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Exclusivity of Jurisdiction Requiring the Adjudication of Housing Disputes By the Landlord Tenant BoardPage last modified: May 22 2021
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Does a Legal Dispute Between Landlord and Tenant Ever Get Heard at Small Claims Court?
The Answer Depends on Many Factors Including Who Is Initiating the Proceeding, Whether the Tenant Is Still In the Unit, and What the Legal Issue Is.
Understanding How to Determine Whether a Legal Issue Is a Landlord Tenant Board or Small Claims Court Issue
A common issue for matters arising out of a residential tenancy arrangement involves whether the matter is properly heard at the Landlord Tenant Board or properly heard at the Small Claims Court. If a matter is brought in the wrong venue, the matter may be kicked out; and getting kicked out of the wrong venue when past the date in which the matter could have been brought in the proper venue can result in a situation where a person becomes unable to pursue the legal issue. Accordingly, reviewing the jurisdictional issues prior to starting a legal proceeding is of foremost importance.Definition:
The Law
For the majority of disputes arising out of the relations between a landlord and tenant involved in a residential tenancy, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2002, S.O. 2006, Chapter 17 will apply. For matters where the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 applies and the Landlord Tenant Board is conferred with decision making authority, per the 'exclusive jurisdiction' provision stated with in section 168 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, such decisions must be made by the Landlord Tenant Board and jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court is ousted; Brydges v. Johnson, 2016 CanLII 4942; Finney v. Cepovski, 2015 CanLII 48918 at 17; Efrach v. Cherishome Living, 2015 ONSC 472 at 6; Mercier v. Hawco, 2014 CanLII 141 at 6 to 7; Fraser v. Beach, 2005 CanLII 14309 (ON CA) at 15. Regrettably, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 provisions, and thus Landlord Tenant Board exclusive jurisdiction, can be confusing as many provisions are conditional and perhaps vague; and accordingly, subject to differences of interpretation.
In the recent decision within Kiselman v. Klerer, 2019 ONSC 6668 the Divisional Court addressed the frequently occurring, and confusing, issue regarding whether a landlord is required to pursue a former tenant for concerns of rent arrears as well as damage caused to the rental unit at the Landlord Tenant Board or at the Small Claims Court. The Division Court stated:
[13] The landlord brought a claim in Small Claims Court for rent arrears and damage to the property. The claim was brought after the tenant had vacated the property. The amount of the claim did not exceed the $25,000 cap, then in place under s. 207(1) of the Act. It is plain and obvious that s. 168(2) of the Act gives the Board exclusive jurisdiction to determine claims of this type between landlord and tenant. The parties had a landlord and tenant relationship, and in my view, nothing turns on the fact that the action was started after the tenant was no longer in possession. It is clear that disputes of this sort are the daily fare of the Landlord and Tenant Board. When assessing claims, the Board is in the best position to determine whether claims for rent arrears and allegations of damage to property against the tenant amount to "undue damage" or simply wear and tear as a result of the normal occupancy of a residential unit.
Multiplicity of Proceedings
Sometimes the jurisdiction conditions can cause a multiplicity of proceedings occuring in two places such as where tenancy relations break down prior to the move-in date whereas the tenant must apply to the Landlord Tenant Board for return of a rent deposit as governed by section 107(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; and yet, the landlord may be forbidden from applying to the Landlord Tenant Board per the section 87(1) condition that require the landlord's access to the Landlord Tenant Board be available for certain matters only if the tenant is in possession of the rental unit. For example, this circumstance often occurs where a tenant tries to 'opt out' of a lease at the last moment, for whatever other reason, by failing to occupy the rental unit and then subsequently seeking return of a first and last rent deposit. Regardless of the reason the tenant seeks return of the rent deposit, the tenant must pursue the return of the rent deposit at the Landlord Tenant Board per section 107(1) which provides that the Landlord Tenant Board may hear a case about why the rent deposit should be returned and this section coupled with the section 168 exclusive jurisdiction provision imposes the absoluteness of the requirement that the rent deposit question be decided by the Landlord Tenant Board. Contrarily, in the same situation, if the landlord wishes to claim loss of rent arising from the 11th hour opt out by the tenant, the landlord must proceed to the Small Claims Court by virtue of inaccess to the Landlord Tenant Board that arises from the section 87(1) condition that the landlord may seek rent arrears from the Landlord Tenant Board only if the tenant remains in possession of the rental unit - and in this situation the tenant failed to take possession of the rental unit. It is interesting to note that the tenant may be with good reason to opt out at the last moment, the tenant may even be in the right with a good enough reason to 'win'; however, the tenant must pursue return of the rent deposit via the Landlord Tenant Board and the landlord must pursue the loss of rent at the Small Claims Court despite the multiplicity of proceedings problem that arises.
With the above said in regards to a multiplicity of proceedings, principles of natural justice may permit, and perhaps require, that one of the proceedings be stayed until a decision is made in the other forum and then the decision in the matter that was stayed may need to follow the factual decisions in the matter decided upon first. This procedural Stay of one of the two processes ensures that the risk of two opposing factual decisions are avoided whereas two opposing factual decisions would put the administration of justice into disrepute.
Summary Comment
If a case involving a landlord and tenant is taken to the wrong venue, the case may be thrown out. Frustratingly, some legal issues must proceed and be heard at the Landlord Tenant Board and other issues must be heard elsewhere, such as the Small Claims Court. If a case is started at the wrong venue, such as choosing the Landlord Tenant Board or a case that must be heard in Small Claims Court, or vice versa, the case will be thrown out. If a case gets thrown out because the case was brought into the wrong venue, due to limitation periods that may be applicable, it may be too late to start again in the proper venue. Accordingly, bringing a case into the proper venue is best done right the first time.


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Living with Atrial Fibrillation Brochure
Published by: American Heart Association
Product Code: 50-1654
National Health Information Bronze Award Winner
This brochure discusses atrial fibrillation as a major risk factor for stroke. It overviews the causes, symptoms and some of the most promising methods of treatment and prevention of stroke.
If you are interested in receiving a sample of this brochure, please complete our product order form. Requests are limited to residents of the United States and to no more than one packet and two brochures per household.
If you are interested in placing an order, receiving print samples or viewing online e-samples, visit our distributor, Krames. Registration is required to request samples and order online.

subset: commoncrawl


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"Cisco Systems launched two unified communications platforms aimed at small and midsize businesses. The company also announced a global sales productivity initiative called Cisco Partner Advisor, with agents available to give partners immediate and personalized sales support to accelerate sales; Cisco also is extending its WebEx Meeting Center to its midmarket partners," writes eWeek's Nathan Eddy.
"The UC 300 Series is a complete collaboration system aimed at companies with two to 24 users. The platform is designed to help small businesses take advantage of IP telephony to reduce phone costs and boost employee productivity. It includes built-in data and wireless support, along with features such as voicemail and automated attendant. In addition, three-year, zero percent financing is available from Cisco Capital in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. for the UC300 Series through the end of July 2011," Eddy writes.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
Cisco Debuts Two Unified Communications Platforms


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School Pencils- Individual
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A great small quantity option, buy 1 or 100 we will print them!
The classic round school pencil, available in a variety of colors. We can print up to 4 lines of text, or your business or event logo. School pencils make great gifts for students, and excellent promotional items for businesses and events!
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- Printing must be in one color, all multi color artwork submitted will be converted to one color
- A virtual proof will be sent via email within 2 business days of the order being placed and must be approved before production can begin
- Standard production time is 10 business days from the date of proof approval
- Rush production time is 5 business days from the date of proof approval


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Jacksonville police identify victims in accident that killed 2, injured 7 when truck hit 2 cars, school bus
Dinsmore Elementary students involved in after-school accident
A semi crashed into two vehicles stopped behind a school bus dropping off students on Dunn Avenue Friday afternoon, killing two Jacksonville women and injuring seven others, officials said.
Carla Blissitt, 40, was stopped in an Oldsmobile sport-utility vehicle behind a Volkswagen Beetle when the semi slammed into the SUV, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Slideshow: More photos from the accident scene
She died at the scene and her passenger, Naomi James, 65, was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to the Highway Patrol.
Joseph Pickett, 70, of Jacksonville was driving the semi with a loaded trailer and he suffered minor injuries, according to the FHP.
The trailer overturned onto its side striking the Beetle with Susan Bare, 50, of Callahan inside, according to FHP. She suffered minor injuries.
Cammay Thomas, 27, of Jacksonville was driving the bus with 13 students inside, according to the FHP. Four of the children were taken to the hospital in non-life-threatening condition.
The bus was taking the students home from Dinsmore Elementary at the time of the accident, said Duval Public Schools spokeswoman Marsha Oliver.
The crash happened shortly after 3 p.m. near Silver Key Drive.
Authorities shut down Dunn at Young Road on the east end and Braddock Road on the west end for several hours.
Oliver said school officials who arrived contacted the parents, and students were reunited with their families.
The FHP is investigating the accident and charges are pending.
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Waterstruck, coal-fired bricks. Made in the formats DNF, FF and HF and in 39 colours.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance | Apple Capital Group
A commercial general liability (CGL) policy will insure your business against general liability exposures, unless a possible liability is specifically excluded from coverage. Benefits are paid for actual damages and legal costs when the business is held legally responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury liability. If someone is injured on the premises of your business, benefits may be paid even if the business is not held legally responsible.
The commercial general liability CGL policy replaced a similar policy known as the comprehensive general liability policy. Although the commercial general liability CGL is often issued as part of a business package policy that includes both property damage and liability coverage, it can be issued separately as
Who's insured under a commercial general liability (CGL) policy?
Under a commercial general liability CGL policy, the type of business insured determines who can be covered under the policy. For instance, if you own a business as a sole proprietorship, you and your spouse may be covered under the policy. If you own a business that is a corporation, you and any other owners can be covered, as well as executive officers, directors, and stockholders. The parties insured, however, are covered only for liability claims and damages related to activities or services performed for the business, not for personal liability.
Types of liability covered by a CGL policy
The commercial general liability CGL policy covers three types of liability exposures: premises and operations exposure, products and completed operations exposure, and indirect/contingent exposure. Coverage for the premises and operations exposure protects your business against claims for bodily injury and property damage related to the ownership and maintenance of the business premises, or as the result of business operations conducted both at and away from the business premises.
Coverage for the second type of exposure–products and completed operations exposure–protects your business against claims for bodily injury and property damages that result from faulty products or completed operations (work performed by the business).
To protect against indirect/contingent liability exposure, the CGL policy protects your business if you are found liable for the negligent actions or work of independent contractors and subcontractors you hire.
Insuring agreements
Part A pays claims if the insured business is found legally responsible for causing accidental bodily injury or property damage.
Part B pays claims of the insured business if it is found legally responsible for causing personal injury (including false arrest, malicious prosecution, slander and libel, and violation of a person's right of privacy) or advertising injury (including slander and libel, violation of a person's right of privacy, misappropriation of advertising ideas, and copyright infringement).part C pays medical expenses to individuals injured on the premises of the business within three years of the accident, whether or not the business is found legally liable.
Not every liability risk is covered
The following 15 liability exposures are specifically excluded from coverage by Part A of the CGL:
Expected or intended injury
Contractual assumptions
Liquor liability
Workers' compensation
Employers' liability
Pollution exclusion
Aircraft, autos, and watercraft (26′ in length or over)
Mobile equipment (off-road motor vehicles)
War exclusion
Care, custody, and control
Damage to the insured's product arising from the product itself
Damage to the insured's work
Property damage to impaired property
Product recall
Employment-related practices
Part B exclusions include breach of contract (advertising only), incorrect price descriptions (advertising only), and violation of a penal statute or ordinance (personal injury and advertising). Part C exclusions include injuries payable under workers' compensation laws and injuries to all insured parties, tenants, or employees of the insured.
Specialized products and endorsements
If you purchase a commercial general liability CGL policy and still need coverage for one or more of the items specifically excluded by the policy, you may be able to purchase a specialized policy or add an endorsement that will extend protection to you. Here is a partial list of types of specialized coverage and endorsements you can purchase:
Workers' compensation and employers' liability policy
iquor liability policy or endorsement
Pollution liability policy or endorsement or an environmental impairment liability policy
Marine policy
Aviation policy
Employment-related practices exclusion endorsement
Owners and contractors protective liability endorsement
Manufacturers and contractors liability insurance policy
When coverage is triggered under the policy
CGL policies can be written in two forms, a claims-made form and an occurrence-made form. These forms describe when coverage is triggered. If a commercial general liability CGL policy is a claims-made liability policy, the policy will cover losses for which claims are made during the policy period. If the commercial general liability CGL policy is an occurrence-made liability policy, the policy will cover losses that occurred during the policy period, no matter when the claim is made.
Coverage limits
A coverage limit is the most that can be paid for claims under the terms of the policy. A commercial general liability CGL policy includes several different coverage limits and sublimits that apply to different sections of the policy or types of coverage:
The general aggregate limit is the maximum amount that the insurance company is obligated to pay for all damage and injury during the policy period. This limit includes injury or damage covered under Parts A, B, and C, but excludes damages or injury related to the products-completed operations coverage; a separate aggregate limit applies to this coverage. When the total claims exceed the specified limit, no more claims for the policy period will be paid.The per-occurrence limit is the most that will be paid for all injury, property damage, and medical payments under Parts A and C for any one occurrence.The personal and advertising injury limit is the most that will be paid per person for damages resulting from personal injury or advertising injury under Part B, subject to the general aggregate limit. Sublimits apply to both medical payments under Part C and the fire damage legal liability under Part A.
As an Independent Insurance Agency, Apple Capital Group Insurance, can shop around for different quotes, and customize a policy to meet your business needs.
Call us today to discuss your insurance needs at 866-611-7457 FREE Ext. 1


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Image 1 of 1
- Copyright
- This picture may not be reproduced in any form including derivative works or passed on to a third party without the express written license from 2SnapsUp Photography. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2010 2SnapsUp Photography.
- Image Size
- 3544x2376 / 10.4MB
- https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license
- https://www.2snapsup.com/contact
- Keywords
05/29/2010, Beatport, DEMF, Detroit, Detroit Club Scene, Detroit Luv, Detroit Music Fest, Detroit Riverfront, DJs, DJs From Detroit, Electronic Dance Music, Electronic Music, Electronic Music Festival, Entertainment, Event Photography, Hart Plaza, International, MI, Michigan, Movement, Movement 2010, Music Photographs, Musician, North America, Paxahau, Rave, Raverz, Raves, Street Photography, Techno, Techno Artist, Techno Artists, Techno Festivals, The 2010 Movement Electronic Music Festival, United States of America
- Contained in galleries
- 2010-05-29 Detroit Electronic Music Festival


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CERN Open Hardware Licence - Introduction
Myriam Ayass, legal adviser of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Group at CERN and author of the CERN OHL:
> In the spirit of knowledge sharing and dissemination, the CERN Open
Hardware Licence (CERN OHL) governs the use, copying, modification and
distribution of hardware design documentation, and the manufacture and
distribution of products.
> The CERN–OHL is to hardware what the General Public Licence (GPL) is to software. It defines the conditions under which a licensee will be able to use or modify the licensed material. The concept of 'open-source hardware' or 'open hardware' is not yet as well known or widespread as the free software or open-source software concept. However, it shares the same principles: anyone should be able to see the source (the design documentation in case of hardware), study it, modify it and share it.
> In addition, if modifications are made and distributed, it must be under the same licence conditions – this is the 'persistent' nature of the licence, which ensures that the whole community will continue benefiting from improvements, in the sense that everyone will in turn be able to make modifications to these improvements.
The CERN Open Hardware Licence was originally written for CERN designs hosted in the Open Hardware Repository. It can also be used by any designer wishing to share design information using a licence compliant with the OSHW definition criteria. If you would like to contribute to make it better, please subscribe to the mailing list and submit any issue you may have.
CERN Open Hardware Licence
- Document. Contains the licence itself and a guide to its usage.
- Document. Contains the licence itself and a guide to its usage.
- Example of usage in the Simple PCIe FMC carrier project.
- Unofficial translations of the CERN OHL
- CERN Knowledge transfer - CERN Open Hardware Licence
- Frequently Asked Questions
CERN OHL Users
What CERN writes about OHR (the site) and OHL (the licence)
- CERN Brochure: Open Hardware at CERN (pdf, 1MB, March 2015)
- CERN Courier: Hardware joins the open movement (June 2011)
- CERN Bulletin: Open hardware for open science (July 2011)
- CERN Press Release: CERN launches Open Hardware initiative (July 2011)
CERN Annual
Report 2011
- Message from the President of Council (page 4)
- Making an impact (page 32)
- CERN updates: CERN releases new version of open hardware licence (September 2013)
- CERN KT: New version of CERN open hardware licence, Version 1.2 of CERN OHL is lighter on the users (September 2013)
See also
- Licences used for CERN Open Hardware designs
- OHR Meta project (about Open Hardware and related subjects; CERN)
- freedomdefined.org
- TAPR Open Hardware License (another OH licence; non-CERN)
- Free HDL License (project for licensing Free Software in HDL forms; non-CERN)
- Katz, Andrew (2012) 'Towards a Functional Licence for Open
IFOSS L. Rev., 4(1), pp 41-62, DOI: 10.5033/ifosslr.v4i1.69.
- Defensive publications
20 November 2015


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Am I saying this correctly?
There are five items in four different colors. One is in red, another is in yellow, another is in green, and the others are in black.
Also, can I say:
Two items are in black, and each of the rest is in red, yellow, and green.
And, can "the" be omitted before "two items"?


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LONDON (Reuters) - A wider definition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is causing inappropriate diagnosis and unnecessary and possibly harmful medical treatment costing up to $500 million in the United States alone, scientists said on Wednesday.
Less restrictive diagnostic criteria have contributed to a steep rise in diagnoses for the behavioral brain condition -particularly among children - the researchers said, and in the use of stimulant drugs to manage it.
The broader definition also "devalues the diagnosis in those with serious problems", said Rae Thomas, a senior researcher at Australia's Bond University who led an analysis of the problem and has published it in the British Medical Journal.
"The broadening of the diagnostic criteria is likely to increase what is already a significant concern about overdiagnosis," he said. "It risks resulting in a diagnosis of ADHD being regarded with skepticism, to the harm of those with severe problems who unquestionably need sensitive, skilled specialist help and support."
People with the ADHD are excessively restless, impulsive and easily distracted, and children with the condition often have trouble in school. It is most often diagnosed in children, mainly boys, but it is also known to persist into adulthood.
There is no cure, but the symptoms can be kept in check by a combination of behavioral therapy and medications such as Ritalin or a newer drug called Vyvanse.
Experts not directly involved in the analysis said its conclusions were interesting but should be viewed with caution.
"I suspect that the reason for increased prescriptions of Ritalin and similar medications for ADHD has to do with better detection of the condition in children and the recognition that 50 percent or more of children with ADHD still have it as an adult," said Barbara Sahakian, a professor of clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge.
Ilina Singh, an ADHD expert at King's College London, said given the harms of stigma and misunderstanding of the condition "it is important to take care when making generalized claims about the drivers of ADHD diagnosis".
"In many regions, under-diagnosis and under-treatment of ADHD are also a significant concern," she said.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, patients should meet criteria set out in either the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), or the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - the two systems used around the world to classify mental disorders.
But in their BMJ analysis, Thomas's team noted that definitions of ADHD have been broadened in successive editions of DSM, leading to increasing numbers of diagnoses.
In Australia, data show a 73 percent increase for ADHD medication between 2000 and 2011, they found, while prescriptions in Britain increased two-fold for children and adolescents and four-fold in adults between 2003 and 2008.
Prescribing of methylphenidates and amphetamines - two types of drug used to manage ADHD - increased steadily in the United States between 1996 and 2008, they said, with the greatest increase in adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years.
In the Netherlands, prevalence and prescribing rates for children diagnosed with ADHD doubled between 2003 and 2007.
Europeans are generally more resistant than Americans to the idea of medicating children with ADHD, although attitudes vary from place to place. As a result, sales of drugs in Europe are fairly light, with methylphenidate - the generic ingredient in Ritalin - currently the main treatment used.
But Shire, the world's biggest seller of ADHD drugs, is hoping to change that following European approval of its newer amphetamine-based product Vyvanse - called Elvanse in the EU - at the end of last year.
Reporting by Kate Kelland; editing by Barry Moody
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Visualize Raid Strategy with BossBlueprint
If you have a difficult time explaining to your raid or your guild exactly how they should move and where they should stand in a given raid encounter, or if you have people in your raid or guild that are be far visual learners and just don't seem to be getting the hang of what you're saying, Boss Blueprint might be a handy tool to help you build those raid strategies and share them with your raid members before the encounter so there's no confusion.
The site only has support at the moment for Blackwing Descent, Throne of the Four Winds, and Bastion of Twilight, and the boss encounters therein – it would be really useful if the tool added more encounters and raids, even older ones that some people still run as practice or for fun – but it makes sense that the most recent content would be of primary interest to the people using Boss Blueprint.
The app then lets you add raid icons, raid roles, and directional arrows and zones to the map to indicate where players with ranged DPS should stand, where the healers should be, and where the tanks should be in relation to the boss, and other mobs and elements of the encounter that players should be aware of are located. You can drop big red circles on the ground to indicate places where you shouldn't stand, arrows to tell players where they should move, and more.
Once you're all finished, you can save your blueprint and share it with your raid either by downloading the JPG and posting it somewhere yourself, or by embedding the blueprint in another Web site.


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Dozens of technologists and journalists today descended on Google's beautiful Mountain View, Calif., campus for a discussion about technology and journalism. The conference, organized by the Center for Investigative Reporting, led to some prolific tweeting, as one might expect.
I used a simple script to ingest the 1,500-plus tweets with the search API into a sqlite database. This chart, made with Google Docs' chart tools (when in Rome…), shows the top 25 most prolific tweeters (as of 4:30 p.m. pacific) who used the #techraking and #techrakingcir hash tags.
Congrats, Ian Hill, you top the list (which includes, I think, some spammers):
This is just a quick chart made in a rush. Feel free to download and check out the pipe-delimited data for yourself: #techraking | #techrakingcir. Send me your visualizations or thoughts, and I'll post 'em here. See the full list of Twitter user counts here.


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Article originally written on 9th March 2012. eBook `Coven Guide: How to become an initiated Witch' published on 13th November 2012.
If you are reading this article, then I imagine you belong to one of the following categories:
- You are seeking initiation, or are just interested or curious about initiations (non-initiate).
- You are against initiations and want materials to argue against (non-initiate).
- You have been initiated already (or you have initiated others) and want to know what I may have to say.
All of these supposes that the `initiation' we are talking about (about to) is one of those formal, human engineered initiations. That is to say – one that is created by one or more Priests/ Priestesses for the purpose of an individual going through them. It can be pat of a solitary working, or as part of joining a Wiccan/Witch coven. (Discussions and thoughts about differences between Wicca & Witchcraft are found in another article, so I will use those terms loosely here).
Let me address the second category first! Whatever I am writing in this article comes from my personal experiences of about 15 years of participating in initiatory Wiccan covens in the UK. I have also initiated a number of people into Wicca. I am qualified to write about my experiences and thoughts, and opinions. And before anyone jumps on the matter of me revealing `secrets' of initiations, they really should just visit a big bookshop (for real) and browse through the shelf on wicca / occultism – because hundreds of other people have written about it all. Even novices who have never run a coven or initiated others and taken responsibility for guiding others, seem to write about Wicca these days.
If you are one of those who has been initiated recently, then this article may have additional insights for you. You really should book time with your initiator(s) soon to go through your experiences, insights, questions and thoughts on your personal experiences. It is a valuable meeting that will benefit you, and them! Gone are the archaic days where initiators act like walking-gods (or Dictators) and `ride' their initiates hard. We don't put up with that sort of behaviour in the modern world. Ancient or modern, initiations and the people involved reflect and must also move with the times. Hierarchy that worked 200 years ago in ancient Greece or even covens in 1950's just won;t be applicable in the modern era.
Coven leaders used to `give' the `witch name' to their initiates at initiations in the early covens of 1950's, 60's (or even in recent times). But this is something I personally do not agree on! Leaving aside arguments and logic-chopping about Fatalists and what's `fated', my insights on the matter is that- the first conditioning we human beings ever get from the moment of birth (or even before) is our very name! We don't choose it. Our parents, relatives, guardians, foster-parents, social service officers, adopters and others name us! And we grow up with the energy of that name that has been given. And unless you are one who chose to change your name legally by deed-poll, you are still bound by that conditioning. And choosing your own `witch name' or identity is possibly the most liberating and empowering act one could ever do! So if an initiator is going to give you a name, then they are not giving you freedom, but more slavery! And in any case, freedom can not be given. It is a right, and when it fails, it must be taken!
Let's get back to initiations! And the first category of people reading this: You are interested in, or are about to go through a Wiccan initiation.
If you are about to go through one that a coven or individual is preparing for you, then I hope you have had plenty of time to think about and explore your reasons for this.
- Why do you want to be initiated?
- Are you fully aware of the expectations the coven or that initiator has from you, once you go through it?
Practising Witchcraft and/or Wicca does not require one to be initiated into a coven or wicca by others! Once you embark on that path, or awaken to that path by a series of coincidences and synchronous events, initiatory experiences start happening for you! I guarantee that!! It may be little things or big life-splitting events! There will be challenges, hardship and difficulties, in equal measure to all the harmony, depth, spiritual insights and rewards. (but most humans tend to only notice the `problems' ). What I am trying to say here is that fate itself (and the Gods and Goddesses) will put you through initiatory experiences! You don't need a man or a woman in a Priest/ Priestess /leader/ guru role to do that.
And here's an important thing to be aware of: even of you are going through an initiation that is devised by a coven leader or a High Priest/ High Priestess, they can not engineer the experiences. The initiatory experiences will either being to build up –before- you have your initiation, or it will stat to happen –after- you formal initiation ceremony or ritual. A word of warning – sometimes you might go through weeks or months before these start to happen. It's like a lit-fuse. You don't quite know when it will explode and start to manifest. Another word of warning: the `euphoric' experiences you may get during a coven initiation, while giving you a feeling of spiritual well-being, are not always going to be the only things you will experience. Don't fall into a false sense of spiritual security. There will be challenges ahead- and every single oath you have taken will come back to test you in the months and years ahead! In fact, you will always be challenged and tested. It's not a done deal. It's an ongoing partnership – with the deities!! (You have been warned!)
So why do you want to get initiated? To learn more; to get deeper wisdom; To serve the world; To teach others… Ah, the responses are endless and many. Trust me, I've given many of them myself (I went and looked at my old magical diaries of pre-initiation days!). Some of those responses make me shrink with shame and embarrassment. Oh, no one else has seen them, but I know. It's amazing how I was trying to pull the wool over those Gods of mine! Oh, they knew all along, am sure, like a parent who can see through the lies of a young child.
So I ask again – Why do you want to get initiated? Be utterly honest with your self now. Write it down. And them read what you wrote, and burn it if you have to. But be honest 100% with your self. Then, if you have to, go ahead and create those `other' reasons which everyone else will accept and applaud you for!
Am I being harsh? Yes, probably. Okay so let me ease up a bit.
Reasons – real ones – for initiations vary. Here are some perfectly valid personal reasons.
- Initiation is attractive and scary at the same time. (mystery of the Craft).
- Initiation is (currently) the only way for you to join a coven or a magical group (joining a group). (there are training groups you can join and explore spirituality & magic, without getting initiated, by the way! I know, because I myself have run many of them).
- It's a deep-rooted calling and you just can't explain it (intuitive).
- Serious magic can only be learnt after initiation (or so you believe).
- Your friends / partner have been initiated – and they either want you to be initiated, or you don't want to be left behind.
- You are writer / Journalist, looking to learn some things and then write about (this has happened many times!). Warning: Many who start off this way have ended up `really' being pulled in to the mysteries and become `genuine'. Initiation is a door and anyone who walks through it –be in genuine Seeks or attention seeking Fools – are going to find their lives transformed sooner or later for real! Gods can wait a very long time!!
There's plenty of other reasons, but I wanted to highlight some, to give you a feel of the cross-section of reason. Whatever your own reasons, know that they are valid for you! (That applies even the journalists, and wannabe get-rich Gurus !)
Expectations of your initiator is something you must be fully aware of – so please have a good long genuine discussion. Coven leaders and initiators are not gods or goddesses (unless you fancy them that way, in which case, you should read my article on `Sexuality in Wicca & Paganism'). You should be able to sit and talk to them freely. By all means, learn from them, and respect them, (and even love them), but for Heaven's sake, don't get into the pit-fall of putting them on a pedestal (even if they want that!).
So talk to them – about what they expect from you, once they have initiated you into Wicca and/or their coven. Initiations have many purposes – one of them is joining individuals into the group-mind magically. Initiations are not to be treated as one-night-stands in wicca! It's a long-term committed relationship – between you and the coven.
- Most initiators in Wicca will expect you to attend coven and coven socials regularly, and for long periods. We are talking about at least the 8 festivals, a number of full moon/ new moon rituals (total of between 12- 20 rituals per year), training sessions and/or meetings (once a month – either in coven set-up or as one-to-one with your initiators) and of course coven/group socials – where members meet together at coven-home, or meet-up and go to pagan events, moots, festivals etc.
- These things may not be exclusively stated or even expected – but trust me – there is highly likely to be these expectations. Initiators expect the people they initiate to stick around, working magically with them and coven for a good 3-4 years. In that time, they not only teaching and training them, but also investing their magic, hopes and ideals in their initiates. It is all about passing on knowledge and wisdom. That is part of the magical contract. And that is also how the wiccan lineage and magical current continues.
Not many people actually talk about this, possibly for fear of new Seekers becoming afraid of commitment and never joining. But it's best all around to be clear from the start. No point joining a group, then giving the coven and initiators the run-around with excuses and explanations as to why one could not attend a meeting. Once pr twice is fine, but when ongoing, it shows a deeper lack of commitment. And there is that magical axiom – As within- So without. If life keeps throwing distractions at you and stops you going to coven, then, the question to ask is – is it fate that's manifesting those distractions, or something deep within you?!
That brings me to another core ideal in magical traditions. Know Thyself! And be mindful of what you are thinking- feeling – doing – sensing – at all times. It's not easy. It's hard at first. It may feel like you mind doesn't stop. And that you are `on-call' all the time. But this phase will pass, and you'll learn to be `normal' about being so mindful. For example, as a Physicist, I am always aware of forces and material limitations of the objects around me. And as a magician, I am aware that I am sensing (esoteric) energy all the time, but learning to either ignore some or tune into to some more actively. It's a bit like noise in our world. If you are in towns and cities, you hear what we call `background noise' – it's a collection of all the sounds that are going on. We learn to ignore them, but can also choose to listen to specific sounds. (Mothers are well-tuned to crying babies. Their own, or even other babies). So returning to the point- Know thyself & Mindfulness are important.
We're just scratching the surface – but am sure you can begin to see the depth and seriousness of initiations. Initiations are not just rituals you do, it applies to articles and books too. In these preceding sections, I've been preparing you for the main matter of initiation. Taking you through all sorts of hoops!! Well done for sticking with the reading. And if you just skim-read this, you really should know. I write non-fiction like fiction. I plant clues, and I write like a mystic, in cryptic clauses too. So you should read this article at least a few times, to gain maximum insights from this.
That said, let's get back to initiations.
Your approach & relationship with would-be-initiator(s):
Here are some serious considerations and questions you may (and should) be asking your self, once you've decided that Wiccan / witch initiation is for you. I'll also add the insights for each one.
- Did you ask for it? This may seem the most ridiculous of all questions. But in Wicca and in any initiatory mystery pagan traditions, a Seeker must take personal responsibility for his or her own path. And if you want to be initiated into a coven, or by someone who is an experienced Witch/priest/ priestess, you have to approach them – and ask for it! Most self-governing and honourable Coven leaders/ Initiators will not approach you and `offer to initiate you'. (If they do – run!). No matter how well you know someone, and no matter how much hints you drop, or how many hints they may drop, the clinching point is – you must gather your wisdom about you, and ask them to initiate you.
- Did you get to know your would-be initiator? Don't just walk up to a would-be initiator or a coven leader, and ask for initiation! Those days probably existed, but not now. You really must spend many months getting to know them – not just as pagan friends, or acquaintance, but as a `would-be initiator-of-you'! You may have known someone for years, and they may even have talked about their coven and such. But the moment you decide that you may like to join their coven as a trainee/ initiate, the relationship shifts magically, and it must shift! A teacher-apprentice connection suddenly forms. You have to get to know that part of them from scratch. (and if you do know them well, don't try to pull emotional strings to get initiated. Remember that the Gods are watching!)
- Is it about you or the initiator? Short answer- the moment a seeker decides to go down the path of formal initiation, it becomes about that Seeker- ie you! The would-be-initiator may give you all sorts of explanations, but ultimately, even though they are the initiator(s), the journey, the need and quest is all about you! And they are then-onwards there, in your life, to aid your learning.
- How do you get to know the would-be-initiator(s)? This is the easiest one to answer, yet hardest to achieve. It's got to be a gradual process, and you have to make the effort, unconditionally! You have to ask for either time with them – formal appointments to go and chat with them, or invite them to socials (group social and/or personal) where you can converse. In addition, you have to `hang-out' with them, by going with them to some pagan festivals, events, conferences, pub socials, open rituals etc. Don't end up stalking them by finding out about where they are going and always turning up to the same events. Everyone needs a bit of personal space. Even would-be-initiators. So just go to a few of the events. Once you have expressed a desire to `work magically with them' they would know you are going to do this, so don't get too sneaky about it. Be open. You don't have to turn up every where they go. But you are best advised to turn up at least to the Open rituals, socials and other events that they may actually organise, or publicise, as one they are going to. It's likely a hint that they are giving you an opening to socialise with them. Be genuine and civil with them (but no bribes of excessive gifts!).
- Do they have experience? This may seem obvious, but – do they? These days anyone can `gain knowledge' by reading a number of books, and set themselves up us some sort of coven leaders or initiators. But a genuine Initiator should have had a certain number of years experience being in a coven to learn and train to be a Wiccan, and ten undergone further training to become a self-contained coven leader (and an Initiator). In the old days (30-40 years ago), in some wiccan lineages, Witches spent a year as Initiates, and then were given their `2nd degree' – as a High Priest or High Priestess, and thus were `validated' as Initiators who are qualified to teach, train and initiate other seekers. In my opinion, this is not enough time. It's like a novice learning to drive. Even after learning and passing a driving test, they the need `real life' driving experience for a long period – before gaining expertise to be able to drive in motorways, highways and especially teach others. So why and how could someone become so competent in just 1 year to be able to teach or initiate? People generally go through a plethora of psychological and magical processes in their own rights. Sometimes time must pass, for experiences to sink in and become wisdom. As with would-be-initiators. Not only must they have `done time' as seekers and initiates, but they mist also have spent time learning to teach, train, mentor and ultimately initiate. And here's a pearl- someone who is very good in managing a team of 20 people in a business is not necessarily going to be good in training a seeker in magic. An expert in looking after pets isn't necessarily an instant-expert in looking after a young child. The approach and psychology will be different.
The Initiation contract:
Not many talk about this, but once a person indicates they are seeking training and/or initiation from an Initiator (coven leader), and that initiator agrees, a magical contract exists! Dating is possibly a good analogy to explain this. In early stages (when one is footloose, wild and single), one may socialise with many would-be romantic partners, and at a certain stage, may even go-out with more than one person to explore compatibility. But then comes the committed relationship stage- where the person develops a relationship with only one person (unless they were `promiscuous'). In Wicca, when one has asked for training and a coven leader(s) have agreed, it's a committed relationship. In romantic life, often committed relationships lead to marriage, so in wicca, a training relationship leads to initiation. Of course, relationships can fail, and engagements can break. Same in wicca. Sometimes, after a while, training relationships can break, because the Seeker and would-be initiator may find that they can not work together magically in the long term. There are many reasons why this can happen.
- Their personalities do not gel better, and one or neither are willing to work to over come this.
- The Seeker looses interest, or can not maintain commitment and exclusivity in working magically with the Coven leaders.
- One or both parties move residence – to a location too far for travel and training in the long term.
- The boundary between Seeker and trainer is breached, and quite possibly dependency, projections, or worse a sexual relationship may have developed – which in turn makes the training relationship incredibly difficult for both.
So assuming you traverse all these issues well and carefully, you will be on course for your initiation. Of course there are many more stages in between this and actual initiation. We've only been covering the psychological and logistical aspects here, so far. There is the whole magical development to consider – the Quests, knowledge, practise, preparations, tools, name, interactivity with would-be-coven members (or other initiates), where it all takes place, and the secrecy itself! Yes, there is the issue of secrecy!
What next? I can't tell you, not because I am bound by some secrecy (well that too), but because what follows will be unique between you and your would-be-initiator(s).
If you have any questions, feel free to write to me – either as comments below, or as private messages . I'll answer – as much as I am allowed to answer.. (without breaching the Wiccan secrecy oaths I have taken).
May your path be full of challenges you can conquer, and wisdom you can uncover. And may your deities always watch over you.
Bright Blessings
Note: This article was written on 9th March 2012. It was then fully developed as a book `Coven Guide: Become an initiated Witch' (published 13th November 2012; 144 pages; ISBN: 978-0-9560746-4-5 (Awakening Publishing). You can buy the pdf version from me (this blog) directly by visiting the page here . page: Coven Guide: Become an initiated Witch' e-book
Note: (17th May 2018).
Wicca New Moon & Wicca New Moon circles in London:
From this summer onwards, I'll be getting back to holding Wicca New Moon' training circles in a woods in North London.. you may wish to attend those for some practical experiences of foundations of wicca.. There are also my monthly Wicca full moon circles' in central London by river Thames Link to my meetup is here https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/


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Supreme Court nominee Kagan earns praise from GOP Sen. Snowe for 'balance in her approach'
WASHINGTON – WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan criticized a campaign finance ruling in a case she argued for the Obama administration and considers abortion rights to be settled law, according to a GOP senator who met with her Thursday.
Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, asked whether Republicans could support Kagan, said the nominee "certainly has the qualifications, and certainly has, I think, the balance in her approach — at least so far — but I'd like to wait and see."
In their private meeting, Kagan stressed the importance of judicial restraint and deference to Congress by the high court, and discussed abortion rights, Snowe said. The senator was one of seven Republicans who joined Democrats last year in voting to confirm Kagan as solicitor general, the top government lawyer who argues the administration's cases before the Supreme Court.
Abortion rights supporters are concerned about a memo Kagan wrote as a White House aide in 1997 urging President Bill Clinton to back a ban on late-term abortions.
Senators also are awaiting another 160,000 pages of documents from Kagan's tenure on the Clinton White House staff that are being organized for release at the Clinton presidential library in Little Rock, Ark. Republicans have complained that they aren't likely to come in time for thorough scrutiny before confirmation hearings begin June 28.
"We're hoping we're going to make that deadline," said Susan Cooper, a spokeswoman for the National Archives. "We've got all our resources dedicated to working on this. The task is enormous."
Cooper said Thursday that additional workers from Washington likely would be sent to Little Rock to help go through documents.
Kagan, President Barack Obama's choice to succeed the retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, visited senators in both parties ahead of her nomination hearings. The meetings included Democrats and two Republicans seen as potential supporters, Snowe and Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, who also voted for Kagan last time.
There appears to be little doubt for now that Kagan will win Senate approval, given that Democrats have more than enough votes and even her GOP critics have shown little appetite for blocking her. Kagan, 50, is using her Capitol Hill visits to answer senators' questions about her background and views.
Snowe said Kagan was critical of the court for overreaching in its January ruling upholding the First Amendment rights of corporations and labor unions to spend money on campaign ads. "It should have been more narrowly decided than it was," Snowe said, describing Kagan's position in the case, Citizens United v. FEC, which was a high-profile defeat.
Snowe showed off a framed photograph in which she posed with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. "Something to look forward to," she told Kagan. If confirmed, Kagan would be the third female justice on the court now — joining Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor — and the fourth woman ever to serve.
Associated Press writer Jill Zeman Bleed in Little Rock, Ark., contributed to this report.


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She'll be 'Princess Camilla,' not Queen, says palace
- Camilla will be HRH Princess Consort
- Some are critical of how the announcement was made, via the Web
- Charles and Camilla have worked to improve her image
Even as she charms crowds on tour Down Under, Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, faces an awkward future with an awkward title when her husband becomes king, according to his official website.
An otherwise unnoticed statement on princeofwales.gov.uk, which reiterates what has been said since Charles and Camilla wed in 2005, is suddenly getting attention in the U.K., where the Brits are ever alert to any talk about what happens when the Prince of Wales becomes King Charles III and his wife becomes ... well, what?
"It is intended that The Duchess will be known as HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne," is the bland answer to that question under the FAQ section of the website, which was just redesigned and launched last week.
Some people, notably the Daily Beast's royalist columnist, Tom Sykes, are shocked, shocked. It's a "callous" way to announce this, he writes, and makes "being dumped by text seem positively gracious."
But it's hardly news. Usually, the wife of a king becomes the queen consort, typically shortened to queen, and is crowned alongside him. But Camilla faced fierce resistance becoming Charles' second wife, blamed by many Brits as the other-woman cause of the collapse of his first marriage to the late, beloved Princess Diana.
When they wed, Charles said Camilla would be called Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales, and in the future she would not be called queen. But since then he has dropped hints that, well, maybe she might.
It is up to Charles to decide this, but a modern monarch is well advised to consider the views of the people and the government of the day. After all, look what happened to a previous King Charles (off with his head).
Meanwhile, Charles and Camilla have worked hard to improve Camilla's image with the British and have been remarkably successful given the toxic sentiments about her. She has been fully embraced by Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as Queen Elizabeth II.
She and Charles are wrapping up a successful tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, where they have been greeted by enthusiastic crowds and pictured cuddling cute critters such as baby kangaroos and koalas.
If she does become Princess Consort instead of Queen Camilla, she would not be the first wife of a monarch to take an unconventional title. But that's another story.


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Table of Contents:
Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap
Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap
These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.
Agriculture > General framework
Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap
Document or Iniciative
Communication from the Commission of 21 December 2006 entitled "Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap" [COM(2006) 857 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
Europe's rural areas face a common challenge: the creation of high-quality, sustainable jobs. In this area, the gap between urban and rural areas continues to widen. Although rural areas make up 93% of the territory of the European Union (EU), income per capita in these areas is little more than half that in urban areas. For this reason it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled individuals.
Several challenges have been identified for the future of rural employment:
- the ageing of the farming population;
- the participation of young people and women in the rural economy;
- the enlargement of the EU;
- producer support under the new CAP (revised in 2003) based on a reinforced rural development policy which focuses on jobs, growth and sustainability.
The Commission therefore proposes to close the jobs gap in rural areas by improving the adaptability of workers and enterprises and ensuring better education and skills.
An evolving demographic situation
Two processes of demographic change are currently taking place in Europe. The first is the migration of the rural population towards urban areas or accessible rural areas. The second is a "counter-urbanisation" flow out of urban areas into accessible rural areas. These areas are thus experiencing strong growth, at the expense of predominantly rural areas, which are slowly being depleted of population and economic activity.
Rural areas in the southern Member States are most affected by population ageing.
Low employment rates and a tertiary sector which is lagging behind
The employment rate is rising more quickly in urban areas (64.7% in 2004) than in rural areas (60.1%). However, certain rural areas close to towns have high rates of employment growth.
The tertiary sector tends to be dominated by the public sector in rural areas, and private services tend to be less developed than in urban areas.
Lack of skills and opportunities
Skills levels are lower in rural areas: some 15% of the population in rural areas has third-level education, while in urban areas this figure is 20%. Skilled individuals also tend to migrate to urban areas because of better job opportunities.
In some rural areas, the lack of training infrastructure and child-care facilities prevent entry or upskilling in the labour market. These deficiencies directly affect women and young people. Facing high levels of unemployment, the majority of them decide to leave the rural areas, which in turn creates difficulties for generational renewal.
The impact of CAP reform and rural development policies
In order to successfully adjust production structures in the Member States, it is essential to improve competitiveness and environmental sustainability and to boost jobs and growth. The problem is that many farmers still do not have the necessary skills in terms of innovation, diversification, bioenergy production, provision of environmental services and development of local services. For this reason it is imperative to promote research and development, vocational training, advisory services and innovation.
Evaluations indicate that on-farm investment, training, forestry measures, and measures promoting the development of rural areas have been effective in creating employment. Rural development policies have played an important role in preventing depopulation and land abandonment and in creating and maintaining jobs.
Through successive reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy over the past twenty years, labour outflows from the agricultural sector have been broadly constant at around 2-3% per year. The main determinants of labour adjustment in the farm sector are technological change, returns on capital and the relative remuneration of agricultural labour compared to other sectors. It is to be expected that some 2 million workers from the EU-15, 1 to 2 million workers from the ten new Member States and 1 to 2 million workers from Bulgaria and Romania will leave the sector by 2014. At the same time, without the introduction of direct aids to producers, many rural areas would have faced major economic, social and environmental problems.
Closing the jobs gap
Those rural areas which are most remote, depopulated or dependent on agriculture face many challenges: low levels of income, high unemployment rates, unfavourable demographic situations, a lack of skills, human capital and opportunities for women and young people, and slower development of the tertiary sector. It is imperative that rural areas in the EU exploit their potential to meet demand both in Europe and globally. If they do not, they will fall further behind urban areas.
Rural areas offer many opportunities in terms of tourism, living and working conditions and natural resources. The high quality of Europe's agricultural produce also continues to be a major asset.
The Commission therefore recommends that:
- the process of CAP reform should be maintained and consolidated;
- Member States should encourage the cultivation of energy crops and the development of renewable energy enterprises;
- the integration of the new Member States and the restructuring of their agriculture should remain a priority over the coming years;
- the full range of Community instruments, and more specifically measures in the area of rural development, should be used to deliver the priorities of knowledge transfer, modernisation, innovation, quality in the food chain, job creation and growth.
The synergy between structural, employment and rural development policies must be maximised in order to ensure optimum job creation. For its part, the Commission will be responsible for assessing the effects of the policies on employment in rural areas, using statistical instruments.


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Bierce, Ambrose Gwinett
After the war, he turned to journalism. In San Francisco he wrote for the News-Letter, becoming its editor in 1868. He soon established a reputation as a satirical wit, and his waspish squibs and epigrams were much quoted. In London (1872–75), he wrote for the magazine Fun and finished three books, including Cobwebs from an Empty Skull (1874). After his return to San Francisco, he wrote for the Argonaut, edited the Wasp (1881–86), and was a columnist for Hearst's Sunday Examiner (1887–96); his writings in the Examiner made him the literary arbiter of the West Coast. Later he was Washington correspondent for the American and a contributor to Cosmopolitan.
Bierce's famous collection of sardonic definitions, originally called The Cynic's Word Book (1906), was retitled The Devil's Dictionary in 1911. His short stories, often dark in tone, grisly or macabre in subject matter, and masterful in their spare language, were collected in such volumes as Tales of Soldiers and Civilians (1891) and Can Such Things Be? (1893). He was also highly praised for The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter (1892), which he adapted from a translation of a German story. Bierce's distinction lies in his distilled satire, in the crisp precision of his astringent language, and in his realistically developed horror stories. Disillusionment and sadness pervaded the latter part of his life. In 1913 he went to Mexico, where all trace of him was lost.
See his Collected Works (12 vol., 1909–12; repr. 1966), Collected Writings (ed. by C. Fadiman, 1946), and Phantoms of a Blood-Stained Period: The Complete Civil War Writings (ed. by R. Duncan and D. J. Klooster, 2002); A Much Misunderstood Man: Selected Letters of Ambrose Bierce (ed. by S. T. Joshi and D. E. Schultz, 2003); biographies by C. McWilliams (1929), R. O'Connor (1967) and R. Morris, Jr. (1996); studies by M. E. Grenander (1971), C. N. Davidson (1982 and 1984), R. Saunders (1984), D. M. Owens (2006), and S. Talley (2009).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: American Literature: Biographies


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LAS VEGAS – For WEC bantamweight prospect Chad Mendes (9-0 MMA, 4-0 WEC), Thursday's WEC 52 matchup with veteran Javier Vazquez (15-5 MMA, 2-3 WEC) was a new experience.
With Vazquez's claims that Mendes had been "spoon-fed" his undefeated record, the bout took on a feel completely unfamiliar to the 25-year-old up-and-comer.
But Mendes said he let the anger subside before stepping into the cage. Instead, Mendes simply executed the gameplan and replaced the anger with joy.
"I enjoyed it a lot," Mendes said of his win. "The guy was talking crap. I've never had an opponent do that until now.
"It was pretty disrespectful sending stuff up to my room all week – a jar of baby food with a spoon, stuffed animals and toys. There were notes with each one saying stupid stuff on them. Basically, I just didn't let it get to me."
Heading into the matchup, Mendes claimed he hoped to stand with Vazquez as much as possible. While the majority of the fight ended up taking place on the floor, Mendes was able to land a few crisp shots with his hands in the latter stages of the fight and a big knee earlier on that may have signaled a decided shift in momentum.
Mendes, a former All-American wrestler, said he felt much more comfortable on his feet than in previous contests.
"It's just about being comfortable when I get in there during the fight," Mendes said. "Every fight that I've fought, each time I'm getting more and more comfortable with it. I think tonight it showed.
"I feel like I rocked him three or four times. He's got a chin from hell. I was hitting him with everything I had. I think after the first time I rocked him, I felt him start to break a little bit. But the guy fought a great fight. He's a tough guy."
Vazquez did hang on until the final bell, though it was clear Mendes had taken the decision. The vaunted "Showtime" jiu-jitsu never really threatened to end the fight, and while Vazquez's flexibility and athleticism are always impressive, it was a leaping front flip guard pass from Mendes in the second round that will stand as the signature moment of the fight.
"For me, I just felt like every time I was in his guard, he was just holding me down," Mendes said. "A couple of fights in the past I'd get slowed down on top. I wanted to stay active, and he kept holding me down. When I finally got up, I wanted to pass that guard, but I couldn't. He was kicking my legs and kicking my knees out, so I just went for it.
"I was trying to pass the guard. I didn't end up there right away, but I scrambled out and stayed on top."
Mendes has now earned victory in his first nine fights as a professional. While critics will likely still point to his recent run of four decision wins in five fights, the 25-year-old Mendes shows real promise as a prospect.
There are still lessons to be learned before he'll prove a real threat to the belt, but Mendes passed one hurdle by remaining focused in an emotionally charged contest.
"I trained hard," Mendes said. "I knew I was going to go in there and kick his butt. I basically just laughed [Vazquez's talk] off. When I was back home training, I used it as motivation to push myself through each workout.
"I went in there and did what I had to do, and I came out victorious."
For more coverage of WEC 52, check out the MMA Events section of MMAjunkie.com.


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I am very thankful for the Chico Police Department and can"t begin to realize what it encounters on a daily basis. I try to thank them whenever possible in person. The answer to the police cuts is right in front of my house near Parkview Elementary School.
The speed limit is 25 mph. Two blocks from the school and stop sign, people are already going 40 or 50. Contractors, commuters, even the school buses speed. Sit on the corner of El Dorado and East 8th streets and watch your revenues rise higher than your wildest dreams. Ten speeders in 10 minutes, easy. (For some reason, Sundays are the worst.)
My hometown of Fort Collins, Colo., (population 146,762, college town) has a low crime rate and due to its low crime rate, the police force is very traffic-orientated, with speed traps everywhere. School zones are their favorite. The city just opened its new police building, to the tune of $33 million, built on 10 acres. Chico PD could have plenty of funds and be driving Dodge Chargers, as well.
— Jack Reed, Chico


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Analysis Services Tutorial Scenario
Applies to: SQL Server Analysis Services Azure Analysis Services Power BI Premium
This tutorial is based on Adventure Works Cycles, a fictitious company. Adventure Works Cycles is a large, multinational manufacturing company that produces and distributes metal and composite bicycles to commercial markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. The headquarters for Adventure Works Cycles is Bothell, Washington, where the company employs 500 workers. Additionally, Adventure Works Cycles employs several regional sales teams throughout its market base.
In recent years, Adventure Works Cycles bought a small manufacturing plant, Importadores Neptuno, which is located in Mexico. Importadores Neptuno manufactures several critical subcomponents for the Adventure Works Cycles product line. These subcomponents are shipped to the Bothell location for final product assembly. In 2005, Importadores Neptuno became the sole manufacturer and distributor of the touring bicycle product group.
Following a successful fiscal year, Adventure Works Cycles now wants to broaden its market share by targeting advertising to its best customers, extending product availability through an external Web site, and reducing the cost of sales by reducing production costs.
Current Analysis Environment
To support the data analysis needs of the sales and marketing teams and of senior management, the company currently takes transactional data from the AdventureWorks2012 database, and non-transactional information such as sales quotas from spreadsheets, and consolidates this information into the AdventureWorksDW2019 relational data warehouse. However, the relational data warehouse presents the following challenges:
Reports are static. Users have no way to interactively explore the data in the reports to obtain more detailed information, such as they could do with a Microsoft Office Excel pivot table. Although the existing set of predefined reports is sufficient for many users, more advanced users need direct query access to the database for interactive queries and specialized reports. However, because of the complexity of the AdventureWorksDW2019 database, too much time is needed for such users to learn how to create effective queries.
Query performance is widely variable. For example, some queries return results very quickly, in only a few seconds, while other queries take several minutes to return.
Aggregate tables are difficult to manage. In an attempt to improve query response times, the data warehouse team at Adventure Works built several aggregate tables in the AdventureWorksDW2019 database. For example, they built a table that summarizes sales by month. However, while these aggregate tables greatly improve query performance, the infrastructure that they built to maintain the tables over time is fragile and prone to errors.
Complex calculation logic is buried in report definitions and is difficult to share between reports. Because this business logic is generated separately for each report, summary information sometimes is different between reports. Therefore, management has limited confidence in the data warehouse reports.
Users in different business units are interested in different views of the data. Each group is distracted and confused by data elements that are irrelevant to them.
Calculation logic is particularly challenging for users who need specialized reports. Because such users must define the calculation logic separately for each report, there is no centralized control over how the calculation logic is defined. For example, some users know that they should use basic statistical techniques such as moving averages, but they do not know how to construct such calculations and so do not use these techniques.
It is difficult to combine related sets of information. Specialized queries that combine two sets of related information, such as sales and sales quotas, are difficult for business users to construct. Such queries overwhelmed the database, so the company requires that users request cross-subject-area sets of data from the data warehouse team. As a result, only a handful of predefined reports have been defined that combine data from multiple subject areas. Additionally, users are reluctant to try to modify these reports because of their complexity.
Reports are focused primarily on business information in the United States. Users in the non-U.S. subsidiaries are very dissatisfied with this focus, and want to be able to view reports in different currencies and different languages.
Information is difficult to audit. The Finance department currently uses the AdventureWorksDW2019 database only as a source of data from which to query in bulk. They then download the data into individual spreadsheets, and spend significant time preparing the data and manipulating the spreadsheets. The corporate financial reports are therefore difficult to prepare, audit, and manage across the company.
The Solution
The data warehouse team recently performed a design review of the current analysis system. The review included a gap analysis of current issues and future demands. The data warehouse team determined that the AdventureWorksDW2019 database is a well-designed dimensional database with conformed dimensions and surrogate keys. Conformed dimensions enable a dimension to be used in multiple data marts, such as a time dimension or a product dimension. Surrogate keys are artificial keys that link dimension and fact tables and that are used to ensure uniqueness and to improve performance. Moreover, the data warehouse team determined that there currently are no significant problems with the loading and management of the base tables in the AdventureWorksDW2019 database. The team has therefore decided to use Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services to accomplish the following:
Provide unified data access through a common metadata layer for analytical analysis and reporting.
Simplify users' view of data, speeding the development of both interactive and predefined queries and predefined reports.
Correctly construct queries that combine data from multiple subject areas.
Manage aggregates.
Store and reuse complex calculations.
Present a localized experience to business users outside the United States.


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LONDON – Danny Castillo had no fear of being on the ground with a submission expert like Paul Sass, and it paid off.
Castillo landed takedowns in each round, landed heavy ground-and-pound and defended all of Sass' submission attempts en route to a unanimous decision victory.
The lightweight bout was part of the preliminary card of Saturday's UFC on FUEL TV 7 event at Wembley Arena in London. It streamed on Facebook ahead of a main card on FUEL TV.
Sass opened with a big right hand, then jumped up for a triangle. Castillo had him up in the air, though, and slammed him down to the canvas with authority. Sass went straight for the heel hook, though, and Castillo had to worm his way out of danger. Castillo stayed on the ground on top and fought off another submission attempt with a slam and then looked to ground-and-pound from half-guard.
Castillo temporarily went to his feet, but Sass again grabbed a leg and nearly had a heel hook once again. But Castillo squirmed out and returned to top position with Sass along the fence working out of guard. With Sass continuing to want the triangle, Castillo landed some heavy hands and elbows. Sass continued to go after Castillo's left leg, and Castillo continued to frustrate him by defending and landing heavy hands with Sass on his back. Castillo landed massive elbows from the top as the clock ticked down in the first.
Round 2 was more of the same – with Castillo seemingly unafraid to be on the ground with Sass, and he used more big elbows and fists. With Sass going for an armbar, Castillo again slammed him down to break free from the hold to go back to work out of Sass' guard. Halfway through the round, referee Neil Hall stood the two up, believing there wasn't enough work on the feet. But right when Sass moved forward, Castillo shot and planted him back on the canvas. Castillo landed big hammer fists as time ticked down.
Sass landed a good spinning back kick in the third and tried to work kicks to Castillo's legs as the American looked a little slower early in the round. But as Sass moved forward to try a combination, Castillo again shot for a perfect double-leg and went back to work for more of the same on top. Sass went after a triangle with less than two minutes left, but Casillo quickly squirmed out to pass Sass' guard to the north-south position, then side control.
Castillo cruised the rest of the way home and won an easy unanimous decision with a pair of 30-27s and a 29-28.
"I fought close to my potential," Castillo said. "I'm disappointed as I have been working with my striking coach and didn't get to show that too much. I felt sharp – my corner did a great job getting me ready for the fight. I was looking for a knockout, but I'm happy I was able to control the fight. I'll be looking for more knockouts going forward."
Castillo (15-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is back in the win column after an October loss to Michael Johnson and now has won four of his past five. Sass (13-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) now loses for the second straight time after an armbar loss to Matt Wiman at UFC on FUEL TV 5 in October, which also took place in England.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on FUEL TV 7 results include:
- Danny Castillo def. Paul Sass via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Andy Ogle def. Josh Grispi via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
- Tom Watson def. Stanislav Nedkov via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:42
- Vaughan Lee def. Motonobu Tezuka via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Phil Harris def. Ulysses Gomez via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
For complete coverage of the UFC on FUEL TV 7, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.
(Pictured: Danny Castillo)
John Morgan contributed to this report on-site in London.


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Results on FaceBook U.S. Citizen Test
February 20, 2008 at 10:27 am Janie Hermann 1 comment
FaceBook Citizenship Test Results
Originally uploaded by janielianne
At some point in the future it is highly likely that I will take the test and become a U.S. citizen. So when I saw the U.S. Citizen Test on FaceBook yesterday I decided to take it just for some fun (and to see if I will need to study). What I really liked about this test (besides FaceBook telling me that I got 95% correct) is that it gives a nice little plug for "the local library" — a message that must go to everyone, whether you pass with flying colors or fail.
Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Uncategorized.
1 Comment
cool! nice to see libraries mentioned!


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"One of the main themes—if not the central theme—of VoiceCon is Unified Communications (UC)," writes FierceVoIP's Mike Dolan.
"A recent study . . . found that collaboration tools like VoIP, instant messaging, and high-definition video meetings resulted in cost savings averaging four times the return on investment for firms using the IP platforms," Dolan writes.
Click the following link to read details of the conference preview: VoiceCon Preview: Keeping up with Unified Communications.


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SEOUL – North Korea on Sunday angrily denied reports that it had executed several state performers to cover up the past of its first lady, calling the media accounts an "unpardonable" crime.
The denial came a day after the North indefinitely postponed reunions for families divided by the Korean War, citing South Korean hostility, slander and provocation.
Sunday's denunciation focused on several recent reports carried by the South's "reptile media" aimed at "hurting the dignity" of supreme leader Kim Jong-Un.
In particular it cited a Saturday report in Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper – picked up by South Korean broadcasters and websites – that several members of the North's Unhasu Orchestra and other state music troupes had been executed by firing squad for taping themselves having sex.
Ri Sol-Ju, Kim's wife, is a former member of the orchestra.
Asahi said the rare execution of state performers, including a singer rumoured to be Kim's ex-girlfriend, had been ordered to squash rumours of Ri's decadent lifestyle while she was an entertainer.
It said police had secretly recorded conversations between the entertainers who said, "Ri Sol-Ju used to play around in the same manner as we did".
The source for the Asahi report was a "high-ranking North Korean government official who recently defected".
South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper had reported the alleged executions last month, but there was no response from Pyongyang at the time. The North's state news agency KCNA said the reports were the work of "psychopaths" and "confrontation maniacs" in the South Korean government and media.
"This is an unpardonable, hideous provocation hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership," KCNA said in a commentary.
"Those who commit such a hideous crime … will have to pay a very high price," it warned.
Kim Jong-Un's stylish wife has often been photographed accompanying him at official events – in a break from the past when the North's first ladies were kept out of the limelight.
She was pictured wearing stylish, expensive-looking outfits and on one occasion sported what appeared to be a Christian Dior handbag, in a country plagued by chronic poverty.
Inter-Korean relations had recently showed signs of improving after months of heightened military tensions following the North's third nuclear test in February.
The most visible step forward was an agreement to open a jointly-run industrial estate that was shut down when the tensions were at their peak. But they hit a new stumbling block when Pyongyang abruptly postponed the family reunions scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Categories: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, International, Media & Culture, Republic of Korea, Statements


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Fernandez perfect in first ASG vs. heart of AL order
Marlins rookie strikes out Pedroia, Davis, gets Cabrera to pop out in sixth inning
NEW YORK -- As he sat on the bus that transported him and other National League All-Stars to Citi Field on Monday, Jose Fernandez marveled at the collection of talent that surrounded him. Just three months into his Major League career and five years removed from his incredible journey from Cuba to the United States, the 20-year-old right-hander wondered if he was worthy to be part of this elite group.
Fernandez's perspective changed when Marlins director of media relations Matt Roebuck informed him that he should indeed feel honored that he was the only member of a talented rookie class to gain an All-Star selection this year.
The baseball world gained a better sense of Fernandez's tremendous talents as he recorded a pair of strikeouts while completing a perfect sixth inning against the heart of the American League lineup in the National League's 3-0 loss in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.
Fernandez opened the sixth by getting Dustin Pedroia to look at a called third strike and ended it by getting Chris Davis to swing through a third strike. In between, he got Miguel Cabrera to hit a weak pop fly that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt caught in foul territory.
"Miguel Cabrera is the greatest hitter in the game," Fernandez said. "It was incredible to face those guys and get them out. It was really amazing."
Instead of being overwhelmed by the challenge of facing two former Most Valuable Player Award winners and the current favorite to win this year's AL MVP, Fernandez showed incredible poise. Each of the three pitches he threw to Cabrera were 98-mph fastballs.
"I'm proud of how I went out there and didn't try to overdo anything," Fernandez said. "That was one of things that I look back and I'm pretty happy about. The result was good, but I'm happy I wasn't trying to overdo stuff."
While Cardinals right-hander Shelby Miller might be the current favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, Fernandez has compiled equally impressive credentials and legitimized Miami's decision to allow him to make the leap from the Class A level to the Majors after just 27 Minor League starts.
"I'm not really thinking about that," Fernandez said. "I'm just trying to do a good job and trying to throw the ball well. I'm not really thinking about Rookie of the Year. If it happens, great. If it doesn't, I don't mind. I'm just trying to do my job."
While splitting 10 decisions through his first 18 starts, Fernandez has only strengthened the belief that it is archaic to judge pitchers based on their win-loss totals. The electric right-hander leads all Major League rookie pitchers in ERA (2.75), batting average allowed (.196) and on-base percentage allowed (.278).
Miller (9.63) and Fernandez (8.86) rank first and second among rookie pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings. Both have compiled exactly 104 2/3 innings.
"[Fernandez] has a lot of energy and a lot of hype," Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said. "I love everything about that guy. I wish he was one of my teammates. He's fun to be around. He wants to learn and always wants to improve. He has great stuff. He's one of the best pitchers in the game. I don't feel comfortable in the box with him."
Fernandez and Phillips gained an immediate bond as they stood in the outfield shagging fly balls as the NL team took batting practice on Monday at Citi Field. Somewhere in the midst of their conversation, Phillips mentioned the home run that he hit off the young right-hander on May 16 in Miami.
"He has electric stuff," Phillips said. "He's just one of those kinds of pitchers that you have to go up there and guess and hope you can make some contact. I told him 'When I hit that home run, I guessed my [butt] off.'"
Along with interacting with the game's top players, Fernandez has enjoyed the opportunity to have his mother, Maritza, in New York this week to celebrate his first All-Star selection. Five years ago, he had to pull her out of the Gulf of Mexico after she fell off one of the boats that carried them out of Cuba and toward the freedom they would initially gain in Mexico.
This harrowing experience allowed Fernandez and his mother to have an even greater appreciation as they watched Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes display his tremendous power while winning Monday night's Home Run Derby.
"You're happy for these people who have been through some of the same stuff you've been through," Fernandez said. "Their success in the big leagues is fun."