text:
Martin Sheen / Madrid 2007
My friend, Claudio Lauria, Director of the Environmental Film Festival of Catalonia, proposed me to travel to Madrid city along with his team in order to make an interview to actor Martin Sheen, well, I said, it isn’t my field photographing celebrities and / or artists, but I do not regret about that trip because meet to mister Martin Sheen was to make another friend (so, just Martin from now on ).
The fact is that Martin is a great guy, simple and absolutely no divo, for me he will remain always as the Captain Willard, his role in the Apocalypse Now film, in search of the mad colonel Kutz (Marlon Brando) inside the Cambodian jungle, after meeting and chat with him I decided to emulate their role in that film, but without guns or crazy adventures, just to travel to Cambodia along the Mekong River while photographing everything in front of my eyes , I reached this goal on May / June 2007.
Well, as I was saying, Martin is a great guy, it was sufficient a data that he gave me, he told that his real name was not Martin Sheen … but Ramon Estevez instead, he saw me his California driver’s license to confirm it, but the relevant issue was not that, many people, some for artistic reasonss, and others in order to hide their real origins (Spain, champion of the World in that area), change their names.
But Martin not only did not renounce to his name, Ramón Estevez, but also he was very proud for it, as well as about his Spanish origin, live to see!, that fact immediately aroused my sympathies, Martin said that the name Martin Sheen was just a a sort of logo, not his real name, good for you Martin!, sorry, I meant … Ramon.


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Susan Wraith, 37, is a recovered heroin addict who lives in inner city Chicago. "You can still see the needle marks here on my arm from where I used to shoot up," says Wraith, standing on a street corner. "I used to sell our food stamps, my kids' toys—you name it—for drugs."But I've been clean for five years now," she proudly adds. Wraith lives with her two young children on Chicago's densely populated Northwest Side. "We need Jesus in this neighborhood," she says. "Every night, somebody's getting shot." Wraith's 6-year-old son, Stevie, was born with heroin in his system. "He's okay now," she says in a raspy voice, shuffling her feet. "I always tell him, 'You've got to have God in your life.' "Wraith says she found God at a women's home a few years ago when she finally came clean. "I've been sliding away from church though," she admits.Southern Baptists hoped to reach people like Wraith last month when they kicked off their Strategic Cities Initiative, an effort to evangelize America's major cities during the next three years. The pilot event in Chicago gathered over 5,000 Southern Baptists, including 2,200 out-of-town volunteers, to participate in door-to-door evangelism, block parties, and clothing giveaways in some of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods. The turnout was far below initial projections of 100,000 volunteers.
Nestled in the heart of the Humboldt Park neighborhood is the Chicago Grace Place, just around the corner from Wraith's house. A ministry of the Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association (CMBA), Grace Place was one of the many ministries that attracted Chicagoans on Saturday, July 8, as part of SearchLight, the peak event of evangelism-based activities planned for the summer. Several hundred neighborhood children and families enjoyed free lunches and a clothing giveaway at Grace Place. The promise of face-painting, cotton candy, and balloons drew a full house.Wraith is thankful for the five dresses she received at the block party. "I work part-time jobs for us to get by," she says, explaining why she's been pushing an ice-cream cart up and down the street.Since the center's opening in mid-April, Grace Place has held summer day camps for children. Grace now plans to begin Sunday church services."I'm going to start coming to their church. I don't care if they're Southern Baptists," Wraith says in a nonchalant tone. "As long as they believe in Jesus—that's all that matters."Wraith's sentiments are a far cry from the deeply rooted concerns that Chicago's Council of Religious Leaders voiced last November. In a letter to Southern Baptist Convention President Paige Patterson, the council bristled that the strategy of Southern Baptists seemed more of a battle call than an opportunity to share God's love."Our letter was about asking the Southern Baptists to modify their plans," says Ira Youdovin, executive director of the Chicago Board of Rabbis and treasurer of Chicago's Council of Religious Leaders."They were afraid we were not tolerant, and in reality, the love of God is not tolerant of sin," says Jim Queen, executive director of the CMBA.SBC event coordinator Phil Miglioretti says relations have improved, though, between his denomination and the council.
Evangelize by Blitzkrieg?
Although volunteer numbers fell far below earlier estimates given by the SBC's top leaders, those who did participate in the event were determined.Volunteer Travis Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, took his mission seriously while visiting Wraith's community. "I paint houses. That's how I provided for myself. But I'm here to share the gospel. We led 50 souls to Christ yesterday in this neighborhood doing street evangelism," he says.Johnson and other volunteers record conversions so local churches can contact those who make Christian commitments. The CBMA reports over 1,100 decisions from the July 8 event alone.Yet event-based evangelism leaves some wondering about the lasting effect. "Most effective conversions come through established relationships, where an emotional bond has been created—not door-to-door contact," Christian Smith, professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Christian America? What Evangelicals Really Want (University of California Press, 2000), tells Christianity Today."A lot of this is evangelicals affirming their identity rather than having a lasting effect," Smith says. "My guess is these blitzes are a part of the Southern Baptists' campaign to provide identity for themselves."Even Wraith believes Southern Baptists won't make a lasting difference unless they are willing to stay awhile. "They can't just be here," she says, pointing to the building. "They got to be out on the streets. They need to open up their homes."Chuck Rogers, Grace Place's new pastor, plans to take up Wraith's challenge. "There's a degree of skepticism that we may be outsiders in this neighborhood," he admits. "I plan to walk the streets of this community daily. My belief is that God has sent us here to bring healing."Wraith is upbeat about Grace Place's efforts. "My boyfriend gets out of prison next month," she says. "I'm going to ask him to come here."
Christianity Today's previous coverage of the SBC's evangelism efforts in North America include:Can I Get a Witness? | Southern Baptists rebuff critics of Chicago evangelism plan. (Jan. 14, 2000) Evangelism Now Embarrassing for Most, Says Baptist Leader | Even Baptists at World Congress disagree on Chicago initiative. (Jan. 10, 2000) Senate Majority Leader Calls For Public Apology | Brouhaha over press secretary's 'hate crimes' comment continues. (Jan. 6, 2000) Southern Baptist President Vows to Continue Chicago Evangelism Plans Paige Patterson accuses Chicago religious leaders of creating 'the stuff from which hate crimes emerge.' (December 3, 1999) Witnessing vs. Proselytizing | A rabbi's perspective on evangelism targeting Jews, and his alternative. (Dec. 3, 1999) Southern Baptists Counter Warning that Evangelism Effort Will Breed Hate Crimes | Chicago evangelistic outreach 'not targeting groups,' leaders assure. (Nov. 30, 1999). To the Jew First? | Southern Baptists defend new outreach effort. (November 15, 1999) Southern Baptists Take Aim at Urban America (July 12, 1999)To read more about the recent SBC campaign in Chicago , see The Chicago Tribune's article about July evangelism efforts.
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domain: news


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North Bowen creek canyon lower section is kind of a plain name for a very nice canyon. In the late 90s, early 2000s a commercial group started marketing this as “The secret Gobsmacker” It wasn’t all that secret but Gobsmacker had a bit of a ring to it and I think it’s a good a name as any and pokes fun at the secret bit.
Anyhoo another canyon I’d visited a long time ago and really enjoyed so, again I was keen to get Tal down it. Way back then there was a secret to opening the “locked” gate and you could drive all the way to the start of the foot pad. Today we’d be doing a bit more walking but it’s mostly a pleasant stroll along a shady fire road.
I was a little shocked and disappointed at the condition of the entry track. Back when I first did it it was quite well known but minimum impact walking techniques meant there wasn’t really a track and you made your own way in.
Now the wide erosion scar runs straight down the fall line. With all the recent rain it was a slippery mudfest. luckily the canyon was just as nice as I remember
Party size: 5
This is a bit of a compilation of different canyons including the Gobsmacker
Not “The Grand canyon” but the Grand Canyon is a relatively easily accessible canyon near Blackheath. It’s real popular with guide companies and 1 I did a lot when I was guiding in the early 2000s. Enter via a well maintained tourist track 1 abseil into the slot and than a very nice, sustained canyon and exit back up the tourist track.
I was keen to show Tal down it and Ed suggested we combine it with the Juggler Canyon which none of us had done before. The Juggler is more an abseil trip down a steep creek with canyony bits and gave us a different way in and out.
After guiding it so often and then not doing it for 15 years I’d forgotten how grand the Grand canyon was. It really is a nice introductory canyon and can be reversed up negating the need to abseil if you so wish.
Party size: 6
Time: About 5hrs car to car with a bit of a wait for a commercial group at the abseil
Those following along at home may recall my recent misadventures, firstly not finding the Cracks of Doom and then not fitting through the Cracks of Doom well after a ” it should only take 1 hour” rail trail meeting went all morning we thought we’d at least get out for an afternoon walk and head back for another folly.
This time we took the abseiling gear and the plan was for a quick look at the Crack of Doom 1 then traverse the cliffline and abseil into the exit crack, Crack of Doom 2.
Plowing straight across the scrub was much better then traversing though it and we found the first crack no dramas.
Have a look down Tal, says I. You might fit. I use to…
Are you sure you that goes? Calls Tal from the depths where the slot becomes nothing but a crack. Um, yep use to.
These types of crack are fairly common in this area, forming along fault lines (for want of better, more correcter terminology) known as joints. These tend to run parallel and perpendicular to each other.
The way they were explained to me, and this may well be completely wrong, was they were formed as the landscape pushed up and the former sea bed raised up to create the Blue Mt range. As it did so the bulge basically caused the sandstone to fracture in the parallel lines which can be seen clearly in aerial photos and satellite imaging, google earth etc..
Anyhoo we make out way back up and follow the cliffline around, making our way a little bit back up hill away from the edge. Ignoring the more obvious start to Cathedral canyon for now we head to Crack of Doom 2. This was our exit slot all those years ago and coming up the end needed a tricky bit of climbing to get up over an over hanging chockstone. Thus the ropes and harnesses for a descent this time around.
We rap in and leave the rope in place as an aid to get out later. I comment to Mandy that the rocks looks like they have seen a bit of traffic. I’m no tracker but it tends to be obvious when others have passed this way. A bit of rock with the moss worn off at on obvious foot hold, that sort of thing.
This crack has a bit more width about it, a tad wider than shoulder width for most of it’s length, and it descends steadily down through the cliff line in a nice ramp. The bottom exit is well hidden, the crack basically runs parallel with the main cliff line and looking up the little alcove it starts in you would not see it if you didn’t know where to look.
The original plan was traverse back along the bottom of the cliff line for a look up the bottom of Crack of Doom 1 but not far around the scrub encroaches right up to the cliff edge. With limited time we opted to forego bashing through this and instead head the other way to the base of Cathedral canyon.
I was surprised to see a number of foot prints in the fine sand along the base of the cliffs. Others must have visited here fairly recently, I’m thinking yesterday as they were quite clear and the fine powdery sand wouldn’t hold a print that clear for too long.
Anyhoo Cathedral canyon is as awesome as I remember. The Bush Explorers refer to it as the Diamond Cavern and describe it with much reverence in their Gardens of Stone books and I can see why but back in the day my guide introduced me to it as Cathedral canyon and that’s the name I prefer as it does have a Cathedral feel to it.
The micro canyon is very short and gets thinner as it climbs up through the cliff line before your passage is blocked by a small overhang chock stone 2 or 3 meters up in the narrow walls. Belatedly I figure it would probably be a much easier climb out here. Alas I’d left my pack at the bottom of the abseil.
Anyhoo we have a bit of a look around before head back the way we came.
Party size: 3. All experienced
Time: I really didn’t take much notice but it wouldn’t have been much more than a couple of hours car to car with a few snack breaks and a lot of phaffing about with photos
With Julie being an active member of the forums back in the day and the administrator and driving force behind the Ozcanyons facebook group I was familiar with her name and adventures but had never met her in person.
When she put out a call to see if anyone was interested in a mid week canyon trip to a place I hadn’t been in 15 years and wanted to take Tal to at some stage I thought why not. It was school holidays and I could rustle a leave day so I sent her a message that we’d be keen.
Of course school holidays finished that week so Tal wouldn’t make it. Bummer. No worries plans had changed and it just so happened Julie was heading out to do the canyon I had failed to find on our scrub bash to no where.
That left me with a bit of a dilemma. I’d got the day off and was super keen but was reluctant to do it without the others. For some strange reason after I had lead them up the garden path, flipped out and aborted the trip they were all still keen to give it another go. We had unfinished business. In fact we had it scheduled the weekend before but illness, injury and other commitments got in the way.
On the other hand a recon mission with those who knew where they were going might not be a bad idea. It was Ed who had put this canyon on our agenda so I let him know the deal and he said go for it.
As the day approached the weather forecast got worse and I started to think this canyon was becoming my nemesis. Then the day before things brightened up and Julie said it was game on.
I pulled into the meeting place and instantly recognised Julie from her trip reports and photos. Also there were Lyn and Jim Cook and after a quick meet and greet we piled into Jim’s car and headed off for a typical south Wolgan canyoning adventure.
The weather was pretty much spot on for this type of trip. Warm enough to peel off the jumpers. Cool enough you didn’t bake on the haul up .
It’s always good heading out with more experienced people. You get to compare techniques and either confirm you are doing things ok or learn better, or just different ways, to do it. Julie and the Cooks put me at easy right away chatting about past adventures as we headed up the hill.
I would have to say I felt a lot better about my failed navigation as we had a bit of trouble finding the entry point, and my three guides had been here before. We started down the wrong gully before resorting to pulling out the GPS to get a grid reference and consulting the map. No big deal we just zigged when we should have zagged.
All these pagodas look the same. And indeed the next gully over did look rather similar.
Now in the right spot I realized just how close I was on my first attempt. My navigation hadn’t been the issue, just my interpretation. I was looking for an anchor point on the cliff line directly above, and I mean directly above, the actual anchor in the hidden gully….. Live and learn.
From here down the trip is really nice. It’s a fairly average canyon as far as constrictions but it makes up for it with some nice long abseils with some cool features and awesome exposure to make them memorable.
I’m even keener to get the others through here now.
Big thanks Julie for organising and letting me tag along
Don’t be deceived this isn’t The Dry canyon but it is a dry canyon and a nice spot to visit on a pleasant winters day.
We decided to traverse along the ridge above the canyon and then reverse up it which should allow us to take in some nice views over the Wolgan.
The walk out was pleasant. The sparse undergrowth making for easy walking and the moss covered rockscapes almost glowing in the soft day light.
We gain the ridge line fairly quickly then took our time strolling out to the end.
You’d be hard pressed to find a spot along the Wolgan cliff lines that didn’t have mind blowing views and the ridge offered a couple of awesome vantage spots before ending in a point of pure grandeur.
Below us the One and Only Emirates Wolgan Resort with Donkey Mountain towering over it. To the right, down the valley some truly awe inspiring cliff lines toped with a maze of platey pagodas.
After much phaffing about it was time to head back away from the cliff lines and try to find away down into the end (our start) of the canyon.
A few likely routes down were soon spotted but looked like they may need an absiel or two. We had the gear just in case but opted to look a little harder.
This gully was running the wrong way but I had a hunch that it might lead to ledge that would take us around the nose and into the exit portal.
Well it did that but not before a few balancey moves on not much at all and then a cool ledge crawl through a long cave.
It was an interesting ledge. The pagodaish cliff came down from above, and it was almost as if someone had sliced a wedge out of it. While we needed to push packs in front of us to squeeze under the overhang the ledge was a reasonable width for all but this one little bit.
I’m not enjoying this bit Craig!, says Mandy with just a tad of malice in her voice. Of course you are, says I. It’s a proper adventure. This is why you love me
the look she gave me when she noticed I had the camera on her wasn’t exactly loving…
And now I’m dreading the ledge would end in a no go drop. There was no way I was telling her we’d have to go back the way we came…..
As it was a broad ramp lead us down the the level we needed to be on. It also lead us past this stunning over hang
We follow the water course up towards a very narrow crack.
Is that a canyon or just a fold in the rock? Only one way to find out. We walk into a cave like opening and still we weren’t sure if we’d be faced with a blank wall around any corner.
Next came a series of tricky boulder scrambles that tested our reach, flexibility and climbing skills on the slick rock. At one stage I had to scramble back down and give Mandy a good old fashion put-your-foot-into-my-hands-and-step-up boost to get her up one particularly slippery ledge that was just too high for her to get up on her own.
Another I set a rope and then hauled her by the back of the shirt… All class us.
Once through the scrambles the canyon was very short but made up for it by just being stunning.
Any bush tucker experts out there know what these blue berries are? They only seem to ripen once they fall off the tree.
Access: An easy walk on a clear trail. Reasonably flat until the end of the ridge.Exposed cliff lines.
Navigation: Navigation is as straight forward as it gets
Map: Mt Wilson
Time: 1hr return
Jungaburra ridge offers an easy walk out to some impressive views towards where 5 different canyon/gully/creek systems empty into the Grose Valley.f
Getting there: From Bell head approximately 1.5km along the highway toward Richmond. Turn off the highway to the right just after the start of the passing lane onto a rough access trail, the start of which is next to a sign for a left bend “65km/hr” and just before the road goes up a small rise then swings left down past Holly Lodge.
If you have low ground clearance or don’t like a bit of rough road it is probably better to park on a verge just off the highway on the left and just walk the extra 300m up the fire trail.
Park at the end of the access trail and the walking trail head starts next to the power pole.
This is the access trail to the popular Bell Super Crag climbing area so is fairly well defined.
Follow the trail out to the end of the ridge. It’s fairly flat until a couple of small down hill bits towards the end.
The views from near the end of the ridge are pretty nice
The trail does continue down to the left but is gets very steep and exposed, Requiring a fixed line descent down the cliff line towards the bottom so not recommend unless you are a climber
Return the same way
Note 1: Taking care While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails. Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.
Note 2:First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended
Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.
The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.
Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.

domain: geography


text:
* Shanghai tells some to stay home, not receive deliveries
* Part of push to eliminate infections by late May -sources
* Chinese capital Beijing imposes tightest curbs so far
* Lawyers question legality of tough measures as anger grows
* China export growth weakest in two years, currency falls
China's two largest cities tightened Covid-19 curbs on Monday, fuelling public angst and even questions about the legality of its uncompromising battle with the virus that has battered the world's second largest economy.
In Shanghai, enduring its sixth week of lockdown, authorities have launched a new push to end infections outside quarantine zones by late May, according to people familiar with the matter.
While there has been no official announcement, residents in at least four of Shanghai's 16 districts received notices at the weekend saying they wouldn't be allowed to leave their homes or receive deliveries, prompting a scramble to stock up on food.
Some of these people had previously been allowed to move around their residential compounds.
"Go home!" a woman shouted through a megaphone at residents mingling below an apartment block impacted by the new restrictions on Sunday, a scene that might baffle other areas of the world that have opted to open up and live with the virus.
"It was like a prison," said Coco Wang, a Shanghai resident living under the new restrictions. "We are not afraid of the virus. We are afraid of this policy."
Meanwhile, in the most severe restrictions imposed in Beijing so far, an area in the southwest of the capital on Monday forbade residents from leaving their neighbourhoods and ordered all activities not related to virus prevention to halt.
In other virus-hit districts of Beijing, residents have been told to work from home, some restaurants and public transport have closed, and additional roads, compounds and parks were sealed off on Monday.
The restrictions have taken a heavy toll on China's economy.
China's export growth slowed to its weakest in almost two years, data on Monday showed, as the central bank pledged to step up support for the slowing economy.
The sluggish data drove China's yuan currency to a near 19-month low against the U.S. dollar.
In a stark sign of the stresses for business, China's auto association estimated that sales last month dropped a staggering 48% year-on-year as Covid restrictions shut factories and crimped domestic demand.
The curbs have also fuelled rare expressions of public anger, further inflamed by recent online accounts of Shanghai authorities forcing neighbours of Covid-positive cases into centralised quarantine and demanding that they hand over the keys to their homes to be disinfected.
One video showed police picking a lock after a resident refused to open a door.
In another, a voice recording of a call circulated on the internet of a woman arguing with officials demanding to spray disinfectant in her home even though she had tested negative. Reuters was not able to independently verify the videos.
Professor Tong Zhiwei, who teaches law at the East China University of Political Science and Law, wrote in an essay widely circulated on social media on Sunday that such acts were illegal and should stop.
Liu Dali, a lawyer from one of China's largest law firms, wrote a similar letter to authorities.
Copies of both letters have been censored from the Chinese internet. Posts from Tong's social media account on the Weibo site were blocked late on Sunday.
Liu and Tong did not respond to requests for comment.
China is adamant that it will stick to its zero-Covid policy to fight a disease that first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019, warning against criticism of a policy they say is saving lives.
They point to much higher death tolls in other countries that have eased restrictions, or scrapped them altogether, in a bid to "live with Covid" even though infections are spreading.
Beijing has been hoping to avoid the weeks of lockdowns that Shanghai has endured but the growing number of residential buildings under lockdown orders is unnerving residents.
"I've already been working from home but I'm worried I might run out of daily supplies," said a 28-year-old resident of Changping district in north Beijing surnamed Wang after being barred from leaving her compound on Monday.
In response to Reuters questions on the latest restrictions in Shanghai, the municipal government there said it "must insist on regulating the flow and control of the movement of people" and that each district was allowed to tighten measures according to its own situation.
On Monday, Shanghai reported a drop in new cases for the 10th straight day.
But the drop has not eased tensions on the ground.
One video widely shared online showed a group of Shanghai residents confronting police officers and security personnel over whether their hardline measures were legal.
"Not once have I heard that if one compound or one block or residential building has a single confirmed case, then hardline measures of locking up people like criminals are needed," a resident said in the recording.
Reuters could not immediately verify the video, which was later deleted from social media site WeChat.
People line up at a makeshift nucleic acid testing site during a mass testing for the coronavirus disease in Chaoyang district of Beijing, China. REUTERS


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Nuns' Group Targeted by Vatican Refuses to Back Down, But Won't Break Away
August 10, 2012
The Vatican has a nun problem. But you won't find the prelates skipping around singing, "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" They're certain of their solution: flex the hierarchy's magisterial muscle, and place those wayward sisters under the canonical thumb.
The nuns in question are members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an umbrella group for most of the women's religious orders in the United States, which just concluded its annual conference in St. Louis. Faced with a decision on how to respond to a Vatican rebuke of LCWR -- which the Vatican is seeking to control, the members voted to have their officers maintain discussions with the Vatican, but to "reconsider if LCWR is forced to compromise the integrity of its mission."
It's not quite the dramatic break that some had hoped for; one avenue the sisters considered was to vote to dissolve their group and reconstitute it as a non-profit organization under the U.S. tax code, which would place it beyond the Vatican's reach. That would have been a giant kiss-off to the all-male hierarchy -- one that the membership was not quite willing to make. But that doesn't mean they're exactly kissing the pope's ring.
The tone of the sisters' decision remains defiant, and they have reserved the right to revisit their options. In the world beyond the church, that might seem like not such a big deal, but this is the Holy See we're talking about here, and these are women, the most visible women in the church, saying to Pope Benedict XVI, "Not so fast..."
In April, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced its plans to "reform" -- effectively take over -- the group, which it found to be insufficiently interested in opposing abortion or homosexuality, and guilty of advancing "radical feminist themes."
Three prelates were charged with oversight of the group, with Archbishop Peter Sartain of Seattle charged with direct supervision for the next five years. As I wrote in June, Sartain's mandate grants him "final say on every speaker at the group's conference and every public utterance made in its name." In addition:
He'll also revise LCWR's governing statues and oversee the revision of a handbook that, according to the [New York] Times, was "used to facilitate dialogue on matters that the Vatican said should be settled doctrine." Links between LCWR and two liberal Catholic groups will also be investigated.
Earlier in the week, Sister Pat Farrell, the outgoing president of LCWR, delivered a remarkable address to her fellow nuns as they set about deciding how to respond to the Vatican's fiat. From the National Catholic Reporter:
Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Farrell said that "some larger movement in the church ... has landed on LCWR."A key question facing LCWR, she said, is, "What would a prophetic response to the doctrinal assessment look like?""I think it would be humble, but not submissive," she continued. "Rooted in a solid sense of ourselves, but not self-righteous; truthful, but gentle and absolutely fearless."It would ask probing questions. Are we being invited to some appropriate pruning and are we open to it? Is this doctrinal process an expression of concern or an attempt to control?"Concern is based in love and invites unity. Control through fear and intimidation would be an abuse of power."
In their press release [PDF], leaders of LCWR also took a mildly dismissive tone to the import of the Vatican's actions:
The members reiterated the importance and value of LCWR’s mission to its members and itsrole as a voice for justice in the world. They urged the officers not to allow the work with CDF[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith] to absorb the time, energy, and resources of the conference nor to let it distract the conference from the work its mission requires.
Many of the nuns in attendance work directly with the poor. Sister Simone Campbell, who leads the advocacy group Network, attended the meeting as an observer, not as a voting member. Among the things that fueled the Vatican's ire is LCWR's links to Campbell's group. Campbell explained to Michelle Boorstein of the Washington Post:
"They’re saying it’s only about doctrine. But for us, the dialogue is about reflecting on our lives out of Gospel. Theology in our view is about exploration and discovery. They think that’s wrong. It’s like cutting the heart out of who we are,” said Sister Simone Campbell, a lawyer and lobbyist in Washington who this summer led nuns on a well-publicized tour called "Nuns on the Bus," meant to respond to the Vatican report with more visibility.
Asked if the differences were more about free debate or if even hot-button issues such as contraception were on the table, Campbell said: "Absolutely. Theologies have evolved over two millennia. When Jesus died and rose, it wasn’t all settled."
Writing at Religion Dispatches, Anthea Butler, associate professor of religion at University of Pennsylvania, suggests that the sisters' commitment to ongoing "discussions" with the prelate could be a pretty crafty strategy:
As a Church Historian, I applaud this move. Anyone with an eye towards church history knows that sometimes groups can talk forever to the Vatican and hold them at bay, as long as no one is frog marched into a courtroom or prison.Long-winded dialogue is what the Vatican does best. If the Sisters can keep the male clerics talking, chances are they may be so caught up in their desire to make perfect doctrine that the Sisters of the LCWR can continue their good work.
Interwoven in this drama between the bishops and the nuns is a subtext of politics. In the U.S., the bishops have gone all-out against President Barack Obama, accusing him of violating their "freedom of religion" by making their large institutions adhere to the mandate for no-copay birth control that is part of the administration's health-care reform.
The bishops also opposed the Affordable Care Act because it included insurance policies that cover abortion (although women will have to pay for that coverage out of their own pockets). In opposition to the bishops' stance, some 55 prominent Catholic sisters signed a letter supporting the health-care law, which provided cover to Obama against charges that the Democrats' bill was anti-Catholic. Many of the signatories to that letter belong to orders that are members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
At their conference, the sisters attended to matters other than their travails with the Vatican. Among them was their vote to call for the passage of the president's DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship to immigrants who, when they were children, were brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents.
Since the Vatican launched its jihad against LCWR, the sisters have been winning the public relations war. Outside their meeting, lay Catholics held signs in support of the sisters, just as they had when word of the Vatican's assessment of LCWR came down, and LCWR leaders say they have received thousands of messages of support.

domain: sociology


text:
SU‐FF‐I‐39: Development of Clinical Application Platform Using Digital Tomosynthesis for Target Localization
Purpose: To develop a workstation for clinical application of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for real‐time target localization. Specifically, to accelerate the reconstruction both digitally‐reconstructed radiograph (DRR) and DTS using ultra‐fast interpolation capability of graphics hardware. Method and Materials: The developed workstation for real‐time target localization using DTS technology includes image acquisition, image reconstruction, and image comparison. A critical step to implement this technology is its reconstruction speed, especially real‐time generation of reference DTSs which require DRRs. The new generation graphics hardware provides a fast implementation of image interpolation and allows the bi‐linear/tri‐linear interpolation and the other image operations to be accomplished within second. We implemented classical ray‐casting algorithm for 2D DRR and filtered back‐projection (FBP) algorithm for DTS reconstruction on graphics hardware based on OpenGL programming interface. Specifically, planning CT images and on‐board projection images were loaded into the memory of hardware and saved as textures which were projected onto frame‐buffer according to the given geometry of imaging system. The final images were generated by blending multiple textures projected onto the frame‐buffer. Difference images and correlation coefficients between hardware and software DRRs and DTSs were calculated to assess their similarity. Results: The mean errors and their standard deviations of the differences DRR and DTS images are 1.0% ± 1.5% and 1.2% ± 2.1%. The correlation coefficients are 99.9% for DRRs and 99.5% for DTS. The reconstructed efficiency was improved by a factor of 67 for DRR and 13 for DTS. Conclusions: The hardware method provides fast reconstructions of DRR and DTS with visibility of anatomical structures comparable to those generated using software methods. This allows real‐time target localization for image registration between on‐board and reference DTSs in the application platform. © 2007, American Association of Physicists in Medicine. All rights reserved.
Yan, H; Ren, L; Godfrey, D; Yin, F
Volume / Issue
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domain: design


text:
There’s no longer a need to wait for Prescription Drug Take-Back days in Arapahoe County to dispose of unwanted prescription and non-prescription medications.
The sheriff’s office has just launched a Drug Drop Box Program that allows the public to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired drugs year-round, during normal business hours.
Unused medications have been cited as the starting point for drug abuse and accidental drug overdoses in children. The medications can lead to groundwater contamination if flushed down a toilet.
The Drug Drop Box is located in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Building, 13101 E. Broncos Parkway, in Centennial. It will be available to the public during normal business hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For a list of what can be accepted in the Drug Drop Box, visit www.arapahoegov.com or call Deputy Brian McKnight at 720-874-3750.
John Aguilar: 303-954-1695, email@example.com or twitter.com/abuvthefold

domain: medical


text: A collection of articles proposed by Foner and Marable. There were 24 articles submitted for consideration, dealing with various topics. With my advice and that of two advisors it has been agreed that only articles pertaining to African American history and race relations be included. Foner and Marable have written a brief preface, Herbert Shapiro of the University of Cincinnati has written a biographical sketch, Clay Carson of the University of California, editor of the Martin Luther King Papers, has written 'an appreciation', with a brief foreword by Aptheker's Daughter.Publication was approved by the Internal Review Committee in November 2002 and the manuscript was accepted by the Press Board in May 2003 (It took forever for the manuscript to be provided on a disk and we also waited until recently for Marable to write the preface as had been agreed. Foner finally did it himself). Since the meeting in June at which the proposal was accepted, I have received an okay from the author of the introduction and have written to the editors of the journals and book publishers which still exist which published articles that might be in copyright. None responded and I feel we are safe in proceeding.

domain: library


text:
With the paradigm shift in the food consumption and the increased competition, business entities have devised various strategies to deal with the challenge of losing market command. In a competitive industry and market, company should distinguished basing on high level customer service and extra ordinary services. Consequently, every business will want to make sure that it not only wins the next customer in the line but it also endeavors to ascertain that this particular customer is retained.
Over the years, the country has been expending at an incredible rate and all the major players in the fast food industry have invested a lot but new problem of obesity has brought in new challenges. Because of these, there has been creation of employment opportunities as more casinos, hotels and recreational facilities are been built. Whole food is food that keeps people health. Therefore fast food free of fat and other junk foods is the product I explore to market in this paper. The food will be sold in a restaurant situated in Las Vegas; a city which is a famous destination for domestic tourism, because of its lifestyle. Most local and international celebrities are known to frequent the city.
Fast food will be marketed using many strategies; the best strategy to use is advertising through prime time, newspaper adverts, bi – weekly adverts, internet, radio and many other advertising services. The service advertising should have 15% of the budget in marketing at same time hirer marketing consultants to give insights on how the service shall enter into the turbulent market of photography.
People who want a healthy food menu: – The Restaurant main objective is to provide a nutritious and healthy meal for its consumers. With the growing culture to reduce obesity, more people are looking for meals that ensure and cater for that. The food that will be offered will ensure this happens and the restaurant will offer a one stop meal where the consumers who are cutting weight and who want to maintain their ideal weight.
Local people within the town/city: – This is a larger target audience; because many people working overtime and hence cooking a healthy meal become a huge task. To cut down the task of cooking the locals are able to eat their meal in the restaurant. With the introduction of delivery of packed food; this will be a tremendous boost to the restaurant as more locals order for delivery of packed food.
Local celebrities and icons:-The town is usually frequented by celebrities who come to enjoy the massive luxury associated with Las Vegas. Targeting the celebrities will be a major boost, because their mere presence will boost the sales via promotion and reputation. The American culture adores their celebrity and their lifestyle; hence a celebrity eating at the restaurant will informally endorse the restaurant to the limelight.
Tourists: – Many people who frequent visit Las Vegas are usually looking to have fun and enjoy themselves while embracing the different and diverse culture in the city.
The four P’s
The main product is selling of fast food free of fat and chunk to our potential consumers. This been a new concept it will be widely accepted as people are more open to diverse food culture. The restaurant main emphasis is to sell nutritious, low calorie food, for especially people who want a certain weight, so as to reduce obesity. The restaurant will take the advantage of adding another cuisine to its intended clients who are used to Chinese, Italian, etc.
The restaurant plans to market the brand the fast food to its consumers and hence arousing the curiosity of consumers who have never had a fast food dish.
Since this is a new product, with a new concept of food to offer to its consumers the introductory price, the price will be evaluated after considering the demand; if the demand is high the price on the menu, will slightly go up so as to improve the profit margin at the maturity stage in the product life cycle.
The restaurant also will offer periodic price discounts in special occasions e.g. valentines, anniversary. The restaurant will also use diversion any pricing where the restaurant will offer a particular meal that represents the restaurant at a low price not including a soft drink. As the consumer is attracted to the low price; he may be tempted to buy a drink or an additional dish.
This involves creating awareness and attention to the restaurant to its consumers. They include; (i) Advertising: The restaurant can choose to advertise in the local press (newspapers, mail, magazines) commercial television, billboards, Use of Travel agencies, brochures, Word of mouth. Out-door hoarding, transport advertising by the taxi and Celebrity endorsements.
Otherwise to give a selected celebrity who frequents Las Vegas free meal, for them to endorse the restaurants to the public? The restaurant advertising message will be “Real food tastes real good”.
With the message, the restaurant will sell itself and become a preferred choice to anyone who wants a diverse meal. There will also be a sales promotion which will involve; Temporary price-reduction to attract new consumers and also retain the old consumers that the restaurant would have captured. Secondly we will offer of twin-pack bargains (offering of two meals for the price of one). This especially will attract unity’s, who want to cut down costs in dining out.
Publicity: The restaurant entails, getting involved with the community developments by offering e.g. the homeless a free meal every week (once a week) from the restaurant. With these social responsibilities, the restaurant will be able to boost publicity of the restaurant, hence creating more awareness.
Place of distribution/positioning
The position of the restaurant is located at a great city, where there is always influx of human flow and hence ensuring there is a ready target group. The restaurant is located in one of the busiest streets in Las Vegas and situated in a mall which is a bonus point to the introduction and success of the restaurant. The restaurant plans to also invest in an indoor décor with a Mediterranean them to go hand with the food.
With the paradigm shift in the consumption and the increased competition fast food has become the most respected foods for healthy people. It has taken a lot of transformation to make sure the customers get guaranteed and the best food. The company has been able to administer and manage modern strategies in marketing at low cost hence providing the customer with optimal value making the customers feel satisfy.
Armstrong G. & Kotler P. (2007). Consumer Markets: Influences on consumer behavior, Principles of Marketing.
Kotler, P & Armstrong, G (1996) Principles of Marketing, (7th Edition), Prentice Hall.
Kotler Philip, (1986), Marketing management, Analysis planning and control, prentice Hall of India Private Limited; New Delhi.
Kotler, P. (2005) Principles of Marketing. New York.Melbourne Press.
Schaik J.L., (2002); The Task of Marketing Management; J.L. van Schaik (Pity) ltd
Winer, R.S. (2007). Marketing Management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

domain: food


text:
THE Clare chairman of the Vinters Federation of Ireland (VFI) has warned that without State support in the upcoming budget there will be more pub closures.
Ninety-two pubs closed in Clare between 2005 and 2021, almost a quarter of the total number, figures from the VFI show.
Ennis publican Charlie O’Meara told the Champion, “After two difficult years of lockdown we really needed a bit of stability for a couple of years, just to get people back on track again.
“Unfortunately that hasn’t happened, and over the last number of weeks we’re seeing serious pressure on pubs. The biggest thing is the energy costs, we’d be calling on the Government to give us some break in the budget.
“It’d have been great to see a cap on electricity prices, but that’s not going to happen. Something like what they did in Covid, to give a waiver on rates, that’s something we’d be calling for.”
Should backing not be forthcoming, more pubs will close permanently, Charlie feels.
“Unless we get some bit of support in the next budget, a lot of businesses will pull the plug on it unfortunately.”
Charlie, who runs O’Dea’s on O’Connell Street in Ennis, said that the long closures brought about by Covid have already seen off a number of bars.
“A lot of pubs didn’t reopen, and an awful lot are finding it hard to keep going for the week, they’re closing three or four nights a week. Unfortunately it’s just not viable any more for them and we’re going to see a lot more of that.”
He said many Clare pubs do food now, and if VAT goes back to 13.5%, it’d be a serious blow.
“I don’t think it’s fair to hammer people with that again, especially the way things are at the moment. Unfortunately the pubs aren’t going to be able to carry it, they’ll have to pass it on to the consumer.”
Obviously the wider public are feeling the impact of far higher prices across the economy, and he says that will limit the amount of socialising people do.
“There was research this week and 42% of people are saying they’re going to reduce their visits to the pub up until Christmas, some say they won’t go at all.
“Some pubs are closing two or three days a week and there’s concern you’ll see a lot of pubs closed for even longer, because it just won’t be viable to keep them open.
“Unfortunately we’ll see a lot of pubs that’ll just say it’s no longer viable to stay open full stop and they’ll pull the plug.”
He said that there was a great level of support provided to pubs to get through Covid, and there should be some further help for those that came through it.
“It’d be madness to let these businesses go to the wall that have survived these last couple of years.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.

domain: economics


text:
Indian boos fired us up says Collingwood
England captain Paul Collingwood said the boos of Indian supporters helped fire his team to victory on Sunday and send the defending champions crashing out.
England beat India by three runs at Lord's to keep alive their hopes of making the semi-finals, but a second successive Super Eights defeat meant India's campaign was over.
"When we were practicing at the nursery ground today, we were booed by the Indian fans. It was hard to believe we were playing at home. So we used those boos as motivation to put on a party piece," said Collingwood.
England made 153/7 off their 20 overs and then had the highly-regarded Indian batsmen struggling to keep up the run rate as pace bowlers Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Stuart Broad dug the ball in.
"It was a fantastic performance by the bowlers," said Collingwood, whose team still need to beat West Indies at the Oval on Monday to reach the semi-finals.
"We were hoping the wicket had a bit of pace in it and we got a lot of balls in some really good areas. They kept going for it and we kept taking wickets."
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who won the toss and chose to field, admitted his team's batting performance was unforgivable after they plodded to 87/5 from 14 overs.
"Their bowlers started really well. They were aggressive and used the bouncer and the short ball well," said Dhoni.
"We failed in the batting. There is no excuse."
Big-hitting Yuvraj Singh, who famously smashed six sixes in an over off Broad at the 2007 tournament, only appeared at the fall of the fourth wicket despite the sluggish progress made by the top order.
Ravindra Jadeja struggled, taking 35 balls to make just 25 as India lost vital momentum.
"Yuvraj could have gone in higher up but we thought Jadeja would stabilise the innings but we lost wickets at unfortunate times," added Dhoni.
"The run rate climbed on us and the timing of the wickets was crucial."

domain: sports


text:
By Craig Stein
It’s now 12 games in a row without a regulation loss for the Nipawin Hawks, after the new league leaders picked up a 3-2 overtime win over the Battlefords North Stars, the second ranked team by points in the league on Tuesday night.
Brandan Arnold’s 23rd goal of the season came 58 seconds into overtime, and the Hawks (22-5-2-2) have now gone more than a month since their last regulation loss (2-1 vs MFT Nov 10).
Jake Tremblay and Grant Baetsen scored in regulation for the Hawks, while Jake Anthony won again, making 28/30 saves. Nipawin continues on to Kindersley on Wednesday.
Keith Anderson and Layne Young replied for the North Stars (22-5-2-0), who still maintain the SJHL’s best winning percentage at .793%. Taryn Kotchorek made 34/37 saves.
It was a wild final minute in Yorkton, where the Terriers scored late to defeat the Melfort Mustangs for the second time in three weeks, 4-3.
The Terriers led 3-2 in the last minute of play, when Colin Schmidt tied things up the for Mustangs with 48 second left. When it looked like overtime was coming, Chantz Petruic (1g-1a) gave the Terriers the lead right back with just 19 seconds on the clock.
Cole Keenleyside, Austin Wieler and Quinton Hobbs (1g-1a) also scored for Yorkton and Bed Laidlaw made 36/39 saves.
Andrew Thompson (1g-1a) ‘AAA’ call-up Beau Stevenson rounded out the scoring for the Mustangs (20-6-4-1).
The Terriers (7-22-2-0) have seven wins on the year, but five of them have come against either Melfort (2) and Estevan (3), two of the league’s top clubs.
Logan Hunter (1g-2a) and Brayden Camrud (3a) had three point nights, leading the Humboldt Broncos to a 4-2 win over the Kindersley Klippers on the road.
Matthieu Gomercic (1g-1a), Xavier Labelle and Conner Lukan also scored for the Broncos (19-9-3-2), who are now without a regulation loss in their last eight (5-0-2-1). Jacob Wassermann made 32/34 saves in the win.
A pair of former Nipawin Hawks, Tanner Thompson (1g-1a) and Keillan Olson replied for the Klippers (13-11-2-2).
The Estevan Bruins scored four times in the first period, and again in the second on their way to a 9-2 win over the visiting Notre Dame Hounds.
The win jumps the Bruins (19-11-2-1) back into top spot in the Viterra Division.
10 different Bruins had multi-point nights. Johnny Witzke had a goal and three assist to lead the way on the back end. Jayden Davis (1g-2a) and Zach Goberis (3a) had three point efforts. Arthur Miller scored twice while Michael McChesney (1g-1a), Jerzy Martin (1g-1a), Kaelan Holt (1g-1a), Matthew Chekay (1g-1a) and Tanner Manz rounded out the attack. Matt Lukacs turned away 20 of 22 shots.
Jared Hamm (1g-1a) and Jack Flaman scored for the Hounds (19-9-1-3).


text:
Human ST8 alpha -2,8‑Sialyltransferase 8B/
ST8SIA2 Antibody Summary
Accession # Q92186
Please Note: Optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application. General Protocols are available in the Technical Information section on our website.
Detection of Human alpha -2,8‑Sialyltransferase 8B/ST8SIA2 by Western Blot. Western blot shows lysates of 786-O human renal cell adenocarcinoma cell line, Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cell line, and SK-OV-3 human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line. PVDF membrane was probed with 0.2 µg/mL of Sheep Anti-Human a-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ ST8SIA2 Antigen Affinity-purified Polyclonal Antibody (Catalog # AF6590) followed by HRP-conjugated Anti-Sheep IgG Secondary Antibody (Catalog # HAF016). A specific band was detected for a-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ST8SIA2 at approximately 63 to 67 kDa (as indicated). This experiment was conducted under reducing conditions and using Immunoblot Buffer Group 1.
alpha -2,8‑Sialyltransferase 8B/ ST8SIA2 in Mouse Embryo. a-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ ST8SIA2 was detected in immersion fixed frozen sections of mouse embryo (13 d.p.c.) using Sheep Anti-Human a-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ ST8SIA2 Antigen Affinity-purified Polyclonal Antibody (Catalog # AF6590) at 1.7 µg/mL overnight at 4 °C. Tissue was stained using the Anti-Sheep HRP-DAB Cell & Tissue Staining Kit (brown; Catalog # CTS019) and counter-stained with hematoxylin (blue). Specific staining was localized to the developing brain. View our protocol for Chromogenic IHC Staining of Frozen Tissue Sections.
Detection of alpha ‑2,8‑Sialyltransferase 8B/ST8SIA2 in IMR‑32 Human Cell Line by Flow Cytometry. IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell line was stained with Sheep Anti-Human a-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ ST8SIA2 Antigen Affinity-purified Polyclonal Antibody (Catalog # AF6590, filled histogram) or control antibody (Catalog # 5-001-A, open histogram), followed by Allophycocyanin-conjugated Anti-Sheep IgG Secondary Antibody (Catalog # F0127). To facilitate intracellular staining, cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde and permeabilized with saponin.
Preparation and Storage
- 12 months from date of receipt, -20 to -70 °C as supplied.
- 1 month, 2 to 8 °C under sterile conditions after reconstitution.
- 6 months, -20 to -70 °C under sterile conditions after reconstitution.
Background: ST8 alpha-2,8-Sialyltransferase 8B/ST8SIA2
ST8SIA2, also known as sialyltransferase X, is mainly expressed during embryonic development (4) and shows strict preference on NCAM (6). Polysialic acid (PSA), abundant on the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) during embryonic development, acts as an anti-adhesive glycan to negatively modulate the adhesive properties of NCAM (1). PSA expression decreases promptly after birth, and becomes restricted to the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and olfactory bulb, areas of the brain that require continuous cell migration and synaptic plasticity (2). Expression of PSA in cancer cells has been suggested to increase tumor invasiveness and to promote tumor growth (3). The temporal regulation of PSA is dependent on the expression of two polysialyltransferases, ST8SIA4 and ST8SIA2 (4, 5). The high degree of substrate specificity is achieved through specific enzyme-substrate recognition at both the protein sequence and glycan structure levels (6, 7). Like most glycosyltransferases, ST8SIA2 is a Golgi‑resident type II membrane protein. The activity of this enzyme has been measured with a phosphatase-coupled method (8).
- Scheidegger, E.P. et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:22685.
- Rutishauser, U. (2008) Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 9:26.
- Seidenfaden, R. et al. (2003) Mol.Cell. Biol. 23, 5908.
- Angata, K. et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:7182.
- Ong, E. et al. (1998). Glycobiology 8:415.
- Korima, N. et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271:19457.
- Thompson, M. G. et al. (2010) J. Biol. Chem. in press.
- Wu, Z.L. et al. (2010) Glycobiology doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwq187.
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domain: health


text:
By Randy David
If Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had not been murdered, he would have become, sooner or later, the president of the Philippines. He was only 50 on the day he was killed, Aug. 21, 1983, just minutes after the plane bringing him home from exile landed at the then Manila International Airport. He would have easily won the vote if Ferdinand Marcos, who seized total power in 1972, had allowed free elections to be held after the formal lifting of martial law in 1981. He was the dictator’s most formidable foe. There was never any question that Ninoy Aquino’s star would rise as soon as the Marcos regime fell.
Ninoy Aquino had been warned. The most dramatic warning about the threats to his life came from the dictatorship’s resident drama queen, the Imeldific first lady herself. Imelda Marcos was still in peak form, indulging her self-perception as the Marcos regime’s most effective diplomat. But she failed. Against the advice of almost everyone he consulted, the opposition senator still decided to return home from three years’ exile in the United States. Upon arrival 31 years ago today, however, he met the fate he had repeatedly been warned against; he was killed in the airport that now bears his name.
By Conrado de Quiros
Oscar Tan had some thoughtful observations in his commentary last Monday. They had to do with some Ateneans flashing the “V” sign in Imelda Marcos’ “selfie” during the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation’s 40th anniversary. The incident had older Ateneans protesting the sacrilege and wondering what happened to their favorite school’s values.
By Oscar Franklin Tan
The uproar over Imelda Marcos’ selfie with Ateneo de Manila students flashing “V” signs at the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation’s 40th anniversary might not imply that present Ateneo students are vapid and superficial.
By Conrado de Quiros
Imelda Marcos has a vision. On her 85th birthday, she glimpsed another Marcos, this time, Bongbong, making a triumphal return to Malacañang. “I see a Marcos as president. That is destiny.”

domain: politics


text:
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Description: Military veterans receive therapy in hot water tubs, with George Gardner, director of the hydro-therapy department, Wisconsin Memorial Hospital on Farwell...
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Date: 1920 ca.
Description: Interior of the pharmacy at Saint Mary's Hospital, completed May 18, 1859 and designed by Anthony Bley. A pharmacist works behind the counter. Behind him...
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text:
“Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.” -Norman Vincent Peale
Reason #2-It takes money to make money.
Convincing yourself to become a successful entrepreneur is no easy feat. Your most recent excuse for not pursuing the life of your dreams is a common one. Although your great idea could secure you financially for years to come, the start-up money simply does not exist. How could you expect to burst onto the scene when you are currently living from paycheck to paycheck?
You’ve probably subscribed to the following school of thought: Most successful entrepreneurs you’ve heard/read about were able to skyrocket into the small business world by using money that conveniently happened upon them i.e. trust fund, inheritance, wealthy parents, generous spouse, lottery winnings, BINGO, etc. And as you read this, you are likely nodding in agreement and uttering a phrase that angers me to no end,
“It takes money to make money.” What a crock of s#@t!
In g-rated speak: This is a myth! A debilitating one. It implies that you need to invest a certain amount of money into your business in order for it to exist, let alone grow and generate satisfactory financial returns. By application alone, this myth has defeated you before you’ve given yourself your best chance to succeed.
The requirement of money before starting a business is a myth because it is inherently untrue. You can start plenty of businesses, including an internet business, with zero money.
Because I know I am provoking you to argue the above, let me direct your attention away from the requirement of start-up money and have you focus on asking the right questions.
Wrong Question: How much money will it take to start a particular business?
What resources do I need to start this business?
How can I get these resources?
What can I trade in order to get those resources?
Who, where, when and how can I trade what I have for what I need?
Get creative about money.
In most cases, money is the most obvious resource. But you’ve got to change the way you think about money or the lack of it before you can become a successful entrepreneur. If you don’t have much or any money to trade for what you need, you just need to get creative.
Try trading your time and/or mental effort for certain skills. I have bartered some of my time and certain professional advice and have received software in return. Money may make it easier to get what you want, but what matters is having something to trade.
Mentally, you must fight the urge to lose before you’ve entered the race. This mindset is a precursor to a failed attempt. A failed attempt may mean an end for you as a successful entrepreneur. End of business. End of dream. End of story.
Change your mindset about money and the opportunities are endless. Now, you’re in business. Dream continues. Success awaits.
Stay tuned for Reason #3 You Don’t Have the Time

domain: finance


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Gerard De’Groot mentions “ since working class housing was already in a poor state before the war, the situation grew even more appalling during the 4years of neglect” De’Groot feels more should have been done by the government to help the British people and Arthur Marwick says that the housing act and education act, mother an child welfare act were all due to come eventually and that the government introduced it for a better post war world and the back log of problems caused by the disruptions of war to society had its many ups and downs for the British people in 1914-24, many people will say that equality between men and women was beginning to show after the first world war.
Many women particularly from the middle class were becoming more involved in politics women were also able to work but social classes played a significant part. According to De’Groot Women provided cheap labour for employers. Women knew that there jobs were temporary and that once the men returned from war they would have o surrender they jobs. Martin Pugh criticises Arthur Marwick’s view that women’s valuable work for the war effort radically changed male’s ideas about their role in society, Pugh says this seems to be simplistic and erroneous and over looks the pre 1914 changes to attitude. M.Pugh says during the 1920’s the idea that a women’s place was in the home was stronger then it ever was.
Post war Britain had also many problems with its foreign policies at the British Empire were breaking up due to the white dominion that weren’t guaranteeing support to Great Britain and wanted independence. India ere concerned with there own problems within there own country and started having non violent protests and passive resistant India were the jewel in the crown for Britain and Britain lost it Indian empire, which meant trade was low and unemployment rose, the empire provided cheap resources and raw materials.
Britain’s economy suffered major blows which affected the British people. A short term post ware boom bought a spiralling inflation at the end of he war but as interest rates were raised this gave way to depression. State intervention in the lives of British people was necessitated by war and now became the norm. The Laissez Faire approach by the government had disappeared. The British trade was hit b millions o tons of shipping being sunk and loss of overseas markets Britain also had tough competition in the textile market as India and china were damaging industry in Lancashire and British coal levels exports never recovered their pre was levels. Over investment in the staple industries, iron, steel, ships, coal and textiles were no longer needed in peacetime. These industries lost their pre war primacy and entered a period of slow decline. Britain’s wartime capital expenditure and her empire were greater then other participants. Britain had massive debts to pay off especially to the USA because debtor such as Russia failed to pay up and USA required full payment, by 1918 government expenditure was over 50% of GNP.
In 1921 Britain’s unemployment rose to 2million and Britain’s share of world exports fell from 18% to 11%, so Britain wasn’t doing as well as it use to overseas anymore, this led to Britain’s overseas markets being lost to competitors. Along with the US dollar which replaced the British pound as the dominant international currency, unemployment was particularly bad in heavy industries such as mining, iron and steel it reached 67% in Jarrow.
Norman Lowe looks at the economic effects on different social classes; he says how heavy taxation to help finance the war was mostly concentrated on the aristocracy and the middle classes. Lowe mentions how aristocrats were forced to sell there estates, but they were still wealthy but had lost there position as a dominant political and landowning class. Lowe also says how the middle classes living standards fell and that they were unable to maintain such large households and fewer domestic servants were needed, and if fell by 50% over the whole country. On the other hand Lowe says how the working class had benefited the most from government intervention and on average wages doubled, working hours were reduced from 55 hours to 48 hours and that working class families were able to afford meat, but A. Marwick looks at the situation differently as he says “the working class in the 1914 was large and it was poor. In the early 1920s it was not quite so large and it was not quite so poor”.
The government also created the Defence of the Realm acts which laid the basis of government interference, the cabinet had the power to “issue regulations as to the powers of admiralty and army council” this was to ensure public safety. Later acts gave wide powers beyond economic control into such areas as censorship and control of the press.
During the period of World War 1 the state had a lot of intervention and a lot more hands on approach. As I mention before the state implemented the Defence of the Realm Act which gave way for emergency powers act, which led to a military style government. Industry and labour geared way to the war effort. The state had major controls on prices, production, work force and wages, they had control on agriculture e.g. food production and transportation was also under control by the state e.g. railways and shipping. Heavy industries like coal, iron and steel were taken under state directions. Labour was now directed for women, unskilled, semi skilled including men as well. Conscription was also extended theses were a raft of new measures introduced by the state.
AJP Taylor believe the first world war was a turning point between the government and the people he believed citizens weren’t obliged to perform state services and that the government had modest tax rates, the state implemented food and work restrictions to prevent people from catching infectious diseases and preventing workers from working excessive hours along with safety regulations, there were also educational benefits as children received education up to the age of 13 and pension schemes were introduced, but all this changed by the impact of world war 1. This shows discontinuity in the period of World War 1. A Marwick (the Deluge) also believes in discontinuity as he said the state controlled development to meet the needs of the war, new measures of tolerance were introduced for large scale intervention and that in the years after the war the country entered economic depression and mass unemployment.
But other historians such as W.O Simpson have two minds about the relationship between the government and the people, in “Changing Horizons” he is for discontinuity as he mentions there’s improvements made on social welfare and health and housing and that there is a better and fairer society. How teachers had now had a pension scheme along with a salary structure and that politicians showed a greater sense of obligation to the casualties of society, but on the other had signs of continuity is shown as he mentions this is a logical extensions on pre war legislation along with educational improvement.
Stevenson also feels this as he mentions in British society 1914-1945, he feels that discontinuity was carried on as new ministers of health and transportation were established along with the introduction of DORA, which was made permanent, but Stevenson also shows signs of continuity as he mentions how people in Britain had a desire to return to pre war conditions and normalcy and that the government was dominated by the conservative. M. Pugh in “State & Society” felt discontinuity as well as mothers and children welfare did continue to gain resources and social reforms were extended in result of the war, but there was certainly a measure of continuity, not only in terms of detailed policies but also in the survival of the parliamentary system and the monarchy in Britain. M. Pugh also feels there was a minimal taxation upon people and the government intervened less, and that there was a shrift closer to Laissez Faire. So certain historians had different views of the turning point between the government and the people.
The war losses had a massive impact on the British people as many loved ones were lost. 1.6 million Britain’s were wounded which made them unable to work. 745,000 Britain’s were killed during the war 9% of which were men under the age of 45. Out of 6,146,574 serving soldiers, sailors and airmen 11.8% were killed. These figures were compounded by 150,000 who died in the flu epidemic of 1918-1919. There were 425,000 widows. These losses were bad enough but knock on effect too those condemned to continue living. Gerard De’Groot said that the psychological effect of world war one was the least understood. Demographers were quick to rectified the losses by saying post was baby booms and changes in emigration patterns helped to condemn these losses. De’Groot quotes “The “Lost generation” did not consist of those who died, but those condemned going on living” the war had traumatised the whole country.
There was also a major change in politics as there was a decline of the Liberals and the rise of the labour party. The labour party won support from the newly enfranchised voters following the reform act of 1918, which had increased the electorate from 28% to 74%. So far more people had a say in British politics. Most of the new voters were from the working class. According to Derrick Murphy the labour were able to win over many liberal supporters due to the fact that the labour party had a major stand on foreign policy, which was able to end secret diplomacy and as a result the labour share of votes rose from 7.1% in December 1910 to 22.2% in 1918.
So in conclusion there were many consequences which the British people had to face because of world war one. The British society had its ups and downs during this time period, the economy suffered major blows in the time period of 1914-24 due to the wartime expenditure. Women had gained significant changes in society, like being able to vote and the state had changed its role due to the British people, and by improving living and working conditions for them. But the trauma of the First World War would always stay as many loved ones sacrificed they lives for Britain at the time.


C99 petrol (All Petrols)
How it works :
C 99 modifies the surface tension of fuel molecules (carbon chain type C6) to obtain a larger contact surface with oxygen and a homogeneous oxidant/fuel mixture, achieving ideal combustion and improving the operating parameters of thermal engines.
C 99 accelerates the air/fuel mixture at any engine speed, hot or cold, achieving a much more homogeneous injection beam at ignition and a very high combustion speed, converting all the fuel into energy, so that the money you save is no longer wasted through the exhaust in the form of polluting black fumes. Remark: Incredibly, MOT measurements of pollutant gases show a 4 times lower reading of Hc and Co.
C 99 Petrol is also equipped with an anti-friction feature which prevents seizure and clogging of the injection system or carburetion. C 99 Gasoline avoids deposits from rubber and lacquers that foul the tank and injectors and are also responsible for seizures or blockages in the engine's fuel system (see photo).
C 99 Petrol achieves CO readings below 0.005 in the ITV test.
For this reason, Mecarun offers you the following guarantee:
ITV gas check: If you are not satisfied, you get your money back!
Less pollution, less fuel consumption
C 99 avoids the corrosive effects of ether and ethanol
(see detrimental effects on pipes and seals).
The anti-friction function of C 99 is a great advantage.
Protects the fuel system right up to the firing segment and reduces the loss of lubrication of current petrols in accordance with Euro 3 and Euro 4 standards. It prevents fouling of the lambda sensor or loss of charge in the injection pump due to the usual heavy wear caused by ethanol, water, alcohols, lacquers, rubbers and corrosion. The amazing functions of the C 99 Gasoline achieve good engine performance and keep the lambda sensor clean. It is specially designed for cars, boats, ultralight aircraft, quads, scooters and all 2 and 4 stroke engines.
C 99 Petrol achieves a quieter engine. Reduces or eliminates detonations of unburned fuel in the exhaust. Gasoline storage: C 99 allows slowing the octane drop caused by prolonged storage. Some state agencies will store it for up to 5 years.
C 99 reduces Co² emissions and fuel consumption: see our testimonial pages. C 99 Petrol allows you to save money that would otherwise go down the drain and pollute the environment. C 99 avoids maintenance operations caused by carbon build-up and engine fouling,
C 99 Gasoline avoids damage caused by electrolytic torque which corrodes metal in the injection system and carburation. Methyl tert-butyl ether or MTBE with formula C5H12O is a colourless, volatile, flammable liquid ether that is not miscible in water.
Easy to pour thanks to its dosing bottle and filling spout
If you are not satisfied, we will refund your money*.
* If after using Eco 10,000 250 ml or C 99 which treats 1,000 litres of fuel or a Mecarun cleaning treatment (see specific page) , you have to pass the MOT again due to a fault in the gas control or you have to replace the EGR valve or the FAP, Hi-Tec International will refund the cost of your bottle of C 99 250 ml or your Eco 10 000 250 ml. * The vehicle must have had its air filter and diesel filter recently replaced before passing the MOT. * Valid only for orders placed online or at an authorised point of sale. Excludes shipping costs.
* You must have the purchase invoice for the product and, if applicable, the invoice for the replacement of the FAP or EGR valve, plus a copy of the negative anti-pollution result from the MOT.
C 99 and hybrids
C 99 reduces fuel consumption and pollution when starting the engine (see anti-pollution testimonials). The initial wear of the engine is due to the lack of lubrication during the first rpm. P18 antifriction prevents this.
Likewise, hybrid vehicles and those equipped with the Stop and Start system tend to suffer from wear due to continuous state changes from electric to motor mode. C99 and P18 are ideal in this circumstance to lower consumption and prevent engine wear.
1 gram of petrol burned emits 3.09 grams of CO2 x mass of petrol = 2.28 kg of CO2 per litre of petrol burned. 2228 gr / 120 gr = 19 km per litre of petrol = 5 litres / 100 km
C 99 reduces Co², HC and CO. The catalyst converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide: 2CO + O2= 2CO2:
C 99 reduces CO emissions by up to 4 times and keeps the lambda sensor clean, allowing optimum engine performance (see Yamaha XMAX and other petrol vehicles report on Mecarun's anti-pollution page). Oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide and water: 4CxHy + (4x + y) O2= 4xCO2 + 2yH2O:
C 99 reduces carbon and pollutant gases
Without C99 - lambda probe - with C99
injection pump flow
require a high oxygen supply, in contrast to reduction reactions. The reading of this reaction is taken by the lambda sensor, sending the data to the engine management computer. The C 99 keeps the lambda sensor clean and operational for optimum performance, as well as allowing minimum fuel consumption.
Fuel economy is key to pollution reduction in cars, motorbikes, heavy duty vehicles, trucks, marine, tractors and agricultural machinery.
C 99 reduces carbon build-up in the catalytic converter, EGR valve, FAP particulate filter and turbo. Mecarun means ecology, environmental protection, elimination of carbon and black smoke, success in MOT gas control and reduction of water, bacteria and sludge in the tank.
Mecarun is the benchmark for reducing consumption and saving energy ...
With Mecarun, your car will have nothing to envy to a Formula 1 engine.
Mecarun means eco-driving, environmental protection, reliability, anti-friction, engine cleanliness, fuel saving and a significant reduction in maintenance costs for all types of vehicles.
Mecarun takes care of the catalytic converter, the particulate filter, the EGR valve, the turbo and other components of thermal engines and allows a significant reduction in maintenance costs.


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Piers Morgan has slammed Shamima Begum, calling her a 'monster' and saying she should be left to 'rot in the terror bed she made herself'.
The former Good Morning Britain presenter described the 22-year-old as a 'lying, snivelling, cold-hearted, self-serving ISIS bride monster'.
It follows her GMB interview this morning (Wednesday) in which she asked the British people for forgiveness.
The east London schoolgirl, who fled her home aged 15 to join Isis in Syria, said she was 'completely sorry for anyone affected' by the terror group.
But Piers said he would have 'lost his temper' during the interview.
He retweeted a video clip of the interview and wrote: "Just as well I’m not interviewing this lying, snivelling, cold-hearted, self-serving ISIS bride monster or I’d have seriously lost my temper by now.
"Begum should never be allowed back to Britain.
"Let her rot in the terror bed she made for herself."
Shamima Begum apologises to the British public during her interview with Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley this morning.
Speaking from Syria and wearing a Nike baseball cap and grey vest, she said: “Of course I am completely sorry for anyone that has been affected by Isis.
“In no way do I agree with what they did, I don’t, I’m not trying to justify what they did, it’s not justifiable to kill innocent people in the name of religion.”
She also apologised for her comments on the Manchester Arena bombing in 2019, when she said the attack was 'justified'.
Shamima Begum had her British citizenship revoked by the Home Office on national security grounds.
In response to her interview, a Home Office spokesman said: “The Government’s top priority remains maintaining our national security and keeping the public safe.
“We do not routinely comment on individual cases.”


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Cel mai mare automodel de la Traxxas: Traxxas X-MAXX !!!
IN STOC - LIVRARE IN 24H ORIUNDE IN TARA !!!!
Suspensii masive hidraulice!!!
Diferential complet din metal!
Modular Chassis Design Interlocking modular chassis design keeps the motor and the gear drive together as a unit to virtually eliminate gear-crunching chassis flex. The design also provides easy access to critical components, making any needed maintenance or repairs a snap to perform.
Massive Grip The wheels and tires are massive and so is the grip from the burley, super aggressive all-terrain tread. Add some modern style in the wheel and back it up with power for a combo that roosts dirt and gravel like a 450 dirt bike!
GTX™Aluminum Shocks X-Maxx's long-travel, super-plush feel is ensured with four enormous high-performance oil-filled GTX™aluminum shocks. The large oil volume dissipates heat for all-day shredding, while an integrated wiper seal keeps the shafts clean to reduce seal wear for long life.
Shock Tower Design X-Maxx's shock towers introduce an exclusive new Traxxas look that offers rigid, triangulated structure and an authentic off-road look that fills in the wheel openings of the truck. They also serve as a convenient carry handles and provide level supports for the X-Maxx when placed upside down for cleaning.
Rock Solid Motor Mount The all-new motor mount design cradles the motor to prevent flexing on the mount. Gear mesh is held firmly in place by keyed pins so there's no need for tricky adjustments. Eliminating flex means longer gear life, even in the most punishing conditions.
Monster Travel AchievingX-Maxx'shuge suspension travel, tight turning circle, and incredible strength required hundreds of hours of modeling, development, and testing to package all of that capability in these sophisticated components. Exciting visual form follows unsurpassed function and performance.
Waterproof From the Start Waterproofing our models has never been an afterthought at Traxxas. Patented Traxxas innovation seals out the water so that your playground doesn't end when the fun involves water, snow, and mud. Dirty truck? Just hose it off. The new style box allows fast radio access without removal of the cover.
Double Shear Connections X-Maxxuses double shear connections when the mission requires incredible strength. Suspension hinge points, shock mounting, and even the steering servo output shaft are engineered to redefine Traxxas Tough™. Captured, high-strength steel suspension pins are used throughout and will never unscrew or "back out."
Steering Authority A new servo was created to deliver the strength and the torque necessary to giveX-Maxxunmatched steering authority. The quick steering and tight turning circle, combined with advanced suspension geometry, givesX-Maxxnimbleness and control that is unexpected in such a large vehicle.
Impact Cushions X-Maxxis equipped with new energy-absorbing impact cushions behind the front and rear bumpers to help soften the blows and makeX-Maxxeven more durable in demanding situations--even the unexpected ones.
CV Driveshafts High-strength steel driveshafts were engineered to maximize suspension travel, steering angles, and overall durability. The differential outputs are splined for incredible strength, and they center bolt to the differential for easy cleaning and service. Splined wheel hexes eliminate axle pins that require through holes that create a weak point in shafts.
Fan Cooled Slipper Clutch Traxxas' unique slipper clutch design features a dual-fan arrangement for enhanced cooling. The slipper clutch absorbs shock loads on the driveline and givesX-Maxxthe strength to blast full throttle across the most challenging and rugged terrain.
Aluminum Splined Driveshaft The tough aluminum center driveshaft carries the power to the front and rear differentials. Splined drives are used throughout for precise engagement, incredible strength, and smooth running.
Steel differentials X-Maxxdifferentials are all steel to handle the rigors of challenging off-road situations. The differentials are sealed and filled with heavyweight oil, which gives the feel of limited-slip differentials. What the driver feels is confidence as theX-Maxxpower slides through turns with massive roost and total control.
Full Contact Sealed Bearings X-Maxxis equipped with full contact sealed bearings in outboard locations to keep out the grime and grit. Less downtime for cleaning and maintaining bearings equals more up time for X-Maxx…up in the air that is, as you power over your favorite jumps.


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Iran is all over Iraq, U.S. Middle East watchers warn. At his nomination for U.S. ambassador to Iraq this March, Matthew Tueller mentioned Iran 17 times in his written statement. This concern with Iranian influence was echoed at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing a few months later, where officials from the State and Defense Departments advocated continued American engagement in Iraq as a buffer against Iran. One does not have to look far for pieces outlining strategies for containing Iranian expansionism in its western neighbor.
Analysts are right to worry about foreign influence in Iraq — a weak state racked by sectarian tension and extremism and currently embroiled in mass social unrest. Yet while the United States fixates on Iranian ambitions, a far more formidable power has stepped in. Last month, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi revealed that his country was signing on to China’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). His announcement coincided with his state visit to Beijing, which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime feted with habitual adulation in state media.
Amid the typically tumultuous Middle East news, Abdul-Mahdi’s visit and BRI announcement made few headlines. But the United States and others ought to pay attention as China adds another feather to its BRI cap.
Iraq and China had quietly begun to deepen their relationship before this year. In 2015, Haider al-Abadi, Abdul-Mahdi’s predecessor, took a state visit of his own to China, where the two sides concluded an agreement on a “strategic partnership.” Iraqi oil exports to China jumped to approximately $20 billion last year, making Iraq the country’s fourth largest supplier.
It’s no wonder why China has its sights on Iraq. Endowed with enormous oil reserves (the world’s fifth largest) and a strategic geopolitical location, Iraq has much to offer as China puts in motion its plans to dominate Eurasian trade. Iraq’s proximity to maritime nations in the Mediterranean (Beijing is actively courting or has already inked formal deals with Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey) and in the Gulf is a boon to the BRI. In Baghdad, Beijing has found a bridge between those shipping lanes and its ever growing footprint in Central Asia and Iran. Chinese infrastructure now dots the landscape contiguously from East Asia to the Mediterranean.
Middle Eastern countries, which in 2018 received a whopping $28 billion in BRI investments, play a crucial role in China’s grand strategy. Under CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping, Beijing has aggressively made overtures throughout the region. Though ostensibly economic in nature, these emerging ties will almost certainly grow Chinese political power across the Middle East. One harbinger came this summer: To appease the serial human rights violator, Iraq was one of the 50 countries that praised Chinese policies in Xinjiang after a UN Human Rights Council letter blasted China over its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority. This is a sign of Beijing’s willingness to exploit the economic dependence of Iraq and other BRI clients as a means to advance its political aims.
If other developing countries in the BRI are a barometer, then Iraq may have signed up for more than it can handle. Consider Pakistan. Islamabad’s partnership with Beijing hasn’t shielded the former from incurring massive BRI debts, which have put the brakes on billions worth of remaining projects. Time will tell whether Iraq can avoid a similar fate, and Iraq alone should decide with whom to do business. But it should bear in mind that China may be a perilous patron that misleads unwitting states. At a 2015 press conference in the Rose Garden, Xi adamantly disavowed Chinese ambitions to militarize its illegal islands in the South China Sea. So much for that fantasy. Although some consider Chinese investment a remarkable opportunity for Iraq, big dreams elsewhere have not always panned out.
All this is not to deny the United States’ enduring influence in Iraq. Stationed there are several thousand American troops. The American embassy in Baghdad is the largest in the world. Defense ties between the two countries are robust — the United States has furnished over $23 billion in military sales since 2003. Some have warned that as U.S. partners grow more reliant on Chinese money, Beijing could pressure them to limit security cooperation with Washington. The United States may be forced to do so preemptively, as Mike Pompeo has said could happen with Israel, the strongest U.S. ally in the region. The U.S. government has also told other countries to cut ties with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, which has an established presence in Iraq, or risk diminished intelligence sharing.
Americans may very well be sick of Iraq following years of alarmist coverage of Saddam Hussein, sectarian violence, and Islamic State. But now is not the time to shun the country — or the region for that matter. Wherever the United States looks to disengage, Xi and his regime stand ready to fill the void.
In Iraq, Iranian meddling is certainly a threat to the country’s stability and the national security interests of the United States and its allies that plays well politically. But let’s not turn a blind eye to a more menacing threat in China.
Daniel J. Samet is Program Assistant for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. The views expressed here are his own.