I was invited to participate in a panel on clearing at ISDA’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore, but unfortunately I had to decline on account of my teaching obligations. I therefore have to nod (vigorously0 in agreement from afar, because much of the discussion there has focused on the unintended consequences of the clearing and collateral mandates. Consequences that I have been warning about for over four years.
One of the things that infuriated me about the advocacy for clearing (and yeah, I’m looking at you GiGi) was the claim that clearing would reduce the interconnectedness of the financial system. I said this was patently false. Clearing mandates would reconfigure the topology of the network of connections among financial institutions, but they would remain interconnected. I noted that: CCPs would be vital interconnecting nodes in this new network: failure of these nodes would be catastrophic: and perhaps most importantly, CCPs could be vectors of contagion precisely during periods of financial stress. I pointed out very early on that CCPs were repositories of wrong way risk because losses would hit default funds precisely during periods of extreme financial stress, and via that channel would bring that stress right back to the balance sheets of the banks with exposure to the default funds. You know, when they were least able to stand the shock. The CCP circuit connecting banks would be closed precisely when they were least able to stand the shock.
In retrospect, I seem like a Pollyanna. Compared to people like HSBC’s Gary Dunn, anyways (Risk link-requires a subscription). Gary went all Jeremiah at the AGM, warning of an apocalypse emanating from the clearing system. Actually, his word was “Armageddon”:
Mandatory clearing of over-the-counter derivatives could jeopardise policy-makers’ hopes of a no-bailout financial system, according to Gary Dunn, senior manager for regulatory and risk analytics at HSBC.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association in Singapore today, Dunn sketched out an “Armageddon scenario” resulting from the fact that the same group of international banks are all members of the majority of central counterparties (CCPs) – so, a big bank default would simultaneously hit all CCPs of which it is a member.
“What happens when one bank defaults across six CCPs? The remaining members will have to pick up the bill. Given that they are almost certainly members of the other CCPs, this will result in a default contribution bill so large it could potentially lead to their failure also,” he said.
Given the key role CCPs will play in the future financial system, Dunn argued this would ultimately result in a taxpayer bailout amounting to trillions of dollars. In his Armageddon scenario, that bailout would be preceded by the complete liquidation of CCP initial margin stocks – much of which would likely be held in the form of government debt.
“The wrong-way risk in the current CCP system is so large it could potentially lead to a sovereign default,” he said. [Emphasis added.]
Interconnections between SIFIs via clearinghouses, with the fragility of these connections perhaps exacerbated by the fragmentation of CCPs (due to fragmentation along jurisdictional lines, perhaps). Where have you seen that before? Hint: Not in a Gensler speech.
Central counterparty clearers stand to be the next “too-big-to-fail” institutions and could pose an acute threat to the financial system if regulators stall on plans to manage the potential failure of a clearing entity.
At the annual general meeting of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association in Singapore today, a group of panelists highlighted the lack of clarity over resolution for failed CCPs as a significant concern for the G20 objectives of eliminating systemic risk.
“There are still no resolution plans for CCPs and it is murkier now that clearing houses have moved away from the utility model,” said Athanassios Diplas, senior adviser to the ISDA board, speaking at the event earlier today.
The G20 objectives agreed in 2009 deem that no financial institution should be considered too big to fail and that taxpayers should not bear the costs of resolution for any institution that does fail
While regulators have been busy penning rules to deal with the problem of too-big-to-fail banks, concerns are shifting to clearing houses, and the increased concentration of risk held in them as the Dodd-Frank Act in the US and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation push an increasing number of standardised over-the-counter swaps through central counterparties.
“We’re getting very close to solving too big to fail globally for banks, but I worry that this risk could move to CCPs. I’m not convinced that we have made CCPs deeply resolvable yet – we have to do that to address systemic risk issue in a thorough way,” Wilson Ervin, vice-chairman of the group executive office at Credit Suisse told IFR.
All of which was perfectly foreseeable in 2009 when the G-20 blessed clearing as the silver bullet solution. Foreseeable-and foreseen by some.
And the late start on addressing this issue before CCP mandates went into effect has left the world financial system in highly exposed:
While the Financial Stability Board addressed basic principals for clearing house resolution in June 2012, the issue remains on the back burner with many regulators as they continue to get to grips with a workable bank resolution regime
CCPs are the solution. So in their wisdom governments decided to load risk onto them. But dealing with the failure of these government-mandated SIFIs “remains on the back burner.”
Great. That will turn out well.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Governments have rushed into prescribing the Clearinghouse Cure, but have relegated addressing the very dangerous potential side-effect of that cure “to the back burner.”
But we’re not done! The panel also fretted about the potentially destabilizing effects of increasing collateral and margins-both initial and variation margin (can’t find a link to this Mary Childs story: I think it is only available on Bloomberg terminals):
The numbers are large enough to be very worrisome,” Athanassios Diplas, principal at Diplas Advisors LLC and a senior adviser to the ISDA board, said on the panel. “I don’t
think anyone has trillions lying around the couch cushions.” Regulators should be careful in setting the collateral requirements given that margin calls contributed to the escalation of the financial crisis in 2008, according to Kim Taylor, president of CME Group Inc.’s clearinghouse.
“Margin calls triggered liquidation of assets for positions, which triggered mark to market losses for other parties. It contributed to the spiral, and I think there’s the potential for threshold-based margin” to help avoid a repeat, she said on the panel.
Margin calls exacerbating a crisis. Whoever heard of such a thing? Only anyone who has studied past financial panics and market crashes. But Gensler and Timmy! and so many others assured us that collateral is only good: the more collateral the better. Just another item on the bill of goods they sold the world-and for which we may have to pay dearly later.
Scary addendum. At a recent Chicago Fed conference, I told someone from a major central bank that although the initial margin issue was important, it worried me that central banks and regulators seemed to be ignoring how variation margin could destabilize the system, especially with an expansion of clearing, which creates a very tightly coupled system of margin payments that must operate on a very tight and rigid time schedule. He told me that there wasn’t as much concern about variation margin because it netted out to zero.
Seriously. I kid you not. It’s as stupid as the Krugman “we owe national debt to ourselves” mantra. The payers have to find the liquidity to make the payment to the receivers. In stress situations, they have to find a lot of liquidity precisely when liquidity dries up. In response, they do things that impose additional stress on the system, and can break it. Money is not transferred instantaneously and frictionlessly between those who owe and those who receive. Those frictions-and just the timing required to recycle the payments-can cause the system to freeze up during periods of stress.
The “what, me worry?” approach to variation margin is very worrisome indeed.
Britain’s new regulator for market operators warned clearers of tougher policing of fees to stamp out cut-throat competition that risks undermining financial stability.
. . . .
“We are not in the business of preventing competition but what’s important is the terms of that competition,” Britain’s new clearing supervisor, Edwin Schooling Latter, told Reuters in an interview.
The Bank of England became the regulator for clearing houses this month and Schooling Latter said in his first media interview he will not tolerate “a race to the bottom” such as clearers allowing banks to post too low margins against trades.
Margins refer to traders of derivatives posting government bonds or other high quality collateral to help cover any losses and the level of margins is determined by the clearing house.
“We want a world where the clearing houses compete on the quality of their risk management and not on how low their margins are,” Schooling Latter said.
Because regulators, of course, are so skilled at pricing risks. They did such a bang-up job of it when setting capital requirements under Basel. And by “bang-up” I mean like a train wreck.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice metaphor seems more apt by the day. Regulators and legislators have cast the spell to bring massive CCPs to life, but cannot control the consequences-which can be dangerous indeed. They intended to solve one problem, but they have created others, and are scrambling to deal with them.


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Grilled Marinated Vegetable Skewers
1 Yellow squash
10-12 cherry tomatoes
1 pepper, any color
1 small eggplant
10-12 pearl onion, peel on
Or any vegetables of your choosing, such as mushrooms, brussel sprouts, fennel, red onion, etc…
Metal or wood shish-kebab skewers
6 oz. red wine vinegar
4 tbsp. olive oil
3 tsp. dry thyme
3 tsp. dry oregano
3 tsp. dry basil
1 small garlic clove, crushed
salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat grill to 400-450.
- Cut vegetables into evenly sized rounds, or chunks.
- Place in bowl.
- Mix marinade ingredients, and pour over vegetables.
- Allow vegetables to marinate, at least ½ hour.
- Place vegetables on skewers. *
- Place on grill and turn every 4 minutes or so, until vegetables are cooked through.
*I recommend metal skewers as the heated metal helps cook the veggies from the inside. If you are using wood skewers soak them in water for about an hour before skewering the veggies to prevent charring the skewer.
Copyright Jewish Federation of Cleveland. All Rights Reserved.

domain: food


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Welcome, one and all to the most intense nightly read wnywhere on the sphere… The BitsBlog Nightly Ramble
This is the “Beep Beep” Edition. If you don’t get the reference, look here.
- The Obamacare Telethon: No, I didn’t bother watching it last night. the results were quite predictable . Jeff Poor of the Business and Media Institute did force himself to watch and found pretty much what I said it would be:
Call this a teachable moment, but even with ABC’s best-laid plans to kickstart the debate about health care reform and not allow the “Prescription for America” special to become an “infomercial,” as many have complained – the president spent more than twice as much time as his questioners vaguely answering or not answering the questions asked of him. But the network consistently presented the event as part of the need to fix a “broken system.” When asked, every one of the 164 hand-picked audience members said they felt that health care needed to be changed.President Barack Obama appeared on the ABC network in a town hall format broadcasted from the White House on two separate programs on June 24 – an hour-long primetime special during the 10 p.m. Eastern Time hour and later on the “Nightline” program that aired during the 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time hour.
ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-host Diane Sawyer billed the event as “a serious conversation” about the issue and she moderated the discussion along with her former “GMA” partner, now “World News” anchor Charles Gibson. ABC medical editor Dr. Timothy Johnson, a long-time network advocate for universal health care plans going back to Hillarycare, also participated in the event.
While Obama had to field some difficult questions — from the audience and ABC — he faced no Republcian critics of his proposals.
It ended up being the one-sided discussion that Obama always demands. Clearly, his proposals cannot stand any serious scrutiny. Be worried. Be very, very worried.
- Sanford and Sin: Say what you will about Mark Sanford , I’ll likely agree. I found Michelle Malkin’s comments on the matter particularly potent, for example. But I’ve seen nothing yet that changes my perception of yesterday afternoon that the way this feeding frenzy was started and maintained was and remains highly orchestrated.Do not misread me here, this is not a defense of Sanford. It does strike me as interesting, however, that the leakage of a string of emails which by federal law are supposed to be kept private, ending up in the hands of the South Carolina newspaper, and nobody asks how. On whose servers were these emails stored?That same newspaper sat on those articles for some as yet unspecified period of time. Why? Was it so as to create maximum political impact?Interesting, too, the number of scandals that ended up being revealed between 1-20-08 and today… the most recent being Ensign and Sanford… both considered presidential possibles for the GOP. Did these guys suddenly get super-randy because Obama is in office? That doesn’t seem reasonable. And only Republicans were affected? That doesn’t seem a reasonable assumption, either.I’m telling you, folks, there’s more going on here. The way this fell together so slick, just smells to me of someone’s engineering.And again, let’s be clear about this; Sanford is done, and should be so. But I’d be very interested in knowing how this story came to light and why. This whole situation simply reeks of politcal gamesmanship, at levels that would embarrass, I think, those benefitting from it. John Dickerson points out :
You can laugh at Sanford, as you can laugh at a video of a wrecked Amy Winehouse falling all over her house. But at some point, even though they did it to themselves, you have to feel sorry for them as human beings. You can do that, I think, and not be a fan of adultery or drug use.
I’m not offering Sanford’s humanity as an excuse. I’m just marveling at how few people stopped for a moment to even nod to it. My thoughtful colleague William Saletan and Andrew Sullivan were exceptions. Maybe there are others. Maybe people expressed these views in private conversations. But in the e-mails and Twitter entries and blog posts I read in the aftermath, Sanford’s human ruin was greeted with what felt like antiseptic glee.
That, also, makes me wonder if the whole thing wasn’t politically motivated and so arranged.
The bit with the emails is particularly precious. Clearly the law as regards privacy of communication was broken, here. (The law is so strict that it can be interpreted as saying you can’t tell your wife what your mother-in-law just said on the phone.) That crime… a felony… gets overlooked because, why, again? Because someone’s extra marital affair was thus exposed, thus giving a particular political party an advatage?
- But an advanatge for what? Well, the midterms for one thing. But perhaps more directly, the current legislative efforts. Remember our discussions of the past few days, where I’ve noted the Democrats blaming Republican resistance for blocking their path to socialism? As I say I don’t think the Republicans can take much credit for that, so fouled up are the Democrats themselves. That said however, if you were a Democrat who blamed the Republicans and wanted to distract them from reisitance to current legislation, wouldn’t this serve as a rather nice distraction? Consider Martin Kady II from the Huddle Digest, this morning, (via email) as he lays out what’s going on:
Maybe John Ensign should send Mark Sanford a thank you note? After all, Ensign’s run of the mill sleep-with-your-staffer affair has been bumped off the front pages by Sanford’s wacky, mind boggling, soap opera-esque Argentinian sex adventure.
But while political junkies focus on yet another fallen GOP star, there’s a huge amount of consequential legislating getting done on Capitol Hill over the next 48 hours before Congress takes a week-long break.
The climate change bill is heading toward House passage – and Al Gore is in town to rally the Democratic troops. President Barack Obama just left a huge door open to taxing higher end health care benefits – opening a new line of attack for Republicans. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is on the Hill today and Republicans and Democrats are planning on a full-scale attack over his actions during last year’s bailout. And the House ethics committee is increasing the heat on lawmakers who took a Caribbean trip that m ay have been underwritten by corporate interests.
Gee, nothing the Democrats would like better than a distraction of the party opposite, in the face of all of that. Tossing the bit with Sanford in there is like tossing a few aligators in the swamp. When you’re up to your as in gators, it’s not easy to remember your original objective was to drain the swamp, right? By the way The Huddle is a great resource. It’s available here.
- Stay Classy, Waffles: John Kerry pipes up, yesterday…(Did you know he served in Vietnam?) and says, in response to the Sanford thing : “Too bad, if a governor had to go missing it couldn’t have been the governor of Alaska. You know, Sarah Palin.” Way to stay classy. What an anal pore John Kerry is. But what does that say about his supporters, I wonder?
- About that cap and trade…. more properly called a cap and tax bill.. the WSJ has a great one up today on that topic.  So does Heritige.  And yet the Democrats will continue pushing this nonsense and hiding any science that doesn’t agree with their agenda .

domain: news


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Photos: Walcott, Cech all smiles in Arsenal training session
Arsena complete their final training session ahead of their League Cup trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday
Petr Cech and Theo Walcott looked focused as Arsenal completed their final training session ahead of their League Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.
Arsene Wenger’s first team were put through their paces at their London Colney training base on Monday morning as the Gunners geared up for their fourth-round clash on Tuesday night.
Cech, Walcott and Calum Chambers were among the first-team regulars in action for Wenger’s side on Monday morning.
Here are some of the best pictures from Monday morning’s Arsenal training session at London Colney.


Book Title: Frozen : Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack - Piano Solo
Author: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
Format: Paperback | 38 pages
Publication Date: 01 May 2014
(Piano Solo Songbook). Disney's Frozen and its catchy music has been a smashing success in the movie theaters and beyond. This collection features 10 songs from the soundtrack arranged for intermediate/advanced piano solo: Do You Want to Build a Snowman? * Fixer Upper * For the First Time in Forever * Frozen Heart * Heimr Arnadalr * In Summer * Let It Go * Love Is an Open Door * Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People * Vuelie.


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Press Release – updated: Sep 21, 2017 09:00 EDT
SANTA ANA, Calif., September 21, 2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET) – With gratitude, Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation announced that Pacific Premier Bank has made a major gift of $125,000 in benefit of their Banking On Our Youth Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Program. The check presentation took place on Sept. 12, 2017, at the Pacific Premier headquarters in Irvine, California. Pacific Premier’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steven R. Gardner, personally presented the check to Templo Calvario’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Lee de León, and Executive Director of Development, Yanet Gonzalez. The Banking On Our Youth Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship program is an innovative, high-energy, deep impact approach to educating and giving high school students the opportunity to become financially capable young adults.
This major gift from Pacific Premier is a timely investment in the lives of youth who might otherwise continue to repeat the same financial patterns of those adults around them due to lack of education.
The Federal Reserve conducted the fourth annual Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking in October of 2016. Here are some of the findings:
- 32 percent of adults say that their income varies to some degree from month to month, and 13 percent struggle to pay bills in some months due to income volatility.
- Just under one-fourth of adults are not able to pay all of their current month’s bills in full.
- 16 million adults — or 7 percent of the overall adult population — are unbanked, meaning they do not have a checking, savings, or money market account.
As many experts in today’s economy point out, financial literacy is key to the well-being of individuals, of families, of communities, and of our country. “When we found out about the Banking on Our Youth Program, we were very excited to support. It’s not the kind of education that our kids receive at school, so it’s important to support and advance this program to help break the cycle of poverty,” said Pacific Premier’s Chairman & CEO Steven R. Gardner. This transformational gift from Pacific Premier Bank will provide high school students the necessary tools and the opportunity to gain knowledge that will determine the course of their future.
This is the second year that Pacific Premier Bank has supported the Banking On Our Youth Program financially. Last year, Pacific Premier employees volunteered over 200 hours through mentoring, instruction time, and an experiential learning field trip, where students had the opportunity to learn from Pacific Premier’s President and Chief Banking Officer, Eddie Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox delivered an impressive lesson on how banks operate, generate revenue and help drive the economy. Students also had the opportunity to visit every department in the bank and learn about the different career opportunities within the banking industry.
Participants in the Banking On Our Youth Program spend the third Saturday of every month learning from the FDIC’s curriculum Money Smart for Young People. Students learn about subjects like credit, savings, investing, banking and budgeting. Students are also paired with a mentor, receive a free tablet and can earn up to $400 that they then use to open a college savings account. During the six-month program, students work in groups to create a business plan with help and guidance from their mentors and the National Start-Up League—a partnering nonprofit who delivers the entrepreneurship curriculum. Students put together a realistic business plan that they then present during a shark-tank type experience. The top three winning groups receive college scholarships totaling $15,000.
Templo Calvario’s President and CEO, Lee de León, expressed a heartfelt thank you during the check presentation. “It’s not just a check that is handed over. It’s an involvement, and we saw that last year. That’s the part that impacted me the most. Pacific Premier’s commitment comes from the heart, and I appreciate that.”
The Banking on Our Youth program is set to begin Oct. 14, 2017, with a program kick-off event and culminate on April 14, 2018, with the entrepreneurship competition and an awards ceremony where students eagerly await to hear the names of the college scholarship recipients.
For more information about the Banking On Our Youth Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship program, please contact Yanet Gonzalez: [email protected]
About Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.
Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Pacific Premier Bank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Southern California with more than $6.4 billion in assets. Pacific Premier Bank is a business bank primarily focused on serving small and middle market businesses in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara, California. Through its more than 25 depository branches, Pacific Premier Bank offers a diverse range of lending products including commercial, commercial real estate, construction and SBA loans, as well as specialty banking products for homeowners associations and franchise lending nationwide.
About Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation
Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation (TCCDC) is a nonprofit in Santa Ana, California that focuses on empowering and serving families in the areas of education, financial empowerment, parenting training, and the mobilization of the faith community. Each area of service operates different programs in the City of Santa Ana that primarily serve low-income families and individuals. The mission of Templo Calvario CDC is to work with key communities and stakeholders to unite, build, and transform communities.
Templo Calvario CDC Website: https://www.tccdc.org
Pacific Premier Bank Website https://www.ppbi.com
Templo Calvario CDC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCCDC
Pacific Premier Bank LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/41147
Link to article from Federal Reserve: https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2017-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2016-executive-summary.htm
C:714-393-5649 /F: 714-543-2399
Source: Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation
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What Everybody Is Saying About Omaha Poker
What to Expect From Omaha Poker?
If you would like to play Omaha poker, then you ought to know the way that it is played. Omaha Poker has become increasingly more popular as players look to have a rest from texas holdem variations. It is all about making the nuts.
If you’re already acquainted with other forms of poker, Omaha won’t have much learning curve. VC Poker is famous for its plentiful pot limit omaha games and it’s also the ideal spot to play 5 card omaha online. Also, you’ve got to know there are various kinds of poker and each is played differently. Poker is undoubtedly the most popular card game on earth. It is a game that a number of people enjoy because of the excitement it offers to the players. On-line poker is not any different. There isn’t anything wrong with playing poker for fun, but there isn’t any reason to plan to lose, even when you’re playing for fun.
Because Omaha is so centered on the nuts, it feels to be an effortless game to bluff. As in most forms of poker, it uses a standard 52-card deck. It is a very popular version of poker, which has amassed great numbers of fans. On the one hand, it has four cards, but on the other hand, Hold’em players can make use of a much larger range of different bet sizings. It is a fairly recent poker variant. Since it is a game of outs, players tend to see more flops as they are trying to draw to get a better hand. If you’re thinking about competing in Omaha high-low at poker websites, you will need to learn how to focus on your cards.
If you want to understand how Omaha is played and the way the rules work, look no more. Omaha is possibly the most complex poker game out of all of the popular poker variants. Pot Limit Omaha is a complicated game, and since you may see, there’s a lot to learn about doing it.
The Birth of Omaha Poker
While the game might dwell in the relative shadows of hold’em, you are able to still locate a massive number of authentic money games at pretty much every respectable on-line casino that provides poker. Before playing, it’s always better to find a game first. Given that you may locate a game you have a natural knack for, it’s a simple selection! While there are numerous kinds of poker games, the exact same standard rules apply to almost all them. Also, understanding how to successfully play more than 1 poker game enables you to seek out and play in the ideal game going. Practice only can cause you to get perfect, so it’s very crucial that you practice the poker game. There is a variety of of mixed poker games.
Definitions of Omaha Poker
Poker Mavens is an affordable play-money poker computer software system which allows everyone to run their very own private poker website. Omaha Hi-Lo is also called Omaha Eight-or-better. Omaha hi-lo can be a dizzying game if you’re not accustomed to it. Omaha Hi-Lo, also referred to as Omaha High-Low, O8 and Omaha 8-or-Better, is among the most popular and entertaining types of poker on earth. There are several special hand ranking alternatives for Omaha Hi-Lo poker games. You might also be interested in visiting pages about the poker room generally speaking.

domain: game


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Not just plopped in for the sake of it. One day, I was lunching with a friend. She grew up in a very rural area with a graduating high school class of under thirty kids. Then she headed off to a highly competitive college where everyone was smart and driven like her, and it was a shock to the system.
THE KILLING OF KAYLA SLOANE BY KIM HARRINGTON
I thought…wow, creating a character with that background could help me play around with those ideas I wanted to include. But in what kind of book? My main character could be a fish out of water, taken from a town where school was easy to her and placed in a highly competitive high school full of academic pressures. How would her family afford to uproot themselves and move to this wealthy suburb? By purchasing a murder house, of course. One where the Queen Bee of the high school lived until her untimely death last year. The last piece was essential. Why would she care about this ghost girl?
- Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews.
- Cecenia, anno III (Frontiere Einaudi) (Italian Edition)?
- Creating a Lean R&D System: Lean Principles and Approaches for Pharmaceutical and Research-Based Organizations.
- The Adventure of the Resident Patient - Annotated version (Focus on Sherlock Holmes Book 21).
- Product Information.
Why risk her life to investigate her death? What happens on page my favorite scene in the book was inspired by a real-life middle of the night scare with my son. But when it happened in real life, it had a non-supernatural reason.
- Vengeance Hammer (Viking Vengeance Book 3).
- The Killing of Kayla Sloane - Scholastic Shop?
- Mac OS X Tiger in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (In a Nutshell (OReilly))!
- The UnStoppables: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial Power.
- Summary Bibliography: Kim Harrington!
Three ideas, spread across months of time, finally clicked together to create The Dead and Buried. Labels: The Dead And Buried , writing. I'm delighted with Publishers Weekly's review of The Dead and Buried and happy to share it with you guys! Having moved from rural western Massachusetts to an upscale Boston suburb, year-old Jade Kelley thinks her biggest problems will be making new friends and putting up with her stepmother.
The Killing of Kayla Sloane Summary
Kirkus also gave it a great review, calling it "spine-chilling" and "lively and fast-paced. Downright, satisfyingly creepy. Labels: The Dead And Buried. Monday, November 26, Tropes and the Unexpected. It actually just refers to any kind of plot, setting, character, etc. When I was a little girl, if there was a ghost story in the Scholastic Book Club flyer, that would be the book I wanted. I spent all my babysitting cash on haunted house books. I wanted to put my own spin on it.
The house itself. Probably old. Maybe isolated.
The ghost of the girl who ruled Jade's school until her untimely death last year. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets.
The Dead And Buried by Kim Harrington | Books for teens, Books, Ya books
But is one of them a murderer? Convert currency. Add to Basket. Book Description Scholastic. Condition: New.
More information about this seller Contact this seller. Book Description Scholastic, Condition: Brand New. In Stock.
ξενόγλωσσα παιδικά βιβλία!
Jade has moved to a new school, in a new town but she does not mind being the new girl. However, when everyone starts talking behind her back she soon discovers her new house is the same one the most popular girl school died in last year, Kayla Sloane. The first thing that caught my eye was the front cover and how beautiful it looked. The greens and the yellow enhance the wonderful image.
And the typography of the title is absolutely stella. However, the name of the book was not very attractive at all. Although intriguing I though a much better title could have been thought of to set of the wonderful cover. I really liked the way the story was written. It was simple and effortless, and felt like I was being breezed through it. I found it so easy to read and just kept carrying on and think it was a contributing factor to me finishing the book so quickly.
Additionally, the plot line and story were pretty captivating. Each piece contributed to the storyline wonderfully.
Related The Killing of Kayla Sloane
Copyright 2019 - All Right Reserved

domain: literature


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What We Believe
The Bible is True. All of the Bible is True.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes
the ONLY Way to Heaven is Jesus.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
If You are a Christian... Act Like It!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.


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Montpelier Windy Morning
Benjamin Hope NEAC, RP, ROI, PS, RSMA | Soft Pastel on Paper | 12 x 10 inches
“I paint.” Benjamin
We do offer the Own Art Scheme to purchase artwork. At 0% APR, this is payable in equal instalments over 10 months. Please contact The Gallery for more information.
Availability: In stock

domain: artistic


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51 employees in UConn system lose jobs under reorganization of departments
STORRS–A spokesperson from UConn confirmed on Thursday that several employees will be laid off.
The so-called “workforce reductions” will apply to the Storrs campus, regional campuses and UConn Health, according to Stephanie Reitz.
The move is due to restructuring and reorganizations of departments, which led to the elimination of unnecessary positions.
Reitz specified that it was not due to the budget cuts from the state.
Approximately 40 out of 4,800 employees are affected, as well as 11 UConn Health employees. They were notified between July 20 and August 11.
No faculty positions were eliminated, and those that lost their jobs were managers and staff members. Some were unionized, while others weren’t.
The elimination of the positions will save the school $4.7 million, plus an additional $450,000 at UConn Health.
The UConn Health employees work under the Correctional Managed Health Care Division, which provides health services at 16 Department of Correction facilities statewide, the John Dempsey Hospital and 31 DOC halfway houses.


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The suspension of collegiate sports due to COVID-19 may be one of the longest breaks CPP student-athletes have experienced, but it has allowed some to recover from injuries at their own pace.
Now that non-essential businesses have returned, athletes are referred to treatment outside of campus. There are currently three athletes undergoing physical therapy off site.
Athletes who used the training room two to three times a day for physical therapy had to transition to emails, phone calls and online Zoom meetings with their health athletic trainers for their socially distanced well-being checkups.
During the first stages of the pandemic, it was difficult for athletes to see physicians and physical therapists for non-essential treatment. Few athletes with these needs were approved for limited appointments to receive treatment on campus with safety protocols in place.
Monica Todd, a senior forward for the women’s basketball team, who is currently receiving physical therapy outside of campus, felt a nagging pain with her Achilles tendon injury during the 2019-2020 season back in March. Todd’s options to recover were to stop playing or to keep undergoing treatment. Todd remembers thinking that the first option to stop playing was not a realistic one — until the campus’ sudden closure.
The suspension of CPP sports has helped Todd heal her Achilles tendon injury and soothe those aching pains. Todd has been playing basketball since she was 5 years old and hasn’t missed a day since.
Todd’s rehab was interrupted for a month and a half, and she couldn’t resume physical therapy for her ACL and Achilles injuries until mid-July.
Meanwhile, Ruem Malasarn, assistant athletic director for sport performance, and other athletic trainers, sent Todd equipment to San Marcos, California where she currently resides and are helping her rehabilitate through Zoom calls.
Malasarn, along with other athletic trainers, provide available online office hours and appointments for athletes who need any assistance with injuries or health issues. The athletic trainers have their list of athletes they continually check up on to best address their health, mental or nutritional concerns. They continue to provide their services virtually and direct athletes to physicians or doctors when needed.
“Overall, it’s been a balance,” said Malasarn. “I think there’s some aches and pains that a lot of athletes deal with throughout their seasons that have been able to calm down. But, at the same time, the level of fitness and strength that they are used to having with their consistent training also helped them manage that and they haven’t been able to do that either; so, it’s a little bit of both.”
Malasarn recognizes that in-person interactions allowed him to help athletes more efficiently. Regardless, the number of injured athletes has declined due to the suspension of contact sports and low intensity workouts, now that most athletes train on their own, according to Malasarn.
“It’s been tough, to be honest, just because it’s kind of hard to stay motivated when you’re on your own, and you don’t have your team and coaches constantly around you,” said Taylor Ramussen, senior women’s soccer defender who has trained on her own since the closures in March.
Ramussen feels she now has more responsibility to look after her own injuries. Rasmussen receives workouts from her strength and conditioning coach, group chats with her teammates and tries to keep herself accountable when it comes to her own self training.
“It was really tough at first to wrap my head around it. I might not be able to play again, but then you remember that this is something that’s out of our control,” said Ramussen. “It hurts but I kind of accepted it, and I’m just hopeful that we’ll get to play in the spring.”
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domain: medical


text:
In the first nine days of July, the number of cases of COVID-19 has grown spectacularly fast in the West Piedmont Health District, with the virus spiking particularly in Henry County and Martinsville.
Henry County has seen a 27% increase in cases – from 260 on June 30 to 330 as of Thursday morning — based on data from the Virginia Department of Health. There were 15 more cases identified on Wednesday night alone.
Martinsville also has grown by 33% during that period, from 78 cases of the novel coronavirus to 104.
When you add in a 21% increase in Franklin County, the district now has identified 116 cases in nine days, up to 588, a spike of 25%.
And there were 74 additional cases in the five days before June 30.
By comparison, in the first nine days of July, statewide cases have grown by 5,211, to 67,998 as of Thursday – or by 8.3%.
The new data report on Thursday also noted four more patients in Henry County who have been hospitalized because of COVID-19.
District spokesperson Nancy Bell distributed on Wednesday night the latest breakdown of 21 new cases in the district that included the 15 in Henry County, and there continue to be a number of younger people listed.
- Henry County: 15, including eight females and seven males, ranging in ages 10-14, 15-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 70s.
- Martinsville: three, all females in their 20s and 70s.
- Franklin County: three, two males and one female, ages 50s and 60s).
Bell said some of the 15 cases in Henry County were related by association.
“Some of these cases are associated clusters among families and travel associates; also associated to recently identified cases (exposed to these cases),” she wrote in an email.
She also said the two new hospitalizations were associated with recently diagnosed cases. The district is limited in the information it can share about hospitalizations.
As to whether there were any new outbreaks in the district that caused this outburst, Bell said: “We continue to work with companies and long-term care facilities to identify any possible outbreaks.”
She also reminded that this level of data is no longer going to be available on a daily basis.
“Due to caseload, we now have multiple case managers and a growing number of tracers, so I cannot count on a daily summary report, such as I have been providing,” she wrote in an email.
Henry County now has 330 cases, with 29 hospitalized and five deaths. Martinsville has 104 cases, with 13 hospitalized and one death. Patrick County has 48 cases, with four hospitalized and two deaths. Franklin County has 106, with seven hospitalized and one death.
Statewide, out of the 67,988 cases, there have been 1,937 deaths and some 6,625 hospitalized.
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domain: geography


Have you ever heard of CRiS but aren’t quite sure what it is or how it works?
In this article, we will dive into the world of CRiS, the vehicle identification and registration system often associated with caravans.
We will debunk common misconceptions about CRiS, explore the benefits of having it for your vehicle, and discuss how you can get CRiS for your own vehicle.
Stay tuned to find out if CRiS is worth it for you!
What is CRiS?
CRiS, short for Caravan Registration and Information System, is a digital platform designed to track and provide information on migrant caravans originating from countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador towards the US border.
CRiS plays a vital role in monitoring the movement of these migrant groups, offering real-time data on their locations, numbers, and conditions. Through this system, authorities can efficiently manage the influx of migrants and provide necessary support and resources where most needed. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, CRiS enables a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and challenges faced by these caravans, facilitating well-considered choices and humanitarian aid efforts. It acts as a bridge to enhance coordination among local and international agencies involved in handling migration issues.
How Does CRiS Work?
CRiS operates by collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to track the movement of asylum-seekers, monitor incidents such as child separation and tear-gassing, and provide real-time data on caravan activities in Mexico.
Through this collaboration, CRiS plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of migrants by closely monitoring their movements and alerting relevant authorities in case of any potential risks or threats.
CRiS uses advanced technology to analyze and predict patterns of migration, helping government agencies to allocate resources effectively and respond promptly to emerging challenges.
By collecting and analyzing data on tear-gassing incidents and other developments in Mexico, CRiS enables policymakers to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions to address humanitarian crises.
What Are the Common Misconceptions About CRiS?
There are several misconceptions surrounding CRiS, including false myths propagated by certain political groups like Democrats, unfounded claims about funding sources such as George Soros, and baseless accusations linking criminals and Middle Easterners to the platform.
It is crucial to separate fact from fiction when diving into the realm of CRiS. Despite what some may claim, the platform is not funded by any nefarious or dubious sources, but rather operates through legitimate channels and transparent means. The notion that criminal activities or ties to Middle Eastern individuals are prevalent within CRiS is simply a scare tactic aimed at discrediting the platform. In reality, CRiS is a valuable tool that serves to enhance cooperation and information sharing among various communities.”
CRiS is Only for Caravans
Contrary to the belief that CRiS exclusively targets migrant caravans, it also supports outreach initiatives, engages volunteers and campaigners, and dispels myths and legends prevalent in Central America.
CRiS plays a vital role in fostering community ties by organizing various outreach initiatives that cater to the needs of different demographic groups in the region. These initiatives range from educational programs for children to healthcare campaigns for the elderly. By engaging with locals on a personal level, CRiS helps build trust and understanding within the community, creating a strong foundation for future collaborations.
CRiS actively involves volunteers in its activities, providing them with valuable opportunities to make a positive impact. These volunteers contribute their time and skills to support the organization’s mission, whether it’s aiding in disaster relief efforts or participating in environmental conservation projects.
Along with its community-oriented work, CRiS also takes on the task of dispelling prevalent myths and legends in Central America. Through awareness campaigns and educational workshops, the organization addresses misinformation and promotes cultural understanding. By debunking these misconceptions, CRiS fosters a climate of openness and mutual respect among diverse communities in the region.
CRiS is a Tracking Device
While some perceive CRiS as a mere tracking device, it serves a broader purpose in assisting immigration law enforcement, shaping media narratives, and addressing perspectives from both liberal and conservative viewpoints.
CRiS, or the Combined Reception Inspection and Status system, plays a crucial role in managing border security and facilitating effective enforcement of immigration laws. Beyond basic tracking functionalities, CRiS integrates advanced data analysis to identify patterns in migration flows, detect potential threats, and support law enforcement agencies in maintaining national security.
- CRiS’s impact extends to influencing media narratives around immigration by providing real-time statistics and trends, which shape public discourse and policy decisions.
- CRiS serves as a pivot point for debates between liberal advocates arguing for human rights and inclusion, and conservative factions advocating for stringent border control and national security measures.
CRiS is Expensive
Despite assumptions about its costliness, CRiS has proven to be a successful tool utilized even during the Obama administration to manage resources effectively and address challenges such as tear-gassing incidents.
CRiS, the Crisis Response Information System, has often been associated with being expensive due to its complex and advanced technology. Its cost-effectiveness lies in its ability to streamline operations and prevent potential escalations, reducing overall costs in the long run. During the Obama administration, CRiS played a crucial role in efficiently managing resources, especially during critical situations like tear-gassing incidents, where quick and accurate decision-making was paramount.
CRiS is a Replacement for Insurance
Contrary to the belief that CRiS substitutes insurance, it primarily focuses on border patrol support, assisting families, immigrants, and children, complying with federal regulations, and participating in court proceedings and legislative processes.
Incorporating advanced technology and strategic partnerships, the CRiS system enhances border security by providing real-time data and intelligence to agents, enabling them to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to potential threats.
CRiS plays a crucial role in supporting families by facilitating reunification efforts and ensuring their welfare through access to essential resources and services.
For immigrants, the system offers valuable assistance in navigating complex legal processes, obtaining necessary documentation, and understanding their rights under the law, fostering a more transparent and efficient system for those seeking to enter or remain in the country.
What Are the Benefits of Having CRiS?
Credits: Motorcaravanning.Com – Jacob Smith
The utilization of CRiS offers numerous advantages, including combating human trafficking associated with migrant caravans, shaping policies, influencing media narratives, and contributing to successful campaign outcomes.
One key benefit of CRiS is its ability to provide real-time data and analysis, enabling swift identification of human trafficking patterns within migrant caravans. This timely insight enables policymakers to make informed decisions and implement targeted strategies to intercept and prevent trafficking activities. Debunking the Myths About CRiS for Caravans
CRiS aids in crafting compelling media narratives that raise awareness and drive public engagement on the issue of trafficking. By leveraging accurate information and impactful storytelling, CRiS enhances the efficacy of anti-trafficking campaigns, leading to tangible results in the fight against exploitation.
Helps in Vehicle Identification
One of the key benefits of CRiS is aiding in vehicle identification, a process crucial for maintaining public safety and order, drawing parallels to historical events like Lithuania’s quest for independence from the Soviet Union through machinery and public opinion.
Just as the machines played a vital role in Lithuania’s struggle for freedom, CRiS harnesses technological advancements to streamline the identification and tracking of vehicles, thus bolstering law enforcement efforts.
The intertwining of machinery and public opinion in historical contexts echoes the contemporary significance of CRiS in ensuring transparency and efficiency in vehicle identification processes for the benefit of society at large.
Provides Peace of Mind
CRiS instills a sense of peace of mind among migrants, Mexicans, and Central Americans by offering a secure platform for tracking and ensuring safe passage, particularly for individuals from countries like Honduras.
One of the primary objectives of CRiS is to provide a reliable means of monitoring the journey of migrants, particularly those originating from regions prone to various risks and challenges. The system plays a crucial role in safeguarding these vulnerable individuals by offering real-time tracking and emergency response services.
For migrants from countries like Honduras, where the journey to a new destination can be perilous, having access to a platform like CRiS can mean the difference between safety and uncertainty. By utilizing advanced technology and coordination with authorities, CRiS offers a lifeline of support and reassurance throughout the migration process.
Assists in Recovering Stolen Vehicles
CRiS plays a vital role in aiding the recovery of stolen vehicles, a critical aspect of border patrol operations that supports families, immigrants, and children seeking asylum in various regions.
When vehicles are stolen, it not only poses a financial loss to individuals but also creates a security threat that can have far-reaching consequences. CRiS acts as a crucial tool in swiftly locating and recovering these stolen vehicles, preventing potential misuse for illicit activities. By ensuring the quick retrieval of such vehicles, CRiS helps maintain order at border checkpoints and reinforces security measures that safeguard the well-being of families and provide a sense of assurance to immigrants and vulnerable asylum-seeking children.
How Can I Get CRiS for My Vehicle?
To acquire CRiS for your vehicle, you can register with the platform, have your vehicle marked with CRiS identifiers, and promptly update any changes to your vehicle information on the system to combat human trafficking, shape policies, influence media narratives, and achieve campaign success.
Upon registration on the platform, you will be guided through the process of entering your vehicle details and essential information. Ensuring your vehicle is marked with CRiS identifiers is crucial to enhancing its security and traceability. Regularly updating your vehicle information on the system not only safeguards against misuse but also contributes vital data that aids in combating illicit practices. These steps collectively play a significant role in bolstering anti-trafficking efforts, influencing policy decisions, shaping media discussions, and amplifying the effectiveness of campaigns.
Register with CRiS
Initiate the CRiS integration for your vehicle by registering with the platform, ensuring accurate information submission and dispelling any myths or misconceptions regarding Democratic involvement, financial sources like George Soros, criminal ties, or Middle Eastern associations.
When registering with CRiS, it is essential to provide precise details about your vehicle to streamline the integration process effectively. By ensuring that the information submitted is accurate, you contribute to the overall efficiency of the system and help in maintaining accurate records.
It is vital to note that the platform is solely focused on vehicle registration and does not have any affiliations with political parties or individuals like George Soros. CRiS operates independently, free from any potential bias related to criminal allegations or ethnic connections.
Get Your Vehicle Marked with CRiS
After registration, ensure your vehicle is appropriately marked with CRiS identifiers to dispel myths, confirm realities, address Democratic misconceptions, resolve funding concerns often attributed to figures like George Soros, and reinforce the platform’s credibility in border security.
By marking your vehicle with CRiS identifiers, you not only enhance its security measures but also provide accurate data crucial for efficient border management. Contrary to political claims, utilizing CRiS identifiers is a practical step in safeguarding your vehicle and ensuring its proper identification in case of theft or unauthorized usage.
Debunking the notion that CRiS is linked to any contentious funding sources, such as the unfounded association with individuals like George Soros, is essential to establishing trust in the platform’s reliability and integrity. By adhering to this post-registration step, you actively contribute to strengthening border control mechanisms and enhancing overall safety measures.
Update Any Changes to Your Vehicle on CRiS
Regularly update any modifications or alterations to your vehicle details on CRiS to ensure accurate tracking and monitoring, particularly for caravans originating from regions such as Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, with migrant and asylum seeker populations.
It is crucial to keep CRiS updated with the latest information about your vehicle. By providing accurate details, you contribute to efficient tracking and monitoring processes. This is especially important for caravans from countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, which have significant migrant and asylum seeker communities. Keeping your data current on CRiS helps authorities in ensuring the safety and security of these populations, as well as streamlining administrative procedures related to their movement.
Is CRiS Worth It?
Assessing the value of CRiS involves weighing its benefits against costs, considering personal preferences, insurance requirements, and its alignment with border patrol operations, family support, immigrant welfare, legal compliance, and legislative mandates.
In terms of individual considerations, utilizing CRiS provides a sense of security and peace of mind for many, enabling them to keep track of their loved ones’ whereabouts or immigration status, addressing their concerns promptly.
From an insurance perspective, some policies may require the use of a reliable tracking system such as CRiS to ensure coverage for cross-border travel or for specific migrant-related situations.
Regarding border security, the implementation of CRiS can enhance surveillance capabilities, aid in tracking potential threats, and streamline information sharing among different agencies to bolster overall safety measures.
Cost vs. Benefits
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of CRiS involves comparing its advantages with expenses, considering outreach initiatives, volunteer engagements, campaign successes, and dispelling myths and legends prevalent in Central America.
CRiS, through its strategic approach, ensures that the benefits derived from its programs far outweigh the costs incurred. The organization’s emphasis on outreach initiatives not only amplifies its impact but also fosters a sense of community involvement and support. By actively engaging volunteers across various campaigns, CRiS not only expands its reach but also cultivates a culture of giving back. Its noteworthy achievements in these campaigns reflect the dedication and commitment of its team members, further cementing its position as a reliable and impactful entity in Central America.
Considering personal preferences plays a vital role in determining the utility of CRiS, aligning with immigration laws, enforcement policies, media narratives, and accommodating viewpoints from liberal and conservative perspectives.
When individuals interact with CRiS, their unique values, beliefs, and biases can shape how they perceive and engage with the system. For instance, someone with a strong belief in privacy rights may view the surveillance aspect of CRiS negatively, while a person concerned about national security may see it as a necessary tool. CRiS’s effectiveness can also vary based on its portrayal in the media – positive coverage may increase public trust, while negative stories could breed skepticism. In the realm of law enforcement, the integration of CRiS with existing regulations can present challenges or opportunities depending on individual attitudes towards authority and surveillance. Adapting CRiS to cater to diverse ideological stances, such as liberal or conservative viewpoints, can enhance its acceptance and functionality within society.
Adhering to insurance prerequisites is crucial when considering CRiS, ensuring it fulfills the necessary criteria, aligns with successful campaigns, and has been effective in managing challenging situations like tear gas incidents during past administrations such as Obama’s.
Meeting insurance requirements not only safeguards the integrity of CRiS but also plays a pivotal role in establishing credibility and trust among stakeholders. Compliance with stringent standards not only showcases a commitment to excellence but also opens doors to broader opportunities and collaborations.
CRiS’s ability to navigate through critical events like tear gas confrontations, particularly evident from its performance during the Obama era, underscores its resilience and adaptability in high-pressure circumstances. By maintaining insurance standards, CRiS not only protects its assets but also fosters a culture of responsibility and sustainability within its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CRiS and why is it important for caravans?
CRiS stands for Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme and it is a registration system for caravans in the UK. It helps to identify and track caravans in case of theft or ownership disputes.
Is it necessary to register my caravan with CRiS?
Yes, it is recommended to register your caravan with CRiS as it provides proof of ownership and can help in recovering your caravan if it is stolen.
Is CRiS only for new caravans?
No, CRiS is not only for new caravans. It is available for both new and used caravans and can be registered at any time.
Does CRiS increase the value of my caravan?
No, CRiS registration does not increase the value of your caravan. It is simply a form of identification and does not affect the market value of your caravan.
Can I transfer the CRiS registration to a new owner?
Yes, CRiS registration can be transferred to a new owner. It is important to update the registration details to ensure proper ownership of the caravan.
Are all caravans required to have a CRiS registration?
No, not all caravans are required to have a CRiS registration. Trailers and folding caravans are exempt from the registration scheme.


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The Friends of University Libraries in conjunction with the Favre 4 Hope Foundation, Salvation Army, and Red Door Marketing Agency are working to improve the Christmas season for Pine Belt and Mississippi Gulf Coast children by launching the third annual Give a Child a New Book Day campaign.
The group is collecting brand new, donated books to give to the Salvation Army, which will distribute them to needy children as part of their Angel Tree program.
A press conference for Give a Child a New Book Day is scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 31st in Hattiesburg at the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, located on the second floor of Cook Library at The University of Southern Mississippi. Featured speakers will include the initiative's Honorary Chairs for 2013 -- Southern Miss President Rodney D. Bennett, and Deanna Favre. Favre brought Give a Child a New Book Day to Hattiesburg after being involved with a similar initiative in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Businesses, organizations and individuals in Forrest, Lamar, Harrison and Jackson counties may get involved by serving as a book donation location, or by contributing to the initiative financially. The goal of the project is to make sure needy, South Mississippi children ages birth through 12 years old receive a brand new book for Christmas.
Sarah Mangrum with Friends of University Libraries is Chair of the 2013 Give a Child a New Book Day project. Mangrum said, "The Friends of University Libraries are excited to be able to spearhead this initiative for the third year in a row. Reading plays an important role in academic success and through this initiative we have been able to provide new, age appropriate books for thousands of children over the past two years."
In 2012, Give a Child a New Book Day collected 4,500 books. This year, the project hopes to break that record by receiving 5,500 donated books. "So that every child involved with the Salvation Army's Angel Tree is able to have a new book for Christmas," explained Mangrum.
Beginning November 1st, donation boxes will begin appearing throughout South Mississippi at local businesses and institutions including The University of Southern Mississippi's Cook Library.
For more information about Give a Child a New Book Day, please contact Sarah Mangrum at 601.266.4251 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Colleen Munkel may also be reached at 601.307.3350, or via email@example.com.


text:
Fast & Easy To Install Deck Light Kits.
Create A Gorgeous Ambience
In Your Outdoor Space By Adding Outdoor LED Lights.
Get That Real 'Resort Feel' At Home
In As Little As 1 hour
Build YOUR Own Kit....To Suit YOU
Step #1 -Select Your Colour
White or Blue
Step #2 -Select The Number Of Lights You Need
1 - 25 Lights are available in this selection. If you require more, please contact us on 1300 644 966 or at firstname.lastname@example.org and we'll increase the size of the LED Driver for the number of lights you would like.
Step #3 - Select If You Would Like Us To Include A Dusk-Till-Dawn Light Sensor - Optional (Photocell)
As the name suggests, it controls your lights on & off depending on the amount of light available, so good for those who are using these lights as a runway to your door, where you would prefer them to turn on automatically at night and turn off in the morning. Also good for those who use their lights for security.
Completely optional, so please select if you would like and we'll include in your order.
Step #4 - Select If You Require Additional 2-Pin Cabling - Optional
You have choices of 1m, 2m or 3m Lengths and you have the option of buying 10 of each. If you require more, you can select the cables you need from the 'ACCESSORIES' page on our site. Just add what you need to your cart before you Checkout.
These cables can be used to insert between the LED Driver and the 1st Light location if the included cabling isn't long enough. They can also be used to space the lights further apart than the 1m provided as standard.
~ There You Have It - A Kit That Is Tailored To YOU & YOUR Project ~
- Plug to end of LED Driver - 1.5m
- Plug to 1st Light Location - 2.0m
- Between each light - 1m
So, what's in the box...?
The 15mm DIY Deck Light Kit
- 15mm LED Deck Light Heads
- 10W LED Driver (SAA Certified/Approved)
- Cabling (1m of cable between each light head)
- Installation Instructions
- Free lift to your door
- ...and a FREE Drill Bit!!!
Let's just talk about that for a moment - A FREE DRILL-BIT!!
- No Running Back Down To The Hardware Store!
- No Wasting Time!
- No Wasting Money!
- Enjoy Your Lights Immediately!
- Create A Unique Outdoor Experience, Like That You Find In Resorts, In Your Own Home!
- Be The Envy Of Your Friends With Ambience YOU Created In An Hour!
Here at Vivid, we just think that makes SENSE.
Model: B111 Voltage: 230-240V AC Driver: Input - 230-240V AC
Output - 12V AC
Driver Watts: 10W Light Watts 6 x 0.4W Ratings: Driver: IP67 Controller: N/A Lights: IP67 Cabling: IP67 Remote: N/A LED's 1pc SMD2835 Lumens: 7 Lm per Light Beam Angle 120 degrees Lens Material PC Diffuser Light Material PC/304 Stainless Steel Rim Top Width 15mm Body Width 10.5mm Depth 26mm Cut Out/Drill 14mm Cabling Type 2-Pin Type
Did We Mention YOU Can Do This YOURSELF....
DIY Instructions....and YES, we do mean DIY!
Please read how easy this DIY Kit is to install, just 8 simple steps!!!
Ensure you have an external weather proof power socket where you intend to install your lights. DO NOT run extension leads from inside, out to your lights. If you do not have any outdoor power source near where your lights are to placed, please have your local Electrician do this for you. Please DO NOT run an extension lead out to your lights, this is NOT safe as it is not a weather proof connection.
Layout your lights and measure where you will place them and ensure the holes will be drilled at the correct spacing. We find that 1m or less between each light creates a great effect.
Using the drill-bit included in the box, drill your holes.
Feed the cable-end of the lights into the holes and press the light head down into the hole to ensure they are all seated properly. With this model, the socket end on the plug is very close to the diameter of the light itself, so when you feed the cable end into the hole - it will be a tight fit. Just use the drill bit to make sure the hole is nice and clean and push it down through the hole. You may need to tap it down gently with a screwdriver to push it through.
There is no need to glue or silicone the lights in, thats what the spring is for. This spring will hold the lights tight in their new home!
Underneath the deck, connect the lights by first observing the two arrows on the plugs are aligned, then press the male plug and the female socket together and push in tight so the rubber weather seal is firmly seated. Screw together finger-tight.
Once all lights are connected together, connect the Driver to the lights, observing the diagram in the installation guide. DO NOT PLUG INTO POWER YET.
Now you need to mount your Driver using the screws provided, close enough to your power source so your cord will reach. These are IP67 Rated, so it is fine for them to get wet, just ensure the Driver is off the ground and not submerged in water.
You are now ready to plug in the Driver and switch on the power socket. I think you've earned a beverage...Enjoy!
More on the 15mm (B111) Model...
I want to introduce you to this little guy!
We call him "The Dot" 15mm (or B111), I think you'll agree, he's pretty cool.
He measures just 10.5mm across the lens, so he's literally a dot in the LED lighting game, but don't underestimate him based on his size, he has all manner of uses.
I've seen him used to highlight dimly lit steps and stairwells as he's very bright for his size. I've also seen him used in bars and wet areas like Bathroom and Kitchen plinth lighting. Don't worry about him though, he's IP67 rated and so is his LED Driver (Transformer), so they can handle a bit of wet!
You can have him and five of his mates and Driver for $89.99 delivered to your door - and don't forget the drill-bit's in there too!
But what if you need some extra light heads depending on your design, as you can run up to 25 of these little guys off the one 10W Driver. Well, we've got that covered too.
Head across to the right of this page to check out extra cabling and extra light heads to suit your lighting design!

domain: hobby


text:
How Third Way Preserved Groundbreaking K-12 Education Reform
In July 2009, President Barack Obama gave a speech outlining Race to the Top, his plan to implement the most ambitious K-12 education reform in a generation. That speech spurred a transformation of the American educational system that Third Way strongly supported from the beginning. It benefited all students, especially disadvantaged students and those of color.
But in January 2015, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Education Committee released a draft bill aimed at gutting those reforms and rolling back nearly a decade of progress. By including provisions that he thought would attract a group of Senate Democratic moderates, he had a real shot at rallying up just enough votes to pass.
At that point, the battle looked lost.
But Third Way stepped into the breach to save these groundbreaking reforms. We organized a bipartisan coalition, armed them with a bold set of principles and ideas to rally around, and persuaded them to lead the fight to preserve the core of Race to the
Top. We gave them the data and messaging they needed to make their case, and we shredded the arguments of those seeking to dismantle the progress we had made on reform. For example, we argued that a proposal to test students only once every few years would make it harder to hold failing teachers accountable. That provision didn’t even come up for a vote after our Democratic allies in Congress rallied publicly around the need to maintain annual testing.
Not a single one of our Senate allies backed the Republicans’ proposal, forcing the GOP to go back to the drawing board and cooperate on a bipartisan bill. In the end, we preserved most of Race to the Top’s best elements—a huge victory for for education reform and for America’s most vulnerable children.
Join our Team
Support Third WayMake a Donation
Third Way is a non-profit organization. Our policy innovations, rigorous research, and issue campaigns are made possible by the sustained engagement and generous contributions of our supporters. For more information on how to support the work of Third Way, please contact:
Vice President of Development and External Affairs
(202) 384 1700

domain: politics


text: I created this blog to inspire myself and others to live life to the fullest. Whilst embarking on a journey to finding my dreams, I intend to create mini adventures along the way. I am in equal parts, a writer and an aspiring actress. Through my posts, I hope to inspire you to make your life everything it should be! With an open mind, a willingness to change and a bit of effort, I am sure you will have the power to transform your life. So follow me on this journey and you shall find that success and happiness is not reserved for a select few; it’s within your grasp.


Bethany council confirms Church/Neff property as future park
The Bethany Beach Town Council this week approved a resolution confirming the future use of the former Christian Church and Neff properties as a park, though what exactly that park will contain or look like remains to be determined.
Mayor Tony McClenny, at the council’s Nov. 16 meeting, noted a number of discussions among councils in recent years about the use of the property and consensus that it would be a park, but he also emphasized in making his motion to approve the resolution that discussion of the features to be included in the park will take place at a future time, with citizen input, following the completion of a planned citizen survey.
“We want to get as much input as possible,” McClenny said. “We will all be going past that property multiple times a day.”
Councilman Joe Healy noted mention of a playground as a possible use for the designated park area, emphasizing that the Town currently has a playground on land still owned by the Bethany Beach Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). With the expectation that the playground would remain there for the foreseeable future, designating a playground as a possible use for a portion of the park has been questioned.
“One day, we might not be able to have a park there,” Councilman Lew Killmer said. “It’s another possible place to place the playground in the event the church says, ‘We have another plan for that property. You can’t use it anymore.”
Vice-Mayor Jack Gordon also sounded a note of council restraint on Nov. 16, emphasizing that no specific uses had been decided. “These are just things that could be,” he said.
Killmer said he did have some concerns about the use of the word “citizen” in the resolution, speaking to those who will have input on the uses for the park, “where we have a large number of property owners who don’t consider themselves citizens.” Killmer said he’d prefer to see the resolution worded to include input from “members of our community,” to be more obviously inclusive of non-resident property owners.
Resident Tracy Mulligan also referenced past meetings on the subject of the park property and its future use, noting that at one meeting, in 2005, public input had not been accepted, while another, in 2006, had only lasted 34 minutes. At more recent meetings, he noted, many commenters had urged the council to accept greater amounts of public input, and additional requests for that input had been received by email since.
With that in mind, Mulligan said he felt the resolution to reaffirm the property’s future use as a park was premature.
“If you’re going to do public participation, it serves the council well by its actions that that survey go out first and the council come to their conclusions after that process,” he said. “I think it is a resolution ahead of its time.”
Resident Jane Richards said her concern was about the lack of a definition of a park.
“When I looked up the definition of a park, there were about 100 definitions, I believe some of which you would not want to be included,” she said. Other definitions, she noted, were “pretty broad.”
Richards said the resolution should make it clear that the property is not to be used for residential or commercial purposes, or that the council should make clear therein its exact definition of what a park is.
Gordon acknowledged the past list of possible features for the park. “I don’t know what definition of that anybody wants to use,” he said. “We all have our own ideas of what a park is. We want to confirm the idea that the council wants a park there. We don’t know what’s going to be on that park, but it’s going to be held for that purpose.”
Gordon noted that, as the result of a plan for developing the park laid out by Town Manager Cliff Graviet in recent months and approved by the council, “The town will be involved in deciding what a park is. We are confirming now that it’s going to be a park.”
Councilwoman Carol Olmstead noted that the resolution in question didn’t “accomplish anything other than what everybody has agreed to as far as I can see over the past years. We did pretty well define that when we said what would and would not be acceptable on the property several years ago,” she added.
McClenny clarified the meaning behind prior discussion of possible uses for the property.
“That was a brainstorming session, not a session where we were writing things on a piece of paper, saying this was to be cast in stone,” he said. “The council felt the council had bought the property a few years before and wanted to say it was not going to be developed as commercial, as a parking lot or as residential.
“We have had that feeling confirmed by public comment since that time,” he added. “I don’t believe that, as the person bringing this resolution forward, I want to specify what can or cannot be there at this time. We just want to say this cannot be developed as a commercial or residential area.”
For Councilwoman Margaret Young, the idea was simpler. “We want to affirm that this will be a park, a green space, an open space to be used by people, with specific features to be determined later. This would confirm that it will be a park, a green, open, relaxing place for people to come, rather than some kind of commercial enterprise.”
With the understanding that much discussion of the specific uses of and design for the park are to come, the council voted unanimously last Friday to approve the resolution affirming the former Church/Neff property’s use as a park.


Here is a USMC AAV for GTA V. These vehicles are used to transport troops ashore. The AAV is able to drive on land and in water. This mod can do both of those things as well. Additionally, it can seat 10 people with a custom seat layout (if the people walk towards the left rear, drive forward a little).
The armament includes a grenade launcher and machine gun. The turret hatch, rear door and top passenger hatches can be opened. Lights work and the wavebreaker at the front can be operated as well.
Check out Instagram to be up-to-date with WIP works and to submit livery requests for new airliners.
Thanks you for all your continuous support and feedback, allowing me to now have over 100 uploads here. Your comments, ratings and donations are what keep me going, so don’t stop what you’ve been doing 😉


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By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, July 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon met with Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming on Friday and discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese envoy said.
The meeting took place as Lee reported to work for the first time since his release from mandatory two-week self-isolation after returning from a trip to Washington, where he held talks with his counterpart, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.
Xing was seen arriving at the foreign ministry in the afternoon. When approached by reporters with a question on what he would be discussing with Lee, he said he came to discuss "the situation on the Korean Peninsula."
Tensions between the two Koreas spiked sharply last month, as the North cut off cross-border communication lines, blew up an inter-Korean liaison office and threatened to take military action in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets.
But the situation later cooled off slightly after leader Kim Jong-un put military action plans on hold.
Friday's meeting between Lee and Xing also comes amid news reports that Biegun is planning to visit South Korea next week.
The nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang remain at an impasse after the collapse of the Hanoi summit of U.S. President Donald Trump and leader Kim. They failed to reach a deal on the scope of the North's giving up of its nuclear weapons program in return for U.S. concessions.
Moon wraps up Europe visit highlighted by G-7 summit, upgraded ties with Austria, Spain
Underdog's ascent to PPP leadership mirrors young voters' frustration with political establishment
Lifting of U.S. missile restrictions signifies Seoul's missile sovereignty, Washington's China strategy: experts
Moon-Biden summit agreement broadens alliance amid Sino-U.S. rivalry
Korean firms set to make splash with massive US investment plans in line with bilateral summit


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"If one can improve the quality of life in one’s community by providing a vital service, why would anyone want to live an unspeakably miserable existence in the urban slums?
The Barefoot College encourages a hands-on learning-by-doing process of gaining practical knowledge and skills rather than written tests and paper based qualifications. It promotes and strengthens the kind of education one absorbs from family, community, and personal experience. It applies the knowledge and skills that the poor already possess for their own development thus making them independent and letting them live with self respect and dignity. Very ordinary people written off by society are doing extraordinary things that defy description. Therefore, Barefoot College is a radical departure from the traditional concept of a “college”."

domain: sociology


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JERUSALEM - Sporadic violence erupted in and around Jerusalem, Tuesday, after Hamas called for a "day of rage" following the rededication of a centuries-old synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.
The Hurva Synagogue has been described as more than a house of prayer, but as a venue for historical events and a symbol of the yearning of the Jewish people for a return to their homeland.
Palestinians clerics claim the rebuilding of the synagogue is a provocation.
One Jewish tradition says once the synagogue is rebuilt, Jews would then begin to rebuild the temple on the Temple Mount -- site of the Al Aksa Mosque and golden Dome of the Rock.
Click play for Chris Mitchell's report followed by analysis from CBN News Senior Editor John Waage.
CBN News also spoke with Middle Eastern affairs expert Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Click here for his comments on the growing tension in Jerusalem and between the U.S. and Israel.
The Hurva Synagogue was first built in the early 1700s and destroyed in 1721. It stayed in ruins until 1864 when a new synagogue was built. The Jordanian legion destroyed that synagogue during Israel's 1948 War of Independence.
The name Hurva - which means ruin - stuck all those years.
"Now the Jews have returned in fulfillment of prophecy. They've rebuilt their synagogue, a place to give glory to God," said Jewish editor Moshe Kempinsky. "You don't need more significance to that."
He feels the uproar over the synagogue doesn't make sense.
"The whole world is actually having a very difficult time with it and calling it a provocation even though that's illogical," he said. "The greatest provocation was destroying a house of God not rebuilding it."
The dedication of the Hurva reinforces the connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.
It comes in the midst of the worst crisis in U.S.-Israeli relations in decades sparked by a building project in a Jewish neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state and the U.S. is demanding Israel halt building in Jewish neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city.
In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, Elliot Abrams -- former advisor to Presidents Reagan and Bush -- blamed the Obama administration for the crisis.
"The administration was very hostile to the Netanyahu government. They were hostile before he did anything," he said. "So one argument you can make is that they really don't like dealing with the Netanyahu government and that they want to see if they can get rid of it and bring down the coalition."
In the meantime, Netanyahu says every prime minister since 1967 has built in the Holy City and he won't stop either. Given the stand-off, it appears there could be tough times ahead for U.S.-Israeli relations, and in Jerusalem.


News Special weather statement issued for Haliburton County SHARE ON: Kaitlin Livingston, contributor, Wednesday, Oct. 26th, 2016 Photo credit: supplied Haliburton County could get some snow tonight. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement. They say a low-pressure system will track towards Lake Erie tonight and near Lake Ontario tomorrow. Residents should expect between two and five centimeters of snow. Officials say there could be some power outages because of brisk easterly winds.


Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has based much of his re-election campaign on claims the state is recovering from the recession, adding jobs and growing economically.
So imagine his surprise when fellow Republican Sen. Pat Roberts launches an ad that begins with this claim: “Kansans are struggling.”
An ad that will play over and over again in the state.
Not to mention Roberts’ claim of support for the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility in Manhattan. Roberts voted against the spending bill that included most of the federal money for NBAF.
Here’s the ad:


Pennsylvania, US, New research indicates that head injuries are associated with two to three times higher mortality rates in adults.
The 30-year-study, conducted by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, found that mortality rates among adults who experience moderate or severe head trauma were nearly three times higher than adults who never endured head injuries.
The research found that over 23 million adults in the U.S., 40 years old or older, reported a history of head injury with loss of consciousness, attributing causes such as unintentional falls, sports injuries, or car crashes.
The research also correlated a series of long-term health conditions with various types of head trauma, including late-onset epilepsy, dementia and a higher risk of stroke.
Holly Elser, a neurology resident at Penn and one of the study’s lead authors, said in a press release that the research “highlights the importance of safety measures, like wearing helmets and seatbelts, to prevent head injuries.
Participants with head injuries were shown to have more deaths related to neurologic disorders, according to the study.
Source: Oman News Agency


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This helicopter was constructed by McDonnell Douglas back in 1988 and was imported to Sweden by SAAB Helikopter AB the same year. It was intended to join the Swedish aircraft register as SE-HSM
, but the aircraft was exported to Norway as LN-OCC
The helicopter was purchased by a private company in February 1988, but it was leased to Helikoptertenste AS in Kinsarvik. The helicopter was later operated by Fjellfly and Nordlandsfly.LN-OCC
stayed in Norway for a dozen of years before it returned to Sweden in 2001, this time imported by BN Construction i Motala AB and registered SE-JGB
. The aircraft was leased by the Finnish company Helitour for a while and was eventually sold to Stockholms Helikoptertjänst
AB in early-2003.
The company had two Hughes 300s at that time, and the MD 500 soon proved to be an indispensable addition to the fleet. It was used in all kind of aerial works, including power line inspections, sling-load operations and filming. As the need for a more powerful sling-load lifter became evident, Stockholms Helikoptertjänst
puruchased a Eurocopter Lama (SE-JNA
) and thereby eased the workload for the busy MD 500.SE-JNA
had in fact worked in the same company as LN-OCC
in Norway prior to being exported to Sweden.SE-JGB
was used for power line inspections, mast mounting operations and sling-load jobs until it was sold to the US in February 2017. The helicopter was replaced by the EC120 SE-JRY
, which arrived in late March the same year.SE-JGB
left Stockholm in a container bound for the US in late February 2017. It was soon registered N312MD with Nevada Aircraft Corp in Henderson, Nevada.From US to New Zealand
In November of 2017, N312MD, was exported from the United States to Cranswick Enterpises Ltd in Tolaga, New Zealand, and registered ZK-IOB.

domain: history


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The 2015 Forward Prizes Felix Dennis award for Best First Collection (with its £5000 cheque) will be awarded finally on 28th September. I have been reviewing the shortlisted books this summer as follows:
Mona Arshi – Small Hands (Liverpool University Press) reviewed here;
Sarah Howe – Loop of Jade (Chatto & Windus); reviewed here;
Andrew McMillan – physical (Cape Poetry); reviewed here;
Matthew Siegel – Blood Work (CB Editions) reviewed here;
Karen McCarthy Woolf – An Aviary of Small Birds (Carcanet) reviewed here.
Who will win? I can give you what blog-mathematics tells me and I can give you my own modest opinion and I can give you a prediction of who I think might be picked by the judges who are A L Kennedy (Chair), Colette Bryce, Carrie Etter, Emma Harding & Warsan Shire.
- Judging merely by hits on the reviews on this blog (statistically wholly unreliable) the winner will be Andrew McMillan – agreed this might just reflect the fact that he and his supports are more social media savvy than others but I suspect it reveals an real interest in his work out there. (And for completists among you, the remaining rank order was then Arshi, Howe, Siegel, McCarthy Woolf).
- Who do I think should win? All five books have been hung on topic-hooks by their publishers (illness, ancestry, cultural difference, sexuality, miscarriage) though only Howe and McMillan really justify this as complete volumes. It’s a sign of the need to market a book these days and I’m sure this trend will grow more powerful though I don’t think it’s a great idea for either writer or reader (is it an appeal to the ‘general’ reader?). But the ground being broken by McMillan has been thoroughly ploughed by his (acknowledged) hero Thom Gunn and Howe’s cross-cultural explorations and formal experiments I find interesting but not necessarily volume-coherent. My favoured book was actually the American one, Blood Work by Matthew Siegel which I thought was a wonderfully coherent, moving, funny and achieved collection (despite being a first book). So he’s my pick – and I’ll be wrong on the night!
- Who will the judges choose? McMillan – that combination of (sufficient) controversy and accessibility.
Whoever it is in the end, congratulations to them and to all the shortlisted poets. It’s been a feast and thanks to those who have been following my travels through these books.
As a final footnote, in October last year (somewhat after the event, I confess), I reviewed Liz Berry’s winning first collection and as a bit of context I’ll post that again below. For the record, I think her book is better than any of this year’s five.
Liz Berry, Black Country (Chatto Poetry, 2014)
If a reputation can be earned through the writing of half a dozen poems of real worth then Liz Berry has probably already written them, earning her place in the landscape of early 21st century British poetry. Her debut collection (containing 14 poems from the earlier chapbook The Patron Saint of Schoolgirls (tall-lighthouse, 2010) has charm, accessibility and a humour that belies the serious ways in which she exerts pressure to counter the hegemonies of language, gender, locality, even of perception. Berry is a teacher by profession and will, no doubt, have equivocal feelings about her work appearing in classrooms – but it will rapidly and rightfully find a place there.
We resist what tries to define and suffocate us in part by declaring who we are. Berry’s confident, natural, even uninhibited use of her own Black Country dialect is one of the most superficially striking things about this book. Against “hours of elocution”, she opts for “vowels ferrous as nails, consonants // you could lick the coal from” (‘Homing’). Variously her grandmother and mother influence her in this and, in ‘The Sea of Talk’, her father also urges her never to forget the place of her birth with “its babble never caught by ink or book”. The definition of a community against the pull of a conventional linguistic centre is explicit here. Her grandmother is a frequent role model and the growing girl studies “her careful craft”. “Right bostin fittle”, the older woman declares (ie. great food – brains, trotters, groaty pudding) and the budding poet willingly touches her “lips to the hide of the past” to inherit the authentic gift.
Other poems, making it clear that locality is as much a component of who we are, record and celebrate the Black Country as “a wingless Pegasus” composed of scrub, derelict factories, disused coal shafts, yet still a “gift from the underworld” whose nature and fate is enough literally to make grown men weep (‘Black Country’). Berry takes huge pleasure in enumerating the details of her locale. “Come wi’ me, bab, wum Tipton-on-Cut” invites one poem which then takes a tour of waterways, allotments, parks, mosques, steelworks and canals (‘Tipton-On-Cut’). Similarly, ‘Christmas Eve’ seems to improvise from the great concluding paragraphs of Joyce’s story ‘The Dead’, using the ubiquitous fall of snow to lead the reader across the landscape of Beacon Hill, Bilston and Molineux.
We elude being imposed on and defined by others by changing. This, for me, is the more profound aspect of Berry’s work; so many poems unfold as processes of self-transformation. A mark of the book’s self-confidence can be found in ‘Bird’ which announces this motif of liberation: “When I became a bird, Lord, nothing could stop me”. Here, it is the mother’s voice urging, “Tek flight, chick, goo far fer the winter”. In keeping with this, the poems display a formal variety – free verse, short-lined quatrains, couplets, tercets, ballad forms, punctuation comes and goes. This is further reinforced by Berry’s bold, category-dissolving imagination which instinctively reaches for metamorphic possibilities. In ‘Birmingham Roller’ the escapee is a bird again, “jimmucking the breeze, somersaulting”; people become dogs, trees, pigs, fade to mere echoes, girls become boys. The donning of a pair of red shoes invigorates, eroticises: “rubies that glistened up a dress, / flushed thighs with fever” (‘The Red Shoes’).
Sexuality features so prominently in Black Country in part because of its potential for transgressive energy. I’m sure ‘Sow’ is anthology-bound with its “farmyardy sweet” female narrator, rejecting external definitions (“I’ve stopped denying meself”), accepting her true nature as a “guzzler, gilt. / Trollopy an’ canting”. This is a real tour de force of dialect, imaginative transformation and downright feminist self-realisation that “the sow I am / was squailin an’ biting to gerrout”, even daring the reader to “Root yer tongue beneath / me frock an’ gulp the brute stench of the sty”. Berry’s power of imaginative transformation is so powerful that the book creates mythic figures at will: the sow girl, the Black Country pegasus, the patron saint of school girls, Carmella the hairdresser, the Black Delph bride, the last lady ratcatcher. ‘Fishwife’ presents another of these figures like something from a quasi-pornographic Grimm’s tales. Attending a 17 year old girl’s wedding, she brings the gift of oysters, erotic energy, transgressive flirtation, power and ultimately pleasure:
from my bare skin
alive oh alive all tail all fin
how the tide tossed
until alive ohhh alive
the waves flung my shining body upon the rock
She kisses the bride with “her tongue a plump trout” and other poems also resist categories to the extent of a sensation of gender-bending, or more accurately gender neutrality. I’ve already mentioned the girl who becomes a boy. ‘Trucker’s Mate’ reads like a homosexual “romance” and ‘In the Steam Room’ positively drips with sexuality – but of an explicitly “sexless” kind in which “any body / might give you pleasure”. ‘The Silver Birch’ achieves the extraordinary feat of evoking “sex [. . .] before sex” (eroticism before gender), “when I was neither girl or boy [. . .] a sheaf / of unwritten-upon paper”.
With so much dissolution of the normative, Berry dallies with the surreal and there can be dangers if the work does not also bear a weight of darkness. A poet like Tomaz Salamun writes in the tradition of Rimbaud’s systematic disorganisation of the senses, but combines, as Ed Hirsch suggests, “exuberant whimsy and fierce rebellion” to resist too easy a relationship with the pressures of the real. Happily, Black Country encompasses some richly productive tensions between the real and imagined, home and away, past and future, conformity and rebellion, sex and death. The latter rises to the surface through the middle of the book in poems like ‘The Bone Orchard Wench’, ‘Echo’ and the murder ballad ‘The Black Delph Bride’, acknowledging that the traffic between real and imagined contains plenty of irresolvable grit, impossible to wish away in any facile manner.
The collection concludes in more plainly autobiographical terms with the approach of the birth of a child and perhaps there is less imaginative pressure here, a risk of sentiment, “waiting [. . .] for the little creature that grew inside me”. Nevertheless, in reviewing first collections it’s traditional to look forward to achievements to come but this is inappropriate with Black Country simply because there is so much confidence, focus, shapeliness, already achieved uniqueness. Rather, this is a poet whose work presently demands our admiration. Oh yes . . . and what about those half dozen or so poems of real worth? I’d suggest ‘Bird’, ‘Bostin Fittle’, ‘Black Country’, ‘Tipton-On-Cut’, ‘The Silver Birch’, ‘Sow’, ‘Fishwife’. You’ll hear more of these in years to come.
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