Comment: A Coalition Government Posted December 2nd, 2008 by timothy. 9 Comments A Coalition Government On the weekend I downloaded the results available at Elections Canada and did some number crunching. Thanks to the miracle of the spreadsheet, this was something that only took about a half-hour to do. The numbers remind us that the Conservatives only got 10.4 million votes, while the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc combined got 15 million. Thus Stephen Harper is full of shit, which is pretty much nothing new, as far as many are concerned. As for talk of an alliance with Separatists, I too think this is bullshit. Since when as the Bloc been a threat? Since 1995, thirteen years ago. Now they are a Quebec chauvinist party who represent Quebec self-interest in the federal government. Given that a lack of representation and fair dealing throughout the 20th Century is what led Quebec to believe they needed to separate, perhaps the Bloc’s place in the House over the past fifteen years has been sufficient to defuse that threat. Yes, on paper, they’re Separatists. Also, on paper, the Pope believes in Jesus. But the Bloc is not a threat, and like the Pope, probably enjoy their political power and influence more than they do their ideology. Which is exactly where Harper as gone so wrong – trying to mix his power with his noxious ideology. Seventeen million people did not vote for the Conservatives. Seventeen million Canadians rejected their ideals. Yet, with ten million votes, we found them in power. And what a Chomskyian fall – by that meaning their undoing followed Chomsky’s usual analysis that governments get into trouble when they fuck with powerful interests. All through the pre-election Parliament, the Liberals refused to challenge Harper’s regime. This is what earned my disgust with Stephen Dion, not the Carbon Tax. Now that they’ve finally stood up for themselves and for their representatives, I look forward to Dion as a Prime Minister. And yet, it was the threat to remove their public funding which became the straw that broke this camel’s back. Well, whatever. Lets bygones be bygones – the Separatists are not a threat, nor are they treasonous etc. Dion is no longer being pusillanimous. Harper is no longer appearing reasonable and respectable. Bring on the future. One constitutional lawyer (also a University of Toronto professor), was on Don Newman’s Politics last evening (Mon Dec 1; begins at 11:19). The talk was a lack of historical precedence, in terms of giving this legitimacy. So what? Why does that even need to be a concern? Can’t this Parliament set a precedent? Indeed, this whole scenario is a heartwarming reminder that there are stop-gaps in place to prevent dictatorships and tyrannies. Mind you, that take on it might not be valid if the governing party was in the Majority. Nevertheless, what I saw when watching Layton, Dion and Duceppe’s news conference last evening was history, an historic handshake like similar foundational handshakes in national histories. John Ralston Saul likes to talk about the agreement between Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, and how this arrangement laid the foundations for Confederation. A coalition government at this time could be the foundation of collaborative government which would be appropriate to the networked 21st Century. For all we know, this type of thing could lead to a revised Constitution in fifty years. Repeated accusations of the parties playing partisan politics, and using the Bloc as a denigration, is entirely missing this point. Big picture, long term, we should have a government where the parties work together, where they represent a multitude of voices and different ideas, and this could free us from rule by one-party ideologues the likes of Harper, or for that matter, the likes of Chretien. Further, the Reform party (from which Harper sprang) found its first members among those who were angry with the Trudeau-era Liberals (who, granted, worked with the NDP during one of their terms). The point here being that breaking one-party majority rules who just piss off a lot of people off is probably a good thing for all. Historians may look at this as an evolution of politics which began with the return to Minority Parliaments after the Chretien years. Minorities which lead to Coalitions which lead to fairer representation at the Federal level. If anything, (and if they can get this right), this may enable future under-represented voices to be heard. And one can hope that amidst the economic stimuli, they find the time to bring in Proportional Representation, since it’s now to their mutual advantage. In my excitement last night, I posted on as my Facebook status: ‘I am so proud of my parliament right now. This is Canada’s Obama moment. Wow.’ What I meant was that a bold, change-oriented, imaginative thing was underway, which put into contrast the status-quo we are used to. The election of Barack Obama was a result of a majority of Americans consciously choosing a different path, one that lead them into the 21st Century. Obama promises a government of transparency and of networked sophistication. As Canadians, we aren’t there yet. But a majority of Canadians consciously chose to vote for parties other than the Conservatives, who would never lead us there to begin with. The five million more who voted past the Conservatives ten million will now feel like they’ve gotten the government they were asking for. They (and we, as I was one of them) deserve to be represented, and for our common desire to see a better country given a chance to be implemented.


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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will soon release a set of guidelines to regulate content on Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime in view of the rising number of complaints against them, said the Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.
Speaking to a news agency, Javadekar said: “We have received a lot of complaints against some serials available on OTT platforms. Films and serials released on OTT platforms and digital newspapers do not come under the purview of the Press Council Act, Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act or Censor Board. We will come up with some guidelines on it soon.”
His statement came days after the makers of Amazon Prime web series ‘Tandav’ had multiple FIRs filed against them in various states over hurting religious sentiments. Another web series — Mirzapur – was pulled up by the Supreme Court for ‘maligning’ the image of the Uttar Pradesh district by the same name.
Earlier, Javadekar had announced that after almost 10 months, cinema halls will be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity starting February 1.

domain: news


Chapter 10. Concurrency with Processes, Threads, and Coroutines
Python includes sophisticated tools for managing concurrent operations using processes and threads. Even many relatively simple programs can be made to run faster by applying techniques for running parts of the job concurrently using these modules.
subprocess (page 535) provides an API for creating and communicating with secondary processes. It is especially good for running programs that produce or consume text, since the API supports passing data back and forth through the standard input and output channels of the new process.
signal (page 553) module exposes the Unix signal mechanism for sending events to other processes. The signals are processed asynchronously, usually by ...


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In advance of the 2018 US midterm elections, Planned Parenthood Action Fund tried to increase the number of people who voted in key districts by getting volunteers to encourage their friends and families to go to the polls. The campaign involved virtual training of participants to prepare them to call 10 to 20 people they knew. But things didn’t go as planned.
“Volunteers weren’t following through and they weren’t getting back to us consistently,” said Austen Levihn-Coon, Planned Parenthood’s digital organizing director.
The organization changed course, turning the trainings into real-time phone bank sessions. The switch allowed volunteers to overcome “their psychological barrier to doing the calls, and we got much better results,” according to Levihn-Coon.
This isn’t how it usually goes with nonprofits. When it comes to engaging people to act and keeping them engaged over time, organizations often fall short, creating earnest but ineffective communication strategies and then failing to adapt when they don’t work.
How bad is it? The best performers in terms of advocacy engagement rates—environmental groups—only get 9 percent of people subscribed to their communication alerts to take three or more actions a year, according to the 2019 M+R Benchmarks Study, a review of 135 nonprofits’ digital metrics. The industry average was 5 percent.
And they don’t fare much better on social media. Only 4 percent of the followers of a nonprofit on Facebook even see the organization’s posts, unless paid promotion is involved. For every 10,000 Facebook fans of a nonprofit, only 31 of them will engage per post on average.
Nonprofits must achieve better engagement or the causes they care about will be at risk. But it will take more than just crafting narratives for their supporters or asking them to share stories. Organizations need to understand what makes people tick, and the field of behavior science can help.
Behavior = Motivation + Ability + Prompt
The Fogg Behavior Model, developed by Stanford behavioral scientist B.J. Fogg, identifies three elements that must simultaneously occur to get people moving: They must be motivated, able, and prompted to take an action. If one of these aspects is missing, people aren’t going to do what you’re hoping for.
In the model, the more motivated you are, the more likely that you will do something that is hard for you. Conversely, if you are prompted to do something that is easy for you, you don’t require much motivation to follow through. The action line divides success from failure: When people are prompted above it, they will do the behavior. When they are prompted below it, they won’t.
What does it take to make sure your efforts fall on the right side of Fogg’s action line? Based on our decades of collective experience as advocates for global issues, campaigners, and communication advisors to nonprofits, we have five recommendations.
Following this model, a successfully designed nonprofit prompt or call to action requires understanding your audience’s motivations and abilities.
The global fundraising campaign #GivingTuesday is structured around the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, tapping into the high motivation of many people to act altruistically as an antidote to holiday consumerism. By 2018, it had become a global campaign with a significance and timeliness of its own, raising more than $380 millionin one day and bringing the effort’s total donations to more than $1 billion since it launched in 2012.
Many nonprofits have leveraged #GivingTuesday to energize their audiences. Last year, World Bicycle Relief—a nonprofit that provides bicycle transportation in rural areas of developing countries—used the campaign to raise money for more than 1,620 bicycles, far exceeding their goal of 1,400 and enabling them to distribute more than 3,200 bikes by matching the donations. But the organization was also smart about the focus of its communication efforts. It reached out to highly motivated people who were already passionate about the sport of cycling, and provided them a perfect prompt for giving: details about a specific beneficiary of the aid, a school in Kenya where bicycles would help transform the lives of female students.
Organizations need prompts to connect with people when they are highly motivated. That means reaching out within 24 to 48 hours of a supporter expressing interest, according to Jessica Bosanko, senior vice president at M+R.
If nonprofits create prompts related to issues in the headlines, a rapid response is even more important to keep up with a 24/7, constantly shifting, and social media-driven news cycle. But how? Organizations need to have employees keeping an eye out for news, establish criteria for when a response is called for, identify the staff members who will be responsible for quickly mobilizing supporters, and create an engagement plan that supporters have the skills and motivations to carry out.
In 2018, when the Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant families at the US border screamed from the news headlines, Americans rallied to support organizations ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Texas Civil Right Project. Many organizations responded to the swell of interest by helping lawyers rapidly sign up for pro bono assignments to defend immigrant minors and adults in court.
It is difficult for people to maintain high motivation over time, so it’s important to provide a steady drumbeat of simple calls to action that make engaging easy.
The #MyTuesdayPromise campaign from #GivingTuesdayIndia encourages people to save small contributions each week throughout the year and donate the accumulated amount to nonprofits on the famous annual Tuesday.
Other organizations have used simple prompts to introduce non-fundraising requests, such as volunteering or advocacy. During the 2018 holiday season in Singapore, for example, nonprofits banded together to organize a “Giving Week.” It played off of #GivingTuesday and made getting involved more accessible by sharing ideas like micro-volunteering, when people show support through activities they like that require only small blocks of time.
New behaviors are easier to adopt if they easily fit into people’s existing routines. Campaigners should connect with their supporters in the communication spaces they already occupy, says Gautam Raju, senior campaigns director with Purpose, an organization that builds and supports social movements.
The communication platform WhatsApp, for example, has about 1.5 billion people around the world sending 60 billion messages a day. Using it has been incredibly effective in mobilizing supporters to take high-barrier political actions, particularly in countries like India, notes Raju, who works on a number of campaigns in the country. While effective, these platforms are also breeding grounds for misinformation, which nonprofits must contend with.
Raju also points to Instagram as a “great platform to connect with new supporters through adjacent issues.” For example, Purpose drummed up support for global health by finding people on the photo-sharing app who showed an interest in topics related to the cause, such as yoga, personal fitness, and food.
It can be uncomfortable for many organizations to cede control. But to create movements that grow and build momentum over time, nonprofits must give supporters the tools to connect with each other, provide their own prompts, and organize communication efforts. Relinquishing control will not only increase supporters’ loyalty to a cause, it will also take the pressure off of nonprofits to do all of the “motivate + ability + prompt” work of Fogg’s behavior model, making them more flexible in a fast-paced world.
We see this strategy at work in movements that embrace an important feature of effective supporter empowerment: using authentic communications that reflect the people who are directly involved with an issue. NeverAgain.com’s campaign against gun violence is driven by those most affected by the issue. And the Fight for $15 campaign made sure to place the voices and stories of workers at the core of its messaging by sharing videos of their struggles to get fair wages. “Workers see themselves in them, and they share that content,” says Kyle Tanner, the movement’s digital director. “It builds an organic organizing cycle.”
Alliances and Adaptation
To achieve social change, nonprofits must understand that it’s all about their supporters—their journeys, their rhythms, their motivations. Behavioral science can shed light on the way forward.
But to get more people more deeply engaged in causes, these tools alone are not enough. Nonprofits must also experiment and adapt, evolving themselves and their communication strategies when necessary. Only then will they ensure they don’t leave behind the people who will drive the changes the world so desperately needs.
This piece was written by Edith Asibey and Joy Portella. It was originally published on Stanford Social Innovation Review.


In South Carolina, Medicaid was not expanded and nearly 200,000 will fall into a gap in coverage assistance.
While some 336,000 South Carolinians will get subsidies for their health insurance, another 200,000 are stuck too poor for subsidies and not poor enough for free coverage.
It's part of a national "coverage gap" in states that refused to expand Medicaid.
The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted the study (read the results and the methedology here).
That coverage gap is also expected to have a blowback effect on hospitals, The New York Times explains:
Now, in a perverse twist, many of the poor people who rely on safety-net hospitals like Memorial will be doubly unlucky. A government subsidy, little known outside health policy circles but critical to the hospitals’ survival, is being sharply reduced under the new health law.
The subsidy, which for years has helped defray the cost of uncompensated and undercompensated care, was cut substantially on the assumption that the hospitals would replace much of the lost income with payments for patients newly covered by Medicaid or private insurance. But now the hospitals in states like Georgia will get neither the new Medicaid patients nor most of the old subsidies, which many say are crucial to the mission of care for the poor.
“We were so thrilled when the law passed, but it has backfired,” said Lindsay Caulfield, senior vice president for planning and marketing at Grady Health in Atlanta, the largest safety-net hospital in Georgia.
It is now facing the loss of nearly half of its roughly $100 million in annual subsidies known as disproportionate share hospital payments.


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‘A More Perfect Union’— The Opportunity of 2024
The unity of government which constitutes you one people is now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize.
– George Washington, 1796 Farewell Address
October 9, 2023—The presidential election of 2024 will be one of the most consequential in American history. This is true, not only for the people of the United States, but for the people of the world whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed through the military adventures of a series of American rogue regimes, particularly since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was able to speak of peace with the Soviet Union, only months after the harrowing Cuban Missile Crisis in which all out nuclear war was only narrowly averted.
Nuclear war was averted because both President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev were committed to averting it, and used unofficial channels to avoid it, including then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who would be, like his brother, assassinated.
Now, we are living (though many are not) through a war against the nuclear superpower Russia, using Ukraine as a proxy, with some lunatics in the Pentagon talking about a future war with China. Since we’ve destroyed the industrial and manufacturing base of our economy with the foolish “post-industrial” society, preceded by Nixon’s take down of the Bretton Woods system by decoupling the dollar from gold (about which the much slandered and eventually jailed Lyndon LaRouche warned at the time), we don’t have enough ammunition to keep the rapidly dwindling Ukrainian Army supplied, and are now sending cluster bombs, on medium-range missiles into Russia, perhaps trying to provoke President Putin into doing something desperate as Ukraine inevitably loses the war. The actions of Joe Biden, both as Vice President and now as President with regard to Ukraine, may lead us over the abyss to self-annihilation.
It is urgent that our nation change course, and return to the principles of our founding, as expressed in our 1776 Declaration of Independence, and our 1787 Constitution, both signed and ratified in the city of Philadelphia.
This is why, as an independent candidate for U.S. Senate from New York, I am overjoyed that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has chosen this location to declare his independence from the rotten two-party system about which outgoing President George Washington warned in his Farewell Address, quoted above.
The problem we face today is that the American people have been betrayed so many times, that they are leery of placing trust in anyone running for office, particularly as powerful an office as President of the United States. Look at Bernie Sanders and his despicable capitulation to Hillary Clinton, even after her emails showed that she was stealing the Democratic nomination from him. Is it any surprise that he now supports unlimited funding to Ukraine?
Debating about whether you trust a particular candidate will inevitably lead to disappointment because it’s the wrong question. We are in this mess because Americans have avoided the actual question: “Do you trust yourself?” Shakespeare got it right when Cassius says to Brutus, “The fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings.”
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has expressed a commitment to peace, and a commitment to the general welfare of the American people. He has demonstrated courage in his willingness to stand for high office, in spite of the fate of his uncle and father. More importantly he has expressed a commitment to honor their legacy, as in his references to his uncle’s 1963 American University Speech. “Will he honor that commitment?” you ask.
I can’t answer that question, but I know what I am going to do to help him.
In order for our republic to become the paragon of peace and freedom in the world which our founders intended it to be, we the people must become a force for good in the world, and we must demand that our leaders uphold that tradition.
I fear that if Biden, or any DNC replacement for him becomes president, we are doomed. Why did Hillary Clinton call former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard a “Russian asset?” Why did the DNC launch a phony Russia-gate investigation against former President Donald Trump? To make it impossible for the United States and Russia to have collaborative relations with each other.
If the USA, Russia, and China were on the same page, there is not one military conflict on this planet which could not be resolved peacefully, including the horrific bloodbath now being unleashed in Southwest Asia.
As the late Lyndon LaRouche said poetically on his 90th birthday, “the Potty System is over.” Let us celebrate the end of division by electing leaders with the courage to step outside the broken axioms which have brought us to the brink of Armageddon.
Let us similarly put aside our fear of collaborating with nations whose people have different cultures, languages, and religions than our own. As far as we know, human life is limited to one small planet, so we should heed the words of our slain president John F Kennedy, spoken at his inauguration and join forces in “a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.”

domain: history


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Brief overview of Phong Nha and its natural wonders
Phong Nha is a captivating destination nestled in central Vietnam, renowned for its exceptional natural wonders. It is home to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts a network of spectacular caves. The crown jewel is Phong Nha Cave, where the Son River flows through a labyrinthine underground realm adorned with breathtaking rock formations and stalactites. Paradise Cave, another marvel, showcases immense chambers with stunning formations that defy imagination. The area is also adorned with lush landscapes, picturesque rivers, and diverse ecosystems, creating a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Phong Nha’s natural wonders invite exploration and leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Following are the 12 wonderful things to do in Phong Nha:
- 1 1. Explore Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave
- 2 2. Discover Hang Son Doong – the World’s largest Cave
- 3 3. Visit A visit to the Botanic Gardens
- 4 4. Take a bike ride to the farms and neighboring Bong Lai Valley
- 5 5. Enjoy a boat cruise down the Son River
- 6 6. Kayaking and Ziplining at Chay River Dark Cave
- 7 7. Spend the Night in tent in Hang En – Tu Lan Caves
- 8 8. Swimming in the Mooc Spring Eco-Trail
- 9 9. Discover Hang Va (Va Cave)
- 10 10. Visit Minority group
- 11 11. Phong Nha Jungle Trekking
- 12 12. Relax by a stream
1. Explore Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave
Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are two awe-inspiring destinations in Phong Nha that should not be missed. Phong Nha Cave offers a remarkable underground journey, where you’ll navigate the Son River, marvel at breathtaking rock formations, and explore its vast chambers and hidden passages. Paradise Cave, on the other hand, showcases a surreal world of colossal stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of nature’s artistry. Both caves offer an enchanting experience, leaving visitors in awe of the grandeur and beauty of these natural wonders. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders that lie beneath the surface in Phong Nha.
2. Discover Hang Son Doong – the World’s largest Cave
Hang Son Doong is a mesmerizing natural wonder and the world’s largest cave, located within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. This colossal underground cavern is a sight to behold, with its vast chambers, towering stalagmites, and intricate cave formations. Exploring Hang Son Doong is an unforgettable adventure, allowing visitors to witness the raw power of nature and its timeless beauty. With its own ecosystem and unique features, including an underground river and lush vegetation, this cave presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Earth’s geological wonders. A visit to Hang Son Doong is a journey into the heart of marvels and an experience that will leave you in awe.
3. Visit A visit to the Botanic Gardens
A visit to Botanic Gardens in Phong Nha is a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Nestled within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, these gardens offer a tranquil oasis of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and diverse plant collections. Wander along winding pathways, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Discover rare orchids, exotic tropical species, and a rich variety of flora. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and fragrance of the gardens. Find a peaceful spot to reflect, relax, and connect with the natural world. The Botanic Gardens provide a sanctuary for serenity and a chance to rejuvenate amidst the splendor of Phong Nha’s biodiversity.
4. Take a bike ride to the farms and neighboring Bong Lai Valley
Embark on an enchanting bike ride through Phong Nha’s picturesque landscapes to the nearby farms and Bong Lai Valley. Pedal along scenic countryside roads, passing vibrant rice paddies and quaint villages. Immerse yourself in the rural charm as you witness local farmers tending to their crops. Arrive at Bong Lai Valley, a hidden gem where traditional farming practices thrive. Explore the lush greenery, visit organic vegetable farms, and learn about sustainable agriculture. Indulge in authentic farm-to-table dining experiences, savoring delicious local dishes made with fresh ingredients. This bike ride unveils the authentic rural life of Phong Nha, offering a unique and memorable journey through nature and local culture.
5. Enjoy a boat cruise down the Son River
Embark on a delightful boat cruise down the majestic Son River, a scenic waterway that flows through the heart of Phong Nha. Relax and soak in the serene beauty as the boat gently glides along the tranquil river. Marvel at the stunning landscapes that unfold before your eyes, with verdant banks, towering limestone cliffs, and lush vegetation. Take in the fresh air, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and capture memorable photos of the picturesque surroundings. The boat cruise on the Son River provides a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the natural splendor of Phong Nha in a tranquil and enchanting way.
6. Kayaking and Ziplining at Chay River Dark Cave
Embark on an exhilarating adventure at Chay River Dark Cave, where kayaking and ziplining await. Paddle your way through the emerald waters of the Chay River, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and lush greenery. Feel the thrill as you zip-line across the river, soaring through the air with breathtaking views below. Enter the dark cave, equipped with headlamps, to explore its mysterious depths. Wade through waist-deep water, marvel at the unique rock formations, and embrace the excitement of this underground expedition. Kayaking and ziplining at Chay River Dark Cave offer an unforgettable blend of adrenaline, natural beauty, and exploration, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Spend the Night in tent in Hang En – Tu Lan Caves
Embark on a unique and immersive experience by spending the night in a tent in the magnificent Hang En and Tu Lan Caves. Set up camp within the grandeur of these awe-inspiring caves, surrounded by towering stalagmites and an otherworldly atmosphere. As night falls, witness the caves transform into a mesmerizing underground haven, with starry skies peeking through the cave openings. Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature echoing through the caverns. Wake up to the ethereal beauty of the caves, with rays of sunlight casting a magical glow. Spending the night in a tent in Hang En and Tu Lan Caves promises an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the raw wonders of nature.
8. Swimming in the Mooc Spring Eco-Trail
Dive into a refreshing aquatic paradise as you explore the Mooc Spring Eco-Trail and indulge in invigorating swimming adventures. Follow the meandering trail through lush greenery, listening to the melodic sounds of nature. Discover crystal-clear pools and cascading waterfalls, inviting you to take a dip and cool off in the pristine waters. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape. Whether you’re floating leisurely or embracing the thrill of jumping into the water, swimming in the Mooc Spring Eco-Trail offers a rejuvenating experience that connects you with the purest elements of Phong Nha’s untouched beauty.
9. Discover Hang Va (Va Cave)
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary underground journey as you discover Hang Va, a hidden gem within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This captivating cave invites intrepid explorers to traverse its mesmerizing chambers, filled with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, venture deep into the heart of Hang Va, wading through underground rivers, squeezing through narrow passages, and marveling at the subterranean wonders that unfold before your eyes. Be awe-struck by the surreal beauty of the cave, with its unique formations and serene atmosphere. Discovering Hang Va is an unforgettable adventure that reveals the secrets of the underground world and leaves you in awe of nature’s breathtaking creations.
10. Visit Minority group
Embark on a culturally enriching journey by visiting the ethnic minority groups residing around Phong Nha. Engage with the local communities, such as the Bru-Van Kieu and Co Tu, to gain insights into their unique traditions, customs, and ways of life. Experience their warm hospitality and partake in traditional activities like handicraft making, farming, or traditional music performances. Immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage and savor authentic local cuisine. This encounter offers a valuable opportunity to appreciate the diversity and resilience of these minority groups, fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating meaningful connections with the people who call Phong Nha their home.
11. Phong Nha Jungle Trekking
Embark on an exhilarating jungle trekking adventure in Phong Nha and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the lush rainforest. Traverse through dense foliage, following expert guides who will lead you along hidden trails and remote pathways. Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including towering trees, vibrant orchids, and elusive wildlife. Let the symphony of nature surround you as you hike through pristine landscapes, cross babbling streams, and ascend to breathtaking viewpoints. Feel the thrill of conquering challenging terrains and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the untouched wilderness. Phong Nha jungle trekking promises an unforgettable experience, connecting you with the raw power and magnificence of nature.
12. Relax by a stream
Indulge in pure tranquility as you find solace by a serene stream in Phong Nha Park. Unwind amidst the soothing sounds of flowing water, surrounded by the lush greenery of the park. Find a comfortable spot along the stream’s banks, where you can bask in the gentle sunlight filtering through the trees. Let the rhythmic melody of the water wash away your worries and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance. Take a moment to reflect, read a book, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Relaxing by the stream in Phong Nha Park offers a blissful escape, rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul.
Phong Nha leaves a lasting imprint with its extraordinary wonders. From exploring the captivating Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave to embarking on thrilling adventures in the Dark Cave, every moment is filled with awe and excitement. The Botanic Gardens provide a serene retreat, while biking through the countryside and visiting neighboring villages offer cultural immersion. The journey continues with the enchanting Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, and the breathtaking landscapes of Chay River. Indulging in local cuisine and reflecting by the stream complete this unforgettable experience. All above mentioned are the 12 wonderful things to do in Phong Nha showcases nature’s magnificence, cultural treasures, and the spirit of adventure, leaving indelible memories in the hearts of all who visit.

domain: geography


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Lunar New Year – A time for Celebration, Punctured by Grief and Loss
As communities gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2023 around the state, a devastating mass shooting in Monterey Park took the lives of 11 people and injured 9 others. Even as the community and nation grieved this horrific act of hate, additional lives were lost to mass shootings in Half Moon Bay and Oakland.
The feelings of devastation and horror caused by these senseless acts of mass gun violence are becoming all too familiar. Communities have the right to live without fear, to celebrate important traditions and live their full lives joyfully and publicly. We grieve with the communities and families who lost loved ones, and will continue to anchor our work in ways that value public health, equity, and thriving, diverse communities.
2023, The Year of the Rabbit focuses on “relaxation, quietness, and contemplation.”
There are still many ways to learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year in San Diego. Check out some of the upcoming events below:
San Diego Chinese New Year Fair featuring traditional and cultural performances, crafts, a lantern parade and more. Feb. 4, 10am-7pm and Feb. 5, 10am-5pm in the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
Lunar New Year at San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Safari Park. Feb 4 and 5 9am-5pm
Lunar New Year Events at local libraries
More from Innovation Initiative (i2) Grantees
MLK Day of Service Event at Mt. Hope Garden
Project New Village sowing seeds for community
On Saturday, January 21, the community showed up for a day of service at Mt. Hope Community Garden in southeastern San Diego, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Before gloves, shovels and paint brushes were distributed we heard from a number of speakers, including Diane Moss, managing director of Project New Village (PNV), San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera (District 9), CA State Director of The Conservation Fund Steve Hobbs, and Karen Winston representing Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF). They spoke of the dream for a community food district and hub that has been in design and discussion for many years, and how it is finally becoming reality, thanks to an early loan from The Conservation Fund in 2019 which allowed PNV to purchase the Mt. Hope Garden property from the City of San Diego, and the most recent $1 million i2 grant to PNV from AHF which will go toward the project design and development. We were proud to be part of the weekend celebration and are looking forward to this exciting new phase of development in partnership with Project New Village.
Urban Restoration Counseling Center Shares News
In a recent Instagram post, Shanelle Johnson, co-founder of Urban Restoration Counseling Center (URCC) let her friends and clients know in her own personal way that URCC had been awarded the Innovation Initiative (i2) $1 Million Challenge Grant. URCC provides mental health services to people of color by people of color, with a mission to reduce multigenerational trauma by changing the community’s understanding of mental health. They have developed a two-pronged, mutually reinforcing therapy solution that aims to disrupt and break the unhealthy cognitive and behavioral patterns creating intergenerational trauma that plague BIPOC (black indigenous people of color) communities. Listen to Shanelle HERE.
Other Partner News
North County Support for Asylum Seekers
Interfaith Community Services steps in
Nearly 1,000 adults and children seeking asylum in the United States were dropped off at transit stations in San Diego County this past December with no food, warm clothing, shelter, or money to reach their sponsor families.
In response and in partnership with local non-profits, government agencies, and community members, Interfaith Community Services has helped to create a North County Rapid Response Team that will be prepared to support asylum seekers if this situation reoccurs.
Want to help? Learn how to become a volunteer member of the Rapid Response team by emailing email@example.com or drop off Visa gift cards, blankets, warm clothing, phone chargers, hygiene kits and transit vouchers at our 550 W. Washington location from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Click HERE to make a donation toward these essential items.
ProBono Consulting Support
Social Venture Partners Opens its Spring Cycle
Sometimes all it takes are observations and suggestions from a skilled advisor to put you on a better path to achieving your goals. Our friends at San Diego Social Venture Partners have opened their application cycle to nonprofits that are ready to take their organization to the “next level,” through the pro bono consulting support of an experienced Social Venture Partner. February 10 is deadline to apply. Click HERE to apply.
Circulate San Diego Mixer and Report Release, Feb 16
New Report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast
With a mission to create excellent mobility choices and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods throughout San Diego, Circulate San Diego will be celebrating the release of its newest report: Making the Most of the Mid-Coast at its February 16 membership mixer. Not a member? Register anyway and find out more.
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Every now and then I find myself mourning the loss of those national icons that have fallen by the wayside as media has changed and evolved: Grandstand, The UK Top 40, a dog-eared copy of the AA Roadmap of Britain, Teletext, the lingerie pages of the Freemans catalogue.
But typically something quickly shakes me out of my reverie and I remember why the digital revolution is such a thoroughly great thing.
This week, that particular slap round the chops was administered by BT, who dumped this big pile of phone books outside our offices.
A week has passed and not a single phone book has been picked up. If ever there were a visual metaphor for the rapid pace of change in media, this was it. The scene could barely have been more poignant if someone had set fire to the whole miserable pile.
Given that there is nothing particularly atypical about these offices, this can only mean that across Britain there are literally hundreds of thousands of these strange bulky anachronisms just sitting there, rotting.
The obvious question is, why does BT do this? They must, for example, have research that says that pretty much all office-based businesses in the UK have access to this new-fangled internet system – and many of us actually pay BT for the privilege.
So why do they dump large volumes of these sorry books on our doorsteps? I’ve been thinking about this for the past few days and I’m stumped, so I’ve turned to ethnography for an explanation. My guess is that this is what ethnographers would call a ‘ritual’. A ritual, so ethnography tells us, is “a set of actions performed mainly for their symbolic value”. Or, try this: “a ritual aims to reaffirm a desired ideology which attempts to impose itself on everyday contradictions”. Another ethnographic school of thought describes rituals as “an attempt to control unpredictable events or to change the unchangeable”, which sounds about right.
But perhaps the biggest question is what is going to happen to all of these unwanted phone books? How about this ? Now that would be a truly beautiful irony.


text:
Gardening can be a rewarding pastime and can bring many benefits. Whether you choose to grow flowers, vegetables, or ornamental plants, many find that nurturing and tending to a garden brings such a rewarding feeling and sense of accomplishment. This article can help you along in providing important advice on how to grow a beautiful garden.
Plant seeds in pots that have rich soil to give them a strong start. This really increases the survival rate of young plants. This also enables you to close gaps between planting cycles. Your seedlings will be ready to be planted when you remove your old mature plants.
The handles of your tools can double as clever rulers. Large handled tools like rakes, hoes, or shovels may be used like measuring sticks. Place the handles on the ground and measure them. Use a permanent marker to label distances. Now, the next time you do work in the garden, you’ll actually have a ruler at your fingertips.
Transfer your favorite plants inside, so they survive the winter. You can save the ones you spent the most money on or the ones that are resistant. Dig carefully around the roots, then transfer the plant into a pot.
Stink bugs can damage your garden, especially if you garden in the fall. They like to feast on all kinds of fruits, as well as peppers, tomatoes, and beans. If kept unchecked they can certainly do a ton of damage to your garden, so you should do what you need to reduce their population.
Fall edibles are a wonderful addition to your garden. Instead of a clay pot, show some fall spirit by using a hollow pumpkin to plant your lettuce or kale in. Simply cut the pumpkin open at the top, so you can remove the seeds and insides. After that, spray Wilt-Pruf along the edges and on the inside of the pumpkin, so it doesn’t rot. Once this is done, you are ready to plant!
Pre-soak seeds overnight in a dark place. Place a couple of seeds in a tiny container, and fill it with water nearly to the top. This will give your seeds a healthy head starts in the growth process. This increases the chances of survival for the seeds.
It’s easy to just jump in and start gardening without thought, but it’s important to plan your garden first. This is a good way to remember which plants have been planted in each area before they grow. The plan will also help you keep track of your more diminutive plants and smaller groups that could otherwise become lost among a sea of larger plantings.
Interested in using Mother Nature to keep pests at bay the natural way? Slugs can be kept at bay with a patch of marigolds or pungent vegetables. If you place wood ash around the base portion of a shrub seedling or tree, you will ward off insect pests. Using methods like these eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harsh or even harmful.
Gardening can be very relaxing. A plethora of paths to individual relaxation and inner peace exist. One of the greatest such methods is the art of gardening. The cost is low and the reward is often high. Growing your own garden brings a feeling of tranquility and joy to you.
Scent the grass around your garden with old perfume or discarded aftershave to prevent your dog from wandering into your garden. Using this will cover up the odors that your dog likes and will cut down on the intrigue of your landscaping for your furry friend.
Allow your children to assist with the work to be done in your organic garden. Gardens are terrific teaching tools for kids and provide great opportunities for interaction, growth, and instruction on healthy living.
A mixture of aspirin and water can protect your plants from common diseases. One and one-half aspirin crushed and added to a two-gallon container of water will be a great help for your plants. Then spray your plants with this mixture to stave off diseases. Try to apply the mixture to the plants at least once in each three-week period.
You should protect the knees if you are kneeling in the garden. Bending for extended time periods causes pain for many people. Kneeling allows you to reach your plants easily and is healthier for your back and legs. Knee pads will prevent any pain you may feel because of this position.
As was mentioned at the beginning of this article, gardening may be an incredibly rewarding hobby. The benefits always seem to be great, like having fresh vegetables, flowers, and a nice outdoor activity to tend to throughout your days. Utilizing the suggestions in this article can increase the joy you find in gardening.

domain: agronomy


text:
The Portage Saint Malachie centre for adolescents will soon be better equipped to serve its residents who may have mental health problems. Last April, Portage signed an agreement with five partners in the mental health field in the Chaudière Appalaches region, granting preferential access to a mental health services corridor to Saint-Malachie residents. The agreement enables young addicts with complex mental health problems to access the Grand Littoral Health and Social Services Centre, and the Hôtel Dieu de Lévis Affiliated University Hospital Centre, in collaboration with the Chaudière Appalaches centre de réadaptation en alcoolisme et toxicomanie [addiction and rehabilitation centre] and the Chaudière Appalaches Agence de la santé et des services sociaux [health and social services agency]. These partners will assist Portage in providing the best possible care to residents who may have mental health issues.
The agreement is currently being put in place at Portage Saint Malachie. The details are being finalised and caseworkers will soon be undergoing a training process. The access corridor should be functional in the coming weeks.
Once established, certain residents will receive a full mental health assessment upon arrival at Portage, and on a regular basis throughout the rehabilitation process. This new access to a mental health services corridor will enable the staff at Portage Saint-Malachie to better support the young residents in their quest for Freedom from Addiction.

domain: sociology


text:
These are the most beautiful singers in the western world at the moment according to our personal taste.
There are some singers who have managed to captivate the public with their talent and charisma, and who have become benchmarks in music and fashion. In this article, we present a list of the most Beautiful Singers in the Western World, based on criteria such as popularity, cultural impact, style, and personality.
This list is not intended to be definitive or exclusive, but rather a sample of the diversity and richness of the current music scene.
Most beautiful singers in the western world
Leave your list in the comments.
1. Victoria Justice
Victoria Dawn Justice, known internationally as Victoria Justice, is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She rose to fame on Nickelodeon in the 2000s, playing Lola Martinez on Zoey 101 and later as Tori Vega on Victorious.
2. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande Butera is an American singer-songwriter, actress, music producer, and fashion designer. She began her career in 2008 in the Broadway musical Thirteen, before playing the role of Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon television series Victorious and in the sequel, Sam & Cat.
3. Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer, songwriter, producer, philanthropist, and actress. Raised in Wyomissing, she moved to Nashville at age 14 to pursue a career in country music.
4. Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is a British singer-songwriter of Kosovar Albanian ethnicity. After working as a model, she signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2014 and released her self-titled debut album in 2017.
5. Katy Perry
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, better known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and model, who rose to fame in 2008 with «I Kissed a Girl» and «Hot N Cold» from her debut album. One of the Boys.

domain: artistic


text:
- Our Work
- About Us
At the end of each year, you need to start thinking about your budget for the upcoming one. But, where do you begin?
Building out a marketing budget means evaluating the priorities and strategies you need to implement to hit your revenue goals. With our Marketing Budget Template, that process is made simpler by taking the technical work off your hands so that you can focus on high-level strategy.
The marketing budget template will help you:
- Easily categorize your expenses
- Determine what percentage of your budget is utilized by certain channels or categories
- Have a reliable document to refer back to when measuring return on investment
Fill out the form to download the template!

domain: finance


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text:
Hal Yee, MD
1001 Potrero Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
Education and Training
Degree or Training
University of California, San Francisco
School of Medicine
Clinic, Colorectal Cancer, Decision aids, Hospital, Implementation Science, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Interdisciplinary research collaboration, Medical home, Mentoring junior faculty or trainees, Older adults, Persons with mental illness, Persons with physical disability, Practice guidelines, Socioeconomically marginalized groups, TeleHealth, Viral Hepatitis, eReferral, limited English proficiency
Recent Articles (72)
Yee HF. The Role of Pioglitazone in the Management of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Are We There Yet? JAMA Intern Med. 2017 May 01; 177(5):640-641.
Barnett ML, Yee HF, Mehrotra A, Giboney P. Los Angeles Safety-Net Program eConsult System Was Rapidly Adopted And Decreased Wait Times To See Specialists. Health Aff (Millwood). 2017 Mar 01; 36(3):492-499.
Flores YN, Velázquez-Cruz R, Ramírez P, Bañuelos M, Zhang ZF, Yee HF, Chang SC, Canizales-Quinteros S, Quiterio M, Cabrera-Alvarez G, Patiño N, Salmerón J. Association between PNPLA3 (rs738409), LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), PPP1R3B (rs4240624), GCKR (rs780094), and elevated transaminase levels in overweight/obese Mexican adults. Mol Biol Rep. 2016 Dec; 43(12):1359-1369.
Soni SM, Giboney P, Yee HF. Development and Implementation of Expected Practices to Reduce Inappropriate Variations in Clinical Practice. JAMA. 2016 May 24-31; 315(20):2163-4.
Yee HF. Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Real Life. JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Jan; 176(1):73-4.
Kim D, Eshtiaghpour D, Alpern J, Datta A, Eysselein VE, Yee HF. Access to primary care is associated with better autoimmune hepatitis outcomes in an urban county hospital. BMC Gastroenterol. 2015 Jul 28; 15:91.
Chen AH, Murphy EJ, Yee HF. eReferral--a new model for integrated care. N Engl J Med. 2013 Jun 27; 368(26):2450-3.
Day LW, Bhuket T, Inadomi JM, Yee HF. Diversity of endoscopy center operations and practice variation across California's safety-net hospital system: a statewide survey. BMC Res Notes. 2013 Jun 15; 6:233.
Sewell JL, Guy J, Kwon A, Chen AH, Yee HF. Preconsultation exchange for ambulatory hepatology consultations. Am J Med. 2013 Jun; 126(6):523-8.
Wu J, Chitapanarux T, Chen Y, Soon RK, Yee HF. Intestinal myofibroblasts produce nitric oxide in response to combinatorial cytokine stimulation. J Cell Physiol. 2013 Mar; 228(3):572-80.
Chen Y, Chitapanarux T, Wu J, Soon RK, Melton AC, Yee HF. Inducible NOS mediates CNP-induced relaxation of intestinal myofibroblasts. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2013 Apr 01; 304(7):G673-9.
Puche JE, Lee YA, Jiao J, Aloman C, Fiel MI, Muñoz U, Kraus T, Lee T, Yee HF, Friedman SL. A novel murine model to deplete hepatic stellate cells uncovers their role in amplifying liver damage in mice. Hepatology. 2013 Jan; 57(1):339-50.
Sewell JL, Yee HF. 13-year mortality trends among hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease. BMC Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun 26; 12:79.
Straus SG, Chen AH, Yee H, Kushel MB, Bell DS. Implementation of an electronic referral system for outpatient specialty care. AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2011; 2011:1337-46.
Rongey C, Yee HF. From the bedside to the community: comparative effectiveness, health services, and implementation research. Hepatology. 2011 Feb; 53(2):673-7.
Chen AH, Yee HF. Improving primary care-specialty care communication: lessons from San Francisco's safety net: comment on "Referral and consultation communication between primary care and specialist physicians". Arch Intern Med. 2011 Jan 10; 171(1):65-7.
Yee HF. The patient-centered medical home neighbor: A subspecialty physician's view. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Jan 04; 154(1):63-4.
Surjadi M, Torruellas C, Ayala C, Yee HF, Khalili M. Formal patient education improves patient knowledge of hepatitis C in vulnerable populations. Dig Dis Sci. 2011 Jan; 56(1):213-9.
Sewell JL, Inadomi JM, Yee HF. Race and inflammatory bowel disease in an urban healthcare system. Dig Dis Sci. 2010 Dec; 55(12):3479-87.
Ferre AL, Hunt PW, McConnell DH, Morris MM, Garcia JC, Pollard RB, Yee HF, Martin JN, Deeks SG, Shacklett BL. HIV controllers with HLA-DRB1*13 and HLA-DQB1*06 alleles have strong, polyfunctional mucosal CD4+ T-cell responses. J Virol. 2010 Nov; 84(21):11020-9.
Ferre AL, Lemongello D, Hunt PW, Morris MM, Garcia JC, Pollard RB, Yee HF, Martin JN, Deeks SG, Shacklett BL. Immunodominant HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses are common to blood and gastrointestinal mucosa, and Gag-specific responses dominate in rectal mucosa of HIV controllers. J Virol. 2010 Oct; 84(19):10354-65.
Kim-Hwang JE, Chen AH, Bell DS, Guzman D, Yee HF, Kushel MB. Evaluating electronic referrals for specialty care at a public hospital. J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Oct; 25(10):1123-8.
Chen AH, Kushel MB, Grumbach K, Yee HF. Practice profile. A safety-net system gains efficiencies through 'eReferrals' to specialists. Health Aff (Millwood). 2010 May; 29(5):969-71.
Sewell JL, Yee HF, Inadomi JM. Hospitalizations are increasing among minority patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2010 Feb; 16(2):204-7.
Bindman AB, Chen A, Fraser JS, Yee HF, Ofman D. Healthcare reform with a safety net: lessons from San Francisco. Am J Manag Care. 2009 Oct; 15(10):747-50.
Sewell JL, Kushel MB, Inadomi JM, Yee HF. Non-English speakers attend gastroenterology clinic appointments at higher rates than English speakers in a vulnerable patient population. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2009 Aug; 43(7):652-60.
Guy J, Yee HF. Health disparities in liver disease: Time to take notice and take action. Hepatology. 2009 Jul; 50(1):309-13.
Chen AH, Yee HF. Improving the primary care-specialty care interface: getting from here to there. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Jun 08; 169(11):1024-6.
Somsouk M, Yee HF, Biggins SW. Understanding liver health using the National Center for Health Statistics. Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Nov; 54(11):2325-9.
Kim Y, Chen AH, Keith E, Yee HF, Kushel MB. Not perfect, but better: primary care providers' experiences with electronic referrals in a safety net health system. J Gen Intern Med. 2009 May; 24(5):614-9.
Ferre AL, Hunt PW, Critchfield JW, Young DH, Morris MM, Garcia JC, Pollard RB, Yee HF, Martin JN, Deeks SG, Shacklett BL. Mucosal immune responses to HIV-1 in elite controllers: a potential correlate of immune control. Blood. 2009 Apr 23; 113(17):3978-89.
Soon RK, Yee HF. Stellate cell contraction: role, regulation, and potential therapeutic target. Clin Liver Dis. 2008 Nov; 12(4):791-803, viii.
Flores YN, Yee HF, Leng M, Escarce JJ, Bastani R, Salmerón J, Morales LS. Risk factors for chronic liver disease in Blacks, Mexican Americans, and Whites in the United States: results from NHANES IV, 1999-2004. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Sep; 103(9):2231-8.
Bambha K, Yee HF. In search of an ideal biomarker for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jun; 103(6):1380-2.
Melton AC, Soon RK, Park JG, Martinez L, Dehart GW, Yee HF. Focal adhesion disassembly is an essential early event in hepatic stellate cell chemotaxis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2007 Dec; 293(6):G1272-80.
Somsouk M, Langfield DE, Inadomi JM, Yee HF. A cost-identification analysis of screening and surveillance of hepatitis C infection in a prospective cohort of dialysis patients. Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Apr; 53(4):1093-9.
Melton AC, Yee HF. Hepatic stellate cell protrusions couple platelet-derived growth factor-BB to chemotaxis. Hepatology. 2007 Jun; 45(6):1446-53.
Loudon RP, Silver LD, Yee HF, Gallo G. RhoA-kinase and myosin II are required for the maintenance of growth cone polarity and guidance by nerve growth factor. J Neurobiol. 2006 Jul; 66(8):847-67.
Melton AC, Datta A, Yee HF. [Ca2+]i-independent contractile force generation by rat hepatic stellate cells in response to endothelin-1. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2006 Jan; 290(1):G7-13.
Kanwal F, Dulai GS, Spiegel BM, Yee HF, Gralnek IM. A comparison of liver transplantation outcomes in the pre- vs. post-MELD eras. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Jan 15; 21(2):169-77.
Wang RT, Koretz RL, Yee HF. Is weight reduction an effective therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver? A systematic review. Am J Med. 2003 Nov; 115(7):554-9.
Chitapanarux T, Chen SL, Lee H, Melton AC, Yee HF. C-type natriuretic peptide induces human colonic myofibroblast relaxation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2004 Jan; 286(1):G31-6.
Tangkijvanich P, Melton AC, Santiskulvong C, Yee HF. Rho and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways mediate LPA-stimulated hepatic myofibroblast migration. J Biomed Sci. 2003 May-Jun; 10(3):352-8.
Tangkijvanich P, Melton AC, Chitapanarux T, Han J, Yee HF. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and lysophosphatidic acid distinctly regulate hepatic myofibroblast migration through focal adhesion kinase. Exp Cell Res. 2002 Nov 15; 281(1):140-7.
Saab S, Tam S, Tran Bi, Melton A, Tangkijvanich P, Wong H, Yee H. Myosin mediates contractile force generation by hepatic stellate cells in response to endothelin-1. J Biomed Sci. 2002 Nov-Dec; 9(6 Pt 2):607-12.
Gallo G, Yee HF, Letourneau PC. Actin turnover is required to prevent axon retraction driven by endogenous actomyosin contractility. J Cell Biol. 2002 Sep 30; 158(7):1219-28.
Saab S, Weston SR, Ly D, Brezina M, Yee HF, Han SH, Gitnick G. Comparison of the cost and effectiveness of two strategies for maintaining hepatitis B immunity in hemodialysis patients. Vaccine. 2002 Aug 19; 20(25-26):3230-5.
Tangkijvanich P, Santiskulvong C, Melton AC, Rozengurt E, Yee HF. p38 MAP kinase mediates platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated migration of hepatic myofibroblasts. J Cell Physiol. 2002 Jun; 191(3):351-61.
Chiu T, Wu SS, Santiskulvong C, Tangkijvanich P, Yee HF, Rozengurt E. Vasopressin-mediated mitogenic signaling in intestinal epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2002 Mar; 282(3):C434-50.
Ly D, Yee HF, Brezina M, Martin P, Gitnick G, Saab S. Hepatitis B surface antigenemia in chronic hemodialysis patients: effect of hepatitis B immunization. Am J Gastroenterol. 2002 Jan; 97(1):138-41.
Tangkijvanich P, Yee HF. Cirrhosis--can we reverse hepatic fibrosis? Eur J Surg Suppl. 2002; (587):100-12.
Kernochan LE, Tran BN, Tangkijvanich P, Melton AC, Tam SP, Yee HF. Endothelin-1 stimulates human colonic myofibroblast contraction and migration. Gut. 2002 Jan; 50(1):65-70.
Saab S, Brezina M, Gitnick G, Martin P, Yee HF. Hepatitis C screening strategies in hemodialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001 Jul; 38(1):91-7.
Leopoldt D, Yee HF, Rozengurt E. Calyculin-A induces focal adhesion assembly and tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(Fak), p130(Cas), and paxillin in Swiss 3T3 cells. J Cell Physiol. 2001 Jul; 188(1):106-19.
Yee HF. Ca2+ and rho signaling pathways: two paths to hepatic stellate cell contraction. Hepatology. 2001 Apr; 33(4):1007-8.
Yee HF, Melton AC, Tran BN. RhoA/rho-associated kinase mediates fibroblast contractile force generation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 Feb 09; 280(5):1340-5.
Saab S, Martin P, Brezina M, Gitnick G, Yee HF. Serum alanine aminotransferase in hepatitis c screening of patients on hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001 Feb; 37(2):308-15.
Tangkijvanich P, Tam SP, Yee HF. Wound-induced migration of rat hepatic stellate cells is modulated by endothelin-1 through rho-kinase-mediated alterations in the acto-myosin cytoskeleton. Hepatology. 2001 Jan; 33(1):74-80.
Miyahara T, Schrum L, Rippe R, Xiong S, Yee HF, Motomura K, Anania FA, Willson TM, Tsukamoto H. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and hepatic stellate cell activation. J Biol Chem. 2000 Nov 17; 275(46):35715-22.
Saab S, Martin P, Yee HF. A simple cost-decision analysis model comparing two strategies for hepatitis A vaccination. Am J Med. 2000 Aug 15; 109(3):241-4.
Leopoldt D, Yee HF, Saab S, Rozengurt E. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(Fak), p130(Cas), and paxillin does not require extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in Swiss 3T3 cells stimulated by bombesin or platelet-derived growth factor. J Cell Physiol. 2000 May; 183(2):208-20.
Kernochan LE, Yee HF. Societal changes could also be to blame. West J Med. 1999 Aug; 171(2):88.
Thimgan MS, Yee HF. Quantitation of rat hepatic stellate cell contraction: stellate cells' contribution to sinusoidal resistance. Am J Physiol. 1999 Jul; 277(1 Pt 1):G137-43.
Kolodney MS, Thimgan MS, Honda HM, Tsai G, Yee HF. Ca2+-independent myosin II phosphorylation and contraction in chicken embryo fibroblasts. J Physiol. 1999 Feb 15; 515 ( Pt 1):87-92.
Yee HF. Rho directs activation-associated changes in rat hepatic stellate cell morphology via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Hepatology. 1998 Sep; 28(3):843-50.
Brown RS, Brumage L, Yee HF, Lake JR, Roberts JP, Somberg KA. Enterococcal bacteremia after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Am J Gastroenterol. 1998 Apr; 93(4):636-9.
Slice LW, Yee HF, Walsh JH. Visualization of internalization and recycling of the gastrin releasing peptide receptor-green fluorescent protein chimera expressed in epithelial cells. Receptors Channels. 1998; 6(3):201-12.
Yee HF, Brown RS, Ostroff JW. Fatal Clostridium difficile enteritis after total abdominal colectomy. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1996 Jan; 22(1):45-7.
Yee HF, Wright TL. Serum ALT: tarnished gold standard for interferon response in hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology. 1994 Jun; 19(6):1531-3.
Yee HF, Kuwata JH, Langer GA. Effects of neuraminidase on cellular calcium and contraction in cultured cardiac myocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 1991 Feb; 23(2):175-85.
Yee HF, Weiss JN, Langer GA. Neuraminidase selectively enhances transient Ca2+ current in cardiac myocytes. Am J Physiol. 1989 Jun; 256(6 Pt 1):C1267-72.
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domain: medical


text:
“When your bones are tired of carrying everyone else’s problem, and when your lungs are tired of breathing life into other people, return back home to yourself for a while. Shift your energy back inwards. Reunite with peace again.” by Billy Chapata
When we are overwork, over stress, we are totally neglect the signal of how tired is our body. How tight is our body and mind! How long we forgot to relax and let go all tightness, stress which stored deeply in our body and mind?
When I joined the 7 days meditation retreat, Venerable (Fa Shi) shared with us, do remember to relax your body before you start your sitting meditation. If our body is too tired, there is no way to go deep in meditation. We’ll fall to sleep easily as this is what body needs.
Always remember to relax your body and mind, it’s important to keep you moving forward and at ease.

domain: psychology


text:
11 Cabbage Recipes That Prove Just How Underrated It Is
Proof that it's possible to fall in love with the oddball veggie.
at Wesleyan University 01.24.17
Essential Lessons I Learned From My Week-Long Real Food Challenge
A new kind of detox.
at Wesleyan University 01.23.17
13 Snacks to Eat on Election Day, Depending on Who You’re Voting For
You're gonna remember this day forever, so make the menu a good one.
at Wesleyan University 11.07.16
How to Reuse Swings Leftovers to Save Money and Reduce Waste
WesWings portions are huge, delicious, and...expensive. Here's how to get the most out of every single point.
at Wesleyan University 10.26.16
How to Eat Like Royalty at Wesleyan’s Usdan University Center
Make every meal gourmet with this survival guide.
at Wesleyan University 09.27.16
4 Pumpkin Recipes for the Fall Brunch You Were Born to Eat
This is what dreams are made of.
at Wesleyan University 09.15.16
The Ultimate Student Guide to Eating and Drinking at Wesleyan University
Enjoy all the flavors that Middletown has to offer.
at Wesleyan University 09.12.16
15 Places to Eat With Your Family on Ocean City’s Boardwalk
There's something for everybody.
at Wesleyan University 08.30.16
Which Presidential Candidate Do Your Eating Habits Resemble the Most?
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domain: food


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My work is inspired by local scenes from Soweto, South Africa, which has a rich history of migrant labour. I use a lot of colour because I believe colour is like a spice of life.
Tsholo "Splash" MotongAs a qualified fashion designer, my keen interest in art was inevitable. Being born and bred in the biggest township in South Africa-Soweto, my keen inspiration has always been influenced by the vibrant & colorful lifestyle that Soweto offers. Soweto has always influenced the country through politics, sports, music, and culture. It is also the only place in the world with two Nobel Prize winners which is Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. My style of painting is heavily inspired by the broad contrast and living activities of township life. Soweto wouldn’t exist without the Johannesburg CBD, so I’m compelled to portray the Jo’burg skyline with its tall skyscrapers & colorful sunrise and sunset.
Year Participated in Art Vancouver2023


Immediately call the Poison Experts at 1.800.222.1222 if you or another person may have been poisoned-even if you are not sure. Don't wait for the person to become sick and don't try to treat the person yourself.
We help people of all ages, in all types of situations.
Learn more about prevention 》
6 out of 10 poison exposures involve medicine. Take
the necessary precautions. 》
Poison Centers are reporting an increase in calls about e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine devices.
Risk of abuse high with powdered form of alcohol
******* ACTION ALERT *******
THE IOWA POISON CONTROL CENTER COULD SHUT DOWN WITHOUT SUSTAINABLE AND FULL FUNDING
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Contact your local legislators and state officials today and share your poison center experience.
(Des Moines Register Tony Leys) Be careful with e-cigarette refill liquid, especially around kids, poison-control experts warn people who use e-cigarettes should keep the devices and their refill liquid away from children, Iowa officials say. E-cigarettes are increasingly popular electronic devices that vaporize liquid containing nicotine, which is the addictive...
To reduce illness, deaths and costs associated with poisoning through providing statewide 24-hour emergency telephone advice, poison prevention information and education. We are proud to serve as your statewide poison control center and we are committed to providing a quality poison control service for the state of Iowa. Feel free to contact us anytime and remember, help is just a phone call away. Call us today at 1.800.222.1222.


Who knew OFA was teeming with wordsmiths? May your days be merry and bright, and may your Christmas include a conversation about health insurance. OFA.BO/Kwa9Sq— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 13, 2013 Gross. This year, we’re going to need barf buckets for Christmas. What a clown. RT @BarackObama: May your days be merry and bright, and […]
For a couple of days now, the #PrayToEndAbortion hashtag has been trending nationally: And the idea of protecting the unborn is really sticking in the craws of the pro-abortion community: I like how upset some of the people on #praytoendabortion are. "How dare these people continue to live their beliefs, when I disagree?"— Neal (@Neal_Dewing) […]
C’mon, Creepy Jim! Why should A-listers like Kal Penn and Fran Drescher have all the fun? *** Not hot: ‘Sexiest Man Alive' Adam Levine sends first tweet pimping Obamacare Kal Penn urges uninsured to #GetCovered; Questions go unanswered That's how she became The Ninny: O-care peddler Fran Drescher jumps aboard the #GetCovered Express Celebs urging the uninsured to #GetCovered […]
As Twitchy reported, yesterday, Twitter made changes to its “block” function. But complaints from users quickly prompted the social media site to reverse its decision, and relative order was restored. So, how come a ginormous site that handles millions of users simultaneously every single day was able to make major changes without stranding users, while […]
The views expressed in the articles published in FamilySecurityMatters.org are those of the authors. These views should not be construed as the views of FamilySecurityMatters.org or of the Family Security Foundation, Inc., as an attempt to help or prevent the passage of any legislation, or as an intervention in any political campaign for public office. COPYRIGHT 2013 FAMILY SECURITY MATTERS INC.


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Our guide to Syracuse, NY
The Lexa City Editor here. Many of you know I grew up in Charleston, but you maybe don’t know this I was born in Syracuse, New York.
We moved to Charleston when I was two, so it really is home, but i ended up going back to attend Syracuse University for my baccalaureate + part of my family still lives in the region.
Although I love everything Charleston has to offer, there was just something special about autumn in Syracuse. The crisp, fresh air, the changing leaves, the fall traditions – I really felt the change of seasons + the the importance of new beginnings.
Act like a local following this fall getaway guide in Syracuse.
- Visit Green Lakes State Park with two glacial lakes + 10 miles of trails. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and experience.
- Check fall foliagewhich usually starts in September. Looked at ESF SUNY Guide to Fall Colors in Upstate New York.
- Try to enter the autumn spirit? no problem. There is a lot of fall festivals for the whole family to choose.
- There is no lack of pumpkin patch around townbut City Editor Lexa recommends pumpkin hollow. Although she might be a bit biased considering she grew up going here.
Act like a local:
- Food: feeling Italian food? Make a reservation at Pastabilities — you will not be disappointed. Want a taste of the Lowcountry? Take one pulled pork platter of Bar-B-Que Dinosaur. Pro tip: You have to stop Stella’s dinner at least once for breakfast.
- Drink: Visit the speakeasy lounge Golden Mace. Fill out the form for the access code beforehand.
- Outside: Head to Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards for the whole fall feels. You’ll want to take a tractor ride to pick your own apples.
- Coffee: There is nothing better than a dirty chai latte of recreation cafe on a crisp day.
- Explore: Take a short drive to Skaneateles + spend time on Lake. There are plenty of stores to browse and places to picnic.
- Listen: Watch a live performance on Funk and waffles while you enjoy your breakfast.


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Since the introduction of hi-definition television, we’ve seen a lot of changes. With big hoopla, we’ve gone all the way from 720p to 4K. Manufacturers have improved the picture quality by increasing the number of pixels on the screen and improving the screen’s refresh rate. This resulted in a slightly improved picture quality. Now, technology, … » Learn More about HDR Brings Movie Cinematography into the Home
High tech products just keep getting better and better. This year was an especially wonderful year for impressive devices of all different types. So here are just a few of the most popular tech devices in the market. Smartphones, very popular tech devices, reached a peak this year with three different manufacturer’s offering their best … » Learn More about Top Tech Devices In The Market
The typical resolution of a 4K TV is 3,840-by-2,160-pixels, which is about four times the number of pixels in the hi-def 1080p televisions that most of us are currently viewing. This produces a clearer, more detailed, and more true-to-life picture. While the 4K moniker was first used to describe these high resolution TVs, the name … » Learn More about Is it time to buy a 4K TV?
The new Apple TV gives us a glimpse of the future of TV. We give you an unbiased and detailed review like you have come to expect from HardwareSecrets!


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After 60 days of war television, after a charged and loud meeting with the families of the abductees and after another press conference of the war cabinet headed by Netanyahu, the astonishing fact can already be determined: television studios are using the war as an excuse to exclude voices of support for Netanyahu, who is still the national identity center of a huge camp.
If this has not yet been understood, let us say it explicitly: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of the Cabinet of the State of Israel, even yesterday saw only hosts, journalists and commentators on television who would criticize him. With the exception of Channel 14.
In all the rolling broadcasts that deal with his management, his decisions and his political future – how come not a single name comes up to support the prime minister?
It's not about the atmosphere, it's about facts: In almost two months of fighting, the Israeli public can't remember even a host, a panelist, a commentator of any kind or even a guest in the studios who would support the prime minister's moves. In what has already accumulated to thousands of hours of broadcasting, the new systems that determine who will be invited to the Israeli screen do not have a single character who will throw a word of support to whoever ends up having the last word in the room. Not a voice that will resent the fact that saying "this is life" has nothing to do with the victim of the attack in Jerusalem, and not a voice that will answer the constant smear machine on every panel.
But Netanyahu is not the whole story, the story is his constituents.
It was Menachem Begin who said, "It was good for Irgun blood to repel a British assailant carrying bombs, destruction and killing, but how many times was the Irgun slandered?" These words are more relevant than ever today. The blood of Netanyahu's voters is good for dropping bombs, destruction and killing in Gaza – but their political voice is not good enough to have a minimal presence.
Since October 7, his right to political representation has been taken away from him, and the right to take part in political discourse has been closed to him. In the "Together We Will Win" studios, representatives of the Mizrahi national public are also excluded, and even worse, the right to support and defend their elected official is excluded.
At a time when the very cautious commentator in taking a political position, Amit Segal, must be careful even in the face of Rafi Reshef's gentleness, and when on Channel 13 News broadcasts commentator Dr. Avishai Ben-Haim disappeared from the screen due to reserve duty, the national camp and the "Second Israel" have no foothold. And if this is not proof of the violence of the First Israel, which dominates the political discourse, against the Second Israel, which in time of war deserves only to run through the alleys of Jabaliya, then what is?
Remember to speak sensitively
On Network 13's "War Zone," commentator Mickey Rosenthal told Eliyahu Libman, who worries about his kidnapped son in Hamas captivity while supporting the state's moves on the issue: "In this position you sacrifice your son, are you aware of that?"
The father replied, "You need to speak sensitively and compassionately to the father of a kidnapped child, a little sensitivity and a little compassion! I am not sacrificing my son, he is the most important to me in the world, but at the same time the State of Israel is also the most important to me in the world - we do not sacrifice anything and we should be careful for the father of a kidnapped child. Not just one side and one agenda to be compassionate. And when suddenly someone presents a position that is not on your agenda, you talk about sacrifice. We don't sleep at night. My wife cries at night. Don't talk like that."
It turns out that the families of the abductees must speak with the utmost sensitivity, unless their opinion does not align with the agenda of people like Mickey Rosenthal.
The writer sometimes serves as a panelist on Channel 14 and Kan 11
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us


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has racked up one major victory on his European trip. He and European Union leaders on Tuesday agreed to suspend for five years one of the world’s longest-running and most confusing trade disputes—concerning
Like the fictional Jarndyce and Jarndyce in Dickens’s “Bleak House,” this dispute has been grinding along for so long that hardly anyone remembers what it is about. In 2004 during the George W. Bush Administration—remember that?—Washington alleged that EU countries had granted Airbus some $22 billion in illegal subsidies. The EU counterclaimed that Washington had extended Boeing some $23 billion in illegal subsidies.
They all trotted off to adjudication at the World Trade Organization, and have been fitfully lobbing retaliatory tariffs at each other as the trade dispute evolved. President
escalated the dispute, of course, with $7.5 billion in tariffs on European goods following a WTO ruling in Boeing’s favor. The EU responded with tariffs of $4 billion on U.S. goods.
One of Mr. Biden’s smarter moves has been to call time on this. He and European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen
this spring announced a four-month pause on tariffs related to the dispute. Tuesday’s agreement extends the truce to five years, which one can hope will be long enough for all concerned to forget about it. The rest of the U.S. and European economies can go back to trading without fear of becoming collateral damage.
This will free both sides to focus on trade disputes that matter more to the future. Those include Europe’s excessive food-safety standards that inhibit U.S. agricultural exports and overreaching data-privacy regulations that threaten to impinge on the trans-Atlantic digital economy. Brussels can prod Washington over America’s agricultural protectionism, the Trump steel tariffs that linger as the aviation dispute lifts, and “Buy America” provisions that Mr. Biden and Democrats shove into their spending bills.
The much larger threat to Boeing and Airbus will come from China and its mercantalist strategy to create its own national airline production champion. The EU and U.S. should work together against that one.
The Airbus-Boeing dispute morphed into an economic and diplomatic irritant far out of proportion to its economic importance. Kudos to Mr. Biden and Ms. von der Leyen for recognizing they have better things to do.
Copyright ©2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8


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Through music, sculpture, paintings and even clowning, six Windham County artists are expressing their personal stories in a virtual exhibit hosted by the Vermont Arts Council.
“I AM… 2021” aims to celebrate diversity and features the work and perspectives of 19 artists across the state. The exhibit is curated by Shanta Lee Gander, Dominique Gustin and Desmond Peeples.
“This project helps us to widen our understanding of who and what dwells within rural landscapes,” said Gander, of Brattleboro. “It is illustrative of the depth of culture here and the individuals who are making and doing here and all the ways that they are creating and doing here.”
The artists are all from the “I Am a Vermont Artist” interview series that began in early 2019 to explore how creative expression is reflective of ethnicity, gender identity, religion, disability or age, according to information provided by the Arts Council.
The exhibit is viewable on the Council’s website through April 30. There will be a Zoom event on the third Thursday of the month for audiences to engage with the artists. More information is available online at vermontartscouncil.org/iam2021.
The Windham County artists are Samirah Evans, William Forchion, John Hughes, Nettie Lane, Leaf Silver and Cai Xi.
Samirah Evans, of Brattleboro, submitted YouTube links to five songs: four originals, and a cover of “We Shall Overcome,” a gospel song by Charles Albert Tindley that has been used as a protest song.
Among her original songs is “My Little Bodhisattva,” written as a lullaby for her unborn child. She wrote the song after having a miscarriage in 2006 and learning through an MRI that she had a tumor.
Evans is a Buddhist; and a Bodhisattva, she explained, is a being that gets greatest satisfaction out of saving another being’s life.
“I really feel that this baby was shining the light on that I had something that could be fatal to my life,” Evans said. “If I had not been trying to get pregnant, I would not have found out until it was too late.”
The song was the title track on the album, “My Little Bodhisattva,” released in 2008. She uploaded the song to YouTube for the first time for submission to “I AM … 2021.”
“The day after I lost the child, I wrote the song and it just came out like water,” Evans said. “I didn’t change the melody. I didn’t change the lyrics. It was my lullaby, or my, just, speaking to my child in appreciation for it being in my life, even for the short time, and I would always be connected with my child through prayer.”
The lyrics “the joyous day we all gathered around to pray” refer to Evans and her Buddhist community in New Orleans, where she lived before Vermont, praying for her child.
She told the pianist, Mike Esneault, to create sound similar to that of a music box.
“That’s such a childlike sound, and I wanted that feeling of protection,” Evans said.
She is now working on an official video for the song.
“I think now is the time that this song will become something that will make a difference,” she said. “That was my goal a long time ago.”
Another song Evans submitted to “I AM … 2021” is “New Orleans Dreamin,” written with her husband, Chris Lenois, and released in 2010.
“It’s our homage to New Orleans,” she said. Evans and Lenois moved to Vermont after Hurricane Katrina.
Her newest song featured in the exhibit is “Haven’t We Had Enough?” Evans and Lenois wrote the protest song with the Northampton, Mass., band Trailer Park out of frustration with the Trump administration.
Evans won’t divulge her age.
“I still have a little bit of apprehension because of the field that I’m in,” she said. “I think women struggle with what they do in any kind of field they work in when they get to a certain age, and for me, nobody figures that I am the age that I am, and so I’ve been keeping it that way.
“I’m not a senior citizen yet,” she added with a laugh.
Unrelated to “I AM … 2021,” Evans is also participating in a livestream music series called, “MUSIC SPEAKS: AMPLIFYING BLACK VOICES,” presented by CouchMusic.Live and Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield, Mass., on Friday. More information can be found online at: bit.ly/3p3kMOG
William Forchion, 55, of Brattleboro, is a circus arts performer, comedian and poet. He selected spoken word for “I AM ... 2021” after releasing books of poetry in the last two years and embracing the art form more in the last six years.
“It seems that’s my next incarnation,” he said.
His poems in the exhibit “are really about introspection and my place on the earth.” he said. They look at the experience of being a Black man in America, although Forchion acknowledges he can’t speak to the whole Black experience.
Forchion enjoys how the digital format gets the art out to audiences. He has participated in remote question-and-answer sessions, which allow for connection.
The title of the exhibit refers to the artists being more than just one thing, Forchion said. He called the exhibit “a statement of freedom, a revolution and evolution because I am whatever I want to be.”
View Forchion’s work: vermontartscouncil.org/programs/spotlight-gallery/i-am-2021/featured-artists#Forchion
John Hughes, 55, of Brattleboro, submitted photographs of four original sculptures and a video of a musical performance.
The sculptures, created between 1993 and 2002, are made of a variety of materials, including different kinds of metal, wood and paper, and are all called “No Title.”
He leaves his sculptures unnamed in an effort to allow viewers their own interpretations of his work.
“A big part of the function of the sculpture is to inspire people to ask questions of themselves, and our culture privileges the written word over personal sense, often, or even personal experience, in general.”
He recalls the manner in which patrons approach work in museums, spending a short time viewing each piece before reading the official description.
“I want to encourage people to have their own experience, without being biased by whatever words I might include there, and also encourage people to have a more substantive experience than people often have when you give them the ‘answer.’ … If I was going to just write those pieces, so to speak, instead of building them out of wood and steel and whatever else they’re made of, it would be a whole lot easier in a lot of respects. It would be cheaper and quicker, but those are not the goals, to be fast and to be cheap. There are other goals. It’s not about the written word, so if I were going to try and summarize it in a title or something like that, that would really do a disservice to the work.”
In recent years, he has shifted his focus from sculpture to music. He has found the latter to be more financially accessible for his intended audience. He said the sculptures took anywhere from two to six months to build, and he could make around four of them in a year.
“All of the work that you see is very labor intensive and it takes a long time to build and it’s not just the building, the sawing and grinding and welding and however long that takes, but the thinking takes a long time as well,” he said. “They had to be expensive just to pay for themselves and allow me to live.”
He came upon what he described as a “moral crisis” as an artist.
“People just like me can afford to buy a CD or come to a concert, whereas people just like me can’t afford to buy my sculptures,” he said. “Making a living as a musician feels like a much more humane and ethical way to make a living.”
Nettie Lane, 57, of Guilford, submitted a photo collage of graduates from her clown class, a YouTube video of a research project, two videos related to collaborations with Sandglass Theater in Putney and a personal essay.
Lane describes herself as a multidisciplinary artist, but said locally, she is best known for her clown classes.
When asked to define “clown,” Lane said:
“Probably each person you ask will give a different answer because there is a lot of different types of clowning,” for example, theatrical and circus.
“There is a lot of misunderstanding around clowns. A lot of people are afraid of clowns, unfortunately, because of the horror film industry. … The clown is really the innocent one. It’s really the child within. They’re not worried about the future. There is no past to regret. They’re living in the present moment. Through their innocence, they have wisdom. They are just kind of unabashedly themselves, flaunting their imperfections they wouldn’t consider imperfections — they’re just being themselves.”
She is interested in art as a tool for personal healing.
“With the clown work, even though there is a lot of laughter, and the clown brings joy to the world, it’s not just about laughter. It’s about feeling, too. It’s about the heart.”
The collaborations with Sandglass Theater are “Puppets in Paradise,” a performance by Lane, Shoshana Bass, Riley Goodemote and Satnam Naur, and “Annabelle’s Kitchen,” a cooking show hosted by Lane as Annabelle the Clown, produced as part of Sandglass Theater’s Winter Sunshine Series, now taking place online.
Lane’s essay, “Darkness,” is a poetic musing on the earth’s demise, written around 2013.
“Unfortunately, it’s still current,” Lane said. “Hopefully, things are changing though.”
Leaf Silver, 23, of Brattleboro, submitted photographs of five original sculptures and installations made of various materials. The photographs are also by Silver, whose pronouns are they/them.
“I consider myself to be an interdisciplinary artist, which means I try not to limit myself to one specific material,” Silver said. “I use everything from found materials to ceramics, wood, fabric and metal.”
These are materials Silver has used in the past, but said, “I don’t see myself as limited to those things. … I like to approach each material in its own way, and the subject matter kind of comes out of the material.”
The installations include miniaturized versions of objects such as a couch, floor lamp, stove and other kitchen items.
“I’ve always been interested in scale as sort of a tool, or using scale as a tool to convey a sort of feeling about a work. I think that something being miniature makes it sort of endearing, and I feel like sometimes having it be miniaturized gives it more weight, especially if it’s a mundane, everyday object.
“It sort of subverts that direct function and makes it function in a different way, functioning to provoke thought about those objects in your life and what they mean.”
Silver graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2020, attending a graduation ceremony via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since coming home to Brattleboro, Silver has focused on graphic and digital design.
“I am trying to transition my practice to being more digital, and that’s been kind of interesting because I am a sculpture artist, so it’s kind of like, diversifying, not necessarily needing to create physical objects in order to feel like I can continue to be creative.”
Silver said the pandemic “sort of challenged me to uproot my life, and it brought things important to me into light,” such as reconnecting with nature and exploring self-worth.
“There is so much pressure around being an artist to always be producing things,” Silver said. “I still have value, as a person, because I exist, not because of what I produce.”
Silver maintains a sketchbook practice, and on some days will create only a “tiny illustration, and have that be enough.”
Cai Xi, 60, of Brattleboro, submitted five oil paintings, all titled, “Earth and Sky” with different numbers.
The finely detailed paintings depict scenes such as boats under trees, the sky reflected in a body of water, the sun glowing orange through gray clouds and different colored foliage. Xi said the paintings were inspired by scenes in Brattleboro and around New England — and gives all credit to nature.
“I don’t want to have my own ego or style to get in the way,” she said. “It’s nature speaking; it’s not me.”
Xi is the mother of Leaf Silver.
“I find myself very lucky to have a very creative child,” Xi said.
Not included in “I AM … 2021” but shared with the Reformer was a portrait of Xi’s mother as a toddler. Xi, who came to the United States from China 30 years ago, said she wants to share this painting in celebration of her heritage in response to recent hate crimes. Last week, a gunman killed eight people at three Atlanta-area spas. Most of the victims were women of Asian descent.
“I want to show that we are people, and also, we have a strong culture,” Xi said.
She noted that her forms of artistic expression have expanded during her time in the United States. In addition to realistic paintings, she also creates abstract and socially engaged art.
“I believe that art can change society.”


THE star of BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’, Robin Ince, will bring his first solo show for three years to the Lyme Regis Comedy Club at the Marine Theatre.
In 2017 Robin completed a 70-date, record-breaking tour with physicist Brian Cox finishing at Wembley Arena.
‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’ remains one of the most popular programmes on BBC Radio 4, winning Robin a Sony Gold and Rose d’Or, as well as Time Out’s Outstanding Contribution to Comedy award, The Francis Crick Science Journalism Award and three Chortle awards.
He will appear at the Marine Theatre on Thursday, April 19, doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £15 and are available by calling 01297 442138 or online at www.marinetheatre.com