|Publication number||US5583190 A|
|Application number||US 08/534,671|
|Publication date||Dec 10, 1996|
|Filing date||Sep 27, 1995|
|Priority date||May 28, 1993|
|Also published as||CA2124549A1, DE69400940D1, DE69400940T2, EP0626396A1, EP0626396B1|
|Publication number||08534671, 534671, US 5583190 A, US 5583190A, US-A-5583190, US5583190 A, US5583190A|
|Inventors||Giulio Brinati, Vincenzo Arcella, Margherita Albano|
|Original Assignee||Ausimont S.P.A.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (17), Non-Patent Citations (4), Referenced by (6), Classifications (9), Legal Events (3)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/248,917, filed on May 25, 1994, now abandoned.
The present invention relates to a polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) having high mechanical properties and high thermochemical stability, and to the preparation process thereof.
It is known that vinylidene fluoride (VDF) can be polymerized in aqueous emulsion using inorganic or organic peroxides as initiators. Among the latter, diterbutylperoxide (DTBP), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,193,539, has resulted particularly effective. With such initiator the polymerization is carried out at high temperatures, generally comprised between 120° and 130° C., and at a pressure comprised between 300 and 1000 psig, without employing any chain transfer agent. The PVDF obtained with such process shows a low cristallinity degree, with a high amount of structural defects (tail-to-tail and head-to-head inversions, branchings, microgels), and consequently unsatisfactory mechanical properties and mouldability, quite unsuitable for the manufacture of articles, such as pipes, valves, fittings, tanks, heat exchangers, membranes, flanges, etc, to be employed in the chemical industry.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,396 a VDF polymerization process is described, wherein diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate (IPP) is used as initiator, optionally in the presence of a suitable chain transfer agent. IPP is characterized by a half-life of 1 hour at 61° C., therefore the process can be carried out at lower temperatures in comparison to DTBP, generally comprised between 65° and 85° C., with reaction times lower than 6 hours. The low polymerization temperature allows to obtain a PVDF having high mechanical properties, since the structural defects are drastically reduced and therefore the crystallinity of the product is higher.
The PVDF obtained with the low temperature process mentioned above, though having high crystallinity degree and very good mechanical characteristics, shows poor thermochemical resistance to dehydrofluorination. In fact, on the basis of the experimentation carried out by the Applicant, it has been found that the PVDF obtained at low temperature, if submitted to high temperatures (over 100° C.) or contacted with basic solutions (for instance NaOH at 10%), tends to dehydrofluorinating, with formation in the chain of conjugated double bonds of the --CF═CH--CF═CH-- type. The formation of such structural defects, besides conferring undesired colorations, lowers considerably the mechanical resistance of the material, as shown by measurements of chemical stress cracking.
Moreover, the low temperature process shows several drawbacks especially connected to the use of extremely hazardous peroxidic initiators, such as IPP, since explosive also at low temperatures. For instance, IPP has a self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) of about 10° C. and requires a shipment temperature lower than -10° C. This requires to take particular safety measures both for transportation and storage, and during its use in the polymerization process. Because of the hazard with such products, in some countries their use on an industrial scale was submitted to severe restrictions.
The Applicant has now surprisingly found that it is possible to obtain a PVDF having high mechanical properties both at room temperature and at high temperatures, having very good processability and high thermochemical resistance to dehydrofluorination, by means of a VDF polymerization process in aqueous emulsion at high temperatures, comprised between 95° and 120° C., in the presence of a chain transfer agent. It is thus possible to obtain, using non-hazardous peroxidic initiators (for instance DTBP), a PVDF particularly suitable to applications where high mechanical properties and thermochemical resistance are required, such as for instance the manufacture of articles for chemical industry (pipes, valves, fittings, tanks, heat exchangers, membranes, flanges, etc.).
It is therefore object of the present invention a polyvinylidenefluoride having a head-to-head and tail-to-tail inversion content comprised between 5 and 5.5% by moles, a yield stress higher than 50 MPa and an elastic modulus higher than 1500 MPa (measured at 23° C. according to ASTM Method D-1708), a Melt Flow Index (MFI, measured at 230° C. with a 5 kg load according to ASTM Method D-1238) comprised between 1 and 25 g/10', preferably between 3 and 20 g/10'.
It results particularly surprising the fact that, notwithstanding the relatively high inversion content, the mechanical properties of the PVDF object of the present invention, such as the yield stress and the elastic modulus, are high indeed, with values substantially equal to those of the PVDF obtained with a low temperature process. With respect to the latter, the Applicant has found that the presence of a higher inversion content increases the stability to dehydrofluorination. A possible interpretation of this phenomenon, which has a merely speculative character and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way, is that the presence in the chain of head-to-head --CF2 --CF2 -- and tail-to-tail --CH2 CH2 -- defects introduces a discontinuity in the sequence of --CF2 -- and --CH2 -- groups, thus hindering the dehydrofluorination.
The PVDF object of the present invention shows moreover an improved processability if compared to a PVDF obtained at low temperature. The latter, indeed, because of the high molecular rigidity, is characterized, the Melt Flow Index being the same, by higher viscosity values at high rate gradients.
Therefore, with respect to the PVDF obtained at low temperatures, the PVDF object of the present invention combines, the mechanical properties being the same, a high thermal stability to dehydrofluorination with an improved processability.
A further advantage of the PVDF object of the present invention consists in a low microgel content, generally lower than 5% by weight, a value remarkably lower if compared with the product obtained according to the high temperature processes of the prior art, and substantially equivalent to those obtainable with the low temperature processes. Such a low microgel content ensures very good mechanical properties and high processability.
The PVDF object of the present invention, besides the above mentioned applications in the chemical industry, can be employed in electric and electronic industry for cable coating, or in special applications, such as for instance the production of high resistance fishing threads and strings for musical instruments.
A further object of the present invention consists in a process for preparing the above described polyvinylidenefluoride, which comprises polymerizing vinylidene fluoride in aqueous emulsion in the presence of an organic peroxide and of a chain transfer agent, at a temperature comprised between 95° and 120° C., preferably between 100° and 115° C.
The polymerization pressure can generally vary between 30 and 100 bar, preferably between 40 and 90 bar.
As initiator, any organic peroxide active at the above indicated polymerization temperature can be employed. For example, it can be selected for instance from dialkylperoxides, dialkylperoxycarbonates, dibenzoylperoxide, t-alkylperoxybenzoates, t-alkylperoxypivalates. Among them, the peroxides having a self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) higher than 50° C. are particularly preferred, such as for instance: diterbutylperoxide, diterbutylperoxyisopropylcarbonate, terbutyl(2-ethyl-hexyl)peroxycarbonate, terbutylperoxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate. The initiator quantity is generally comprised between 0.1 and 10 g/lH2O, preferably between 0.5 and 5 g/lH2O.
The chain transfer agent is selected from those known in the polymerization of fluorinated monomers, such as for instance: ketones, esters, ethers or aliphatic alcohols having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetone, ethylacetate, diethylether, isopropyl alcohol, etc.; chloro(fluoro)carbons, optionally containing hydrogen, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as chloroform, trichlorofluoromethane; bis(alkyl)carbonates wherein the alkyl has from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as bis(ethyl)carbonate, bis(isobutyl)carbonate; etc.
The chain transfer agent is fed into the reactor either continuously or in discrete amounts during the polymerization. It is not advisable feeding all the chain transfer agent at the beginning of the polymerization, since we have noticed that such a feeding method, besides strongly inhibiting the reaction kinetics, causes a worsening of the mechanical and processing properties of the polymer.
Moreover it has been found that a remarkable improvement in the mechanical properties of the final product is obtainable by feeding the chain transfer agent according to the following method. Fixing a total amount of PVDF to be produced, expressed as concentration of the polymer in water (measured as g/lH2O), equal to QTOT, and a total amount of chain transfer agent to be fed equal to FTOT, the chain transfer agent is preferably fed in such a way that, by subdividing FTOT into 10 portions Fi (i=0÷9), each portion is fed into the reaction system at the concentrations Qi according to the following law: when Q0 =0, F0 =0÷0.15·FTOT ; when Q1 =0.1·QTOT, F1 =0.2÷0.3·FTOT ; when Q2 =0.2·QTOT, F2 =0.1+0.15·FTOT ; when Q3 0.3·QTOT, F3 =0.05÷0.15·FTOT ; when Q4 =0.4·QTOT, F4 =0.05÷0.15·FTOT ; when Q5 =0.5·QTOT, F5 =0.05÷0.10·FTOT ; when Q6 =0.6·QTOT, F6 =0.05÷0.10·FTOT ; when Q7 =0.7·QTOT, F7 =0÷0.08·FTOT ; when Q8 =0.8·QTOT, F8 =0÷0.08·FTOT ; when Q9 =0.9·QTOT, F9 =0÷0.08·FTOT ; the sum of the quantities Fi being equal to FTOT.
The total amount of chain transfer agent added during the polymerization (FTOT) depends both on the effectiveness of the chain transfer agent itself, and on the molecular weight intended for the final product. In any event, such amount must be such that to obtain MFI values within the above indicated range, and it is generally comprised between 0.05 and 5%, preferably between 0.1 and 2.5% by weight with respect to the total monomer quantity fed into the reactor.
A suitable surfactant is added to the reaction medium to stabilize the aqueous emulsion (see for instance those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,360,652 and 4,025,709). Generally, they are fluorinated surfactants, selected from products of the general formula:
Rf -X- M+
where Rf is a (per) fluoroalkyl chain C5 -C16 or a (per) fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain, X- is --COO- --SO3 -, M+ is selected from: H+, NH4 +, alkali metal ion. Among the most commonly employed we cite: ammonium perfluoro-octanoate; (per) fluoropolyoxyalkylenes end-capped with one or more carboxyl groups; salts of sulphonic acids of formula Rf --C2 H4 SO3 H, where Rf is a C4 -C10 perfluoroalkyl (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,709); etc.
The process object of the present invention can be carried out in the presence of an emulsion or, preferably, of a microemulsion of perfluoropolyoxyalkylenes, according to what described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,717 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,006, which are herein incorporated by reference, or also in presence of a microemulsion of fluoropolyoxyalkylenes having hydrogenated end groups and/or hydrogenated repetitive units, according to what described in Italian patent application MI93A/001007, filed on May 18, 1993 in the name of the Applicant.
A mineral oil or a paraffin, liquid at the polymerization temperature, can be added to the reaction mixture, in order to inhibit the polymer coagulation and avoiding its adhesion to the reactor walls.
Some working examples of the invention are reported hereinunder, whose aim is merely illustrative but not limitative of the scope of the invention itself.
In a 10 l vertical reactor, equipped with a stirrer working at 480 rpm, 6.5 l of H2 O and 35 g of paraffin wax (product AGIP® 122-126 having a melt temperature of 50°-52° C.) were charged. The reactor was then heated to the working temperature of 115° C. and brought to the pressure of 44 relative bars by feeding VDF. The VDF is continuously fed during the polymerization so as to keep the pressure constant. 500 ml of a 1.820% by weight aqueous solution of perfluorooctanoic acid potassium salt and 23.7 g of diterbutylperoxide (DTBP) were then added. During the polymerization, 0.082 mols of chloroform as chain transfer agent, subdivided into 10 portions, were fed into the reactor.
Fixing a total amount of 1000 g of polymer to be produced, corresponding to a final polymer concentration in water equal to 143.0 g/lH2O, chloroform was fed in 10 portions at regular intervals of 10% of increase in the polymer concentration with respect to the final concentration, according to the following scheme:
______________________________________Polymer Added amount ofconcentration chain transfer agent(g/lH2O) (mols)______________________________________0 0.005 (6.1%)14.3 0.018 (22.0%)28.6 0.010 (12.2%)42.9 0.009 (11.0%)57.2 0.008 (9.8%)71.5 0.007 (8.5%)85.8 0.007 (8.5%)100.1 0.006 (7.3%)114.4 0.006 (7.3%)128.7 0.006 (7.3%)143.0 --______________________________________
The polymer concentration in the reaction medium was monitored by measuring the amount of gaseous monomer fed into the reactor after the initial loading phase.
After 290 minutes the desired polymer concentration (143.0 g/lH2O) was reached, hence the VDF feeding was stopped and the latex discharged from the reactor (solid concentration equal to 12.5% by weight). The polymer was coagulated, washed with demineralized water and dried at 75° C. for 24 hours. The so obtained product was then reduced in the form of pellets by extrusion and characterized. The data are reported in Table 1. The MFI was measured at 230° C. with a 5 kg load according to ASTM D-1238 Method, the mechanical properties were determined at 23° and 125° C. according to ASTM D-1708 Method. By means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) the second melting enthalpy (ΔHf '), the second melting temperature (Tf ') and the second recrystallization enthalpy (ΔHXX) were determined. The inversion percentage was determined, according to known techniques, by 19 F-NMR analysis. A PVDF sample was dissolved in dimethylacetamide at 50° C. and on the so obtained solution the weight percentage of microgels was determined by means of ultracentrifugation (at 20,000 rpm for 90 minutes at room temperature).
In a glass vessel equipped with a stirrer, 7.8 ml of the compound of formula:
CF3 O--(CF2 --CF(CF3)O)n (CF2 O)m --CF2 COOH
having n/m=10 and an average molecular weight of 600, were mixed under mild stirring with 7.8 ml of NH4 OH at 30% by volume. 15.6 ml of demineralized water were then added. To the so obtained solution 4.7 ml of Galden® DO2 of formula:
CF3 O--(CF2 --CF(CF3)O)n (CF2 O)m --CF3
having n/m=20 and an average molecular weight of 450, were added. By heating to 85° C. the microemulsion was obtained, which appears as a thermodynamically stable, limpid solution.
Example 1 was repeated in the same conditions, except that in this case, before starting adding DTBP, the whole microemulsion previously prepared and heated to 85° C. was fed into the autoclave.
After 180 minutes of reaction, the desired concentration of 143.0 g/lH2O was reached, hence the VDF flow was stopped and the latex discharged, from which the polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
Example 1 was repeated in the same conditions, varying only the chain transfer agent feeding law, according to the following scheme:
______________________________________Polymer Added maount ofconcentration chain transfer agent(g/lH2O) (mols)______________________________________0 0.005 (6.1%)14.3 0.009 (11.0%)28.6 0.008 (9.8%)42.9 0.009 (11.0%)57.2 0.008 (9.8%)71.5 0.009 (11.0%)85.8 0.008 (9.8%)100.1 0.009 (11.0%)114.4 0.008 (9.8%)128.7 0.009 (11.0%)143.0 --______________________________________
After 270 minutes the desired polymer concentration (143.0 g/lH2O) was reached. The polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
Example 1 was repeated in the same conditions, except that the amount of chloroform used as chain transfer agent is equal to 0.05 total moles, fed according to the following scheme:
______________________________________Polymer Added amount ofconcentration chain transfer agent(g/lH2O) (mols)______________________________________0 0.005 (10.0%)14.3 0.005 (10.0%)28.6 0.005 (10.0%)42.9 0.005 (10.0%)57.2 0.005 (10.0%)71.5 0.005 (10.0%)85.8 0.005 (10.0%)100.1 0.005 (10.0%)114.4 0.005 (10.0%)128.7 0.005 (10.0%)143.0 --______________________________________
After 227 minutes the desired polymer concentration (143.0 g/lH2O) was reached. The polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
Example 1 was repeated in the same conditions, except that the polymerization temperature was fixed to 125° C. and no chain transfer agent was used.
After 90 minutes of reaction, the polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
Example 1 was repeated in the same conditions, except that the polymerization temperature was fixed to 125° C. and 0.025 total moles of chloroform were employed as chain transfer agent, fed according to the following scheme:
______________________________________Polymer Added amount ofconcentration chain transfer agent(g/lH2O) (mols)______________________________________0 0.0025 (10.0%)14.3 0.0025 (10.0%)28.6 0.0025 (10.0%)42.9 0.0025 (10.0%)57.2 0.0025 (10.0%)71.5 0.0025 (10.0%)85.8 0.0025 (10.0%)100.1 0.0025 (10.0%)114.4 0.0025 (10.0%)128.7 0.0025 (10.0%)143.0 --______________________________________
After 120 minutes the desired polymer concentration (143.0 g/lH2O) was reached. The polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
Following the operative modalities described in Example 1, VDF was polymerized at 75° C. using as initiator 1.4 g of isopropylperoxydicarbonate (IPP), fed into the autoclave in the form of aqueous emulsion containing 2% by weight of IPP and 0.2% by weight of perfluorooctanoic acid potassium salt. 500 ml of a 1.820% by weight aqueous solution of perfluorooctanoic acid potassium salt were added to the reaction mixture. As chain transfer agent CFCl3 was employed, in a total amount of 2.5 g, fed in a single portion at the beginning of the polymerization.
After 120 minutes the desired polymer concentration (143.0 g/lH2O) was reached. The polymer was separated and characterized as described in Example 1. The data are reported in Table 1.
TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________PROPERTIES EX. 1 EX. 2 EX. 3 EX. 4 EX. 5(*) EX. 6(*) EX. 7(*)__________________________________________________________________________MFI (g/10') 18.0 7.0 16.0 3.0 0.1 19 13MICROGELS (% weight) <5 <5 <5 <5 40 <5 <5ΔHf ' (cal/g) 14.2 13.8 13.9 13.5 12.1 12.8 14.8Tf ' (°C.) 165 165 164 164 159 161 168|ΔHxx | (cal/g) 13.7 13.5 13.5 13.1 11.9 12.1 13.7INVERSIONS (moles %) 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.4 4.6TENSILE STRESS RESISTANCE (23° C.)Elastic modulus (MPa) 1765 1690 1700 1550 1200 1450 1700Yield point (MPa) 54 53 53 51 44 46 53Stress at break (MPa) 31 35 18 30 31 30 32Elongation at break (%) 40 50 35 50 180 25 50TENSILE STRESS RESISTANCE (125° C.)Plastic Modulus (MPa) 320 314 310 300 195 220 340Yield Point (MPa) 12 11 11 11 8 9 13stress at break (MPa) 30 35 28 33 30 30 37Elongation at break (%) 720 760 710 760 800 600 700__________________________________________________________________________ (*) comparative examples
Samples of the PVDF obtained in Examples 1, 5, and 7 were subjected to chemical resistance tests according to the following method.
The PVDF was subjected to compression moulding to obtain plates of 3.5 g. The specimens were immersed in a NaOH solution (40% weight/volume) at 100° C. for different times (16, 38, and 62 hours). After removing the polymer, the quantity of F- ions present in the aqueous basic solution was determined by ionic chromatography, and expressed as mg of F- per Kg of polymer. Since the F- ions derive from the decomposition of the polymer by dehydrofluorination, the lower the quantity of F- ions produced, the higher the polymer stability to dehydrofluorination. The obtained results are reported in Table 2, from which it can be derived that the PVDF according to the present invention (Ex. 1) has a stability to dehydrofluorination significantly higher than that of the PVDF obtained according to the low temperature process (Ex.7), and substantially equivalent to that of the PVDf obtained according to the high temperature process (Ex.5).
TABLE 2______________________________________ POLYM. PRODUCED F- IONSTESTED TEMP. (mg/Kg of polymer)PRODUCT (°C.) after 16 hrs after 38 hrs after 62 hrs______________________________________EX. 1 115 3 4 6EX. 5 125 2 3 5EX. 7(*) 75 3 5 11______________________________________ (*)comparative
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all of the alternatives and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The above references are hereby incorporated by reference.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US3193539 *||May 31, 1960||Jul 6, 1965||Pennsalt Chemicals Corp||Process for polymerizing vinylidene fluoride|
|US3475396 *||Jul 6, 1966||Oct 28, 1969||Diamond Shamrock Corp||Process for polymerizing vinylidene fluoride|
|US3780007 *||Jan 6, 1972||Dec 18, 1973||Diamond Shamrock Corp||Polymerization of vinylidene fluoride in aqueous suspension|
|US4025709 *||Sep 22, 1975||May 24, 1977||Produits Chimiques Ugine Kuhlmann||Process for the polymerization of vinylidene fluoride|
|US4360652 *||Aug 31, 1981||Nov 23, 1982||Pennwalt Corporation||Method of preparing high quality vinylidene fluoride polymer in aqueous emulsion|
|US4789717 *||Apr 23, 1987||Dec 6, 1988||Ausimont S.P.A.||Process for the polymerization in aqueous dispersion of fluorinated monomers|
|US4864006 *||Apr 23, 1987||Sep 5, 1989||Ausimont S.P.A.||Process for the polymerization in aqueous dispersion of fluorinated monomers|
|US5093427 *||May 10, 1990||Mar 3, 1992||Atochem North America, Inc.||Copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene and process for preparing the same|
|US5095081 *||Mar 7, 1990||Mar 10, 1992||Solvay & Cie||Process for the manufacture of vinylidene fluoride polymers and use of vinylidene fluoride polymers for paint formulation|
|CA451833A *||Oct 12, 1948||Canadian Ind||Polyvinylidene fluoride|
|FR2073490A1 *||Title not available|
|GB590817A *||Title not available|
|GB761327A *||Title not available|
|GB1179078A *||Title not available|
|GB1242362A *||Title not available|
|JPS5834484A *||Title not available|
|JPS5834814A *||Title not available|
|1||*||4404, Chemical Abstracts macromolecular sections vol. 74, (1971), nr 22,31 mol.|
|2||*||European Search Report on European Patent Application No. EP 94107588.|
|3||*||Official Gazette 1046 TMDG 2 Sep. 4, 1984.|
|4||Official Gazette 1046 TMDG 2--Sep. 4, 1984.|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US6063855 *||Jan 2, 1998||May 16, 2000||Pecsok; Roger L.||Process for the manufacture of vinylidene fluoride powder coatings|
|US6207758||Dec 14, 1998||Mar 27, 2001||Ausimont S.P.A.||Fluorinated thermoplastic elastomers|
|US6723812||Sep 26, 2001||Apr 20, 2004||Atofina||Process for the high-pressure polymerization of 1, 1-difluoroethylene|
|US7498511||Nov 22, 2005||Mar 3, 2009||Securus, Inc.||Pipe hanger|
|US7621487||Dec 21, 2005||Nov 24, 2009||Securus, Inc.||Twist-lock base for pipe holders|
|US20040158015 *||Feb 4, 2004||Aug 12, 2004||Thierry Senninger||Process for the high-pressure polymerization of 1,1-difluoroethylene|
|U.S. Classification||526/230.5, 526/255, 526/227, 526/232.1|
|International Classification||C08F14/22, C08F4/32, C08F114/22|
|May 30, 2000||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|May 4, 2004||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 8
|May 30, 2008||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 12


An insulting name for any scene or genre of music that is of below average quality. Usually used in regards to various hardcore offshoot styles.
by Alex L.. December 07, 2006
Any form of music, usually used to describe any usually overrated band/artist/genre described as "scene" or ending with the suffix "core," used as a negative connotation to indicate their mediocrity in musical complexity, originality, intelligence, talent, etc.
My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail, Circle Takes The Square, Silverstein, Atreyu, The Used, Hawthorne Heights, 90% of local New Jersey bands, and any bands that call themselves "hardcore" to avoid the connotation of the word "emo."
by b1lskirnir May 05, 2005
by Jon Kruse May 03, 2008
(from the word - mediocre) a form of music (specifically punk/hardcore punk) that is very simplistic and doesn't require very much talent to play. Often seen in MTV-"punk" bands.
by dødsferd April 08, 2007
a genre of music that is just okay, as opposed to hardcore, metalcore, popcore etc. a play off the word mediocre.
by quince tm July 28, 2008


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According to the World wide Survey about Denim, it is discovered that 90% of the people have pairs of denim products and solutions and feel actually relaxed making use of them. Those people are the factors Denim Suppliers by no means have a stockpile of items at waste. Denims producing and t-shirt distributors get pleasure from a comparatively great sale with denim merchandise as the needs of people get bigger and larger.
Over all, it is cheap, and entirely cozy. Jeans together with the boot-slash, skinny jeans and bell-bottoms jeans have also been a section of the celebrities’ daily life and folks who observe them also get influenced by the apparel of their beloved persona resulting in enormous sale of the shown product.
Now, having a denim solution is effortless as at any time. Shop marts as effectively as online sellers have a enormous stockpile entire of denim and jeans items, creating offered at fantastic selling prices that make them warm sellers. Denim has produced dressing a new experience. Several brands have utilized denim jeans to carve out their own styles, and fashions to make sure you the prospects into buying their items. Cippo and Baxx is one particular of the best-providing enterprise for denim denims. Just about every of their denim products is incision individually by a professional cutter who has many years of practical experience. The improved the chopping, the more pro pair you get.
Taking denim jeans into a new stage by planning new designs and variations make it a lot more demanding by the customers. Therefore this low-cost and at ease piece of cloth is now amongst the hottest fashion. From the phase of usual outfits, it has grown into a fashion attribute of now and is favored by versions and vogue designers, inducing alone as a image of modeling and contemporary tradition. 86 p.c of gals in the age team 16 to 55 selected denim as their preferred garment. 84 p.c of the style designers and buyers see denim as their long term.
Denim jeans makers participate in an critical position in the results of denim suppliers. They make new revolutions by constantly upgrading the industry with new merchandise. For occasion, Levi Strauss, Lee Cooper and Arvind Mill have launched new signatures and collections of latest branded and designer denims t-shirts, skirts, jackets, and a great deal a lot more. Lee Cooper has launched the Beatles Assortment in association with British new music. Branded denims market place has an approximated typical annual advancement of 30 to 40 per cent.


text:
I arrived in Christchurch in late January in time to get organised for our continental drift around Australia. We found a campervan on the internet that we liked and arranged for envoys to inspect it on our behalf. Emptying the piggy bank we took a deep breath and bought it without seeing it, arranged for some modifications and made copious lists of whatever else we needed.
There was just time to fit in a week’s trip in the faithful Kiwi campertruck and we headed south via Dansey’s Pass and many miles of unsealed roads to reach the Moody farm near Gore. Leaving Betty to fly back, I took off for a visit to Mount Cook (photo is Lake Pukaki looking towards the Mount) before going on to Arthur’s Pass to meet up with Jonny Pascoe and a couple of other friends. First on the list was a traverse of Cave Stream, a 560 meter long subterranean clamber against the flow of water, sometimes waist deep. Very wet, not as cold as it might have been and great fun.
There is a short video here:
After a night spent at the Alpine hut at Arthur’s Pass, three of us headed for the west coast to the mouth if the Fox River north of Punakiki. Three hours walk over some rocky ground and many river crossings brought us to the Ballroom overhang, an enormous rock shelter gouged by the river over millions of years. A pre-historic and ethereal place for an overnight camp.
First time I have backpacked with a tent in 16 years- the legs survived!. And we were rewarded with a swim in the sea after the return on the second day. Back at Christchurch, it was time to clean the van ready to put away until who knows when?
Thanks to Jonny Pascoe for two of the photos here.

domain: geography


text:
Introduction to Creative Arts
Are you creative and not sure which direction to take your skills? Then this course is for you! You will have the opportunity to experiment and create within a range of Art & Design disciplines including: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, product design and creative sketch-booking.
Introduction to Creative Arts is a course which will teach you about the world of art and design. You will have freedom to explore and enjoy producing artwork, learning how to use materials and techniques in a playful and creative way.
Whilst there are no formal entry requirements at this level, candidates should be enthusiastic and keen to try new methods and approaches to art and design.
Whether you are a young or a more mature learner, who has been away from education for a while, this course is designed for you. Trips to galleries, parks and museums will provide inspiration for your projects and enable you to gather research and experiment with ideas.
Please note: At application stage you will be required to submit a small portfolio of your work. Entry may also be subject to a satisfactory interview
Introduction to Creative Arts will help you to build confidence in a variety of areas of art and design using a diverse range of materials.
You will cover areas such as:
- Drawing & Illustration
- Design for Print
- Product Design
All materials and equipment will be provided for your studies, subject to eligible bursary requirements. We’ll help you build a creative portfolio which showcases your talent and takes you on to the next step of your journey. Additionally, you will take part in collaborative projects and exhibit your work at the end-of-year exhibition.

domain: design


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-Craves Pul Intervention; Vow Legal Action
A local advocacy group under the banner, Citizens United in Defense of Morality Against Blackmailing (CUDMAB), a nationwide Civil Society Movement working for the promotion of morality against media blackmailing in Liberia has vowed to take stern action against journalists in the regular practice of blackmailing individuals within the society against the ethical values and good teachings of the noble journalism profession.
CUDMAB is a non for profit CSO group with nearly 7,000 members across Liberia.
In a press statement issued recently, the group raised concern over the manner in which some Liberian journalists and talk show hosts have embarked on relentless blackmailing spree against reputable individuals within the society without any proof or evidence to back their ill-fated claims.
CUDMAB particularly singled out Journalist Sekou Sheriff of Freedom FM for his continued alarm of falsehoods that he levied against Mr. Momo T. Cyrus, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Security Expert Guard Agency of Liberia (SEGAL).
It may be recalled that on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, Journalist Sekou Sheriff declared on a local radio station (Freedom FM) that SEGAL’s CEO Cyrus T. Momo is in the constant business of sexually harassing female employees of his company without providing any evidence to that effects.
“While it’s true that we (CUDMAB) appreciate the role of whistle blowing in the media and the Liberian society against acts of sexual and gender based violence, it is equally important to note that such claims must be based on facts and not falsehoods which have brought many invidious and prominent citizens to public disrepute within the society.”
This is also a violation of the fundamental rights of individuals who characters have been repeatedly maligned by a group of journalists who have decided to sell the respectable journalism profession for little or nothing,” CUDMAB’s National Secretary General Jefferson Cole descended.
The group also considered the logic and premise upon which journalist Sekou Sheriff has chosen to embark on such incendiary campaign at the detriment of the reputation of credible people within the society.
It further that such behavior also violates the spirit and intent of the Freedom of Information Law whose crafters did not imagine at any time soon, that despite its guiding principles squarely laid down and premised on best international practice and fundamental human rights and societal norms will willfully choose to corner himself in a tight space of badmouthing and blind his eyes to existing reality and truth telling.
With sickening accounts, CUDMAB respectfully notifies the PUL that it is the same journalist Sekou Sheriff, after reportedly receiving huge sum of kickbacks from some greedy and power thirsty politicians has been frequently insulting Presidential Protocol Finda Bondo without any evidence of his painstaking allegations and therefore, now is the time that the umbrella journalism union in the country must step in to stop this madness.
CUDMAB at the same time called on the journalism regulatory body, PUL, without any fear or favor, to immediately investigate the so-called Freedom FM journalist Sekou Sheriff against this media gang-ragging conduct.
“We want the PUL to act immediately. We are also calling on the Management of Freedom FM to launch an investigation into this matter. If all these measures fail, we hope not, we’ll have no other choice but to take legal action against journalist Sekou Sheriff and his Management,” CUDMAB warns.
The further bewailed “Blackmailing is an act that must be condemned by all well-meaning Liberians. It is against the ethics and professional conduct of any journalist and should not be encouraged in these times of country’s national course.” TNR

domain: news


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– Islam arrived in Senegal in the 11th century through trade and cultural exchanges with North Africa and the Middle East.
– The spread of Islam was facilitated by Sufi brotherhoods, such as the Tijaniyya and Muridiyya, which played a significant role in shaping Senegal’s Islamic landscape.
– Senegal is known for its peaceful coexistence between Muslims and followers of other religions, creating a harmonious religious atmosphere.
– Senegal showcases a unique blend of Islamic and local architectural styles.
– Mosques, characterized by intricate designs and geometric patterns, are prominent architectural landmarks.
– The Great Mosque of Touba, an important site for Murid followers, is a magnificent example of Senegalese Islamic architecture.
Culture and Traditions:
– Islamic values strongly influence Senegalese culture and traditions.
– The concept of Teranga, which means hospitality, is deeply ingrained in the society and reflects Islamic teachings of generosity and kindness.
– Sufi traditions, including music, poetry, and spiritual ceremonies, form an integral part of Senegalese cultural expressions.
– Sufi brotherhoods, such as the Tijaniyya and Muridiyya, have a significant presence in Senegal.
– These brotherhoods promote spiritual teachings, social welfare, and community development.
– The annual pilgrimage to Touba, organized by the Muridiyya brotherhood, attracts thousands of followers from around the world.
– Senegal places great emphasis on Islamic education.
– Quranic schools, known as Daaras, provide religious instruction to young students.
– Students memorize the Quran and learn Arabic, gaining a solid foundation in Islamic principles and teachings.
– Senegal celebrates Islamic festivals with enthusiasm and devotion.
– The most significant festival is Tabaski (Eid al-Adha), which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
– During this festival, families come together to share meals and exchange gifts, fostering a sense of unity and community.
Wolof Islamic Culture:
– The Wolof ethnic group, the largest in Senegal, has its distinct Islamic cultural practices.
– Wolof Islamic scholars, known as marabouts, play a vital role in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge and traditions.
– Islamic teachings are often blended with local customs, creating a unique Wolof Islamic culture.
Islamic Art and Music:
– Islamic art and music have a significant presence in Senegal.
– Calligraphy, geometric patterns, and vibrant colors are common in Senegalese Islamic art.
– Traditional Islamic music, such as Sufi chants and drumming, is an integral part of religious ceremonies and cultural celebrations.
– Senegal is known for its religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.
– Muslims, Christians, and followers of indigenous religions coexist peacefully and participate in each other’s religious ceremonies and festivities.
Senegal’s Islamic history, rich architectural heritage, and vibrant cultural traditions make it a remarkable country in the Islamic world. The influence of Sufi brotherhoods, the emphasis on Islamic education, and the practice of Islamic values shape Senegal’s social fabric. The country’s unique blend of Islamic and local cultural expressions, along with its tradition of interfaith harmony, highlights Senegal’s inclusive and diverse Islamic society. The preservation of Islamic art, music, and architectural landmarks reflects the deep appreciation for Senegal’s Islamic heritage. Senegal stands as a shining example of a country where Islamic principles, cultural traditions, and religious tolerance converge to create a vibrant and harmonious society.
Learn About the Start of the Religion Islam

domain: sociology


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AMC has released a poster for the second half of season 3 of The Walking Dead, which returns on Sunday, February 10.
With his group in tatters, his sanity in question, and his own son questioning his every move, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) must somehow pull everyone together to face their greatest challenge — the Governor (David Morrissey). In order to survive, he must risk everything, including the group’s very humanity.
Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, “The Walking Dead” tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The series stars Andrew Lincoln, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Lauren Cohan, Scott Wilson, Melissa McBride, David Morrissey and Danai Gurira.

domain: artistic


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Wing, Wing, Wing, We Have a WinnerBuffalo Wings and Rings Chicken and Ribs chicken wings Kokio The Tap Wing It Wingmen
For chicken lovers all over Cairo, we know there’s always a sweet spot for chicken wings. It’s the combination of the sauce of choice, whether that be hot, sweet, tangy, or citrusy, and the crispy exterior that makes the dish so popular. Chicken wings are one of the go-to appetisers that you can munch on alone as you’re watching a movie or with friends over a casual hangout. To save you the hassle of picking out places to go for great wings, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to!
From their classic buffalo and barbecue wings to their unique Thai chilli and garlic parmesan wings, Wing It offers all the basics and more. They also have a catering service if you want to invite your friends over or enjoy their services with your family for a Friday brunch! You can check out their menu and place your order here.
Your favourite bar is also known for mouth-watering wings by the bucket because a single serving is never enough! Aside from their killer cocktails and finger food, The Tap has an exclusive wings menu with an endless list of sauces to slather on top. Check out their menu here.
Buffalo Wings and Rings
Sheraton’s main wing stop, Buffalo Wings and Rings, serves a satisfying array of sauces to dress your wings with! They’re one of the few places that have Lemon Pepper wings, and they’ve also recently added Bourbon Barbecue wings to their menu, which is pretty interesting, to say the least. So give them a go and check out their menu here.
Not only popular for their wings, but they also have a wings and drumsticks combo that is to die for! Wingmen also has all the basic sauces and some eccentric ones, such as their Alfredo sauce. Their wings are best eaten fresh, so visit them at their branch in New Cairo and order yourself a hot batch of wings! Check out their menu on their Instagram page here.
Chicken and Ribs
While wings aren’t their main feature to order, Chicken and Ribs serves finger-licking quality wings. They have a few selections of sauces, but they’re all equally great! Whether you pick their Buffalo or Barbecue sauces, or if you want to kick it up a notch and try their Lemon Pepper Dynamite or Nashville Style wings, you’re in for a real treat! Check out their menu on their Instagram page here.
For Korean style fried chicken wings, head over to Kokio and try their exquisite marinades and sauces. With soy sauce, spicy sauce, and more, their wings hold a special place in our hearts. They double fry their chicken, so it’s always crispy no matter the amount of sauce that’s slathered on top. Visit their Instagram page here.

domain: food


Activision may have opened up its bank accounts to the tune of $500 million for Destiny, but how has the first week paid off? The company has sold over $325 million worth of copies of the console exclusive game, with these figures coming from Chart-Track.
Activision chief executive, Eric Hirshberg has said: "Destiny fans played more than 100 million hours of the game in the first week. That's on par with the engagement levels of our most popular Call of Duty games, which obviously is an industry leader". Activision has shipped over $500 million worth to retailers and vendors across the world, so we should expect some even bigger numbers in the coming months.
Bungie and Activision signed a ten-year deal for Destiny, so we can only expect this to be the start of a very big new IP. Although Destiny has received mixed reception so far, there's no denying that it is a massive new launch right now. Have you played it? What do you think?
Last updated: Jun 16, 2020 at 04:29 pm CDT
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Relatives of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea are getting crumbs of information on the fates of their family members, but the little they are learning is only raising more questions.
During a meeting between Japan's prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Il, on Tuesday, Mr. Kim said 11 Japanese had been kidnapped by North Korean agents in the 1970's and 1980's. Officials said at least six of them had since died.
Mr. Kim told Mr. Koizumi on Tuesday that the kidnappings had been a rash effort at heroics by North Korean security forces that would never happen again.
Officials quoted him as saying the victims were abducted to serve as Japanese instructors or to enable North Koreans to use their identities to enter South Korea.Continue reading the main story
For years North Korea had denied that any abductions had taken place. Now the relatives are not satisfied they are being told the truth.
''They want to find out how their loved ones lived in North Korea, and if they are really dead, how they died,'' Shinzo Abe, a deputy cabinet secretary who met with the families, told NHK television tonight.
The relatives of those still alive also want to know if and when they can be reunited.
Four people on an official Japanese list of those kidnapped and one unidentified abductee are still alive and will be allowed to return home if they want. Another is missing.
While Japan's official list cited 11 people who had been kidnapped, intelligence officials put the figure at 40 or more.
Some of the bereaved said they blamed the Japanese government for not acting faster or digging up more information.
''I want to ask the government and the Foreign Ministry what on earth they have been doing up until now,'' said Kayoko Arimoto, whose daughher Keiko disappeared while studying in London in 1983.
Yasushi Chimura and Fukie Hamamoto, who disappeared as a young couple, are said to be married and living in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, with their three children, the Kyodo news agency said, quoting people familiar with the couple.
Kaoru Hasuike also works in Pyongyang, and Yukiko Okudo, who went missing when she was 22, is a housewife, Kyodo reported.
Acknowledging that the government needed to reflect on mistakes in dealing with the issue, Mr. Koizumi has agreed to meet the families of the victims at the end of this month.
He is also considering setting up a task force to oversee the repatriation of the abductees and to push for more information about the dead.Continue reading the main story


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Facial recognition checks are about to become even more ubiquitous in China, as rules come into force requiring anyone registering a new mobile phone number to submit to facial scans.
While the government says the implementation of biometric data “effectively [protects] citizens’ legitimate rights and interests in cyberspace” and helps fight fraud, the move brings with it considerable privacy and security concerns in one of the most tightly controlled online environments in the world.
The country already enforces “real-name registration” policies which require people to link online accounts with their official government ID. But the latest move, which was formally adopted Sunday, further removes any sense of anonymity in using the Chinese internet.
More than 850 million people across China — about 65% of the population — use their mobile devices to access the internet, according to the government, far more than those who use desktop services. Apps like Tencent’s WeChat have largely become the internet for many Chinese people, offering everything from messaging and social networking to taxi services, food delivery and tax payment.
The new rules only apply to mobile phone numbers registered from December 1, and not to those already registered.
Facial recognition, meanwhile, is everywhere in China, from airports and office buildings to trash sorting facilities. Last week, Beijing’s subway system even began trialing new facial recognition gates at security checkpoints.
While anyone registering a new phone number in China was already required to provide ID and photos, the addition of full facial scans introduces more concerns about government surveillance and the ability of the country’s state-run mobile providers to protect sensitive information about their customers.
Writing in September, four Chinese researchers specializing in AI and biometrics wrote that potential breaches involving this type of information could have “severe and lasting” ramifications for the people affected.
“Facial recognition-powered surveillance systems, if improperly deployed or secured, will not only fail to effectively safeguard public safety, but also may infringe on people’ freedom/privacy and provide a source for abuse,” they added.
The US-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that recommends opting out of the tech whenever possible, notes that it’s “easy for companies and agencies to tout the convenience of this sort of massive data collection and sharing scheme.”
“But as we’ve seen in notable privacy fiascos over the last few years … it’s the customers and passengers who will bear the burden when things go wrong, and they will go wrong.”
China’s latest policy also raises alarms because of how it could potentially be used by the country’s vast surveillance state.
According to recent analysis from consumer site Comparitech, cities in China are among the most monitored in the world, with more than 100 CCTV cameras per thousand people in both Shanghai and Shenzhen.
In the country’s far-western region of Xinjiang, where authorities have increasingly tightened security in the name of cracking down on Islamic extremism, ubiquitous surveillance cameras form part of a hyper-securitized system that tracks and monitors citizens — particularly those of the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority. In parts of some cities in Xinjiang, there are facial surveillance cameras about every 150 feet (45 meters) that feed images back to central command centers, where people’s faces and routines are monitored and cross-referenced.
Elsewhere in China, the advance of facial recognition has not been entirely smooth. Last month, Guo Bing, an associate professor of law at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, sued a safari park in Hangzhou after it required all season ticket holders to scan their faces if they wanted to visit in future.
“The purpose of the lawsuit is not to get compensation but to fight the abuse of facial recognition,” Guo told local media. The park later said that it would allow people to opt out of facial scans.
And in August, anti-government protesters in Hong Kong tore down several “smart” lampposts over fears they could be used to implement facial recognition and other advanced surveillance in the semi-autonomous city.
Many countries are struggling with how to regulate the new technology, and China is no different. In September, officials said they wanted to curb its use by schools after Chinese media reported that a university in Nanjing was trialing the tech to monitor student attendance and engagement in class.
Last month, China established a national-level working group of 28 technology companies to set standards for the facial recognition, state media reported. Some of the companies involved have been linked to the surveillance of Muslims in Xinjiang, a fact noted by privacy campaigners.
– CNN’s Steven Jiang and Yong Xiong contributed reporting from Beijing.


FROM MOON OF ALABAMA, BY “B”
Tuesday’s clownish coup attempt in Venezuela failed. The Trump administration got snookered. It will have to either change its tactic or leave the issue alone. National Security Advisor John Bolton is pressing for a war on Venezuela.
While the Pentagon and the countries neighboring Venezuela are against the use of military force, it is Bolton who has President Trump’s ear. The planning for a war seems to progress fast.
Lucas Tomlinson @LucasFoxNews – 00:18 utc- 3 May 2019Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton just left Pentagon following meeting with acting defense secretary Patrick Shanahan in secure conference room known as ‘The Tank’ to discuss military options for Venezuela, per senior defense official
A similar meeting took place on Wednesday May 1 in the White House.
The head of U.S. Southern Command admits that plans are ready but plays down the chance for a war:
Admiral Craig Faller insisted that the U.S. wanted a peaceful transfer of power but declared that his Southern Command was ready for any scenario. He said his military staff had made ‘Day Now’ plans to prepare for an immediate change of power as opposition leader Juan Guaido tries to topple Maduro.’We call it Day Now because there is going to be a day when the legitimate government takes over, and it’s going to come when we least expect it – and it could be right now,’ Faller said. But Faller, the head of the Southern Command in Latin America, insisted: ‘Our leadership’s been clear: It has to be, should be, primarily a democratic transition.’
Venezuela is not an easy target. Colonel (ret.) Larry Wilkerson, the former Chief of Staff for Secretary of State Colin Powell, writes:
I know the Venezuelan military; I’ve trained some of them.
The majority of them, if the U.S. military arrives in Venezuela, will take to the hills – very formidable hills, with jungle-like backdrops – and they will harass, kill, take prisoner from time to time, and generally hold out forever or until the “gringos” leave. We might remember how the North Vietnamese and the Taliban accomplished this; well, so will the Venezuelans.
The opposition is wary of a U.S. intervention:
Many believe U.S. troops could ignite internal conflicts within the military, irregular forces linked to Maduro and criminal cartels. Intervention would also undermine Guaidó’s claim to be a grass roots Venezuelan leader by seeming to confirm that he’s exactly what Maduro has claimed: A puppet of the United States.A U.S. military intervention would “bring more problems than solutions,” said Carlos Valero, a Guaidó supporter in the National Assembly.
Political analyst Felix Seijas, director of the Delphos polling agency in Caracas, says fewer than a fifth of the Venezuelans he has surveyed this year support a military intervention. The numbers have gone up only slightly since the beginning of the year.
There were more warnings from Russia during a Trump-Putin phone call today:
While exchanging views on the situation around Venezuela, the President of Russia underscored that only the Venezuelans themselves have the right to determine the future of their country, whereas outside interference in the country’s internal affairs and attempts to change the government in Caracas by force undermine prospects for a political settlement of the crisis.
The planning and decision making for the next phase of the U.S. attack on Venezuela will take time.
Meanwhile we can continue to analyze why the U.S. coup plan failed so devastatingly.
To arrange for the coup attempt the administration and its Venezuelan proxies, Juan Guaidó and Leopoldo López, talked with many senior Venezuelan officials and officers. They made offers and threats and tried to arrange deals. There was even a written 15 point paper. Most the officials and officers seem to have agreed to cooperate, only to turn around to inform their higher ups.
By talking to so many people the coup plotters made way too much noise. The Venezuelan government seems to have been well informed about the whole plot. It likely was convinced that a coup would fail and let it run its course to embarrass the people behind it. Allowing the coup attempt to happen would also reveal turncoats and spies within the government structures.
Of the many people the coup plotters thought they had convinced to come to their side only one man followed through. It was Manuel Christopher Figuera, the director of the national intelligence service SEBIN, who ordered the release of opposition leader Leopoldo López who was under guard of SEBIN agents.
From a new forensic piece by Bloomberg:
The Trump administration and Guaido’s team are still trying to figure out what went wrong.
Lopez’s clandestine release from house arrest by the feared Sebin intelligence agency was but one step in a complex transition negotiated with top aides to Maduro, not all of whom were speaking to one another, according to people in Washington and Caracas familiar with the negotiations and who insisted on anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.And within hours, the deal between the opposition and the Maduro camp was dead. Lopez ultimately sought refuge in the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Caracas, emerging briefly Thursday to talk to reporters. U.S. officials expressed fury at the Venezuelans close to Maduro who they believe double-crossed them.
Those singled out by National Security Adviser John Bolton — the defense minister, the supreme court president and the head of the presidential guard — were central players in a large cast discussing how to abandon Maduro and recognize Guaido as the interim president, according to the people familiar with the negotiations.
Lopez was released because the Sebin intelligence chief, General Manuel Christopher Figuera, was fully on board, the people said. As part of the arrangement, Figuera’s wife flew to safety in the U.S. on Sunday. On Tuesday night, after Figuera released a letter explaining his decision, Maduro replaced him as intelligence chief. Figuera has left Venezuela, according to two opposition officials, though they said they don’t where he has gone.
It was also Figuera, the head of SEBIN, who arranged for additional soldiers to augment the 25 or so mercenaries Guaidó had at hand:
Some of Guaidó’s soldiers took the first opportunity to defect, claiming they had been tricked. One of them explained how officers had given them weapons at the Helicoide, the SEBIN headquarters, and told they were going to put down a mass jailbreak.
The Jim Dore Show has video of the soldier explaining how he and his comrades were tricked.
Figuera might also be the source for a “secret dossier” that was peddled to the New York Times. It claims without evidence that Tareck El Aissami, a former vice-president and now industry minister of Venezuela, arranged passports for the Lebanese Hizbullah and was involved in drug dealing. Tareck El Aissami is of Syrian descent:
The dossier, provided to The New York Times by a former top Venezuelan intelligence official and confirmed independently by a second one, recounts testimony from informants accusing Mr. El Aissami and his father of recruiting Hezbollah members to help expand spying and drug trafficking networks in the region.
The quality of the dossier is likely as good as the one the former MI6 agent Christopher Steele created about Donald Trump.
Back to the Bloomberg piece:
“Many of us thought, as the weeks went by, that it was astonishing Maduro hadn’t discovered it already but that may be because so many on the inside wanted it to succeed,” one person familiar with the matter said. “They believe Maduro began to get an understanding of what was happening on the 29th and they had to move on the 30th or it would all collapse.”
Other speculation falls on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez who, according to one person close to the situation, was engaged in the negotiations while informing Maduro and his Russian and Cuban allies of the talks. The defense minister was with Maduro when the president gave a speech at the military academy in Caracas Thursday.
But it may be that many more balked. There was confusion over who would make the first move, according to a person close to the situation. It could be that there were so many participants that one hand often didn’t know what the other was doing.
Elliott Abrams, the State Department’s special envoy for Venezuela, told a Venezuelan television station Wednesday that “a majority of the high command were talking with the Supreme Court and Juan Guaido about a change in government with the departure of Maduro and with guarantees for the military.”He said the negotiations had created a 15-point document that included a “dignified exit” for Maduro and recognition by the high court of Guaido as interim president with elections within a year. It had been widely assumed that Leopoldo Lopez, a former mayor of a wealthy district in Caracas, would be a leading candidate.
The whole arrangement sounds extremely amateurish. Why talk to so many people? Why not concentrate on the few that really matter? Why not get some guarantees from them? The SEBIN chief who supported the coup had no other choice left as his wife was already in the U.S. and could have been used as hostage. Why were there not similar arrangements for other officials?
Back in March the U.S. withdrew all its staff from its embassy in Caracas. That must have weakened the CIA’s capabilities on the ground. It also seems that much of the coordination was done by Elliot Abrams and others in the White House. They were obviously guided by wishful thinking and not by a realistic analysis of Venezuela and of the people leading it.
To believe that a Leopoldo López could win in fair presidential elections in Venezuela is pretty absurd. He has tried to overthrow the government six times. He led the brutal protests in 2014 and is known as a ruthless rightwing operator. His party, Voluntad Popular, describes itself as progressive social-democratic but is at best hard right if not fascists. It holds only 14 of the 163 seats in the National Assembly.
López is for now out of jail but isolated:
On Thursday, a Caracas court issued a warrant for Lopez, revoking his house arrest and ordering him to spend the remaining eight years of his 13-year sentence in Ramo Verde military prison; he was convicted of charges including arson and instigating violence after spearheading anti-government protests. The Spanish foreign ministry said on its website that Lopez would “under no circumstances” be handed over to Venezuelan authorities.
López can stay in the embassy. But as long as he is there Spain will not allow him a political role:
“Spain will not permit its embassy to be converted into a center of political activity by Mr Lopez, or anyone else,” [Spain’s acting Foreign Minister Josep] Borrell said on the sidelines of a conference in Beirut.
“Lopez has not asked for political asylum because, according to our legislation, for that you must request it while on Spanish territory,” Borrell said adding that while he was at the embassy, there would be a limit to his political activity.
The delusion of the coup plotters in the White House can be seen in their newest spin:
The U.S. is pointing to the breadth of the failed plot as evidence that, no matter how badly it went, Maduro’s days are numbered with the country having plunged into dysfunction and the economy in a shambles. “This was just the tip of the iceberg,” said a senior administration official who asked not to be named. Many close to Maduro were in on the endgame, the official said, and their eagerness to send him packing shows how isolated he is.
The logic makes little sense: “Many people told us they would take our side but stood with Maduro. That shows us that Maduro has lost them and that we will win.”
Unfortunately U.S. mainstream media deliver similar stupid analysis:
Talks between opposition leaders and senior Maduro officials that have come to light this week suggest deception in [Maduro’s] inner circle. And despite Guaidó’s actions, neither prosecutors nor the pro-Maduro Supreme Court have issued an arrest warrant for him — a sign, his allies say, of just how weak Maduro is.
There was a lot of deception within Maduro’s inner circle. But it was the opposition and its backers who were deceived, not Nicolas Maduro.
Putting Guaidó into jail would only make him a martyr. The U.S. would use it to for further bashing. Guaidó running continues to turn himself into a clown.
An energy-balance bracelet wearing model doing soft-erotic photo shootings for GQ(vid) will hardly be taken seriously when it calls for a general strike.
Posted by b on May 3, 2019 at 01:50 PM | Permalink


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Investor demand for real assets – infrastructure and real estate – has continued to strengthen in recent years thanks to favourable economic conditions and a low-interest rate environment. In this 2019 outlook, AMP Capital’s investment leaders share their insights on what to expect within the various markets for the year ahead.
This article has been prepared to provide general information and does not constitute 'financial advice' for the purposes of the Financial Advisors Act 2008 (Act). An individual investor should, before making any investment decisions, consider the information available in the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and seek professional advice. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this document, AMP Capital Investors (New Zealand) Limited and the AMP Group (together, 'AMP') make no guarantee that the information supplied is accurate, complete or timely and do not make any warranties or representations in respect of results gained from its use. The information is not intended to infer that current or past returns are indicative of future returns. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of AMP. These views are subject to change depending on market conditions and other factors.

domain: finance


The Benny Pajama Set - Lilac
The Benny Pajamas are a matching set that will have you cozy and ready to dream! These sets have functional buttons down the bodice, a v-neckline, functional pocket on the chest, and a functional drawstring waistline for the bottoms. With the soft hand of this wet, you're never going to want to change out of these!
Sizing: Runs True to Size.
Fabric Content: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex.
Care: Hand Wash Cold. Hang to Dry.


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. CNQ, -0.14% said it has agreed to buy Anadarko Canada Corp., a division of Anadarko Petroleum Corp. APC, +1.57% for $4.08 billion. The acquisition includes production assets in Western Canada that produce around 358 million cubic feet of natural gas and 9,300 barrels of crude-oil per day. Canadian Natural Resources said the deal will increase cash flow by 24 cents a share in 2006 and 99 cents a share in 2007 and added it expects the impact on earnings to be neutral. The firm added it has hedged a significant portion of its natural gas and crude oil production for 2007 and 2008 and will consider selling non-core assets to gain additional balance sheet flexibility.
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Scribe Video Center was founded in 1982 as a place where emerging and experienced media artists could gain access to the tools and knowledge of video making and work together in a supportive environment. Scribe provides training in all aspects of film, video and audio production. We also offer classes in computer-based interactive media to individuals and community organizations as well. We give emerging and mid-level video makers the skills and opportunity to use video and film as tools for self-expression and for representing and supporting their communities.
Witness is a documentary by director Marie Alarcon about Bartram Village and Gardens. Take a look at the trailer of this empowering film. This film will be shown at Street Movies! @ Malcolm X Park on August 18th, 2018


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Lazarica, an endowment of Prince Lazar, has survived to the present in Krusevac, his capital. Built about 1375, it has undergone considerable changes over the centuries, and was last restored early in the 20th century.
As one of the earliest structures of the Morava school, it served as a model for many later churches.
The church has a trefoil ground-plain. A certain delicacy is especially accentuated, both in the actual construction and by the small ornamental columns. The exterior of the church makes a vivid ampact with its red-and-white facades.
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domain: history


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Defender Faisal Osman has been ruled out of next month's FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals due to injury.
The centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during training and cannot recover for the tournament which starts on 6 October.
Osman, who plays for Kumasi-based Young Vipers, was released from camp for treatment.
He was a key member of the squad which won silver at the CAF Under-17 Nations Cup in Gabon last May.
The Black Starlets have left for a training tour of Abu Dhabi, UAE ahead of the World Cup which starts on 6 October.


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Beautiful, gray-green leaves resembling cilantro and one of the most unusual flowers of any local California native (we think they look like little jester’s hats), this diminutive, orange and yellow beauty is a truly moisture-loving plant that requires a commitment to regular watering. (You’ll most often see it growing near creeks, seeps or springs in the wild.)
Western Columbine is a short-lived plant overall, but its luxuriant seeding habit will likely produce multiple seedlings even if you lose the “mother plant” to either senescence or inland heat/drought. At the LANPS garden, we’ve found that Western Columbine is most happy in filtered/dappled sunlight and constantly moist soil. Given these two cultural requirements, it can bloom, non-stop, from spring to late summer. Aquilegia formosa goes well with other shade and water-loving riparian plants such as Erythranthe cardinalis (Scarlet Monkeyflower) and Adiantum capillus-veneris (Southern Maiden Hair).

domain: biology


There’s quite a buzz around town about the release of a new report. The report is “Artists’ Centers: Evolution and Impact on Careers, Neighborhoods and Economies” by Ann Markusen and Amanda Johnson.
Ann Markusen spoke at the August 2004 NDDC Monthly Forum about her previous report, “The Artistic Dividend: The Arts’ Hidden Contributions to Regional Development”. The Forum was co-sponsored by the Northfield Arts Guild as part of one of our programming partnerships, ArtSwirl. At the time, the NDDC was working with the Reuse Committee, Artspace and the NAG to create a new community artist center in the old middle school.
Markusen’s previous report highlighted the economic development potential of the arts. Our belief in this potential was one of the reasons why the NDDC was working so hard on the old middle school and why we are now working so hard on the Building for Creative Professionals.
Among the recommendations in Markusen’s recent report are:
“Public and nonprofit policymakers responsible for economic development, urban planning, and cultural policy should acknowledge and support artists’ service centers as good investments and as candidates for brick and mortar subsidies, operating funds, and technical assistance.
State and local governments should use the many tools at their disposal to help create appropriate spaces for artists and embed such centers in their neighborhoods.
State and regional art agencies, especially those operating in suburban and smaller town settings, should foster collective spaces for artists.”
The NDDC is working with public and private policymakers as well as state and local governments to secure their support for the community artist center…and “embed” it in the downtown neighborhood. Their support is essential if the space is to work creatively and financially for Northfield’s artists.
We believe that such a center will enrich the community both economically and culturally. We urge all artists and art organizations, as well as all citizens and citizen organizations, to work with us to achieve this vision of a community artist center.


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for 2 pianos and 2 marimbaphones
piano reduction, Edition for 2 Pianos 4 Hands
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sheet music, arranged by Bruno Walter
for piano 4 Hands
You will regularly receive information about new scores with free downloads, current prize games and news about our composers.


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EA returns to the field with another installment in its long-running football series.
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domain: sports


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E F M P Logo - Exceptional Families Exceptional Service
”Image of a screen with three circles at the top and a photo of two women discussing the paperwork in front of them.
Text reads: Title: What is Transition? What are Transition Services? Goal of Transition. Transition is the process of moving from I D E A entitlement services in a school setting to support services provided by public agencies.
Transition is the time to consider what your child may need to learn to enable him or her to participate in community life as an adult after leaving high school. While in school, your child was entitled to services under IDEA. However, these entitlements stop when he or she leaves high school. To receive services through a public agency, your child must meet its eligibility criteria.