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Tag Archives: President Obama
More Americans Choose Obama As Best President
July 13, 2018 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL) – A new survey shows most Americans believe Barack Obama is the best president in their lifetime. The Pew Research survey asked respondents to choose any president between Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump and 44-percent chose Obama. Bill Clinton was the second most popular, followed by Ronald Reagan. Nineteen-percent of those surveyed said President Trump is the best president of their lifetime.
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Obama To Visit Kenya
June 24, 2018 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL) – Former President Barack Obama will travel to Kenya next month. Obama will visit his father's homeland as part of a trip that will include stops in South Africa, Spain and Portugal. While in Kenya in mid-July, Obama will attend the opening of a youth sports center founded by his sister Auma.
Obama will also meet with Kenya's president and opposition leader during his visit. Obama will then head to South Africa where he will speak at an event honoring Nelson Mandela's birthday. He will also take part in a town hall with African leaders of the Obama Foundation.
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Crime, gun control, Politics
Trump's Tweet Storm Draws Even More Attention To 'Russian Collusion'
February 18, 2018 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(Palm Beach, FL) – It started around 11 last night with this tweet: Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not acceptable. They are spending too much time trying to prove Russian collusion with the Trump campaign – there is no collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud! And that was just the beginning. Since then, Trump has put his focus on Obama yet again and a reverse psychology tactic that is pretty worn out at this point saying Russia is laughing at America. "If it was the GOAL of Russia to create discord, disruption and chaos within the U.S. then, with all of the Committee Hearings, Investigations and Party hatred, they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams." He then said Moscow is laughing and urged America to get smart. His comments come of course after more than a dozen Russians were indicted for meddling in the 2016 election. THEN he said that he never said that Russia didn't meddle in the 2016 election noting his comments during his campaign that…"it may be Russia, or China or another country or group, or it may be a 400 pound genius sitting in bed and playing with his computer." Trump said the hoax is the idea that his campaign had colluded with Russia.
Naturally it didn't stop there. Accompanied with the regular insult, Trump then praised Democratic Representative Adam Schiff for putting some of the blame for Russian meddling in the 2016 election on the Obama administration. "Finally, 'Liddle' Adam Schiff, the leakin' monster of no control, is now blaming the Obama administration for Russian meddling in the 2016 Election. He is finally right about something. Obama was President, knew of the threat, and did nothing. Thank you Adam!" He followed that up with a tweet suggesting Democrats were trying to blame the Obama administration's response to Russian meddling for Hillary Clinton's loss.
Tired yet? It continued…..Of course it wouldn't be Trump if he didn't slam the media. He pointed fingers at news outlets over their coverage of the indictments and for not focusing on how the indictments exonerate his campaign from colluding with Russia. Trump noted it was "funny how the Fake News Media doesn't want to say that the Russian group was formed in 2014," long before he decided to run for President. He added, sarcastically, " Maybe they knew I was going to run even though I didn't know!" Trump's critics have accused the President of trying to spin the indictments in his favor, even though he has previously called Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation a hoax. AND THEN….HE WENT BACK TO PRESIDENT OBAMA tweeting he's "never gotten over the fact that Obama was able to send one-point-seven Billion Dollars in CASH to Iran and nobody in Congress, the FBI or Justice called for an investigation!" He's referring to money delivered to Iran in 2016, which included interest on Iranian money held by the U.S. since the 1970s. Some of the money was given the same day four American prisoners were released from Iranian custody. The Obama White House denied it was a ransom payment but later admitted the money was used as leverage in the prisoner release. The payment was made in cash because Congress had outlawed dollar transfers to Tehran. Iranian media at the time played up the payment as if it were indeed a ransom.
Photo: CNN
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Donald Trump Attempts To Distract America From Russia-Gate By Accusing President Obama Of Tapping His Phone
March 4, 2017 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL)- Donald Trump's administration continues to mislead people with yet a new lie, this time about President Obama. The latest twitter rant accused the former POTUS of tapping his phone which is utterly ridiculous and unsubstantiated.
Trump, as he normally does, is basing his concerns off of a Breitbart article circulating that claims President Obama tapped his phones at Trump Tower before the election in a Nixon/Watergate style scandal.
The Executive office can not do this on its own. His claim is baseless and if there was a wire on his phone FISA (The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance ) would have ordered it and there would be proof of it. Trump hasn't provided any evidence but fired off these words early Saturday morning.
A spokesman for Mr. Obama says any suggestion that the former president ordered such surveillance was "simply false."
The New York Times reports, Mr. Trump's aides declined to clarify whether the president's explosive allegations were based on briefings from intelligence or law enforcement officials — which could mean that Mr. Trump was revealing previously unknown details about an investigation — or on something else, like a news report.
His decision to lend the power of his office to such a charged claim against his predecessor — without offering any initial proof — was remarkable, even for a leader who has repeatedly shown himself willing to make assertions that are false or based on dubious sources.
It would have been difficult for federal agents, working within the law, to obtain a wiretap order to target Mr. Trump's phone conversations. It would have meant that the Justice Department had gathered sufficient evidence to persuade a federal judge that there was probable cause to believe he had committed a serious crime or was an agent of a foreign power, depending on whether it was a criminal investigation or a foreign intelligence one.
Former officials pointed to longstanding laws and procedures intended to ensure that presidents cannot wiretap a rival for political purposes.
"A cardinal rule of the Obama administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice," said Kevin Lewis, a spokesman for Mr. Obama. "As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen."
Continue reading Donald Trump Attempts To Distract America From Russia-Gate By Accusing President Obama Of Tapping His Phone →
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Around The Country
President Obama and Malia Spotted Hanging Out In NYC, To The Country's Delight
Attending 'The Price' On Broadway, the father-daughter pair even sneaked backstage during intermission to chat with the A-list cast and crew, which included Mark Ruffalo, Danny DeVito, Tony Shalhoub and Jessica Hecht.
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What Will We Do Without Him? President Obama Says Farewell
January 11, 2017 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL) – As we say goodbye to one of the BEST Presidents to ever lead the United States, let's take a look at some of his top accomplishment. To be honest there were more than 400 positives that we could list, but those most impacting were comprised quite nicely in a top ten list written by Kimberly Amedeo.
As President Barack Obama struggled with the 2008 financial crisis and controversy over the ambitious Affordable Care Act. His Administration battled the tea party Republicans ever since the 2010 mid-term elections. Despite these challenges, he's managed to accomplish many great things. Here are the top eleven. Find out how they match up to the 2008 "Yes We Can!" campaign promises.
1. Ended the 2008 Recession
In February 2009, Congress approved Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package.
It cut taxes, extended unemployment benefits, and funded public works projects. The recession ended six months later when GDP growth turned positive. In just seven months, ARRA pumped $241.9 billion into the economy, stirring growth to a robust 3.9 percent by early 2010. By March 30, 2011, nearly all ($633.5 billion) of the funds were spent.
Obama bailed out the U.S. auto industry on March 30, 2009. The Federal government took over General Motors and Chrysler, saving three million jobs. It forced the companies to become more fuel efficient and therefore more globally competitive.
2. Received 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize in March 2010. The Committee lauded "..his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." He withdrew troops from Iraq in 2011. He reduced the U.S. nuclear warhead stockpile by 10 percent. (Source: "Inspires Hope for a Better Future," Nobel Peace Prize 2009)
3. Reformed Health Care
On March 23, 2010, Obamacare revolutionized healthcare. Six months later, concerns over the program's cost helped Republicans win control of the House of Representatives in the mid-term elections. Why did healthcare need to be reformed? Rising costs threatened to outstrip Medicare's ability to pay for it, and contributed to 50 percent of all bankruptcies.
The quality of care was one of the worst in the world. For more, see Obama's Plan to Reform Healthcare.
By 2014, the economy benefited from having 95 percent of the population on health insurance. That should reduce the number of emergency visits to the hospital and lower costs. Bankruptcies should decline since medical expenses are the number one cause. For more, see Obamacare Pros and Cons.
4. Regulated the Big Banks
In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act improved regulation of eight areas that led to the financial crisis. The Consumer Financial Protection Agencyimproved regulation of credit cards and mortgages. The Financial Stability Oversight Council regulated hedge funds and banks that became too big to fail. The "Volcker Rule" banned banks from being too involved with hedge funds. Dodd-Frank clarified which agencies regulated which banks, stopping banks from cherry-picking their regulator.
Dodd-Frank asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to regulate the riskiest derivatives, like credit default swaps and commodities futures.
It asked the SEC to recommend how the credit rating agencies, like Moody's and Standard & Poor's, could be improved.
5. 2010 Tax Cuts
In December 2010, Obama and Congress agreed upon additional stimulus in the form of a $858 billion tax cut. It had three main components: a $350 billion extension of the Bush tax cuts, a $56 billion extension of unemployment benefits, and a $120 billion reduction in workers' payroll taxes. Businesses received $140 billion in tax cuts for capital improvements and $80 billion in research and development tax credits. The estate tax was exempted (up to $5 million), and there were additional credits for college tuition and children. For more, see Obama Tax Cuts.
6. Eliminated bin Laden Threat and Ended Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
On May 1, 2011, Navy Seals attacked the al Quaeda leader's compound in Pakistan and eliminated Osama bin Laden. Later that year, Obama ended the Iraq War. However, renewed threats from ISIS meant renewed military presence. For more, see Will It Ever End? How the Sunni-Shiite Split Affects the U.S. Economy.
In 2014, Obama wound down the War in Afghanistan. He increased defense spending to new record levels, partly by improving care and benefits for veterans. Ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan should have reduced the more than $800 billion in annual military spending. That's the largest discretionary budget item. It's one of the leading causes of the budget deficit and debt levels. Instead, it remained higher than during the Bush Administration. For more, see War on Terror Costs.
7. Won 2012 Presidential Re-election
Obama won a second term as President on November 6, 2012. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney promised to repeal Obamacare and Dodd-Frank. Voters were not sure about eliminating health benefits and regulations against big banks. Romney failed to capture the country's imagination by not presenting a new vision for economic growth.
8. Nuclear Agreement With Iran
On July 14, 2015, Obama brokered a nuclear peace agreement with Iran. In return, the United Nations lifted the economic sanctions it imposed in 2010. For details, see Iran's Economy: Impact of Nuclear Deal and Sanctions.
9. World's Largest Trade Agreement
On October 4, 2015, Obama's team negotiated the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). If ratified by Congress, it would replace NAFTA as the world's largest free-trade agreement. It would remove tariffs between the United States and 11 other countries that border the Pacific Ocean.
Obama launched the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the European Union. His term ended before negotiations could be finalized. If would have been bigger than the TPP.
10. International Climate Change Agreement
Obama led global efforts to reach the International Climate Agreement. It was negotiated in Paris on December 12, 2015. Countries agreed to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon trading. Members decided to limit global warmingto 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. Developed countries will contribute $100 billion a year to assist emerging markets. Many of them bear the brunt of damage from climate change.These include typhoons, rising sea levels, and droughts.
At least 55 of the 196 countries participating must now ratify the agreement before it can go into effect. At the 2016 G20 meeting, China and the United States agreed to ratify the agreement. These two countries are the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gasses. (Source: "Climate Agreement Best Chance We Have to Save the Planet," CNN, December 14, 2015)
Obama announced carbon reduction regulations in 2014. He enacted the Clean Power Plan in 2015. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. It does this by setting carbon reduction goals for the nation's power plants. To comply, power plants will create 30 percent more renewable energy generation by 2030. It encourages carbon emissions trading by allowing states that already below the caps to trade their surplus to states that are above the cap. (Source: "Obama Just Created a Carbon Cap and Trade Program," Climate Central, August 4, 2015. "President Obama to Announce Historic Carbon Pollution Standards for Power Plants," The White House, August 3, 2015.)
11. Job Growth
Obama's policies helped the country recover from the Great Recession. He created 17.267 million jobs since he took office. That makes him the second best job-creator, following Bill Clinton.
But Obama actually created more jobs than that. Unemployment continued to rise even after the recession was over. That's because it takes a few months of economic growth before businesses are confident enough to begin hiring again. As a result, the economy continued to lose jobs until January 2010. If you add up all the jobs created since then, it totals 22.309 million jobs. That would make Obama the biggest job creating President in U.S. history. Job gains would have been even better if Congress had approved Obama's proposed Americans Jobs Act. For more, see Job Creation by President.
Other Accomplishments
Maintained Continuation of Federal Reserve Policy – Obama appointed Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to replace Ben Bernanke. She maintained an expansionary monetary policy that created the lowest interest rates in 200 years. That allowed the early stages of the housing recovery, and slow but steady business expansion, to continue. For more, see Relationship Between Treasury Notes and Mortgage Rates.
OBAMA'S SPEECH IN FULL
It's good to be home. My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we've received over the past few weeks. But tonight it's my turn to say thanks. Whether we've seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people – in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and on distant outposts – are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.
'After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it's not just my belief. It's the beating heart of our American idea – our bold experiment in self-government'
I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life. It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss. This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.
After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it's not just my belief. It's the beating heart of our American idea – our bold experiment in self-government.
It's the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It's the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing; that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union.
This is the great gift our Founders gave us. The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil, and imagination – and the imperative to strive together as well, to achieve a greater good.
For 240 years, our nation's call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation. It's what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom. It's what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande, pushed women to reach for the ballot, powered workers to organize. It's why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima; Iraq and Afghanistan – and why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs as well.
So that's what we mean when we say America is exceptional. Not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change, and make life better for those who follow.
Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some.
If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history. If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11 . If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens – you might have said our sights were set a little too high.
But that's what we did. That's what you did. You were the change. You answered people's hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started.
In ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power from one freely-elected president to the next. I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me. Because it's up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.
We have what we need to do so. After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth. Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours.
Obama welled up as he delivered his final address to the nation. But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of the people. Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now.
That's what I want to focus on tonight – the state of our democracy.
Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders quarreled and compromised, and expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity – the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one.
There have been moments throughout our history that threatened to rupture that solidarity. The beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the specter of terrorism – these forces haven't just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland.
In other words, it will determine our future.
Our democracy won't work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity. Today, the economy is growing again; wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are rising again; poverty is falling again. The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records. The unemployment rate is near a ten-year low. The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower. Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in fifty years. And if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we've made to our health care system – that covers as many people at less cost – I will publicly support it.
That, after all, is why we serve – to make people's lives better, not worse.
But for all the real progress we've made, we know it's not enough. Our economy doesn't work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class. But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic principles. While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and rural counties, have been left behind – the laid-off factory worker; the waitress and health care worker who struggle to pay the bills – convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful – a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics.
There are no quick fixes to this long-term trend. I agree that our trade should be fair and not just free. But the next wave of economic dislocation won't come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes many good, middle-class jobs obsolete.
And so we must forge a new social compact – to guarantee all our kids the education they need; to give workers the power to unionize for better wages; to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from the new economy don't avoid their obligations to the country that's made their success possible. We can argue about how to best achieve these goals. But we can't be complacent about the goals themselves. For if we don't create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come.
There's a second threat to our democracy – one as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. For race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. I've lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were ten, or twenty, or thirty years ago – you can see it not just in statistics, but in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.
But we're not where we need to be. All of us have more work to do. After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. If we decline to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don't look like us, we diminish the prospects of our own children – because those brown kids will represent a larger share of America's workforce. And our economy doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
But we're not where we need to be. All of us have more work to do. After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves'
Going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination – in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system. That's what our Constitution and highest ideals require. But laws alone won't be enough. Hearts must change. If our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, each one of us must try to heed the advice of one of the great characters in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
For blacks and other minorities, it means tying our own struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face – the refugee, the immigrant, the rural poor, the transgender American, and also the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he's got all the advantages, but who's seen his world upended by economic, cultural, and technological change.
For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn't suddenly vanish in the '60s; that when minority groups voice discontent, they're not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness; that when they wage peaceful protest, they're not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment our Founders promised.
For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, Italians, and Poles. America wasn't weakened by the presence of these newcomers; they embraced this nation's creed, and it was strengthened.
So regardless of the station we occupy; we have to try harder; to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own.
None of this is easy. For too many of us, it's become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or college campuses or places of worship or our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste – all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that's out there.
This trend represents a third threat to our democracy. Politics is a battle of ideas; in the course of a healthy debate, we'll prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts; without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent is making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, we'll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible.
Isn't that part of what makes politics so dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we're cutting taxes for corporations? How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It's not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts; it's self-defeating. Because as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you.
Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we've halved our dependence on foreign oil, doubled our renewable energy, and led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. But without bolder action, our children won't have time to debate the existence of climate change; they'll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary.
'It's that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse – the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket'
Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations; it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders.
It's that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse – the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.
It's that spirit – a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might, that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression, and build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but on principles – the rule of law, human rights, freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and an independent press.
That order is now being challenged – first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently; a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what's true and what's right.
Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, and the intelligence officers, law enforcement, and diplomats who support them, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years; and although Boston and Orlando remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We've taken out tens of thousands of terrorists – including Osama bin Laden. The global coalition we're leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe. To all who serve, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief.
So let's be vigilant, but not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight
But protecting our way of life requires more than our military. Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are. That's why, for the past eight years, I've worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firm legal footing. That's why we've ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, and reform our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties. That's why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans. That's why we cannot withdraw from global fights – to expand democracy, and human rights, women's rights, and LGBT rights – no matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.
So let's be vigilant, but not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world – unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.
Which brings me to my final point – our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. When voting rates are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should make it easier, not harder, to vote. When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes.
And all of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings.
'And all of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings'
Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it's really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power – with our participation, and the choices we make. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.
In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but "from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken.to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth;" that we should preserve it with "jealous anxiety;" that we should reject "the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties" that make us one.
We weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character are turned off from public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are not just misguided, but somehow malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others; when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them.
It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we've been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen.
Ultimately, that's what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there's an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere. Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in others can be a risk, and there will be times when the process disappoints you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America – and in Americans – will be confirmed.
Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, I've seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers. I've mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in Charleston church. I've seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and our wounded warriors walk again. I've seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I've seen the youngest of children remind us of our obligations to care for refugees, to work in peace, and above all to look out for each other.
That faith I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change – that faith has been rewarded in ways I couldn't possibly have imagined. I hope yours has, too. Some of you here tonight or watching at home were there with us in 2004, in 2008, in 2012 – and maybe you still can't believe we pulled this whole thing off.
Barack embraces his wife Michelle after paying tribute to her and his daughters Malia, pictured, and Sasha You're not the only ones. Michelle – for the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You've made me proud. You've made the country proud.
Michelle – for the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I've done in my life, I'm most proud to be your dad.
To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best. Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life.
To my remarkable staff: For eight years – and for some of you, a whole lot more – I've drawn from your energy, and tried to reflect back what you displayed every day: heart, and character, and idealism. I've watched you grow up, get married, have kids, and start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good we've done is the thought of all the remarkable things you'll achieve from here.
And to all of you out there – every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town and kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change – you are the best supporters and organizers anyone could hope for, and I will forever be grateful. Because yes, you changed the world.
'To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best.' Biden and Obama hug watched on by Biden's wife Jill
That's why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than I was when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans; it has inspired so many Americans – especially so many young people out there – to believe you can make a difference; to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves. This generation coming up – unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic – I've seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, just, inclusive America; you know that constant change has been America's hallmark, something not to fear but to embrace, and you are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You'll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result that the future is in good hands.
My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. I won't stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain. For now, whether you're young or young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President – the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago.
I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours.
I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes We Can.
Yes We Did.
Yes We Can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
CIA Concludes That Russia Intervened In The Elections To Help Trump Win
December 10, 2016 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL) – I think most people already had a clue about this..because let's just face it…..well no need…tired of saying it. But minus waking up the racists in America, we all know that Trump's presidential run and win was void of anything Political or truly American. Hillary Clinton was he most qualified and the People's choice. But when the electoral votes started running, the stop at 270 ended with Trump.
As the Daily Mail reports, The CIA found that Russia's interference with the presidential elections went beyond an attempt to undermine American democracy as a whole – and actively favored Donald Trump's chances, according to the Washington Post.
Those who provided WikiLeaks with emails from hacked Democratic accounts have been identified by intelligence authorities as members of a Russian campaign who worked towards the goal of seeing Trump elected, officials told the Post.
The shocking conclusion, made by a 'consensus' of intelligence agencies, was reported the same day President Barack Obama ordered a review of cyber attacks that targeted Democratic organizations and operatives during the 2016 elections.
But Trump's transition team shot down the findings, issuing a statement that read: 'These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.'
Confidential emails from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, the campaign chairman for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, were steadily leaked on WikiLeaks in the months before the election, damaging Clinton's White House effort.
The US has previously tiptoed around Russia's involvement in the elections, saying the goal was to undermine the American electoral system as a whole.
But the CIA presented the growing evidence during a secret meeting with a number of senators last week, with agents saying it had become 'quite clear' that the Russians were supporting a Trump victory, the Post reported.
Continue reading CIA Concludes That Russia Intervened In The Elections To Help Trump Win →
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President Obama and FLOTUS Host Prime Minister Lee Hsien of Singapore And His Wife Ho Ching For State Dinner
August 3, 2016 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(SL) – 200 Guests including the First Lady's brother Craig and his wife, Steve Jobs' widow and her boyfriend former DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, Chrisette Michelle (who also performed) and her date, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and her date Jason Turner along with others were present at the white house for the 12th state dinner of President Obama's administration.
A 'Celebration of Summer Bounty' marked the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the U.S. and the city-state, which Obama refers to as an anchor for the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia.
Sticking to her support of American designers, Michelle looked stunning in her custom made Brandon Maxwell gown. Maxwell, originally from Longview, Texas, became a household name because of his work with Lady Gaga, but has also dressed stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman.
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Around The Country, terrorism
President Obama on the Tragic Shooting in Orlando
(SL) – President Obama spoke to the nation following the domestic terror attack in Orlando, Fl. 29-year old Omar Mateen, a security guard, opened fire in Pulse Nightclub – a popular LGBT club killing 50 people and critically injuring 53. Mateen had been on the FBI's radar for a couple of years, but investigations left authorities with nothing to go on. Mateen's father told MSNBC that Omar was extremely angry after watching two men kiss in Miami. His motives remain unclear but there is word that he was an ISIS sympathizer.
Watch President Obama's statement:
Read the President's full remarks:
Today, as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder — a horrific massacre — of dozens of innocent people. We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts. We stand with the people of Orlando, who have endured a terrible attack on their city. Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate. And as Americans, we are united in grief, in outrage, and in resolve to defend our people.
I just finished a meeting with FBI Director Comey and my homeland security and national security advisors. The FBI is on the scene and leading the investigation, in partnership with local law enforcement. I've directed that the full resources of the federal government be made available for this investigation.
We are still learning all the facts. This is an open investigation. We've reached no definitive judgment on the precise motivations of the killer. The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terrorism. And I've directed that we must spare no effort to determine what — if any — inspiration or association this killer may have had with terrorist groups. What is clear is that he was a person filled with hatred. Over the coming days, we'll uncover why and how this happened, and we will go wherever the facts lead us.
This morning I spoke with my good friend, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and I conveyed the condolences of the entire American people. This could have been any one of our communities. So I told Mayor Dyer that whatever help he and the people of Orlando need — they are going to get it. As a country, we will be there for the people of Orlando today, tomorrow and for all the days to come.
Continue reading President Obama on the Tragic Shooting in Orlando →
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President Obama Addresses The Nation On Keeping America Safe
December 7, 2015 sytonnia	Leave a comment
(The White House) – President Barack Obama reassures the nation from the Oval Office.
On Sunday, December 6, at 8:00 pm ET, President Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office about the steps our government is taking to fulfill his highest priority: keeping the American people safe.
He provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic attack in San Bernardino. He also discussed the broader threat of terrorism — including the nature of the threat, how it has evolved, and how we will defeat it.
The president reiterated his firm conviction that ISIL will be destroyed and that the United States must draw upon our values — our unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom — to prevail over terrorist groups that use violence to advance a destructive ideology.
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David Gray, Live at the Point. A concert filmed at the point in Dublin. DISC INCLUDES: Introduction, Sail Away, White Ladder, Late Night Radio, Faster Sooner Now, Lead Me Upstairs, Babylon, The Light, We're Not Right, Flame Turns Blue, This Years Love, Coming Down, Shine, A Century Ends, My Oh My, Wisdom, Silver Lining, Please Forgive Me. Approximately 140 minutes.


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26 January, 2017 29 March, 2019
The unravelling of Hollande's 'anti-austerity' programme and the crisis of French socialism
With the failure of Hollande's promise of 'le changement', ahead of this year's elections the French Socialists find themselves severely weakened and maybe even at breaking point
France heads to the polls in the spring to elect its new president. The uncertainty surrounding the election, wherein far right leader Marine Le Pen and the youthful centrist Emmanuel Macron are both riding high and threaten to disrupt traditional voting patterns, is in contrast to the near certainty of the miserable fate awaiting whoever becomes the Parti Socialiste (PS) candidate. After the humiliation of President Hollande declining to re-stand for election (a first in the Fifth Republic for a sitting president), neither Benoît Hamon nor Manuel Valls, the two remaining candidates in this weekend's PS presidential primary run-off, look able to qualify for the decisive second round run-off of the presidential elections. Whatever the result, it is clear that French socialism is experiencing an acute crisis of identity. For the Socialists this is, perhaps, the rule rather than the exception; yet, this time, things do look more serious. In just one presidential term, the PS has moved from its most significant control over French government in its history to the brink of collapse. The unravelling of Hollande's anti-austerity programme must be recognised as integral to this failure.
Winning power in May 2012, François Hollande presented a programme for 'le changement'. He was the 'anti-austerity' candidate, determined to change the destiny of both France and Europe, which were both suffering at the hands of an Anglo-American neo-liberal ideology, dubbed the 'Empire of Money'. Early on, austerity was rejected as a political act designed to 'break the French model', large spending cuts were dismissed as 'un non-sens économique' and France's degraded public finances were seen as the product of President Sarkozy's tax 'giveaways' to the wealthy. Perhaps the most significant element of Hollande's programme for change was, however, at the European Union-level, where he promised, amongst other things, the renegotiation of the new Fiscal Stability Treaty (Fiscal Compact) to allow for greater fiscal leeway. Such proposals set out the basis for an alternative, Keynesian-style post-crisis Eurozone architecture, chiming with Hollande's critique of neo-liberalism, as well as long-standing French socialist ambitions to take centre-stage in 'Social Europe'.
Yet, underlying this rhetoric and the ambitious plans for change were a number of ambiguities, relating ultimately to a desire to ensure French economic credibility with international financial markets and France's European partners. These ambiguities have come to be exposed during the last five years, contributing to the crisis of French socialism we are witnessing today.
Coming to power shortly after a period of real turbulence in the European bond markets, ambitious fiscal consolidation was always viewed by the Hollande administration as a necessary component in the 'signalling' to both markets and France's European partners of the new Socialist government's economic credibility. Upon its formation, the government committed to extremely ambitious fiscal consolidation plans, and thus always walked what Ben Clift has called 'the growth/fiscal consolidation/economic credibility tightrope'. We can add Hollande's anti-austerity rhetoric to this balancing act.
Furthermore, despite his campaign pledge to renegotiate the EU's Fiscal Compact, within just weeks of coming to power the Socialist administration had signed the Compact into French law without modification. This has often been viewed as an inevitable capitulation to Brussels, however, it is not clear that this act was entirely begrudging. Whilst the public proposal of a renegotiation was an important concession to the left during the election, ultimately for Hollande, the Fiscal Compact did not represent a 'red line'. Accepting the Compact was a key component in signalling the new government's credibility, especially to Germany (who were also never willing to renegotiate, anyway). Despite this, in a manner befitting Hollande's image as a pragmatic, consensus-building politician, a level of strategic ambiguity over the future of the European negotiations was allowed to develop in order to avoid the party's factional courants from openly warring. Ultimately, however, this only contributed to a sense of confusion at the heart of the Hollande programme.
As growth failed to return to the French economy and Hollande's Euro-Keynesian posturing unravelled, the government changed the path of its economic programme. It quickly embraced a supply-side reform agenda, a strategy which intensified in 2014 with the launch of the 'Pacte de Responsabilité'. Rather than deriding Sarkozy's tax giveaways, the Hollande administration produced its own €30 billion tax cut for businesses designed to ease the cost of labour. In the place of Keynes, Hollande now justified his programme by invoking the classic liberal economist Jean-Baptiste Say, arguing, 'L'offre crée même la demande' ('supply even creates demand'). At the same time, the administration altered its discourse on the nature of the crisis affecting France. Gone was the focus on the 'Empire of Money', and instead the Socialist government spoke of the need to adapt France to the inexorable logic of globalising markets à la New Labour; new Economy Minister, Emmanuel Macron, described a longstanding 'French neurosis', which had 'for too long opposed economic efficiency'.
In order to render these policies compatible with its overall deficit reduction targets, the government looked to find €50 billion worth of fiscal adjustment over the period 2015-17, which unlike in the plans set out in 2012, was to be achieved entirely through spending cuts. The government's initial claims that it was pursuing 'ni austérité, ni rigueur' ('neither austerity, nor rigour') rang increasingly hollow. No longer a 'nonsense', the cuts were reimagined by new Finance Minister Michel Sapin who stated they were, 'not only intended to reduce deficits: they also help to sustain our social model'. The French model no longer needed saving from Sarkozy's austerity; rather, it seems, austerity would save the model from itself.
Hollande holds the ignominious title of being the 'least popular president' of the Fifth Republic, and has taken the historic decision to not re-stand for election. Of course, not all of this is down to the politics of austerity. There have been innumerable political mistakes, policy u-turns and PR disasters. Moreover, it would be wrong to suggest that fiscal consolidation and all reform measures have been entirely unpopular; indeed, Macron was at one time the most popular minister in government. There is evidently a political appetite today for such reform, and clearly some reform is necessary. Yet, whatever one's view on this, it is manifest that the Hollande programme and his anti-austerity politics have been profoundly ambiguous, and it is easy to see the impact of this.
Damagingly, the Socialist majority in parliament has been deeply divided, with a group of left-wing rebels (les frondeurs), consistently disobeying the government line ever since the acceptance of the Fiscal Compact in 2012. From the left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a former Socialist Senator who quit the party in 2008 to form the radical leftist Parti de Gauche, has been ever-present in his critique of what he sees as the government's 'austerity programme'. From the far fight, the Front national (FN) has been able to exploit its anti-EU position and disdain for the ruling elites with the message, 'Austérité : Bruxelles veut, Hollande s'exécute' ('Austerity: Brussels wants, Hollande does').
On the other side of this coin is Emmanuel Macron. Hollande's former advisor, and architect of the government's liberalising reforms, now stands as an independent presidential candidate. Many of those who have supported the government's reforms will follow Macron's candidacy, leaving the PS with an increasingly narrow sense of policy success ownership. Bereft of a clear programmatic vision from the beginning, the Parti Socialiste is now squeezed from all sides. Currently the French left is deeply divided, providing space for Mélenchon to position himself as the 'true' left candidate. Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of the FN, and a seeming new era of centre-ground politics opening up in France around Macron, the position of the PS as a true parti d'alternance is put in to serious question. The PS candidate, whether Hamon or Valls, could easily finish fifth in April in the first round of the Presidential elections. If the PS loses power altogether, which looks almost certain, the party will once again face the considerable task of redefining itself in opposition. Yet, this time, it may well even struggle to hold itself together.
Sean McDaniel
Doctoral Researcher, Politics and International Studies Department, University of Warwick
Tagged as crisis France French Socialists Hollande Le Pen Macron Sean McDaniel

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A social enterprise growing food sustainably and recovering waste.
Green Connect actively employs refugees and at-risk youth, enabling them to put their ideas and talents to use in the community.
Green Connect pitched at The Funding Network in Sydney on 20 June 2016 and raised $25,560 to develop its HR and support systems and offer better, more consistent and responsive support to the former refugees and young people it employs - people like Tuang Pu.
During his three years with Green Connect, the determined, kind, and always helpful Tuang Pu completed his HSC while growing his sense of confidence and purpose, employability, financial independence and connection to community. We were sad to say goodbye to him as a workmate, but thrilled about the reasons why he was leaving: having secured a traineeship with Wollongong Council in parks and civil works!
With the new facility also measuring the impact of GC's work and laying the foundation for impact investment and growth, the enterprise has the confidence to expand and looks forward to serving an even greater number of people living in the community.
In 2016, Green Connect and friends filmed the autumn farm blitz, a reminder to all that community is at the heart of everything.
Learn more about Green Connect.


text:
An Investigation of the Relationship between Counselling Services and Adjustment of School-aged Children–in-Transition in Junior Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
You are here: The International Journal of Indian Psychȯlogy > Articles > Volume 05, Issue 1, October-December, 2017 > An Investigation of the Relationship between Counselling Services and Adjustment of School-aged Children–in-Transition in Junior Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
| Published: October 30, 2017
Ojo Yetunde Abiola Ph.D
Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Google Scholar More about the auther
, Ogunmilugba Bamidele Joke
The crux of this study is to examine the role of counselling services in fostering adjustment of school-aged children-in-transition in junior secondary schools in Ogun state, Nigeria. Using simple random and purposive sampling technique, three hundred samples (males= 133 and females=167) of school-aged children with mean age 10.96 participated in the study. Respondents filled two standardized instruments which are School Counselling Services Scale (SCSS) and Student Adjustment Scale (SAS). Data were analysed using Pearson product moment correlation and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Result revealed that counselling services was perceived to be an effective tool in fostering adjustment of school-aged children–in-transition in junior secondary schools. Consequent upon this, government, policy makers as well as school counsellors should ensure the efficient and effective delivery of counselling services in secondary schools for new students transitioning from primary schools to junior secondary schools.
Adjustment, school-aged children in-transition, gender, counselling services.
The author appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process.
The author declared no conflict of interests.
© 2017 Abiola O Y, & Joke O B
How to cite this article: Abiola O Y, & Joke O B (2017). An Investigation of the Relationship between Counselling Services and Adjustment of School-aged Children–in-Transition in Junior Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Indian Psychology, Vol. 5, (1), DIP: 18.01.006/20170501, DOI: 10.25215/0501.006
Received: July 20, 2017; Revision Received: October 03, 2017; Accepted: October 30, 2017
Ojo Yetunde Abiola Ph.D @ ojoyetty33@yahoo.com
Published in Volume 05, Issue 1, October-December, 2017


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The 'CSI' Curtain Call: A Look Back at One of TV's Biggest Shows
TheWrap explores the cultural phenomenon of the hit forensic procedural ahead of its series finale
Joe Otterson | September 27, 2015 @ 6:48 PM
"CSI" officially ends its run Sunday night with the two hour TV movie event "CSI: Immortality."
With it comes the end of a dynasty that has been a staple of broadcast television for 15 years, inspiring three spinoffs, a line of video games, comic books, and countless other products.
The show was an immediate success when it debuted on October 6, 2000. Fans were captivated by the unique blend of police procedural and cutting edge science, not to mention the opening power chords of the show's theme song, "Who Are You?" by The Who.
See video: 'CSI: Immortality' Teaser Promises Explosive Series Finale
"I think part of the reason it did so well so quickly is that we were in a time with that whole [OJ Simpson] trial and we were in a place in the country where no one really trusted anybody," William Petersen, who played lead CSI Gil Grissom, told TheWrap. "The evidence was the truth and I think people wanted that."
Of course not everyone was convinced the show would be a hit. "I thought it was going to be a massive flop," Jorja Fox, who played Sara Sidle, told TheWrap with a laugh. "A show about science and death on a Friday night?"
Yet the show was a ratings juggernaut, quickly landing among the top 10 most watched shows on television in its first season, moving to the top of the list by its second and third. It also had international appeal. According to a study by Eurodata, 84 million viewers tuned into "CSI" around the world in 2007, making it the most watched show on the planet.
See photos: 'CSI' Series Finale First Look: Marg Helgenberger, Paul Guilfoyle Are Back in Action
"CSI" also offered early roles to actors and actresses who would go onto superstardom, like "Star Trek's" Zachary Quinto, who appeared as a mechanic in the episode "Anatomy of a Lye." "Breaking Bad's" Aaron Paul caught an early break on the show as well, playing a young man who defied his father by practicing Buddhism in "Felonious Monk."
Future "Avenger" Jeremy Renner played a man who frames his brother for murder in the episode "Alter Boys," and Dakota Fanning turned in a memorable performance as a traumatized little girl in season one's "Blood Drops."
But the impact of the show extended beyond entertainment. Studies have shown that since the show premiered, more people have enrolled in forensic science courses at tech colleges and universities.
Also Read: How 'CSI' Cancellation Turns Up the Heat on 'Cyber' Spinoff
"It influenced many kids to go into the field of criminal science," Marg Helgenberger, who played Catherine Willows, told TheWrap. "They were inspired by the show, which is something I'm proud of."
And then there is the so-called "CSI" effect, which claims that juries now demand more forensic evidence when deciding a case. Various studies have been conducted on whether or not the the effect actually exists, but members of the cast insist that real law enforcement personnel have noticed a difference.
"Every lawyer and judge I meet tells me there is a 'CSI' effect in the courtroom, " Robert David Hall, who played coroner Dr. Al Robbins, told TheWrap. "Juries demand DNA and they want 'Who Are You?' playing in the background."
Also Read: 'Limitless' Star Jake McDorman on How Bradley Cooper Makes CBS Series 'All the More Real'
Yet despite these profound effects, all good things must come to an end, as original cast members began to depart. Series regular Gary Dourdan, who played Warrick Brown, left the show after season eight. Petersen soon followed, exiting the show in season nine, but staying on as an executive producer.
More recently, Helgenberger and Paul Guilfoyle, who played Det. Jim Brass, departed as well, but both will return for "CSI: Immortality," along with Petersen. Helgenberger said being back on the set to shoot the finale was just like riding a bike.
"Even though I hadn't been with the show for three and a half years and Billy Petersen hadn't since season nine, when we suited up and got on the stages it just felt like a week had past," she said. "There wasn't any period of time where we had to reconnect."
Also Read: 'Big Bang Theory' Wedding Prompts 'Congratulations' From Fans on Social Media
Fans can only hope that comfort with each other will play out on screen as the finale airs, bringing a bittersweet conclusion to what was once TV's top show.
Nevertheless, we will always have the memories of our favorite bizarre cases, like the poker player who suffered a death by chocolate, or when the show introduced America to what plushies and furries are.
And yet among all the strange causes of death the show featured during its run, one common cause stands out for Hall. "If I had a dollar for every time I've said 'blunt force trauma,' I could buy a small town," he said.
See video: Stephen Colbert Rocks Out With Pearl Jam on CBS 'Late Show'
No doubt the cast and creators will go on to other projects, but they will always have the knowledge that they belonged to something that was truly a worldwide phenomenon.
"CSI: Immortality" airs on CBS Sept. 27 at 9pm/8c.
40 Exclusive Portraits From TheWrap's Fall TV Issue Cover Shoot (Photos)
Jack Falahee, "How to Get Away with Murder"
See exclusive interviews, photos and video in complete coverage of TheWrap's Fall TV Issue
Photographed by Corina Marie Howell for TheWrap
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Suit and button-down by John Varvatos.
Corina Marie Howell/TheWrap
Jussie Smollett, "Empire"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Suit and button-down by Calvin Klein.
Katharine McPhee, "Scorpion"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Dress by House of CB, earrings by Zoe Chicco, rings by Michael John Jewelry and Royal Jewelry.
Keke Palmer, "Scream Queens"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Romper by Peggy Hartanto, ring by Sylvie Jewelry.
Ryan Guzman, "Heroes Reborn"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Suit by Anthony Franco, button-down by Aldo.
Justin Baldoni, "Jane the Virgin"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Suit by Anthony Franco, button-down by Hugo Boss.
Jamie Alexander, "Blindspot"
Photographed by Elisabeth Caren
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Jumpsuit by VONE.
Elisabeth Caren/TheWrap
Rachel Bloom, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Dress by LUBLU Kira Plastinina, earrings by Suzanne Kalan, rings by Suzanne Kalan and Sylvie Collection.
Rebecca Rittenhouse, "Blood & Oil"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Dress by LUBLU Kira Plastinina, rings by Royal Jewelry, earrings by Zoe Chicco.
Mehcad Brooks, "Supergirl"
Styled by Jordan Grossman. Suit and button-down by Burberry.
Jussie Smollett ("Empire"), Jack Falahee ("How to Get Away With Murder"), Katharine McPhee ("Scorpion"), Ryan Guzman ("Heroes Reborn"), Keke Palmer ("Scream Queens"), Justin Baldoni ("Jane the Virgin"), Jaimie Alexander ("Blindspot"), Rachel Bloom ("Crazy Ex Girlfriend") Rebecca Rittenhouse ("Blood & Oil") and Mehcad Brooks ("Supergirl")


A retired Brooklyn homicide detective is forced to defend his legacy when he is accused of framing an innocent man in the case that made him a hero.
Now, twenty years later, Frankie gets called in by Assistant District Attorney Jesus Ramirez to re-examine the confession he took in the case that made him a hero. Will Frankie succeed in protecting his legacy? Or will Ramirez get the Priest to confess?
Inspired by true events, Borough of Churches is a timely tale that invokes Sidney Lumet and Peter Shaffer, and is a commentary on everything from the nature of truth in a post-facts society to the interplay between truth, guilt, and confession. But above all, it asks us how we can ever find truth in the world if we can't even be honest with ourselves.
Two rivals, a parapsychologist mourning the loss of his wife and his former mentor, now a debunker, investigate a small-town medium who claims she can speak with the dead.
Set in the 1970s, The Black Room is a story about two rivals – Tom, a disgraced parapsychologist still mourning the loss of his wife, and Peter, his former mentor, now a professional debunker – who investigate a small-town medium who claims she can speak with the dead. Does she really have a gift? And does she know terrible truths about Tom's marriage? Or is she yet another paranormal con-artist, exploiting one man's grief and the other's hunger for fame?
The Black Room is a paranormal-horror film about marriage, deceit, and the constant intrusion of the past into the present.


2016 impossible monument (nothing but the memory) Oxbow, Seattle, Wa.
2015 Genius/21st Century, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, Wa.
out of site, King Street Station, Seattle, Wa.
2013 Chamber Music, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, Wa.


text:
Q: Setting default with getopts in bash I am trying to use a bash code to bring a few python codes together and want to be able to provide multiple options which accept values which you can enter in via command line. For this I am trying to use getopts but am having issue with trying to set default values.
I have looked online and seen this and similar questions have been asked before and I have attempted to use the answers such as the colon options after the main getopts code and placing a default value before, this has lead to the code below:
!/bin/bash

usage() { echo "Usage: $0 [-f <string] [-r <string>] [-t <string>] [-o <string>] [-s <5|10> [-e <1|2|3>] [-b <string>] [-q <string>]]" 1>&2; exit 1; }

q = "30"

b = "15"

while getopts ":f:r:t:o:s:e:b:q:" p; do
    case "${p}" in
        f)
            f=${OPTARG}

            ;;
        r)
            r=${OPTARG}
            ;;

        t)
            t=${OPTARG}
            ;;

        o)
            o=${OPTARG}
            ;;

        s)
            s=${OPTARG}
            ((s == 5 || s == 10)) || usage
            ;;

        e)
            e=${OPTARG}
            ((e == 1 || e == 2 || e == 3)) || usage
            ;;

        b)
            b=${OPTARG}
            ;;
        q)
            q=${OPTARG}
            ;;

        *)
            usage
            ;;
    esac
done

: ${q = 30}

: ${b = 15}

shift $((OPTIND-1))

if [ -z "${f}" ] || [ -z "${r}" ] || [ -z "${t}" ] || [ -z "${o}" ] || [ -z "${s}" ] || [ -z "${e}" ] || [-z "${b}"] || [-z "${q}"]; then
    usage
fi

b2 = ${b} + 2

echo "The following are your options."
echo "reverse read file = ${r}"
echo "forward read file = ${f}"
echo "type of file = ${t}"
echo "output identifier = ${o}"
echo "number of splits wanted (s) = ${s}"
echo "You have chosen to complete ${e} rounds of joining"
echo "Your have chosen that a consensus region of ${b} bases is needed for a match to be made."
if ["${e}" == 3]; then
  echo " For quality trimming you have select threshold cut off at ${q}"
fi

As stated above I have never used getopts before and would appreciate if someone could explain how I could correct my code to set default values for both b and q options.

A: No spaces around = in shell assignments!
Wrong
q = "30"

Right
q="30"

The wrong code executes a command q with arguments = and 30.  This wasn't what was intended.
Similarly with:
: ${q = 30}

which should be:
: ${q=30}

and related but somewhat different:
b2 = ${b} + 2

which could be either of:
b2=$((${b} + 2))
b2="${b} + 2"

(or a number of minor variants), but note that these have very different results.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Cover interview: Georgiana Derwent
Author feature Add comments
Who created the cover?
Scarlett Rugers – and I'd wholeheartedly recommend her.
How much input did you have?
Quite a bit, in terms of both the overarching concept and the little details, although the designer also used lots of her own ideas. The cover was designed from scratch and the designer was keen to ensure it fitted both my novel and my personal tastes – plus I'm quite a picky person! I've just looked over my old emails to refresh my memory on the process of designing the cover and we seem to have exchanged about twenty emails over two weeks!
What was the process to have the cover created?
I started by filling out a questionnaire which asked me about the book, about existing covers I like, about whether I wanted it to be like other covers in the genre or quite unique and about what I wanted the cover to convey. At the same time, the designer read the draft of my novel, which I personally found really important. She then came up with three or four high-level ideas, out of which I had to pick my favourite. The option I went with was described by the designer as:
"Using a single image of a beautiful woman with flowing hair in clearly expensive attire. she has a pin on her chest the symbolizes the Cavaliers. There are two healed puncture wounds on her neck- which does not follow the normal blood trails that you see on a standard YA vampire book, but simply a suggestion the reader may or may not pick up on immediately. Behind her are the sweeping grounds of Oxford"
It's the perfect example of our back and forth that I then requested that instead of a woman with a puncture mark, I'd prefer a glamorous man with blood on his mouth – the vampire rather than the victim.
The designer then went away, found suitable pictures and worked her magic. She sent me lots of emails showing my different options for some of the details, for example whether the title should be on a shape (as it now is) or free floating, and perhaps most memorably, just how much blood the vampire should have on his mouth. I have all sorts of proofs saved that look like the final cover but have subtle differences.
For the sequel, I went straight back to the same designer. I was keen that the covers looked quite similar (it had exactly the same design, but a different colour scheme, a different historical character and a different view of Oxford), so there was less discussion about style and concept and more about exactly which pictures should be used.
Are you happy with the end result?
I love my covers and most people who come across them seem to too. There are several people on Goodreads who have the books listed under categories such as "ooh shiny" and "by its cover."
Is there anything you would change?
As discussed above, I think the covers are beautiful. The only slight problem with them is that some people have pointed out that they made them think the books were historical (which in some cases put them off and in others led to disappointment), when they are actually contemporary paranormal. In retrospect, it might have been better to have had a picture of a vampire in modern formal dress, just for genre clarity, but we found that there were copyright issues with most suitable modern images.
What do you think the cover says about your book?
The tagline for the book (and the name of my blog) is "A Tale of the Posh, the Privileged and the Paranormal" and I'd hope that the formally dressed man, the view of Oxford in the background, and the subtle hint of blood combine to show that this is a story that includes all these elements. I also think that the cover looks very classy and polished and I'd like to think that the same could be said about the story inside.
Oxford Blood (The Cavaliers #1) by Georgiana Derwent
Published by Self published on Oct 17, 2012
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal
Find the book: Amazon, Smashwords, Goodreads
A Tale of the Posh, the Privileged and the Paranormal…
The Cavaliers are the most elite society at Oxford University – rich, powerful, and beautiful. No one realises that they are no ordinary students, but a group of aristocratic vampires from the English Civil War. For four hundred years they have groomed the most promising students to run the government, police, and finance in the way the vampires wish, granting them eternal life in return for absolute obedience.
When Harriet French arrives at Oxford University from her working class northern state school, she's prepared for a culture shock, but not to become embroiled in the Cavaliers' scheming and bloodlust. Harriet thought she'd be busy enough juggling her demanding tutor, new friends, and the murky world of student politics. But now, she must find the rebel vampire who is killing off the members, stop the Cavaliers from orchestrating a massacre of the year's most beautiful and successful students, and defy the Society to be with the man of her dreams.
Oxford Blood is a British, adult, paranormal romance. It's a tale with vampires that aren't afraid to kill and a heroine who's not afraid of sex or her own ambition.
My Thoughts: I think this is very classy, and clearly a cover for a vampire story. My first assumption was that it was a historical story, and the summary doesn't make me change my mind, but as per the author's responses above, this is incorrect. I think more modern clothing would clear up any genre misunderstandings, but regardless, I still think the cover is very elegant and well designed.
What do you think of the cover? Does it make you want to pick up the book?
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Tagged with: cover interview
One Response to "Cover interview: Georgiana Derwent"
This book is totally up my alley!
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Cover interview: Timothy Maguire Interview: Kim Howard Johnson


What time did that broadcast come on??
Last night some time. That is the problem I have with Jox this time.
They have rotating times & shows that Clark will appear on each week.
One week this show & time next week that show & time.
I just listen to the pod casts. Can never tell when he is on.
Couple things to take into account. Their main listeners do not want to hear about UAB. Their radio hosts don't want to talk about UAB. But, They may not want us bad mouthing them. So, the compromise comes as UAB gets their weekly interview with Coach Clark on the show. The radio hosts & listeners get their wish of only having to talk to or hear from coach Clark on each show every 2-3 weeks.


I'm looking to perform an integration between an EPiServer site and SharePoint, and would prefer to use the standard connector if possible.
I have gone through the documentation, and feel that it is perhaps out of date, or simply missing some details, so if anyone can assist me in filling in the gaps, it would be very helpful.
We generally just need to pull in content from a set of document libraries in sharepoint - no web parts are necessary for this integration.
Created a new Allow MVC site.
Installed the Connect for SharePoint add-on via NuGet.
This upgraded my install to 8, which is fine if it works, but I'm also fine beginning with a 7.5 site if CMS 8 ends up being part of the problem.
Navigating to the add-ons, I see the SharePoint add on is installed.
Navigating to the cms admin area, I see the Connect for Sharepoint configuration screen.
"Error when connecting to SharePoint site: The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden."
So I was thinking perhaps there is a setting or something that needs to be configured from the SharePoint side, but when I log in I don't see anything obvious. This page (http://world.episerver.com/add-ons/connect-for-sharepoint/configuring-connect-for-sharepoint/) does not seem to mention any such thing, despite appearing to be the most recent, but this page (http://world.episerver.com/documentation/Items/Installation-Instructions/EPiServer-Connect/Sharepoint/Installation-Instructions--EPiServer-7-Connect-for-SharePoint/) mentions a SharePointConnector2013.wsp file. However the nuget package does not include said file, and there doesn't appear to be a download link for the file anywhere that I see. The file is also referenced only up to the 2013 version, so I'm not sure whether it really applies to the Office 365 version of SharePoint or not.
If anyone has experience getting the Connect for SharePoint module working under CMS 7.5 or 8.0, against SharePoint in Office 365, any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Oh - and I did install the SharePoint Client Components SDK from Microsoft.com as called out here (http://world.episerver.com/add-ons/connect-for-sharepoint/configuring-connect-for-sharepoint/) although based on the release notes of the latest Connect seem to imply that is no longer necessary ("Changes in 1.3.1.8000 for CMS 8: --- Using REST services to avoid dependency to Microsoft Sharepoint Client DLL"). Having the SDK/DLL installed didn't change any behavior.
I can't find a better guide than http://world.episerver.com/add-ons/connect-for-sharepoint/configuring-connect-for-sharepoint/ and it feels incomplete??
Please EPiServer, tell us how to configure sharepoint 365 to make this work.
I sent a question about this to the episerver support, and they verified it as a bug in the current version of the Sharepoint connector (1.3.1.8000).
No information on when it would be fixed yet.
Anything new here? I tried with version 2.0.3.9000 and I get the 403-forbidden as well. Couldn't find a registered bug either.
When I contacted EPiServer, I was told the bug specifically was that the Connector at that time used the url to detect whether it was accessing an On-Premise or Online version of SharePoint. If the SharePoint url wasn't the default online one then that detection wouldn't work and the wrong auth method would be used, which would cause the auth to fail with the 403 code.
To counter that, a new option group was added to the SharePoint Connector configuration screen that allows you to explicitly indicate whether you are connecting to an On-Premise or Online version of SharePoint, rather than attempting to infer that from the url.
The option is present in the newest version of the Connector (2.0.3.9000). I have installed this version of the connector and can confirm that once I set the Online option, I stopped receiving the 403 I had been seeing.
If you've installed the latest version and are still getting the error, you might be encountering something different than I did.


God needs you. He needs you to love him, and he needs you to love your fellow men and women and help them. He has a plan for your life. It involves a loving services for him here on earth and a wonderful life together with him after death.
But we humans aren't especially loving by nature. Yes, we may be sweet and kind to our relatives and friends most of the time, but that is a long way from meeting God's demands for absolute love towards everybody, all the time.
For this is what God demands of us: Perfect, unlimited, continuous love. We can't meet this demand, and God knows it.
In most religions people have to do certain things to please the god, who then rewards them in some way. Christianity is not like that. God knows all about our inadequacy. He knows that we can't possibly meet his demands.
On the other hand, he can't relax his demands; you can't negotiate with him, and he doesn't make compromises when it comes to requiring love. Instead he has done something else: He turned himself into a human being and was born by a woman. Jesus was everything that a human being should be: Loving, helpful, caring, and completely without evil.
Here then is the most basic part of the Christian faith: We men and women deserve punishment because we are not good enough. But instead of punishing us, God let Jesus (who hadn't done anything wrong) be punished. God allowed Jesus to be tortured and executed, and in this way Jesus took the punishment that we rightly deserve.
Consider this somewhat lame picture: Imagine that you're in court, accused of driving against a red light. The judge knows you and loves you, and he doesn't want to convict you; but on the other hand he is just, and therefore he can't let you off the hook. There is only one way in which both his justice and his love can be expressed: He convicts you, but then he pays your fine out of his own pocket.
This was what God did by letting Jesus die. Through Jesus' pain and suffering, the penalty for your and my inadequacy was paid.
What remains is simply to say thank you. God made the ultimate sacrifice for your sake. Even if you had been the only person on earth, Jesus would still freely have died for your sake. Are you going to ignore this?


Flowerista Hair Clip | Bows Etc.
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