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Soldier Blue (1970) review
SOLDIER BLUE 1970
Candice Bergen ("Cresta" Marybelle Lee), Peter Strauss (Honus Gant), Donald Pleasence (Isaac Q. Cumber), Jorge Rivero (Spotted Wolf), John Anderson (Colonel Iverson)
"One of the most significant American films of all time"--BBC, 2004
The Short Version: This film, once bearing the moniker as the most savage film ever made, drew a line among viewers as either an unsung masterpiece, or a sloppily rendered western capitalizing on world altering events of the day. Whatever your opinion, it's a brazen and brave anti-war/pro-life production that turns the tables on popular genre conventions and classic perceptions of Native Americans in the cinema. As Leone made the US western his own, so does Nelson do with the Italian variants in fashioning a grueling assimilation full of ghastliness and grandeur. The phenomenon of SOLDIER BLUE is forever woven around its supremely sadistic finale which is "tame" compared with what was originally shot, but gruesomely recreates the all too real Sand Creek Massacre of 1864.
***WARNING! This review contains images of nudity and graphic violence***
After a paymaster detail is raided by a Cheyenne war party, a young private, Honus Gant and a woman, "Cresta" Marybelle Lee, being taken to Fort Reunion for her wedding, manage to escape. On their long journey through dangerous Indian country to reach the fort, the feisty and foul mouthed Marybelle, who spent two years among a Cheyenne tribe, gives the idealistic and gullible Honus a new-found perception of everything he's been taught to believe regarding Native Americans. He sees first hand the terrible nature of man when his comrades and commanding officers march on a peaceful Cheyenne village perpetrating obscene atrocities upon innocent women and children among the victims.
Ralph Nelson's much talked about, but little seen sadist western is one of the most divisive motion pictures in the history of cinema. Likely if it didn't have the perceived political connotations attached, it wouldn't have brought about the wealth of scorn it has proudly amassed since its release back in 1970. This is one of those 'love it or hate it' movies without the luxury of the middle ground to fall back on. In my own estimation the movie sparkles with brilliance more than it flounders and arguably succeeds in Nelson's initial mission to stir anger and revulsion in its audience.
Amazingly one of the most stubborn attitudes given the film is the denouncement of the brazen savagery perpetrated on the Indians by the "civilized" white man. There are still people to this day who have problems with the notion that the US military would resort to such regressive, maniacal barbarism despite documented evidence to the contrary; not to mention disturbingly similar occurrences since. The incident that the final twenty minutes derives its significance from has been classified as one of the darkest days in the history of mankind. To understand, or fathom what the director accomplished, or tried to accomplish (depending on ones own opinion), is made even more shocking by the historical implications of the factual event.
"Think of it, men! Put into your minds the dark abominations of these godless barbarians. Murder, rape, torture. And when you think of your comrades...fallen, butchered comrades...ask yourself--are we going to give them the same mercy? You just bet we are!"
The Sand Creek Massacre took place on November 29th, 1864. It was a purposely mounted assault on a peaceful Indian village made up of Cheyenne and Arapaho. What made this event even more deplorable was that these tribes had signed a treaty of peace even going so far as to waive more of their initially designated reserve properties after a surge of migrants saturated Cheyenne and Arapaho lands during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Racism was prominent and Indians were not welcomed even on the land that had been signed over TO THEM. Leading up to the massacre, a number of Native Americans refused to cater to this dehumanizing deal and continued hunting on lands that were originally theirs to begin with. This led to a series of attacks and destruction of Cheyenne camps in Colorado. Not long after, two Cheyenne chiefs were gunned down indiscriminately by US soldiers setting off Cheyenne retaliation. As peace negotiations continued among a contingent of the tribes, chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope were told to move their village to the eastern plains of Sand Creek Colorado and that they would be safe their, free of any aggression.
The vile, inhuman attack that followed was spearheaded by Colonel John Milton Chivington. Before the attack began, an American flag and a white flag of surrender were waved, but ignored by Chivington. The numbers vary, but close to 200 Indians, mostly women and children, were cut down in the most repulsive fashion. They were literally cut to pieces.
Note the heads stuck on the spears to the left and right of this image
Victims of all ages were scalped, decapitated, or brained with rifles. Others were castrated, dismembered, the severed limbs and even small babies adorning the soldiers sabers. "Battle Trophies" even included human fetuses and female genitalia. This reprehensible display of human bloodlust was reported as a valiant battle of heroism till the actual details of the inhuman devastation were revealed to the public. Astoundingly, no charges were brought against Chivington and his accessories. Instead, the horror of that day has remained a black blotch in American history.
Also of particular note is the total annihilation of General Custer and his regiment at the Little Big Horn in 1876 (there's a mistake in the film that Custer has already died in the battle during a conversation between Cresta and Honus regarding a less than safe passage that Honus wishes to take). The resulting mutilation of Custer and his men mirrors that of Sand Creek only the atrocities of that fateful November day in 1864, it was unarmed women, children and elders who fell under the rage of the US Army. Not to be outdone, yet another similar slaughter perpetrated by the US military occurred on December 29th, 1890 in what became known as the Wounded Knee Massacre wherein a tribe of the Lakota Sioux were surrounded at close range and cut down. Those who escaped were hunted and killed without mercy. These, too, included women and children.
Yet another startlingly similar event took place in December of 1937 when the Japanese marched on the Chinese city of Nanking and proceeded to maim, mutilate, rape and murder hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians. This far more disastrous occurrence became known as the Nanking Massacre and like America's dark days of war, Japan's government attempted to cover up, deny, or gloss over the calamity they wrought. Just like those that questioned how civilized American soldiers could turn savage, much has been written as to why the Japanese would transform into neolithic mass murderers capable of some of the most repugnant methods of death that made even Hitler cringe.
Regardless of race, man's inhumanity to man and his propensity and overt willingness to wage war with one another is unchallenged throughout the ages. Nothing has changed. Given the sheer number of technological advancements made over the years, man, himself has changed little, if at all--a frightening lesson that has yet to be learned. The 1960s and 1970s was a turbulent time in American history due largely to our involvement in the Vietnam War. Despite the fact that Nelson's film was based on Theodore Olsen's novel 'Arrow In the Sun' and that the screenplay was written to conclude with a vicious massacre before the events at My Lai were revealed to the American public, parallels were bound to be made. What's most jolting is how similar the real life Sand Creek Massacre is to the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, March of 1968. For the victims of Sand Creek, it was a sadistic day of shame that is faithfully reconstructed in Nelson's movie.
Critical responses both then and now have lambasted Nelson and scriptwriter John Gay for its purported nauseating scenes of gratuity as well as envisioning a one sided argument in its "peaceful" depiction of the Native Americans against the guileful cruelty of the Caucasians. Oddly enough, they seem to forget the scores of American productions from years past that popularly label the Indians as warmongering scalp hunters existing only to be shot down by John Wayne and other larger than life big screen cowboys. But while the American military forces are shown to be callous, cold blooded automatons merciless in their violence, the Indians are perceived as predominantly passive. There's an ironic, yet beautifully shot sequence just prior to the beginning of the final massacre. Cresta is with the Cheyenne and her former husband, Spotted Wolf. We see the villagers and their children playing, herding around Cresta and Spotted Wolf with smiles all around. Suddenly a voice over drowns out the laughter. It's the hate speech given by Iverson and his wording of the "abominable...godless barbarians" conflicts with the images of the Cheyenne.
However, events from the opening of the movie mirror the finale in that the Indians are not pictured as strictly passive. Even knowing the history of what has happened to the Indians prior to the beginning of SOLDIER BLUE, the opening paymaster raid sees the Cheyenne ignore a white cloth surrender of one of the American soldiers. This is reflected at the end when Spotted Wolf carries with him the American flag and another of surrender colored white; both ignored by the approaching cavalry. Another reflective moment is right after the opening attack on the paymaster detail. Honus states something should be said for these dead men--a prayer. At the end of the movie after defenseless women and children have been senselessly slaughtered, Cresta mockingly asks if Honus has a prayer on hand for this gruesome aftermath. While the finale is the most talked about portion of the film, the middle portion is also bandied about, but usually with less than stellar commentary.
The subject of the overall liveliness and general joviality of the middle portion of the film is talked about with an odd, negative reverence in that it totally upsets the tone of the movie. As the film begins, the audience is given a warning as to what is coming at the films end via an opening title card. Approximately 25 minutes in, the picture becomes a journey of discovery mainly for Honus Gant, the naive young soldier, the spokesperson for the white washed image of American military values. His long excursion with Cresta is a slow learning experience for him which never takes hold till the climactic annihilation of the Cheyenne village when he's shocked at the level of depravity seemingly civilized men have fallen to. From the moment Honus and Cresta are brought together to the last scene they share--Honus is chained and hauled away with a number of others who refused Iverson's orders (the Chivington of the film) to butcher the innocent villagers.
Honus and Cresta are the noble, incorruptible plateau of human decency. Honus is blind to the truth, yet true to his ideals. Cresta is crude, yet blunt in her devotion to exposing the misconceptions of the Native American tribes. Their rocky jaunt to make Fort Reunion eventually brings them closer and emotionally attached even though Cresta was heading to the fort to marry another man (for his money, anyway). The audience becomes so engulfed in their escapades that by the time the concluding massacre rolls around, we are taken by surprise, regardless of the opening warning, and pounded and repeatedly stabbed by the sudden level of cruelty on display. But then upsetting the audience was Nelson's intention. He succeeds admirably orchestrating a horrific symphony of violence during the last 20 minutes.
"....You men here today...have succeeded in making another part of America a decent place for people to live. We have given the Indian a lesson he will not soon forget. For the rest of your lives, you men will hold your heads proud when this day is mentioned..."
At the time, the onscreen killing of children was a cinematic taboo. SOLDIER BLUE squashes that taboo under the stampeding hooves of horses. While the scenes of children being shot in the head, impaled, dismembered, or trampled by equine are disturbing, it's not nearly as grisly as what was removed from the film after a nervous test screening nearly broke out in riots. Among the edited carnival of cruelty that was removed from the originally cut down 135 minute version were shots of breasts being sliced off and batted around, children's limbs graphically severed (real amputees were employed for these shots!) and a little girls legs cut off by wagon wheels. A soldier gleefully cuts an Indians arms off before shooting another Cheyenne in the eye and also the fate of Spotted Wolf who has his head separated from his torso--the soldier hoisting his prize into the air before tossing it to another who then throws it off camera (We do see Spotted Wolf's head attached to the stirrup of a cavalryman). The viewer can place some of these omitted shots in the finished product such as the breast removal scene. We don't see the breast come off, but we do see the bloodthirsty soldier begin cutting away at her flesh before the camera itself cuts away.
For an American film from a reputed director (remember FATHER GOOSE with Cary Grant and Leslie Caron?), this movie was a dangerous undertaking and one that created controversy from virtually every venue it played and even those that banned it from being shown. Sadly, the only audience that caught the full strength version were the work print test screenings. Originally two different versions were prepared--one for the US market and a slightly stronger cut for European audiences, but the versions on DVD appear to be the same. In interviews Nelson stated he wanted to depict one of the worst travesties in American history and show it accurately and in the most visceral way possible. There are those who believe that this violence is merely gratuitous and counteracts the intentions of its makers. The same thing is said of Ruggero Deodato's CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST (1980), a film that is paradoxically different, but whose violence is echoed in Nelson's film in recalling the excruciating level of abject corruption in the medias presentation of "the truth".
With so much talk of the films violence and proposed/perceived meaning, the performances are equally divided amongst those who have discussed the picture. Personally, I had no problem with either Strauss or Bergen. Both deliver sound performances that derive the right amount of audience sympathy that carries them till the grim finale. Again, this "love story" of sorts is essential for preparing the unwitting viewers for what is coming--regardless of his color or nationality, man is ugly to man, plain and simple. Donald Pleasence is quite unpleasant as the creepy Cumber (his name derived from a cruel joke given him by his father), a sniveling "traitor" who sells guns to the Cheyenne so they may defend themselves from the US cavalry men. While we don't see him much, Jorge Rivero shines as Spotted Wolf. He does share one touching scene with Cresta towards the end. John Anderson brings out just the right amount of devout villainy in his brief scenes as the racist Colonel Iverson.
SOLDIER BLUE, like so many other 70s movies, is given a grandly melancholic theme song by noted peace activist Buffy Sainte-Marie. This sweeping 'love for the land and everything on it' main title tune captures the essence of the films anti-war message. The score by Roy Budd is also very listenable, sometimes soaring and other times encompassing an Italian western sensibility with periodic Morricone-isms. The cues for the ending massacre perfectly accentuate the shock wave of violence while the cue of choice at the end culminates with an eye opening piece of frivolity that some will find out of place. This orchestral selection acts as an extension of the victory grandstanding proclaimed by the wounded, but proud Colonel Iverson as he sits atop his horse in front of his regiment while the maimed and mutilated survivors of Sand Creek stand in solemn silence.
Called every name in the book, both positive and negative, SOLDIER BLUE was a huge success everywhere but in America. Considering BONNIE & CLYDE (1967) opened doors for excessive brutality in American films, others such as Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH (1969) turned gory mayhem into a comic book. Nelson's film surpassed all others at the time and is far more visceral in that it's taken from history. If the film were to ever be restored to Nelson's original vision, it's likely the films power would stand with the current crop of grotesque cinema Americana.
While it's not a hippie western in the tradition of one of Sergio Corbucci's late 60s oaters (Corbucci reportedly disliked hippies immensely), the mood of "peace and love for everyone" is stamped all over this movie in its soundtrack, its sprawling cinematography (by Robert B. Hauser) and in its numerous speeches and proclamations about racism and hate. It's a three part affair--The beginning sets up the grim tone that overtakes the finale; the middle is the ethical, humanistic center; the ending is the ugly truth surrounding a truly tragic day and one that pulls no punches. Begging the question, "How much blood must be spilled for the price of freedom", Nelson's movie may be seen by some as a thinly veiled Vietnam allegory (something he has steadfastly denied since the films premiere), but one thing is irrepressibly certain--"Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it."
This review is representative of the Lionsgate DVD
Labels: Other Cool Ass Cinema, Soldier Blue
Cool Ass Cinema Book Reviews: Wild Gory West Edition
THE MOST SAVAGE FILM: SOLDIER BLUE, CINEMATIC VIOLENCE AND THE HORRORS OF WAR
By P.B. Hurst
Hardcover; 229 pages; B/W--2008
Marketed (and rightly so) as "The Most Savage Film In History", SOLDIER BLUE ignited a firestorm of controversy for its role reversal depiction of "Cowboys & Indians". Granted, both sides are shown to be war mongers, but it's the US cavalry, whose all too frequent stoic image is torn asunder during the films shockingly nasty denouement; itself based on the grim reality of the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado, 1864. Seeing the film now, it's difficult to imagine that such onscreen depravity was filmed in 1969, but even more astounding in that what is seen during the final 15 to 20 minutes is more of a montage of what was originally shot. While the controversial ending is what attracts the most attention, Hurst's book tackles the subject from every possible angle leaving no stone unturned and no severed limb overlooked.
Easily one of the most complete and devoted works ever mounted for a single movie, it's glaringly obvious the author has deep affection for this frequently brilliant motion picture that's one of the most curious, ripe for discussion feature films of the 1970s. Hurst's work also covers the era in which the film was made and the accusations that the film was an allegory for the then recently uncovered My Lai Massacre in Vietnam. Those with a fondness for the picture will find every conceivable detail surrounding the movie, its making, its release and its controversy and so much more. Hurst includes scenes that were cut from the script for time, the shooting of the infamous finale and the near riot of one showing that caused Nelson to change his mind about what should be shown onscreen--only later to regret the decision. Even every aspect of the spending budget is revealed as well as rare behind the scenes shots that were excised and storyboards, too. It's this kind of exhaustive dedication that should be embraced by more authors as well as more tomes like this one. Highly recommended and if you're a fan, or have the money for the steep price ($50), it's unquestionably one for the shelves.


Nowadays, we are flooded with articles, books, blogs, tweets and Facebook posts about "staying positive." Most people seek easy solutions, but unfortunately you have to work to obtain positive outcomes.
Nowadays, we are flooded with articles, books, blogs, tweets and Facebook posts about "staying positive." Most people seek easy solutions, but unfortunately you have to work to obtain positive outcomes. Good things rarely happen accidentally. Instead, they come our way when we are proactive in the way we live our lives. Make a choice to take deliberate action, avoiding the chaos of reacting.
Mindful living is the skill of staying present in the moment non-judgmentally, without being re-routed into ruminating about the future or getting stuck in the past.
2. Develop a sense of purpose.
Engage in passionate pursuits in all areas of your life, whether personal, spiritual, social, familial, academic or vocational. Get creative, volunteer, take up a new hobby. Sometimes in the reality of our lives, we actually forget to live.
Gratitude is wonder and appreciation for life; it's being grateful for our blessings. It goes beyond a mere 'thank you'. It leads to happier, meaningful experiences. Recognize what you have and be appreciative.
4. Avoid the Debbie Downers.
Debbie Downers and Negative Nicks are great at pointing out the wretchedness and injustices of life. But you can change the tone by suggesting enjoyable topics and keeping a positive mindset. Stick with the upbeat folks.
5. Take care of your physical self.
When we are ill, hungry, fatigued or lacking exercise, we are prone to viewing our world in a negative light. It's important to tend to your health. Eat well, sleep enough, and take care of ailments and incorporate exercise into your routine.
Smiling has many benefits. It releases endorphins and inflates your lungs. It's infectious and attractive. But what if you just can't muster one up? Then half-smile. It will still reach your hypothalamus and spark a peaceful sensation.
The benefits to getting outside during work and at home are numerous. You'll feel more 'Zen', experience contentment, improve your health and heighten your brain activity.
9. Check in with your thoughts.
Distorted thinking is our mind persuading us of something that is inaccurate. By checking in, you might notice that you are making mountains out of molehills, fortune-telling (predicting), mindreading (assuming what people think) or filtering (seeing negatives and not positives). Be aware that such thoughts can be erroneous and harmful. Reduce them and generate more accurate ones.


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Q: What should I enter in the ProgID field in the file associations dialog in VS2010? I want my program to be associated with a custom file type so that clicking on a file of that type will open it with my program.
I've seen I can do that by: Properties->Publish->Options->File associations. But I don't know what I should enter as ProgID.
From Wikipedia it seems it's some long number (is there a specific way of choosing it?). From an answer here it seems it's just anything I want.

A: Just fire up regedit.exe and see how other programs do it.  The progids are listed in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.  The (Default) value of a filename extension key in the list you see there is the progid associated with the extension.  Some common samples:

*

*.dll = "dllfile"

*.exe = "exefile"

*.ico = "icofile"

*.txt = "txtfile"

You see the pattern.  It isn't required that it looks like this, just a convention.  "YourCompany.YourFileType" is fine as well with the advantages of it being more descriptive and avoiding name collisions.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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10 Biggest Firms Issuing Earnings Next Week
By ValueWalkStock MarketsSep 25, 2022 04:05AM ET
www.investing.com/analysis/10-biggest-firms-issuing-earnings-next-week-200630273
By ValueWalk | Sep 25, 2022 04:05AM ET
PAYX
CNXC
The third quarter 2022 earnings season will be in full swing starting the second week of October when banking giants JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and Citigroup (NYSE:C) will announce their financial numbers.
We could, however, get some hints on the overall third-quarter numbers to expect from the companies that will announce their earnings over the next couple of weeks. Let's take a look at the ten biggest firms issuing earnings next week.
We have used the market capitalization of companies (as of Sept. 22, 2022) that are due to announce earnings, to rank the ten biggest firms issuing earnings next week.
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Newark, Calif., this company provides customer experience (CX) solutions and technology. Concentrix Corp (NASDAQ:CNXC) shares are down by over 34% year to date and down over 10% in the last month.
Concentrix shares are trading at over $117 (52-week range of $115.86 to $208.48), giving it a market capitalization of more than $6 billion. Concentrix will announce its earnings on Sept. 29.
Jefferies Financial Group
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in New York City, it is a holding company that offers financial services. Jefferies Financial Group Inc (NYSE:JEF) shares are down by over 20% year to date and down over 4% in the last month.
Jefferies Financial Group shares are trading at over $30 (52-week range of $25.88 to $44.47), giving it a market capitalization of more than $7.50 billion. Jefferies Financial Group will announce its earnings on Sept. 28.
Jabil
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., this company offers electronic manufacturing services and solutions. Jabil Circuit Inc (NYSE:JBL) shares are down by over 18% year to date and down over 7% in the last month.
Jabil shares are trading at over $55 (52-week range of $48.80 to $72.11), giving it a market capitalization of more than $8 billion. Jabil will announce its earnings on Sept. 27.
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Fremont, Calif., this company offers distribution, logistics, and integration services to the technology sector. Synnex Corporation (NYSE:SNX) shares are down by almost 23% year to date and down over 10% in the last month.
As of this writing, TD SYNNEX shares are trading at over $87 (52-week range of $87.94 to $119.30), giving it a market capitalization of more than $8.50 billion. TD SYNNEX will announce its earnings on Sept. 27.
Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colo., this company operates mountain resorts through Mountain, Lodging, and Real Estate segments. Vail Resorts Inc (NYSE:MTN) shares are down by over 35% year to date and down almost 8% in the last month.
As of this writing, Vail Resorts shares are trading at over $211 (52-week range of $206.03 to $376.24), giving it a market capitalization of more than $8.80 billion. Vail Resorts will announce its earnings on Sept. 28.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Richmond, Va., this company deals in the retail sale of used vehicles and wholesale of vehicle auction operators. CarMax Inc (NYSE:KMX) shares are down by almost 39% year to date and down over 11% in the last month.
CarMax shares are trading at over $79 (52-week range of $79.57 to $155.98), giving it a market capitalization of more than $12 billion. CarMax will announce its earnings on September 29.
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, this company offers corporate identity uniforms through rental and sales programs. Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) shares are down by over 12% year to date and down over 7% in the last month.
Cintas shares are trading at over $389 (52-week range of $343.86 to $461.44), giving it a market capitalization of more than $40 billion. Cintas will announce its earnings on Sept. 28.
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., this company offers payroll services, hiring services, human resources services, and more. Paychex Inc (NASDAQ:PAYX) shares are down by almost 14% year to date and down almost 9% in the last month.
As of this writing, Paychex shares are trading at over $117 (52-week range of $106.55 to $141.92), giving it a market capitalization of more than $42 billion. Paychex will announce its earnings on Sept. 28.
This company, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, offers memory and storage solutions. Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:MU) shares are down by almost 47% year to date and down almost 14% in the last month.
As of this writing, Micron Technology shares are trading at over $48 (52-week range of $49.35 to $98.45), giving it a market capitalization of more than $55 billion. Micron Technology will announce its earnings on Sept. 29.
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Beaverton, Ore., this company designs, develops, markets and sells athletic footwear, apparel, accessories, equipment, and services. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) shares are down by almost 41% year to date and down almost 9% in the last month.
As of this writing, Nike shares are trading at over $97 (52-week range of $97.83 to $179.10), giving it a market capitalization of more than $156 billion. Nike will announce itSept. 29n September 29.
Has a New Bull Arrived? By David Moenning - Jan 30, 2023 1
In last week's meandering market missive, I opined that, "the next major trend - in either direction - is likely to be driven by the outlook/expectation for the state of the...
U.S. Real Estate Stocks Led Broad Rally Across Markets Last Week By James Picerno - Jan 30, 2023
Most of the major asset classes scored gains last week, led by US real estate investment trusts, based on a set of ETFs through Friday's close (Jan. 27). Vanguard Real Estate...
Economic Data, Earnings and the Fed Could Sink Stocks this Week By Michael Kramer - Jan 30, 2023 7
This will be a huge week for markets, with an FOMC meeting, a slew of economic data points, and a big week in earnings. The show stopper will be the FOMC meeting, where the Fed is...
Tech, megacaps drag Wall St to lower close as big market week kicks... By Reuters - Jan 30, 2023 32

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Firm People Services References News & Views Careers
Hannes Snellman
Greetings from Alumni: Michael Ristaniemi
In the sixth part of our "Greetings from Alumni" series, we interviewed our alumnus Michael Ristaniemi, who currently works as Vice President, Sustainability at Metsä Group. During his time at Hannes Snellman, Michael worked in several different trainee positions. Since then, he has had a successful career, for example, working as a lawyer in Belgium, studying as a doctoral candidate, and most recently working on sustainability-related issues. We asked Michael about his memories from his time as a trainee at Hannes Snellman and about his interesting career steps since then.
Hi Michael, how was your spring?
Thank you for asking – my spring was very inspiring! Despite the exceptional times, I got married, have been finalizing my doctoral dissertation in competition law, and doing my best to lead Metsä Group's efforts in corporate sustainability. There is a lot of energy around sustainability topics at the moment. If you think about it, lawyers are in a key position to contribute: our training is about justice and fairness, about making sense of society and structuring it. Lawyers have the potential to see the bigger picture and analyse critically. Understanding of sustainability allows business lawyers to be more wholesome and strategic advisors.
Usually this time of year, I am teaching a competition law course with a few colleagues at the University of Turku. Occasional teaching at one's alma mater is great. This would have been our seventh year running, and we try to improve the course every year. In the past years, we have transformed classes more into workshops instead of lecturing. I can only encourage lawyers to consider teaching - it's a true win-win situation for both students and us alumni teachers!
You worked in various trainee positions at Hannes Snellman. What was the most important lesson you learned during your time here? How about the best memory?
Indeed, I was a KM trainee in 2008, an associate trainee after that, and also a thesis trainee in 2011. I believe traineeships at law firms are an essential part of one's legal education. You learn a certain professional way of working - one which allows you to both identify with and further our profession's traditions. This includes everything from how to write a proper email, to appropriate interpersonal interaction, but naturally also more substantial skills whether concerning doing legal research, analysing legal questions or formulating arguments. I improved all of the above during my time at Hannes Snellman. However, I would like to highlight a particular strength - the people. I have stayed in touch with many people I met at Hannes Snellman and continue to cooperate closely with Hannes Snellman lawyers in many ways.
You have had a long career as an in-house lawyer, in addition to which you have worked at a law firm in Belgium, and now you are a doctoral candidate at the University of Turku. At the beginning of this year, you also started in a new position as Metsä Group's Vice President, Sustainability. Have you done any active career planning, or how have these opportunities come to you?
I believe a good compass for one's career is about what you would like your days to consist of - plus what you would like to learn. Interesting opportunities will follow. I have tried to stay curious and kept extending my comfort zone into areas I have found interesting: first into intellectual property and competition law, then into EU affairs and most recently into sustainability and corporate responsibility. In today's world, it is useful to specialize in some areas, while trying to still understand a wider spectrum of what makes up society
In addition to the mentioned mind-set, I think it's important to interact with interesting people. Despite the prevalence of technology, the world is still run by people and companies consist of people. I would encourage everyone to think of people they find interesting and reach out to them - you never know what that might lead to.
What has it been like so far to jump from the role of a lawyer to your new role at Metsä Group?
In two words: inspiring and overwhelming. After working as an in-house counsel for many years, last September I was presented the opportunity to lead Metsä Group's sustainability efforts. My job changed profoundly. A lawyer's job is that of a specialist, while my new job is a leadership role. This includes more both people-oriented leadership elements, but also more detailed management work related to implementing targets and measuring progress. A leadership role entails having to endure much more uncertainty, but it is nevertheless very rewarding.
In my lawyer position, I was looking for ways to have a greater societal role. In this new role, it is inspiring to be able to help the company be a good corporate citizen and maximize its positive contribution to society. More than compliance it is about seizing opportunities. This critically involves understanding both our business and society's expectations and then balancing the two. It has opened many related opportunities, too. For instance, I was flattered and surprised to have been selected as part of Talouselämä magazine's "Finland's 35 under 35" listing this January. This both encourages to continue my work, but also puts pressure to be able to truly contribute to our society.
What career advice would you give to a law student or a young lawyer?
I have two tips. First, be curious and open-minded. Try to expose yourself to a variety of ideas and people. For example, learn fundamentals about political science, sociology and economics in addition to law - your understanding of the law, too, will reach a whole new depth. Second, invest in soft skills. There is much value in being considerate, helpful, and being able to listen to another person. Trust is the glue that keeps our society together and it does take time and effort to create it.
Finnish law students and lawyers are very diligent and take their work and studies seriously. When considering how to live a good life and maximize your potential, I however believe that the two points I mentioned are not as emphasized, at times. I guarantee that both tips will work as investments - you will get a good return on staying curious and taking time to interact with people.
Want to know more about working at Hannes Snellman? Please pay a visit to our Careers section. Make sure to also have a look at the previous interviews of our alumni Tuomo, Mirva, Maiju, Silja, and Antti.
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And once a company's e-mail spam has come a letter which could not immediately removed because it is very drew our attention – it was in verse. Joseph Stiglitz may find this interesting as well. Think for yourself – even a couple of lines, composed in rhyme, certainly attracts attention, and if these lines are written professionally (exactly what the above has been called "zest") they certainly will at some time in memory. Namely, it is one of the main problems of the customer poems, especially if the order is made for promotional purposes – storing the company name, brand goods, services, etc. Each written ONION Media poem is original, each embedded in a piece of the soul, the company tries to avoid cliches in verse, takes the templates in verse is not repeated, probably, therefore, absolutely All customers are not just the agency happy, and are delighted, thereby encouraging the company to future work. After all, the greatest pleasure you get exactly when, handing the finished work, you can see glowing eyes, hear the words, "Yes, this is exactly what we wanted, we will now apply only to you" – said a joyous voice. Add to your understanding with John Blondel, New York City. So, quietly, the main focus of the advertising agency ONION-Media has been writing greetings and poems to order. What else attracts customers to work with the company ONION Media? The Agency may write poems very quickly today describes the customer verbally that he would like to see in verse format, and tomorrow – can pick up a poem.
But if you order in poetry is very serious and thorough – the company will not take the time to write thoughtfully and deeply on the theme of unhappy love, and confession, and the wedding, and … on the anniversary no less attractive to customers that the BOW-media works with all regions and countries – availability of the Internet erases all borders and time zones. Company's customers have become residents of the Far East, Siberia, Kaliningrad region and other regions. "The exclusive line will be when each order, no fuss and no hassle – will be in ecstasy …"
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text:
Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Pater's courtroom was full Monday morning, minaly with concerned parents and grandparents who wanted to hear him possible rule on the Madison Schools gun policy. The judge took the matter under admisement but said his ruling will come soon.
Photo: DENISE CALLAHAN/STAFF WRITER
Hearing in Madison schools gun case provides more details about training for armed teachers
Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer
BUTLER COUNTY —
A judge indicated Monday he will side with Madison schools in a high-profile lawsuit filed by parents who challenged the district's policy of arming teachers and staffers.
Butler County Common Pleas Judge Charles Pater told the two sides during a hearing he wouldn't rule from the bench but is leaning toward siding with the school district.
At issue is the number of hours the armed teachers and staffers would have to train, the 27 in the district's policy or the more than 700 required of peace officers. Pater said his reading of the statutes doesn't require school staff to be treated as security personnel requiring 700-plus hours of peace officer training.
"To read it in context it would easily be rational to say what this is talking about is a position — and it's not designated as a security position, it's not designated as a law enforcement position — but some position which encompasses carrying a firearm," he said.
RELATED: Judge expected to decide Madison schools arming teachers case soon
"The position of custodian, of secretary, the position of teacher, the position of a school administrator … those positions as positions don't encompass, don't require carrying firearms. I'm predisposed still in that direction, but I've been given some food for thought."
Pater said he has to "mull" what he'd been told during the oral argument and, "something will be drafted very, very soon and you all will know."
Both sides have asked Pater to grant summary judgment — effectively ending the case because there is no "genuine issue of material fact" — on their behalf.
The school district claims the parents misread state statutes that say gun-carrying teachers must have 700-plus hours of peace officer training. The parents say if the extensive training isn't required, the "implications of the board's interpretations are deeply troubling."
A group of parents sued the Board of Education and superintendent in September 2018, alleging the board's April resolution authorizing armed staff in schools violates an Ohio law requiring that armed school employees be trained and certified as peace officers. The gun program came about after a school shooting there three years ago when four students were injured by a classmate.
The parents are seeking an injunction blocking the district from arming teachers and other staff without the 728 hours of peace officer training required by law and a court order requiring disclosure of policies and procedures for arming staff. The judge said Monday he believes the disclosure part of the case is now over.
Throughout the lawsuit the two sides sought to have copious documents shielded from public view, so very little is known about where the program stands now. During court it was revealed two teachers and an administrator so far have been authorized to carry weapons at school. The three apparently went through the 27 hours of Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response (FASTER) training — required in the school policy — at the end of June.
The parents' attorneys tried to convince Pater the FASTER classes are more like combat training, which moves teachers and other armed staff closer to the designation of a peace officer. James Miller, one of the parents' attorneys, read from transcripts of depositions taken of one "John Doe" who went through the training.
"In FASTER training you're taught to find an active shooter, so you go into a shoot house where there is a shooting taking place, and you have to be able to find the shooter, and engage the shooter and stop the threat while clearing the rooms along the way," Miller read from the deposition.
Brodi Conover, one of the attorneys for the school district, said the armed staff have been instructed to follow the board's policy to take the passive ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) approach, like all staff. It is not clear whether there are concealed weapons in the schools yet.
"These individuals (the armed staff) are supposed to stay where they are at, they are not to go out after the attacker," Conover said. "Each of the deponents again said that the individuals tasked with going out to secure or apprehend the shooter is the school resource officer or local law enforcement."
Since the judge didn't issue a formal ruling, the attorneys could not comment on the proceeding.
Billy Ison sat through the three-hour hearing because he is afraid for the safety of his 18-year-old grandson, who will graduate in May. He said rather than fighting this lawsuit, he would rather the district pay for additional school resource officers "trained, uniformed, experienced law enforcement personnel in our schools, great idea."
"I do not want my grandson or anyone else's child going to school, in a school where teachers are allowed to carry guns with no training," he said. "I would encourage everybody in our community to get out and get involved in this argument for the welfare of our children."


In performance during Freedom of the City 2011 in London, England. Ken Waxman's review appears elsewhere on Jazzword. For more information, contact jazzword@hotmail.ca. Color photos that appear on Jazzword are digital images, a departure from the photographer's traditional black and white film.


text:
Santee Car Accident Lawyer
Santee, California is a community that is family oriented; Santee is also a community with places to visit with the kids: Santee Lakes, Creation of Earth History Museum. Santee also has an average of 5-10 fatal car accidents per month.
Many car crashes do not lead to litigation because those involved usually want to decide with their insurers to avoid the trial process. In spite of this, some situations necessitate litigation to enable the recovery of your compensation when involved in a car crash. In situations where the accident was grisly, and it led to harm or loss of life, or if there is a refusal of the insurance to give a fair compensation that would cover the cost of crash damages.
Insurance Companies Low-balling Tactics
An insurer may lower the actual amount of damage suffered in an accident or attach little importance to the cover allowed in assisting you in recovery from a car accident. If an insurer is unwilling to pay the full settlement of a car accident claim, your best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve is to have a lawyer that will come to an agreement with the insurer on a fair and ensure that your rights as a victim are not abused.
Car crashes can be a costly experience in terms of medical fees, motor vehicle repairs, and loss of income. Indemnification from an accident that was not caused by you provides a critical monetary and medical support to you as a victim.
In most instances, insurers do not provide sufficient compensation amounts that can neither pay for basic nor partial damages stipulated in the accident claim. Hiring a skilled lawyer that is knowledgeable of the ploys used by insurers increase the odds for you to be compensated. Attorney Brad Nakase is a former insurance defense lawyer who knows the insurance companies lowball tactics. He is ready to protect your interests as your Santee car accident lawyer.
Money Damages
If our negotiating with the insurer does not bear a settlement that is reasonable, we may as well file for a lawsuit in personal injury to pursue additional damages, which may consist of both economic and noneconomic damages. Your Santee car accident lawyer protect your interest by securing the highest money compensation for your injuries.
Bills, costs, and loss of property are meant to be cushioned by economic damages, which provide cover for the struggle you have endured in monetary terms. These include:
Medication costs.
Declined wages.
Being hampered from future income earning.
Vehicle destruction.
Noneconomic damages are the nonfinancial suffering and losses incurred as a result of the accident translated to monetary value. These may include:
Bodily harm.
Discomfort and anguish
Loss of life
Being maimed.
The state bases its compensation awards for personal injury and damage to property cases on the "comparative negligence" rule. When this rule is applied, the fault level of causing the accident by both parties will be examined by a jury. If you are found to have contributed to 20percent of the accident while you filed for a $1000 claim in damages, your award will be $800.
Statute of Limitation
Personal injury victims are required to file claims within a two year period by the state law after being involved in an accident or on the discovery of masked harm. You will be barred from pursuing claims if the two year window period elapses without you filing for a claim. Your Santee car accident lawyer will protect your interest by filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitation expires.
It is crucial to follow a number of steps when involved in an accident because many people usually become overwhelmed and disoriented in an accident ordeal. These steps are outlined below:
Seeking medical attention after a car accident.
Although you may feel unhurt in a car accident, there may be some concealed injuries that, if left untreated, will have a severe effect. Seeking immediate medical attention after being involved in a car accident will enable you to get documentation as evidence that the harm was a result of the accident. Taking longer to see a physician will make it harder to prove that the injury cause was an accident.
Exhaustively collecting information after the accident.
Collecting information after an accident can assist in proving your claim and who was liable for the car accident. Be sure to exchange information with the other party involved, have snapshots of the involved vehicles, damaged property, and the accident scene for future reference for a claim. Reports from the police, hospital documentation and other evidence from the accident scene would be important in supporting your claim if you did not succeed in taking pictures or information from other drivers involved in the accident.
Contact your insurer, report the incident, and start the claim process.
You may go for legal options if the insurer is uncooperative if the offered amount in damages is too little.
Immediately after an accident, consult with a Santee Car Accident Lawyer.
There is a two-year limit to file a car accident injury claim in this state. It means that those who sustain injuries from an accident caused by others cannot file a lawsuit for compensation after two years have elapsed. On the other hand, it can be hard to handle an insurance firm after a car crash.
Having a car crash lawyer will ensure the protection of your rights and that you are not wrongfully and also that you get fair compensation. If we do not succeed in negotiating a reasonable pay, we will assist in filing additional litigation in personal harm to receive reasonable compensation.
If you or someone you love need an a aggressive and compassionate attorney who will listen and aggressively protect your interest, we invite you to call attorney Brad for a free consultation.
There is no money upfront.
98% of clients' cases won.
I've worked at a prestigious international law firm, Bremer Whyte et. al., serving major insurance companies by defending insurance companies and their insureds who were sued for millions of dollars.
"In both cases, he combined skills and passion to help these clients to maintain their self sufficiency and dignity." SDLVP