“There is no room for such flamboyant lifestyles, at least there shouldn’t be. A responsible member of the government, a leading politician is not supposed to allow himself all these, even if this was possibly alright so far.” – Zoltán Pokorni (left), former Fidesz MP, currently mayor of Budapest’s 12th district.
“A political veteran should think twice about weakening our positions simply because of being offended or having a political agenda. Whoever seeks to weaken us is finishing himself off instead.” – János Lázár (right), Fidesz MP and Chancellor, former mayor of Hódmezővásárhely
The US entry ban scandal appears to be causing fissures within Fidesz, Hungary’s governing party. Several weeks ago Zoltán Pokorni, former MP and minister of education under the first Orbán government (1998-2002), criticized prominent Fidesz politicians for indulging in “flamboyant lifestyles” involving the conspicuous display of luxury items, something he feels is not acceptable at a time when Hungary’s government is “the focus of grave charges of corruption”.
János Lázár, who interpreted Pokorni’s comments as a personal attack on himself, accused him of “stabbing the party in the back”, saying that Pokorni’s comments are more dangerous than any of the social consequences of Fidesz’s legislation and policies, for sowing seeds of doubt among hard-line Fidesz supporters. Lázár also claimed that Pokorni’s comments were an organized attack by “party elders” attempting to regain influence within the party on the younger generation of Fidesz politicians.
“A political veteran should think twice about weakening our positions simply because of being offended or having a political agenda. Whoever seeks to weaken us is finishing himself off instead.”
Lázár’s words of warning were reportedly uttered after consulting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán who personally green-lighting the political attack on Pokorni. It appears to have worked. The following day Pokorni told Magyar Nemzet Online Lázár was “the most talented politician of his generation.”
“I find it quite natural that as a leader of this younger generation within Fidesz he (Lázár) courageously engages in such conflicts. But we, who are slowly to be considered the veterans of the party, have already learned that we should not forget how to make peace in the turmoil of our inner battles.”
After this photograph of Lázár wearing a Rolex in parliament while chatting with chief prosecutor Péter Polt (who obviously has no intention of asking parliament to lift the immunity from prosecution of any Fidesz MPs) was circulated, Pokorni made the following statement over the course of a political discussion on pro-government HírTV:
“These smaller or larger cases, about who wears what kind of watch, who is going for vacations and to where, how big somebody’s apartment is were well known in the past years, and nobody cared about it. Because the whole has not been associated with charges of corruption. Since the entry restrictions imposed by the US, however, this charge is a new organizing principle of these small facts that so far were merely annoying. […] There is no room for such flamboyant lifestyles, at least there shouldn’t be. A responsible member of the government, a leading politician is not supposed to allow himself all these, even if this was possibly alright so far.”
A former leading government official himself, Pokorni was one of Viktor Orbán’s most vocal critics within Fidesz, openly splitting with Fidesz’s chairman over reforms to public and higher education enacted in 2011, calling the nationalization of public schools a “disproportionate” measure.
Magyar Krónika editor-in-chief Gábor Bencsik, an enthusiastic supporter of Orbán, has cautioned ministers over trading Fidesz’s moral integrity for personal gain, thereby putting obstacles between Orbán and his long-term plans. Former Fidesz think-tank analyst Tamás Mellár, who spoke at one of the protests against the proposed internet tax, has given an interview in which he talks about corruption within leading government circles.
What Pokorni meant
An apparent fondness for luxury goods on the part of prominent Fidesz politicians has been the source of much controversy lately.
- Shortly after being sworn in as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, former prime minister spokesman Péter Szijjártó bought a luxury villa just outside of Budapest for a reported HUF 167 million (USD 677,352). When asked to account for the source of the money, he gave conflicting accounts.
- It was recently revealed that former government spokesman (now state secretary) András Giró-Szász owns a motor yacht valued at HUF 25-30 million (USD 100,000-120,000) as well as shares in various companies worth hundreds of millions of forints, including several run by his brother-in-law.
- In addition to the fact that he sports a Rolex, it recently came to light that Lázár’s ten-year-old son owns a luxury flat in Pokorni’s district previously owned by András Giró-Száz’s brother-in-law. (What a remarkable coincidence!-ed.)
- Fidesz managing deputy chairman and MP Lajos Kósa recently travelled to New Zealand for the purported purpose of seeking out members of the Hungarian diaspora, paid for with public funds. Kósa was accompanied by the production crew of a local Debrecen TV station. By coincidence, the Rolling Stones were performing in Wellington that week and Kosa and company were able to take in a show, also at Hungarian taxpayer expense.
- Earlier this year it was revealed that Fidesz caucus leader and Budapest 5th district mayor Antal Rogán, 5th district former deputy mayor András Puskás and Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga all own luxury flats in the same gated community at the exclusive part of the second district. (The fact that Rogan was criticized earlier for toting a Gucci bag apparently was not enough to dissuade prime minister “strategic advisor” Árpád Habony (below) from doing the same).
Fissures within Fidesz
Lázár’s threats nothwithstanding, more and more Fidesz MPs are starting to vote their consciences rather than the party line. János Bencsik, Fidesz MP for Tatabánya, recently refused to vote on a number of key pieces of legislation, and even voted against the government’s scheme to oust every tobacco wholesale company from Hungary but one from Lázár’s home town of Hódmezővásárhely, Continental Dohányipar Zrt. (Yet another remarkable coincidence!-ed.). For daring to stand on principle and vote his conscience, Fidesz fined Bencsik HUF 300,000. Bencsik does not seem to be too shaken by this, posting on Facebook
“This only means that we will hold a more modest family Christmas this year”.


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Cincinnati — WCPO 9’s weekday lifestyle show, Cincy Lifestyle, promoted Pete Scalia to full-time host and introduced two new members of the host team: Mikhail Hughes Shaw and Michelle Hopkins.
Hughes-Shaw will join the team as a multimedia journalist/complementary host and Hopkins will complete the team as a multimedia journalist/part-time host.
Scalia joined the ‘Cincy Lifestyle’ team in August 2021 as a multimedia content producer. He started hosting full time on his June 15th. Departments located in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus, Ohio. He is also a voice-over artist and professional musician who has opened for Ted Nugent, Bad Company and played keyboards in a funk band produced by Bootsy Collins.
Hughes-Shaw has an extensive media background that includes television reporting, magazine writing, podcasting, and social media management. She has won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in her Reporting Digital and most recently Quads She has worked as the host of her WHBF-TV Lifestyles show “Living Local” in Cities. rice field. Hughes-Shaw holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Certificate in Significant Cultural Competence from the University of Iowa. She is a former Miss Iowa and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention during her tenure.
“Joining the ‘Sincey Lifestyle’ team is a dream come true and I can’t wait to see all that Queen City has to offer,” said Hughes-Shaw. “I look forward to learning what makes this city work and bringing it to life through storytelling.”
Hopkins previously worked at WCPO 9 as an anchor/reporter in the late 1990s. Since then, Hopkins has continued his media involvement with the Morning News as anchorman, WLWT consumer reporter, video and radio host, message development, media and diversity. Consulting to help start his business.
Her ties to the three states are strong, and she has directed community relations and engagement programs for Head Start Recruitment/Community Outreach, Mercy Health, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Hopkins said, “I am very excited about this opportunity to return to television, especially WCPO 9, after a challenging career in healthcare.” You can follow what you believe in. It’s a fun show with a great connection to the community. I feel like I’m living my best life.”
“Cincy Lifestyle is a valuable local program for our audience and customers,” said Linda Hudson, Director of Sales for WCPO 9.
“Cincy Lifestyle” is an original local lifestyle show that offers informative, helpful and fun content. Advertisers buy time within the show to feature new and unique aspects of their business. The show will air on weekdays at 10:00 a.m. on WCPO 9 and will feature local organizations, businesses and happenings across the region.
The team of Scalia, Hughes-Shaw and Hopkins will debut on August 22nd.
Catch up on the latest headlines with our 24/7 news livestream.
WCPO 9 news at noon

domain: news


Yet to be launched globally.
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro was showcased at the 2015 Thailand Motor Expo earlier this month. The all-new motorcycle was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show towards the end of October.
Expected to be launched in the coming months, the Kawasaki Z125 Pro will be the first direct rival to the Honda Grom MSX125. It will be available in two variants - the Kawasaki Z125 and the Kawasaki Z125 Pro. The former gets a 4-speed automatic gearbox while the Pro gets a 4-speed manual transmission.
Other than the gearbox, both the variants are identical. They are powered by a horizontally-oriented 125 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 9.5 PS of maximum power at 8,000 rpm and 9.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.
The 101 kg motorcycle features a digital instrument cluster with an analog tachometer, a 30 mm inverted telescopic fork, an offset monoshock, a 200 mm and 184 mm disc brake on the front and rear wheel respectively with a single-piston caliper on each, a 100/90 R12 tyre at the front and a 130/70 R12 tyre at the rear.


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I lay on the floor in the forest as a hooded figure started to immerge from the deep mist. My head was pounding – my heart was heaving – I couldn’t keep my eyes open. The pain was too excruciating. I sat there. Actually, I was lying down. I’m not sure which. I was drowned too deep in my grief. I needed saving, and fast. I tried to call for his help – the man walking towards me – but I couldn’t strain a single word to escape my throat. My eyes started to close slowly. Was I leaving this world? Was I about to die? That was my last thought before my eyelids closed shut.
I was drifting back, and suddenly, my eyes opened. I was in a trance; everything seemed so surreal. My life flashed before my eyes at that very second. It moved by so fast that it hardly seemed real. Just then, I noticed a shadow overtop of me. I looked up. Before my eyes there stood a tall, tanned man with crystal-blue eyes. He was wearing the same hoodie as the man who approached me in the fog. “Who are you?” I managed to say. His brilliant eyes were leaving me breathless.
“Come on, you must remember.” He said in a deep, husky voice. But I didn’t. All I could recall were those blue eyes, but I could remember when or where I had ever seen them. “…Or maybe not.” He said, disappointed. “What if I told you that the first time we met, we were barely toddlers?” and suddenly, the memories started to rush back.
We were three. I was at my preschool, sitting all alone on the swing – other children ran around, ignoring my very existence. I was all alone without a friend in the world, thinking that I would never know the true meaning of friendship. Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder. At first, I was startled, but then I relaxed myself, and looked behind my shoulder. A boy stood there with crystal-blue eyes. He took out a plastic boat from behind his back. “Want to play?” he asked. From that moment – until the day I moved to Whistler from California when I was five – we were best friends. But I’d never seen him since.
“David?” I asked, shocked.
“Yeah, it’s me.” He replied. “Long time, no see…well, for you, anyways.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Have you been stalking me or something?”
“You could say that, but it’s less possessed.”
“Why have you been following me?”
He paused for a second. “Because I love you.” He admitted.
“But David,” I started “we were five the last time we saw each other.”
“I ran away from home the day you left. I followed you all the way to Whistler and hid in your car’s trunk when you drove all the way here.”
“You did that for me?” I asked. “You loved me that much?”
“I love you that much now.” He said without skipping a beat.
I didn’t know what to say. Was this possible? Looking at him now, I felt so distant, yet so close to him and all our memories at the same time. Maybe I loved him, too. Could I love him? Even though we hadn’t spoken once since we were five?
All I knew was that I had never fallen for anyone before. None of my friendships were as good as mine and his. None of my friendships had ever made me feel as good as ours had, either. So maybe it was possible.
At that moment, I realized he was staring at me, waiting for a reply this whole time, while I tried to figure out the answer to my feelings towards him myself. “I think that maybe…” I trailed off, but quickly caught back on. “…maybe I love you, too.” I said hesitantly.
The smile on his face said it all; he was thrilled; he was overjoyed. I asked myself on question – if he loved me so much – which was obvious due to his reaction – how could I not love him back? The answer to the rest of my life seemed to be standing right in front of me, and right then, I knew I’d never be safer anywhere than when I was beside him, right at that moment, I longed to be in his arms. “I want to be yours forever.” I said. He sat beside me – his lips on my hair – and held me tight.
I prayed that he’d never let go.

domain: literature


FIFA has turned down request by Nigeria’s sports minister, Solomon Darling to visit its offices in Zurich, Switzerland for the purpose of discussing the current crisis bedevilling the country’s football.
The Nigerian embassy in Switzerland had on behalf of the minister written a letter to FIFA seeking to meet the leadership of the world soccer ruling body to discuss issues bordering on Nigerian football and the leadership tussle.
But FIFA, in a letter signed by general secretary, Fatma Samoura, turned down the request stating that the president of the body, Gianni Infantino is indisposed at the moment.
FIFA, in the letter also stated that a member of the delegation for the proposed visit, Chris Giwa , who claimed to have been legitimately elected as president of the Nigeria Football Federation and is currently serving a worldwide ban is not qualified visit FIFA.
“We refer to the correspondence dated 15 August 2018 from Ambassador of Nigeria in Switzerland, H.E Baba Madugu, the contents of which have received our full attention,” reads the letter from FIFA.
” In this respect, while we are of the seriousness and urgency of the matter, we regret to inform you that we are not in a position to respond favourably to your request for an appointment. Intact, the FIFA president is indisposed during the proposed period.
“Moreover, we would like to recall that one member of the proposed delegation, Mr Chris Giwa, is currently under a worldwide ban, in accordance with the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee dated 10 January 2017 to extend to the five-year ban from taking part in any football-related activity imposed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee on 12 May 2016.”
FIFA further reminded the Nigeria sports minister of its earlier stance on suspending Nigeria from participating in international football as the Amaju Pinnick led a NFF board has been prevented from discharging their duties as the one recognised the world football governing body
“In this context, we would like to seize this opportunity to remind you as the per the decision rendered by FIFA’s bureau of the council on 13 August 2018. In the event, the NFF offices are not handed back to the legitimate NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick by Monday, 20 August, 2018 at 12.00 (CET), the NFF will be suspended with immediate effect for contravening binding obligations of the FIFA statues.
“The suspension would only be lifted once the NFF, under Amaju Melvin Pinnick and general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi confirm that they were given back the effective control of the NFF and its offices.


Question about Toshiba Satellite M30 Notebook
Hi Guy's, I have a Toshiba M30 Laptop which will not start up at all. The following describes it's condition.I understand it was intermittant before I got it, some times taking a long time to boot and sometimes sopping when laptop moved.Will not start up.Blue Power In LED onBlue Computer On LED on when on when on switch is pressed and goes off when on button held down.Orange Battery Charge LED onKeyboard Function Green LED can switch on and off when used with F10 & F11CD/DVD starts running when CD installed –runs up to full speed then stops. – Audio will not play when front CD controls are used.No light or activity on LCD screenNo CPU FanNo voltage on USB socket (USB mouse has no LED light)Touch pad and computer underside gets warm (Battery charger ?)Power can be turned off by holding down the power on button – then blue power LED goes out leaving DC IN and Charge on Charge LED goes out when battery removedNo sound of any hard drive activityNo LED’s for HD, WiFi, CD etc although CD will flash briefly when power is first turned on. If the hard disk is removed it’s blue LED lights up permanentlyNo Caps Lock LEDRAM chips appear warm when touched but this could be from charger circuitsStill does not operate if CD module and battery removedI have not yet got at the mother board but would appreciate any comments from technicians and if there is anywhere one can get a circuit (or even a block diagram) would help me understand what happens when power is applied
Hii the fn tab in the keyboard is nt working can anyone help pls
Posted on Jun 04, 2008
I solved my problem by sticking a piece of cardboard just beneath the motherboard, don't worry if it causes the motherboard to bend upwards a little. Its been working very well for the past couple hours straight. I explain it a little in this video.
This works if you find yourself pressing down on some spots on the laptop/chassis/mobo just to get it to power up. This method also repaired my old IPOD when it was having trouble with its PCB.
Posted on Dec 23, 2007
I don't have a solution, but the same thing happened to my model (identical brand). You would think they are set to glitch at the same time!
I am going to take it to a technician, as I have not dabbled in computer hardware much.
Your post was really helpful though.
Posted on Nov 21, 2007
Sure sounds like powerline troubles. Be aware that fixing these kinds of problems are risky, so be careful and know you might trash it by accident by following the suggestions below.
Remove the battery completely throughout all testing.
First check and make sure the powerpack is outputting the right voltage, if not, you have a bad power supply. If that's okay, and you can get it to boot up at all, trying twisting the body of the laptop lightly, jus a little, diagonally. If the laptop shuts down or locks up, you have a motherboard problem or bad cabling somewhere.
My opinion only: from the description it sounds like you have a power short on the motherboard where it contacts some part of the case. Try removing all screws on the underside of the case and rebooting. If this does not work, unplug it and try to loosen the motherboard mounts slightly by removing the retaining screws and the ones that hold the keyboard assembly in. Then try to start it up again. I would guess that at some point it will start up and work normally, and from there you need to try to identify where the problem is. I have fixed this type of problem before by lightly insulating the separate component boards from eachother and the case contacts with spacers made of double sided foam sticky tape, and reassembling. This is just a guess, but was what went wrong with my Toshiba Portege.
PS: If the laptop has any add-in cards like a network card, remove them before testing
Posted on Nov 16, 2007
A 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
Best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
The service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of (from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones).
click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need.
Posted on Jan 02, 2017
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text:
Every time a new security measure is put in place, there are bound to come people trying to find its flaws. It’s no wonder then that iPhone X’ new biometric system, Face ID, drew the attention of security firm Bkav. Once the specialists put their mind to it, they realized a custom mask could full the software easily #biomagic
Bkav created a $150 mask that can apparently trick Face ID. The product is just a proof of concept and it was perfected in less than a week. The team used a mix of 3D printing, make-up and 2D images to put it together and crack the technology that seemed immune to such attempts. Previously, Wired and The Wall Street Journal tried to do the same with a silicone mask but their attempts failed.
That was expected from Face ID, since Apple is promoting the technology as spoof-resistant and capable of defending “against attempts to unlock your phone with photos or masks.” After all, during the keynote, Apple said that their engineers asked professional mask makers and makeup artists to assist them in testing the tech and had failed to beat Face ID.
So what changed now? Bkav answer was vague: “We were able to trick Apple’s AI, as mentioned in the writing, because we understood how their AI worked and how to bypass it. “. Moreover, when details of the process of creating the mask are required, the company seems to deflect: “I want to repeat that our experiment is a kind of Proof of Concept, the purpose of which is to prove a principle, other issues will be researched later.”
Bkav doesn’t hesitate to speak their mind and clearly state that, in their opinion, fingerprint recognition is the best security measure. We can’t help but disagree for a myriad of reasons – but you know that already, if you read this.
So is Bkav’s feat repeatable or not? What do you think?


text: I just found this out, Tommy Owens Eyewear is made in the United States. Based in Florida it could be made in Florida or it could be made in Chicago! But as much as we love that fact and can celebrate that, today we want to pay homage to their Orange Woodland look that is wondrous joy of color inspired by Fall. Can you not see the trees turning, the leafy orange, yellow, greens, brown and grey as this wood sunglass represents? We love it.

domain: artistic


text:
You know the Internet is a crazy place when Business Week can report that Michael Moritz has made $1.3 billion in profits from a £2 million dollar stake in Yahoo! The good times may be over at Intel though - with one analyst predicting that the advent of the $200 PC will further depress processor prices. All this plus spammers may be sued in California and a City bank is going to be wiped out by hackers.
Lex approve of Barnes & Noble floating its Web site - Financial Times
The Lex column in the Financial Times, voiced barbed approval for the Barnes and Noble announcement that they are to float off their Web site in order to take advantage of sky high Net stock prices. Barnes and Noble's Web site is "catching up fast (on Amazon); its revenues grew 470 per cent in the second quarter against 316 per cent for Amazon.com, though admitedly from a lower base. And, importantly, it seems to be just as good at losing money". Lex Column, Financial Times, August 21, 1998.
"Figure out how to profit from the the Net" - Business Week
Michael Moritz made a cool $1.3 billion from a $2 million investment in Yahoo! So when he speaks on the subject of making money people tend to listen. Last week he told Business Week "If anybody's between you and your customers, you had better be shaking in your boots. Figure out how to profit from the Net, or it will drain the juice out of your marrow". Business Week, August 24-31, 1998.
$200 PCs could put squeeze on Intel - Wall Street Journal
The prospect of even cheaper PCs could squeeze margins for microprocessor manufacturers according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The aticle refers to research carried out by Thomas Kurlak for Merrill Lynch. "Mr Kurlak wrote in a research report that PC prices could sink as low as $200, suggesting prices as as $30 for Intel chips." Wall Street Journal, Auguust 21, 1998.
iMac faces tough challenge from sub $1000 PCs - Financial Times
Whilst aknowledging the success of iMac and asking the quetion "Is Apple starting to matter again?" - the FT's Lex Column goes on to doubt whether the early success of iMac can be sustained in the face of tough competition from sub-$1000 PCs. "Early surveys look encouraging; apparently 15 per cent of iMac purchasers ar first time computer buyers. Whether this momentum will be sustainable in the face of a flood of sub-$1,000 machines is questionable." Financial Times, Lex Column, August 24, 1998.
California to regulate the spammers - The Guardian Onlinne
The Gurardian Online reports on a new move to regulate spammers in California, where legislation is expected to be passed which will enable ISP's to sue for up to $25,000 compensation from spammers. In another move to regulate spammers, Net users may be offered a discount on their Net charges if they agree to accept some spam. The Guardian, Online supplement, August 20, 1998.
Banks wide open to hackers - internet magazine
Banks are still wide open to attack according to Mike Hales, Online Editor of internet magazine. In the latest issue of the monthly magazine he states "One bank, which shall remain nameless, not only has a series of firewalls which are fairly easy to penetrate, but once you get through those you have access to the transaction systems, and when you get bored there, you can move straight to the bank's mainframe!"..."A major bank in the City will be hacked and wiped clean before the end of the year". internet magazine, September 1998.


text:
2017 Group Project 4
|2017 Student Projects|
- 1 Anatomy of the Eye
- 2 Eye Development
- 2.1 Timeline
- 2.2 Carnegie Stages
- 2.3 Development of the eye components
- 2.4 Common Abnormalities
- 2.5 Further Research
- 2.6 Glossary
- 2.7 References
- 2.8 External links
Anatomy of the Eye
The eye is a complex sensory structure which allows a variety of species to intake and process visual information from the world around us.
To discuss the key anatomical components of the eye, we will break down the eye functionally:
Supporting Structures (Orbit, Extraoccular Muscles, Lacrimal Gland)
The orbit of the eye consists of a framework of bones and connective tissue which provide structural support and protection to the sensitive human eye. 7 bones contribute to the orbit of the eye: frontal, lacrimal, sphenoid, zygomtatic, ethmoid, maxilary, palatine. Several openings exist in the orbital structure, 2 key fissures are the superior orbital fissure and inferior orbital fissure and the posterior optic canal. These openings allow crainial nerves passageway.
A set of 6 extraoccular muscles allow for a strong voluntary control of the movement of the eye. These muscles include superior recuts, inferior rectus, lateral rectus, medial rectus, inferior oblique, superior oblique muscles. These muscles are some of the smallest in the human body and are designed to produce fast, controlled motion to focus on an object of interest.
The eyelid is the anterior covering of the eye, consisting of a thin fold of skin. It is controlled by the levitator palpabrae superioris muscle. Superio-laterally to the eyelid is the lacrimal gland, which serve to create a film of tear, an important component to keeping the anterior surface of the eye moist. The eyelid assists in this process by opening and closing, or blinking, which spreads the tear film across the surface of the eye. Tear film and debris caught in the tear film are excreted through the lacrimla duct which is located on the infero-medial surface of the eyelid.
Week 3 - 4
- Optic vesicles
- Lens placode
Week 5 - 6
- Optic cup
- Lens vesicle
- Hyaloid artery
Week 7 - 8
- Anterior Chamber
Week 9 - 15
- Cillary Body
Week 8 - 10
Development of the eye components
The eyes are derived from four sources:
- The neuroectoderm of the forebrain forms
- Posterior layers of the iris
- The optic nerve.
- The surface ectoderm of the head forms
- The lens of the eye
- The corneal epithelium.
- The mesoderm between the neuroectoderm and the surface ectoderm forms
- The fibrous and vascular coats of the eye
- The neural crest cells forms
- Corneal endothelium
Overview of eye development
The eye starts to develop at 22 days. The optic grooves (sulci) appears in the neural folds at the cranial end of the embryo. When the neural fold fuse to form the forebrain, the optic grooves will form optic vesicles. The optic vesicles are continuous cavities from the cavity of the forebrain and project from the wall of the forebrain and into the mesenchyme. The optic vesicle extends from the diencephalon and will come in contact with the surface ectoderm of the head. This induces the formation of a lens placode. The surface ectoderm near the optic vesicles will thicken and form the lens placodes. The lens placodes will sink into the surface ectoderm and form lens pits. The edges of the lens pits will travel towards each other and fuse to form round lens vesicles, which will later lose connection with the surface ectoderm. The optic vesicles do also keep developing - they will form double-walled optic cups which are connected to the brain by the optic stalk. The two layers of the optic cup will differentiate in different directions. The cells of the outer layer will produce melanin pigment and later become the pigmented retina. The cells of the inner layer of the optic cup will proliferate fast and develop glia, ganglion cells, interneurons and light-sensitive photoreceptor neurons. These cells are in the neural retina. The ganglion cells of the retina are neurons that send signal to the brain. The axons of the ganglion cells of the neural retina will grow in the wall of the optic stalk. The cavity in the optic nerve will start disappearing, and instead, the axons of the ganglion cells will form the optic nerve. The optic stalk is now the optic nerve
The optic cups will fold inwards around the lens while the lens vesicles have grown inwards so they have fully lost their connection with the surface ectoderm, which locates them in the cavities of the optic cups. The retinal fissures (linear grooves) will develop and cover the ventral surface of the optic cups and down to the optic stalk. The retinal fissures contain vascular mesenchyme and hyaloid blood vessels will develop here. The hyaloid artery supplies the structures in the eye with blood and the hyaloid vein will return the blood from these structures.
Formation of the optic vesicle
It is a specific area of the neural ectoderm that will become the optic vesicle - this happens because of a group of transcription factors - Six3, Pax6, and Rx1. These transcription factors are expressed in the most anterior tip of the neural plate. This area will split into bilateral regions and form the optic vesicles. The Pax6 protein has shown to be especially important for the development of the lens and retina. This protein is important for photoreceptive cells in all phyla. Pax 6 is also present in the murine forebrain, hindbrain, and nasal placodes, but the eyes are most sensitive its absence .
The sonic hedgehog gene is important for the separation of the single eye field into two fields. If this gene is inhibited, the eye field will not split which will result in cyclopia, a single eye in the center of the face .
Human lens induction occurs at around 28 days and is completed around day 56. The surface ectoderm will thicken near the optic vesicle and create the lens placode and later form the lens vesicle . Lens cells come from ectoderm and differentiate into either lens fibers or the lens epithelium. The anterior monolayer of epithelial cells of the lens will create the lens epithelium, which makes the sheet of cuboidal epithelium covering the anterior surface of the lens. The posterior lens vesicle cells will produce the linear primary fibre cells aligned parallel to the optic axis. These fibres will create the lens mass and form the embryonic lens nucleus. The lens epithelial cells will keep proliferating and produce new cells which generate a secondary lens fiber cells. This rows of cell will form the outer shells and keep the lens growing throughout life. This makes the eye lens unique - it will have an addition of new cells inside the surrounding capsule all the time .
The ciliary body is a muscular and secretory tissue and is located directly behind the lens. The ciliary body forms part of the anterior segment of the eye and is an important regulator of eye physiology and the vision. The ciliary body produces the aqueous fluid which fills the eyes and nourishes the lens and cornea - this aqueous fluid function to keep the eye in a pressurized and inflated state, which is important the vision.The ciliary body also synthesizes collagenIX and tenasin-C .
The ciliary body extends from the iris root (anteriorly) to the ora serrata (posteriorly). It consist of ciliary muscles and ciliary processes. Each ciliary process (fold) is covered by a double-layered secretory epithelium; the outer pigmented and the inner unpigmented (closes to the lens). The epithelial layers of the ciliary body comes from the retina of the optic cup. We see two different ciliary body epithelium: the inner non-pigmented ciliary epithelium which is connected with the neural retina and the outer pigmented ciliary epithelium which is connected with the retinal pigmented epithelium. The epithelium of the iris is the further anterior extension. The epithelial layers are associated with a stroma containing the ciliary muscle. The ciliary muscle is complex, but can be divided into three portions; anterior, posterior and internal .
In the chick eye development, we see the mesenchyme grow together on the margin of the optic cup and will form the stroma of the ciliary body and the iris, which is located more anteriorly. It is unknown how if the lens has a role in inducing the secretory ciliary body epithelium and the muscular iris epithelium .
The Iris develops at the end of the third month of development. The iris is a thin layer and derives from the anterior rim of the optic cup. In the anterior of the eye, the optic epithelium is nonneural and matures as ciliary body and iris epithelia.
Choroid and Sclera
We could talk briefly in this sections about the causes of short/long-sightedness and common causes of blindness at a developmental level - z3416557
5117343 In the news, media, websites starting point: Macular Research: https://www.cera.org.au/research/macular-research/ > Bionic Eye - https://theconversation.com/artificial-vision-what-people-with-bionic-eyes-see-79758 Corneal Research: https://www.cera.org.au/research/corneal-research/
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
z5075309 - <pubmed>26956898</pubmed>

domain: medical


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Dscover the power of healing scriptures for breathing problems. If you’re feeling out of breath, turn to the Bible for comfort and relief.
It’s filled with powerful verses that speak to the Almighty’s gift of life and breath. Job 33:4 ESV tells us, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” These words can build your faith and bring healing to your body.
Scriptures can offer a safe house for your soul, providing peace during challenging times. Psalm 61:3-5 MSG reads, “You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, A lifetime pass to your safe-house.” Imagine the comfort and security these words can bring when breathing becomes a struggle.
Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to praise God with every breath we take. Psalm 150:6 ESV states, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Even in times of difficulty, we’re reminded to give thanks and find joy.
In short, the Bible offers a wealth of healing scriptures for breathing problems. It’s a source of divine wisdom and a guide to a peaceful life. So, if you’re feeling breathless, take a moment to delve into these powerful verses. They can bring relief and healing to your life.
Understanding Breathing Problems and Their Impact
When it comes to our overall health and well-being, breathing is an essential function that we often take for granted. However, for many individuals, breathing problems can significantly impact their daily lives. In this section, we will delve into what breathing problems are, explore some common causes, and discuss the impact they can have on our day-to-day activities.
What are Breathing Problems?
Breathing problems, also known as respiratory issues, refer to any condition or disorder that affects our ability to breathe properly. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. It is crucial to understand that breathing problems can range from mild to severe, with some cases requiring immediate medical attention.
Common Causes of Breathing Problems
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of breathing problems. Some common causes include:
- Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
- Allergies: Certain allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, can trigger respiratory symptoms.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult.
- Infections: Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can lead to temporary breathing difficulties.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, smoke, or chemicals can also contribute to respiratory issues.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other potential causes of breathing problems. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Impact of Breathing Problems on Daily Life
Breathing problems can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, both physically and emotionally. Some common challenges faced by individuals with respiratory issues include:
- Physical Limitations: Breathing problems can limit physical activities and make simple tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking long distances, exhausting.
- Sleep Disruptions: Many individuals with respiratory issues experience difficulties sleeping, leading to fatigue and reduced overall productivity.
- Emotional Distress: Living with breathing problems can cause anxiety, stress, and feelings of frustration, as it affects one’s ability to engage in various social and recreational activities.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Breathing problems can restrict an individual’s ability to enjoy life to the fullest, impacting their overall well-being and happiness.
Understanding the impact of breathing problems on daily life is crucial in developing empathy and support for individuals facing these challenges. By raising awareness and providing appropriate resources and treatments, we can help enhance the lives of those affected by respiratory issues.
When facing breathing problems, finding comfort, peace, and healing can seem like an insurmountable task. However, the Bible offers a source of hope and encouragement through its healing scriptures. These scriptures provide a biblical perspective on healing and offer words of comfort, faith, trust, and divine intervention. Let’s explore some of these powerful scriptures.
The Biblical Perspective on Healing
God cares deeply about your well-being, including your physical health. He desires for you to live a life of fullness and wholeness. Throughout the Bible, God reveals His nature as a healer, promising restoration and healing for His people. By meditating on these healing scriptures, you can tap into God’s divine power and experience His healing touch.
Scriptures for Finding Comfort and Peace
During times of struggle and pain, finding comfort and peace is crucial. The Bible offers numerous scriptures that bring solace to those facing breathing problems. These scriptures remind you of God’s love, His presence, and His ability to bring calmness in the midst of turmoil. By dwelling on these verses, you can find strength and peace in God’s unfailing promises.
Scriptures for Strengthening Faith and Trust in God
Building your faith and trust in God is essential for receiving healing. The Bible contains verses that encourage you to have unwavering faith and trust in God’s ability to heal. By declaring and believing in these scriptures, you can strengthen your faith and open the door for God’s miraculous intervention. Trusting in His promises leads to a deeper connection with Him and the manifestation of His healing power.
Scriptures for Seeking Divine Intervention and Healing
Divine intervention is available to all those who seek it. The Bible assures us that God is always ready to hear our prayers and bring healing to our bodies. By turning to these scriptures, you can call upon God’s supernatural power and invite Him to work in your life. These verses serve as a reminder that God is the ultimate healer and can bring about restoration and wholeness in your breathing.
As you meditate on these healing scriptures, allow them to infuse your heart and mind with hope, faith, and expectation. Trust in God’s love and His desire to see you whole. Remember, the power of these scriptures lies in their ability to connect you to the divine source of healing. Open your heart to receive God’s healing touch today.
Healing Scriptures for Breathing Problems
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.”
Psalm 34:1-4 MSG
“I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.”
“From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
“Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”
“Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”
“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Applying Healing Scriptures
When facing breathing problems, applying healing scriptures can bring comfort and hope. The Bible is filled with powerful verses that can strengthen your faith and affirm God’s desire for your well-being. By confessing and believing these scriptures, you can invite God’s healing power into your life. Here are a few healing scriptures to guide you:
1. 1 Peter 2:24 – Healing is yours to keep
God’s Word assures us that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been healed. By His stripes, we have received healing. Confessing and believing this scripture allows you to tap into the grace and power of God for your healing. Say, “Lord, thank you for healing me. I receive healing now for my lungs.”
2. Isaiah 53:4-5 – Healing has always been God’s plan for you
These verses in Isaiah reveal God’s eternal plan for healing. Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, and by His wounds, we are healed. Hold on to this truth and resist any doubts or negative thoughts. Confess relentlessly until you see the manifestation of healing in your lungs.
3. Psalm 34:1-4 MSG – Blessing God with your praise
In times of difficulty, praising God can be a powerful act of faith. As you bless God and fill your lungs with His praise, you activate His presence in your life. This scripture reminds us that God meets us more than halfway and sets us free from anxious fears. Join others in spreading the good news of God’s healing power.
4. Genesis 2:7 – God made your lungs
Reflecting on the fact that God intricately designed and created your lungs can bring comfort and hope. God breathed the breath of life into man, making him a living being. Remember that God cares about every aspect of your health, including your lungs, and He desires restoration and healing for you.
As you apply these healing scriptures to your life, allow them to build your spirit, encourage your soul, and strengthen your faith. Trust that God is working in your situation and believe that healing is possible. Keep confessing, praying, and seeking God’s guidance throughout your healing journey.
In conclusion, the healing scriptures for breathing problems provide comfort and assurance for those seeking relief. These verses remind us of the power and presence of God in our lives, as well as His ability to bring healing and restoration.
Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual breathlessness that we are experiencing, these scriptures offer hope and encouragement.
They remind us that God is the giver of life and breath, and that He is always ready to provide us with the breathing room we need.
As we meditate on these verses and trust in God’s promises, we can find peace and relief from our breathing difficulties.
Remember that everything we need comes from Him, and He is our solid rock, offering us a lifetime pass to His safe-house.
Let us praise the Lord with every breath we take, knowing that He is with us, breathing His wisdom and life into us.
May we never take His Holy Spirit for granted, and may we always trust in His ability to bring healing to our breathing problems.
Faithway.info, your online sanctuary for deepening your spiritual journey and mastering the teachings of the Bible. At Faithway.info, we are passionate about making the wisdom of the Bible accessible to everyone, fostering a community dedicated to growth, understanding, and support.


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The Fiery Cross
ISBN 0385659431 / 9780385659437 / 0-385-65943-1
› Find signed collectible books: 'The Fiery Cross'
The fiery cross, once used to summon Highland clans to war, now beckons readers to take up Diana Gabaldon's fifth installment in the Outlander series featuring the time-traveling Frasers. Historical fiction fans who have waited four long years since the publication of Drums of Autumn will thrill to Gabaldon's trademark detail and sensuality, both displayed liberally throughout the nearly 1,000 pages of The Fiery Cross. In this pre-Revolutionary War period, Claire Fraser and her husband, Jamie, have crossed oceans and centuries to build a life together in the bucolic beauty of North Carolina. But tensions both ancient and recent threaten not only Claire and James, but their daughter, Brianna, her new husband, Roger, and their infant son, Jemmy, as well as members of their clan. Gabaldon delivers on what she does best: poignant storylines, empathetic characters, meticulous detail, and searing passion. Savor every carefully chosen word, readers; it may be a long time until the next installment! --Alison Trinkle [via]


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Step 9: Bonus! Bamboo From Scraps
I kept a giant pile of the decent-sized scraps, and my male-counterpart Brad suggested "What about something like bamboo in the living room?" We have an antique black with inlay Japanese dining table in our living room, and so I thought it would go perfectly.
He's an idea man, but not one for implementation, so that went to me. I went to work cutting bone-shapes for the bamboo silhouettes and pointed ovals for the leaf shapes. The key is to work like you're making a two-tone illustration with this stuff, and don't get stuck on photo-realism. It might help to look up illustrations of stuff you're thinking about making, to see how other artists have distilled the basic forms.
Another bonus: you can also order chalkboard ConTact paper. Because ConTact paper is much easier to install than using chalkboard paint! (A good friend of mine has been experimenting with the chalkboard roll for a few weeks with excellent results.)


Gary Rhodes and Vox Cinemas create luxury concept
'Vox Theatre by Rhodes' to offer a fine dining experience at new luxury cinema across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Majid Al Futtaim's cinema arm, Vox Cinemas, is set to launch 'Vox Theatre by Rhodes', a new luxury cinema which will be the first concept of its kind in the Middle East, partnering with Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes.
'Vox Theatre by Rhodes’ will offer a luxury cinema expeirence, along with a full food and beverage menu prepared for Vox Cinemas by legendary chef Gary Rhodes.
The concept is planned to open in Mall of the Emirates (Dubai), Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi) and Nation Towers (Abu Dhabi) in 2015.
Rhodes said: "'Vox Theatre by Rhodes’ is an exciting new marriage and challenge that we hope to turn into a culinary taste that blends and compliments the movie experience Vox Cinemas has always been known to offer and now adding a new venture that I feel proud to be part of. ‘Vox Theatre by Rhodes’ will create a ‘premiere’ of EAT classics for all, as well as new flavours to partner the main event - the movie.”
Rhodes has been overseeing the development of this concept with staff training to kitchen set-up, cutlery design and menu preparations.
In an exclusive interview with Caterer Middle East earlier this year, Rhodes hinted at new projects. He had said at the time, when asked about new projects: "There are a couple of other projects in the horizon which I cannot disclose at the moment. Not restaurants, but all within the industry. So keep watching!"
Cameron Mitchell, CEO at Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas – Vox Cinemas, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of the innovative cinema concepts that we have introduced to our guests in the Middle East, and our new partnership with chef Gary is yet another great chapter in our company’s evolution, and directly in line with our owner’s vision of creating great moments for everyone every day."
He continued: “The Middle East has a very healthy appetite for luxury goods and services which shows no signs of abating and we hope to cater to this market through our new ‘Vox Theatre by Rhodes’ concept. Having the opportunity to work with such a highly acclaimed chef has been inspiring; chef Gary’s tireless attention to detail and unique mastery of the culinary craft has truly brought to life this concept and we look forward to launching it first at Mall Of The Emirates, then across our circuit from September."


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Maplewood Mall, Germantown, Philadelphia, after the Re-imagine Maplewood Mall event.
Saturday, October 21, 2013: I go to Maplewood Mall. Eat jerk chicken. Mark tells me he’s an astrologer. Tieshka’s photo is called Children Live Here. YahNe looks fabulous. Another woman named Susan has another version of a funny looking dog. Luke tells me about his Ben Franklin statue. The mall is not vacant. There is a whole world here. It is not the world I grew up in. It is not the world I live in. It’s another beautiful thing that I stepped into and have been invited to stay. I don’t know how to turn this into poetry yet.


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The journal of a Kentucky culture vulture
The Kentucky District round of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions isn’t until until Nov. 17 at Memorial Hall. But two University of Kentucky singers already have advanced to the regional round of the competition by competing in other district competitions.
Baritone Reginald Smith Jr. was one of four winners at the Ohio District Auditions on Oct. 20 in Cincinnati. That put Smith in direct competition with singers from the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and he held his own in advancing to the Central Region Auditions on Nov. 4 in Evanston, Ill. University of Kentucky Opera Theatre director Everett McCorvey said Smith went to the Ohio audition because of scheduling conflicts with the Kentucky District.
Soprano Holly Flack, a UK graduate now living in Chicago, also won Saturday, at the Wisconsin District Auditions. She has advanced to the Feb. 2 Upper Midwest Regional in St. Paul, Minn. Flack has been working in Chicago and is cast as the Queen of the Night in Chicago Chamber Opera’s 2013 production of The Magic Flute.
Both Smith and Flack have advanced to regional rounds of the Met auditions before, but neither has gone on to the national rounds in New York.
As many as 30 singers might be in the running when the Kentucky District round is held on Nov. 17. Traditionally, a sizable contingent of UK students has participated, and at least a couple usually advance to the regionals. So there is a chance of a historic field of regional competitors from UK this year.
Tuesday night I got out to rehearsals for the second production by the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre Undergraduate Studio, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, which runs April 15-17. After talking to director Margo Buchanan and music director Dan Chetel, I caught a good chunk of Act I rehearsal and took some photos.
Feb16Filed under: Central Kentucky Arts News, Classical Music, Music, Opera, UK; Tagged as: Alan Sherrod, Amanda Woodbury, Andrea Trusty, Crestwood, Ezel, Kentucky District, Metropolitan Opera, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Mid-South Regional Round, Middle/East Tennessee District, Morehead State University, Reginald Smith Jr., Rice University, Tri-State Regional, University of Kentucky
In its first time competing in the Mid-South Regional Round of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Kentucky District distinguished itself with two out of the top three winners, including the competitor who will advance to the national semi-finals in New York City.
Ezel native Andrea Trusty, a soprano who graduated from Morehead State University and then went to Rice University in Houston, won the Regional and will compete in a closed auditions on the Metropolitan Opera stage March 6. The national finals are a public performance March 13.
“I have waited so long for the opportunity to sing at the Metropolitan Opera,” Trusty said to the Morehead State University News. “I’ve dreamed of this for a long time, and now it is finally happening. I’m very blessed.”
This was Trusty’s second trip to the Regionals. In 2008, she advanced to the Tri-State Regional round and came in third. That could be a good omen for University of Kentucky Baritone Reginald Smith Jr., who finished third at the Mid-South regional.
It was actually an all-Kentucky top three as, according to Alan Sherrod’s Classical Journal blog, the second place winner was Amanda Woodbury of Crestwood, who advanced out of the Middle/East Tennessee District.
This was the first year Kentucky District winners headed South to face winners from regional rounds in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Previous years, Kentucky District winners faced off against winners from Indiana and Southern Ohio. Only the first place winner advances from the regionals to the national semi-finals.
Feb2Filed under: Classical Music, Music, Opera, Theater, UK; Tagged as: Angelique Clay, Bill Gregory, Brent Seales, Dione Johnson, Everett McCorvey, Kenneth Overton, Porgy and Bess, Reginald Smith Jr., Singletary Center for the Arts, UK Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments, University of Kentucky Opera Theatre
Here’s a little video look at the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre’s production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The show continues Feb. 3-6 at the Singletary Center for the Arts concert hall.
Gregory Turay and Angelique Clay know this stage well.
“For me, it would have to be Magic Flute and Elixir, when we used to do the operas in here,” Turay says when asked about his favorite memories of performing in the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
Clay, who is seated with Turay near the back of the hall, remembers numerous Grand Night for Singing performances and preparing for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions on the Singletary Center’s main stage.
Turay and Clay were part of the University of Kentucky’s voice program in the 1990s, the early years of Everett McCorvey’s current tenure at the top. Now, they are both back in the program, Turay as an artist-in-residence and master’s student, and Clay as an assistant professor of voice. And they both will be back on the Singletary Center stage Sunday afternoon as the tenor and soprano soloists, respectively, in the Lexington Singers’ presentation of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.
They will be joined by two of UK Opera’s current stars, baritone Reginald Smith Jr. and mezzo-soprano LaShelle Allen.
“I’m going to feel like the small voice in that group,” Turay says with a laugh.
He has been the big star of the UK Opera program, having helped put it on the map with his win in the final round of the 1995 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Since then, he has performed at the Met and on stages around the world.
But he and his family have decided that Lexington is where they want to put down roots, as has Clay, who was surprised to be able to land a professorship at UK less than a decade after graduating.
Having been in the school before, Clay and Turay say they think a lot about the experience for students in a program that now bears little resemblance to the one they were in.
Sep30Filed under: Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Classical Music, Lexington Opera House, Music, Opera, Reviews, UK; Tagged as: Alfredo, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Alltech Fortnight Festival, Giacomo Puccini, Gregory Turay, La Bohème, La Traviata, Manuel Castillo, Mary-Hollis Hundley, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Mitchell Hutchings, Nicholas Provenzale, Reginald Smith Jr., Rent, Richard Kagey, University of Kentucky Opera
Over the last decade, the University of Kentucky Opera program has been lucky to count Gregory Turay among its alums.
He’s the one who fulfilled the dream of winning at the national level of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, making it into the young artist program and embarking on an international career that we could sometimes tune in on TV or radio. And he occasionally came back for a recital or even a role, as he did in 2006 when appeared as Alfredo in a benefit performance of La Traviata.
UK and Lexington area opera fans are even luckier to have Turay as an artist-in-residence, leading a full UK Opera production of Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme as part of the Alltech Fortnight Festival in conjunction with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
The Richard Kagey sets and 1920s vibe will be familiar to local opera fans who saw this production in 2008, but the faces are different as many of that productions’ stars have moved on.
Clearly, with many of its artistic leaders involved in numerous activities related to the World Equestrian Games – including UK Opera Theatre director Everett McCorvey heading up the opening and closing ceremonies – the program decided its best contribution to the cultural element of the Games was to revive a recent success.
And Boheme provides a nice showcase for several of the program’s most talented students, particularly Reginald Smith Jr. as Colline and Nicholas Provenzale as Schaunard, a really nice progression for him from Eisenstein in last spring’s production of Die Fledermaus. We’re also introduced to new UK doctoral candidate Mitchell Hutchings as Marcello, and he fits right in with the program that puts a heavy emphasis on acting in its operas.
Jun6Filed under: Music, Opera, UK; Tagged as: Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition, American Institute of Musical Studies, David Baker, Elizabeth Colson, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Eric Brown, Everett McCorvey, George Frideric Handel, George Zack, Hansel and Gretel, Honor and Arms, J.R. Cassidy, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Lee Todd, Messiah, Reginald Smith Jr., University of Kentucky
Reginald Smith Jr. had no other option.
He was at home in Atlanta. He had an audition for the voice department at the University of Kentucky the next morning. The family car had broken down.
So at 11 p.m., he boarded a Greyhound bus bound for Lexington. He rode north through the night, arriving about 8 a.m. with nothing but a toothbrush in his pocket, the suit he had to wear for the audition and a few hours of sleep.
He changed into his suit in a bathroom and hustled to get ready to sing his audition piece, George Frideric Handel’s Honor and Arms.
“They said, ‘We don’t need to hear anything else,’” Smith says. “Then they said they had this thing called the Alltech competition Sunday, and would I sing in it.”
He had no idea what the Alltech competition, an annual scholarship contest for incoming undergraduate and graduate voice students, was. But Smith had a policy: sing whenever he had an opportunity. And fortunately, because he’d wanted to take a look around Lexington, he had bought his return bus ticket for Sunday night.
So he sang in the competition.
“When they said, ‘Audience favorite, Reginald Smith Jr.,’ I thought, ‘That’s nice; they like what I’m doing,’” he says. “When they said, ‘First place,’ that was even better. But when they said, ‘Tuition waived … ‘”
Smith’s fingers draw the tracks of tears rolling down his cheeks.
“When you come from a low-income family, and someone tells you that you can go to school for free … ”
For a moment, it seems that Smith might shed some tears again.
Since winning that Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition in 2007, the baritone has continued to go above and beyond to make and take opportunities. This summer, he is scheduled to go to the Seagle Music Colony in upstate New York, the oldest vocal training program in the United States. But, he’s about $1,500 short of the money for airfare and tuition, so he is presenting a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Donations are, of course, welcome.
He has done it before, using his voice to help develop his voice.
If musicians are in need of a little money, the card they always have in their back pocket is the ability to put on a show.
And that’s the card University of Kentucky opera singer Reginald Smith Jr. is playing this Sunday to support his studies this summer at the Seagle Music Colony in upstate New York. Area music fans would recognize Smith for roles such as Falke in last spring’s production of Die Fledermaus or Billy the Barber in last fall’s world premier production of A River of Time. He first caught audiences attention his freshman year at UK when he was the baritone soloist in the Lexington Philharmonic and Lexington Singers presentation of Handel’s Messiah.
Smith is presenting a concert of music from classical favorites to Broadway to African-American spirituals to raise the $1,500 he needs for airfare and tuition to the Albany festival, where he will perform roles in Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Broadway classics Hello Dolly and Carousel and vespers concerts.
Smith’s concert is at 3 p.m. June 6 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Admission is free but donations are, of course, welcome.
Mar12Filed under: Classical Music, Music, Opera, Reviews, slide shows, Theater, UK; Tagged as: Amanda Balltrip, Angelique Clay, Barbara Bailey, Catherine Clarke Nardolillo, Cynthia Lawrence, Daniel Koehn, Die Fledermaus, Dione Johnson, Gregory Turay, Hansel and Gretel, Joahann Strauss II, John Nardolillo, La Bohème, Lucia di Lammermoor, Michael Friedman, Nicholas Provenzale, Pam Miller, Reginald Smith Jr., Richard Kagey, River of Time, University of Kentucky Opera Theatre
Who knew these UK Opera kids were so funny?
The last few years, they haven’t had much of a chance to show it. They’ve been dealing with subjects like slavery (River of Time), murder (Lucia di Lammermoor), pretty young things dying of loathsome diseases (La Boheme and River of Time) and childhood abandonment issues (Hansel and Gretel).
Oh, where’s an operetta with a ridiculous little plot when you need one?
That’s what the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre is offering up through Saturday with its production of Joahann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus, a show as silly as its title sounds.
This may sound like an easy assignment, but ask anyone who’s tried to make an audience laugh and they’ll tell you, comedy is tough. Die Fledermaus needs the laughs, because without them, the show is nearly three-hours of memorable melodies strung together by the thinnest of plots.
Three residents of a house, Eisentein and Rosalinda and their maid, Adele, are invited to the same party, but they each think they are sneaking out on the others. It’s all part of an elaborate prank by Dr. Falke to get back at Eisenstein for a humiliation in the past. This is one of those plots popular in opera and Shakespeare that depends on intimate acquaintances suddenly not being able to recognize each other in close proximity.
You need to be laughing to maintain your suspension of disbelief.
Fortunately, we discovered Thursday night that the ranks of UK Opera include several gifted comic singer-actors.
Dec22Filed under: Actors Guild of Lexington, Classical Music, Film, Lexington Children's Theatre, Lexington Philharmonic, LexPhil conductor search, Music, Musicals, Opera, Paragon Music Theatre, slide shows, UK; Tagged as: Alan Stein, Alex Parker, Alicia Helm McCorvey, Always Patsy Cline, Arthur Rouse, Brittny Congleton, Cynthia Lawrence, Heather Parrish, It's a Grand Night for Singing, James Archambeault, James W. Rodgers, Jason Epperson, Jason Thompson, Jeffrey Day, Jeremy Gillett, Joe Baber, June July, Kathy Stein, Lexington Children's Theatre's, Lexington Philharmonic, Long Time Travelling, Lower 48, Luther Lewis III, Mei-Ann Chen, Michael Welch, Missy Johnston, Nick Provenzale, Once On This Island, Papa Shakespeare, Reginald Smith Jr., River of Time, Silas House, Studio Players, SummerFest, Tai-Kristin Smedley, Tamera Izlar, The African Company presents Richard III, The City, Twilight, UK Musical and Operetta Organization, UK Opera Theatre, UK Symphony, UK Theatre, Unrequited, Wes Kawaja
This was the second year I spent covering my beat with a camera in my hands a lot of the time. As I said, last year, covering stories as a writer and a photographer is an interesting approach, because you are instinctively trying to match these images to the story you are writing in your head. Or, in the case of slide shows I put together, you are trying to come up with images that tell the story.
Here are some of my favorite shots from 2009 and the stories behind them. Over the holiday weeks, I also encourage you to look out for year end packages from our amazing staff photographers. I know at least one great Lexington arts image is in that group too.
About Rich Copley & Copious Notes
Raised by opera-loving parents in a rock ’n’ roll world, Rich Copley has parlayed his broad interests into his career writing about arts and entertainment. Since 1998, he has covered performing arts, film and faith-based popular culture for the Lexington Herald-Leader, the daily newspaper in Lexington, Ky. MORE | E-mail Rich


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Entertainer of the Year has always been a coveted, yet unique award category. The criteria that the category is judged on, includes many areas that are based on personal opinion of the voters. That being said, I personally believe it’s time that the voters use those votes in favor of Eric Church in 2019. I say that with absolutely no disrespect for any other artist, but it’s my belief that he’s doing things we haven’t seen before, and they all exemplify what it means to be Entertainer of the Year.
Eric is currently out on his Double Down Tour, a tour which he doesn’t have an opener, and where he plays three plus hours of music in one city on back to back nights. Oh, and he changes the setlist every night. Back in May it became the best-selling tour on the planet according to Pollstar, topping their LIVE75 and Global Concert Pulse Chart’s.
When it came time for Eric to take the stage at CMA Music Festival in Nashville last weekend, he walked out just him and a guitar, and proceeded to play an unrehearsed acoustic 30-minute song, that included 17 different hits that ended up being one of the stand out moments of the weekend.
The CMA Music Festival performance came just days after Eric did something no other artist had ever done, he headlined Nashville’s Nissan Stadium without an opener, and broke all attendance records for the venue. He played almost four hours of music and just under 40 songs for the 56,521 fans in attendance.
“I came here 15 years ago and I had dreams,” he explained of Nashville to his loyal Church Choir, “but I’m not sure I could dream this big. Tonight is a special night for me and you know this if you’ve been to any of our shows on the Double Down Tour… I’m gonna give you everything I’ve got all night long, and tonight is going to be a revival. I promise you.”
Before he closed out the show in Nashville he told the fans, “This night for me has been the most special thing of my entire career — to see this and to see what this is," he said. "To see people come to this town…it was almost like a damn resurgence, it was the greatest thing ever just to take over this town in the spirit of music. We don’t have the most No. 1s, we don't sell the most albums, but this happens anyway. In my opinion, that's because of passion. We have passion for what we do.”
That passion is something that has been in Eric’s blood from the very beginning of his career. During his Double Down Tour stop in Greenville, SC, I was able to catch up with him, and really dig into what this tour has been like, and why they are doing things the way they are right now.
“I think our entire career has been built on just out working everybody. Even early on when we didn’t have a lot of success at radio and stuff like that, I just told the band and crew, we’re going to out work them. If they play two shows we’re going to play five. If they play an hour, we’re going to play two.”
That work ethic is absolutely apparent in this tour.
A word that I would use to describe every aspect of Eric’s career and this tour is intentional. Eric and his entire team are meticulous at making sure every finite detail is thought through and executed flawlessly. From that fan experience, to the production, and even the setlist, but for this tour it’s not been easy.
“It’s been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. When you think about it, it’s actually four sets. There’s a first set on a Friday, there’s halftime, then there’s a second set. On Saturday, there’s a different first set, a halftime and a different second set. So what’s interesting, if you come on Saturday, you might not get to hear your all-time favorite song, because I played it on Friday. So it’s been hard. I want to give them what they want to hear, but I also want to give them a lot of songs.”
Eric went on to say, “I’m not sure I’ll do it again, but it’s been fun for the people that come to both night’s, that do Double Down, they get more out of it than anybody. To me, that’s what it was for. It was about those people that were the hardcore fans that come to both nights.”
Eric is one of the most passionate music fan’s you’ll find. Since we’ve never seen anyone do a tour like this before, I had to know which if his music Idols he would love to have seen do a show like this themselves.
“There’s a few, I can’t give you one, but I’ll give you a couple. I’d love to have seen Billy Joel do this because I think he’s one of the most under rated artists we have. Then Bruce (Springsteen). Bruce does it pretty much, but to see a couple shows (back to back) with knowing his catalog the way I do, if you give me 6 1/2 or 7 hours of Springsteen, what we could have gotten into from some of the back catalog.”
Eric then paused and said, “ That’s been the nuance for me, you’ve got these fans that are your hardcore that know all the back catalog, but then you’ve got other people there that are like, I’m not sure I know this. It’s been interesting in an arena setting, to keep them doing what I want, it’s been a challenge, but the most fun I’ve had.”
As someone who’s watched Eric’s career from the beginning, from playing radio shows when just a few people showed up, to doing his Carolina album release party in a Wal-Mart, and now selling out shows all over the country, it’s been special to watch.
When it comes to Entertainer of the Year, everyone has their own definition. The CMA Awards define it one way, the ACM Awards define it a different way, and each fan or music critic will have their own personal opinions. So, how does Eric Church define Entertainer of the Year?
“To me, what is your show like? What are you putting into the show? I think for us, you get everything. We’re going to give you everything we’ve got, we’re going to play for hours. We’re going to play different sets, we’re going to play different songs nightly. It’s about what the experience is like for that fan that’s coming to the show, is the way I describe it. If you’ve got the same setlist every night, and you’re playing 100 minutes, and you’re playing the same songs, and talking at the same spots, and you’ve have the same script. In my mind I don’t care how popular you are, that’s not Entertainer of the Year to me. Entertainer of the Year to me is someone who’s trying to make each show a unique experience for the fan. When these people leave every night, that’s a win for me. Because I know what we share when they walk out. No trophy is every going to replace that. As far as that (winning Entertainer of the Year) goes, I don’t worry about it too much, I just try and make sure those people, when they leave, they will never forget what they went through.”
Entertainer of the Year.

domain: entertainment


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Mapping techniques for solving non-integrable Hamiltonian systemsFunded under: FP2-FUSION 10C
The detailed calculation of magnetic field lines is of fundamental importance in research into controlled thermonuclear fusion. Although the case of a tokamak is greatly simplified by the condition that the B(phi) component of the magnetic vector field is everywhere non-zero, the sets of B field line equations expressed in the form of a Hamiltonian system are generally non-linear and coupled. Traditional analytic methods for their solution are available only in a few special cases. This report is devoted to the numerical solution of the above system. An advanced mapping technique suitable for the solution of Hamiltonian initial value problems is described. Direct integration methods are compared with the mapping procedure. Finally, the mapping procedure is applied to the problem of stochasticity of toroidal magnetic fields.
Bibliographic Reference: Report: JET-R(92)05 EN (1992) 45 pp.
Availability: Available from the Publications Officer, JET Joint Undertaking, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 3EA (GB)
Record Number: 199211174 / Last updated on: 1994-11-29
Original language: en
Available languages: en


Over 3,000 teachers in Kinondoni and Ubungo Municipal councils are lined up for promotion after meeting all criteria under the Teachers Service Commission Act No.25 of 2015 and government procedures.
According to Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kinondoni Municipal Council is in final touches to issue official letters for promotion.
The Kinondoni District Assistant TSC Secretary, Mr Theobald Kilindo said a total of 1,333 teachers have qualified for promotion in the district.
Mr Kilindo was presenting a report to the Director for Employment, Ethics and Teachers Welfare from TSC headquarters, Ms Christina Hape on the procedures for teachers’ promotion in the municipal council.
He said his office has fol-lowed all procedures in selecting names of teachers who deserve the promotion and that whenever they encountered challenges, his office communicated the matter to other officials for immediate solution.
He said his office embarked on the exercise after it received an official letter from the employer with names of teachers who were supposed to be pro-moted.
“We received the letter from the municipal council asking us to conduct the exercise for promoting teachers in his area. We went through their files, the exercise started in May 3 and was completed in May 11, this year,” he said.
However, Mr Kilindo said during the review, his team realised that there were some challenges on filling Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) among teachers.
He said his office communicated with the employer and head teachers on the matter and that all issues were resolved. “We did not make any changes on OPRAS, but we realised that many of the teachers did not understand how to fill such forms,” he noted.
According to Mr Kilindo, his office picked a total of 1333 teachers for promotion after going through their files. Kinondoni Municipal council has a total of 2922 teachers for both primary and secondary schools. At least 1939 teach in primary schools and 983 teach in secondary schools.
In Ubungo, at least 1733 teachers are lined up for promotion, on which 1,152 are primary school teachers and 581 are secondary school teachers.
According to TSC, Ubungo municipal council has a total of 3253 teachers, of which 2,184 teach in primary schools and 1069 are secondary school teachers.
According to Ubungo Municipal Council’s TSC Acting Assistant Secretary, Ms Florah Kapange, the council has a total of 2000 opportunities for promotion. However, she said only 1,733 teachers have qualified for the promotion.
“After reviewing their files and analysing each document, we have realised that only 1,733 teachers qualify for promotions, therefore TSC has submitted the names of teachers who have qualified during the exercise,” she noted.
On her side, Ms Hape expressed her satisfaction with the way the exercise was conducted, saying public servants should continue to observe regulations and codes of ethics in performing their duties.
“I am very satisfied with the way this exercise has been conducted, we believe all qualified teachers have been picked for promotion as directed,” she noted.
Addressing workers on May Day in Mwanza early this month, President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined various measures to be taken in the next financial year 2021/2022 to improve the welfare of workers.


A first date is usually an occasion to dress to impress. However, it might soon be more normal to drop the high heels in favour of slippers, as singletons increasingly look to vet potential partners on Zoom before meeting.
Preliminary video dates are an important “gut-check stage of the dating journey”, explained Logan Ury, the head of the relationship science department of Hinge, the dating app.
There can be multiple benefits to getting introduced over a video call, Ms Ury told Bloomberg News.
“Do you like the sound of their voice? Do you feel attracted to them? Can you banter? We’ve seen a huge rise in the popularity of video dating since the beginning of the pandemic.”
A good way to check if someone is normal
A third of Hinge users reported that they would consider starting a relationship with someone who they have had only video calls with and have never met in person.
Last year, Jungle, an app which allows people to meet for double dates, surveyed users and found that about a tenth of them prefer to video call or send voice messages to potential partners before meeting.
Christian Mitchell, the app’s co-founder, said that singles liked having a way to check that their potential date is “normal” before meeting in real life.
He told The Telegraph: “Video calling is a good way to make sure that that person is normal. [I might be] concerned that the person could come across well in their profile, but they might be odd in real life.”
Other apps reported similar findings from their users. Bumble, the app where women make the first move, reported last year that more than a third of users said that virtual dates are now a normal part of dating. A third also said that sending voice messages before meeting was now more common.


Some parts of the Ozarks could be getting some thunderstorms today.
Meteorologist Steve Lindenberg says an intense low pressure in the Texas panhandle will be making its way to Missouri.
The weather service says a dry line is going to form with that low pressure and push quickly across the Ozarks from late this morning to early afternoon.
Meteorologists say while most of storms will remain below severe limits, a strong to severe storm cannot be ruled out east of Gainesville to the Salem line.
Forecasters say there could also be some wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and could linger into the evening hours and even into the overnight.
The weather service says besides strong winds there could also be hail to the size of quarters and rainfall which could lead to flooding.


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20 Jun, 2020
The Role of Civil Society in Monitoring the Impact of the United Nations Convention of Transnational Organized Crime
Yvon Dandurand and Jessica Jahn
It will soon be 20 years since the adoption of the United Nations Convention of Transnational Organized Crime (the Convention) and its related protocols on human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and trafficking in firearms. It is still very hard to measure the progress that was really accomplished since then in countering transnational organized crime. International cooperation in the detection, investigation and prosecution of organized crime trafficking, which is what the Convention and its protocols were designed to promote, remains as problematic as it ever was.
At the first Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP) in 2004 proposals for a Review Mechanism were presented, and draft reporting questionnaires were circulated. Some of these tools had been developed by ICCLR in cooperation with UNODC. Unfortunately, a consensus could not be reached as States parties were unable to reach an agreement on, among other things: how to fund the mechanism; how to define the scope of the review mechanism so as to minimize the burden of time and work thus placed on them; and, the scope of involvement of civil society organizations.
After years of protracted negotiations, the COP, at its ninth session, adopted a resolution establishing a formal mechanism for the review of the implementation of the Convention and the protocols to it. The review mechanism may hopefully lead States parties to accept responsibility for their (non-)compliance.
In brief, the review mechanism can be described as an intergovernmental process that entails a general review undertaken by the plenary of the COP to allow for the exchange of experiences and challenges in implementing the convention and country reviews. The country review, on which the review process will rely, will involve a self-assessment stage, followed by a desk-based peer review by two other States parties. So-called ‘constructive dialogues’ will be convened in which civil society actors may participate, although they will only be held after the country review report has already been adopted.
It will be crucial to draw the voices of civil society organizations into the review process and into the international debate about how to improve our collective response to transnational organized crime.
There are many ways in which civil society organizations can engage in the review process of the Convention and its protocols. They can gather information that would usually be collected during country visits, such as by hosting multi-stakeholder meetings to solicit input, especially concerning non-legalistic matters affecting compliance and implementation. They can request meetings with government officials and politicians during the self-assessment phase, with a view to helping inform the content captured in the assessment report. They can prepare background papers to submit for discussion during the constructive dialogue, including information not captured in the country self-assessment. They should also consider cooperating with each other at the regional or global levels, such as by developing civil society coalitions nationally or internationally or by participating in the work of existing coalitions, including the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. By working together and engaging diverse voices, civil society organizations can help ensure that the review process evolves into much more than a legalistic process.
There will no doubt be obstacles to the full engagement of civil society organizations in the review of the implementation and impact of the Convention. Political resistance to civil society involvement will likely continue, but Canada and like-minded countries can show the way forward. By going much further than they are required by treaty to promote civil society’s engagement in their review, they can demonstrate the high value of civil society’s contribution.
Dandurand, Y. & Chin, V. (2015). Implementation of transnational criminal law: Issues and challenges. In Boister, N. & Currie, R. (Eds.)., The Routledge Handbook of Transnational Criminal Law, pp. 437-441. London: Routledge.
Dandurand, Y. & Jahn, J. (2019). The failing international legal framework on migrant smuggling and human trafficking. In Winterdyk, J. & Jones, J. (Eds.)., The Palgrave International Handbook of Human Trafficking. Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, Sham.
Rose, C. (2017). Treating monitoring and compliance in the field of transnational criminal law. In Christensen, M. J. & Boister, N. (Eds.), New Perspectives on the Structure of Transnational Criminal Justice. Leiden: Brill.
Shaw, M. & Stanyard, J. (2018). It’s Now or Never. Geneva: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Retrieved from http://globalinitiative.net/untoc-review-mechanism-now-or-never/
Shaw, M., Zvekic, U., Gastrow, P., & Stanyard, J. (2018). What to Make of the New UNTOC Review Mechanism? Geneva: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Retrieved from https://globalinitiative.net/untoc-review-mechanism/
Photo by Headway on Unsplash.

domain: sociology


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Real estate investors purchasing 1-3 family homes in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, tripled from 2004 to 2020, according to a new study [nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] released by the Cleveland-based Vacant and Abandoned Properties Action Council (VAPAC) and based on ground-breaking research done by Dr. Timothy Kobie at the Cleveland Building and Housing Department. Many of these homes are being converted to rental properties.
The study also found that lack of repairs and other negative outcomes associated with investor home purchases disproportionately affect Cleveland’s African American communities and communities with high poverty rates. The greatest increase of investor buying over the period studied was in the east side of Cleveland. In 2020 investor purchases exceeded individual purchases: investors represented 45.76 percent of all property purchased in the east side to 44.79 percent purchased by individuals.
According to The Impact of Real Estate Investor Activity on the Cuyahoga County, Ohio Housing Market 2004 -2020 [nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com], “Unscrupulous east side investors are frequently making a calculated, but risky, assumption that they can purchase a property, make illegal repairs without permits, and/or move tenants in without making any repairs or without complying with local building and housing ordinances or State law.”
“There are many good investors complying with laws and acting responsibly, but our study reveals that the problems associated with bad actors are growing rapidly,” said Frank Ford, VAPAC’s chair and senior policy advisor at Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Ohio’s largest land trust. “If we don’t get a handle on this now, the recovery and stability that some communities are beginning to experience will be set back by decades. Many people are raising a red flag about this problem in other parts of the country, and it’s having a huge impact in Cleveland. But new leadership in Cleveland’s City Hall, and on Cleveland City Council suggests this is the perfect time to tackle this problem aggressively and creatively.”
“Our region indeed has investors with great intentions in providing safe, healthy housing that is needed in our community,” said Ayonna Donald, vice president, Ohio for Enterprise Community Partners. “However, a multi-prong approach is needed to protect our affordable rental housing market from being whittled away by unscrupulous investors. Specifically, protecting tenants by enacting comprehensive renter’s rights, source of income protection, and pay to stay legislations to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”
Key findings include:
- Countywide, investor buyers nearly tripled from 2004 at 7.17 percent to 21.1 percent in 2020.
- The greatest increase occurred in African American communities and communities with high poverty rates on Cleveland’s east side. From 2004 to 2020, business buyers increased by almost 30 points. This is nearly a threefold increase in less than 20 years.
- Investors are buying homes at discounted prices, often paying the full purchase price in cash and with zero contingencies.
- Non-local investors often operate through multiple shells of limited liability, supported by local property managers similarly protected by limited liability structures. These property managers may or may not be operating with appropriate state licensure and can use these legal structures to shield them from compliance with local ordinances.
- A perfect storm of housing market conditions has contributed to the increased investor activity. Following the foreclosure crisis, home sale prices dropped dramatically – but rents did not drop. Investors from other parts of the country and around the world can pay cash for a $20,000-30,000 home and collect rents the same as when the home was valued at $80,000 before the foreclosure crisis.
- The result of this rise in investor ownership is a housing market that is increasingly rental, no longer controlled by local actors, with limited opportunities for new home owners and the associated benefits of stability, health and wealth building.
- Current public policies do not adequately account for the increase in business entities owning residential real estate, nor address the harm being done to homeowner property values, tenant security and neighborhood stability.
In addition to analyzing housing data, the group also assembled personal observations from community leaders and public officials frustrated by irresponsible investors failing to maintain properties and hiding behind layers of fictitious company names.
“I don’t know why we call them ‘investors’,” said Jayme Lucas-Bauer, neighborhood development project manager with the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation. “They don’t invest anything. They just extract every dime out of those houses and walk away when they require demolition.”
Beyond the dramatic increase in investor activity, the VAPAC study also found that municipal, county, state and federal agencies are not adequately equipped to respond to the problem, and are too often disconnected and working in silos. Code enforcement officials are equally frustrated with chasing down elusive investors.
“The most difficult thing we do is find professional magicians, people and companies that intentionally don’t want to be found,” said Thomas Vanover, Chief Building Official with the City of Cleveland.
“We need every tool in the tool box”, said Sally Martin, Cleveland’s new Director of Building and Housing. “We are working across departments to collaborate on ways to ensure that properties are brought into safe, secure and habitable condition. No one should have to live in substandard housing, and owner occupants should not see their equity drained away as a result of the actions of irresponsible investors.”
The study was the result of hundreds of hours of analysis by a 15-member group organized by VAPAC, which was founded in 2005 with a mission of collaboratively bringing together stakeholders to address vacant and abandoned property issues created by the mortgage foreclosure crisis. The group, which was an all-volunteer effort by community leaders, attorneys and housing advocates in the community development field in Cuyahoga County, began the study in 2019. Data used in the study is from the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office and from Case Western Reserve University’s NEO CANDO data system, which houses extensive longitudinal data on properties in Cuyahoga County.
Key recommendations include:
- Fully fund the Cleveland Building and Housing Department up to and potentially beyond the level of its projected revenue; give the department all the tools it needs to combat this problem.
- Amend local ordinances and/or state statutes to require greater disclosure of responsible parties at the point of property transfer, including individuals behind property management companies, limited liability companies and other fictitious name entities to ensure compliance with applicable state laws and local ordinances.
- Amend local ordinances and/or state statutes to authorize local county fiscal officers to prevent the filing of deeds until delinquent property taxes are paid.
- More aggressive action by the Cleveland Law Department to pursue and prosecute investors who flaunt local building and housing codes.
- More creative action by the Cleveland Law Department to use civil actions in addition to criminal proceedings against irresponsible investors.
- Create a cross-departmental and cross-governmental task force that breaks down the “silo effect” and combats bad actors who try to game the system with endless enforcement delays.
- Enact municipal ordinances for “right to counsel”, “source of income protection” and “pay to stay protection” to protect tenants from abuse by absentee investors.
- Restore and fund the Cleveland Tenants Organization.
- Simplify and streamline the Clerk of Courts process that enables tenants to deposit their rent in escrow when repairs are not made.
- Explore the feasibility of a countywide housing court similar to the Franklin County (OH) housing and environmental court, so that suburban homeowners and tenants can receive the same protections enjoyed by Cleveland residents.