the full game covered via our official Twitter Account (@buryfcofficial) with team news going live just as soon as we receive it, hopefully, around 2:00 pm.
Video interviews with the manager and key players from the game will be live on iFollow Bury late on Sunday evening with Match Action Images going live on the website soon after. Please note that, as this is a pre-season game, match highlights will NOT be available as the game is not covered by our usual broadcast partners.
Enjoy the game!


text:
> Home > The Effect of Electronic-Learning, Cognitive Strategies-Based Instruction, Meta- Cognitive Strategies-Based Instruction and Traditional (3Ps) Method on the Students' Motivation for Learning English as a Foreign Language
The Effect of Electronic-Learning, Cognitive Strategies-Based Instruction, Meta- Cognitive Strategies-Based Instruction and Traditional (3Ps) Method on the Students' Motivation for Learning English as a Foreign Language
dr Mehdi i Ruhi Athar, Farhangian university in Hamedan, Iran, ID LLCE2018-314; Abstract: The current research aimed to study the effect of e-learning, cognitive strategies-based instruction, meta- cognitive strategies-based instruction and traditional (3Ps) method on the high school first graders' motivation for learning English as a foreign language in the deprived areas of Hamedan province, Iran. The research followed a quasi-experimental method, designed to be administered in unequal groups. To this end, 8 classes were chosen from two deprived areas and were divided into 4 male and 4 female classes. 116 subjects participated in the pre-test reducing to 101 participants in the post-test. On average, there were 12 or 13 students in each class. The instrument used for data collection was a motivation questionnaire for learning English (Dornyei, Magid and Poppy, 2009). After the administration of the questionnaire and pre-test for all the groups, the treatment continued for eight sessions and was followed by the post-test. The results of univariate covariance revealed that the four methods affected the participants' motivation differently. With references to the means, it could be mentioned that e-learning and cognitive strategies-based instruction had higher effects on their motivation. It was also found that gender as a mediator variable did not play a significant role in this regard.
Key words: cognitive strategies, e-learning, English, meta-cognitive strategies, motivation


Meeting organizers say growing attendance, and a popular new Suppliers Exposition, has prompted MARS to move the 2018 Winter Meeting to a larger venue at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center.
• Vanta Coda, executive director, Duluth Seaway Port Authority.
• Jose Guillermo Zozaya Delano, president and general manager, Kansas City Southern de Mexico.
• Tony Hatch, president, ABH Consulting.
• Mark Millett, president and CEO of Steel Dynamics Inc.
• Pat Ottensmeyer, president and CEO, Kansas City Southern.
• Phil Shook, director of intermodal, C.H. Robinson.
• James A. Squires, chairman, president and CEO, Norfolk Southern.
• Eric Starks, chairman and CEO, FTR Transportation Intelligence.
• Beth Whited, executive vice president and CMO, Union Pacific Railroad.
• Barbara Wilson, head of surface transportation/president, Wells Fargo Rail.
The conference schedule starts with a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 16, a full day on Wednesday, Jan. 17, including a luncheon co-sponsored with the Traffic Club of Chicago, and a half day on Thursday, Jan. 18. MARS is also hosting a daylong rail supplier and services vendor exhibition on Jan. 17, concurrent with the formal meeting.
The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center is located at 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, Illinois. The registration cost is $300. Registration can be completed online at: www.mwrailshippers.com/registration.asp.
The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations and to inquire about MARS membership, visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.


Set on a preserved beach of the northeastern coast that frames the Azuri village, Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa delivers guests a distinctive getaway experience. It is an ideal retreat for couples and an enjoyable holiday for families. The island has the world's 3rd largest coral reef and is renowned for its white sand beaches and clear lagoons.
Just a few steps away from the beach, the 100 rooms of the Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa open out onto furnished balconies or terraces that overlook the verdant tropical surroundings of the resort. Indulge in culinary delicacies at our 3 restaurants and bars that offer local, Mediterranean and international cuisine. Guests can relax by the pool with a refreshing cocktail from the poolside Cyan Bar. Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa also boasts an array of land and water sports. Guests can also unwind at our spa for a relaxing holiday. Those traveling for business can take advantage of well-equipped meeting facilities.
This unique lifestyle beach resort in Mauritius is integrated within the coastal village of Azuri.
Located in the Azuri marine complex, the Radisson Blu offers access to a private lagoon, a secluded beach area and abundant recreational activities.
Create long-lasting memories for the little ones at our Kids' Tribe.
For those looking for a dash of action, water and land activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and tennis, are available.


text:
Simón Bolívar:
Travels and Transformations of a Cultural Icon
Edited by Maureen G. Shanahan and Ana María Reyes
Hardcover ISBN 13: 9780813062624 - Pub Date: 7/26/2016Paper ISBN 13: 9780813054490 - Pub Date: 11/7/2017 Details: 256 pages, 6x9 Subject(s): Latin American - Arts
"A valuable contribution to the field of Bolivarian studies. . . . Students and specialists alike will find useful the documentary evidence and analyses these essays provide."—Revista de Estudios Hispanicos
"Shows us how and why Simón Bolívar is still a major icon in Latin American culture. Cinema, politics, painting, literature, religion, and opera are all touched and marked by 'El Libertador' who is still very much an active force in Latin America."--Efraín Barradas, author of Mente, Mirada, Mano: Visiones y Revisiones de La Obra de Lorenzo Homar
"An indispensable resource for anyone interested in the myth and memory of Simón Bolívar."--Sibylle Fischer, author of Modernity Disavowed: Haiti and the Cultures of Slavery in the Age of Revolution
One of Latin America's most famous historical figures, Simón Bolívar has become a mythic symbol for many nations, empires, and revolutions used to support wildly diverse--sometimes opposite--ideas. From colonial Cuba to Nazi-occupied France to Cold War-era Slovenia, the image of "El Libertador" has variously signified loyalty, national unity, liberation, freedom, and revolt.
In this volume, an array of international and interdisciplinary scholars shows the ways Bolívar has appeared over the last two centuries in painting, fiction, poetry, music, film, festival, dance, city planning, and even reliquary adoration. They illustrate how Bolívar's body has been exalted, reimagined, or fragmented in different contexts, taking on a range of meanings to represent the politics and poetics of today's national bodies.
By critically analyzing many examples of cultural Bolivarianisms, or cults of Bolívar, this collection demonstrates the capacity of the arts and humanities to challenge and reinvent hegemonic icons and narratives and, therefore, to be vital to democracy.
Maureen G. Shanahan is professor of art history at James Madison University. Ana María Reyes is assistant professor of Latin American art history at Boston University.
Contributors: Armida de la Garza| Luis Duno-Gottberg| Emily A. Engel| Alejandro E. Gomez Pernia| Juan de Dios Lopez Maya| Paul Niell| Tina Potocnik| Ana Maria Reyes| Alicia Rios| Nicholas Roberts| Maureen G. Shanahan| Juan Francisco Sans| Tomas Straka
A valuable contribution to the field of Bolivarian studies. . . . Students and specialists alike will find useful the documentary evidence and analyses these essays provide.
--Revista de Estudios Hispanicos
Inspired by Cuba
El Techo de la Ballena
Ceramics of Ancient America
Decolonizing Refinement
Sensing Decolonial Aesthetics in Latin American Arts
Historic Architecture in the Caribbean Islands
Creole Clay
American Interventions and Modern Art in South America
Painting in a State of Exception
Cuban Art in the 20th Century


For a premium, VIP experience, our Noko and Dorset Suites offer the ultimate in comfort, style and furnishings. Enjoy stunning views of the Phnom Penh skyline from the suites' balconies, each including 1-bedroom plus a large living room complete with world class sound systems, grinding dining room and full fledge modern kitchen. In addition, you'll enjoy a private entertainment room and a bedroom fitted with a king-sized bed, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.


Backpacks are making a fashion statement so we translated this concept and created the Mandy dog backpack with an attached harness. Not only will your pup look adorable and stylish, but they can now carry their own waste bags and treats!!! Matching dog carrier is also available.


Gilbert Lee will be speaking on the panel, "Video Games and the Right of Publicity," at the 2nd Annual Chicago Video Game Law Summit on Saturday, April 16, 2016.
This panel will explore the right of publicity and how it has been inconsistently applied to video games. As video game graphics become increasingly realistic and the use of personal likenesses in games becomes more prevalent, the issue of when personal likenesses can be used is a heated debate. Topics to be discussed include: recent litigation and an overview of seminal cases in the field.


We make every effort to populate our site with useful pressure care help & advice, but if you can't find what you're looking for please get in touch, we're always on hand to help.
Please feel free to download content from this section of our site and if you can't find what you're looking for please get in touch.
Subscribe to regular updates and keep current with Select Medical news. It's the perfect way for us to keep in touch!


text:
Q: How to bind data from kentico document type to dropdown? I have folder in Kentico CMS containing few items. Everything inside the folder is one document type. I would like to bind name of every item in this folder to drop down but I have no idea how to get data from Kentico.

A: Assuming you are creating a new control you put following into the markup:
<asp:DropDownList runat="server" ID="drpItems"/>

And following into the codebehind:
TreeProvider treeProvider = new TreeProvider(SiteContext.CurrentUser);
TreeNodeDataSet docs = DocumentHelper.GetDocuments("YourSite", "/%", "en-US", true, TreeProvider.ALL_CLASSNAMES, null, "DocumentName", TreeProvider.ALL_LEVELS, false, -1, "DocumentName, DocumentID", treeProvider);
foreach (TreeNode treeNode in docs)
{
    drpItems.Items.Add(new ListItem
    {
        Text = treeNode.DocumentName,
        Value = treeNode.DocumentID.ToString()
    });
 }

Adjust parameters of the DocumentHelper.GetDocuments() methods - espcially siteName, nodeAliasPath and columns you want to select.
If you don't use workflow/versioning you can use SelectNodes() method from the treeProvider. It has similar parameters and is more efficient for that case.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Friday should reach the low-to-mid 80s for high temperatures. Skies should feature plenty of sunshine with just a few clouds here and there. The reduction in humidity should be noticeable. Winds should be 10-15mph out of the NW with gusts to 20mph. Overnight lows should drop into the 60s for most and possibly even the 50s for NWNJ. Ocean temps could keep coastal areas hovering around 70 through sunrise.
Saturday should reach the mid-to-upper 80s for high temperatures. Skies should be mostly sunny with continued reduced humidity. That should make for a pleasant feel. Winds should be near-stationary with maybe a 5mph breeze in any direction. Overnight lows should fall into the 60s statewide.
Sunday should reach the mid-to-upper 80s statewide with possibly 90 broken inland. Skies should be mostly sunny but humidity will likely return. With that said, instability could build a layer of cumulus clouds by afternoon hours that will mostly likely dissolve through sunset once solar heating is lost. Should any of these cumulus clouds build high enough then an isolated shower or baby t-storm could form underneath. That's the only caveat for the weekend and I'll only give that a super small chance of happening. The better bet for Sunday is a nice, sunny and hot summer day. Extremely light winds will again vary in any direction. Overnight lows should fall into the 60s for most with coastal areas remaining just above 70.
An early look at next week indicates a nice start with storms returning by mid-week.


text:
Q: Filter not working I basically have a filter and in it's doFilter method, i'm just printing a message to console and i have applied that filter to every page of my sample web app.
web.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<web-app xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns="http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee" xmlns:web="http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee/web-app_2_5.xsd" xsi:schemaLocation="http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee/web-app_3_0.xsd" id="WebApp_ID" version="3.0">

<filter>
    <filter-name>LoginFilter</filter-name>
    <filter-class>
        com.mypkg.filters.LoginFilter
    </filter-class>
</filter>
<filter-mapping>
    <filter-name>LoginFilter</filter-name>
    <url-pattern>/*</url-pattern>
</filter-mapping>

<welcome-file-list>
<welcome-file>utility.jsp</welcome-file>

and my filter code
LoginFilter.java
package com.mypkg.filters;

import java.io.IOException;
import javax.servlet.*;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;
//other imports

public class LoginFilter implements Filter {

@Override
public void init(FilterConfig config) throws ServletException {
     System.out.println("Filter init ran!");
}

@Override
public void doFilter(ServletRequest request, ServletResponse response,FilterChain chain) throws IOException, ServletException {
    System.out.println("Filter running!");
}

@Override
public void destroy(FilterConfig config) throws ServletException {
     //System.out.println("Filter destoryed!");
}

Now when i first ran this filter, i got "Filter running" message but after that i included hibernate and other libraries, it stopped working, i removed them and same result. Filter doesn't run. Checked url pattern and everything.. Clueless!!
Any pointers?

A: First of all, in you doFilter method you should call the next filter in the chain:
chain.doFilter(request, response);

Without this your request will not be processed further after your filter.
This can be a reason of your problem.
EDIT:
Also your destroy() method is wrong. Here how you should rewrite it:
@Override
public void destroy() {
     System.out.println("Filter destoryed!");
}

A: Maybe you have another Filter executed before yours, that does not call chain.doFilter(), thus preventing next filters (including yours) to be executed.