Although lymph node (LN) status and the LN burden determine the outcome of bladder cancer patients treated with cystectomy, compelling arguments have been made for the incorporation of LN density into the current staging system. Here, we investigate the relationship between LN density and clinical outcome in patients with LN-positive disease, following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.
PubMed, SCOPUS, the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant published literature.
Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total number of 3311 patients. Of these 14 publications, 6 studies, (533 patients), 10 studies (2966 patients), and 5 studies (1108 patients) investigated the prognostic association of LN density with disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS), respectively. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for DFS was 1.45 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.91) without heterogeneity (I2 = 0 %, p = 0.52). Higher LN density was significantly associated with poor DSS (pooled HR, 1.53; 95 % CI, 1.23–1.89). However, significant heterogeneity was found between studies (I2 = 66 %, p = 0.002). The pooled HR for OS was statistically significant (pooled HR, 1.45; 95 % CI, 1.11–1.90) without heterogeneity (I2 = 42 %, p = 0.14). The results of the Begg and Egger tests suggested that publication bias was not evident in this meta-analysis.
The data from this meta-analysis indicate that LN density is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in LN-positive patients. LN density may be useful in future staging systems, thus allowing better prognostic classification of LN-positive bladder cancer.
Radical cystectomy with lymph node (LN) dissection remains the standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, and also for non-muscle-invasive disease, refractory to intravesical therapy. Pelvic LN involvement occurs in approximately 25 % of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer ; when LN positivity is observed, the 10-year mortality rate can reach 80 %, despite adjuvant chemotherapy [2, 3]. Although LN involvement portends a relatively poor prognosis, some patients exhibit long-term survival following surgery, with, or without systemic chemotherapy . Efforts have been made to stratify LN-positive patients according to different prognostic factors to obtain more individualized risk estimations. Although several prognostic factors have previously been reported for LN-positive patients, predictive factors for survival in LN-positive patients have not been clearly defined.
The concept of LN density, i.e. the number of LNs containing metastatic deposits divided by the total number of LNs removed, was first described for bladder cancer in 2003 [5, 6]. Recent studies have suggested that LN density is superior to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification system , and to the absolute number of positive LNs [5, 7] in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Although radical surgery alone cures 5–34 % of patients with LN-positive disease, most survivors have only 1–2 microscopically involved LNs, rather than grossly positive, or multiple LN involvement . Therefore, LN metastasis (LN status), and the number of involved LNs (LN burden) determine the outcome of patients with bladder cancer treated with cystectomy . Compelling arguments have been made for the incorporation of LN density into the current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system . The present study aimed to elucidate the relationship between LN density and clinical outcome in LN-positive patients with bladder cancer following radical cystectomy.
This analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Additional file 1) .
PubMed, SCOPUS, the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify potentially relevant published literature. The search was performed in August 2014. The search terms used included "bladder cancer," "radical cystectomy," and "lymph node density." We also carefully examined the references of articles and reviews to identify potential additional studies.
Studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients studied had LN-positive bladder cancer; (2) LN density was measured; (3) the association between LN density and clinical outcome was investigated; and (4) the full text articles were published in English. Studies were excluded based on the following criteria: (1) if they were abstracts, review articles, case reports, letters, or laboratory studies; (2) if key information for further analysis was absent; (3) when part, or all, of the same patient series was included in more than one publication, the largest sample size, or the most recent publication was included to avoid duplication of the same survival data; and (4) when studies did not report an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in multivariate analysis, as the accuracy of HRs without using multivariate analysis is uncertain. However, if the result was negative in univariate analysis and as a result, LN density could not be included in multivariate analysis, the result of the univariate analysis was included. Two reviewers (MK and HSK) independently determined study eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by consensus.
Using a standardized form, data extraction from each of the included studies was performed independently by two reviewers (CK and CWJ). When discrepancies arose between two reviewers, discussion with another reviewer (HHK) was undertaken until a consensus was reached. Quality assessment in this meta-analysis was carried out using the REporting recommendations for tumor MARKer prognostic studies (REMARK) guidelines and quality scale [11, 12], and included the following study parameters: (1) inclusion and exclusion criteria; (2) prospective or retrospective data; (3) sufficient description of patient and tumor characteristics; (4) sufficient description of LN density measurement; (5) well-defined study endpoint; (6) description of patient follow-up period; and (7) identification of patients lost to follow-up or not available for statistical analysis. Scores ranged from 0 to 8; studies with a total score of 8 were considered to show the highest study quality, whereas a score of 0 indicated studies with the lowest quality.
We calculated the pooled HR with its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) to assess the association of LN density with survival in LN-positive patients. A HR of >1 indicated a worse prognosis in patients with higher LN density, if the 95 % CI did not overlap. If explicit survival data were not provided, they were calculated from the available numerical data using methods reported by Parmer et al. . A meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model, applying the inverse of variance as a weighing factor . Heterogeneity between studies was estimated by using the Cochran Q-static and I2 tests . A Q-test with a p-value of <0.05 or an I2 value of >50 % was considered to represent substantial heterogeneity between studies. We also used subgroup analysis with meta-regression analysis to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots, the Begg rank correlation test, and the Egger linear regression test were applied to explore potential publication bias, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant [16, 17]. All statistical tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RevMan statistical software version 5.0 (the Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used in this study. Meta-regression and publication bias were analyzed using R statistical software version 2.13.0 (R development Core Team, Vienna, Austria; http://www.r-project.org).
The search strategy retrieved 253 publications, of which 81 were reviewed for eligibility, with 14 studies finally included [5, 18–30]. The detailed screening process used is shown in Fig. 1.
The characteristics of the selected studies are described in Table 1. The total number of patients from all of the studies was 3311 (range, 43–1038; median, 93). The included studies were published between 2003 and 2014. Three studies were conducted in Asian countries, and 11 studies were carried out in non-Asian countries. Among these 14 studies, although data were collected prospectively in 4 studies, none of selected studies was prospective study. Different cut-off values were used for LN density. The quality scores ranged from 3 to 6. As shown in Table 1, 10 of the 14 studies had quality scores of <5, suggesting that most of the studies were not well designed. Other characteristics of the eligible studies are reported in Tables 2 and 3.
Of the 14 publications included in the meta-analysis, 6 studies (533 patients), 10 studies (2966 patients), and 5 studies (1108 patients) investigated the prognostic association of LN density with DFS, DSS, and overall survival (OS), respectively (Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6).
The results of the meta-analysis are shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4. Overall, the pooled HR for DFS was 1.45 (95 % CI, 1.10–1.91), suggesting that a higher LN density was an indicator of poor prognosis for bladder cancer. No significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I2 = 0 %, p = 0.52) (Fig. 2). A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that higher LN density was significantly associated with poor DSS (pooled HR, 1.53; 95 % CI, 1.23–1.89). However, significant heterogeneity was found between studies (I2 = 66 %, p = 0.002) (Fig. 3). Subgroup analysis with meta-regression analysis showed that the number of patients (pheterogeneity = 0.0015), median follow-up (pheterogeneity = 0.0017), and quality scale (pheterogeneity = 0.0233) were possible explanations for heterogeneity (Table 7). Meta-analysis of the 5 studies evaluating the association of LN density with OS found that a higher LN density predicted a worse outcome, with a pooled HR of 1.45 (95 % CI, 1.11–1.90). Inter-study heterogeneity was not significant (I2 = 42 %, p = 0.14) (Fig. 4).
Forest plots of disease-specific survival by lymph node density. (Left) The horizontal lines correspond to the study-specific hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI), respectively. The area of the squares reflects the study-specific weight. The diamond represents the pooled results of HR and 95 % CI. (Right) The Begg test funnel plots for publication bias. Each point represents a separate study of the indicated association. The vertical line represents the mean effects size.
No obvious asymmetry was evident in the Funnel plots of any contrast (Figs. 2, 3, and 4). All the p-values for the Begg and Egger tests for DFS, DSS, and OS were >0.05, providing statistical evidence of funnel plots' symmetry. These results suggest that publication bias was not evident in this meta-analysis.
Up to 25 % of clinically organ-confined tumors show evidence of LN metastasis at the time of surgery. Pathologic specimens from contemporary radical cystectomy series reveal that the rate of LN metastasis increases from 5 % in non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors (≤pT1), to 18 % in pT2a, 27 % in pT2b, and 45 % in pT3–4 . Although LN-positivity is an adverse prognostic factor per se, some LN-positive patients experience long-term survival following radical cystectomy. Therefore, LN dissection may be curative in a selected subset of LN-positive patients . However, prognostic criteria to identify this population have not been defined.
Several prognostic factors have previously been reported for LN-positive patients: (1) pathologic stage of the primary tumor [6, 31]; (2) presence of lymphovascular invasion of the primary tumor ; (3) pN stage using the TNM classification; (4) number of LNs involved [2,618,20,32]; (5) number of LNs removed at cystectomy [33–35]; (6) LN density [5, 6]; and (7) the presence of extracapsular extension [18, 28, 36]. However, factors predictive of survival in LN-positive patients are debated.
The pT stage of the TNM classification remains significant in LN-positive bladder cancer [6, 31]. Although differentiation between pT2 and pT3 disease seems unnecessary when LN invasion is present, Stein et al.  have previously shown the prognostic significance of extravesical tumor extension compared to organ-confined tumor in LN-positive patients. However, the prognostic significance of the pN stage is unclear [5, 28], although risk stratification of recurrence and survival following radical cystectomy has traditionally been based on TNM staging. The accuracy of the most recent TNM staging system has also been questioned [37, 38], as the location of positive LNs does not seem to have prognostic significance. The number of positive LNs appears to be a significant adverse prognostic factor. Some studies have demonstrated decreased DFS and OS associated with an increasing absolute number of positive LNs [2, 6, 18, 20, 32], but not all studies have confirmed these findings. In addition, the cut-off number for positive LNs that influence outcome is controversial. Furthermore, the total number of positive LNs does not reflect the tumor burden, and its significance is influenced by the extent of the LN dissection. Other studies have demonstrated that the total number of LNs removed, irrespective of LN positivity, is a significant prognostic factor [6, 33–35]. Extracapsular extension may be an independent prognostic factor for DFS and DSS in LN-positive bladder cancer and upper urothelial carcinoma [18, 28, 36].
It has been suggested that LN density is more useful in stratifying patients with LN-positive bladder cancer. Herr  found that a LN density cut-off of 20 % was superior to the most recent TNM staging system in predicting DSS and local recurrence, on multivariate analysis. Stephenson et al.  also suggested that the aggregate LN metastasis diameter, LN density, and extranodal extension should be considered as the novel predictors in a revised TNM-staging system. However, despite the attempts of multiple studies to explore the association between LN density and its potential association with disease recurrence or death, the results have been inconsistent. For example, none of the new LN-dependent markers, such as localization within the pelvic cavity, extracapsular extension, and LN density were independently significant in the prospective study by Jenson et al. . To our knowledge, the present meta-analysis is the first to clarify the association between LN density and survival in LN-positive bladder cancer using meta-analysis and systematic review. In this meta-analysis, studies reporting HRs of cumulative survival rates were qualitatively summarized using standard meta-analysis techniques. Fourteen studies, with a total of 3311 LN-positive patients, stratifying DFS, DSS, and/or OS by LN density were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Higher LN density was independently associated with poorer DFS, DSS, and OS. As our meta-analysis includes 14 eligible studies, with a total of 3311 patients, it provides stronger statistical power and a more precise estimation of results than previously published reports. Moreover, our meta-analysis was mainly based on adjusted estimates, and statistical significance was observed for all three end-points, DFS, DSS, and OS.
However, to reach a convincing conclusion regarding the value of LN density for the prognosis of LN-positive bladder cancer, some issues should also be addressed. First, we considered that the definition of what constitutes a "lymph node" varies among urological pathologists in different series. This can impact the nodal yields, and therefore, the burden of lymph node density. Second, the cut-off points for LN density were arbitrarily determined retrospectively, and they have not been validated sufficiently in alternative data sets . Therefore, the threshold for clinically relevant LN density varies between multiple studies and has yet to be established. Third, there is no prospectively evaluated standardized template for pelvic LN dissection. Some data support the use of LN density rather than the absolute number of positive LNs when extended pelvic LN dissection is performed . On the contrary, LN density may be a less sensitive determinant of outcome following limited dissection . Additionally, there were no surgical consistency and uniformity of techniques between previous studies. Therefore, different LN dissection templates, and different surgical procedures may contribute significant bias to a meaningful analysis. Fourth, the number of LNs removed may affect the value of LN density. Jeong et al.  demonstrated that when more than 15 LNs were removed, LN density was a predictive factor for survival. In a report by Kassouf et al., LN density proved to be a stronger prognostic factor in patients with a LN count of ≥25 (HR 4.63) than in patients with a LN count of <25 (HR 1.62) . Therefore, owing to interindividual variability in pelvic LN anatomy , LN density may not be a prognostic factor in patients with little lymphatic tissue. Furthermore, although greater numbers of LNs removed would most likely correlate with a more extended LN dissection, LN yield is intimately related to histological processing, and to the extent of pathologic review. Fifth, it is not known whether LN density determines survival any better than currently established pN categories of the TNM system . Future studies are needed before LN density can be widely accepted as a staging system or used to replace pN staging. Finally, in the present study, only 2 reports used neoadjuvant chemotherapy; and therefore, it is not enough to determine whether LN density can be a valid marker for survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which may favorably alter the nodal burden . Additionally, given the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy had gained increasing acceptance for treating invasive bladder cancer, the low rate of neoadjuvant therapy in this meta-analysis may have limitation on the generalizability. Further evaluation of the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on LN density would be necessary.
Several limitations of this study should be considered. First, the HRs calculated in our meta-analysis may be overestimated, as many of the included studies obtained data retrospectively. Thus, adequately designed prospective studies are needed to obtain a more precise estimate. Second, the studies retrieved for our analysis were limited to those published in English, which may result in a language bias, although the present analysis does not support publication bias. Third, varying numbers of patients, median follow-up time, and quality scale might contribute to the heterogeneity of results for DSS found in this study. Although the random-effects model considers heterogeneity, and was used to analyze the studies with heterogeneities, the conclusions drawn from this meta-analysis should be approached with caution. However, heterogeneity of results for DSS was rigorously quantified and analyzed in our meta-regression and subgroup analysis, which contributes to a more reliable conclusion.
In summary, the data from this meta-analysis indicate that LN density is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in LN-positive patients following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Although LN density may be related to histological processing and the extent of pathologic review, it is most likely a reflection of the quality and extent of pelvic LN dissection. LN density may be useful in future staging systems, thus allowing better prognostic classification of LN-positive bladder cancer following radical cystectomy. However, prospective validation would be required to define cut-off levels for LN density.
Additonal file 1: PRISMA 2009 checklist.
JHK, CWJ, CK, and HHK participated in study conception and design, MK, and HSK carried out the acquisition of data, JHK, MK, HSK, CWJ, CK participated in the analysis and interpretation of data, JHK performed the statistical analysis, JHK, and MK drafted the manuscript, CWJ, CK, and HHK conducted the critical revision of this study. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.


In order to answer the question of what the very first line of defense is, I must first explain some details, leading up to the conclusion. So, please bear with me and also consider that some readers may require a little additional insight while others are familiar with certain aspects of this topic.
2. The educated answer of a Wing Tsun Kung Fu student is more complex and states that one first of all must try to avoid the situation altogether. If you couldn't avoid it, try to get away, even run away, and make also all attempts of using verbal skills to talk your way out of a potentially harmful situation.
Only if you couldn't avoid the situation, couldn't run away, couldn't talk your way out of it, now it is time for action. If all that has failed and an actual physical attack is imminent, even if the launch of this attack is hardly visible to the untrained eye, then the skilled Wing Tsun practitioner attacks, in many cases very aggressively, the attacker. The solution to defending yourself successfully is aggressive and continuous forward attack in order to combat a violent thug.
The objective is not to allow the attacker to even finish the first attack, not to leave any space or even time for a second attack, but rather to force the attacker into a helpless situation.
3. For the bona fide answer to our question "When does Self-Defense start?" we have to explain the term self-defense in more detail. So, stay with me while we look at the subject of Self-Defense from a few different angles: the law, the potential victim, realism versus perception, the training. How does the law view Self-Defense? Please read up on our 3-part mini series "Canadian Law and Self-Defence" by Gary Hughes.
The explanations about the law and self defence can also show us, that the atrocious and unfair scenario of realistic Self-Defense has very little in common with what is typically practiced in many martial arts schools, which leads us to the next point as to why some students, while looking for self-defense, choose to train other martial arts, realism versus perception.
Practitioners feel good due to of successful 2-person exercises in other styles.
Problem: If the exercise is exactly choreographed, it has to work, but what about Reality?
Other styles train many, if not dozens of katas (forms performed against imaginary opponents).
Students enjoy martial arts training, where techniques "work".
Problem: It is often difficult to admit that a sport-oriented martial art cannot deal as efficient with a scenario without rules. Then there is also the comfort of a previously acquired skill, whether or not it will be beneficial in a real life situation.
Going to other martial arts, where the system of rules and regulations protects and promotes the theory that a "collection" of techniques equals self-defense skills.
Going to other schools, because self-defense techniques work there, without any physical contact.
Problem: Yes, I've even heard this one: … "In the new school I finally learn something, since we are not allowed to make contact. The techniques are too dangerous." … does this make any sense or need further comment?
Problem: Just imagine, no physical contact, no communication, what can go wrong?
Training Wing Tsun Kung Fu. - Are we really better? Is Wing Tsun truly the best? Well, let us start with the statement: We are DIFFERENT! As our slogan says, we are committed to deliver Complete Self-Defense for Real People! No sport, no trophies, no competitions, well other than with ourselves to continuously strive for improvement and growth.
I, personally, dislike the assumption of being better. Have you ever seen a famous boxer who did not at one point in time or another get knocked out? Martial arts practitioners, masters, are also just people who can have a bad day.
But on the other hand, professional teaching and learning methods plus a self-defense system that focuses 100% on self defense, gives you the edge you need to face reality.
Concluding this 3-part series is another set of comments, which I received after publishing the article (read part 1) for the first time. It is important to communicate with training partners, not just about the current exercises, but also about perceived success or failure, about conception or misconception of how a exercise "feels".
Finding out that even the strongest, tallest, most experienced member in class is being 'challenged' in each and every private lesson to give everything he/she can give, often to the point of exhaustion, gives you the idea, that you are not alone.
We want to achieve the ability to withstand attacks, deal with physical confrontation, even if the shoulders are burning, the arms are shaking, and the legs almost give. Many of you have quickly realized that what you thought is your boundary, until here and no further, is actually just a line you learn to cross and achieve better results you ever imagined you could. There is no "quick fix", there is no instant gratification. You learn real skills that last. The journey itself teaches you your true potential. It feels wonderful to get past your estimate of your potential.
We want to achieve the ability to function under an enormous amount of stress, cascading attacks that appear to leave you vulnerable, incapable of coping with a wild out of control attacker. Interesting enough, when you feel the most frustrated, as if "it" will never happen, you begin to function; you do not try to oppose the stress anymore. Remember the strength principles? Get rid of your own tensions; learn to use the strength of the attacker, just to name two out of four.
I agree with the points made in your article. I do feel a bit better, confident about myself ever since I have started taken the Wing Tsun classes. I think that one of the major reasons for my "feeling better" attitude is that I think my own personal fitness has improved because of the training. The main motivation for me to sign up for the Wing Tsun Kung Fu class in the first place, is to improve my personal fitness. I did not exercise regularly before I joined your class. Months before I joined your class, I thought long and hard about what sort of sports activity that I wanted to do.
My choices quickly narrowed down to martial arts because I always had an interest. Since I had learned Judo before at a community center I knew, I did not want to have instructors who were "part timers" and/or emphasized competitions. I feel too old to be trying to win trophies and medals and learning to do high spinning kicks.
Of all Chinese fighting arts, I heard of Wing Tsun and Tai Chi the most. Actually, I had a few lessons in Tai Chi before when I was a student in China. I easily chose Wing Tsun because it would be useful to know how to defend oneself and it was supposedly the simplest of all Chinese fighting styles (and most nasty Kung Fu according to some people). I was very happy to find your school on the web because I have a dislike for traditional Chinese schools. So, far I have not regretted my choice!
At this point in time, I certainly do not yet feel "confident" enough about my skills. I do not mean to suggest that your instruction has been poor; rather, I feel it is foolish for anyone to assume that skills could be mastered so soon. I've only been with the school for 8 months.
However, I do feel somewhat frustrated sometimes when practicing/learning new techniques because the movements are easy, yet seem so "complex". But I remind myself that nothing comes easy. If it does, then it is "too good to be true" (like a lot of things /situations in life). So this frustration does not deter me from continuing with my study of Wing Tsun. One of my workout partners and me had a discussion not long ago, and we both agreed we intend to keep learning Wing Tsun as far as we can go.
In retrospect, I certainly feel that you have progressively challenged all of us. During the last testing seminar, it dawned on me that you had already "tested" us during a rigorous workout about two weeks before that day.
Honestly, after my first three months of class, I did not yet see how everything taught to us and the order in which it was taught built up into the "big picture". It was only around the sixth month that had passed did I begin to see how the pieces fall into place. I see now why Wing Tsun does not teach the wooden dummy form and the Biu-Tze form until later, unlike the other Wing Chun styles.
I find it has also been quite helpful to talk to other students, who have been most helpful in pointing out/ explaining details to me, that I did not understand /misunderstood weeks and months ago. I actually feel/notice improvements when we revisit subjects that we had covered weeks/months before. I feel I can execute the moves a little better every time, as compared to my first lessons on the subject.
Above comment was written more than three years ago. Now he is one of the most advanced members of our school. Persistence, Perseverance and Patience become the most important virtues. More important than speed, strength, size, weight, even more important than talent.
I enjoyed the article and want to read more from you on the subject. I can relate to the line 'if it feels good, it ain't Wing Tsun'. Often in classes when doing an exercise, it may feel good initially, but after you point out my mistakes or point out specifically what I should be emphasizing (whether it be sinking deeper into my stance, or turning a little bit more) that is when it starts to feel not so good and awkward. That is usually when I realize that I should be paying more attention to minor details every time I do something, even if it appears to be simple.
I remember what you were saying to me during our last private lesson about constantly being tested and I agree it is a good thing to do. However it is one of those things that sometimes requires outside motivation, sometimes from a teacher or a fellow classmate.
I can somewhat relate this example to sports. In basketball or any team sport for that matter, you can run drills where there are no defenders and everything works out fine. Your team does what they are supposed to do; everything is functioning on all cylinders. But after you add the defense into the picture, even in a controlled 'practice' environment things start to mess up. Even if you get used to your teammates defense, you usually cannot replicate how your future opponents are going to react to your team. Just like in most martial arts schools, it works in practice but you usually cannot guarantee the same results in a competition fight, let along a real life scenario on the street.
I guess an analogy I might use is if you were on a constantly losing team. You lose the 'real life fight', but in practice everything works out just fine. I guess the only thing to do would be to continue to get better as individuals and as a team.
I usually get frustrated when I can't do a certain type of movement in the required way, so I get hit. Its frustrating not being able to do something about it when you mentally know what to do, it's just that your body cannot do it yet. I am still frustrated at times with Chi-Sau, not being able to hit, being hit, but sometimes it helps to just work by myself. Similar to the sports analogy, if constantly losing frustrates me, I can workout on my skills on my own without the team and competition atmosphere. So working on Wing Tsun skills at home usually makes me feel better if I get frustrated in class.
Today now a few comments I have received in regard to yesterday's article "Is Wing Tsun really that frustrating? Why does any progress appear to be so slow?"
Your comments in the article "Wing Tsun Frustration" reminded me of my experience with karate and self-defense. One of the instructors – a highly-ranked black belt in the Goju Ryu style offered some self-defense classes to students in addition to the regular classes he taught. Now, that experience was truly frustrating! We spent the first couple of lessons learning – as a slow learner, I never did get it – to immobilize our attacker by pulling his thumb backwards or some such thing. It occurs to me now that while I was busy contemplating my attacker's thumb – he had all the time in the world to employ his other weapons of destruction. I liked the fitness aspects of karate, but even that had its limitations.
With Karate, I recall getting sprains and muscle pulls whereas with Wing Tsun, my body seems to gain flexibility and strength without the damage. Trust me, one day your body will thank you for doing Wing Tsun Kung Fu!
Interesting, too, that the same virtues you say it takes to advance are the same that one needs in every other aspect of life whether career, or relationships. One can never rest on one's laurels for long – everything changes inevitably, and the only way to survive, and thrive is by staying in the game; with focus, commitment, perseverance and determination. I actually find that the most appealing aspect of this self defense system – it is never boring, it is always challenging – there is always something new to learn.
I read your article entitled "Wing Tsun Frustration" and found it very clear and to the point. One of the things I enjoy the most about the class is there is no attempt to make it a "quick fix" like our culture has become so accustomed to.
I read the article, it was very well written and does address some of the issues that I encounter when training both at classes and outside. Sometimes it seems a little bit frustrating, especially when other martial arts seem to progress "faster" because they learn more techniques or 'moves'.
However, training in Wing Tsun with the more senior students and assistant instructors help me keep focused on my goal with Wing Tsun, which is to train it to a level in which I am confident of my abilities. It is a little bit disheartening at first when I try the techniques that I've trained for months and years on the senior disciples, because of course, they don't work; working with the more junior members however shows me that my basics are a lot better than they used to be, and that even though I still have a LOT to learn, I have come a long way from when I was back in Student Grade 1.
It is also a great motivating factor to see all of the disciples who are better than me being willing and able to help me in my progress with Wing Tsun, and also with your help Si-Fu, it is very inspiring. Without the close network of supportive senior students who are all focused on Wing Tsun as we have in our school, I don't think I would have stuck with it for so long. Like I said, it is a little bit demoralizing in the beginning, and there are times where I get lazy and/or don't feel like coming to class, but when I do, I feel like I've done something productive.
One of the common occurrences we all experience throughout our Wing Tsun career is frustration over what seems to be incredibly slow progress. Is this actually the case, is it more difficult to learn Wing Tsun than other martial arts, or is there another explanation?
Well, to compare it; many martial arts schools sell, instead of memberships, seemingly prestigious black belts with slogans like: "Get your black belt in one year". Many advertise with teaching you literally hundreds or even thousands of techniques, to be ready for just about any scenario. Or so they make you think.
What about competition sports? Martial arts competitors usually have enough time to get into shape, often they know their opponents, have studied their behaviour on video, and prepare special fight plans. Even the so-called no-rules fights assure that no third parties get involved, that no weapons are used, what type of clothing or shoes are worn, they guarantee that the fight area is limited and clean, providing special flooring or mats, that quite a set of rules is being enforced by a referee.
Above points and more, like weight, age, experience, and intent of actions, the element of surprise, mind games and intimidation tactics of the aggressor - nothing is on your side in a real-life scenario.
But one step back to typical martial arts training. I hear it quite often, that students talk about the empowerment, the good feeling, the joy of achievement when training other martial arts. Why is that so? Is Wing Tsun that different?
Quite a few martial art schools practice pre-arranged partner exercises, where you can't fail. Many don't even allow any contact whatsoever. Sometimes you are not even allowed to talk to each other during exercises.
On the downside this builds up the inability to deal with violence, ending up being incapable of hurting the aggressor, and teaches unrealistic technique pattern, impossible to apply under unknown conditions.
In the martial arts school it works. Isn't that great, limited exercises routines, no physical contact, no talking, what can go wrong? Nothing, that's why it feels so good. You have the feeling of getting better and better. Nothing spoils your progress.
Unfortunately, this is a very dangerous assumption. Without wanting to paint the picture too black; Reality strikes often with horrible violence. Fighting for your life is not a sport!
Again, what is so different about Wing Tsun?
For one, especially in Wing Tsun we experience that talent and skill take you only so far. Over the years one finds out that it takes four virtues to truly advance. Every hardworking student begins to understand how focus, commitment, perseverance and determination drive you to excel.
The Wing Tsun instructor has the difficult task to take on the persona of different assailants, to pose as the attacker according to the progressive Wing Tsun programs and to point out every mistake, to expose every gap, to raise awareness of every conceivable scenario the real life attack might put you through.
It is the job, the responsibility of a dependable Wing Tsun instructor to support your progress by continuously pointing out your weak spots. This is (most of the times) not fun.
In Wing Tsun we all learn to prepare for a completely different type of circumstances, for real life, Period.
That is the reason why we never stand still; never let you rest on skills you have achieved, why we push you to new levels of stress training, eventually enabling you to make rational decisions within fractions of seconds. This is how you learn to act under heavy pressure in a high risk situation.
One of my instructors, a former professional boxer, rounded it up: "If it feels good, it ain't Wing Tsun".
A responsible Wing Tsun instructor drives you to the point of exhaustion at the end of a lesson without neglecting the technical training, without forgetting the fine-tuning.
You fight as you train. That is why every progress is yet again improved through putting more stress on you, by exposing you to a higher level of difficulties. In return if may feel like a standstill, because you are still being corrected.
Everyone with enough patience will eventually discover their enormous progress, especially when working with beginners in class, who will complement you on your skills, who will look up to what you have achieved already.
Look at it the other way. If your Wing Tsun instructor, even after years, can still turn up the heat, lead you into new high-pressure scenarios, makes you sweat, leaves you tired at the end of a session, it means that he is good enough to teach you for years to come.
Otherwise you might possibly be wasting time and money.
In conclusion, how we train Wing Tsun and how the progress is measured cannot be compared to the typical workout in most martial arts schools.
Believe me. One develops over time an appreciation for this unique training, to be fit for survival in life.
Let's add one more in our search of analogies for Wing Tsun's whiplash-like force, fluid and wave-like power, previously explained through old concepts as the "seven joints" or "nine pearls".
Now, another visual analogy would be seeing your body as a coiled spring. Each coil would be represented by one of the body's major joints. A rising step/punch would be the action where the spring extends; a falling step would be the pulling back action.
In Wing Tsun Kung Fu we lift our head up, while trying to point our tailbone downwards. This is similar to Tai Chi's concept of "lift the spirit, flow the chi heavenwards". Doing this action tends to stretch the spine so that the vertebrae are separated as far as possible (good for preventing back pain) and this 'flattens' the lower back. A flat lower back gives the body a much better mechanical advantage in using the hip flexors. These muscles are extremely strong, possibly as strong as either quadriceps (thighs) or lats, and often under-used by martial art practitioners.
This extra leverage and range of movement are shown in the following. Stand straight and turn your torso, many people can turn almost 90 degrees and the move seems smooth and easy. Now bend forwards from your waist so your torso is at about a 45 degree angle. Try turning form this position and you will see that you cannot turn as far, and that the action is not as easy. As far as mechanical advantage, imagine a football lineman bent forwards like this, and he puts out an arm to grab the opponent running by. Stress in this case typically goes through the body, but the weak points are the shoulder, lower back and knees. The joints are not weak per se, but since he is not facing and square and level to the target, there is a far greater shear factor on the joints. The muscles may not be able to hold these extended positions, and injury may occur. In Wing Tsun terms, this misalignment does not allow as much energy transfer i.e. power for hitting.
Also if your back is straight, this allows the stomach, intercostal muscles between the ribs, and chest more room to expand and move, and be involved in adding power to the action (rising punch). Or the opposite, to compress during a falling step/punch.
Your imagination is an incredible tool and can help you shape the success of your training. Without going further into the part of sports psychology in connection with visualization, we simply want to state that old sayings, poetic martial arts terminology at times just has to be unlocked, to produce great training results.
Next week. Join us for a multiple-part series under the title: "When does Self-Defense start? or The very first line of Defense!"
Here a few ideas in regard to the rising step with punch.
1. The ankle joint which is stretched open during the step, closes to a smaller angle as the knee (and upper body) moves forwards over it.
2. The knees straighten somewhat, propelling the upper body forwards and upwards.
3. The hips drive in and up, moving the torso into the target.
4. The torso expands as the ribs separate, and the main bends of the spine straighten upwards.
5. The relaxed and rounded back allows the shoulders to move in and extend forward.
6. The previously low (protecting) elbow straightens while advancing, eventually lengthening the arm when hitting the target.
7. The wrist moves forwards, transferring power to the knuckles of the hand which in turn strike the target.
Test it yourself. If you keep your elbow low and put your upright fist solid against a wall, you should feel a linkage back to the sole of the foot.
While in this position do an isometric exercise. Slightly increase the pressure, joint by joint, starting at the ankle and moving up. The muscle work should feel even or smooth throughout the different body parts. You should feel a bracing or linkage from the ground to the fist. More experienced students may be able to add a feeling of a spiral (or torquing) motion to the push or power-flow through the body. The resultant power at the hand is magnified by each increment of movement through the "seven joints" (or "nine pearls").
Wing Tsun Kung Fu's 'wave' punch.
Generating power in your punch involves many areas of practise. Here we want to focus upon the 'feel' of the move by analogy and by specifics in regard to the physical power sources. Visualising in slow motion snapping a wet towel, or a bullwhip, we could see that each part of the flexible material consecutively bows out and then straightens up.
Wing Tsun Kung Fu's rising and falling steps might be seen as the hinges of a step ladder. When you snap open the ladder this hinge snaps into a locked position. It is a smooth, yet powerful whip feeling to the motion. If we try to feel this in all the joints of the body, in a flow from the foot to the fist, this creates a wave like motion.
To understand the many joint concepts: think of throwing a baseball. First imagine just using your wrist and no other movement.
Next, add in some elbow action, this should increase your distance covered and the speed of the ball.
Shoulder action is next; rotation of the shoulder makes a huge difference in the resulting action. Velocity and distance are noticeably increased, i.e. there is more power. Waist/hip rotation should add to the result.
Knee action straightens the legs, resulting in a push forwards. Ankle bend should move all the body above this area towards the target. An extreme version of this is seen in an actual step. Consider running towards the target, this will add more speed, power, and distance. If you were running along the top of a moving surface, say standing on top of a moving train, this would add even more to the equation.
Each joint in the body is adding to the end speed and power. There is usually a specific sequence of which muscles move which joints and when. Keeping upright, square, and relaxed allows for an easier and more complete movement.
Starting today enjoy reading a few thoughts by Gary Kaiser. Click here to read bios of the members of our trainer team.
Many older martial art teaching methods talk in a very poetic fashion about skills like 'wave power'. Terminology like the 'nine pearls' or the 'three springs' is used. Often these relatively vague descriptions lead to misinterpretations, and lead to claims of magical powers, energies, and other unverified claims.
But the masters of old were extremely realism orientated. So what does this kind of talk actually mean, if anything??? How can we modern students of Wing Tsun Kung Fu translate this to useful training concepts?
The nine pearls is a metaphor for using the major joints of the body in an efficient method to generate power, bracing, and flow. It refers to the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints of the arm (first spring), the 3 curves or bows of the spine (second spring), and the ankle, knee, and hip joints of the leg (third spring). The waist or belly area usually works in conjunction with the horizontal rotation of the hips.
In explanations of power development within the Wing Tsun Kung Fu system you can also hear the term 'power of the three joints'. It is used in reference to the shoulder, elbow and wrist connection, or also indicates the hip, knee and ankle chain of power.
Furthermore you may have come across the 'power of the seven joints', which especially in British Columbia should not be misunderstood. The 'power of the seven joints' is a term which can give us a visualization of how muscles, ligaments, tendons throughout the body create a wave-like power flow from ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulder, elbow and wrist.
... to be continued tomorrow!
Blog Archives - Choose your topic!
Setting foot for the first time into a martial arts school?
Tough time, trying to make it back to classes after a break?
Tips and lessons learned from Grumpy George and others!
Lightning fast, the secrets of Kung Fu! What did Carl Douglas and George Harrison have in common?
Are you a "dream ranger"? Or do you at times submit to the dark side?
I have been bad, very bad ... the secret life of a martial arts instructor.
More than 28 tips on how to be a better (Wing Tsun Kung Fu) trainer!
Is there anything a trainer can't do?
Breaks, motivation and different goals. Martial arts are no different than life.
Three ways to improve your martial arts (Wing Tsun Kung Fu) training and two examples to learn from!
How to have a punch like a flimsy noodle!
To Kung Fu or not Kung Fu! - Should I train with injuries?
SifuMania – or who or what is a Kung Fu Sifu anyway?
How much art is in your martial art?
Ramblings about martial ART, seminar feedback, exercise variety, Wing Tsun Chi-Sau, teaching skills and learning methods.
How much fitness and prior martial arts skills are needed to learn Wing Tsun Kung Fu?
Alfred's story or the 3 P.'s - Martial arts training, a way of life.
Is experience overrated? What does a Wing Tsun trainer do?
Motivation, Music & Kung Fu? And a great Wing Tsun school in Calgary!
Wing Tsun Kung Fu seminar impressions - Exercises in adaptation.
Benefit your employees! Lunch break self-defense seminars, a great motivational tool.
What offers me more value, joining group classes or taking private lessons?
When does it end? The art of Wing Tsun.
Let there be pain! Well, how much? How real?
Seminar feedback, How to bring Chi-Sau to life!
Fred Astaire and Wing Tsun?
Which is the right Wing Chun? (3-part mini series) Go to part 1, 2 & 3.
A lot of times I have been asked about what gives a better value, taking group or private classes. Of course one should first evaluate one's motivation, is it a mere hobby, or is the goal the exploration of the art of Wing Tsun Kung Fu? Most people start out with a focus on attaining the ability to defend themselves. Very soon the at times sobering reality sets in, that there is much more to acquiring self-defense skills than a set of techniques or even worse, the notion of "tricks".
Private classes focus very much on the specific personal situation, the training needs of the student. It's a chance to work on details and get the undivided attention of the instructor. A continuous one-on-one work can lift you up to initially unimaginable levels of skill. It is also very challenging, don't take this lightly, working on improving yourself session after session is very rewarding but also a tough task.
Yet group classes provide the necessary training time and helpful encounters with different students and their personalities. Here, in a friendly scenario, you might face already the problems of successfully communicating with your training partner. Asking your training partner for moderation, help with the exercise, can prove more challenging that it may seem at first.
This topic will be discussed in detail in the upcoming multiple-part series under the title: "When does Self-Defense start? or The very first line of Defense!"
Learning WingTsun Kung Fu is about gaining self-confidence, dealing with unpleasant situations, facing reality. Self-Defense abilities for the real world.
That is why a balanced mix of attending group classes as well as taking private lessons is the recommended solution. And let's not forget about your home training, even if it's just minutes a day!


The two most difficult elements of the dish for me were the preparation and the final 10 minutes. Dylan chose the dish for me because he wanted to challenge me on flavour and my ability to taste what I was preparing. I found the preparation gruelling, in particular the artichokes. Check out the ingredients list. It's mental! But when the dish started coming together, it was well worth the slog.
When my time came to plate up, it was a real pressure test. It was a matter of getting all the elements complete at the same time and getting eight identical plates out to the critics. It was a real rush, and Dylan definitely got the extra 20% out of me. I even broke a sweat!
And so to the critics. I was nervous. Very nervous. Oliver Dunne started and said the dish was perfectly executed and seasoned. I was sure there was a catch. But the positive feedback kept coming. Martin from the Cliff House brought me down to earth when he said it was one dimensional. Interesting that it was the only negative comment, but I have to take it on board. However to get that feedback from chefs of their standing is a high point in my life and something I will never forget.
I think what really stood to me was that I worked well with Dylan and handled the pressure well. When things went wrong I was able to turn it around. I'm guessing that is what it is like in a top end kitchen. Everyone needs to know what everyone is at and bring it all together. You could see from my face that I really enjoyed the cooking and I think that says it all. If you cook with your heart, you have got a good head start.
I honestly thought Brian was a certainty for the final. Until I saw it on TV last week, I didn't know what the other contestants dishes looked like or what happened in the kitchen. It was tough to watch what happened to Brian and I really felt for him. He is such a great guy, knows so much about the science of food, and even though he gave me a pigs jowl a few weeks ago, I can count him as a friend for life.
Tomorrow you will see me in London and Stockholm, before returning to the Masterchef kitchen to cook one last time. Definitely no room for any mistakes now. Until the Final!!


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Australia imports $12bn worth of goods at risk of being made by slaves – report Modern slavery laws must fully decriminalise sex work, advocates say
Jul 19, 2018 • by admin
Australia imports nearly US$12bn worth of goods "at risk" of being made using slavery each year, including more than $6bn in computer products and $4bn in garments from China, as well as fish, cocoa and even human organs from around the world, the latest Global Index reports.
The estimated number of slaves in Australia has more than trebled – from 4,300 to 15,000 – not a reflection of an increase in the number of people enslaved in the country but rather a more sophisticated measurement of the size of the global problem.
Between 2004 and 2017, there were 20 convictions in Australia for slavery and trafficking offences under the commonwealth criminal code, as well as numerous charges under state and territory legislation. The most recent commonwealth case was a 2017 conviction where two Taiwanese nationals pleaded guilty to holding people in servitude.
Forty-nine workers were forcibly held in two houses in suburban Brisbane and forced to make scam phone calls for 10 hours a day trying to defraud Chinese nationals of money. Workers could not leave and were beaten or had food taken away if they misbehaved or complained. One enslaved worker escaped and raised the alarm.
Within Australia, slave-like practices are most common in the hospitality, construction, agriculture and sex industries, but also occur in private homes and within families. And modern slavery exists in the supply chains of thousands of products imported into Australia.
The Global Slavery Index 2018 report estimates there are 40.3 million people across the world living in modern slavery – 24.9 million in forced work and 15.4 million in forced marriages. It also estimates that 71% of the world's enslaved are women and girls.
has the highest rate of slavery in the world. More than one in 10 people (2.6 million people) are enslaved in the repressive dictatorship.
Slavery closely follows conflict and oppressive government regimes: Eritrea, Burundi, the Central African Republic and also have rates above 20 people held in modern slavery per 1,000.
Slavery is more widespread in developed economies than previously estimated. The US has 403,000 people held in modern slavery while in the UK, that figure is 136,000: 1 in every 500 people.
Anti-slavery protesters in London in 2017. One in every 500 people in the UK are held in slavery. Photograph: Stephen Chung/LNP/REX/Shutterstock
The US is the largest importer of at-risk products (goods considered at most significant risk of being produced by people held in modern slavery or having slave-like practices in their supply chains), importing more than $144bn annually.
"Modern slavery is a hidden crime that affects every country in the world …," the report says. "Instances have been identified in Thai fishing, coalmining in North Korea, in the homes of diplomats in Australia, in carwash stations in the UK, cocoa agriculture in Côte d'Ivoire and cattle-ranching in Brazil."
Australia's region, the Asia Pacific, is home to the majority of the world's enslaved: 25 million people across the region, representing 62% of the global total. India, China and Pakistan – all in the region – have the highest absolute numbers of enslaved people.
North Korea has well-documented state-imposed forced labour, while protracted conflicts in and Afghanistan have fostered conditions that have enabled widespread slavery.
Minority ethnic and religious groups are especially vulnerable to enslavement in the Asia Pacific.
"A key flashpoint in the region has been the mass displacement, abductions, sexual violence, and murders committed against the population from Myanmar," the index report says. "International organisations have already warned of the likelihood of sexual enslavement and human trafficking occurring as a result of this crisis."
Two-thirds of those enslaved in the Asia Pacific are bonded to forced labour, while a third, largely women and girls, are in forced marriages.
In Australia, the five highest-value imports of products at risk of being produced through modern slavery are electronics (approximately US$7bn), garments ($4.5bn), fish ($370m), rice ($40m) and cocoa ($22.5m).
But there are also instances of women being trafficked from Malaysia to Australia for sexual exploitation,
Organs potentially trafficked from developing countries – including India, , the Philippines and Pakistan – have been sent to developed nations, including Australia.
The index estimates there are 15,000 people in modern slavery inside Australia – six people per 10,000 across the country.
Australia has been rated BBB – the second-highest grading – in its efforts to combat slavery.
Modern slavery laws must fully decriminalise sex work, advocates say
On Thursday, the Australian Border Force detained eight foreign nationals unlawfully working in the country on properties in remote Kununurra in Western Australia. Three have been detained, suspected of being involved in the systematic exploitation of foreign workers.
"Illegal workers are often underpaid and poorly treated, and those facilitating their employment are making significant profits at their expense," the acting superintendent, Anthony Spadavecchia, said.
The Australian government has –based loosely on UK legislation from 2015 – that will require Australian companies with consolidated revenues larger than $100m to publish annual statements on the steps they are taking to address modern slavery in their supply chains and operations.
It has been hailed as a major step towards reducing slavery in Australia, and for halting the import of products potentially made using slavery.
But the bill has also been criticised for its lack of enforcement (companies are not punished for failing to comply) and for failing to legislate to introduce an independent statutory anti-slavery commissioner, a position which has been lauded as one of the most effective elements of the UK's anti-slavery regime.
The global slavery index, in its report, "strongly encourages" the Australian government to institute an independent commissioner.
The modern slavery bill 2018 is currently before the House of Representatives. The NSW modern slavery bill passed parliament on 21 June.
#Global Index #Australia #Taiwanese #Brisbane #Chinese
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Charles Wilson, MSSW, Senior Director/Project Director
cwilson@rchsd.org
Since 2000, Charles Wilson has served as Director of the Chadwick Center for Children and Families. He previously served as the Executive Director of the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Board Member for the Alabama Network of CACs, Project Director for the Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, and ex officio member of the Board of Directors of NCA. Charles is also the former President of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and former member of the Board of Directors of the California Network of CACs.
Suzanne Starling, M.D., Medical Director/Associate Project Director
sstarling@rchsd.org
Suzanne Starling is the Medical Director and Associate Center Director of the Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California San Diego. She was the Medical Director of the Child Abuse Program at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk VA for 17 years before relocating to San Diego in 2017. Dr. Starling is a board certified Child Abuse Pediatrician and has spent her career collaborating with investigators and attorneys to improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse, regularly providing expert medical testimony in child abuse cases. Dr. Starling also lectures nationally and internationally for medical, investigative, and legal audiences. Dr. Starling has served as a leader in Child Abuse Pediatrics for many years. She helped shape the direction of the field as a past chair of the American Board of Pediatrics' subboard on Child Abuse Pediatrics. Dr. Starling has authored more than 40 journal articles and book chapters in the field, as well as edited the well-respected textbook Medical Response to Child Sexual Abuse. She is a charter member of the Helfer Society, an honorary society for physician specialists in child abuse.
Vicky Gwiasda, Program Manager
vgwiasda@rchsd.org
Vicky Gwiasda has over twenty years of executive leadership experience in public and not-for-profit organizations at the national, state and local levels, with a focus on building safe, healthy and equitable homes and communities. Most recently, Vicky served as the Executive Director of CALICO, the accredited child advocacy center of Alameda County, California, and previously she worked as the Director of Knowledge Enhancement at the Institute for Community Peace based in Washington DC and as Deputy Director of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority in Chicago, Illinois.
Salli Kerr, State Liaison
skerr@rchsd.org
Salli Kerr has over five years of experience as an Executive Director and CEO in the non-profit sector and was instrumental in the formation and accreditation of the state chapter of children's advocacy centers in Nevada. As Executive Director, Salli led a multi-service center that housed the Nye County Children's Advocacy Center, the Children's Advocacy Centers of Nevada and other service organizations for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other crimes. Salli's background of providing direct services, including foster-parenting, provides her with a unique perspective on the impact of trauma in the lives of victims and the positive influence that a coordinated response has on victims' recovery and wellness.
Patty Terzian, State Liaison
pterzian@rchsd.org
Patty Terzian has over fifteen years of experience in the non-profit sector developing and directing programs, providing outreach and trainings, and managing grants. In her previous role, Patty served for nine years as the Executive Director/Statewide Coordinator of the Oregon Network of Child Abuse Intervention Centers, the accredited state chapter of children's advocacy centers. She led the chapter through considerable growth and development and collaborated with professionals across the state to improve services for Oregon's children when there were concerns of abuse. Patty's skills in project coordination, communications and training were honed through her early-career work in both the non-profit and corporate sectors.
Madison Stark, Training & Communications Coordinator
mstark@rchsd.org
After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill in 2017, Madison moved to San Diego to serve two years with AmeriCorps, implementing programs targeted towards youth who have experienced adversity. A passion for trauma-informed practices and public health led her to the Chadwick Center, where she serves as the Training & Communications Coordinator on the WRCAC team. Madison brings her experience in grants and non-profit communications to this role to facilitate behind-the-scenes logistics for WRCAC's trainings and webinars, as well as manage WRCAC's communications.
Al Killen-Harvey
akillen-harvey@rchsd.org
Al Killen-Harvey is the co founder of The Harvey Institute, a training and consultation company whose mission is improving health care outcomes through integrating sexual health. For the past 24 years he has worked at the Chadwick Center where he has served in a variety of clinical and training positions. Al is a frequent presenter, nationally and internationally, on a wide variety of topics related to children and adolescents as well as sexual identity and gender identity. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of The Children's Advocacy Centers of California and is a past board member of CAPSAC (California Professional Society on the Abuse of Children).
Jennifer Rolls Reutz, MPH, Special Projects Coordinator
jrolls-reutz@rchsd.org
Jennifer Rolls Reutz is a project director with 20 years of experience managing and overseeing complex, multiyear federal, state, and private grants and contracts. She currently co-directs the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC, www.cebc4cw.org); previously she managed the federally funded California Screening, Assessment, and Treatment (CASAT) Initiative, implementing trauma-informed mental health screening and assessment for children and youth in foster care, and several National Institute of Mental Health-funded grants: the Implementation Methods Research Group (IMRG) Advanced Center, the Child and Adolescent Interdisciplinary Research Network, and the Caring for Children in Child Welfare (CCCW) study. Jennifer has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and presented at numerous professional conferences and meetings.
Michelle Hogan, MBA, Director – Behavioral Health Administration
mnhogan@rchsd.org
Michelle Hogan has over two decades of experience in financial/grants management and business operations, and currently has fiscal oversight of Chadwick Center's $29 million behavioral health division.
Andrea Hazen, Ph.D., Research Scientist
ahazen@rchsd.org
Andrea's current work primarily focuses on mental health screening, assessment and treatment for children and families involved with child welfare services. She has expertise in child maltreatment and intimate partner violence research and program evaluation, and has published extensively on those topics. Dr. Hazen oversees the treatment outcome program for the Trauma Counseling Program and for the KidSTART Mental Health Clinic and serves as the evaluation lead for WRCAC and other projects focused on the delivery of trauma informed services in child welfare systems and on the implementation of screening, assessment, and evidence-based treatment to address the mental health needs of children involved with child welfare services.
Christopher Perkins, Project Analyst
cperkins@rchsd.org
Christopher Perkins has more than fifteen years of experience with data and website management and administration and served as the project manager for the web-based California Mandated Reporter training portal. Chris manages WRCAC's electronic learning and communication systems.


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The Rubinstein Law Group has fought for the rights of accident victims throughout North San Diego County, including in San Marcos, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, and Escondido, for the past 30 years. Mr. Rubinstein founded The Rubinstein Law Group in 1988 to provide exceptional legal representation to accident victims struggling with serious injuries. He is committed to providing the personalized service you deserve by handling every aspect of your case from the initial consultation to the final verdict or settlement. This means that he does not delegate important aspects of the case to less experienced associates or paralegals. He is committed to responding to client phone calls and emails within 24 hours, and keeps his clients' best interests as his top priority. If you were injured in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another accident in the San Marcos, Oceanside, or Escondido areas, consult personal injury attorney Zev Rubinstein for guidance and advocacy. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which consists of personal injury lawyers who have won settlements and verdicts in the millions of dollars.
When you are traveling on I-5, I-15, I-78, or any of the other roads in North San Diego County, you may be involved in an unexpected accident. To prove another driver's liability for the crash and your injuries, you would need to show that the at-fault party drove unsafely and that you were hurt as a result. All drivers are legally required to operate their cars safely and to follow safety laws and regulations. Unfortunately, however, common unsafe behaviors such as drunk driving, texting while driving, failing to obey traffic signals, failing to yield, speeding, or tailgating can result in serious injuries to accident victims.
A victim who successfully establishes the liability of an at-fault driver usually can recover economic and non-economic damages for their injuries. These may include the costs of their medical care and any future treatment that they may need. Damages also may cover lost income and earning capacity, property damage to the vehicle, and the victim's pain and suffering. In some cases, expert witnesses may be useful in proving the extent and impact of a victim's injuries. Retaining an experienced attorney who can gather evidence on your behalf and present it persuasively is critical to getting a fair settlement or verdict.
While there are some similarities between car accident and truck accident cases, there are also some key differences. One distinction is that truck accidents often result in the liability of not only the driver but also the trucking company. This can be established either indirectly or directly. Indirect (or vicarious) liability arises from the idea that an employer is responsible for the actions of an employee while they are on the job. It does not depend on showing that the employer acted carelessly. On the other hand, direct liability involves showing that the employer was careless in its failure to exercise proper hiring, training, and supervision of the driver. For example, a San Marcos personal injury attorney might be able to show that the company failed to properly train or supervise its drivers, or perhaps it ignored red flags in the hiring process, such as a record of DUIs.
Contrary to what some drivers seem to think, motorcyclists have an equal right to use the road. They are more exposed to the elements than people in cars and trucks, which makes motorcycle accidents especially devastating. Drivers and insurers often are reluctant to provide fair compensation to an injured rider. They may claim that the motorcyclist caused the accident, at least in part, to avoid or reduce liability. The comparative negligence rule in California provides for a reduction in the injured victim's compensation if they were partly responsible for causing a crash in San Marcos, Oceanside, Escondido, or the surrounding cities. However, they still may be able to recover compensation that is proportionate to the driver's fault. Zev Rubinstein can look into the circumstances of your accident and help you make sure that an at-fault party is held liable to the appropriate extent.
The construction industry is notoriously dangerous, yet the entities in control of these sites often fail to respect worker safety. An injured employee can pursue workers' compensation benefits from their employer after a construction accident, but this may not be their only remedy. Depending on the cause of the accident, a victim may have a third-party personal injury claim against a general contractor, a property owner, a manufacturer of defective equipment, or another defendant. This may allow them to receive damages that go beyond the benefits that the workers' compensation system provides. In contrast to a workers' compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit requires proving fault. Thus, it is critical to retain a personal injury lawyer in the San Marcos, Oceanside, or Escondido areas to understand and assert your rights.
Slip and fall accidents and other accidents on property often lead to premises liability claims. In addition to establishing the property owner's negligence, an injured victim will need to show that the at-fault party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the injuries. For example, if you fall off a rotting balcony of a hotel and break a leg, you will need to show that the hotel knew or should have known that the balcony was rotting. If you slip and fall in a grocery store, you will need to show that the grocery store knew or should have known about the liquid that caused the fall. Usually, a property owner should know about a dangerous condition when it exists for a long duration. We can help review the relevant evidence and retain experts as needed to establish notice and causation in a premises liability case.
In certain situations, you may be able to recover damages under a theory of strict liability rather than negligence. For example, there is a strict liability rule that makes pet owners responsible for dog bites. It does not matter, in other words, if an owner knows that a dog has ever previously been vicious. You can hold a dog owner strictly liable if you were bitten by their dog, and the bite happened in a public place or a private place where you had a right to be. For example, if you were delivering mail and were bitten by a mail recipient's dog, you could hold the owner strictly liable. Our San Marcos personal injury lawyer can help you bring a claim for compensation if you are dealing with the injuries and trauma caused by an animal attack.
Sometimes an injury results from a defective product. In that case, you may be able to recover damages through a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product. There are three types of actionable defects: marketing, manufacturing, and design defects. A marketing defect usually involves a failure to warn. For example, a drug manufacturer that fails to warn doctors about the serious or fatal side effects of a medicine can be held liable. By contrast, a manufacturing defect is a problem that affects a specific item or group of items because of a one-off mistake. A design defect affects every item in the line because there was something unreasonably unsafe about the product's intended design.
When a loved one dies because of someone else's careless conduct, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against that person or entity. Wrongful death cases can arise in the context of motor vehicle accidents, dangerous property conditions, or defective products, among other situations. The context of the death may determine whether you can recover damages and what you need to prove. For example, if your loved one died in a nursing home in San Marcos, Oceanside, or Escondido as a result of the staff's negligence or abuse, you may be able to bring a lawsuit under common law principles of negligence, and you may also have a claim under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Like personal injury claims, wrongful death actions must be filed within a limited time period after the accident. As a result, you should promptly seek legal counsel if you are considering this type of claim.
If you have gone through the devastating experience of a serious accident, you should not hesitate to get an aggressive attorney on your side to fight for your rights. Zev Rubinstein is ready to work tirelessly to assist you with every aspect of your recovery, from helping you obtain appropriate medical treatment to helping you secure the compensation to which you are entitled. He understands the challenges that victims and their families face on physical, emotional, and financial levels, and he will treat you with the compassion that you deserve. For a free consultation following an accident in San Marcos, Escondido, or Oceanside, call 866-771-7181 or contact us online.


text:
Sky Reports on UltraHD Test with SES
Stephan Heimbacher of Sky Deutschland spoke at a seminar by SES about the live delivery of UltraHD TV tests that were conducted. Sky has been looking at UltraHD for some years and is working towards delivering UltraHD. This started with recording content for testing. However, Sky wanted to understand the issues of live UltraHD and decided to broadcast two soccer matches in the format.
After a couple of weeks work, on 26th April, Sky transmitted a soccer match 2160P50. Live use was always important because sport is a great driver of Sky's business and has enabled technology developments.
In the 26th April test, there were 6 UHD cameras and 4 HD cameras with HD for up conversion to UltraHD (normally a football match would use as many as 15 or 16 cameras). Up converting was done in the OB van where the graphics were added in UltraHD. There were four 3G-SDI streams needed to deliver the content. Going from interlaced to progressive combined with higher resolution, plus supporting 10 bit colour means that a typical 0.83GBit for HD goes up to 8.3 GBit for UltraHD!
Encoding was done by Elemental and by technology from the Fraunhofer HHI. The tests had to wait until after NAB this year to get access to real time encoders. The first half was compressed by Elemental and the second half by Fraunhofer. Each codec had its own artefacts, and Heimbacher said that neither was better. Many of the artefacts were fixed by the time of the May test. He said that the engineers were able to quite quickly work out which parts of the codec were causing issues.
The uplink was via SES and consumption on some TV sets was at Sky in Munich. Compression was set at 276:1 to fit into the satellite transponder.
For the second match, to see if the bit stream could be reduced, the first half was uncompressed from the OB van (at 8.3GBits), but the second half used JPEG 2000 to reduce the bit stream to the contribution centre down to around 1.0Gbps. There were some problems using JPEG 2000 with quadrants getting out of sync as the signal was being treated as though it was four FullHD streams. Heimbacher said that the compression was probably too high in the JPEG domain as it was visible in the final quality.
Going step by step, at capture, there was a dedicated OB van and a dedicated commentator, even though only a few listeners. Viz RT did the graphics and the graphics were found to be very clearly different when created in 4K than in FullHD and upscaled. For the first match, traditional camera positions were used, but the centre camera was further away and higher up so that you could capture "almost the whole pitch". There was some panning, but only slowly. By the second match, new positions were used that were more immersive.
In Berlin, there was some testing of different bit rates from 15Mbps to 25 and up to 35. At the moment, 30Mbps seems to be needed today, but there is an expectation that bit rates will come down as encoders mature. (SES has said that it believes that the budget from broadcasters is around 25Mbit).
Heimbacher said that SES and Sky may organise a UHD "plugfest" to check receivers and see the differences.
There were experts and non-experts in the tests. Experts thought that the wide view didn't work at 65″. They also found that the fixed prime lens can be "dull" and thought that HD upscaling was visible. However, the "behind the goal", low down camera position is a good view.
Turning to the consumer view, there was a quality step up visible (for sports), but not it's not so obvious and there is no major "wow" effect.
Football fans like the wide view as they can see the tactics being used by each team more clearly. Motion blur was partially noticeable at 50fps and the viewing angle switch confused some viewers due to high realism. They became so immersed that when the view changed, it made them feel as though they had physically moved!
Heimbacher said that you really need HDR and maybe frame rate for real "Wow"
Display Daily Comments
In questions, someone that had been at some BT tests of world cup soccer in UltraHD said that the audience had thought there was a real "Wow" factor.
Categories Archive Tags IBC 2014, Large Display Monitor, Sky, UltraHD & 4K, Vol 21 - Issue 37, Volume 21
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Matrox Video Reveals AV-over-IP, IP KVM, and Video Wall Deployments at ISE 2023
Bluum Adds Newline NT+ Series of Vivid, Ultra-High Definition (4K) Displays for Education and Corporate Environments


text:
<?php

namespace Application\FrontendBundle\Form;

use Symfony\Component\Form\AbstractType;
use Symfony\Component\Form\FormBuilderInterface;
use Symfony\Component\OptionsResolver\OptionsResolverInterface;
use Doctrine\ORM\EntityRepository;

class TaskType extends AbstractType {

	protected $users = array();
	public function __construct($users = array()){
		$this->users = $users;
	}
	public function buildForm(FormBuilderInterface $builder, array $options) {

		$builder->add('start', 'date', array(
			'label' => 'Ngày bắt đầu',
			'widget' => 'single_text',
			'format' => 'yyyy-MM-dd',
			'attr'	=> array(
				'readonly' => 'readonly'
			),
		));

		$builder->add('end', 'date', array(
			'label' => 'Ngày kết thúc',
			'widget' => 'single_text',
			'format' => 'yyyy-MM-dd',
			'attr'	=> array(
				'readonly' => 'readonly'
			),
		));

		$builder->add('user', 'choice', array(
			'attr'	=> array(
				'class' => 'task_user'
			),
			'label' => 'Đăng ký cho',
			'choices'   => $this->users,
			'data' => 0,
		));

		$builder->add('leaveType', 'choice', array(
			'attr'	=> array(
				'class' => 'leave_type_task'
			),
			'label' => 'Loại nghỉ phép',
			'choices'   => array(
				0 => 'Nghỉ phép năm',
				1 => 'Nghỉ ốm - không hưởng lương',
				2 => 'Nghỉ thai sản',
				3 => 'Nghỉ hưởng lương-chế độ (tang,hôn,...)',
				4 => 'Nghỉ không lương'
			),
			'data' => 0,
		));

		$builder->add('note', 'textarea', array(
			'label' => 'Ghi chú',
			'attr'	=> array(
				'class' => 'note_task'
			),
			'required'  => false,
		));
	}

	public function setDefaultOptions(OptionsResolverInterface $resolver) {
		$resolver->setDefaults(array(
			'data_class' => 'Application\TaskBundle\Entity\Task'
		));
	}

	public function getName() {
		return 'TaskType';
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
PHOTOS China carefully returns to work amid anti-epidemic battle
China carefully returns to work amid anti-epidemic battle
10:28, February 11, 2020
Staff members work at a workshop of a semiconductor company in Shanghai, east China, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday. (Photos: Xinhua)
People work in a workshop of Harbin Boiler Company Limited in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
A staff member works at a workshop of Guangzhou Fastprint Circuit Tech Co., Ltd. in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
Workers work at a workshop of a branch of Nanning Sugar Industry Co., Ltd. in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
Staff members work at a workshop of Skyworth in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
A staff member works at a workshop of Huapont Pharm in southwest China's Chongqing, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
A worker works at a workshop of a branch of Nanning Sugar Industry Co., Ltd. in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
A worker works at Changan Ford transmission plant in southwest China's Chongqing, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
A worker works at Changan Ford transmission plant in southwest China's Chongqing, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy.
A worker transfers instant noodles in southwest China's Chongqing, Feb. 10, 2020. Chinese authorities are carefully balancing efforts to control the novel coronavirus epidemic and minimize its impact on the economy as millions of people head back to work Monday after an extended holiday.
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R.D. Olson Construction Launches $34 Million Courtyard by Marriott Project in Anaheim, Calif.
Anaheim, Calif. – R.D. Olson Construction is commencing construction on the six-story, 221-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Anaheim, Calif., within walking distance of the Disneyland theme park. The Irvine, Calif.-based general contractor was selected by owner Northwest Hotel Corporation to construct the $34 million hotel, which is slated for June 2015 completion. R.D. Olson has been an active builder of hospitality properties over the past three years, completing more than 1,000 hotel rooms in California and Hawaii during this time.
The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim features design elements that will appeal to the leisure sector that predominates hotel demand in the area. The hotel will showcase family-friendly features such as bunk beds and spacious bathrooms in each guest room, and offer Alpine-inspired views of Disneyland's Matterhorn ride. Guest amenities include a 20,000- square-foot water and recreation park with slides, water cannons and tipping buckets, as well as a pool and spa, outside dining space, lounge, gift shop and meeting space.
"We are able to take our experience incorporating Marriott's newest Gen Next design in the Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum, as well as our experience across multiple Marriott brands, and build on those concepts to integrate additional family-friendly features into this hotel," said Joseph G. Cervantes, senior executive vice president of operations for R.D. Olson Construction.
The hotel's interior and exterior design will weave in subtle Spanish architecture through the use of a Santa Barbara plaster-style stucco finish and clay tile Mansard roofs. The property will include Courtyard by Marriott's latest high-tech, high-style Gen Next design features, including welcome pedestals that replace the traditional front desk, an interactive GoBoard™ to display news, weather, traffic, and destination information, and semi-enclosed Media Pods with individually controlled flat-panel TVs that offer a place to work, meet or relax.
R. D. Olson most recently broke ground on the 170-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Downtown Burbank, Calif., and is in the process of a significant hotel conversion near Los Angeles International Airport. The firm is also nearing completion on the 210-room Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Earlier this year, R.D. Olson Construction was honored with the ENR Best Projects Award of Merit for the LEGOLAND® Hotel project.


text:
Kabir News World Ex-NFL Player Charges 300 Partygoers In Trashing His New York Home
Ex-NFL Player Charges 300 Partygoers In Trashing His New York Home
NEW YORK – Six of the 300 teens and young adults involved the Labor Day trashing of a former NFL player's New York home have been arrested. The six party goers ranged in age from 17 to 21.
This Week In Law & Crime
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Brian Holloway, a former offensive lineman for the Patriots and Raiders, lived in the Stephentown, New York home with his family during the summer. He signed papers Thursday which allowed for local law enforcement to press charges on the party goers.
Holloway said, "Everyone that broke the law, I'm pressing charges against. The parents had a chance and students had a chance to come forward, and only four did."
The party—which caused roughly $20,000 to $40,000 in damages—required a great deal of time to clean up as there was also graffiti on the walls and property stolen.
Brian Holloway started a site called HelpMeSave300.com in an attempt to get the party goers and their parents involved in the clean up as a means to avoid charging them. The site also features pictures of the tweets taken during the party and afterwards.
"I tried to be as accommodating as I could, but they took their stand by not showing up," said the ex-NFL star.
Local police identified Seth Hawk (19) as the main organizer of the party. The twist here is that Brian Holloway actually took Hawk into his family year ago. The 19-year old faces felony charges on burglary and criminal mischief as well as misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child. There are also charges on advertising the party and supplying alcohol.
The other 290-plus party goers will look at varying charges with criminal trespass and felony fourth degree grand larceny.
Holloway resides in Tampa, Florida, but had the Stephentown, New York home on the market. He said that the damage included smashed windows and glass doors, graffiti, carpets soaked in urine, a statue that was stolen (it has been returned), and holes in the ceilings.
Holloway now plans to turn the house into a kind of safe haven or meeting place for military, emergency response, and breast cancer organizations.
Pictures and tweets from the party, updates on the situation, and opinions and insight from Brian Holloway can be found on the site.


text:
Statement by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at the High-Level SDG Action Event on an SDG Financing Lab
Read more about Statement by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at the High-Level SDG Action Event on an SDG Financing Lab
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka celebrates the Sinhala and Tamil New Year
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations hosted a simple ceremony to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year today (13th April). Diplomats and representatives from the Sri Lankan Community were in attendance. The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp by the distinguished ambassadors present at the event. His Excellency Dr.
Read more about The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka celebrates the Sinhala and Tamil New Year
Ambassador Rohan Perera serves as panelist in a high-level panel discussion to mark the World Health Day
A high-level Panel Discussion entitled "Depression: Let's Talk"- moderated by Dr. Nata Menabde, Executive Director of the WHO Office in New York was held at the United Nations Headquarters on 07th April 2017, to mark the World Health Day.
Read more about Ambassador Rohan Perera serves as panelist in a high-level panel discussion to mark the World Health Day
Statement delivered by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at the UN conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons
Read more about Statement delivered by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at the UN conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons
Statement by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at High-Level SDG Action Event: Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Agenda
Read more about Statement by H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera at High-Level SDG Action Event: Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Agenda
Sri Lanka highlights country achievements at panel discussion on Women, labour and nutrition during CSW61
The overall health policy of Sri Lanka focuses on providing free health services in an equitable manner that benefit the rural poor, vulnerable and post conflict communities, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Dr. Rohan Perera told a large audience at the UN today (20 March 2017).
Read more about Sri Lanka highlights country achievements at panel discussion on Women, labour and nutrition during CSW61
Active participation by Sri Lanka at the Sixty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York
Sri Lanka actively participated at the Sixty-first Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held at the United Nations in New York from 13 – 24 March 2017. The Priority Theme of this year's CSW61 is 'Women's Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.'
Read more about Active participation by Sri Lanka at the Sixty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York
Ambassador Rohan Perera delivers statement at the tenth anniversary commemoration of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances
A High-level Meeting was convened by the President of the General Assembly to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disapearances today (17/2) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. H.E. Dr.
Read more about Ambassador Rohan Perera delivers statement at the tenth anniversary commemoration of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka hosts Reception to celebrate 69th Anniversary of Independence
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York celebrated Sri Lanka's 69th Anniversary of Independence with a reception held yesterday (February 7th). Over 300 high dignitaries including a large gathering of Permanent Representatives, senior officials of the UN and members of the press including senior journalists from the New York Times, CNN, Reuters and the Associated Press among others were present to mark the occasion. Mr.
Read more about Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka hosts Reception to celebrate 69th Anniversary of Independence
Sri Lanka Mission celebrates 69th Independence Day in New York
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations together with the Sri Lanka community in the Tri State area celebrated Sri Lanka's 69th anniversary of Independence at the Forest Hill High School in Queens, New York. The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem in Sinhala and Tamil followed by two minutes silence in remembrance of all who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Read more about Sri Lanka Mission celebrates 69th Independence Day in New York