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I found an interesting article about Big Pharma, FDA, and Compounding pharmacies. It's a real eye opener. This explains how drugs available to us are not being prescribed in traditional medicine.
I do believe that big Pharma spends much money to promote legislation that will help them; however, this article is logically flawed.
This article provides the following argument:
"Estriol is one of the naturally occurring hormones in females and is at it highest levels in the body during pregnancy. Logically how can something that is produced by a properly functioning healthy human body be “a serious threat to the public health?”
Hormones can have very severe side effects. Hormone therapy can cause the blood to clot in some people. It also increases the risk breast cancer. In the US, one in eight women will eventually get breast cancer. In some countries, breast cancer rates are much lower. Yes. We are living longer. But one in eight is still too high of a figure.
Further down the page, the blogger talks about
the hormone cortisol. He recommends it for preventing the flu! A dosage of 80 mgs per day until you feel better and then start the tapper. OMG. Just because the body produces something on its own does not make it safe. Cortisol interferes with the immune system and bone cell function and prevents the intestine from effectively absorbing calcium. It can result in serious infections and osteoporosis.
The blogger say, "Getting cortisol can be a challenge, unless you are a patient of mine or have had a consultation with me within the past year. In that case, your biggest challenge will be picking up the phone, calling me, and asking me to prescribe cortisol for you. I will be glad to do so. I might even do it if I haven't seen you within the past year: that would depend on the circumstances of your situation."
Post Edited (subdued) : 1/17/2011 1:24:22 PM (GMT-7)

domain: biology


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By Oasis - Digital Sheet Music
Product InformationWonderwall by Oasis - Digital Sheet Music
Wonderwall digital sheet music. Contains printable sheet music plus an interactive, downloadable digital sheet music file.
- Contains complete lyrics
- This product is available worldwide
The Arrangement Details Tab gives you detailed information about this particular arrangement of Wonderwall - not necessarily the song.
Not the arrangement you were looking for? View All Arrangements
Displaying the top 3 out of
reviews for "Wonderwall" -
See All 6 Reviews
In order to write a review on digital sheet music
you must first have purchased the item.
11/8/2007 2:53:58 PM
I love this song so I was very excited to play it and although it sounded good, it needs to be played with more than one instrument as it sounds bare with just the piano. Overall it was very good!
Piano: Intermediate / Composer
9/28/2012 2:43:06 PM
I was looking for the sheet music for this song. This arrangement is really well done. It was pretty easy as well.
Keyboards: Intermediate / Composer
6/21/2015 12:13:02 PM
Not brilliant. Very thin musically. Very difficult to make sound convincing without considerable improvisation. Shame really as a super song.

domain: entertainment


pH Balancer’s pH level Testing Method
Each batch of pH Balancer upon arrival in Singapore have go through AVA comprehensive lab tests and will only be allowed to release for sales with the authority’s approval. We also constantly monitor the water quality by sending samples for independent lab tests which include measuring the water pH level. Products are tested by TUV & SGS.
Determining pH of packaged drinking water
- The pH value is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.
- If the potential difference between the glass electrode immersed in water and the reference electrode (usually a dry mercury electrode) is E, and the potential difference in the buffer solution with a certain pH at the same temperature is Es, then the pH of the water is:
- The alkaline ionized water of our factory is weakly alkaline (pH 8~9) because the electrical conductivity is extremely low (below 45μs/cm). When the pH is measured, it is easy to absorb carbon dioxide in the air to produce carbonic acid and lower the pH, and lose the true value of the sample.
- pH meter
- Glass electrode and reference electrode (usually a dry mercury electrode)
- Buffer solution
- Analysis method
- Connect the pH meter power supply.
- Wash the electrode with distilled water and blot it with absorbent cotton or absorbent
- Adjust the pH meter with two pH buffers (requires the pH value principle).
- Determine the pH value of the water sample and measure the temperature change within ±1°C.
- When measuring the pH value of alkaline ionized water samples, immerse the
electrode with sample water, wait for the near equilibrium to change the sample water, try not to stir the sample, avoid sample absorption of carbon dioxide that will lower the pH and lose the true value of the sample.
- When determining the pH value, the results of three consecutive times shall comply with the reproducibility specifications specified by the pH meter.
- When the pH value is greater than the water sample 11, try to use a electrode with little alkaline error or the measured value to correct it.


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This week on The Decentralists we have a very special guest, Dr. Jon Unruh, Transitional Justice advocate and Associate Professor of Geography at McGill University in Montreal. Dr. Unruh has over…
How can Sociology help us better understand traditional money, and its digital counterpart, Cryptocurrency?
Join us on this episode of The Decentralists as we explore what money means to society – and what cryptocurrencies mean to money.
ProtonMail is used by journalists whistle blowers and activists all over the world precisely because its is secure, private and untraceable.
Until recently that is.
We talk a lot about digital identity on The Decentralists. What is Identity? What makes Identity self-sovereign? Why is decentralized identity better than centralized like that offered by Single Sign-On?
This week we talk about another important risk of centralized identity, the linking of personally identifiable data (PII).
This episode, we define Single sign-on (SSO) solutions for identity management, and we’re thrilled to get some help from a very special guest. Dr. Geoffrey Goodell is a senior research associate in the financial computing and analytics group at the department of computer science at University College London.
out Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), a topic that is near and dear to our hearts. Dr. Geoffrey Goodell, associate professor at UCL and research lead at The Peer Social Foundation join us to break down a difficult concept into something we can all understand.

domain: news


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MEXICO CITY — A cross-border tomato feud has gotten about as rotten as any food fight probably could.
Florida-led U.S. growers apparently have won over Washington to their long-standing argument that Mexican farmers deviously underprice their tomatoes to conquer the American table. The Mexicans accuse U.S. farmers of covering for their incompetence by using election-year leverage to squelch free trade.

domain: food


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It is difficult for me to be cooped up indoors during the month of May, so I’ve been spending as many lunch hours at Hurdman as possible this month so as not to miss out on spring migration. It was gray and gloomy on Friday, May 6th, when I saw a couple of Warbling Vireos, Yellow Warblers and Gray Catbirds for the first time at Hurdman this season. All of these birds breed here, so I’ll be seeing a lot of them over the summer! At least one Eastern Kingbird had also arrived, and there were still a large number of Yellow-rumped Warblers moving through.
The kingbird was relatively approachable. He was flycatching from a tree branch, so I slowly approached him and managed to get closer than I expected. It surprised me to find later that I had photographed him with his mouth open. I don’t remember hearing him “singing”, so perhaps I caught him in a yawn:
I checked the river even though the water level was still very high, and found a set of raccoon tracks in the mud next to the water’s edge. Raccoon footprints look like miniature hands and feet – this print is from its front foot:
The second week of May was much sunnier and warmer, and I saw lots of insects. Cabbage Whites have begun to emerge, and after seeing only two or three on Monday, by Friday I saw at least eight or ten.
I saw two different species of hover fly. This one is a common species, although I don’t know its scientific name.
This species is one I haven’t (to my knowledge) seen before, and I love the blossoms he was sitting on:
And another photo of the blossoms:
By the following Monday, American Redstarts and Baltimore Orioles had also arrived. Both of these are beautiful black and orange birds with loud, distinctive songs. While the orioles prefer singing from trees in open areas, the redstarts inhabit more densely wooded areas. I found this one on the feeder trail, and was thrilled when he responded to my “pishing”.
Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrows were still moving through, and Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers were becoming more noticeable throughout the park. I heard more catbirds, too, singing from within dense shrubs, and came across this one who, perhaps because he had his back to me, didn’t notice I was there. I managed to take a few photos before he flew off, and was pleased with this one in particular:
On Thursday and Friday I spent some time on the south side of the park. I found a large puddle here which was being used by Yellow Warbler for his bath; when I stepped closer for a better look, I was startled by a second bird flying up from the ground. This one was not a warbler but a thrush – a Swainson’s Thrush! We looked at each for several long moments before he flew off into the brush.
The Baltimore Orioles on this side of the park are much more cooperative, and I had a couple of them perch on an open branch long enough for me to take a few pictures.
By Friday the clouds had moved in again. I spent more time exploring the southern half of the park, where I heard a Rose-breasted Grosbeak singing and saw four Wood Ducks and one cormorant on the river. I found a trail that led to the water’s edge and discovered a Great Blue Heron fishing along the shore. He ignored me as he stalked the water’s edge for fish, and caught one right in front of me.
Great Blue Heron
A couple of Eastern Kingbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds were also present, though the kingbirds quickly flew off.
Female Red-winged Blackbird
While watching the heron, a small butterfly flew by quickly. When it landed I was happy to discover a Red Admiral! These migratory butterflies appeared in Ottawa in great numbers last spring, and seeing this lone fellow brought back happy memories of watching them.
It is thrilling to see the breeding birds return to their nesting grounds and to hear their songs filling Hurdman Park with music. I can’t wait to see who shows up next!


Movies & TV
Posts tagged "Big Pun"
Happy Birthday, Marc Anthony! 5 Notable Times Hip-Hop Saluted The Salsero
Feliz cumpleaños, Marc!
Big Pun’s Son Chris Rivers Drops Fire ‘You Ain’t Recognized’ Freestyle
Chris Rivers sets fire to Big Pun's "You Ain't A Killer" and The LOX's "Recognize."…
Meanwhile, Big Bird Kills It While Performing Big Pun’s ‘Still Not A Player’
This is really the best thing to happen to you all day.
Throwback Jams: Fire Collaborations
Celebrate #TBT with this old-school playlist of some of the most fire collaborations of the '90s and 2000s.
Big Pun’s Mom Might Be A Bank Robber
Big Pun’s Mom Might Be A Bank Robber
It’s so hard to be like Pun’s mom. A woman accused of robbing a Wells Fargo bank in Miami, Florida is said to be the…
Big Pun’s Widow Doesn’t Wanna Be Played No More, Sues Fat Joe For Royalties
Big Pun's widow is coming for Fat Joe. Liza Rios has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Joey Crack for allegedly freezing her out of her…
FAQ: Everything Millennials Should Know About Remy Ma
Last week, Remy Ma was released from prison after serving six years on assault charges. While this is exciting news for older rap fans, one…
Latinos and the Gentrification of Hip Hop
“Appreciate the art that came through Puerto Ricans and Blacks / Speakin’ the facts / the sound is much deeper than wax…” — Common, Like They…
Essay: Latinos and the Gentrification of Hip-Hop
“Appreciate the art that came through Puerto Ricans and Blacks / Speakin’ the facts / the sound is much deeper than wax…” — Common, Like…
Sean C & LV Discuss Big Pun On Juan Epstein
Sean C and LV dropped their star-studded project Loud Dreams Vol. 1 last week, and they stopped by Hot 97 to chop it up with…
Joyful Noise: The Perfect #HappyDay Playlist
VIBE’s deputy editor Clover Hope likes to call me “the light of the office” daily but waking up on the bright side of the bed…
Watch: Big Pun’s Son Freestyles On Hot 97
Tidy Tunes: 14 Tracks To Clean The Crib To
Cleaning out your closet like Eminem or hitting the spin cycle a la Kelly Rowland doesn’t have to be an emotionally purging task. Instead, spice…
Posthumous Hip-Hop Songs That We’ll Never Forget
Almost 17 years after 2Pac Shakur was tragically gunned down, news broke last week that 2Pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, is working on releasing more never-before-heard…
8 Rap Battles That Should Have Went Down
You hear that? That’s the sound of beef cooking. Okay, so it may not be in the same legendary realm as Roxanne Shante vs. UTFO,…
V Exclusive: Joell Ortiz Remembers Big Pun: ‘You’ll Never Get Another Christopher Rios’
There will never be an MC that will be able to fill his shoes or one who’ll measure up to the lyrical tenacity that…
Fat Joe Writes A Letter To Big Pun For His 40th Birthday
Nov. 10, 2011 marks the 40th birthday of the irreplaceable Big Pun. Eleven years after his death in 2000, the Punisher continues to be remembered…
The BIG List: Cunnilingus Flow! 50 Tongue-Twisting Lyrics From Male MCs (All Pun)
Box Cut: “I Got A Story To Tell”Feeding Flow: “Petiteness, but that ass fat/She got a body make a nigga wanna eat that/I’m fuckin’ with…
Joell Ortiz Responds To Big Pun’s Widow
[AllHipHop] Brooklyn rapper Joell Ortiz has responded to comments made by Big Pun’s widow Liza Rios, who expressed displeasure with Ortiz’ tribute record “Big Pun’…
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The Community College of Philadelphia was on lockdown today (Oct. 6) after reports that a gunman was seen on campus.
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A Providence police union is not happy with D&D.
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No, this didn't happen in 1955, it happend in 2014.
Eminem On His Love For Tupac: “He Was A Superstar In Every…
October 8, 2015
“Tupac was the first one to really help me learn how to make songs that felt like something.”
The One-Man BeyHive: 6 Times Jay Z Was Beyonce’s Biggest Fan
The Decaying Relevance Of The Radio Single
10 Rappers and Singers Who Called Off Their Engagements
11 Rappers Accused Of Using Ghostwriters


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Senior Client Partner, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for EMEA
enSkip to main content
Can Sparky (the Dog) Come to the Office?
There’s a hot new debate in the UK corporate world. No, it’s not how Brexit is working out. Or where the economy is heading. It’s about dogs… in the office.
Though pet owners have long been howling to bring in their pets, the combination of the pandemic and the ensuing return-to-office movement has renewed the case for companies to consider the practice. A new survey found that three-quarters of UK workers would be fine working in dog-friendly offices. And certainly, dog owners are enthusiastic about this, with one Royal Kennel Club survey finding that 52% want to bring in their dogs. “People who have dogs think about their working pattern and how they care for the dog,” says Donna Herdsman, Korn Ferry’s head of diversity, equity, and inclusion for EMEA.
To be sure, such a change faces many obstacles and issues, such as whether the company’s office is in a dog-friendly building and how HR departments would deal with workers afraid of or allergic to dogs. But momentum has been building, dog lovers say. Between 2019-20 and 2021-22—a period that encompasses the COVID-19 pandemic—the number of dogs owned in Britain grew from 9 million to 13 million. As people worked from home, man’s best friend was by their side.
At the time, it was easy to have your dog at your feet, take it for a walk, then get back to work, all while staying in the same neighborhood. Return-to-office mandates are now making many dog owners anxious about leaving their pets alone. “It’s like having a child,” says Grant Duncan, Korn Ferry’s managing director, and sector lead for media, entertainment and digital for EMEA.
Dog lovers point out that their pets can reduce their stress levels, important in a work environment. Not surprisingly, 49% of people in one study said a pet-friendly office might convince them to take a job offer. But to make this culture change possible, experts say, HR departments would have to resolve a lot of headaches, such
as what breeds would be allowed into the office. “What if someone brings in an XL Bully dog? No one else will take their dog in,” says Drew Hill, a London-based senior client partner for Korn Ferry. And workers going on frequent breaks to walk their dogs can cause just as much disruption as dogfights can. “Dogs aren’t animals that will sit quietly,” Herdsman says.
Experts say that firms considering the idea would need to review these and many other concerns, such the fact that many cultures see dogs as animals that are unclean or meant to be kept outdoors. (To understand what a thorny debate this is, consider the fact that a recent Harvard Business Review article on pet policy, authored by two academics, took up 1,500 words.) “Bringing a dog to the office is imposing your personal interests onto someone else’s life,” Duncan says. “I think it’s a very bad idea—and I am a dog owner.”
Learn more about Korn Ferry’s Employee Experience capabilities.


An American drama series with a superhero vibe is all that A warrior Nun holds. It is known to be based on a book Warrior Nun 2020 Areala written by Ben Dunn. Originally Netflix briefed about making it a film adaptation, it was later that it was fixed for a series, producing its first-ever season.
The major location of the series being Spain, we would witness a Portuguese actress Alba Baptista in the lead role and a narrative. Alba Baptista, who plays the role of Ava Silva, a paralyzed orphan who resumes life after she’s already dead with superpowers that force her to join the ancient order of Warrior Nuns. The movie is released in the English language.
Netflix Warrior Nun 2020 TV Series OFFICIAL TRAILER
On June 17, 2020, Netflix released the official trailer of the series, which was much of a hype. We are surely excited to see what supernatural drama this exclusive series consists of.
“My whole life I’ve dreamt of being dead. I leave my body and see myself from above until I wake up and realize I’m still the freak I’ve been the whole life.” Watch the trailer now…
Warrior Nun 2020 RELEASE DATE
Warrior Nun 2020 was set to release on July 2, 2020, with 10 episodes in season one. While the makers are still waiting to see how the season 1 works, season 2 will be in process soon!
Warrior Nun Season 1 EPISODES AND RUNTIMES
There are 10 episodes in season 1 in total with an average timing of 40-50 min each, all the episodes drop on Netflix, July 2, 2020.
- Episode 1 – “Psalms”
- Episode 2 – “Proverbs”
- Episode 3 – “Ephesians “
- Episode 4 – “Ecclesiasticus”
- Episode 5 – “Matthew”
- Episode 6 – “Isaiah”
- Episode 7 – “Ephesians”
- Episode 8 – “Proverbs”
- Episode 9 – “2 Corinthians”
- Episode 10 – “Revelation”
CURSED NETFLIX PLOT ORIGIN EXPLAINED
Netflix Warrior Nun CAST LIST
- Alba Baptista as Ava Silva
- Toya Turner as Sister Mary / Shotgun Mary
- Thekla Reuten as Jillian Salvius
- Lorena Andrea as Sister Lilith
- Kristina Tonteri-Young as Sister Beatrice
- Tristan Ulloa as Father Vincent
Warrior Nun 2020 REVIEW
Netflix’s new supernatural drama Warrior Nun is out for the audiences to watch on Netflix. Released on July 2, 2020, The Warrior Nun consists of a 19-year-old paralyzed orphan, who after death wakes up in a morgue and finds out that she has the supernatural power of the angelic halo.
Magically the halo cures Ava’s paralysis but also brings supernatural features inside her.
She’s now burdened with the task of being a warrior nun. Towards the end of The Warrior Nun, With the help of Father Vincent, Shotgun Mary, Sister Beatrice, and Camila, Ava can arrive at the Vatican City.
But that’s not the end, she has a motive to reach the tomb of Adriel. But when she gets inside, there are no dusty bones as she expected instead she finds out that Adriel, who was expected to be dead, was still alive.
Warrior Nun 2020 PRODUCTION / DEVELOPMENT
Simon Barry is the showrunner and the writer of the show, with Terri Hughes Burton as Co-Executive Producer, Stephen Hegyes, and Jet Wilkinson being an Executive Producer with Amy Berg as Consulting Producer. September 28, 2018, Netflix gave the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes where Simon Barry was set to serve as showrunner/director for the series.
Production companies also involved with Reality Distortion Field and Fresco Film Services. The series was released for the audiences on July 2, 2020. Next of the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Alba Baptista, Toya Turner, Tristan Ulloa, Thekla Reuten, Kristina Tonteri-Young, Lorena Andrea, and Emilio Sakraya were confirmed as the casts.
On April 1, 2019, Sylvia De Fanti had joined as a regular cast as well. The first season was shot on location in Marbella, Ronda, Antequera, Málaga, and Sevilla, Spain from March 11, 2019, to July 5, 2019.
Netflix Warrior Nun 2020 CONCLUSION
Here’s the gist: Ava is a quadriplegic orphan who finds herself bonded with an ancient the Halo of the Angel Adriel after she’s dead. The Halo provides Ava a loads of superpowers but also puts her in the crosshairs of the Order of the Cruciform Sword.
No doubt the series is a treat to watch for the supernatural fantasy fans but might get a bit monotonous after the first half. The first half is said to be more engaging but it’s a visual treat for sure. If you’re a fan of such a genre, you should definitely consider watching it once.
LUCIFER SEASON 5 REVIEW & STORY DETAIL


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Lierse football club announced on their website that the team’s midfielder Amr...
- Petrojet appoints Hassan Shehata as new head coach
- OFFICIAL: Lierse confirm Amr Barakat move to Al Ahly
- Mali goalkeeper Diakite and midfielder Traoré injured before Egypt match
- Cuper: Expect more than 11 players participating in AFCON
- Mali coach: We have equal chances with Egypt and Ghana
- AFCON Roundup: Surprising results in Group C
- Sam Morsy commits future to Wigan until 2019
- Handball: Egypt beat Bahrain to edge closer to last 16
- Grant: There are no weak teams at this tournament
- Morsy, Fathi, Moruf excluded from Zamalek’s CL squad
Former Wigan hitman Amr Zaki set for European return
Zamalek striker Amr Zaki is set to mark his return to European football with a move to the Turkish Süper Lig.
Zamalek’s board of directors have reportedly accepted an offer of €250,000 from Elazığspor, with Zaki also giving up on his unpaid wages totaling EGP750,000 from the Cairo club.
Zaki is expected to sign for the Turkish side on a three-year deal, according to manager Bülent Uygun.
Zamalek edited the story on their website after initially announcing that officials were set to arrive from Gaziantepspor.
Caretaker manager Ismail Youssef excluded Zaki from the trip to DR Congo to face TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, and told the clubs official website, “He has not been training regularly, he is not ready and his concentration is mainly on the idea of leaving for Gazientepspor.”
Zamalek board member Abdullah George later revealed that Gaziantepspor were only willing to spend €200,000 for Zaki’s services, while the Whites demanded and extra €50,000.
Amr Zaki was offered a one week trial by Championship side Blackpool FC earlier this summer.
The Egyptian international enjoyed a successful loan spell at Wigan in the 2008-09 season and was the top goalscorer in the English Premier League for numerous weeks; but failed to add to his tally of 10 league goals at the club after falling out with manager Steve Bruce. Zaki also has 29 intentional goals to his name but has yet to feature under Egypt coach Bob Bradley.
Follow Adam Moustafa on twitter.

domain: sports


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Despite the necessity of braces to correct problems such as crooked teeth and gaps in the smile, many people feel self conscious about wearing them. This is where STb Social 6 come in handy. The wires and brackets create highly effective treatment, but unlike traditional braces they are placed on the back of your teeth, so they can’t be seen.
These braces use the thinnest, flattest wires so that the brace feels comfortable. However, as with all braces, there may be some mild discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new brace, but this will subside in no time.
STb Social 6 braces also have a shorter treatment time (on average, 16 weeks!) than traditional braces.
After a consultation to discuss your suitability for STb Social 6 braces, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These are used to design and create bespoke braces tailored to your mouth. Once this is done the braces will be fitted using one or two wires. These wires unravel to enable a good fit.
The brackets of STb Social 6 braces are self-ligating, which means they move as your teeth change position. This means you won’t need as many trips to the dentist as you would with other brace systems. However, a few dental trips will be required to make sure the treatment is going well and it’s important to maintain perfect oral hygiene during the treatment.
Your privacy is always protected
Want to find out about how treatments at the world-renowned Harley Street Dental Studio can help you achieve your perfect smile? Take our free e-consultation to find out.START YOUR FREE E-CONSULTATION

domain: medical


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A police accountability measure that would have replaced the Minneapolis Police Department with a newly created Department of Public Safety was defeated on Tuesday by voters in the city where George Floyd was killed by a police officer in May 2020.
“People are torn,” says Northeastern’s Jack McDevitt, professor of the practice in criminology and criminal justice. “People absolutely feel that policing has to change and that reform is important, but it’s often posed in juxtaposition of defund the police or support the police,” he adds.
Specifically, Minneapolis voters were asked if they would support an amendment to the city’s charter that would dismantle the Police Department in the charter, creating instead a new Department of Public Safety. It would take a “public health approach to safety,” according to the amendment. That agency would include “licensed police officers if necessary.”
Residents rejected the measure 56% to 43%.
Read the full story on Northeastern News.

domain: sociology


The Mathews High School crew traveled to Philadelphia last Thursday to compete in the 96th annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta, held on the 1,500-meter course on the Schuylkill River.
The early time trials had MHS rowers Sydney Kollar and Scarlet Johnson face 27 other entries in their first Stotesbury experience. The duo finished 13th in the girls’ junior double, advancing to the top 18 semifinal. In the semis, the girls finished fourth with a time that did not advance them to the final but put them 11th overall out of 28 entries.The next event for the Blue Devils was Ben Stroud and Jaxon McDonald in the boys’ junior double which resulted in a time trial 13th of 37 entries and fourth in a tough semi, putting them at 10th overall in the event.
In their last Stotesbury Regatta competition, seniors Lillian Copeland and Macy Johnson faced a strong field of 21 entries including some fast Canadian entries. The time trial resulted in 11th out of 21 and the girls pulled fourth in their semi. ...
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In the quiet of our everyday lives, we seldom expect tragedy to strike close to home. But for one family, an unimaginable horror unfolded just days before Christmas in 2006, shaking their world and leaving a wake of questions that would haunt them for years.
This is the story of Ryan Waller, whose life was irrevocably changed by a brutal home invasion—a tale marred by loss, confusion, and allegations of police misconduct.
At the heart of this mystery lies a young man who endured unspeakable violence only to face suspicion from those sworn to protect him. After being shot in the head and left with life-threatening injuries, instead of receiving immediate medical care, Ryan faced hours of interrogation as his condition worsened.
Eventually losing his eye and suffering debilitating seizures until his untimely death scarcely a year later—Ryan’s ordeal paints a chilling picture of justice gone awry. Our article seeks not only to shed light on what really happened but also offers solace in understanding for those grappling with similar stories tarnished by doubts and missteps in law enforcement.
Prepare to uncover the layers behind “The Mysterious Death Of Ryan Waller.”.
Background on Ryan Waller
Ryan Waller’s story begins with an ordinary life, abruptly shattered by a violent home invasion that spiraled into a complex web of mystery and tragedy. His case opened a Pandora’s box of questions and theories, casting long shadows over the truth behind his untimely demise.
Who was Ryan Waller?
Ryan Waller lived a life that was cut tragically short. In 2006, he became the target of a violent home invasion which left him with severe injuries. He suffered greatly—losing part of his brain, his left eye, and enduring seizures.
His battle with these traumatic injuries lasted until 2007 when they led to his death.
After Ryan’s apartment was broken into, the event took a strange turn as police stepped in to investigate.
The break-in at Ryan Waller’s apartment
In 2006, tragedy struck as Ryan Waller’s life changed forever. His apartment was the scene of a violent home invasion. Richie Carver, along with his father Larry Carver, broke into the place where Ryan and his girlfriend Heather Quan lived.
They were not there to steal things or just look around; they came with bad intentions.
During this break-in, something terrible happened. Heather was killed and Ryan got hurt very badly. It wasn’t just a simple robbery; it became a scene of violence and trauma that would lead to more sadness later on.
The police came to figure out what happened and start their criminal investigation into the awful events of that day.
Police involvement in the investigation
Police came into the picture after Ryan Waller was harmed. They thought he had something to do with the crime. Officers spent six hours asking him questions, not knowing a bullet had hit his head.
This major oversight showed up when they found out about his injury later.
The person who talked to Ryan faced charges for messing with evidence and making up stories about what happened. Still, despite these issues, the case did not give Ryan’s family the answers or justice they hoped for.
Police mistakes like this have big effects on those involved and their loved ones.
Police Misconduct and Fabricated Evidence
In the harrowing saga of Ryan Waller’s death, allegations of police misconduct cast a grim shadow, with whispers of fabricated evidence sending shockwaves through an already baffled community.
When two men, Richie and Larry Carver, were ensnared in the web of accusation, it seemed the twisted trail might lead to answers—but for Ryan, whose injuries spiraled into tragedy, justice remained elusive.
Allegations of fabricated evidence
Some people said the police made up evidence in Ryan Waller’s case. They thought the cops did not look at Ryan as someone hurt but as someone who might have done something bad. This upset his family and others who wanted to find out what really happened.
The Wallers want the case opened again so that truth can come out. They ask for justice and want everyone to know what went wrong.
The Carver brothers were arrested, but questions hung heavy about their guilt. Talk spread of law enforcement bending rules and making false charges stick. This dark shadow over the investigation meant a true understanding of what hurt Ryan stayed just out of reach.
People fighting for him say we need to shine a light on all parts of this story, especially where it seems like police didn’t act right.
The arrest of suspects Richie and Larry Carver
Questions about the police work came up soon after Ryan Waller got hurt. People found out that evidence was not what it seemed. This led to Richie and Larry Carver getting caught. They were the ones who broke into Ryan’s place, which ended badly for him and Heather Quan.
Richie had to spend his whole life in jail without a chance of leaving early. His dad, Larry, also got stuck with a life sentence. The court cases took a long time but finally brought them to justice.
Ryan’s family did not stop there; they sued the Phoenix Police because they thought the cops did wrong things during their investigation. One cop even faced charges for messing with evidence and making up stories about what happened.
The injuries and eventual death of Ryan Waller
After Richie and Larry Carver were caught, everyone thought justice would move quickly. But Ryan Waller’s story was far from over. He had been hurt badly during the break-in. Part of his brain and left eye were gone because of the attack.
Police did not get him help in time, which made things worse. For a long time after that night, Ryan had seizures that shook his body and hurt his brain more.
Sadly, these injuries took too much from Ryan Waller. He died the next year with so many questions still unanswered about what really happened to him. His dad took action against the Phoenix Police for how they handled everything – or rather didn’t handle it when they should have.
The fight for truth in Ryan’s case keeps going as his family looks for a new chance to open the case again and find answers.
Similar Cases of Police Misconduct
In the tangled web of Ryan Waller’s tragedy, echoes of other victims loom—like shadows cast by a flawed system—shedding light on the dire consequences when those sworn to protect falter in their duty; explore these haunting parallels and join us as we delve deeper into stories that too often remain unheard.
Kelly Cook: The Murdered Babysitter
Kelly Cook took a job to babysit which led to her tragic end. In 1981, someone called and asked her to watch their kids. She left home for the job and never came back alive. Her case turned cold and the person who did this is still out there.
Her story shows how some cases don’t get solved right away, sometimes because police make mistakes. Many people think that’s what happened with Ryan Waller too. Families like Kelly’s keep looking for answers, even though years have passed by.
They hope one day someone will find out the truth so they can finally know what happened to their loved ones.
The strange death of Paulette Gebara Farah
Paulette Gebara Farah’s story is a sad one. She was a young girl, and her death left many people confused. Her body was found in her own bed days after she had been reported missing.
This happened even though the police had searched her room before. People began to question how the authorities handled the case.
The way the police acted stirred up lots of talk about their work. Paulette’s case got tied to others where people thought police didn’t do their job right. These cases show that sometimes, important details can be missed or ignored by those who are meant to protect us.
It makes us think about how well the police look into suspicious deaths and if they always tell families what is really happening.
In our journey to unravel the enigmatic demise of Ryan Waller, we’ve seen how tragedy can morph into a labyrinth of questions—stirring profound contemplation on the dire consequences of police misconduct and leaving an indelible scar on the fabric of justice for both victims and their families.
The unresolved case of Ryan Waller
Ryan Waller’s story is still a mystery. His family wants to find out what really happened and see that someone pays for any wrongs. Their fight goes on as they push to open Ryan’s case again.
They think there was bad stuff going on with the police when they looked into Heather Quan’s death and put blame on Ryan. His sad death later from his injuries made people ask more questions about how police do their jobs.
The Wallers keep working hard for justice, never giving up hope that one day the full truth will come out. They also want to make sure everyone remembers the rights victims should have, even when facing tough questions from cops.
The big dream is to fix things so no other families go through such a hard time after losing someone they love because of mistakes or bad actions by those who are supposed to protect us all.
The impact of police misconduct on victims and their families.
Police actions can hurt victims and their loved ones deeply. When officers don’t do their jobs right, people who are already in pain suffer more. Ryan Waller’s story shows this. He needed help but instead got blamed for something he didn’t do.
Ryan’s parents fought hard for the truth after losing him to injuries that went without proper care. They wanted justice, but found walls blocking their way.
The Wallers felt the sting of injustice twice; once through Ryan’s tragic end and again when they tried to hold those at fault accountable. Their case got thrown out, making them feel lost in a battle against a system meant to protect them.
This family’s fight points out the need for police to answer for their mistakes and make sure no other family has to walk such a painful path.
Fahmea Shorok is an intrepid traveler and a distinguished writer specializing in entertainment journalism. Her articles are a mosaic of her adventures and a testament to her versatile writing style, capturing the essence of global entertainment cultures. With each destination, she uncovers the intricacies of local art scenes, offering readers an insider’s view of the world’s stages, screens, and galleries.


We posted here Pakistan Army Jobs 2021. Through this page, contenders searching for Join Pak Armed force Occupations 2021 can get all flow and approaching Pakistan Armed force Occupation Ads. The absolute information will be given through the promotion. Up-and-comers can really investigate information through sees and apply in case they follow the requirements. Charmed Pakistani Nationals may apply if they meet the post essentials. Candidates should moreover visit Join Pak Naval force Occupations.
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|Address:||Pakistan Army Jobs Cantt Lahore|
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How to Apply for Army Jobs 2021?
The cutoff time for each post is recorded in the business.
Competitors are moved nearer to submit applications for the best post at the given region in the concerning possibility warning. Intrigued people can drive their applications with complete reports as the dissection required.
Deficient and late got supplication won’t be thought of.
Competitors will be shortlisted after the assessment of the applications.
Shortlisted contestants required for the test/meeting won’t be paid any TA/DA.
The application managing the charge paid as Solicitation Draft won’t be returnable.
The age slackening up will be presented by Government Selection Technique.


Congressman Dan Boren said today that citizens will likely see a federal declaration of emergency within the next week followed by immediate indications of public assistance when floodwaters recede.
Public assistance is provided to governing entities to help with debris removal, street cleanup, etc.
Private citizens, according to Boren, should wait for two things to happen before they proceed with cleanup of their properties - confirmation of the emergency declaration and an announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that individual assistance will be provided.
Boren said that he is going to push for both public and private assistance, but, until an official statement is released, residents should make no assumptions.
“We did not get individual assistance after the ice storm,” Boren said. “I am going to personally ask for all assistance available and Gov. Henry will, too. However, I want to make sure that there is not any false information out there.”
Boren said residents should watch for a statement from FEMA within the next two weeks regarding the availability of financial assistance.
Shelters in place
A shelter is in place at the First Christian Church in Miami.


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M.O.U.F Drops Rockin Visual For New Single "I Been"
Long Island native M.O.U.F releases visuals for the first single "I Been" off his new album, set to drop early Fall.
This is a fun track, a club banger if you will. that will have the toughest of the tough 'rockin and poppin'. The heavy hitter switches lanes, as most fans are accustomed to his raw and gritty lyrics. However, M.O.U.F, lightens things up a bit to celebrate success. Make no mistake though, his message is as clear as the champagne, he's been around and isn't going anywhere. Success is nothing new to him. Stay tuned for the release of his forthcoming album "Move Over U Finished".
Watch "I Been" below

domain: artistic


The CompuPool CPSC Cell Cord Half Lead Repair Kit is a simple and easy way to repair your old damaged cell cord. These 7 simple steps will get your system back up and running in no time!
1. Cut off and remove the old connectors that are being replaced with the Half Lead Kit.
2. Strip back the outer jacket on the wires by 0.40” (10mm).
3. Slide the large heat shrink over the cable.
4. Using a crimping tool (do not use pliers), crimp the wires to the copper links.
5. Slide the smaller heat shrink over each copper link and shrink with a heat gun or a blow dryer.
6. Slide the larger heat shrink over the 3 copper links and shrink with a heat gun or a blow dryer.
7. If brass connectors are a loose fitting then close the female receptacle slightly with pliers.
THERE MUST BY A FIRM FITMENT-- You can wiggle the wire with minor pressure to make sure it's on secure.
The US market is being flooded with cheap salt cells from CHINA and most suppliers and distributors are supplying these cells to pool shops and the general public.
Issues relating to these cells and our drive to offer good, reliable products have resulted in us no longer supplying any imported parts from China.
Our commitment to you is we will only supply replacement cells manufactured in Australia or US using commercial grade titanium plate from USA which has consistently produced the best material in the last 25 years. These cells have 15,000hr expected life where as the downside of cheap cells is a much shorter 5,000hr lifespan.


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The sad news though is that Jeffrey Michael's snowman ornament was broken. The above picture is Paige's. Years ago when I was the Girl Scout Leader for my daughter's school, we made these simple ornaments and they were the biggest hit. In fact, when we came home from the meeting, Jeffrey saw Paige's ornament and begged to make one.
So when we opened his box of ornaments and saw that his was broken, he asked if we could make another one. I don't have any extra ornaments left, but I do have all the other supplies. I thought I would share this easy project with you as well. I will update the post with step by step pictures once I
Here are the supplies needed:
solid color/ clear ornament
paint - we used brown, orange and pink
mini pom pom puffs
glue gun and glue sticks
ribbon - again I found "I believe in Santa" at Dollar General and used it for the ear muff and then a plain red
and green ribbon for the holder
Optional- if you use a clear ornament, you can fill it with loose snowflake dust- carefully remove the metal holder and fill. Then replace the metal holder and your done!
1. Attach a 2 in strip of ribbon- (depending on the size of your ornament you may want to test measure) to the top of the ornament with glue gun.
2. Apply one pom pom to the ends of each ribbon.
3. Once those are securely dried, then you can paint on the snowman's face. Paige used brown for the eyes and mouth, pink for the cheeks and orange for the carrot nose. Allow to dry completely.
4. Once completely dried, add ribbon holder to the top of the ornament with ribbon.
5. Hang on your tree.
Really it is that simple and inexpensive. It was a great and cheap project for my Girl Scout Troop and was loved by everyone that we ended up making more the following week!!
I'll add photos of us making Jeff's new ornament as soon as I can


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This accent cushion cover adds a sense of lightness to your interiors with its refreshing detail. The bright blue floral pattern adorns the stark white background. Toss this square cushion cover anywhere inside your home where it needs texture and dimension. Mix and match with solids and other patterns to create a well-decorated space.
What You Can Expect:
Reversible cushion cover with same fabric on both sides.
Includes a hidden zipper for easy cover removal and cleaning.
Cushion cover only but any standard size pillow insert will fit.
All four sides have a clean knife-edge finish.
Proudly made for you in the USA!
Spot clean as needed and lay flat to dry.
Available in the following throw pillow sizes: 18" x 18", 20" x 20", 22" x 22", 24" x 24" and 26" x 26".

domain: design


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How the Chinese Communist Party Is Using Social Media to Win Friends
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
The experiment could influence the popularity of China’s Communist Party among the country’s youth.
By Anil Azad Pandey
To Beijing-based IT executive Long Xin, the Chinese Communist Party’s recently concluded five-yearly congress wasn’t the tightly guarded, secretive conclave that generations of Chinese before him have grown up witnessing from the sidelines.
The decisions that will impact the world’s second-largest economy’s direction for the next five years were still taken by a tiny handful of individuals in power. But through a special mobile app launched on the eve of the congress, the Chinese government delivered to the country regular updates and reports on the event, in which the party amended its charter to include President Xi Jinping’s political vision. Only Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping before Xi have had their “political thought” enshrined in the party charter.
The party published Xi’s speech and other key reports on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like microblogging platform, and spread decisions through WeChat, Renren and QQ, the country’s other popular social media tools.
The Chinese government is well aware of the power of the internet.
Prasoon Sharma of the India Global think tank
That outreach is the latest sign of a quiet shift in the Chinese government’s approach toward social media, a beast it has viewed for years only with suspicion. Facebook and Twitter remain banned inside China. But Chinese government ministries and embassies are increasingly using these same platforms to reach out to foreign audiences. And while tight monitoring and censorship remain key elements of China’s strategy, domestically too the party is now recognizing that social media, carefully managed, can help spread its messages effectively in the country with the world’s largest number of internet users.
“The Chinese government is well aware of the power of the internet,” says Prasoon Sharma of the India Global think tank.
The shift doesn’t signal a hands-off approach from the Chinese government toward social media platforms and their use by Chinese citizens. Just before the 19th congress, the government issued new guidelines for instant-messaging services — requiring them to maintain chat logs for at least six months and seeking stricter identification of users. Open discussions on politics are still discouraged. The party’s own tilt toward social media is also still tentative. An English translation of Xi’s congress speech, released by the government on Weibo, was quickly pulled down amid concerns over errors.
Instead, say experts and users, it marks growing recognition within the government that social media may be to the 21st century what the Communist Party’s newspaper, like the mouthpiece Renmin Ribao or its English version, the People’s Daily, were for previous decades. The mouthpiece newspaper has a circulation of 3 million. By contrast, WeChat boasts 950 million users, and QQ 850 million users, making them useful propaganda mediums for a population that, though slowly aging, is still predominantly under 40.
Hua, a young Chinese user of WeChat, says he accessed most of his information on the party congress through reports he gleaned online and through social media. “This is a good way to educate people how to be faithful toward the party and the nation,” he says.
The government has faced domestic pressure too. As more and more Chinese travel abroad, they return with expectations of greater transparency, say experts. Nowhere does the tussle between the Chinese government’s recognition of those expectations and its simultaneous desire to control play out more than on social media. Foreigners and youth in China frequently use virtual private networks to bypass the so-called Great Firewall of China, a combination of legislative actions and technologies enforced by the Chinese government to regulate the internet domestically.
On the one hand, “Chinese social media has provided an enormous platform for people to express their views,” says Swaran Singh, professor at the School of International Studies at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University. China’s censors are allowing online discussions on pollution, drawbacks of the one-child policy and rising property prices. At the same time, he adds, China, like other nations, “has laws and regulations that seek to discipline these freedoms in the name of national interest and national security.” Discussions about the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, for instance, are still strictly taboo.
That ability to simultaneously experiment and tightly regulate has long been a highlight of the Chinese party, dating back to the economic reforms under Deng, and is often credited by experts as having helped it thrive while other socialist regimes have collapsed.
With social media, China offered the first glimpse of its changing attitudes in 2014, when Beijing hosted world leaders for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in November. Worried about the capital’s notorious pollution levels, China decided to control traffic — odd- and even-numbered private cars could only ply on alternate days. To get the city to buy into the policy, the pollution department bombarded social media users with messages highlighting the need to project a positive image of China to the world. The strategy worked.
But it is only in recent weeks, especially leading up to the traditionally hush-hush congress, that the party’s use of all social media platforms — even those banned in China — has grown into a trend likely to escalate further, say experts and users. “It is a positive sign,” says Long, the Beijing IT executive.
When Chinese and Indian soldiers faced off on a disputed Himalayan plateau this past summer, the spat became a hot topic of discussion among China’s social media users. The government used those platforms to revive memories of China’s victory over India in their 1962 war, a conflict many young social media users were unaware of. Users responded with posts reflecting pride and faith in the country’s system, long described as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Now, though, the party is also offering a new deal.
Call it social media with Chinese characteristics.
- Anil Azad Pandey, OZY Author Contact Anil Azad Pandey


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Every infant is unique and requires affection and encouragement to flourish. These reinforcements are crucial even for children with learning disabilities. If you consistently encourage your child to be virtuous and perform well, they will be filled with optimism. They persevere despite adversity due to their self-assurance and resolve. Your responsibility as a parent if your child has a learning disability is to provide adequate social and emotional support. Overcoming a cognitive disability will help your child become more resilient and robust in the long run.
All children require affection and attention. Positive reinforcement, such as words of encouragement and support, can help children with learning disabilities develop a strong sense of self-worth and the determination to persevere even when the going gets difficult. The emotional impact of learning disabilities extends to the child’s family, acquaintances, instructors, and classmates. Children with learning disabilities frequently internalize what others carelessly say about them, even if it is not directed at them. They are most likely to feel “behind” or “different.” It is always essential to speak kindly, and with these guidelines, we can hopefully help them develop self-confidence and achieve academic and life success.
When looking for ways to assist children with cognitive disabilities, it is essential to keep in mind that the objective is to help them assist themselves. As a teacher or parent, your role is not to “cure” the learning disability, but to equip the student with the social and emotional skills necessary to overcome obstacles.
How Instructors Can Assist in the Classroom
Typically, students with a learning disability perform better in the classroom when their instructors provide a high level of structure and explicit instructions. Teachers should also enunciate more slowly, communicate in brief sentences, use simpler words, and repeat pertinent information. In addition, it would be advantageous for the students if they were provided with test-taking accommodations, such as untimed tests, oral exams, or computerized testing.
Taking notes on what the instructor says can also enhance their learning experience. Due to the impossibility of writing down every word, teachers can be lenient and provide extra assistance. They could use a recording recorder to take notes or obtain copies of the teacher’s or other student’s notes. Therefore, if they feel left out, they can listen to the recording as often as they like or reread the notes to catch up.
How can you manage your child’s cognitive disability?
Here are some suggestions for dealing with your child’s cognitive disabilities.
Maintain proper perspective.
Everyone must surmount obstacles and concentrate on what lies ahead. As a parent, you must assist your child in overcoming the obstacles they face. Provide your child with emotional and physical support and assist them in overcoming cognitive disabilities.
Attempt to become your authority.
You may become perplexed about how to assist your infant. Therefore, you should always concentrate on your investigation and seek new learning disability programs, educational resources, and therapies. You may seek assistance from teachers, therapists, and physicians, but no one knows your child as well as you do. Therefore, become an expert in this discipline and assist your child in overcoming obstacles.
Advocate for your offspring
Your child requires your support, so become an active parent. You must communicate your concerns and needs to therapists and others who can assist you in overcoming a learning disability. Try advocating for your child’s need to comprehend what they are experiencing and what type of support they require at this time.
Help your infant adopt your viewpoint.
Your infant will imitate or follow your actions. If you encourage your child to approach learning disabilities with optimism and diligence, your child will adopt the same attitude. Therefore, attempt to find out which methods or solutions work best for your child.
Try focusing on your child’s positive attributes. Assist them in reaching their full potential and overcoming obstacles.
How to discuss your child’s cognitive disabilities with the school.
Here are some suggestions for communicating with your child’s school about the cognitive disability.
Set your objectives
Before scheduling a meeting with school administrators, create an inventory of the topics that must be discussed. Clarify your intended message before continuing.
Do not limit yourself to simply explaining your arguments. You must also attend to the queries and answers of the school administration. Permit the officials to clarify their position.
Numerous institutions provide special assistance to students with cognitive disabilities. Conduct research and provide examples of such institutions. Assist your child’s school in understanding what they can do to create a more inclusive learning environment.
Keep the emphasis
The school administration is responsible for many students. Consequently, they may not pay sufficient consideration to your child. If you are in a meeting to discuss your child’s requirements and difficulties, maintain the meeting’s focus on your child.
Remain serene and optimistic
Maintain a calm and optimistic demeanor during your meetings with school officials. Even if you make a negative comment, you should apologize and assist the authorities in comprehending your position.
The school administrator or authorities may not always comprehend your concerns. If you are dissatisfied with their actions, you should persist.
Determine precisely what you wish to say and how you wish to approach the situation. Following the aforementioned guidelines will help you present your child’s issue more effectively.
In addition to speaking with school officials, you should invest time learning what techniques you can employ to improve your child’s educational voyage.

domain: psychology


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Grab your journal, grab a pen and sit your butt down. It’s question time.
We don’t just have to protect ourselves from others, we have to protect ourselves from our own self-sabotage.
We have to assess our own behaviour and own every part of our involvement and engagement. Including holding ourselves accountable when we behave poorly. Or when we project. We need to learn, or should I say unlearn the toxic behaviours we have picked up along the way.
Sit down and work your way through these questions. Look inwards.
Question 1. Is it really how it went or just how you want to remember it?
Question 2. How are your insecurities affecting the way you’re viewing the situation?
Question 3. What parts of yourself do you see in the person you are criticising?
Question 4. Are you more concerned with being right or evolving as a person?
Question 5. What blame have you placing on someone else that you can take accountability for?
Question 6. What hard conversations have you been avoiding with yourself?
Question 7. What is your most toxic trait you can admit to?
Is your ego getting in the way of your healing?
I would love to know how you got on. Hit me up on social media! Or send me a message!
As always… Here’s to love, laughter and living your happy ever after xx


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WASHINGTON — Arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants away from the U.S. border dropped this past year, according to government data released on Wednesday, a sharp contrast to the “millions” of deportations that President Trump promised this summer.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested about 143,000 immigrants in the country’s interior between Oct. 2018 and Sept. 2019, 10 percent fewer than they did the previous fiscal year. That’s the lowest level of arrests since Mr. Trump took office, ICE officials said Wednesday.
Deportations from the interior also declined 10 percent, from 95,360 to 85,958.
Matthew Albence, the acting director of ICE, attributed the declines in enforcement to the reallocation of resources to the border with Mexico, where a surge in asylum-seeking migrants has taxed federal resources. In May, authorities arrested more than 144,000 migrants at the border, the highest monthly total in more than a decade.
“As a direct result of what happened at the border, we had to deploy resources which resulted in fewer arrests in the United States,” Mr. Albence said.
ICE agents often assist border officials with transporting, processing and deporting migrants at the border. Of the 267,258 immigrants deported by ICE at the border and in the interior of the United States, 68 percent were migrants arrested by border agents. Immigration officials are also permitted to fast-track deportations at the border, an option not open to those caught in the interior of the United States. The administration is currently fighting in the courts to expand such “expedited removal.”
Mr. Trump has pushed for the Department of Homeland Security to pursue aggressive policies to restrict immigration into the United States and deport those without legal status. But his administration still lags behind the Obama administration, which removed 409,849 people in 2012, a record high.
In June, Mr. Trump blindsided many immigration officials when he announced on Twitter that ICE was preparing to “begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States.” The president and Mark Morgan, who was acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the time, said that upcoming nationwide raids would sweep up families that had recently crossed the border.
That operation proved largely unsuccessful. Just a few dozen immigrants were arrested in the immediate weeks after the raids.
Mr. Albence said on Wednesday that his agency has deported more than 5,700 migrants who came to the United States with a relative in 2019, up from 2,711 in the previous year.
As deportations and arrests dropped in the last year, the population held in ICE jails continued to soar because of migrants apprehended at the border and the administration’s efforts to restrict the number of immigrants released into the public.
On an average day, more than 50,000 immigrants were in ICE custody in 2019, up 19 percent from the previous year. More than 3.2 million immigrants without permanent legal status have been released into society with their cases ongoing with ICE. The immigration court backlog also exceeded more than one million cases earlier this year.
“That says there’s an awful lot of people in the country who are here at the sufferance of the government waiting to see what happens to their cases,” said Theresa Cardinal Brown, director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Critics say the administration is still focused too heavily on deporting immigrants who have minor violations and do not pose a security threat. Some Democrats and immigration advocates have called for ICE to be abolished, criticizing its tactics of detaining immigrants in courthouses and arresting hundreds in work-site raids.
The investigative arm of ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, has also come under fire recently for creating a fake university to recruit hundreds of foreign-born students who sought to remain in the country under false pretenses, then detain many of them.
Mr. Albence pointed to “the challenges we’re facing by so-called sanctuary cities” as part of the reason for the drop in arrests and deportations. Those localities refuse to cooperate with ICE requests to turn over undocumented immigrants held in local custody.
Mr. Albence said such requests from ICE reduce threats to public safety, but multiple studies have found no evidence of a link between illegal immigration and crime.
In the final years of the Obama administration, ICE prioritized removing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. Mr. Trump, however, signed an executive order in 2017 that directed agents to not be selective with deportations. Of the 143,099 immigrants arrested by ICE last year, 64 percent had been convicted of a crime.
While administration officials have highlighted violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, most of the criminal convictions of those deported were traffic offenses or driving while under the influence.
“These are not crimes people would consider very significant, the big ones people get up in arms about,” said Ms. Brown, a former Customs and Border Protection official. “They talk a lot about homicide and sex abuse cases, but the numbers show the majority of people with criminal violations are lesser offenses.”


"The City of Hallandale Beach is continually looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents and businesses. By making our solar permitting process simple and easy to follow, we are encouraging both growth in the local solar market as well as a community-wide reduction in greenhouse gasses.”Assistant City Manager Keven Klopp
Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers.
Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings)
Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV


The season is almost over for The Walking Dead and with just one episode left, what can we expect for the survivors? It has been a long journey, but what lies ahead at Terminus? Is this salvation, or is their something ominous awaiting?
Very little is known about the season finale of The Walking Dead, titled “A,” but what we do know is one word, brutality. Other than that we know the last episode of the season will be focusing on Rick, Carl and Michonne. You can check a preview clip from next week’s all-new finale episode of The Walking Dead which premieres next Sunday, March 30th at 9pm EST on AMC.


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Mister Freedom® MF51 Field Shirt, melton wool.
mfsc FW2020 “WATERFRONT SURPLUS”, SURPLUS catalog.
Made in Japan.
The main inspiration behind the MF51 is the Government-Issued “SHIRTS, MAN’S, FIELD, WOOL/NY” (DA-36-030-QM-8549), a Korean War era US military cold weather staple. We combined the classic OD wool overshirt pattern with the vibe of vintage USN and civvy CPO shirts.
What stands out of the original design is the angled shoulder yoke pattern with its characteristic “X” rear panels intricate construction, and the two utilitarian large chest pockets matched with the wide open collar.
For a custom military tailor look à la MF®, we spiced-up the inside of the shirt with OD bias tape panels, and a concealed olive twill smart phone pocket. The left pocket flap features a pen slot, with an inner pen sleeve noticeable from the contrast stitching on the inside of the shirt.
If the originals were issued in an olive green shade #108 wool/nylon blend, we opted instead for a soft-hand navy blue melton wool, blending with our “Waterfront Surplus” theme and its many nautical-related garments. We are also releasing an indigo-dyed melton wool version of the MF51, which looks very similar to its navy blue mate, but with the added appeal of future indigo fading and natural evolution from wear.
We played around with the milspecs/instructions triple military labeling. The MF51 harbors our new 2020 original “MFSC Naval Clothing Tailor” woven rayon label (the two nautical pennants representing Mike and Foxtrot, and not the flag of Scotland), along with two white quartermaster-style cheesecloth tags, a branding combo visible on the outside from the unusual uninterrupted stitch.
The two darts of the lower back panel were initially intended to be easily unstitched by the wearer to add width to the shirt. If we kept this detail and the broad shoulder cut, we adjusted the fit to a more contemporary silhouette, as the vintage specimen are quite ill-fitting. Still, our MF51s are considered overshirts and are cut accordingly to accommodate layering.
The Mister Freedom® mfsc MF51 FIELD SHIRT is designed in California by Mister Freedom®, and manufactured in Japan by Sugar Cane Co.
10 Oz. Melton wool, soft-hand, milled in Japan.
a) Navy blue Melton wool.
b) Indigo-dyed Melton wool.
* Pattern inspired by 1950’s US Army Field Shirts and vintage CPO shirts.
* Open collar.
* Angled shoulder yoke pattern and “X” rear panel construction.
* Olive green contrast stitching.
* Cotton bias tape front panel facing.
* Two large utilitarian chest pockets.
* Inner smart phone pocket.
* Pen slot/pocket.
* Lower back panel cinching darts.
* Olive green corozo buttons.
* Original mfsc triple labeling.
* Made in Japan.
The Mister Freedom® mfsc MF51 FIELD SHIRT comes ready-to-wear and requires no soaking or processing. This shirt style is considered an overshirt and the garment is cut accordingly to accommodate layering.
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My bike is already equipped with all the accessories except the extra gas can but with a 5 gallon tank and getting a little over 200 miles to the tank I’m not too worried. To resolve that issue, companies like Baker Drivetrain have developed a solution. Build a custom motorcycle with the best custom aftermarket parts. baggersmag.com is part of the Cruiser Network, a division of Bonnier Corporation. Never ran out of gas have missed a few motels due to weather but by using Booking.com I never get charged a fee for not getting there if I cancel even after 4 pm. I will admit I plan most of my trip. But the Sportster is capable of so much more. Maybe you're into touring. The cylinder heads were also cut to give the engine compartment that “Big Twin” appearance. We tick off our picks for the most scenic, interesting, and memorable events across the country you can attend on two wheels, Helmet manufacturer updates its top-of-the-line touring helmet, How and when to inspect and replace your 2019 Touring model’s air cleaner, Our book list offers two-wheeled tales of action, adventure, and more, These 5 killer products will help you get the job done. And he’s absolutely right too: Mr. Price won a total of 46 national motorsports competitions in the 16 years he raced. Adding a luggage rack to the rear fender provides even more room for you to strap extra luggage to your bike. Ryan is one of the lucky ones who gets to combine their passion with work. Here are a few of our picks, geared mostly toward Harleys. As a matter of fact, one of the hooligan bikes I built was ridden on the El Diablo Run by Brad Gregory and a few months before that it was a basket case that had been cut in two pieces. “Our store is a progressive dealership,” Mark says. But I … With clean air filtering up and over the shield, it makes breathing easier as well. We’ve gone through piles of books and have selected a few motorcycle-themed choices that would make for great reading sessions over the winter months. I’ve got the 6-speed upgrade, windshield and similar luggage carrier. They can turn any model Sportster into a touring bike capable of big miles on the open highway. Harley-Davidson Sportster owners can now have their favorite motorcycle converted to high-end, high-class custom Bagger styling by the folks at Baggsters Inc! Bike N' Bird 18,897 views. An extra fuel container provides the added insurance you need when you are miles from the nearest gas station. Staying on the mid-controls for the entirety of a long ride can cause cramping and discomfort. Removable bags also allow you to take them with you once you reach your resting point at the end of a long day of riding. Hell, Led Sled Customs built an entire business model around bad ass Sportster choppers. Doug will have his unique Bagger on display at the, "The only thing you see, you know it's gonna be, the Ace of Spades". Sportsters aren’t necessarily known for great range. If you’re not sure how to adjust the preload, be sure to check out our article on motorcycle suspension tuning. AMA EnduroCross Series, August 25-November 3, Roland Sands Custom Harley-Davidson Road Glide Performance Bagger, A First Ride On Harley’s Stripped-Down Tourer, The 2019 Electra Glide Standard, Quick-Detach Windshields For Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, 2019 Milwaukee-Eight 114 Air Cleaner Inspection And Replacement, Garage & Shop Essentials For Motorcycle Enthusiasts. All rights reserved. This is awesome. MSR fuel bottles are no bigger than a thermos and will fit nicely into your luggage. Removable saddlebags mounted on supports provide a good starting point for a luggage option. The folks at Biltwell pulled off the ultimate version of an off-road Sportster in my opinion. A tire repair kit can also get you back to town if you get a flat as well. Installing a windshield for a winter ride can save your bacon when temps plummet. If you would like to carry a bit more gas with you, the Reda fuel can is designed to be the shape of most H-D style saddlebags. Last month our videographer loaded up his 2001 Sportster with camping gear and rode to Mexico and back on the El Diablo Run. I am 69 years old and travel on my Sportster every year on a long trip. Bucko, thanks for the input. HARLEY BAGGER PARTS, FENDERS, BAGS, LIDS, FAIRINGS, SPOLIERS, ETC. Running at those higher speeds can lead to increased vibration and a not-so-good fuel economy. If I can get by on a Sportster for some short trips, that would be great. As an owner of the iconic cruiser, you know the joys of taking your Sportster for shorter jaunts. One point in this article that causes me concern is the reference to “keeping up” with the bigger bikes. Also, it will keep pelting rain off of you if you get caught in a downpour. Also available are custom Baggster conversions for the Harley-Davidson Dyna-Glide motorcycle. The Iron bikes are built to be a blast to ride with the iconic EVO engine and a lowered, fine-tuned suspension system. We are constantly striving to provide new and fresh designs that are timeless. Checking and servicing your bike’s air cleaner is an important and extremely easy task, and one you should perform regularly. He was a racer and builder through and through, and we feel that we are honoring his mission with every completed project that leaves our shop doors.”. Performance and looks. Performance and looks. Most Harley tool kits should have most of what you need to make a roadside repair, but it is good to double-check.


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Full facts about the revenue raised by speed cameras and the number of accidents they prevent must now be published by all local authorities.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning launched the initiative this week to publish figures showing the numbers of accidents and casualties at camera sites – both before and after cameras were installed.
Police forces will also publish the number of speeding prosecutions arising from each camera in their area, as well as force-wide information about whether offenders are fined, complete a speed awareness course or are taken to court.
Penning said: “We want to improve accountability and make sure that the public are able to make informed judgements about the decisions made on their behalf.
“So if taxpayers’ money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.
“That is why we want full details of accidents and casualties at camera sites, along with the number of offences arising from each camera, to be easily accessible. This will help to show what impact cameras are having on road safety and also how the police are dealing with offenders.”
English highway authorities are now required to either publish or ensure publication of site by site casualty, collision and speed information for permanent fixed camera sites as soon as practical, and should provide the website address to the Department by 20th July.
The information should usually include annual collision and casualty data back to 1990 for the numbers of killed and seriously injured people and for all personal injuries.
The Department will set up a central hub providing links to local websites where the information is published.
The Highways Agency will publish site by site casualty, collision and speed information for permanent fixed camera sites on its network or provide links to where such sites are being included in what local authorities are publishing.

domain: politics


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Today, we revisit a piece from Gary Raymond which recounts the little known story of how Arthur Koestler and George Orwell almost changed the world from the cottage of Bwlch Ocyn in the Vale of Ffestiniog.
2022 marks ten years since the launch of Wales Arts Review, and as part of our celebrations, throughout this year we’ll be revisiting some of the best and most loved features, interviews, and reviews from our archive of nearly five thousand published pieces.
By August of 1945, Arthur Koestler had already completed many journeys; indeed, you could say he had lived many lives. His travails and explorations had taken in vast geographical extremes, from his native Hungary, to his time in the Communist Party of Germany where he was a vociferous and passionate young intellectual. He had been to the North Pole, where he tasted his first dram of fame as the sole reporter on the Graf Zeppelin Arctic expedition of 1931, and he had a stint with the French Foreign Legion in North Africa – his only route to escape inevitable execution at the hands of the Vichy. He had experienced, first hand, the most significant political and philosophical movements in Europe and its edges, from Zionism in Palestine to Stalinism in Russia. And in August 1945 his quest for Utopia brought him and his later wife, Mamaine, to Wales. Koestler and Mamain would spend three years in the cottage of Bwlch Ocyn, a secluded farmhouse that belonged to Clough Williams-Ellis, the builder of the Italianate coastal town of Portmerion, situated just a short drive from the other side of the Vale of Ffestiniog.
Koestler was already famous by this point, not only for his novel, Darkness at Noon (1940), (an epochal condemnation of Stalinism and the Left’s apologias of it), but also for his reportage, and for the intellectual rigour in his essays such as ‘The Yogi and the Commissar’. Koestler was a man who pushed himself to the centre of things, who gorged himself on argument, who enraged friend and foe alike with his caustic, uncompromising, fierce, intellectual ideas for humankind’s progress. His journeys had seen him move from Zionist to anti-Zionist, from Communist to anti-Communist, and from existentialist to mystic. His journey, in fact, was a search for a pure society, a broad democratic socialism, a civilisation built upon justice and compassion.
Koestler was a significant figure in the intellectual circles of every city he inhabited, an urban, explosive presence amidst the pock-marked concrete, low ceilings and smoke-filled air of Europe’s coffee houses. He was one of Sartre and de Beauvoir’s many third wheels; he had travelled Soviet Russia with Langston Hughes, establishing writers’ forums in Hughes’ digs in Ashkhabad; he had helped Malraux refine his definition of the intellectual as ‘anti-Manichean’, ‘a man of subtleties, interested in absolute truth and in the complexity of things’. Koestler was a fundamental driving force in almost every significant intellectual political movement of the thirties and forties.
It is striking then, in his long and intriguing life story, that at his intellectual peak, in the aftermath of the sensation that was Darkness at Noon, he left the vibrant intellectual culture of 1940s London to set up home in a drastically remote cottage in North Wales. But this corner of Wales was perhaps not quite so remote as might first appear, and Koestler’s motives may not have been quite so abstruse.
This corner of Wales had its own intellectual circle, and it was most sympathetic to Koestler’s mindset at the time, or so he thought. Clough Williams-Ellis’ wife, Amabel, for instance, was Lytton Strachey’s niece, and a former communist like Koestler; and around the Williams-Ellis’ swarmed the likes of Rupert Crawshay-Williams, Michael Polanyi, English PEN president Storm Jameson and, most significantly, Bertrand Russell, who lived just a few miles up the road from the Koestler cottage.
But Koestler had another motive for the seclusion, even if the seclusion was not an honestly intellectual one. Within months of moving to Bwlch Ocyn he had lured a like-minded trail-blazer, a political intellectual democratic socialist, who was also terminally disillusioned with (and disgusted by) the institutionalised claptrap of the international comintern. George Orwell was perhaps the ally Koestler had been looking for all along.
It was in reference to Koestler that Orwell famously wrote, ‘Nowadays, over increasing areas of the earth, one is imprisoned not for what one does but for what one is, or, more exactly, for what one is suspected of being’. What Orwell had witnessed and experienced in Spain during that country’s revolution, the things that had driven him away from the established Left, Koestler had experienced at an increased intensity.
Koestler had been imprisoned many times by the time he moved to Bwlch Ocyn, and not only by the traditional enemies of the Left. Koestler was an intellectual warrior not a martial one, and he had always been petrified of physical harm. Whilst working under accreditation as a foreign journalist, trying to cover the Catholic-military uprising in Spain, he eventually found himself not only on the side getting beaten, but in the unforgiving and paranoid embrace of Franco’s forces. It was his time in the prisoner of war camp in Seville, under constant threat of execution, which sculpted his writing into the darkly powerful prose for which he is now best known. He also later spent time at the infamous French political prison camp of Le Vernet, and in 1940, being a person of note and a suspected revolutionary communist, he had been imprisoned in London’s Pentonville almost from the moment he set foot on British soil after escaping the Nazi shadow. On each occasion he had been charged with no crime. Darkness at Noon was a culmination of his own traumatic experiences in solitary confinement at the hands of Franco, and his witness to the early days of Stalin’s show trials.
Darkness at Noon is a masterpiece; George Steiner said it was one of the few books that may have ‘changed history’. Orwell reviewed it for The New Statesman in 1941:
Brilliant as this book is as a novel, and a piece of brilliant literature, it is probably most valuable as an interpretation of the Moscow “confessions” by someone with an inner knowledge of totalitarian methods. What was frightening about these trials was not the fact that they happened – for obviously such things are necessary in a totalitarian society – but the eagerness of Western intellectuals to justify them.
Darkness at Noon was cannon fire when the intellectual company that Koestler had been used to keeping – Sartre, Camus, de Beauvoir – were still pontificating through candlelight and smoke rings. Not only was the threat of prison and torture very real to him – (whilst in Franco’s prison in Seville his cell was in close proximity to the execution yard where he could hear the shattering volley of the firing squad blast out thirty to forty times a day for the months he was there) – but he had first-hand experience of the consequences of his beliefs. Whilst others turned a blind eye to the inherent paradoxical untruth of Stalinism, Koestler was compelled to blow the lid off it. It was everything he was about. As his biographer Michael Scammell notes, ‘Koestler’s quest for enlightenment was not some arid, abstract sort of search, but a deep instinctual urge… which started early in his life and continued to the end of his days.’ The quest, as Scammell goes on to assert convincingly, ‘was the point.’
Orwell’s lauding of Darkness at Noon in The New Statesman was to be the first public utterance of the essence of his own 1984, and the seed of Winston Smith can be seen in the broken, corrupted, ‘empty’ protagonist of Rubashov. Koestler was just thirty-six when the review was written, a life of astounding drama and variety already behind him.
In 1945, with the war at its end and Koestler now a member of the English literati, commonly terrorising Soho with his drinking partners Roy Campbell and Dylan Thomas, one may be forgiven for thinking a time of reflection might have been on his mind. But Europe had, in many ways, only been saved from the extraordinary awfulness of Hilter’s fascism at this point. Totalitarianism, the target of both Koestler and Orwell, continued to flourish in its grey solemnity, and would do so in Franco’s Spain until 1977, in Salazaar’s Portugal until 1968, and Stalin’s Russia long after the Communist despot’s death in 1953. In many ways Orwell’s concerns with totalitarianism were both spurred on by Koestler’s work, and, apart from Koestler, came from a similar place.
Orwell, too, had witnessed the unpleasant reality of imperial rule, albeit as disillusioned voyeur, during his time in Burma, and like Koestler, had spent some time as a vagabond in the cities of Europe. Like Koestler, Orwell had lost his faith in communist socialism in Spain in the thirties when faced with the reality of the brutality and in-fighting in the civil war between the factions of the Left. Orwell, hypersensitive to such infractions on the clarity of his ideology, did not need imprisonment and torture to turn his stomach or his mind. Koestler might not have done either, but nonetheless Orwell saw in Koestler the grace of god. Orwell, however, was a pragmatist, unlike the quixotic Hungarian, and their personal relationship, inevitable as it was the moment Koestler settled himself in Britain, was never smooth. Koestler was notoriously difficult company, and Orwell had a reputation for cutting to the heart of the matter. But so closely linked were the two men in philosophy, and so activistic in nature, it is perhaps surprising that they did not collaborate when in such close proximity, as Koestler had done with the leading intellectuals of every city he had made a home in. But if a joining of forces had not occurred to Orwell, or if it had at least not appealed to him, it had and did to Koestler, and his move to Bwlch Ocyn was the first step in his plan to create something from these combined forces.
Just a month before Koestler and Mamaine took on the cottage, Orwell had become vice-chairman of the Freedom Defence Committee, a civil liberties group that included Bertrand Russell, Koestler’s new neighbour, and other notaries among its sponsors. The point of the committee was to oppose the increasingly Communist-dominated Leftist groups in London and on the continent. But soon into the life of the committee, Orwell, perhaps sensing the aromas he had smelled as rot in Spain, began to feel the focus of the group too narrow, and too in sway to the whims of its anarchist chairman, Herbert Read. Koestler heard word of Orwell’s disillusionment with the Committee and invited him to Bwlch Ocyn to spend Christmas. It may not have been as enticing a proposition for Orwell had Koestler not already thought ahead. Staying with Koestler and Mamaine was Mamaine’s sister, Celia, with whom Orwell had recently met in London and with whom he had fallen in love. Koestler was fully aware of this and suspected that Orwell would drop everything to come to the remote and slate-bleak setting in the hope of wooing Celia, and he did. But Koestler was only interested in a proposition of his own; the founding of a separate Leftist committee that would neither be in thrall to the cliques, skirmishes and myopia of either the Communists nor the Anarchists.
Over the Christmas of 1945, Koestler and Orwell talked at length in their armchairs, pipe smoke mingling with the open fire, their faces half lit by the orange glow, about the foundation of a successor to the League for the Rights of Man. Their vision of the future was bleak, coloured by their justified perception that totalitarianism and despotism were becoming held up by the intelligentsia, (especially in Britain, Orwell pointed out), as methodologies worthy of admiration. Orwell believed the situation called for not only political action, but a redefinition of democracy itself. Koestler knew that to establish the Committee that he wanted – and that Europe needed – he would need both the intellectual involvement of Orwell and the endorsement of Bertrand Russell, who was the figurehead and undisputed heavyweight of British progressives at that time.
Orwell and Koestler were not men easily adjusted to the intimacies of friendship; Orwell was famously stubborn and enforced a strict discipline on himself – and Koestler was equally stubborn, and his reputation for being a prickly character often undersold his pugnaciousness somewhat. But it seems the two, who had been developing a friendship-of-sorts built from mutual admiration for a few years when both in London, did become close during the few weeks in Bwlch Ocyn, taking long walks together and sharing many intimate thoughts and ambitions. But conversation, ushered by Koestler, always returned to the formation of a committee. Orwell became as equally enthusiastic as Koestler, and after many days and nights debating the state of the Left across Europe, and the poisonous influence of Stalinism in progressive democratic socialism, Orwell agreed to put his full attention into the formation and success of the committee.
Back in London, Orwell spent a week writing a fiery manifesto. He sent it back to Koestler in Bwlch Ocyn. It opened with the assertion that, ‘while liberty without social security is valueless, it has been forgotten that without liberty there can be no security.’ Orwell was concerned with the very fabric of democracy and the ties between the governing classes and the people over whom they governed. He and Koestler intended to redefine democracy, to reach downward as well as outward, and to oppose the ‘infringements against the rights and the dignity of man’. It was an attempt at a pure vision that was neither corrupted by the evils and grabbing of the Right, nor by the corruptions of the Left, but saw a better world for all through liberty. It was a new direction for politics.
Orwell has often confused commentators who would like to position him (and often claim him) as a champion of the Left or the Right. But he was never more clear than in the manifesto he wrote for Koestler. He was not only neither Left nor Right, but the mere suggestion that we should think of him (or Koestler) in these terms is wilfully missing the importance of his ideas. As global politics finds ever more grim and cynical ways to fail the populations from which it first grew, the deconstruction of left and right is the only viable progressive philosophy. Orwell and Koestler not only professed this, but they ended up prophesying the necessity of their own ideas. And it is the most ‘Orwellian’ of all his legacies. Koestler, the firebrand, urged Orwell, infested the man with enthusiasm and vigour, to create a template, a map, for the way out of the suffocating institutional corruptions of our time. The way is through liberty, not through the ‘admiration’ for ‘totalitarian methods’, as Orwell wrote.
Koestler was impressed by the verve and accuracy with which Orwell had taken up his idea. His plan to lure Orwell to Bwlch Ocyn seemed to have worked without a glitch. The next step was to recruit others to the committee, to widen support and make Orwell’s manifesto a palpable centre-point to a real movement. Unfortunately, enlistment was slow and riddled with counter-arguments. Some felt the manifesto was too anti-Russian, others felt it was too abstract in its ideals. Russell, the most important ally on the list, felt that the world was on the brink of apocalyptic war, (Truman had dropped the bomb in August 1945), and wanted to turn the committee into an opportunity for a conference to discuss avoidance of global nuclear annihilation. This was Russell’s condition, and Koestler and Orwell reluctantly agreed and began to set up the conference in the Vale of Ffestiniog.
It was to be peopled with extremely significant political philosophers, such as Victor Gollancz, Michael Foot, Edmund White, Andre Malraux, Manes Sperber, and the editors of Polemic, a leading theoretical journal of the time. The conference, the starting point for the committee, was never to proceed, however. The reasons are an exemplar of the best and the worst of Koestler. It was his energy that had brought all of these figures together, and it was his temper that pushed everything apart. He fell out, in a matter of weeks, with the editors of Polemic, whose collaboration was integral to the success of the movement (even if only from an administrative point of view), and then fell out with Russell after insulting his wife during a row over the wording of the manifesto. Russell’s wife wrote to Koestler later, saying, ‘is it really necessary, among people who have the best will in the world to like you, to be so combative?’
In truth, as Scammell points out in his essential biography of Koestler, he and Bertrand Russell were simply too alike to work together. It was the fulcrum and tragedy of the Orwell-Koestler union that it depended entirely on the endorsement of the third.
With his plans in tatters, Koestler’s life in the cottage became one of domestic drudgery, bickering with Mamaine, and generally feeling ostracised and frustrated. Both Koestler and Orwell were drawn through their lives to opportunities such as the one that Koestler manipulated during that Christmas at Bwlch Ocyn – socialism was the life-blood of both men, and was the candlelight by which they wrote books such as Scum of the Earth, Darkness at Noon, Animal Farm and 1984. Orwell, of course, died tragically young, of tuberculosis; Koestler died in 1983, in a suicide pact with his wife Cynthia, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Both men left legacies the outer reaches of which stretch so far it is almost difficult to comprehend. Their respective Great Works changed the perception of our modern world. But perhaps their greatest legacy is in the venture that never took off, the one moment when they joined forces, and through Koestler’s energy and rhetoric, and Orwell’s intellectual vigour, they drafted a manifesto that signposted a new political causeway; one that, to the detriment of the western world, has still yet to be explored.

domain: library