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Fiona Claire, Author
DARK AND MAGICAL STORIES FROM IRELAND
Swan Totems
photo by Fiona Claire
The term Druid comes from the words 'oak' and 'door'—with the symbol of the door being central in Druidic teaching. Like other shamanic paths, the symbolic door offers a way to enter into a different reality. Which is why I chose the main image for this website.
Shamanic teachings in cultures around the globe usually involve totems. A totem is an animal, bird or insect with whom you develop a special bond, sensing them in your consciousness via meditation, dreams, and physical encounters.
Perhaps because I live near a large body of water, the totem animals I encounter are often water fowl—swans, ducks, geese—and less often, otters, foxes and hares.
In Druidry, animals, including birds and insects, can be allies, guides and teachers. They enter our awareness to help us discover a path to personal growth. That's why, when I encounter one of these creatures in my walks through the countryside, I'm always delighted. It's an occasion for pause, reflection, and gratitude. Usually, I receive a meaningful message from these encounters.
Lately, I've encountered a lot of swans, either on my walks by the lake or flying in formation. In Ireland, the swans are mute, but their powerful wings vibrate with a whooping sound that can be heard for miles. Swans are totems of love and beauty, and they are particularly auspicious symbols for writers. Bards, the story-tellers of Celtic tribes, wore ceremonial cloaks made of swan's skin and feathers. Perhaps most importantly, swans represent an inner call from the soul.
photo by Steve Chilton
Last week, as I sat outside compiling a list of agents to query with my novel (which follows a legend that inspired Swan Lake), a flock of ten swans flew past my house toward the lake. I jumped up and waved at them, like an idiot, sending them silent well-wishes.
It never ceases to amaze me, the gifts natures chooses to give!
Posted by Fiona Claire No comments:
Daughters of the Night Sky is Aimie Runyan's fourth novel. It's a tale of wartime valor about a group of Russian female pilots (and one in particular) who fought the Nazis during WWII. Here, Aimie tells us about the birth of this facsinating story.
F: When/How did you find out about these pilots? What inspired you to write about them?
A: I found these women by happy accident. I was hunting to shift away from the 17th century as my focus of research, and a lot of my critique partners and colleagues knew I was on the quest for the Next Big Idea as I finished up edits on my second book, Duty to the Crown. There was an article circulating on Facebook commemorating these women (I believe the last of them may have passed away, which sparked the post.) I had multiple friends send it to me with notes saying "this is what you do! Write this book!!!" and so I filed it away until it was time to start up the next project. When I was discussing the options with my agent, it was the idea that really stuck with us.
F: Did you travel to do research? If so, where did you go? If not, how did you research this story?
A: I got to go to Seattle to the Flying Heritage Collection to see an actual Polikarpov PO-2 which is the plane the women flew in combat. These machines were built in the late 20s and made from wood and linen. Open cockpit. Just about as sophisticated a machine as your average lawnmower. But they were flying at hundreds of meters up in the air in sub-zero temperatures. I wouldn't trust my lawnmower with that job. It was fabulous to see the plane in person and to get a sense of its history. Sadly, it wasn't flying that day, so I found a local pilot who owns a WWII era open cockpit biplane—somewhat fancier than the Polikarpov, but not much—and paid for a joyride. It was one of the highlights of my research career. Apart from that, my research was very traditional. Lots of library texts, Youtube videos, Google Maps, and beating my head against a wall. I DID have the chance to spend some time in Alaska several years ago, and used that as the basis for my descriptions of the Russian countryside. I've been told by people in the know, that it was a very good analogy.
F: I love the cover image. Did you have any part in choosing that?
A: A bit. Because the cover is pieced together from bits of various photographs, I got to weigh in on the model herself, the uniform, the planes, the background, the fonts, etc. We tweaked her hair, changed the position of the planes, and things of that sort. It was fantastic to feel like I was part of the process, though the cover designer and the good folks at Lake Union are far better at design than I am! I think the end result is spectacular, if I do say so myself.
F: What's a typical day like for you? Is it easy or a challenge to make time for writing?
A: I am the mother of two small children, so I'm not sure if any day really qualifies as "typical". Right now I get to write for about 6 hours Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with a little smattering of time on Tuesdays. That includes drafting new projects, editing, and promotion. I'd love to have 8-9 hours 5 days a week to write, but what I have is pretty great. Next school year I'll get Tuesdays and Fridays back, though I'll get probably more like 5.5 hours a day, but the consecutive writing days will be wonderful for momentum. The secret is to be focused on what I'm doing when I'm working on it. It's easy to waste a lot of time wishing I was writing when I'm doing the dishes or worrying about the kids when I'm writing, but if I am present where i am, all those things get more attention in the long run.
F: Are you working on another project now? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
A: Yes! I am finishing up the first draft of another historical, GIRLS ON THE LINE. It has to do with the women who were telephone operators in France during the first world war, and it has been such a joy to write. I can't wait for you all to meet Ruby!!!
If you'd like to know more about Aimie, check out her website, here: http://www.aimiekrunyan.com/
Creatures of the Night and NaNoWriMo
They creep out of the shadows at twilight, looking to eat living creatures. Little grunting noises of pleasure escape them as their sharp teeth sink into soft, slimy flesh.
They're adorable little creatures, and I'm grateful for their presence. But as National Novel Writing Month begins, the cute little Hedgehogs that have been devouring the slugs and snails in my garden on summer nights, will now go into hibernation.
All autumn, these little balls of prickly fur have been feasting on as much grub as they can gobble—beetles, worms, roly-polies, maybe a fallen blackberry or two—before their long winter nap. During that deep sleep, their heart rate will slow, their body temperature lowers, and by March when they wake up, they'll have lost twenty to forty percent of their body weight.
Before the winter wind and rain comes, they're scurrying along hedgerows, gathering leaves and moss to insulate their nests. Sometimes I leave lint from the dryer under the hedgerow for them. Unlike bird nests, which are built in the spring to house eggs and babies, a hedgehog's nest is a cozy, solitary winter home.
When they wake up, in spring, the hedgehogs will be ravenous for my garden slugs again. They'll roam far and wide, sleeping around in every sense of the word, so they can make baby hedgehogs. They have a happy-go-lucky nature, and you have to admire their approach to life. When faced with a threat, they simply roll up into a ball.
However, hedgehogs are not native to Ireland. It's believed they were brought into this country from England or Wales in the 13th century, probably by monks for their massive, enclosed gardens. Monasteries had kitchen gardens and cloister gardens which had to grow enough food to feed a lot of people. Since hedgehogs can eat copious quantities of plant-eating bugs, they would have been most welcome additions to monastic life.
I think of myself as a bit like a hedgehog during November. The tour industry grinds to a near-halt, and I snuggle up inside, hibernating with a new manuscript. Now, if only I could manage to shed twenty percent of my body weight at the same time . . .
Nobles of the Wood
It's autumn, and trees and hedges up and down Ireland are laden with fruits and nuts.
Hazel nuts are part of the wild autumn abundance offering us a way to bond with the bounty of nature. The trees have grown here since the end of the last ice age, blanketing wild woodlands. Their nuts were nutritious, woody pellets of energy for Mesolithic gatherers. These days, they're the favourite food for badgers, foxes, mice, squirrels, and I like 'em too! Especially in chocolate. Hazel nuts contain more protein by weight than fish.
Hazel woods are magical places, with silvery bark and leaves that let through a lot of dancing sunlight. On a previous autumn, I went into a hazel wood to gather nuts with a friend. It was not far off a paved road, but very much a forgotten corner where nature was left to itself. A noisy brook cascaded nearby and prickly branches snagged my hair. My friend said that was the faeries teasing, and tempting me to stay in the wood.
Hazel trees have multiple thin rods which grow long and straight, used for ancient homes and wickerwork, they were also used as divining rods to find water or mineral veins or energy. Traditionally, Hazel has been regarded as the tree of knowledge in all Celtic countries, with legends and stories revolving around eating hazel nuts, the ultimate receptacles of wisdom.
In the old Brehon laws, the oldest European example of a sophisticated legal system, Hazel Trees were one of the Airig Fedo, or 'Nobles of the Wood.' Even though it's small the Hazel was valued for all it gave, and thus was given great protection. In Old Ireland, you would be fined two milk cows (a hefty payment) if you damaged a hazel tree. If you cut one down, the punishment could be death.
I challenge everyone to venerate the old trees, as our ancestors did. Here's a list of the mighty noble clan (in both English and Irish):
Daur – Oak
Coll – Hazel
Cuilenn – Holly
Ibar – Yew
Uinnius – Ash
Ochtach – Scots Pine
Aball – Wild Apple
And while you're here, let the lovely 'Woodbrook' by Micheal O'Suilleabhean take you on a walk through the autumn wood:
Switzerland & Ireland Merge in The Falcon Strikes
My friend, Gabrielle Mathieu, makes her home in Switzerland, but not too long ago she visited me (and the west of Ireland) to research her latest novel, THE FALCON STRIKES. The story, set in Ireland in 1958, is part of a historical fantasy series.
Traumatized by hallucinogenic voyages to the world of the dead, Peppa Mueller would like nothing more than to spend a quiet life together with the man she loves. But she doesn't trust herself--or her powerful falcon totem. So she hunts.
Peppa's search for weapons dealer Sylvia de Pena takes her from a terrifying encounter in Dublin's finest hotel, to a wretched hovel on the outskirts of Galway, to a smoky pub that doubles as a secret meeting place for the IRA.
Will she be able to set things right? Or will she die trying?
Gabrielle loves traveling to new places. Here, she chats a bit about how her journeys have influenced her writing:
"I think of myself as a traveling bard, and so there's a lot of motion in my series. My heroine Peppa has been described as always running away from something, or to something. Not for me, the claustrophobic stage of a family drama, coy mysteries set in damp British villages, or poignant literary novels about quiet suffering. There's a roaming peripatetic quality to my writing, combined with a curiousity about how societies work—under what common agreements they thrive. And then of course there is my fascination with those excluded by the social contract, forced to seek validation elsewhere. In THE FALCON STRIKES that's the character of orphaned chemistry nerd Peppa. Then there's her falcon totem, a magical guardian that makes life even more challenging.
I returned to Europe myself seven years ago, starting over in a small town in Switzerland, after an absence of more than forty years. Our last home had been the chillin' metropolis of Austin, Texas, an oasis of Mexican martinis and liberal politics in a red sea of Budweiser. I rediscovered old crushes at idiosyncratic coffee shops and lost new "best friends "as soon as the shine was off. I felt at once charismatic and inadequate, compelling and bewildered, weighed down with ennui and then, unreasonably excited.
Switzerland is a land of few and quiet dramas in comparison to the USA, which was certainly helpful for parking myself behind a desk most evenings and actually writing, as opposed to going out for chips and novel drinks someplace entertaining and colorful. As in most of Europe, the smaller towns are a mixture of older and newer neighborhoods. The old houses were built to last, and they still line the streets where I live, reminding me of the past days of this conservative society.
I wanted to somehow connect my heroine Peppa to an actual Swiss hero of science, pharmacologist Albert Hoffman, who just recently passed away, having lived to be over a hundred despite his experimentation with LSD. Albert, named Alex in my novel, is Peppa's guide to the mysteries of the botanical poison that awakens her protective falcon totem.
What easier way to connect them, than to make Peppa Swiss, with an Irish mother. Once I hit on this contrivance, I was off to the alps of the Appenzell, searching for a quaint village to host the moonlight massacre that kicks off the first novel in the series, A FALCON FLIES ALONE. A walk along the beautiful promenade of the Rhine river in Basel helped me visualize Peppa's comfortable childhood home, before her father's ambition and guilt take them abroad to Boston and Harvard. A research visit to Munich helped solidify my gentlemanly villain's sophisticated tastes. A professor of anthropology, Ludwig lives in a lemon-colored villa adorned by cherubs, where he eats entrails for dinner, and conducts sinister experiments in the cellar.
Having had so much fun traveling to research my first book, I decided to look further abroad for the setting of THE FALCON STRIKES. With a prematurely deceased Irish mother, the stage was set for the introduction of "the old wagon," Peppa's grumpy grandmother, who lives in a castle near Galway. Peppa travels to Ireland with the sole intention of stopping the sale of the botanical poison as a terrorist weapon. Irish politics quickly prove to be too complicated, and she takes refuge with her grandmother, at the fictional Brandford Castle, loosely based on Cong's Ashford Castle. Fiona Claire took us sightseeing, and helped me brainstorm. I found myriad approaches to the castle, which would enable Peppa to sneak up on the paramilitaries who invade the castle. Galway's bookstore had the perfect book "Galway City: Snapshots through Time", which helped me visualize the boarding house and pubs where Peppa spends her time as she tries to infiltrate an IRA splinter group. A visit to Belfast completed the research; luckily, unlike Peppa, I didn't have to travel on the Go Quickly, the German moped that she rides all the way back to Galway in her desperation to escape a sadistic Scottish detective. My setting was perfected; my grasp of history and various political factions is still evolving. I've posted some thoughts.
The third book, THE FALCON SOARS, set in India, Nepal, and Tibet, will be published in 2018. Our unforgettable trip to Annapurna Base Camp is documented on my blog.
Since my upcoming new epic fantasy series takes places on the continent of Heartland, in a country called Trea, I'll have a real traveling challenge ahead. I'll have to close my eyes, put on some downtempo electronica, and use my brain as the vehicle.
Cheaper, though more of a challenge to blog about.
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Another poll has shown surging disapproval in French President Emmanuel Macron.
The pro-EU Leader, who recently attacked Brexit (promoted by Remoaners), polled a dire 71% disapproval rating with Odoxa earlier this month.
And now another firm, OpinionWay, have 70% of French voters disapproving of Macron's performance in office. That's up 8% in one month!
The wannabe Brussels main man is now so unpopular in France that his Presidential approval ratings are lower than Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy at the same point into their presidencies.
Perhaps Macron should spend less time lecturing Britain about Brexit, and more time getting his own house in order?


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Home News Xiaomi X1 renders reveal bezel-less display and dual camera setup
Xiaomi X1 renders reveal bezel-less display and dual camera setup
The Chinese multinational smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has already won our hearts by its amazing and efficient smartphones in a very few years. The phones of Xiaomi offers high-end camera and an amazing Android based operating system called the MIUI. The company always amaze with its configurations in reasonable price.
It is being rumored that after Samsung, Xiaomi is also planning to launch a smartphone with a full screen display. Today afternoon we got some amazing leaks about Xiaomi's latest smartphone, the Xiaomi X1. The phone is expected to be launched officially in December this year. But due to the popularity of Xiaomi, we are already getting the leaks and rumors about this phone.
The pictures and leaks are first seen on Weibo, a Chinese micro blogging website by a leakster Kumato technology. As per the reports, the phone will come in two variants: one with a regular display and the other one is said to feature a near bezel-less display. This phone will be among the first phones with full screen made by Xiaomi.
According to the leaks, the Xiaomi X1 has a large 5.5-inch Full HD display with a reslution of 2160 x 1080 pixels. The phone has simple and stylish curved display. It is said to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. The device is expected to sport a dual camera setup on the back with Sony IMX362 or IMX386 sensor.
As per the images, the device seems to have a matte finish with antenna bands running over the top edge. The volume buttons as well as the power button are present on the left side of the device which can be easily operated with right hand. The phone has a fingerprint sensor located on the back.
It is also being stated in the leaks that the phone with regular display will come in two variants: first one is powered with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage with expected price of $293 to $339 approx and the second one is powered with 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage with expected price of $368 to $412 approx.
The phone with near bezel-less display will have 6GB RAM with two storage variants of 64GB version with a price tag of $339 and 128GB version with a price tag of $412. The color availability and other details are not mentioned in the leaks. It is expected to have few more leaks regarding this phone before its launch.
Stay tuned for more tech updates!
Xiaomi X1
Xiaomi X1 specifications
Xiaomi X1 specs
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Independent Music with an International Focus
Tag: country
Video by William Ruben Helms Dec 15, 202014:40 December 15, 2020
Live Footage: S.G. Goodman Performs "The Way I Talk" Live
Tennessee-born, Murray, KY-based singer/songwriter and guitarist S.G. Goodman was born and raised in a strict, church-going family of row crop farmers, near the Mississippi River. Eventually she went from singing and playing in her local church three times a week to becoming a prominent member of hometown's art and music scene, as well as an impassioned voice and presence in the sociopolitical movements she supports.
Goodman's Jim James-produced full-length debut Old Time Feeling was released through Verve Forecast Records earlier this year. Recorded at Louisville, KY-based La La Land Studio, because it featured three of Goodman's favorite things — "a creek, a big porch and a kitchen" — the Old Time Feeling sessions were imbued with a down home, familial and community touch: in between the album's recording. the Murray-based singer/songwriter cooked meals for the studio staff and for her backing band, which features her lifelong friends Matthew David Rowan (guitar) and S. Knox Montgomery (drums.)
The album's songs are a brutally honest and loving look at the complexities of rural Southern life that debunks rural stereotypes while drawing from Goodman's personal experiences as an openly gay woman with OCD in a deeply religious community. Thematically, the album touches upon estrangement, reconciliation and loving your family and community despite the fact that you might completely disagree with them on political and social issues.
Old Time Feeling's first single "The Way I Talk" is a slow-burning and sultry country-tinged blues centered around a sinuous bass line, shimmering guitars, explosive peals of feedback, dramatic and forceful drumming and Goodman's plaintive, Western Kentucky drawl. And much like "Coal Miner's Daughter," which "The Way I Talk" subtly references, the song is brutally honest look at the plight of the rural working class and rural poor — in particular, the rural farming community she still lives in.
"The song is inspired by the plight of the farming community in Kentucky where I grew up, where big business and the laws that protect them have vast control over my community," Goodman told The Fader earlier this year. "It is a scary thing calling into question the very thing that put food on my table and is putting food on my niece's table (she plays the little girl in the official video, also released earlier this year). Isn't that the case for every person working a factory line who is afraid to unionize? Or a fast food employee afraid to take sick leave to care for her kid? We are all expected to be thankful, not question, and shut our mouths."
Goodman recently released a live video version of "The Way I Talk" and added some additional comments upon its release: "It is easy to cast judgement on a place you don't truly understand, on a place whose people have remained exploited. Our food reflects that exploitation, our health, and the way we make our living. I have chosen to remain in the south. I was born in Tennessee and raised right across the state line in Kentucky."
"Like many people living in the south, my ethics and beliefs do not align with my neighbors, and at many times those sitting across the table from me, but there are those who remain here who are working to bring change. There are people here who are breaking generational cycles. Those are the stories that matter to me, those are the stories that I strive to tell. "
New Audio by William Ruben Helms Oct 12, 202009:00 October 12, 2020
New Audio: JOVM Mainstay Yola Releases an Uplifting Tune for Young Black Women
With the release of her critically applauded, Dan Auerbach-produced full-length debut, last year's Walk Through Fire, the Bristol, UK-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter, guitarist and JOVM mainstay Yola had a highlight-filled, breakthrough year. Some of those major highlights included:
playing a breakout performance at SXSW
making her New York debut at Rockwood Music Hall
playing a live session for YouTube at YouTube Space New York
opening for a list of acclaimed artists including Kacey Musgraves, Lake Street Dive and Andrew Bird on a select series of US tour dates that featured stops at Newport Folk Festival, Hollywood Bowl, Austin City Limits Festival, Lincoln Center Out of Doors
making her nationally televised debut on CBS This Morning: Saturday Sessions
receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Artist, along with fellow JOVM mainstays The Black Pumas.
making her late night national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
releasing a soulful cover of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," that's not only a staple of her live sets — but caught the attention of Sir Elton John himself, who praised the rapidly rising artist and her cover.
The British-born JOVM mainstay had hopes to build upon the incredibly momentum of 2019 with a handful of opportunities that many artists across the world would probably kill someone for: Earlier this year, it was announced that she was preparing to play blues and rock 'n' roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann's musical drama Elvis alongside Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Presley's mother. Unfortunately, the film wound up being delayed as a result of pandemic-related shutdowns- and infamously, Tom Hanks contracting COVID-19 while filming in Australia.
The Bristol-born, Nashville-based JOVM mainstay finished her first Stateside headlining tour, which included a Music Hall of Williamsburg show in February, right before pandemic-related shutdowns put the entire known world on pause. In between filming, she was supposed to play a series of dates opening for country superstar Chris Stapleton and Grammy Award-winning acts The Black Keys and Brandi Carlile — with one of those shows being at Madison Square Garden. The best laid plans of mice and men, indeed.
In the meantime, Yola has made her rounds across the domestic, late night television show circuit: Earlier this year she performed, album bonus track "I Don't Want to Lie" on The Late Late Show with James Corden — and recently, Yola was on Late Night with Seth Meyers with a soulful, gospel-tinged cover of Nina Simone's classic and beloved "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" filmed at The Ryman Auditorium.
Her latest single, the Dave Cobb-produced "Hold On" is the first bit of original material from the JOVM mainstay since the release of Walk Through Fire and the track features an All-Star cast backing her including The Highwomen bandmates Brandi Carlile (backing vocals) and Natalie Hemby (backing vocals), Sheryl Crow (piano) and Jason Isbell (guitar). The Yola penned song was recorded during The Highwomen self-titled debut sessions at RCA Studio A — and the track is an uplifting, gospel-tinged track with a warm yet spacious country soul arrangement and that incredibly soulful powerhouse vocal range. The sister can flat out sang, as they say. And along with the aforementioned cover of "To Be Young Gifted and Black," "Hold On" comes from a rather personal, lived in place.
Inspired by many of the conversations and lessons Yola's mother gave her about the racism, colorism and systemic unconscious bias she would later experience as a woman, the song finds its narrator imploring the listener — young, Black women, in particular — to be brash and bold, to stand up and take up place, and to to show the entire world that being young, gifted and black is where it's at, as Nina once sang. Fuck yes, to all of this — and all the goddamn time, too.
"'Hold On' is a conversation between me and the next generation of young black girls," Yola explains. "My mother's advice would always stress caution, that all that glitters isn't gold, and that my black female role models on TV are probably having a hard time. She warned me that I should rethink my calling to be a writer and a singer…. but to me that was all the more reason I should take up this space. 'Hold On' is asking the next gen to take up space, to be visible and to show what it looks to be young, gifted and black."
A proportion of the profiles from sales of the track will be donated to MusicCares and National Bailout Collective. She also launched an accompanying line of merch with a proportion of proceeds from those sales also benefiting the same organizations. Check out the following:
https://www,iamyola.com/store
Video by William Ruben Helms Aug 14, 202017:10 August 14, 2020
New Video: Acclaimed Swedish Folk Duo First Aid Kit Tackle a Beloved Willie Nelson Classic
Acclaimed Stockholm-based sibling folk duo First Aid Kit — Klara and Johanna Söderberg can trace the origins of their career to growing up in a rather creative household — their father was a member of the Swedish pop rock act Lolita Pop and their mother taught cinematography. As children the Söderberg Sisters loved performing, often giving concerts using a jump rope as a pretend microphone. Klara wrote her fist song when she was six.
When Klara was 12, a friend introduced there to Bright Eyes and it led her to Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. That same year, she received a guitar as a Christmas present and quickly learned to play it.
Johanna Söderberg grew up listening to a wide range of music including Britney Spears and German techno; however, watching O Brother, Where Art Thou and listening to the film's soundtrack changed her life: both the film and the soundtrack inspired her to sing "Down in the River to Pray" with her sister. Fascinated and impressed by how they sounded together, they started to get more serious, eventually busking in the Stockholm metro and in front of liquor stores.
As the story goes, Klara came up with the band name when she was 13. She was looking through a dictionary and found the term "first aid kit," and thought it best descried what she wanted her music to be. As they were getting more serious about being a band, the Söderberg Sisters began writing their own original material inspired by Devendra Banhart, CocoRosie and others.
In 2008, they began to receive attention across the blogosphere for their cover of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song." And since 2008, the Söderberg Sisters have managed to receive international acclaim — they've been nominated for two Brit Awards for Best International Group while releasing four critically applauded albums, four EPs which include 2018's Ruins and Tender Offerings EP, as well as a number of singles and covers.
Recorded close to a decade ago and unreleased until recently, the acclaimed Swedish duo recorded a straightforward yet gorgeous cover of Willie Nelson's beloved
"On The Road Again." And while marking the first bit of material from the duo since the release of the aforementioned Ruins and Tender Offerings, their latest single adds to a growing list of covers. But more important, proceeds from the single will be donated to Crew Nation, a charitable fund created by Live Nation to help those working backstage, who have lost work this year as a result of pandemic-related lockdowns and quarantines. Of course, interestingly enough, because of the lockdowns and quarantines, Nelson's classic feels more relevant and hits much deeper and differently than ever before. I'm longing for live shows, travel and adventures; of the new friends I'd meet; of the new food I'd have; the new things I'd see and know.
As we speak, I think of being with some newfound friends in Montreal and how we passed along a bottle of beer while we were walking from dinner to a showcase; of an older woman crowd surfing during Corridor's set at Le National; of chatting with a group of incredibly Midwestern women in between sets at The Wood Brothers and Nicki Bluhm at The Vic Theatre; of randomly running into a new festival friend in an airport bar and cheering to our safe travels home; and of so many more things I can't do and miss so much. The video adds to that dull and constant ache I feel lately — but while capturing the Söderberg Sisters (who are absolutely adorable, by the way), their backing band and crew goofing off on the road, playing in front of enraptured fans and more.
"We're excited to release our version of 'On The Road Again' by Willie Nelson. We recorded this cover a couple of years ago and recently found it while digging through the archives," the Söderberg Sisters explain in a statement. "The song is a country classic, it feels like we've known it forever. Because of the situation with COVID, sadly, the theme of the song has never felt more relevant than it does today.
We made a video for the song using cellphone footage from our tours throughout the years. Going through all those videos made us emotional. It made us realize how much we appreciate being able to roam freely around the world. How much we love the feeling of playing live for people, in the flesh. How much we miss our incredible band and crew.
All the proceeds from the streaming of the song will go to Crew Nation. So much of the magic happens behind the stage. It's easily taken for granted, but without our touring and venue crew live music wouldn't be possible. It's important that we help them out right now.
Oh, how we wish we could get back on the road again! Hopefully we'll see you down the road sometime soon."
singer/songwriters by William Ruben Helms Jun 6, 202018:25 June 6, 2020
Live Concert Photography: Blind Boys of Alabama with Amy Black at City Winery 11/29/18
Video by William Ruben Helms May 20, 202019:00 May 20, 2020
New Video: Behind-the-Scenes with S.G. Goodman for "Old-Time Feeling"
If you've been frequenting this site over the past few months, I've managed to write a quite a bit about the rapidly rising Murray, KY-born and based singer/songwriter, S.G. Goodman. Born and raised near the Mississippi to a strict, church-going family of row crop farmers, Goodman went from singing and playing in church three times a week to becoming a prominent member of Murray's DIY arts and music scene, as well as an impassioned voice and presence in the political and social movements she supports.
Initially slated for a May 29, 2020 release through Verve Forecast Records, Goodman's im James-produced full-length debut Old Time Feeling has been rescheduled for a July 17, 2020 release as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recorded at Louisville, KY-based La La Land Studio. which was specifically chosen by Goodman because it possessed her three favorite things — "a creek, a big porch and a kitchen" — the sessions were imbued with a familial and communal touch: Goodman cooked meals for the studio crew and her backing band, which includes lifelong friends Matthew David Rowan (guitar) and S. Knox Montgomery (drums).
Reportedly, the album's material is a brutally honest, complex and deeply loving look at rural Southern life that debunks rural stereotypes while drawing from her own experiences as a gay woman and artist in a rural and deeply religious Southern community. Interestingly, the album also touches up on living with OCD, estrangement, reconciliation and loving your family and community although you might disagree with them on political and social issues.
Earlier this year, (which seems like a lifetime ago), I caught Goodman play her first New York Metropolitan area show at Communion at Rockwood Music Hall, and the set found Goodman and her band crafting a sound that meshed elements of old-school country, folk, Delta Blues and rockabilly centered around Goodman's aching Kentuckian twang. Now, as you may recall I've written about the album's two previously released singles. The slow-burning, country blues-like "The Way I Talk," a brutally honest look at the plight and concerns of the rural farming community she has spent her life in. Much like every aspect of our daily lives, big business and their interests have acted in concert with politicians to exploit and destroy the lives, well-being and environment of everything and everyone within their path. And as a result, the song seethes with anger and defiant pride. The album's second single was the sparse and atmospheric "Red Bird Morning," a haunting song song that evokes tear-streaked and lonely drives across unending blacktop, torturing yourself by replaying the messiness of your life from 126 different angles.
Old Time Feeling's third and latest single, album title track "Old Time Feeling" is the album's most rollicking and freewheeling track, as it draws from influences like rockabilly, early rock 'n' roll and Sun Records-era country. And while centered around an an anachronistic sound, the song seethes with the modern day frustration and desperation of the working (and barely getting by) poor. But it also subtly points out that we all live in a system that's insane and sick — and has caused unnecessary hurt and poverty, just to keep a handful of people stay rich.
Directed by Brandon Boyd, the recently released video for "Old Time Feeling" continues Goodman's ongoing visual collaboration with the director. Featuring intimate, behind-the-scene footage of Goodman, her band, Jim James and the rest of the studio crew during the Old Time Feeling sessions, the video is an intimate look into the creative process — while reminding us that traditional recording and creation will be at a standstill until we can get a handle on COVID-19.
New Audio by William Ruben Helms May 19, 202002:45 May 19, 2020
New Audio: Emerging Singer-Songwriter Anne Freeman Releases a Shimmering and Radio Friendly New Single
Anne Freeman is an emerging indie-folk singer/songwriter and guitarist, who grew up in Mississippi Delta, not far from Bobbie Gentry's hometown of Woodland, MS. Although she's starting out in her career, Freeman has already played festivals across Mississippi and has appeared on Mississippi Public Radio — and praise from American Songwriter. The emerging artist caught the attention of Fat Possum's Graham Hamaker, who signed her to his label Muscle Beach.
Building upon the growing buzz surrounding her, Freeman's latest single, the Matt Ross-Sprang-mixed "Days Go By" is a shimmering and hook-driven song that sounds like a slick synthesis of Nashville and Muscle Shoals, while possessing a radio friendly studio polish. Interestingly, the song as Freeman explains "is about struggling to cut ties with a toxic friend but constantly getting lured back in. Everyone has someone or something in their live that makes them feel incredible for aw nile, but eventually leads them down a dark path."
Video by William Ruben Helms Apr 23, 202009:30 April 23, 2020
New Video: S.G. Goodman Releases a Brooding and Forlorn Visual for Haunting and Sparse "Red Bird Morning"
Over the past couple of months, I've written a bit about the rising Murray, KY-born and based singer/songwriter, S.G. Goodman. Born and raised in a strict, church-going family of row crop farmers, near the Mississippi River, Goodman went from singing and playing in church three times a week to becoming a prominent member of Murray's DIY arts and music scene, as well as an impassioned voice and presence in the political and social movements she supports.
Slated for a May 29, 2020 release through Verve Forecast Records, Goodman's Jim James-produced full-length debut Old Time Feeling was recorded at Feeling is slated for a May 29, 2020 release through Verve Forecast Records. Recorded at Louisville, KY-based La La Land Studio. which was specifically chosen by Goodman because it possessed her three favorite things — "a creek, a big porch and a kitchen." The sessions were imbued with a familial and communal touch: Goodman cooked meals for the studio crew and her backing band, which includes lifelong friends Matthew David Rowan (guitar) and S. Knox Montgomery (drums).
Reportedly, the album's material is a brutally honest, loving and complex look at rural Southern life that debunks rural stereotypes while drawing from her own experiences as a gay woman and artist in a rural and deeply religious Southern community. Interestingly, the album also touches up on living with OCD, estrangement, reconciliation and loving your family and community although you might disagree with them on political and social issues. Now, as you may recall, I caught the rising Kentuckian play her first New York Metropolitan area set at Communion at Rockwood Music Hall, and the set revealed that album finds Goodman and her backing band crafting a sound that meshes elements of old-school country, folk, Delta blues and rockabilly paired with Goodman's aching Patsy Cline-like vocals.
"The Way I Talk," Old Time Feeling's slow-burning, country-tinged blues-like first single subtly nodded at "Coal Miner's Daughter" — in the sense that it's a brutally honest look at the plight and concerns of the rural farming community she grew up in. Much like every aspect of our flies, big business interests have acted in concert with politicians to exploit and destroy the lives and well-being of everyone within their path, leaving the poor to fight the poor for limited resources and options. And as a result, the song seethes with anger and defiant pride. Centered around a sparse arrangement of strummed guitar, atmospheric electric guitar and Goodman's aching vocals, "Red Bird Morning," Old Time Feeling's second and latest single is a haunting and forlorn song, full of regret, loneliness and of heartbreak fueled departures. The song evokes tear-streaked drives, endless blacktop and hours of your own thoughts, replaying everything that's just happened from 126 different directions.
Inspired by Goodman's experience of volunteering at the Standing Rock protests, the song tells the story of her journey to the camp and the failed relationship she was leaving behind. "At a time when I was going through the wrong turns my failed relationship had taken, my mind was brought back to the roads that led me to Cannon Ball, North Dakota," Goodman explains in press notes. "Through the imagery of that voyage, I was able to capture the feeling of a different forlorn journey. The Standing Rock Protest was a prayer protest, and upon arriving at the camp, my job was to help thaw out wood for the sacred fire. I remember being prayed over, and praying in my own way for the first time in years. The experience was transformative not only by joining others in a valid cause, but in what it sparked in my personal spiritual life."
The recently released video for "Red Bird Morning" was shot on an iPhone by Goodman and her friend Tim Johns, after the original shoot was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmed a few days before stay at home orders were issued, the black and white video is shot in black and white and includes footage of bleak and empty landscapes, and in and around Goodman's Kentucky home. And employ an interesting use of light and darkness, the video emphasizes the stark loneliness and aching regret at the core of the song.
"It's funny how the universe can have a heavy hand in making what was meant to be, happen," Goodman says of the video. "In the same way the track itself, which is actually a demo, is bare and to the point, piecing together footage that fit the soundscape of the song became just another exercise of 'less is often what is called for.'"
Live Music by William Ruben Helms Apr 13, 202015:20
Live Concert Photography: Steve 'N' Seagulls with ClusterPluck at The Knitting Factory 9/18/19
New Audio by William Ruben Helms Apr 12, 202023:21 April 14, 2020
I'm having a major technical issue which has screwed up my own editorial schedule — but we'll make do with what we can. Technology can be a real asshole y'all. So let's get to it: Starting his career as a member of Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor is a Toronto-based singer/songwriter, whose sound meshes country, 70s AM rock and folkas you'll hear on his latest single, the tightly crafted honky tonk-like track "The Ridge."
Interestingly, the track finds Taylor, an indigenous person of color reflecting on what life was back during his grandparents day in Maple Ridge, BC and his own experience as an indigenous person of color in a primarily white world. As a Black American man, the song evokes things I've felt personally — as though I'm not completely accepted anywhere.
Video by William Ruben Helms Mar 4, 202019:15 March 4, 2020
New Video: S.G. Goodman's Intimate and Cinematic Look at Southern Rural Life
S.G. Goodman is a rising Murray, KY-born and based singer/songwriter. Born and raised in a strict, church-going family of row crop farmers, near the Mississippi River, Goodman went from singing and playing in church three times a week to becoming a prominent member of Murray's DIY arts and music scene, as well as an impassioned voice and presence in the political and social movements she supports.
Her forthcoming Jim James-produced full-length debut Old Time Feeling is slated for a May 29, 2020 release through Verve Forecast Records. Recorded at Louisville, KY-based La La Land Studio. which was specifically chosen by Goodman because it possessed her three favorite things — "a creek, a big porch and a kitchen," the Old Time Feeling sessions were imbued with a familial and community touch: the Murray-born and-based singer/songwriter and guitarist cooked meals for the studio crew and her backing band, which includes her lifelong friends Matthew David Rowan (guitar) and S. Knox Montgomery (drums). The album is reportedly a brutally honest, complex and loving look at rural Southern life that debunks rural stereotypes while while thematically drawing from her own personal experiences as a gay woman in a rural and deeply religious Southern community and touches upon living with OCD, estrangement, reconciliation and loving your family and community although you might disagree with them on political and social issues. And from her Rockwood Music Hall, Communion set last month, the album's material is a slick and seamless synthesis of old-school country, Delta blues and rockabilly centered around Goodman's aching Patsy Cline-like vocals.
Old Time Feeling's first single "The Way I Talk" is a slow-burning and sultry country-tinged blues centered around a sinuous bass line, shimmering guitars, explosive peals of feedback, dramatic and forceful drumming and Goodman's plaintive, Western Kentucky drawl. Much like "Coal Miner's Daughter," which "The Way I Talk" subtly references, the song is brutally honest look at the plight of the rural working class — in particular, the rural farming community she grew up: indeed, much like every other aspect of our lives, big business in concert with politicians have managed to exploit and destroy the lives and well-being of everything within their path, leaving the poor to fight the poor for limited resources and options. And while, the song is seethes with anger, there's also defiant pride — in the fruits of hard and honest labor, of owning a piece of land and being able to pass it down to family, and so on.
"The song is inspired by the plight of the farming community in Kentucky where I grew up, where big business and the laws that protect them have vast control over my community," Goodman told The Fader. "It is a scary thing calling into question the very thing that put food on my table and is putting food on my niece's table (she plays the little girl in the video). Isn't that the case for every person working a factory line who is afraid to unionize? Or a fast food employee afraid to take sick leave to care for her kid? We are all expected to be thankful, not question, and shut our mouths."
Directed by Brandon Boyd, the recently released video for "The Way I Talk" is a cinematic and intimate look at rural Southern life that follows Goodman and her family through a day in their lives: while they tend to the little ones, there's a sense that the adults recognize that their way of life is rapidly becoming unsustainable and will disappear, no matter how hard they fight.
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1) Is there a complete listing of all lua scripting functions used in the game. Can such a list be added to the manual??
2) Does the game use standard lua functions,ie can I set up a "if>then>else" loop and test for a condition or value in the lua scripting in the event editor ???


text:
Elizabeth Warren's allies claim news-media 'erasure' as they seek to reignite campaign
Feb. 18, 2020 at 1:13 pm Updated Feb. 18, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Astead W. Herndon
RENO, Nev. — A bad month for Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts keeps getting worse. She finished in a respectable third place in the Iowa caucuses, but a results-tallying meltdown muddled what could have been a good evening. New Hampshire was better at logistics but worse for her candidacy, considering she ended up closer to candidates who dropped out after the primary than those who finished on top.
On Sunday, Warren had a cold so severe it threatened to sideline one of the country's most famous persisters.
"People told me, 'You have to cancel your day in Reno,'" Warren said, hoarse and barely audible. "I said, 'Reno has been left out of way too many conversations.'"
Warren and her team feel the same. She is not cratering or surging, neither the most likely to win nor at risk of immediately dropping out, a 40-degree day surrounded by candidates who are hot and cold. Her staff members and plenty of allies argue that as a result, she is being ignored by the news media and some voters during a pivotal moment in the primary, and she is at risk of becoming less relevant in the nominating process — something her campaign is now trying to reverse.
When her caucus-night speech in Iowa was cut off, her campaign aides complained privately to cable networks. When her speech after the New Hampshire primary was not carried live at all, they took their criticism public.
"Elizabeth hasn't been getting the same kind of media coverage as candidates she outperformed," read a recent fundraising email to supporters. "We can't count on the media to cover our campaign fairly, so we're taking our case directly to voters."
If the campaign is trying to rally supporters at a time when Warren's candidacy hangs in the balance, it is also trying to move on from some recent political events: Her much-touted campaign organization did not show a dramatic payoff in the first two contests, and polling in Nevada, South Carolina and Super Tuesday states has shown little improvement among the black and Latino Democrats she once thought could spring her to the nomination.
Straining themselves to avoid criticizing the candidate or campaign, Warren's most loyal admirers are trying to reframe the New Hampshire outcome in the most flattering light possible: More than two dozen of them, in interviews at events throughout Nevada, argued her fourth-place finish was an aberration, not a blow to the campaign's core message that should force reflection or correction.
Few admitted disappointment in the outcome of the first two contests and a growing sense of pessimism about Warren's electoral prospects. But many of her die-hard backers, the true believers, have gone on the offensive, arguing that the only trouble she faces is that political observers are prematurely writing off the campaign.
At events in Nevada, backers rattled off talking points, highlighting polling that showed her with more support among nonwhite voters than Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana. They noted her large staff on the ground in states that vote on Super Tuesday. They criticized the "corporate media" in ways that echoed supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
"She's a female candidate, and the media hasn't taken her seriously," said Matt Newton, 46. "They give so much attention to the male candidates."
Pat Campbell-Cozzi, 76, said flatly: "New Hampshire doesn't matter. I know where she'll be after the final vote."
Heather McGhee, the former president of the progressive think tank Demos, said it was up to these grassroots supporters to reverse the direction of Warren's candidacy.
"Her supporters have been the ones to have her back and make that rallying cry," said McGhee, who is close to Warren's team.
"Even in New Hampshire, these voters are very fluid," she said. "Forty eight percent decided in the last two days, and that just means the race is very much up for grabs."
In some ways, this dynamic brings Warren's campaign back to where it started. When she announced her presidential run, she was considered a political figure in the shadow of Sanders on the left and fresher faces toward the center, such as former Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas and Sen. Kamala Harris of California.
Supporters would complain about her being ignored, as male candidates such as O'Rourke commanded major early attention. Questions loomed about whether Warren could raise enough money to keep her large organizing staff afloat.
Throughout the summer, she used policy to help set the tone of the race, shaping the early debates and leading other candidates to face questions about her proposals. But as voting has moved from a hypothetical to a reality, and the primary has stopped being a contest of ideas, Warren has struggled to adjust.
Fundraising concerns have returned, and the campaign has set a goal of raising $7 million before the Nevada caucuses. In a recent video, Warren told supporters: "I need to level with you: Our movement needs to raise critical funds so I can remain competitive in this race through Super Tuesday."
Warren ranks fourth among the Democratic presidential candidates in mentions on cable news, behind Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Buttigieg, according to the Internet Archive's Television News Archive.
She has frequently brushed off questions that ask her to reflect on her own media coverage, saying that she tries not to read stories about herself and her campaign.
Where you're most likely to catch COVID: New study highlights high-risk locations
McConnell: Black people vote at similar rates to 'Americans'
Much of nation isn't active enough — but WA residents are exception, CDC says
"Elizabeth is third in delegates, has over a million grass-roots donors, and is drawing thousands of people to her events," said Kristen Orthman, Warren's communications director. "The pundits have consistently been wrong about this primary and that's why it's important for people to organize for and support the candidate they believe in rather than the candidate the coverage says is on top."
On Monday, she showed no signs of the annoyance that has rankled her supporters, energetically pitching herself to union voters, hosting a town hall in Henderson, Nevada, and attending a Latino market.
Her schedule in Nevada includes events with actress Yvette Nicole Brown, former cabinet secretary Julián Castro, and Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico. More campaign staff members and surrogates have hit the television circuit in recent days, including black and Latino supporters who aim to serve as community validators for voters with whom Warren needs to develop trust.
Supporters and allies are doing their part to generate excitement, New Hampshire be damned. On Monday, which was Presidents Day, Warren's supporters helped make #PresidentWarren a national trending topic on Twitter.
Organizations that are supporting Warren have blasted out emails with subject lines like "Warren the Warrior Wonk Returns — and people LOVE it," sent after Warren criticized one of her favorite targets, Michael Bloomberg, the former New York mayor and a presidential rival.
In a move that cheered her supporters, Warren went after Bloomberg even more forcefully Tuesday, responding to the news that he had qualified for a Democratic debate for the first time.
"It's a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate," she tweeted. "But at least now primary voters curious about how each candidate will take on Donald Trump can get a live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire."
One undecided voter who attended Warren's event in Reno said her performance in New Hampshire had sent a troubling message, considering that the state shares a border with Massachusetts.
"It was concerning — do they know something I don't?" Kristin Ritenhouse, 49, said of New Hampshire voters. "Because my neighbors like me."
Jocelyn Waite, 66, a caucus captain who also attended the rally, recited the campaign email that was critical of press coverage almost word for word. Waite said the last week had taught her that "corporate media doesn't want" Warren to win.
"Aren't there supposed to be three tickets out of Iowa? She was third and that wasn't good enough," Waite said. "And then, in New Hampshire, third was good enough for Klobuchar."
Grievance can be a powerful motivator for political campaigns, bonding supporters against a common enemy, driving small-dollar donations and volunteers, and helping to create an organic network of support, particularly online and on social media.
President Donald Trump has, in the extreme, railed against the news media and other political enemies. Democratic candidates like Sanders and Biden have also tried to unite supporters through rhetoric that downplays the significance of traditional political gatekeepers, though they have never approached the president's tenor.
But the tactic can also be a sign of a campaign in decline. Supporters of Harris, O'Rourke, Castro and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York all criticized outside factors, such as media coverage and the debate rules set by the Democratic National Committee, before their favored candidates exited the race.
Martha Zimmerman and Natalie Buddiga, who attended Warren's rally in Reno, both said they felt she was being counted out the race too early. But they also admitted to a sense of despair that was quietly setting in.
"I just don't run into other Elizabeth Warren fans, and I'm always meeting these Bernie die-hards," said Buddiga, 25, who wore a shirt that read "The Future is Female."
Zimmerman, 29, a self-described voracious consumer of political media, said the past week had been difficult. While sexism cannot be separated from analysis of Warren's candidacy, she said, neither could the reality of her performance in New Hampshire.
In recent days, she considered changing her vote to Sanders, a candidate she felt had a better chance at the nomination.
She decided against it.
"We've got to stand with our girl," she said. "We have to persist like she would."
This story was originally published at nytimes.com. Read it here.


text:
Why People Abuse Drugs
The need to solve the "drug problem" has been a reoccurring theme of political and social commentary in the United States for most of the past decade. The increase in drug use has begun a serious investigation into its causes, a massive investment of efforts to contain it, and a mobilization of medical and par- medical resources to treat its victims. Why do people abuse drugs? Many people continually use drugs because they want a pleasurable change in their state of mind. This pleasurable change may range from a "mild" lift to an increased psychoactive effect. People use such drugs as alcohol and weed to gain a sense of well- being. A number of people start to experiment with drugs out of curiosity, for the thrill, as an expression of rebellion, or because their friends do it. On the other hand, others use drugs to escape depression or other personal problems. But regardless of why drug use began, large numbers of people continue the practice because they become dependent on a drug. A document from the Department of Health and Human Services says the use of drugs has declined dramatically since the 1970″s and 1980″s when drug use was at its peak level. The use of drugs has declined in the percentage of eighteenth, and twelfth graders who believed there was a "great risk" in trying drugs. But in 1994, the use of drugs increased and the Department of Health and Human Services stepped up to try to help our parents protect their children from the resurgence of drugs.The government is doing everything to let parents know about drug abuse, but it is ultimately up to the users. The Gov. cannot change children"s behavior or anybody else"s.In schools, there is even a bigger problem. The states have created an educational program against drug abuse for the public school system and some authorities claim that.
Me-Too Drugs VS Brand Drugs
Cost of Drugs
Prescribing Drugs
Ethical And Legal Implications Of Prescribing Drugs
Evaluate the practice of prescribing off-label drugs to children
Drugs Affecting the Cardiovascular and Renal Systems


As a Financial Advisor, Phil prefers equities to other investment vehicles because when you find a good story it will likely produce good returns for a long time. When looking for equity investment ideas, he employs extensive research and places a high value on those backed by good management. Phil looks for companies in well-positioned industries with proven history of results and a favorable earnings outlook. He networks both within and outside of the industry, cross-pollinating ideas to formulate unique investment strategies.
Phil opened the Sarasota office for Shields & Company, the predecessor firm to Wellington Shields & Co in 1991. Prior to that, he was a Branch Manager for Dupont, Glore, Forgan & Co. after working at Herzfeld & Stern for a number of years. Phil began his career at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith just prior to the "May break" in 1962 in their New York office, following Merrill's broker training program.
Phil wrote a market column for the NY Times regional newspaper group (East Coast) and prior to that for the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
He produced and anchored a cable TV program in 46 states called "Wall Street Today" for approximately three years.
Phil has varied interests including pastel art, sports, running, tennis, and biking.


This half-day tour starts at Abilio Bikes and aims to present the Ecovia and Ria Formosa Natural Park the various points of tourist interest between Tavira and Cacela Velha.
This route has a total distance of 30km, with an approximate duration of 4H and low difficulty.
The tour we head to the Eco-Way passing through Tavira and headed towards Cabanas de Tavira where we traversing the boulevard and move towards Cacela Velha.
Along the way we passed in the small village of Fábrica where the importance of this small village is explained and then we will cycle to Cacela Velha. Arriving at the destination point is made a presentation of the village where we will find the fortress and the mother church of the XVI century, the parish priest's house (tourist information center) and some restaurants with typical food.
On returning to Tavira presents the fortress of São João da Barra (Sec.XVII) and follow towards the salt pans of Tavira where we can appreciate the various stages of the production of salt, bird watching in their natural habitat and passage by fortress of the Mouse (Sec .XVI).
After leaving the salt pans we'll return to Tavira where we will visit the castle with the historical explanation for the defense of the territory between the XVI century and XVIII century.


text:
Q: WPF Markup.XamlReader.Load cannot set DependencyProperty I cannot open a .xaml file with custom namespace with Markup.XamlReader.Load method. I do like this:
stream = openFileDialog1.OpenFile();
System.Windows.Markup.ParserContext parserContext = new System.Windows.Markup.ParserContext();
parserContext.XmlnsDictionary.Add("", "http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation");
parserContext.XmlnsDictionary.Add("x", "http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml");
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I have the following DependencyProperty in an assembly;
namespace Extensions
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My problem is that I get a XamlParseException at XamlReader.Load method telling me this: Cannot set unknown member {clr-namespace=Extensions;assembly=Extensions}Name.
The "unkown member" in the .xaml file is set to a ModelVisual3D object like this:

All I can find about this error suggests me to do things I've alreade tried. Please help me!

A: You need to specify both class name and property name in XAML for attached properties. E.g.
<TextBox ex:Ext.Name="MyName"/>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


As we look forward to the 2016 Content Management Strategies/DITA North America conference in April, we devote time to identify industry trends. We ask managers, information architects, writers, training developers, and more how they are addressing the challenges of meeting customer information needs.
Dr. JoAnn Hackos, President of Comtech Services and Director of the Center for Information-Development Management (CIDM), and Mark Gross, President of DCL, walk us through the results of the 2016 Trends Survey, a study we have been conducting since 2012. With four years of data, we can trace the changes in how we think about developing and delivering content.
Join DCL and Comtech Services as we review the results of the 2016 survey and compare it with past results. Learn how information developers are coping with new customer demands for innovative approaches to development and delivery. Learn what tools teams are using and how they respond to technical innovations.
Mark Gross, President & CEO — founder of Data Conversion Laboratory, is a recognized authority on XML implementation and document conversion. President and CEO of DCL, Mark also serves as Project Executive, with overall responsibility for resource management and planning. Prior to founding DCL in 1981, Mark was with the consulting practice of Arthur Young & Co. Mark has a BS in Engineering from Columbia University and an MBA from New York University. He has also taught at the New York University Graduate School of Business, the New School, and Pace University. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of automated conversions to XML and SGML.


This group of elves/dwarves prefer to spend their time socializing, which makes them great bartenders, adventurers, and conversationalists. Since they are a jolly people because they know they don't belong most places, they find comforts in other things, like friends, ale, and sometimes settling down. They are extremely enthusiastic when it comes to finding one of their race, and love to party when festivals are availible. The question is, will you fight as one of them, or as an ally to this very interesting race.
So, because of the feedback, and realization that I had made a mistake, I have made the character races I have made with the screen shot pay what you want. I released something when it wasn't ready for release because I didn't have the art, and that it my fault. I treated this site more as a hobby rather than a business endeavor, and for that I am truly sorry. It is part of the job to release quality content, and with these two that have been released, that has not happened. From now onward you will only see content that is ready to be released.
Do you honestly think I'm going to pay $AUD3.50 for a phone screen shot then you have rocks in your head. I strongly suggest you go and look at the content presently up on the guild and reconsider what you have here!


Indiana Social Security disability payments can vary from one person to another. Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis is often asked what a person can expect from the first monthly disability payment his client may receive in the mail. Depending on what program you qualify for, the amounts can vary and the reason you get that particular amount can also vary. The criteria to establish the dollar amount for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits versus Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are very different. There are a few things you may want to consider when examining why you receive a particular dollar amount from these two different programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): With this program Social Security disability payments are based on an average of the earnings over the years that you worked. This program is funded through tax revenue you are paying as you work. Because individuals incomes can vary greatly, the calculated amount of a disability benefit check can vary greatly also. This calculation can be complex and to get an accurate amount it is recommended you contact your local Indiana Social Security office.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program does not require a person to pay through payroll taxes in order to qualify for benefits. It is more of a "need" based program. Your SSI payments are usually lower the more income you receive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider income as earned income, unearned income, in-kind income, and deemed income. Again, this program may seem complicated and relies on different formulas and it may be in your best interest to contact your local Social Security Administration office to receive accurate information.
Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends his clients to apply for both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program when applying for Indiana Social Security disability benefits. It may be beneficial to have concurrent claims because if for some reason an Indiana resident does not qualify for one program, they may qualify for the other. It is Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience that you should let the Indiana Social Security offices decide which program you are entitled to rather than trying to figure it out yourself.


text:
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 * @return {boolean}
 **/
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
BUBBLE-BOUND TEAMS HOPING FOR CHANCE
Eddie, SCS.com Staff Writer Contact Eddie
As children, it�s fun to play with bubbles.
But as children grow up and become college baseball players hoping for NCAA Tournament berths, playing with bubbles is about the last thing they want to do.
There�s less than a week to go until this spring's regional selections are made next Monday, and that means some bubbles are going to be bursting all around the country while others will slide their way into the '06 regional field.
Missing Traditions
A few of the names people are accustomed to seeing in the postseason are on shaky ground entering the final week before the big announcement.
Mississippi State (35-21, 12-17 SEC)
With the way the Bulldogs were performing midway through the season, it�d have been hard to see them being anywhere near this list at this point, but unfortunately they are. From 18-0, #1 in the country, and being the talk of college baseball to on the NCAA bubble. They had a chance to somewhat redeem themselves with a good finish in the SEC�s last two weekends, but instead finished 1-5 to miss the SEC Tournament by a half-game.
In their favor: History. In the past three seasons, teams from the SEC who missed the conference tournament received regional invites. The 2004 Bulldogs were one such team.
Against them: The facts. They lost seven of their last eight SEC series. They finished 11-17 in the second half of the season. A combination of pitching inconsistency, clutch hitting, and fielding woes doomed them in many close games.
Verdict: If there aren�t too many upsets in conference tournaments, MSU may well sneak into the field. If they do, and the right team shows up, they could be a darkhorse to make a run at Omaha.
Louisiana State (34-22, 13-17 SEC)
This year has not been a typical year in Tigerland. LSU started 2-7 in the SEC (they also had a poor start last year before roaring back to win the West title) and then won five of six conference series to pull near .500 with two weekends left. They dropped those final two series, but with MSU failing to do their job, LSU still backed into the SEC Tournament.
In their favor: A non-conference schedule featuring a three-game series with Houston, two games with archrival Tulane, three with A-Sun surprise North Florida, and three with Stetson. They also won conference series against the top two teams in the SEC West, Alabama and Arkansas.
Against them: Their RPI is below that of a few other teams. And while they took series from Alabama, Arkansas, and Houston, they also lost series at home to MSU, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina, along with road losses at Florida and Mississippi. Being swept in series against USC and UM doesn�t help much either.
Verdict: It�s hard to picture a postseason without LSU. If they make an early exit in the SEC Tournament, that could spell doom for the Tigers. But, if they can win at least one game, that might be enough to assure them a spot somewhere, though it won�t be at Alex Box for the first time in nearly two decades.
Stanford (29-23, 11-13 Pac-10)
A few weeks ago, Stanford was miles away from the bubble, sitting at 3-9 in the Pac-10 and closer to the cellar than an at-large bid. But, a 7-2 stretch, including a series win vs Arizona State and a sweep at Washington, threw the Cardinal into the picture.
In their favor: High RPI, tough schedule, and several quality non-conference wins. A sweep of Cal-State Fullerton to start the season was followed with series wins against Texas and Fresno State before a slide started that took them out of the polls and the regional picture.
Against them: They had a chance to finish at .500 in the Pac-10 with a series win at UCLA, but after taking the opener, they dropped the final two. Depending on what "Udub" does against "Wazzu" this weekend, the Cardinal may end up finishing sixth. At best, they�ll finish fifth, but will that be enough?
Verdict: Just like LSU has been a staple of the NCAA regionals in the past few decades, so has Stanford. If they can win their remaining three games (at Pacific, at/vs UC-Davis), that will put them at 32-23. With their solid stretch run and the above factors, the committee may well look favorably upon a team who, without a doubt, is one of the top 64 teams in the nation, but hasn�t exactly proven it consistently.
Unrest Out West
Murderous non-conference schedules, nasty records, and great pitching. That�s the story out West.
Long Beach State (29-24, 12-6 Big West)
Murderous non-conference schedule equals an overall record barely above .500.
In their favor: Said murderous non-conference schedule, featuring series against USC, Cal, Baylor, Texas, and Big West rival Fullerton, plus two games against both Pepperdine and UCLA and single games against Rice, Oklahoma, and Lamar. That hurts my eyes to even look at. With even just one win this weekend against CSF, they�ll finish second in the conference. The Big West is #6 in RPI, so that will bolster their cause.
Against them: Swept by Fullerton and Wichita State, lost two of three to both Baylor and Texas, and dropped all four games against Pepperdine and UCLA. It�s good to have a tough non-conference schedule, but it�d help to have a little more success with it. Even with that slate, their RPI stands at a borderline 44. They also dropped conference series to UC-Santa Barbara and Cal-State Northridge.
Verdict: Good team, good pitching, and a future first-round pick who gets confused with an ABC TV star. However, if they can�t muster up a series win against Fullerton this weekend, they might be the Desperate 49ers come next week.
UC-Irvine (34-20, 9-9 Big West)
Opening up Big West play with Fullerton and Long Beach State had the Anteaters in the cellar after two weekends, but they�ve been on a roll since. They sit third in the conference standings entering the final weekend.
In their favor: Like the 49ers, Irvine has played a pretty tough non-conference schedule: Fullerton, Hawaii, Houston, Cal, and Oral Roberts, and two games with UCLA, USC, San Diego, and Arizona. Their RPI of 37 puts them in good stead, along with the aforementioned fact that the Big West is such a highly-rated league. Plus, it�s not such a bad thing they played Fullerton and Long Beach early, despite the hole it put them in.
Against them: Third in the Big West might not be enough, judging by the snub of Cal Poly last year. And a record not too far above .500, even in that league, could raise some question marks.
Verdict: They finish with UC-Riverside at home in a series they should win. Win it, and they�ll have 36 or 37 wins and a mid-30s RPI. Poly was left out last year with an almost identical record, but the saving grace for Irvine is the non-conference schedule, which they had moderate success in. They�re not completely a sure thing, but they�re close.
Washington (34-24, 9-12 Pac-10)
The Huskies entered conference play with a pretty good record, but they�ve been like a yo-yo since.
In their favor: Non-conference wins over Hawaii and Arkansas, as well as series wins over the two L.A. schools.
Against them: Their RPI stands in the 70s, which is about double what it needs to be. There�s also a glaring loss to Division II Lewis & Clark State.
Verdict: Even a sweep against their archrivals from Pullman this weekend will leave them closer to the wrong side of the bubble come next Monday. It�d put them at 5th in the Pac-10, but there are just too many holes in their resume. It�s unfortunate because it�d be nice to see what possible #1 pick Tim Lincecum could do in the postseason.
Slip, slip, slippery Ground
There are a few teams who are on the right side of the bubble for now, but can�t afford to slip this week. If you�re a shakier bubble team, you�re either hoping they don�t slip, or you hope they do, because it could mean the difference in you staying home and you getting to spend part of your summer on the road to Omaha.
Vanderbilt (33-23, 16-14 SEC)
The Commodores were supposed to have a down year, but they�ve gotten major contributions from newcomers, especially Pedro Alvarez, and after finishing 6th in the rugged SEC, they are in with more than a fighting chance.
In their favor: Sixth in the SEC would equate to a top two or three finish in a lot of other conferences. It�s hard to turn down a team with a winning record in the SEC.
Against them: Their RPI is in the 40s, and that�s below the other SEC bubble teams. They had far too many inexcusable non-conference losses and not enough quality wins to make up for it.
Verdict: Go out early in the SEC Tourney, and they�re toast, burnt toast.
Louisiana-Lafayette (37-18, 19-5 Sun Belt)
The school formerly known as Southwestern Louisiana won almost 50 games last season, and while they won�t quite reach that number this year, they�ve quietly had another solid season.
In their favor: The Sun Belt has gotten multiple teams in the NCAA Tourney every year for almost two decades. ULL�s solid postseason history, while not a factor directly taken into consideration, doesn�t hurt them either. They also took two of three from regular season champ Troy, and they have a few good non-conference wins as well.
Against them: Third-placed South Alabama may be more of a lock than ULL, with a higher RPI and better non-conference slate. The Jaguars also beat them head-to-head. Their RPI of 48 might also be cutting it a little close.
Verdict: The RPI is a little worrying and it won�t go up much farther, but if they can do well in the SBC Tourney, it�d be hard to say they don�t deserve a spot. The Sun Belt has gotten three bids before, and it could happen again. Troy�s a lock and USA is close (without a quick tourney exit), and barring any surprises, there�s no reason why ULL shouldn�t make it three for the SBC, which has been one of the top mid-major conferences for a while.
Teams To Root For (If You�re On the Bubble)
It�s almost a guarantee that there�ll be some upsets in the conference tournaments this week. But, here are the teams that bubble teams hope take home their conference tournament titles.
Michigan (38-18, 23-9 Big Ten)
The Wolverines stormed through the latter part of their Big Ten schedule and took the regular season title from Northwestern in the final weekend by sweeping Iowa. That gives UM the right to host the Big Ten Tournament this week in Ann Arbor.
In their favor: The Big Ten regular season title doesn�t count for as much in baseball as it does in football or basketball, but it still counts for something. Finishing 10-1 has put them near the �magic� 40-win mark. Games against Baylor, Winthrop, Troy, South Alabama, UCF, UAB, and Louisiana Tech highlight the pre-conference slate. They also own a win over Notre Dame.
Against them: An RPI of 60 gives the Wolves no margin for error.
Verdict: The Wolverines got in as an at-large last year with 41 wins, despite finishing tied for fourth in the Big Ten and going 1-2 in the Big Ten tourney. Their RPI is 20 spots lower, but bettering that 1-2 in the conference tourney would give them the same number of wins, at least. Couple that with the positives, and they should get in, even as an at-large.
Wichita State (43-18, 15-9 Missouri Valley)
The Shockers opened the season 20-3, but once they hit conference play, it took four weeks to record their first series win. But, they�ve won 19 of their last 24 games, and they appear to be on the right side of the bubble, for now.
In their favor: Sweeps of USC and Long Beach State, two wins against Oklahoma, a win against Kansas, and a win against South Alabama bolster their resume. So does a 12-3 finish in their last five conference series, with three sweeps.
Against them: Losing their first three conference series put them in too deep of a hole. Even with their strong finish, it wasn�t quite enough to overtake Evansville and Missouri State. Third place in the nation�s 12th-rated conference, behind two teams who won�t make the regionals without an automatic bid, is not good. To be fair, though, it was by only one game, and they did sweep Missouri State (though they dropped two of three to Evansville).
Verdict: Their RPI is in the high 40s, and it could move into the 30s with a good week in the conference tournament, which they're hosting. Opening with Creighton isn�t an easy task, but if they can avoid going out early, they should book their spot in the field. But, some other teams with shakier statuses will be cheering for the Shockers to go all the way.
Old Dominion (39-15, 21-9 CAA)
A month ago, I mentioned Old Dominion as very nearly a lock to get into the NCAAs, barring a big slip down the stretch, as they stood at 31-4 and 14-1 in the CAA. Pretty comfortable, right? However, an 8-11 finish to the regular season took away any certainties (and the CAA title).
In their favor: They beat Virginia and Maryland, and they also swept James Madison, who overtook them in the final weekend for the title.
Against them: RPI stands at 46, which isn�t a killer, but it�s not a helper either. At their peak, that RPI was in the 20s. They didn�t play very many �good� non-conference games, either. Oh, and that 8-11 finish too.
Verdict: The Monarchs need to redeem themselves by going deep in the CAA Tourney. Making the semis would give them 41 wins, but as UNC-Wilmington found out last year, 40 wins assures you of nothing (and neither does winning your conference by six games). A run to the final could be enough, but they need to go all the way to erase any doubts.
Other teams you need to root for if you�re MSU, LSU, Stanford, or another bubble team include Notre Dame, Troy/South Alabama, Winthrop, and Elon/College of Charleston.
If they slip up, here are a few of the quality candidates who could take an automatic bid and make it one less at-large bid to go around, or could very well sneak into the at-large picture, depending on what they do.
UNC-Wilmington (37-19, 17-13 CAA)
The Seahawks were snubbed by the committee last year after running away with the CAA regular season title. This year, they could well spoil someone else�s hopes.
In their favor: A better non-conference schedule and record than last year.
Against them: 5th in the CAA.
Verdict: The Seahawks shouldn�t take an at-large bid, but if they win the CAA Tourney, the committee could be in a quandary, depending on ODU and JMU�s results. Three bids would be too many. Two bids could happen. But, it could be a one-bid league. For you bubble boys, this is a league where you hope there isn�t an upset like there was last year.
Connecticut (38-16-1, 18-6-1 Big East)
The Huskies were a solid team all season long, but a 10-1 finish pulled them into second in the Big East behind Notre Dame and into the at-large conversation.
In their favor: Not much. The second-place finish in the Big East looks nice though, and so do series wins over St. John�s and Florida Atlantic. They also played Lamar, Jacksonville, and Boston College.
Against them: The Big East is high on the totem pole for most other sports, but in baseball, it�s the middle of the pack, and that second-place finish doesn�t look as appealing. Taking a game from ND or finishing with 40 wins could�ve helped.
Verdict: Getting to the Big East title game might do it for the Huskies, because they�d finish with over 40 wins, which would make it hard to turn them away. The Big East did get two last year, so UConn may get in, but not without at least 40 wins.
James Madison (36-19, 22-8 CAA)
One of the nation�s top hitting teams, the Dukes were one of the hottest squads in the country early on before hitting the skids in the middle part of the season. However, they finished strong, and with Old Dominion�s free fall, won the CAA regular season title on the final day, edging out the Monarchs by a single game.
In their favor: Give me a minute.
Against them: Clemson is the best opponent JMU faced, and the Tigers swept them. Their RPI of 74 is fifteen spots lower than UNC-Wilmington�s. Two wins over UNCW and two more over ACC bottom-feeder Virginia Tech are the best wins they have, and that�s not saying much.
Verdict: As much as we all would like to see the firm of Kulbacki, Cowgill, and Schill on display in the regionals (unless you�re an opposing pitcher), it�ll likely take at least making it to the CAA Tourney final. Even then, the automatic bid might be their best bet.
And hey, keep your eyes peeled for what Birmingham-Southern does this week. They took the Big South regular season title and tourney #1 seed by capitalizing on Winthrop�s series slipup at VMI.
Big 12 Bubble Battle
Two teams, one spot? Two teams, two spots? Two teams, no spots? It all depends on what the two teams below do this week.
Baylor (34-22, 13-14 Big 12)
Up and down, up and down. The Bears were a semifinalist in Omaha last year, but this year, they�ve been a big ball of inconsistency.
In their favor: They swept both Oklahoma State and Nebraska at home, accounting for almost half of their Big 12 wins. Non-conference series against Arizona State and Long Beach State, along with games against Rice, Houston, TCU, Southland champ McNeese State, and Big Ten champ Michigan beef up their cause and RPI. A series win against Kansas (see below) could also give them an edge.
Against them: Series losses against Texas Tech, Missouri, and Kansas State, three teams who won�t make the NCAA Tournament.
Verdict: Before getting swept by K-State this past weekend, the Bears had won seven in a row, including that sweep of the Cornhuskers. The committee should look upon that favorably, along with their fifth-place (tie) conference finish. However, BU must avoid doing poorly at the Big 12 Tourney to have a chance at repeating their run to Omaha.
Kansas (38-23, 13-14 Big 12)
The Jayhawks have been a steadily improving program over the past few years, and this could be their year, with a little more work.
In their favor: Wins against Clemson, Stanford (two), Vanderbilt (two), Creighton (two), Wichita State, and Missouri State.
Against them: Best series win in conference was Missouri.
Verdict: In the Big 12�s new round-robin format, KU faces Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. Split vs OU/OSU and beat Missouri, and you get to 40 wins. Could it get them into the title game? If it does, it�d be enough. If it doesn�t, it�ll be a nail-biting Monday.
Speaking of the Big 12, watch out for Missouri. It may be a little late to take an at-large bid, but a sweep of Texas gives the Tigers some momentum going into the conference tourney. If they could win it, it could very well be at the expense of the Jayhawks� hopes.
Close, But No Cigar
USC could�ve had hopes for an at-large bid if they�d finished over .500, but a series sweep this past week in Wichita means they�ll finish below that mark.
Washington State has been a nice story, and compared to the last several years for Cougar baseball, they�ve had a very successful year. But they�ll come up just a little short, with a poor non-conference schedule and a finish in the bottom half of the Pac-10.
St. John�s was an at-large in �05, and they had 37 wins this year. But, if there�s anyone not named Notre Dame in the Big East that�ll get an at-large bid, it�ll be Connecticut. Beware though, they could still win the automatic bid.
San Diego picked up several great non-conference wins, but after finishing third in the West Coast and picking up too many losses to drop that once-lofty RPI into the 50s, the Toreros may miss out.


"I think I met the guy I am going to marry" Melissa said to her sister. She had only just met Paul at the Chick-fil-a where they both were employed, but Paul's heart for God was quickly evident to Melissa. Evident enough that she figured out right way that he was the man that God placed in her life for a very special reason: to be her husband.
The sun couldn't have been shinier in Palm Beach on Melissa and Paul's big day. Excited laughter filled the air as the two prepared for their ceremony. Clad in her pretty lace dress and clinging to her father's arm, Melissa walked down the aisle towards the boy who "had her at hello." Nothing could wipe the smiles off their faces as they pledged to spend the rest of the lives together.
Melissa and Paul, I knew from the first time I spent time with you that I would love being a part of your big day, and I most certainly did. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms to capture your love: for each other, your family and your friends. I pray all best for you two!
Melissa and Paul's big day started out at the Double Tree hotel in West Palm Beach. I had the privilege to shoot this wedding with the help of the talented Shea of Shea Christine Photography. She grabbed the shot of Paul on the left.
I love when a bride wears non-traditional colorful shoes!
Melissa and her father had the sweetest moment right before he walked her down the aisle. Shea captured the shot on the left of this sweet moment.
Melissa and Paul were married at Mounts Botanical Gardens. Such a pretty place.
Melissa: can we talk about how lovely you are?
these kids are so much fun together!


The 2019-2020 Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election was held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the library. The budget passed, 388 yes to 97 no. There was also an election for one seat on the Board of Trustees, to serve a five-year term. The results were: Theresa Germano-255 votes, Thomas Tallerico-82 votes, and Vivett Dukes-78 votes.
The budget increase for 2019-2020 is within the New York State tax cap. Details are available in the brochures linked below. The Library Director, Lisa Jacobs, will be happy to answer any questions you have about the library or the budget. You can contact her at (631) 924-6400, x275 or by email.


1998 October 6th 1998 our Prime Minister Göran Persson (as a result of the election in September 20 1998) reformed the Swedish Government. Mr Sundström and Mrs Anna Lindh has now other ministerial posts. New on the stage is Björn Rosengren, Ministry of Industry and Commerce (that new Ministry will probably also deal with Energy matters) and Kjell Larsson our new Minister of Environment.
Mr Rosengren has for the past three years been County Governor in Norrbotten (up north in Sweden). Spending time in that wonderful region with three of our virgin rivers (Kalix älv, Pite älv and Torne älv) could perhaps guarantee his feeling for the unspoiled Nature ?
PS. The fourth unspoiled river is Vindelälven The Vindel River.
The Minister of Environment Kjell Larsson has commissioned the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to investigate if Kalix-, Pite- and/or Vindelälven (The Vindel river) could be suggested to the World Heritage List of Unesco.
1996 The Swedish government has recently been reformed (15th March 1996). We have a new Prime Minister ; Göran Persson and a new Minister of Energy ; Anders Sundström. Whether they will save our National-rivers or not is at this very moment doubtful.
Anders home address is close to one of our nice rivers (The Pite älv) and he has studied Business Administration at our dept , (what effect that might have in this issue is unclear).
It goes without saying that you should send an e-mail to him, to encourage and give him arguments for the coming debates within his own party, with other parties and organizations which might have other intentions for our National-rivers !
Anna Lindh, the Minister of Environment : "It is out of the question to make use of our four National-rivers for power production"
1995 In Sweden we have four unspoiled rivers which by Act of the Swedish Parliament have been saved for coming Generations. The Kalix River, the Piteå River, the Torneå River and the Vindel River.
One of these National-rivers , "The Vindel River".
If your opinion is that the four rivers should remain virgin, please write to Sweden´s Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson.