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In my last post, I discussed wealth inequality in Philadelphia, and I showed that almost all of West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and the southwestern portion of South Philadelphia are by far the least wealthy areas of the city—by at least a factor of 19. Now we can finally start to discuss why this is the case.
A Short History of Segregation in Philadelphia
My simple answer is the American legacy of racial segregation and discrimination. But, this is a very complex topic, so I can only hope to scratch the surface. I will focus on housing discrimination.
Philadelphia, like the rest of the country, still suffers from the legacy of legal discrimination based on race and ethnicity. It was only about 80 years ago that redlining went into effect. President Roosevelt established the Home Ownership Loan Corporation (commonly known as HOLC) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in the early 1930s in order to combat the growing housing shortage and a stagnant real estate industry. These organizations were given the gargantuan task of evaluating every single property and neighborhood in American cities in order to determine which mortgages the federal government would insure. If the government did not insure the mortgage, it was too risky and expensive for any lender to issue.
HOLC and the FHA created an elaborate series of maps and other documents for their evaluations. Banks and other lenders would then use these documents as guidelines for issuing mortgages. These maps gave different grades depending on the risk of the neighborhood, and the worst grade was denoted by red—hence the term ‘redlining’. These grades were based heavily on race, ethnicity, religion, and the number of immigrants. Thus, the government created racial and ethnic segregation through regulating the private market.
HOLC created real estate maps for more than 250 American cities. Here is the clearest version of Philadelphia’s map that I could find. Check out Mapping Inequality for maps and details from each city, as well as the history outlined above.
The source where I found this doesn’t currently have the area descriptions that accompany the map, so I’ve taken some from Chicago to give an example of the language included.
D-“The population is largely lower class Jewish, but there is at the present time a moderate infiltration of Polish families. The favorable influence of this population shift is minimized by threatening negro infiltration along the eastern edge.”
C-“Future of the section is one of continuing slow decline with the gradual infiltration of somewhat less desirable population elements.”
B-“At the extreme eastern edge of this area there are a few Italian families living along Humphrey and Taylor Streets at the extreme north end. There is also some tendency towards infiltration of Czechs, Polish, and Hebrews in the same neighborhood.”
A-“This area is known as the most exclusive part of Beverley Hills. It is completely surrounded on three sides be a forest preserve. This acts as a permanent buffer against any encroachment of an undesirable nature. At one time, the area was restricted to homes costing a minimum of $40,000.”
These maps were based on the notion that any areas with residents who were non-white, non-native, non-Christian, lower-income, or of unpopular ideology (such as Communism) were undesirable for insuring mortgages. HOLC even denoted areas that might have an influx of these populations as risky. Conversely, areas with highly restrictive covenants (sets of rules determining who can live in a neighborhood), restrictively high prices, and physical isolation were deemed far more worthy of an investment.
However, this cannot be the whole picture. First, a lot has changed since these maps were created. The map above marks many areas as third or fourth grade that are today some of the wealthiest parts of the city, and by far majority white. It also marks some areas as first grade that are today some of the most economically depressed areas, such as the far edge of North Philadelphia.
Additionally, one professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Hillier, makes a great point that these maps are very unlikely to have caused redlining. This is because very few bank executives were actually able to see these maps, and even then, banks often defied the recommendations. More often, a lender would simply give the borrower worse terms rather than flat out deny him. But, she argues, this does not serve to downplay the negative implications of redlining. These maps were the best example of a codification of widespread practices across many private and public sectors. That is, people were already racially discriminating in housing, and the federal government merely supported this trend and furthered its influence—everybody is guilty.
On the other hand, researcher Richard Rothstein emphasizes the role of the government, citing many instances in which local residents attempted to build integrated communities, but were forced to adopt segregationist policies in order to receive the financial backing needed. Rothstein and many others argue that segregation was not natural. To the contrary, integration would have been the natural state of things, since most people want to live close to work. Further, the federal government actively subsidized suburban construction, on the condition that the homes would be for whites only. Many restrictive covenants in suburban communities still have requirements barring non-whites. They remain, apparently, because of the legal difficulty of removing them, and because they have been deemed unenforceable.
Regardless of where we place the largest emphasis, it is clear that American cities were through-and-through segregated, and the federal government and private market both played substantial roles. The bigger questions is, what happened after these maps were made?
There is simply too much history for me to research or report on, but here is my basic understanding. After WWII, most Americans became homeowners through the GI Bill, which followed the racially-motivated guidelines of HOLC and the FHA. Therefore, few black veterans were able to take advantage of the government’s generous homeownership programs. Additionally, “white flight” began to sap cities of wealthier, white residents who wanted to live in the newly-built suburbs. These suburbs continued the trend of redlining, having restrictive covenants, restrictive zoning, and high price points. Post-WWII construction of the highway system went hand-in-hand with this trend, allowing white suburbanites to commute into cities for work. Finally, the post-WWII collapse of manufacturing, which was largely in cities, left most American cities economically depressed. The overall result of these trends was that wealthier, white residents concentrated just outside of cities in suburbs, while everybody else was forced to remain in city centers with an extreme lack of job and housing opportunities.
Since then, American cities have obviously made a comeback. The younger generations are increasingly finding cities more attractive than the suburbs. More people are moving to cities, and for the first time many American cities’ populations are increasing again, Philadelphia included. In fact, Society Hill was one of the first neighborhoods to gentrify as a result of new residents, becoming one of the richest neighborhoods in the city. The gentrification we see today in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and the area around Temple in North Philadelphia is the continuing, outward push of this trend. Hence, these are by far the wealthiest neighborhoods with by far the largest white population.
Many claim that unofficial segregation continues today. For instance, Wells Fargo and Bank of America were recently accused of disproportionately denying loans and mortgages to non-whites. The City of Philadelphia is currently engaged in a lawsuit with Wells Fargo over this issue, since Wells Fargo is the largest lender in the city. But virtually every bank and financial institution is in the midst of lawsuits or accusations regarding discrimination. They all deny this, but the issues are mostly still pending.
The State of Segregation Today
Philadelphia remains highly segregated to this day. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 made segregation illegal, but did nothing to remedy the existing impacts of segregation. Below, I’ve explored the extent of segregation and its impacts.
Bear with me—there will be a lot of maps. But it is necessary, since this topic more than any is a spacial topic. Let’s begin by taking a look at the racial distribution of Philadelphia.
The vast majority of Philadelphians identify as black/African American or as white, and it is about evenly split. A large minority identify as Asian or “some other race”, and very few identify as anything else. It is also important to note that 13.8% of the population identifies and being of Hispanic or Latino origin, but the census considers this an ethnicity that can coexist with race. Of course, the categories are somewhat arbitrary, and force people to categorize themselves, but it is the best tool we have.
With this broader understanding, let’s take a closer look at the geographic distribution of each race or ethnicity by census tract. First, we’ll take a look at where black and white Philadelphians live.
That is some pretty stark segregation. Black Philadelphians overwhelmingly live in the portion of West Philadelphia outside of University City, the western half of North Philadelphia, the southwestern portion of South Philadelphia, and somewhat in the northeastern portion of North Philadelphia and in North-Central Philadelphia. Conversely, white Philadelphians live overwhelmingly in Center City, the river wards, Northeast Philadelphia, University City, the western half of Northwest Philadelphia, and all of South Philadelphia except the southwestern portion. They live to a lesser degree in the eastern half of North Philadelphia. We may all disagree about what caused the segregation, but there is no doubt that segregation is alive and well.
The next largest groups are those identifying as “some other race” or as of Hispanic or Latino origin. I’ve grouped these together because they seem to overlap on the map, suggesting that many Hispanic or Latino Philadelphians don’t necessarily identify as the races listed on the census.
Clearly, Hispanic and Latino Philadelphians are also heavily segregated, living mostly in the eastern portion of North Philadelphia. Interestingly, this is the same region that has a sizable, but not majority group of both black and white people.
Next, let’s look at the map of Philadelphians identifying as Asian.
This is not nearly as clear as the other maps. However, what is evident is that most Asian Philadelphians live in Center City (around Chinatown), the eastern portion of South Philadelphia, University City, and in Northeast Philadelphia. It seems Asian Philadelphians are also somewhat segregated. But, I think because there are relatively few Asian Philadelphians, any trend in population distribution is much harder to see.
This holds true to an even greater extent for Native American populations in Philadelphia, who account for 0.5% of the population. I was curious to see if even such a small population is segregated in Philadelphia, but it seems there is no trend whatsoever.
To wrap up the distribution of races and ethnicities in Philadelphia, take a look at this (fantastic) map that combines all of this data in a simpler way (I won’t show an image for copyright reasons). It uses the same data, but with less detail. It is good for an overview.
The Continuing Impacts of Segregation
Now, recall the distribution of income, wealth, life expectancy, and all of the other factors examined in earlier posts. I’ll pull up my earlier map of median household income as one example.
Now compare that to the distribution of race and ethnicity in Philadelphia. I’ve made my own attempt at a comprehensive map below. Overlaying it with the income map proved to be a bit challenging, so I made two versions to leave it up to the viewer’s taste—one combined and one not combined. Also, note that the individual tracts can overlap, and the colors combine in those areas. Finally, I couldn’t get rid of the word “Philadelphia”, so now there’s an imprint of it in Center City. That area is light to dark purple.
These maps may need some explanation. What I’ve done is overplayed the highest two population categories from the maps above for each race or ethnicity. None or almost none of the highest categories overlapped, but the second highest did. So, I made them transparent so we can see the overlaps. For the second map, I overlaid the median household income as the borders of census tracts so we can compare this with race or ethnicity. I personally find the map a bit “noisy” with information, but it is very useful if you take the time to break it down.
Clearly, areas of the city with primarily black or Hispanic residents are earning far less than any other areas—especially predominantly white areas. Likewise, majority white areas earn far more than anybody else. There are some exceptions. Notice that the far edges of West, Southwest, and North Philadelphia are closer to middle income. Also, the majority-white areas have incomes from the middle of the range to the highest end. Mixed-race areas seem to be closer to the middle of the range.
To illustrate this disparity more clearly, I’ve pulled data on all of Philadelphia for each race and ethnicity classification, as seen in the chart below.
We can see from this that the racial segregation maps out almost one-to-one with the economic segregation of the city. The same holds true for life expectancy, most health outcomes, wealth, and really any aspect impacting quality of life.
Perhaps one of the most important indicators to look at is homeownership. Remember, homeownership is by far the largest form of wealth that Americans have today. Unless you are incredibly wealthy, your home is probably your only substantial asset, even including cash in the bank and your car. Therefore, looking at the homeownership rate and home values is the best way we have of determining the wealth disparity of races or ethnicities in Philadelphia.
Let’s take a look at the data. One major note—data on home value by race or ethnicity is not currently available online for any year but 2000. A lot has happened since then, including the 2008 Crash. I’ve scaled the data to 2016 dollars, but there has clearly been a lot of appreciation of home values as well. Since we don’t know how this impacts different races, I did not scale the inflation-adjusted values to the overall appreciation of values.
Surprisingly, the homeownership rate doesn’t vary nearly as much as I would expect. Still, there is an overall trend of a higher homeownership rate for white Philadelphians. The same trend holds true for median home values, but with a much more extreme disparity. I believe this disparity has likely grown considerably since then. This is based on comparing the maps of racial distribution and median home values in 2016, and the chart of median home value by race in 2000.
From these maps, we can infer that median home values have remained fairly steady in the non-white areas, but have increased considerably in the majority-white areas. For instance, the areas with median home values ranging from $40,900 to $109,000 in 2016 are also predominantly black and Hispanic. Eighteen years ago, black and Hispanic Philadelphian’s homes were worth a median of $62,856 and $55,918, respectively. That is still within the lowest range in 2016. White Philadelphians’ homes were worth $100,319 in 2000. However, the majority-white areas of Philadelphia today have home values of several hundred thousand dollars. Clearly, the economic growth of Philadelphia has not touched each neighborhood equally. In this way, homeownership is by far the largest driver of the racial wealth gap, and this all began with discriminatory practices almost one century ago.
Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the data, I cannot tell you the exact extent of today’s racial wealth gap in Philadelphia. But this is a popular research topic nation-wide, and I can show you one such example. This source, based primarily on the Survey of Consumer Finances, shows that the wealth gap is larger than ever. In 2016, the median white family’s wealth was $171,000, the median black family’s wealth was $17,409, and the median Hispanic family’s wealth was $20,920. In other words, the typical white family is 10 times wealthier than the typical black family and eight times wealthier than the typical Hispanic family.
Like Richard Rothstein, I argue that all other racial disparities stem from this. Non-white families were denied homeownership opportunities and equal terms in mortgages for homeownership opportunities. This is continuing today, though illegally and less explicitly. Since homeownership and home value by far account for the largest portion of American wealth, this means that non-white families have been denied significant resources. This has continuing effects. For instance, families have passed on their homes to their children, and their homes have appreciated greatly in value. Further, white families have had the benefit of living in neighborhoods with far better opportunities, such as better schools (funded largely by local property taxes), job opportunities, transportation, healthy food access, and overall quality of life. Non-white families were forced to live in city centers with very few of these opportunities.
This discrimination accounts almost entirely for the stark inequality and poverty that we see today in Philadelphia. While I believe it is equally important to examine all of the other manifestations of discrimination, such as in the disparity of life expectancies, I think these are the symptoms of systematically denying a population resources.
In sum, Philadelphia’s immense inequality and high poverty rate can almost entirely be explained by racial discrimination. Non-whites were forced to live in city centers, and they were denied homeownership opportunities. Philadelphia is one of the most prominent examples. Therefore, today Philadelphia has a very large non-white population with a much lower homeownership rate, homes worth far less than their white counterparts, and far fewer job and education opportunities. The suburbs and recently-gentrified parts of the city, on the other hand, have a very high proportion of white homeowners with valuable homes.
Understanding what has caused this disparity is essential for remedying it. This was not an accident, nor is it the fault of work ethic or luck. Rather, our society has been carefully engineered to keep (certain kinds of) whites separate from everybody else, and to ensure that resources are heavily concentrated within this group. If we engineered it this way, we can just as well undo this.
Soon, I will start posting on my recommendations to change Philadelphia into a more equitable and fair society. But first I still need to cover at least education, food, transportation, and the role of government in social services. I was eager to put this post out there, since it is so central to my argument.


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Updated: Feb 28, 2020
"This is the reality of American politics. All the recent debates have been aired like sporting events, with promos and hype. Twitter has served as a battleground for relatability, memes, and personal beef. The Politician just plays on this morbid curiosity, testing to see if we yell to avoid the car crash or laugh as we watch it happen." Staff writer Jacob Zeranko talks about misunderstandings, messy high school politics, and the High Comedy of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's The Politician. Spoiler-free!
I'm just gonna say it: I thoroughly enjoyed Netflix’s The Politician. The series was conceived and headed by Ryan Murphy, best known for his shows Glee, American Horror Story, and more. Along with co-writers Ian Brennen and Brad Falchuk, the three men provide a tight and poignant satire of American politics and the upper class. However, compared to most reviewers, I seem to be in the minority. The New York Times, Vulture, The Guardian and Esquire all described The Politician as a “hot mess”; with Vox adding that it’s at least “a meaningful one." Their main critiques seem to be three-fold: the plot is all over the place, the characters are emotionally sporadic and empty; plus, there’s a lack of actual political commentary. But there is a difference between our viewing, as I didn’t find any of this to be true when watching the show. I understand that enjoyment is subjective, but criticism is not. So, I decided to look into each of the reviewers to try and locate where our viewpoints diverged - and I found it.
The Politician finds its roots in theatre, and no reviewer has a real, intensive understanding of the stage. None of them studied theatre. Each reviewer has one or more degrees in film, journalism or creative writing coupled with a long career working with established publications - so I am in no means insinuating that they don’t know what they’re talking about. But The Politician is a special case, as it was written by three people trained in theatre and has a cast consisting mostly of highly trained stage performers (Broadway vet Ben Platt even gives a performance from the musical Assassins in episode 6). While this isn’t inherently unusual in film, the show’s style works in High Comedy. This style is usually taught in theatrical scholarship because it’s a highly technical kind of satire not really seen anymore in the way The Politician utilizes it. So I can’t blame most people for being a little lost or feeling frustrated, because it’s not a style most people are fluent in anymore. It is here that I should mention that my degree is in performance and theatrical study, so I would like to lend that knowledge in response to these critiques and to help The Politician make a little more sense.
The plot is all over the place. This is one of the more consistent critiques that appeared across the board. I feel the problem is less that the plot is unfocused, but that there is just a lot going on. Without spoiling the show, as there are still plenty who haven’t seen it, the show follows Payton (Ben Platt) as he runs for student body president at his high school. Throughout the show, people have affairs, uncover family secrets, played messed up mind games and straight-up die. The soap-opera-like twists and turns can leave many thinking Where did that come from? - and that’s the point. The show is trying to echo what’s happening in America right now which, in itself, is unbelievable. How many times have you heard the news about the latest scandal in Trump’s administration and think There’s no way this is real life, only for it to get even crazier? The plot of The Politician is just like that, except they at least provide answers and some sense of closure that we can’t get in the real world.
The show is trying to echo what’s happening in America right now which, in itself, is unbelievable.
This criticism of real life is one of the core components of High Comedy. Writers choose to highlight the convoluted nature of people and just how quickly their intentions and focus change. It could be on the small scale, like switching emotions startlingly fast, or the big scale, like people dying suddenly or admitting a life-altering revelation. In your own life, think of how many times you have gone from sobbing to hysterically laughing, or vice versa, almost instantly. It may seem unnatural to watch when these things happen so suddenly, and maybe it’s because it hits too close to home. Maybe people want to think their lives and reactions are more controllable or foreseeable than that. Real-life 180-degree turns occur constantly: from climate change to Elon Musk's ridiculous downfall to even Epstein, a sex trafficker, from his connections to The President, his administration, to the Royal Family- even to the mysterious non-suicide suicide in his jail cell. Between my rage and confusion and frustration, sometimes I can only laugh at how horrible and unbelievable everything can be.
Another common critique of The Politician is that characters are sporadic and empty. This may be the most important thing getting in the way of people enjoying this show, because it’s the hardest thing to pull off in High Comedy. Outside of critiquing real life, another tenant of High Comedy includes shallow characters with deep emotional reservoirs. These characters feel their emotions deeply and fully, but the characters themselves have very little substance. Take Payton, for example, whose only character trait can be summed up as “I want to be President." We don’t really know what he truly believes in, other than his own ambitions, but his emotional reservoir is wide and deep. He feels love, despair, grief, and excitement in their fullest forms. The way to utilize these emotions in a way that’s equal-parts meaningful and funny is by following character rule #1 of High-Comedy: characters must be able to turn on an emotional sixpence - going from one emotional extreme to another on the drop of a dime. Almost every character makes emotional transitions like this, especially Ricardo (Benjamin Barrett), the unstable boyfriend of Infinity (Zoey Deutch), Payton’s running mate, who frequently goes from pithy, ridiculous beats of boobs and sex are awesome to being very emotionally vulnerable and insightful.
The way to utilize these emotions in a way that’s equal-parts meaningful and funny is by following character rule #1 of High-Comedy: characters must be able to turn on an emotional sixpence - going from one emotional extreme to another on the drop of a dime.
To the credit of these reviewers, this kind of emotional switching can feel really unnatural and disengaging. Today, we are used to seeing characters that are complicated in their external lives rather than their emotions. Take long TV narratives like that of HBO’s Game of Thrones, where every character has a deep and intricate life that influences their decisions and personalities. But when it comes to emotional or tonal shifts, they occur over the long-term, because they have multiple seasons to take their time. For instance, Jon Snow showed little emotional flexibility outside of grief and anger for the beginning of the show, until he began to find love and brotherhood halfway through Season 2. In theatre, you get 2 hours (if you’re lucky), so characters have to move and grow quickly, which usually occurs within minutes. The Politician utilizes the latter to allow its characters to seem extremely off-the-wall and overdramatic because that’s the point. Comedy lies in the dissonance between expectation and delivery, and one of the best ways to live in that middle ground is emotional instability.
And there’s a lack of actual political commentary. This was my favorite critique, because of course there is little “real-life” political commentary. We have enough of that in the news cycle - and that was never the intention of the show, either. Instead, its purpose is to critique the ideology of politicians themselves. The Politician is showcasing the American political sphere as it is right now: shallow and manipulative. Each and every character in this show is awful, even when they are trying to fight for what feels like the right thing. Skye (Rahne Jones), who becomes a Vice President candidate twice, leads their campaign on drawing attention and support to people of color and in the LGBTQIA+ community. However, they almost extort one character, abandon others, and do not properly research some of the issues they speak to. This goes for Payton as well, who makes empty promises, face-value relationships, and has scandal after affair after scandal. Even more relevant, when Payton is actually given a place of power, he has no idea what to do. The point? Politicians are all talk baby. You aren’t drawn in by their actual beliefs, you’re drawn into the spectacle. This is the reality of American politics. All the recent debates have been aired like sporting events, with promos and hype. Twitter has served as a battleground for relatability, memes, and personal beef. The Politician just plays on this morbid curiosity, testing to see if we yell to avoid the car crash or laugh as we watch it happen.
The Politician is showcasing the American political sphere as it is right now: shallow and manipulative.
In my opinion, the best representation of the show’s political commentary can be found in Episode 8: The Voter. This is the shortest episode in the season and follows Elliot (Russell Posner) throughout his school day as an undecided voter. Thank god the episode is only 28 minutes long, because it really starts to get under your skin. Elliot belongs to the only middle-class family we meet in this show- and, from waking up to going to bed, all he wants to do is jerk off. But as the episode progresses, he is bombarded by uncaring parents, an overly woke little sister and the flashy, can’t-look-away optics of his school’s politics. Both candidates endlessly fight for his attention: cornering him in hallways and courtyards and bathrooms, then at the lunch table before fighting each other. Their campaign managers barrage him with information and follow him around, make him attend rallies and speeches, and keep pressing for his vote until he finally breaks and punches Payton’s campaign manager. At this point, I found myself finally breathing and almost cheering for the kid. The pursuit was relentless, and in the end, I still didn’t know how to feel about either candidate and neither did Elliot. This really cemented for me what this show was about: these people are shallow, inconsiderate, and over the top, yet it feels honest in a way I can only laugh at because I don’t know how else to make it stop.
None of this is to change the mind of people who didn’t enjoy The Politician, because you have every right not to; but the show is far from messy. It’s tight, deliberate, and masterfully written and performed. And look, there are parts I really didn’t like, either. For example, Payton singing “River” at an assembly in Episode 2 really made me roll my eyes because the moment felt shoehorned in. Ben Platt is still riding praise from his Tony-winning performance in Dear Evan Hansen and, as a “theatre kid” myself, I didn’t need a non-musical show putting in an entire musical number for the star. But moments like this come few and far between.
This really cemented for me what this show was about: these people are shallow, inconsiderate, and over the top, yet it feels honest in a way I can only laugh at because I don’t know how else to make it stop.
Hopefully, this bit of context may allow those who haven’t watched the show to have an easier time breaking into its style and forming your own opinions. No matter what, it’s worth a watch because this kind of High Comedy tends to pop up during particularly important shifts in politics. Take Oscar Wilde, who lived at the end of the Victorian Era where the old ways of the English monarchy began its transition towards modern Parliamentary Democracy. Our time, like his, is seeing a political transition that will lead to large change one way or the other. And what better way to deal with sudden and uncomfortable change than with laughter?
The Politician is now streaming on Netflix. ❏
Jacob Zeranko is a playwright and actor from Baltimore, MD, and an alumni of Towson
University. His work has been produced and workshopped at Towson University and the
Williamstown Theatre Festival among others. He is a lover of music, comics, science, coffee, and sustainability; but is not a fan of men’s fashion and closed minds. Jacob is super excited to be working with Haloscope and its amazing writers and contributors! Outside of Haloscope, his plays can be found on New Play Exchange and you can find him on all social media @jacobzeranko.

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Richard Clayderman (French pronunciation: ; born Philippe Pagès French pronunciation:, 28 December 1953 in Paris) is a French pianist who has released numerous albums including the compositions of Paul de Senneville and Olivier Toussaint, instrumental renditions of popular music, rearrangements of movie soundtracks, ethnic music, and easy-listening arrangements of popular works of classical music. Clayderman learned piano from his father, an accordion teacher.
A highly popular pianist who specializes in light classical compositions, with a romantic yet low-profile image.
Actors: Richard Clayderman. Directors: Mike Connor. I came back to look for more Clayderman DVDS because this one which I just finished watching brought me so much joy. I liked the interview with this quiet and assuming Gentleman who is so gentle and soft spoken. I think thats what makes his personality so attractive. The sound is also fantastic on my Bose system. Felt like I was right there in the concert too. I hope you too will enjoy the gift of his talents.
NEW RICHARD CLAYDERMAN ALBUM 'UN AMOUR SANS FIN' April 24 sees the. release of a special Richard Clayderman collection to celebrate 40 years since the artist’s first concert in Japan. Un Amour Sans Fin’ (An Endless Love) features two new tracks recorded especially for this release. The first ‘Un Amour Sans Fin’ is composed by Paul de Senneville, his first new composition to be recorded by Richard Clayderman for nearly 15 years.
Read Richard Clayderman's bio and find out more about Richard Clayderman's songs, albums, and chart history. Get recommendations for other artists you'll love. Born to a piano teacher,Clayderman started studying to play piano at age six, and he was accepted at Conservatoire de Paris in Paris at age 12. After finishing Conservatory he worked as an accompanist and session musician. His life changed dramatically in 1976, when he recorded a single "Ballade pour Adeline" (Ballade for Adeline), composed by French musical producer Paul de Senneville. The single became an instant success, selling 22 million copies in 38 countries.
Richard Clayderman Greatest Hits - Best Songs Of Richard Clayderman - Richard Clayderman Playlist. Best Piano Music в 2018. The Best of Richard Clayderman. Track list for this album: 00:00 Hungarian Sonata 03:16 A Comme Amour 06:34 Mariage D Amour 09:15 For Elise 13:29 For My Sweetheart 16:24 Jardin Secret. Richard Clayderman - Ballade Pour Adeline. RClaydermanVEVO в 2012. Richard Clayderman " A Time For Us " Romeo & Juliet.
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Rhapsody in blue - Richard Clayderman 1979. Classic music in pop style. Richard Clayderman - One Night in Paris Audio Concert (1983) - YouTube 0:24. ♥ Richard Clayderman ♥ ♫. Woman in love Richard Clayderman. Richard Clayderman - LA VIE EN ROSE (Album 2/3 Original LP 1983).


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In My Humble Opinion: Dredd, starring Karl Urban was a violent, gritty adaptation that captured the essence of the comic book character. As always, I will be up front and honest and say that I didn’t read much Judge Dredd, but was turned onto the character by the god awful movie starring Sylvester Stallone. 402 more words
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Ask many what their problem with movie or licensed video games is and you’ll probably see some of the following: It’s a rushed cash-in job that’s not very fun to play and it isn’t very long, and both would be correct a very high percentage of the time, especially in the 16-bit era. 1,081 more words
In a post-Avengers world, it can sometimes be hard to remember the dark days of the mid-90s. A time when comic book story lines like The Death of Superman were hitting the mainstream media, most big-name properties were languishing in development hell, and the success of Batman Forever was about to give birth to the laughing stock that is Batman and Robin. 2,091 more words


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Billy Mosig (artois) Profile
About / Bio
Works by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the art of John William Waterhouse, the surrealism of Remedios Varo, the neo-classical movement, the classical art of the ancient romans and greeks, the drama of the baroque period and the fantasy of the rococo style. Beautiful and emotional landscapes also feed my inspiration.


The planet Uranus orbits the Sun every 84 years and twice every orbit the planet's equatorial plane is pointed exactly toward's Earth. When this occurs, the moons of Uranus can be seen to eclipse and occult each other. A series of these mutual events occurred in 2007. I was able to observe one of these events using the CVAS 16" telescope. This page presents my CCD observations of the August 13, 2007 Mutual Event between Ariel and Umbriel.
A CCD time series was performed on the Uranian satellites Ariel and Umbriel from roughly 2:55 to 3:16 UT on August 13, 2007. Clear filtered CCD exposures of 5.0s duration were acquired every 7.5s during this time. The time on the computer used for camera control was set to within +/- 1s of UTC using a WWV radio time signal. Transparency and seeing were good during the time series.
- Telescope: CVAS 40.0cm f/7 Newtonian Reflector
- Camera: SBIG ST-7XME
- Filter: C
- Exposure: 5.0s
- Time Source: WWV
- Indian Hill Observatory, Huntsburg, Ohio, USA
- Latitude: 41d 32' 48.2" N
- Longitude: 81d 04' 52.4" W
- Elevation: 389m
- Datum: WGS84
Observer: Robert J. Modic (IOTA)
Below is a crop of one image from the time series that shows the relative placement of the moons with respect to Uranus.
Of 160 CCD frames acquired, 9 frames were not used due to bad tracking. The remaining 151 frames were calibrated using master bias, dark and flat frames. Aperture photometry was performed using a commercial photometry program. The blended image of Ariel and Umbriel was measured with an aperture of 8 pixels diameter. An oversized sky annulus was used to avoid contamination from Uranus and get an accurate measure of the sky background around the moons. Titania was used as the comparison "star". The results are presented below.
The plot above shows the differential magnitude of Ariel+Umbriel measured against Titania and plotted vs. UT. The time series shows a definite 0.2 magnitude drop in the combined brightness of Ariel and Umbriel. Click on the image for a larger version.
Observations of mutual events such as the one presented here allow the relative positions of the Uranian moons to be determined with greater accuracy than methods using simple astrometry. An improved knowledge of the moon's relative positions, in turn, allows current orbital models to be refined.
Anthony Mallama has published a paper using my data and that of other observers. He compares the results of several mutual events to current orbital models for the Uranian moons. It can be seen here.


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I really love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I'm wanting to create my very own site and would like to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called. Appreciate it!
Here is my web blog; winterharde palmboom

domain: design


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The coronavirus has finally found its way into the northern territory of Nunavut, with 70 cases in a handful of communities, mostly around the Hudson Bay.
As yet, officials haven’t determined what went wrong or how the cases entered the territory, which has long had strict travel bans in place, but health officials have announced a two-week lockdown, beginning Wednesday, to try and keep the spread under control in a territory that has limited hospital capacity.
“Right now, we still don’t know, mainly because we’ve been concentrating on using this time to deal with the spread and keep it isolated as best we can,” Health Minister Lorne Kusugak said in an interview. “Our priority is trying to contain what’s here already.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Nunavut put in place some of the most stringent measures in the country, restricting travel into the territory to residents and those coming in for work, and requiring they self-isolate in designated spots in southern cities before flying into the territory.

domain: news


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Table of Contents
Swelling of the body, most common in the arms, hands, feet, ankles and legs. It is usually caused by the immune system’s response to illness or infection. This inflammation often leads to uncomfortable bloating, known as edema.
Whereas swelling may be, it can be indicative of more serious underlying medical conditions. Ankle swelling, known as peripheral edema, may be a symptom of heart, liver or kidney failure and should prompt a visit to the doctor. Often there are more benign causes, such as standing in one place for too long or eating salty processed foods.
If the swelling is not a consequence of a serious medical condition, you can reduce swelling by consuming antioxidant-rich foods and supplements, to help your body return to normal.
Sip a spot of tea
Herbal teas have been revered as natural healers for centuries. Three edema fighting favorites are meadowsweet, black haw and Devil’s claw.
Anti-inflammatory meadowsweet contains an analgesic ingredient called salicin, which turns into an aspirin-like substance in the digestive tract and can help swelling when sipped three times daily.
Black haw is especially useful in alleviating swelling in the female reproductive organs, while Devil’s claw helps rheumatism and other joint inflammations.
Stir in tasty tomatoes
Rich in nutrients and vitamins, tomatoes are a wise choice for edema-prone folks. Just one tomato per day can help reduce swelling.
Add farm-fresh slices to salads and sandwiches or whip up some spicy pasta sauce with the canned variety.
Pop beautiful berries
Much-heralded blueberries are renowned for their potent anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties and are also helpful in reducing swelling.
Eat them by the handful as a snack, make luscious fruit smoothies or stir them into low-fat yogurt or whole-grain cereals.
Blueberries are high in infection-fighting due to vitamin C. They have only about 80 calories per cup.
Other fruits with similar super anti-swelling properties include strawberries, red grapes and blackberries.
Seek the natural sweeteners
Many of us reaching for desserts and snacks sweetened with refined sugars, which are high in calories, tend to accelerate premature aging and can exacerbate swelling. Instead, browse your local health food and gourmet stores for snacks sweetened naturally with fruits like cherries, apples, peaches, plums or raspberries, all high in antioxidants and low in calories.
Feast on fresh seafood
The beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, trout and bluefish are converted into anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body, helping ease infection-caused swelling.
Eat these luscious fruits of the sea three to five times a week to help reduce lower extremity edema.
Back away from the chips
Salty foods are notorious for contributing to problems with swelling of the extremities. Popular snacks like processed chips and crackers are high in salt and low in nutrients.
In fact, reading the labels on many of these munchies will have you heading straight for the berry patch.
Don’t waste calories on these puffiness-producing troublemakers or fellow problem foods like saturated fats, butter and cheese, which are converted by the body into pro-inflammatory chemicals.
Keeping your fridge stocked with fruits, veggies, lean meats and fish can go a long way toward naturally easing inflammation in the body and reducing edema.
Follow up a healthy meal of natural, unprocessed foods with a spot of herbal tea, put your feet up and watch uncomfortable swelling vanish.
Image credit: 123rf.com
Last article update: 4/4/2019

domain: health


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Dune Lawrence's detailed view of the Chinese reverse merger market through the eyes of retired Texas investor John Bird in Bloomberg Businessweek will be getting a lot of attention this weekend.
The piece goes into Bird's investigation starting in 2009 of Chinese companies such as Sky One that were showing what seemed like impossibly fast financial growth. Through investigation of SEC and the State Administration for Industry & Commerce run by a Chinese agency he found their revenue and sales numbers didn't match up. He aggressively shorted on Sky One and this year he made a profit of over $1 million on the stock which is now being investigated by the SEC.
It is an effective analysis of what is occuring with Chinese reverse takeovers and the growing impact it is having on retail investors.
First, how did we get to here:
- Since 2004 there are more than 350 small Chinese companies that have listed in the U.S. in a process called a reverse merger, in which an operating Chinese company takes over an all-but-defunct publicly traded U.S. shell company
- These Chinese companies trade on U.S. stock exchanges but because their assets are in China they are not regulated by the SEC but by a Chinese agency called the State Administration for Industry & Commerce (SAIC)
- Listing in the U.S. through a reverse merger is easier than joining the main exchanges in China where local companies face a long waiting period and have profitability requirements
- A U.S. reverse merger can take as little as three months and cost under $1 million in fees.
- The impact of these mergers is large and involves major players owning shares of these mergers such as Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund and the PowerShares Golden Dragon Halter USX China Portfolio
- According to Roth Capital Partners the reverse merger market size has reached 94 companies trading an average of 50,000 shares per day with a total market value of $20 billion
- These events show significant flaws in U.S. market regulation since the Chinese companies operate on their own terms and leave injured parties and the SEC without power
- Congress and the SEC have started to investigate these transactions and audit these Chinese companies. Congress is considering holding hearings their main goal being to protect U.S. investors since many Chinese companies doing these reverse mergers were found to have fraudulent accounting
- If investors can detect the difference between fraudulent Chinese companies and the real deal they can do very well
- This market has released an army of shorting investors and regulating that will be a challenge.


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Bank to Seizers: Drop Dead
Comments stalwart Douglas Fletcher notes that Winston-Salem, NC-based bank BB&T Corp. (as Jacob Sullum discussed yesterday) has announced it will not provide loans for commercial projects on land seized through eminent domain. The move probably won't have a big practical impact, as BB&T, which has 1,400 branches in 11 states, has so far only been approached for one such loan and does almost 25 percent of its business in North Carolina, where Kelo-type seizures are ostensibly prohibited. The Charlotte Observer notes that the bank has a history of making "slightly eccentric demonstrations of its commitment to corporate citizenship," including endowments to local colleges for the study of the moral foundations of capitalism.
The New York Times story on BB&T's decision includes a disclosure statement about the Times' own eminent domain history, and quotes a representative from a developers' trade group think tank showing the kind of respect for OPP that makes these condemnations possible:
But Maureen L. McAvey, a senior fellow at the Urban Land Institute, a developers' organization based in Washington, said that it was odd that a bank would not want to judge each case on its merits to see if the forced sale of property was justified.
"It's curious that a major financial institution would choose to be both judge and jury," she said.
And "both judge and jury" is a curious way to describe a bank's decision about whether or not to grant somebody a loan.

domain: law


The House Committee on Corrections
March 16, 2010
Pursuant to a notice posted on February 22, 2010, and revised on March 2, 2010, the House Committee on Corrections met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative McReynolds, at 9:01 a.m.
The roll was answered as follows:
Present: Representatives McReynolds; Madden; Marquez; Ortiz, Jr. (4).
Absent: Representatives Dutton; England; Hodge; Kolkhorst; Martinez, "Mando"; Miller, Sid; Sheffield (7).
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
At 6:29 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
Rep. McReynolds, Chair
Travis Sampley, Clerk


Confocal 3D reflectance imaging through multimode fiber without wavefront shaping
Posted on 13.01.2022 - 22:38
Imaging through optical multimode fiber (MMF) has the potential to enable hair-thin endoscopes that reduce the invasiveness of imaging deep inside tissues and organs. Active wavefront shaping and fluorescent labeling have recently been exploited to overcome modal scrambling and enable MMF imaging. Here, we present a computational approach that circumvents the need for active wavefront control and exogenous fluorophores. We demonstrate the reconstruction of depth-gated confocal images through MMF using a raster-scanned, focused input illumination at the fiber proximal end. We demonstrate the compatibility of this approach with quantitative phase, dark-field, and polarimetric imaging. Computational imaging through MMF opens a new pathway for minimally invasive imaging in medical diagnosis and biological investigations.
CITE THIS COLLECTION
Lee, Szu-Yu; Parot, Vicente; Bouma, Brett; Villiger, Martin (2022): Confocal 3D reflectance imaging through multimode fiber without wavefront shaping. Optica Publishing Group. Collection. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5744468.v2
Select your citation style and then place your mouse over the citation text to select it.
Read the peer-reviewed publication


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I’m not a big fan of Punch cigars – not sure why – I’m just not. The exception is their rare corojo. When you look at a Ferrari, you know it’s meant to go fast and give you pleasure. I’m seeing Punch’s rare corojo in the same category. To begin with it’s sitting there in its glass tube tempting you. Just looking at it you know it’s special. Popping the cork and pulling it out of its garage this cigar does not disappoint. The feel is right, a smooth outside, just the right amount of oiliness on its rich Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. I clip the head and take a puff before lighting. I take another puff. I find the flavors coming through this cigar before lighting excellent.
I warm the end with my lighter. I’m getting excited. I take that first puff and it is as good as I remember. Just the right amount of spice and woodsy flavor entering my mouth. It is a rich medium-flavor cigar, and it’s cigars like this that make dealing with all the anti-smoking BS worth it. No one can convince me that passing up on this wonderful enjoyment is a good idea. This cigar pairs well with scotch. For me that translates into Balvenie Doublewood 17 matured first in American oak barrels and finished in European oak sherry casks. The combination of cigar and scotch makes me smile. The flavor builds nicely as it comes to an end.
Punch only releases these cigars once a year in March. When they’re gone, they’re gone. There are only a couple of cigars that I enjoy more than this wonderful stogie. However, each year as March approaches, no cigar gets me as excited. Grab one and start enjoying.
Construction – 14 out of 15
Fresh out of the humidor, how does the cigar look? Are large veins evident in the wrapper? Does the cigar have a firm feel to it?
Band – 5 out of 5
Is the band an embarrassment that you wouldn’t want to smoke in public?
First Puff – 9 out of 10
How satisfying is the very first puff of the cigar?
Draw – 15 out of 15
Can the cigar be smoked without strain? Does it burn up too quickly?
Flavor – 19 out of 20
Does it achieve all three notes? Does the flavor come through to the smoker sufficiently?
Aroma – 9 out of 10
Is the aroma of the cigar while burning fragrant or offensive?
Ash/Burn – 9 out of 10
Does the cigar produce a solid ash? Is it flaky? Does it canoe?
Value – 13 out of 15
Bucks per puff. For the enjoyment is the cigar reasonably priced?
Total Score: 93 out of 100

domain: hobby


TREADLE (OR STEPPING) PUMP
Foot-powered pump designed to move water from wells or cisterns without electricity. Widely used by farmers outside the U.S. Using our pump, an adult can fill two 50-gallon barrels in 10 minutes, over a total distance of 180 feet.
- PROS: Portable and easy to operate and repair
- CONS: Challenging to purchase in the U.S.
Our project began with a search for a pump. We needed to be able to pump water horizontally 180 feet from the large cisterns and then up to elevated water barrels to supply drip irrigation systems installed in the food bank garden beds.
There is no electricity at the orchard so we needed a manual pump. We spent a lot of time researching pumps and finally determined the most efficient pump for our purposes would be a treadle pump. (Legs are much stronger than arms,) We also invested a great deal of time locating a vendor to sell and ship this pump to us. Treadle pumps are very common in Africa and most of Asia but not in the U.S., even though U.S. manufacturers produce many of the design templates used overseas.
By a stroke of pure luck, one of our volunteers found a single treadle pump offered for sale on the web and we bought it. The Saajhi Stepping Pump (usually called Treadle Pump) is a self-priming diaphragm pump (more like a marine pump), rather than a piston pump. The pump is more efficient than a bicycle pump and the average volunteer can pump about 10 gallons per minute.
Templates for how to build your own treadle pump are available on the internet. However, they require welding experience. We are acquainted with a young man in Oregon who has built several of them.


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Like many southern individuals, Bulgarians seem excessively attractive to foreign people. Attractive looks with tanned facial skin and fair locks along with hot temper are simply a couple of things, which can make individuals fall in adore from the initial meeting. This particularly includes Bulgarian babes, who’re regarded as just beautiful, but in addition down-to-earth and extremely committed, but Bulgarian men aren’t worse even somewhat. Occasionally internet dating a Bulgarian single is like dating an Italian people or a female due to their attractive Southern looks.
Dating Bulgarian singles
Like many south individuals, Bulgarians seem exceptionally attractive to foreigners. Appealing look with tanned epidermis and reasonable hair combined with hot mood are simply a couple of things, which will make folks fall-in enjoy through the very first fulfilling. This particularly fears Bulgarian women, who’re considered to be besides breathtaking, additionally down-to-earth and really committed, but Bulgarian dudes commonly even worse actually some. Often dating a Bulgarian solitary feels as though online dating an Italian guy or a lady due to their appealing south looks. Continue reading Relationships Bulgarian singles. Like other south people, Bulgarians seem very appealing to people from other countries

domain: sociology


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Time to get serious. With just two weeks of knitting time grab a bulky yarn, some big ol’ needles, a fast knitting pattern, and a strong cup of coffee and get to it.
Twinkle Hat by The Knit Cafe
This is a brand new pattern from the Knit Cafe. You can find it on Ravelry and purchase it there. It is made with two strands of Berroco Flicker held together to make a bulky weight yarn. It is easy to do. You don’t even need to know how to knit in the round to make this pattern. Heck – you don’t even need to know how to purl. The shaping is done with a trick called “short row shaping” and there is a pictorial tutorial included in the pattern.
The Flicker yarn is a perfect choice. The baby alpaca makes this hat super soft with the perfect amount of slouch.
Your First Cable by The Knit Cafe
Also available on Ravelry. This simple cable project looks the same on both sides. The chunky yarn will make for quick work. Try it with Berroco Peruvia Quick.
Wonky by Brittany Wilson
A smaller cowl project for those especially short on time. The different textures make it an interesting knit. This is a free pattern from Knitty.com where you’ll find plenty of nice patterns!
Jumbo Gnome by Anna Hrachovec
Hello Handsome! Fun to make – amazing to receive! Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Bulky will give you the colours and the heft that you want for this little man.
Dilih Wrap by Alexandra Tinsley
This pretty little number is easy-peasy. The open work details are thanks to dropped stitches.
Bitty Boy Bump by Gina Bonomo
Only available in preemie to 1 year old sizes, so if you have a very new certain someone in your life that needs something cuddly for caroling in then look no further.
Padma by Dawn Toussaint
This cutie-pie is for all you crocheters. It is a free one!
Dolores Park Cowl by Parikha Mehta
Also free for the taking is the Dolores Park Cowl pattern. Simple and fast to knit – you can find it here.
Phenomenon by Carine Ancel
A very warm mitten! Cables, a textured palm and a bulky yarn like Lamb’s Pride Bulky will make it extra cozy. This pattern is free!
Loved by Talitha Kuomi
Whether this crown is strictly for dress-up or a head warmer for everyday what little prince or princess wouldn’t appreciate it?


Saying “the decision to rise and report progress may have been a move to save face from a potential Government embarrassment,” Dr. Katherine Michelmore said she hopes it “represents a recognition on behalf of Government that there is much wrong with this SDO and how it has been presented to the public.”
Dr. Michelmore, spokesperson for the environment for the BDA, said she welcomes the news that the debate on the SDO in the senate was discontinued yesterday to allow for “reflection”.
Following weeks of controversy and an all day demonstration, the Senate debate about the Special Development Order [SDO] which would have allowed Tucker’s Point Resort in-principle approval to build additional units was brought to a halt last night [Mar.18]
Approximately 4.5 hours into the debate last night, Senator David Burt [PLP] interrupted Senator Jeanne Atherden [UBP], and asked to “rise and report progress,” effectively ending the debate and delaying the vote.
Of the eleven Senators, only Senator Kim Wilson [PLP], and Senator Carol Ann Bassett [Independent] were left to speak. The PLP Senators were in support of the SDO, while the UBP Senators were against, meaning the SDO needed one Independent Senator to support it for it to pass.
Independent Walwyn Hughes said he would not support it, as did Senator Joan Dillas Wright, leaving Senate President Carol Ann Bassett to be the deciding vote. The debate stopped prior to Senator Bassett speaking, and her position remains unknown.
When asked why he stopped the debate, Senator Burt said, “The considered position having liaised with the Premier, Min. Roban,Min. Minors and the Senate Government Leader was that the better view was to rise, and report progress. We listened. This way we give an option for all the parties to reflect and to review their position.”
The SDO can be brought back to the Senate for a vote, although it is unclear at this time when, and if, that might happen.
Dr. Michelmore’s full statement follows below:
As spokesperson for the environment for the BDA, I welcome the news that debate on the SDO in the senate was discontinued yesterday to allow for “reflection”.
The PLP senator David Burt claims that “we listened”, however the proof of this will be in what happens next. Will hasty amendments be made to try and appease the objectors, or will there actually be a more honest and open discussion about how we have arrived at this place?
This SDO has been controversial from its onset. Reports of plans to further expand and develop Tuckers Point were met with “no comment” back in 2010. Then suddenly Bermuda was presented with an SDO in February, detailing plans which would dramatically impact upon an environmentally sensitive area.
It must be noted that this was the first SDO to be debated in Parliament, which was a significant step forward, however there were concerns that it was “rushed” through in Parliament, being debated during the budget, and before opposing groups such as BEST and CURB could fully inform the public of their concerns.
Following the passage of the SDO in parliament, more detailed information regarding the financial status of Tuckers Point and the composition of its shareholders has been revealed. It is distressing that the House of Assembly would make its decision in the absence of such information.
The decision to “rise and report progress” may have been a move to “save face” from a potential Government embarrassment, but I hope that it represents a recognition on behalf of Government that there is much wrong with this SDO and how it has been presented to the public.
Will the Government continue to purport that it is “in the public interest” to sacrifice the environment, or will they look for viable alternative solutions? All of Bermuda needs to be engaged in this discussion over whether we seek short term gain over long term prosperity.
For full video, audio and text coverage of the 13 hour SDO demonstration, and debate see here.


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Entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis is willing to share his business knowledge, evident with his new CNBC series “The Profit” that debuts at 10 p.m. EDT tonight (July 30).
As reported by the Fresno Bee, when the businessman, whose companies include Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC, needs some help with a deal, he thinks of only one person — his mother.
“I do have this very simple philosophy. I do business with one thing in mind. I always think about what my mother would say about how I did business,” Lemonis says during an interview this week at the TV Critics tour in Los Angeles. “It seems overly simplistic, but if my mother would be OK with how I did the deal, I’m good. If she would kind of raise her eyebrows and think it was a little shady, then I would know I’m not doing it the right way.”
His mother died two weeks ago, but her influence lives on in the man who went from living in a Beirut orphanage when he was 9 months old to owning his own lawn business by age 12. Now at 39, he is involved with several companies.
Network and cable channels are filled with programs where an “expert” comes into a business — restaurant, hotel, bar, beauty parlor, etc. — and tries to help fix the problems. In the end, there’s not that much tension because the experts aren’t invested in the business. Even the business sharks on “Shark Tank” can pass on a deal if they see any problems.
Lemonis has a different plan. The self-made millionaire is putting up his own money. It works like this: If the changes he makes to a struggling business work, he gets his money back and possible profit. Failure means he’s out the investment.
To read the entire article click here.
Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced their forecast for expansion and future development to “meet customer needs for product and service in new markets,” according to a press release.
The new markets will raise the total number of supercenters, just shy of 115 nationwide. Additionally, the company is in discussions with land owners and existing dealerships actively pursuing new markets and acquisitions that will be announced over the next six months.
Plans are under way to expand the company footprint with additional locations in high traffic, outdoor-centric markets within the following timeframe and markets:
• August 2013: Panama City, Fla.
• September 2013: Ocala, Fla., relocation; Tucson, Ariz., relocation; Cedar Falls, Iowa.
• November 2013: Berkeley (Boston area), Mass.
• January 2014: Coburg (Junction City area), Ore.; Fresno, Calif.; Harrisburg, Pa., retail store expansion; Lake Park, Ga.; February 2014 – Saukville (Milwaukee area), Wis.; Olive Branch (Memphis area), Miss.
• April 2014: Rossford (Toledo area), Ohio; Rapid City, S.D.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jackson, Miss.
“We are proud to continue our commitment to the U.S. market with the opening of these new supercenters and look forward to having customers in these regions visit their new one-stop location for everything outdoor and RV,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “As part of Camping World and Good Sam’s growth strategy, the brand is making major investments in the quality of its dealer network. From facility upgrades to new store openings, the company’s network will continue to expand and evolve while serving our customers’ outdoor, RV and camping needs.”
He continued, “These recent acquisitions increase our presence in existing markets and new territories and are in alignment with the strategic growth plans we have for the company. We are constantly reviewing our footprint and evaluating where we can strengthen our position within each of our markets.”
Marcus Lemonis receives 150 e-mails an hour and personally answers them all. For that alone, he deserves to be rich. And he is. Way-rich. In part due to the Camping World empire he oversees, in part because of dozens of other businesses he dabbles in.
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, reported that the dabbling is at the heart of “The Profit,” a new reality series debuting at 9 p.m. Tuesday (July 30) on CNBC. In the series, Lemonis, described by the network as a serial entrepreneur, pumps his own cash into a struggling business and personally takes over the turnaround task.
Which he somehow fits in between returning every e-mail he gets.
“As bizarre as it sounds, I do,” Lemonis said during the Summer TV Tour. “My love life is terrible. I have no friends to speak of, and I do spend a lot of time at night literally answering e-mails. If you e-mail me and you get a reply at 3 a.m., it’s me. One of the things I like to tell customers is that if you e-mail me, it is not going to some random box, it’s not an auto-reply. People, I think, are impressed with the fact that you’re listening to their gripe.
“I don’t think anyone else can do it, really. I’m definitely not the richest person, but I will outwork anybody.”
He’s only partly joshing about that love-life thing. He’s rich. Of course he has a girlfriend. And an ever-growing roster of business associates.
“The Profit” joins the list of shows in which an expert goes into a broken business and tries to fix it. Some of the reality TV experts are as well-known for their vocal volume as they are for their turnaround acumen. The term they teach in business school for that is “Good TV.”
“I’m not a screamer,” Lemonis said. “But when things don’t go my way because somebody is unethical or dishonest, you’ll get a sense of my passion.
“This is not a show about drama. This is a show about business. Unfortunately, in any business, there are going to be people who scream at each other. We’ve seen companies that have a great infrastructure but not a good process. We see some companies that have a great product and no infrastructure. You see over the course of a season it is really a wide gamut. “
Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC today (June 25) announced plans to open a new facility in Rossford, Ohio, slated for the spring of 2014.
According to a press release, the new supercenter will be located in the Toledo area near the intersection of Interstate 75 and the Ohio Turnpike and is near numerous rapidly growing businesses, including a Bass Pro Shop. Development plans call for a 10- to 12-acre facility including an RV dealership, service bays, a Camping World retail store and a state-of-the-art collision center. The new store will join over 100 other national locations along with two other supercenters near Rossford in Akron, Ohio, and Belleville, Mich.
Camping World said it was approached by several developers and ended up choosing the Toledo area because of the national and state parks, fishing, camping and other recreational points of interest that are key for the RV lifestyle. With expected support of city officials, Camping World is in final stages of planning the new location while discussing generating tax revenue and new employment opportunities to the community. Early discussions have shown strong support and interest from multiple manufacturers, suppliers and vendors looking for additional expansion in to this growing market.
“Our growth plans across the country are consistent with Camping World’s philosophy of commitment to enhance our customers’ total RV experience,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “By increasing the growth of both the retail and dealership locations in our network, Camping World is getting closer to achieving our goal of truly being the one-stop shopping location for the RV and outdoor enthusiast across the country and to continue to bring the best RV makes and models to the RV community.”
The company expects to open the new Supercenter in the Toledo area in early 2014 with plans to hire about 25 to 30 new employees to reinforce their sales, service and support needs for the dealership and accessory store.
“Camping World is dedicated to providing its customers with the best experience and value in the industry. Our goal is to expand our business into new areas, and we are very excited about serving the greater Toledo community,” said Lemonis. “Camping World has a strong history of unparalleled value, selection and personal customer service and we look forward to serving the Toledo area in the near future.”
All details, including launch timing, specific address, RV manufacturers and product lines will be announced at a later date.
CNBC Prime has announced that “The Profit,” featuring Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC, will join the network’s primetime reality lineup on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) beginning July 23.
“If you have a business that’s in trouble and think your management team can survive America’s turnaround king,” the CNBC Prime release states, “then you’re ready for ‘The Profit.’
“When Marcus Lemonis isn’t running his multi-billion dollar company, Camping World Inc., he goes on the hunt for struggling businesses that are desperate for cash and ripe for a deal,” the news network reports. “In the past 10 years, he’s successfully turned around over 100 companies. Now he’s bringing those skills to CNBC and doing something no one has ever done on TV before … he’s putting over $2 million of his own money on the line.
“In each episode, Lemonis makes an offer that’s impossible to refuse: his cash for a piece of the business and a percentage of the profits. And once inside these companies, he’ll do almost anything to save the business and make himself a profit; even if it means firing the president, promoting the secretary or doing the work himself.”
To learn more about “The Profit” and meet the man who calls the shots, visit www.cnbc.com/the-profit.
The upturn in wholesale and retail sales of RVs has carried over to the service side with Good Sam Enterprises LLC reporting surges in a number of company metrics.
During an investors’ conference call today (May 16) that followed up Good Sam’s first quarter results announced on Tuesday, Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis said the company is seeing upticks from sales of roadside assistance and membership in the Good Sam Club right through to registrations for the upcoming Good Sam Rally in Syracuse, N.Y.
Good Sam reported revenues for the quarter, ending March 31, totaled $114 million, up 3.6% from a year earlier. Lemonis said the positive gains were a reflection of the public’s overall acceptance of Good Sam’s products and services.
Among the improvements:
• Sales from all Camping World stores rose 8.4%, with same-store sales up 4%.
• Retail transaction counts rose 7%.
• Good Sam Club memberships grew by 6.8%.
Perhaps the most surprising positive development came in the firm’s RV rally sector. Lemonis reported that advance reservations for the Syracuse Camping World/Good Sam Rally June 13-16 at the New York State Fairgrounds has already outpaced the company’s best rally in the past five years with “a shocking number of reservations.”
The figures are shocking in part because Good Sam “significantly” raised the cost of vendor booth space, but has not felt the downward pressure in bookings he expected, Lemonis said. It will be the company’s first RV rally in the Northeast.
Lemonis called the rally business “a form of advertising that should pay for itself and not cost us $400,000, which it cost us last year.” The final rally for 2013 is Oct. 17-20 in Atlanta.
On a year-over-year basis, Lemonis noted further growth metrics:
• Roadside assistance policies grew to 427,350 compared to 368,439 a year ago with a renewal rate of 91%. Lemonis hopes to hit the 500,000 mark within the next year.
• Extended warranty policyholders totaled 51,829 compared to 49,700 a year ago.
• Good Sam Club membership now stands at 1,357,110, compared to 1,274,079 a year ago.
Lemonis further noted that Good Sam opened three Camping World stores in the quarter, with eight others scheduled for the remainder of the year, bringing the total by year-end to 104. The company will reach the $7.8 million cap on capital expenditures mandated by its indenture agreement, but the Good Sam corporate owner has pledged another $2 million to $2.5 million to make up the difference to fund the expansion effort, Lemonis said.
Lemonis revealed a few disappointing results. One of them, a branding effort with NASCAR, is off to “a slow start” and Lemonis took the blame for the slow pace giving himself a grade of “C-minus” thus far.
He also said Good Sam is tweaking the fuel purchase program in tandem with Flying J. Almost 90,000 customers have signed on with “a nice uptick in retention” but the requirement for a separate card has been seen as a drawback. Good Sam plans to modify its Good Sam membership cards with a magnetic strip so members won’t have to carry an additional card, he said.
Good Sam Enterprises LLC reported improved sales and earnings results for the first quarter, ended March 31.
Revenue totaled $114 million for the period, representing an increase of $3.9 million, or 3.6%, from the comparable period in 2012. Net income in the quarter was $4.4 million versus $0 for the first quarter of 2012. Good Sam’s financials do not reflect rolling stock sales from the company’s Camping World Inc. unit.
A breakdown by segment showed:
• Membership services, which now include Good Sam’s media segment, posted revenue of $48.5 million for the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 1.1%, from the comparable period in 2012. This revenue decrease was largely attributable to a $2 million decline in member events revenue due to the timing of the company’s first annual member rally that occurred in the first quarter of 2012 and is scheduled to occur in the second quarter of 2013. There was also a $1.1 million reduction resulting from 10 fewer issues published and four fewer shows produced primarily resulting from the sale of the outdoor powersports magazine titles and shows to EPG Media LLC that occurred in March 2013, and a $0.2 million revenue reduction from other ancillary products. EPG Media, LLC is controlled by Mark Adams, the son of the Chairman Stephen Adams. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.3 million revenue increase from the extended vehicle warranty programs due to an increase in average revenue per contract and increased contracts in force, and a $0.5 million increase from the roadside assistance programs primarily due to increased contracts in force.
• Retail revenues of $65.5 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased by $4.5 million, or 7.3%, from the comparable period in 2012. Store merchandise sales increased $5 million from the first quarter of 2012 due to a same store sales increase of $1.7 million, or 4.0%, and a $4.4 million increase from the opening of 17 new stores over the last 15 months, which were partially offset by decreased revenue from discontinued stores of $1.1 million. Five stores were closed in the last fifteen months in order to consolidate operations within specific geographic areas. Mail order and internet sales increased $0.2 million, supplies and other revenue increased $0.4 million, and installation and service fees decreased $1.1 million.
Selling, general and administrative expenses of $30.9 million for the first quarter of 2013 decreased $0.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2012. This decrease was primarily due to reduction of legal and club branding expenses of $0.5 million, reduced facility expenses of $0.3 million and other reductions of $0.1 million, partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in retail selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly related to increased labor.
Income from operations for the first quarter of 2013 totaled $12.2 million compared to approximately $10.1 million for the first quarter of 2012. This increase of $2.1 million was primarily the result of an increase in gross profit for the Retail and Membership Services segments of $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and a $0.5 million decrease in operating expenses for the first quarter of 2013.
To view the entire report click here.
Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC today (March 14) announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Camper Coaches, an existing RV dealership in Lubbock, Texas, in the next 30 to 60 days. According to a press release, plans are for the location to undergo expansion to renovate into a larger facility including additional service bays, a new Camping World retail store and a state of the art collision center.
“We are pleased to begin the acquisition of Camper Coaches and expand our market share throughout Texas as well as nearby New Mexico and Oklahoma,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam. “We expect the Lubbock market to allow us to broaden our customer reach, build upon our market leadership position in recreational sales, and make Camping World the leading retailer in the growing outdoor market.”
He added, “I always look for three things – people, process and product – in relation to enhancing our Camping World and Good Sam presence. Our goal is to add more quality manufacturers and brands, increase our presence in the market, and grow the work force.”
Camping World of Lubbock, with easy access off Interstate 27, will offer a wide array of RV sales, service, collision, parts and accessories for the outdoor enthusiast. It represents the fourth full-service location in Texas for Camping World along with outlets in the San Antonio, El Paso and Houston markets as well as two stand-alone retail stores in the state.
Lemonis said the new supercenter will add to Camping World’s future growth plans and the company expects to soon announce several additional markets of expansion in the state of Texas. Camping World of Lubbock will also be creating additional positions for seasoned and professional RV sales associates, technicians and retail support as the facility expands, joining the current employees at the Camper Coaches location.
Camping World Inc. (CWI) and Good Sam Enterprises LLC today (March 8) announced plans to open a new supercenter in the Valdosta, Ga., market in November.
According to a press release, Camping World of Valdosta will feature the first co-located, co-branded 150-site campground and rally park for the company. In addition, the store will offer a wide array of RV sales, service, collision, parts and accessories for the outdoor enthusiast.
The new supercenter will join almost 100 other locations across the U.S., including four Georgia stores in the Atlanta, Macon and Savannah markets. Camping World of Valdosta will be located off I-75, exit 5, in Lake Park.
“We are excited to bring the Camping World one-stop shopping experience to Valdosta with our full-service RV lifestyle center that includes our proto-type Good Sam licensed RV campground,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam. “City leaders and landowners have embraced our recent acquisition because it puts money directly back into the local economy, brings jobs and helps to build revenue for businesses. Everyone wants to see success in their community.”
The co-located Good Sam park will take affordable family camping to a new level in the greater Valdosta area, according to Camping World. Visitors to the campground portion of the property will choose from 150 full-service campsites, including park models, as well as swimming pools, meeting rooms, pet playgrounds and other standard amenities with special rates for Good Sam Club members.
“We feel especially fortunate to be able to create a multi-business module that serves our southern Georgia and northern Florida communities with a wide choice of products and offering convenience off of I-75, while creating job opportunities,” said Roger Nuttall, president of Camping World Retail Group. “We look forward to serving the local community with high value products with the convenience and service fitting the greater Valdosta community’s recreational lifestyle.”
Camping World is the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer while Good Sam represents the world’s largest RV owners organization with more than 2,000 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions. Camping World is also the title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in addition to the Official RV and Outdoor Retailer of NASCAR.
Camping World Inc., the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer, today (March 7) announced that it has arranged for additional land on the heels of another successful year at its Harrisburg, Pa., location.
According to a press release, the RV dealership is currently transitioning from Grumbine’s RV to Camping World Super Center of Harrisburg. Grumbine’s RV has been part of the Camping World nationwide chain for almost nine years and seen exceptional growth.
“With a significant presence in Harrisburg, we know from first-hand experience that the city of Harrisburg and the state of Pennsylvania have a business-friendly environment that encourages investment,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “Expanding in Harrisburg allows us to bring additional jobs and significant tax revenue into the Harrisburg economy. With the continued support of city officials and land owners, Camping World is in final stages of expanding the new location. We look forward to extending our commitment to the Harrisburg metropolitan area and the great of state of Pennsylvania for future growth.”
“Camping World has a long-standing relationship with the city of Harrisburg and the state of Pennsylvania. We are very excited to be expanding our location in Harrisburg after many years of discussions and planning,” continued Lemonis. “Shoppers can expect to see a wide selection of RV, parts and accessories at competitive prices, along with top-notch customer service from our knowledgeable sales team. The renovation of this location demonstrates our commitment to the South Central Pennsylvania region and will give the Harrisburg-area residents a convenient place to shop for all of their RV needs. Early discussions have shown strong support and interest from multiple manufacturers, suppliers and vendors looking for additional expansion into this growing market.”
The new Camping World facility is supported by a nearby location in Hanover, Pa.


Rahul Dravid’s view that Indian players need not play in foreign competition was shared by Zaheer Khan and Ravi Shastri. They say that because there is a strong internal structure, “we should focus on our country rather than looking beyond it.”
There is a perception that Indian players, who are unable to compete in international leagues such as the Big Bash League and the Hundred, are at a disadvantage compared to players from other nations, who have access to a wider variety of playing environments.
After India were defeated by England by 10 wickets in the final semi-final of the T20 World Cup, the debate took hold.
The same opinion has been expressed by former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan who argues that there is no justification for Indian athletes to play in foreign leagues given the country’s already vital domestic system.
“Right now, I can’t think of any other reason why gamers would want to travel to compete in a specific competition,” said Shastri.
He went on to add, “there’s a solid system in place for you nationwide right now. Why rely on other people then? The tools we need to create talented players are many. In an engagement organized by Prime Video, Zaheer said: “And you also look at our strength on the bench. You can basically play with three formations and they will be able to compete at any level.”
“I think there are different procedures in place. It’s about traveling to different nations to discover things, not just playing franchise cricket there. This is something significant, and as you can see from the BCCI shadow tours, I believe these procedures are effective.
“There is enough domestic cricket for all these youngsters to integrate into the system and have a chance.
“There will be an opportunity for the other team to go somewhere else while India is in another country – go play and see what you know they can do,” according to Shstri – plus you get these India A tours and you get many of these other tours. At any moment, two Indian teams could compete in the future.
More cricket related stories here.


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Revie Bryson, a precocious and dreamy kid from Paris, Indiana, has decided he’s the second coming of Christ: and why not? His mother, a captivating performer and inventive storyteller, likes to tell him made- up Bible stories, which she claims are “lost episodes,” or outtakes from the King James version. Wild as prophecy and seemingly just as coded, these charming and dangerous tales feature steel mills, cars, and transistor radios, among other artifacts not generally associated with life at the beginning of Anno Domini. After years of listening to these stories, is it really so far-fetched for Revie to believe that God might show up on his doorstep one day like Ed McMahon and the Prize Patrol?
Faith can be fickle, though, and Revie’s belief in God and his family is scuttled when his mother suffers a crisis of identity and leaves home to pursue her dreams of stardom in Hollywood. Over the course of a year, one family and one boy must learn to sacrifice and forgive in order to be born again.
Furuness’s writing is operatic, sounding each note on the scale of human experience with precision and brio. As the novel navigates the tricky adult negotiations that sustain domestic mythologies and the bittersweet nature of adolescent discoveries, the readers is reminded that anyone can be subject to resurrection, with all its terror and promise, and that the winding journey toward love and salvation is life-long. By turns humorous and provocative, disquieting and heart-warming, The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson is a stunning debut you won’t soon forget.

domain: library


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Wild West Casino Party
Online Registrations are closed - Walk-ins are welcome
Time & Place:
- October 27, 2016; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
- Place: Stockyard Station Stampede Room
- Private Event - AATC Members Only
- Pre-pay: $55
- To be billed: $65
- Walk-ins: $75
- Roulette, Craps and Blackjack
- Photo booth, sponsored by Green Mountain Energy, with instant uploads to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—share with your friends!
- Live Music from Big in Vegas and Deryl Dodd!
- Come in your best country/western attire and be sure to wear your dancin' boots!
- Title Sponsor: H20 Plumbing
- Casino Game Sponsor: Arbor Carpet
- Live Music Sponsor: Maintenance Supply HQ
- Casino Dance Sponsor: AZ Partsmaster
- Photo Booth Sponsor: Green Mountain Energy
The AATC Wild West Casino Night presented by H20 Plumbing is one of our most popular events. It was moved this year to October at an exciting new venue. The Historic Stockyards of Ft. Worth will host this fun event. There will be casino games featuring roulette, craps, and blackjack! With a Wild West theme and live country music, you better come dressed in your best dancin' boots and bring your friends for a fun night...Texas style!

domain: entertainment


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We’re almost kissing goodbye to October, so party hard before it’s too late. Here’s a list of what’s happening this midweek.
1. Tuesday After Work BBQ ft. Misty & Aly B @ Cairo Jazz Club 610 (Tuesday 23/10)
Nobody will ever stop enjoying Cairo Jazz Club 610’s Tuesday After Work BBQ. This week, it’s mastered by Misty and Aly B.
2. Signature Tuesday @ Rawi (Tuesday 23/10)
Blast your midweek with an oriental party at Rawi with Mostafa Hagag and a surprise belly dancer.
3. R&B/Hip-hop Ladies Night ft. DJ Feedo @ Gŭ Lounge (Tuesday 23/10)
How much more lucky can ladies get? Gu Lounge still throws them the free entrance on the R&B and hip-hop nights with the king, DJ Feedo.
4. Latefall @ Cairo Jazz Club (Tuesday 23/10)
Enjoy one of the best electronic mixes this Tuesday at CJC with the unique band Latefall.
5. Cabaret Night @ 24K (Tuesday 23/10)
I guess the thing you need most during midweek is oriental vibes, so head to 24K and enjoy another edition of their Cabaret Night with belly dancer Aziza.
6. Taxi El Sahra ft. Ramy DJunkie @ Cairo Jazz Club (Wednesday 24/10)
Taxi El Sahra returns in another edition with the spinning master, Ramy DJunkie, who will be blasting the roof with RnB & hip-hop tunes.
7. R&B Night @ OPIA (Wednesday 24/10)
OPIA brings you another performance by DJ Soul M, just to make sure his music is hitting every corner of your heart!
8. Feedo @ The Tap East (Wednesday 24/10)
Nobody says no to Feedo! He’s taking over The Tap East, so hurry up and reserve your spot.
9. Egyptian Project @ Cairo Jazz Club 610 (Wednesday 24/10)
Egyptian Project returns to CJC 610 with another exceptional acoustic performance. They are performing this Wednesday! Make sure you do not miss them!
10. Rewind ft Cairo Big Band Society @ The Tap West (Wednesday 24/10)
This week’s edition of the Rewind party at The Tap West is a bit jazzy, just the way you love it with Cairo Big Band Society.
11. Wednesday Party ft Mahmoud El Leithy @ Gŭ Bar (Wednesday 24/10)
Lastly, enjoy a crazy night with Mahmoud El Leithy and the belly dancers at Gu Lounge.


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by Daniel J. Graeber
Washington DC (UPI) Sep 18, 2017
Oil-rich Kazakhstan has ambitions to become a "high-income country," but it needs support to diversify its economy, the Asian Development Bank said.
"Fulfilling the country's potential to become a high-income country will require substantial knowledge contributions and financial resources," Giovanni Capannelli, ADB country director for Kazakhstan, said in a statement.
Since joining the regional bank in 1994, the oil-rich country has received more than $5 billion in loans to support everything from sanitation to agriculture. Home to one of the larger oil fields in the world, Kashagan in the Caspian Sea, an early 2017 report from the International Monetary Fund said economic growth should accelerate because of higher oil production and improved commodity process, following a slowdown last year.
The IMF said the Kazakh economy could grow as fast as 4 percent, in part because it was expanding its options for non-oil revenue. Uncertainty remains, however, because its economy is exposed to external shocks and the "lower-for-longer" prospects for the price of crude oil.
The ADB said it endorsed a new country strategy with Kazakhstan that envisions more than $3 billion in assistance through 2021.
"Kazakhstan is poised to overcome global economic challenges and be more resilient to external shocks and diversified," Capannelli said.
For Central Asia's largest economy, the ADB said it would work on easing access to financial lending at the private sector, address inclusive development issues and support a low-carbon economy that's able to respond to the pressures from climate change.
Oil is Kazakhstan's primary export commodity and the country is party to a multilateral effort led by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to balance an oversupplied market with managed production declines.
The Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan is one of the country's brighter prospects, though development has been impeded by a series of issues with infrastructure in a complex reservoir environment.
Washington (UPI) Sep 15, 2017
Total oil production in August from Norway, one of Europe's main suppliers, was slightly lower than expected, the government said Friday. Apart from Russia, Norway is one of the leading energy suppliers to the European economy, designating nearly all of its offshore production for exports. The National Petroleum Directorate reported preliminary figures for August at 1.55 million barrels ... read more
All About Oil and Gas News at OilGasDaily.com
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A request to the City of McAlester for information regarding” Project Spider” rendered emails containing blacked-out paragraphs, leading to further possible violations of state laws pertaining to the State of Oklahoma Open meeting act and Open Record Act.
McAlester City Council members have met twice to discuss a proposed expansion of an existing McAlester business — code named, “Project Spider.”
A code name which could be in violation of the Oklahoma State Law.
In an effort to uncover what Project Spider was about McAlester News Capital requested records regarding the project by filing a Freedom of Information Act request.
Several emails were received from the city. Some had large sections blacked out. No legal reason was given for the redaction on the request.
However McAlester City Attorney Joe Irvin said he redacted the sections in the email because the information didn’t pertain to the request.
A McAlester News investigation has revealed some information about the secret Project Spider. The code name Project Spider is being used for a proposed existing business expansion at Steven Taylor Industrial Park, presented to the city by Shari Cooper director of MPower, a city funded economic development company.
In a June 29 email Cooper to the McAlester City Council and City Manager Pete Stasiak, Cooper asks to meet in executive session with the council to discuss an existing business expansion proposal regarding land at Steven Taylor Industrial Park.
“We have a business that is in expansion mode ... and I would prefer to present this proposal to city council in Executive Session for their consideration. It involves land negotiation and acquisition, so I believe the Open meetings state law allows for this.”
On June 30 the name Project Spider is given to the project in an email from McAlester City Mayor Steve Harrison.
“.. I assume that a reference to “Project Spider “will satisfy the (Open meeting law), Harrison said.
The law he is referring to is Title 25 Oklahoma Statute Sec. 311B (2)b, according to the email.
“All agendas required pursuant to the provisions of this section shall identify all items of business to be transacted by a public body at a meeting, including ... If a public body proposes to conduct an executive session, the agenda shall identify the items of business and purposes of the executive session.”
However, the matters discussed in executive sessions are the business of the public, according to previous Oklahoma Attorney General.
“Executive sessions are not permitted under the law because the matters to be taken up are in the private domain of public officials” said former Attorney General Jan Eric Cartright.
“Such matters are the business of the public.”
For more on this story, see the print or electronic editions of the McAlester News-Capital. Click here for print edition home delivery or click here to see the Smart Edition for your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone.
Contact Jeanne LeFlore at firstname.lastname@example.org.

domain: politics