text:
This morning, someone in a writers' community I belong to on Google+ posted a link to this Ars Technica article about how some of the changes in the Hobbit movies were necessary to strengthen the writing. (Obviously, both that article and this post contain spoilers for both book and movie, if you care about that, and in fact assume that you're familiar with both.)
Now, even though I love The Hobbit dearly (it was one of my first fantasy reads, if not the first, and I've read it at least eight times), I agree with much of what the article says. There's too much coincidence, luck and deus ex machina in the book. However, I think some of the changes made in the movie weaken the story rather than strengthening it.
Example: The spiders. Compare these two versions.
Book version: The dwarves and Bilbo, after many days of trekking through the forest, are out of provisions and almost out of hope. Bilbo climbs a tree to scout and falsely gets the impression that they are still far from their destination. In desperation, they disobey Beorn's advice and leave the path, trying to reach the elvish feasts they can see in the distance, but the elves, who are isolationists, keep disappearing as soon as they come near. They get separated in the darkness and confusion.
Bilbo wakes up from sleep being tied up by a giant spider, and kills it by a desperate effort. He luckily guesses which direction the dwarves are in, puts on his magic ring, and sneaks quietly towards them (it's been previously established that he's good at sneaking quietly).
The dwarves have been captured by the spiders. Bilbo cleverly manipulates the spiders through taunts and thrown stones to get them away from the dwarves, though he only just escapes from being surrounded by them and sneaks again to get away. He then kills another spider which has stayed behind, and begins to free the dwarves (who are in a bad way from the spiders' poison on top of their hunger and exhaustion). Before he can finish, the spiders come back, and they all have to fight. Bilbo cleverly draws them off again, and the dwarves make a desperate escape, having to fight repeatedly (with inadequate weapons) despite their weariness, hunger and the lingering effects of the spider poison. At a moment when it looks like the spiders will surround them and overwhelm them, Bilbo reappears and gives them the opportunity to escape. Bilbo fights so well and so determinedly, in fact, that the spiders eventually give them up as a bad job and go back to their nests.
The dwarves then realise that Thorin (their leader, and incidentally the only one with a decent weapon apart from Bilbo) has disappeared. He has been captured by the elves. The elves subsequently capture the rest of the dwarves as well, but Bilbo again uses the ring to escape and follows them.
Movie version: The well-supplied dwarves are having a bit of a frustrating time finding their way through the forest after what appears to be a few hours, so they send Bilbo up a tree to scout. He happily discovers that they're close to their destination. When he gets back, though, the spiders capture everyone, including him. He wakes up for no particular reason, gets himself out of a thorough binding and kills the spider with no real difficulty, and the dwarves start doing the same with a variety of effective weapons. The spiders are, individually, low-level mooks and apparently not much of a threat, but there are a lot of them.
The fight goes on for a long time, killing spiders, killing spiders, killing spiders. Then we get elves ex machina who finish up the fight, drive the spiders off and capture the party, apart from Bilbo, who rings up and follows as per the book.
Yes, the book version uses a lucky guess (the direction in which the dwarves were), though it's really more of an informed guess. But what gets established? Bilbo is resourceful, clever and brave. He can manipulate, sneak and fight. The dwarves' situation starts out bad and gets worse, then improves thanks to the protagonist's action, then gets worse again in a different way, and that cycle repeats several times. There's a lot of desperation, for several different causes.
In the movie, all of this is lost. It's flattened out to a straightforward fight in which Bilbo is, if anything, one of the weaker players. There's no real escalation of tension, not much up-and-down movement of the tension graph at all, in fact, and most of the sources of tension (hunger, weariness, loss of hope, believing they are far from their destination, being poorly armed and weak from spider venom) are removed completely. The protagonist doesn't solve the problem. We don't get to see much increase in his abilities. He doesn't show himself to be clever, resourceful or sneaky. The result is a bland bit of action with not much significance to the story or the characters, that isn't even that exciting to watch.
Now, I didn't write this just to sling mud at Peter Jackson and his writers. I think there's something to be learned here about writing.
Turn the process around. If you have a bland bit of action with not much significance to the story or characters, here's how you can punch it up.
1. Make the characters more desperate and/or weaker, so that the outcome is more in doubt. They're out of supplies, they have inadequate weapons, they're poisoned, they're lost, they don't know how far they have to go but it seems further than they can go. When desperate, weak characters triumph after a hard fight, it's more exciting than if strong, competent characters triumph after an easy fight.
2. Don't just write it as "they fight a thing, they fight another thing the same as the first thing, they fight yet another thing". Write a series of problems from which the characters have to escape: One-on-one conflict. Drawing off the spiders. Spiders nearly surround Bilbo. He gets away and starts to free the dwarves, but the spiders come back before he's finished. Spiders nearly surround the dwarves, Bilbo rushes in from the side and breaks through.
I watched an excellent example of this the other day: the truck chase sequence in Raiders of the Lost Ark. It's a thrilling sequence because it's not just solving the same problem over and over, it's solving a series of different problems in different ways on the way to an overall goal (escape with the Ark). Indiana Jones must pursue the truck on horseback, jump on, force his way in, overcome the Nazis inside, then he gets attacked by other Nazis who climb forward from the back of the truck (antagonists can struggle and be brave and resourceful too), he's forced out, he climbs under the truck and is dragged behind, gets back up and in control of the truck again, has to contend with the other vehicles in the convoy (which he gets rid of by several different tactics), hides the truck in the village... It has variety, and every time he solves a problem he gets a new, and different, problem. We get a series of small releases of tension as he solves each problem, but the overall tension continues until the end of the sequence.
3. This deserves to be its own point: Give a variety of problems a variety of solutions. Not just "stab a spider, stab another spider, stab a third spider".
4. Take the opportunity for character development. If Bilbo is going to encounter Smaug with any expectation of success, he needs to be clever, resourceful and sneaky. This scene (in the book) establishes that he is becoming all of those things.
5. Have the protagonist solve the problem. Tolkien is as guilty of violating this as anyone, but not in the spider sequence. It's not fatal to have your protagonist rescued occasionally, but if it becomes a habit, they're not much of a protagonist.
6. Have the problem be more than just "do they win the fight?". Most of the fights in The Desolation of Smaug have no higher, greater or other stakes than "do the heroes win this fight?" Those are not very interesting stakes, especially when you're pretty sure the answer is going to be "yes". Will the heroes be eaten by the spiders? Will they find their way out of the forest? Will they starve? Where is their leader, and how can he escape? Can Bilbo continue to conceal his possession of the ring? All of these things are at stake in the book version, and they lead into and out of the fight, meaning that the fight is hard to remove as a story element. The movie version of the fight (and most of the other fights in the movie) could be completely removed as a story element and nothing else would need to be rewritten. That's a sign of weak writing, and a scene that isn't necessary because it doesn't do anything except present a (rather dull) spectacle.
I'll close with a link to another article: Why You Should Never Write Action Scenes for Your Blockbuster Movie. It's excellent writing advice in general, and the summary version is: Don't write action scenes. Write suspense scenes that require action to resolve.


text:
Unlock Camera?
Post any bumps you find on the road to galactic domination.
Moderators: Makail, Erinys, ddub
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Unlock Camera?
What was the key to allow free camera movement while in battle?
I rather be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Message in a Bottle band bring Sting and The Police tribute to Queen's Theatre
PUBLISHED: 13:00 12 July 2018 | UPDATED: 14:09 12 July 2018
A tribute to one of the world's biggest bands is set to blow Hornchurch away with their pitch-perfect Sting and The Police performance.
Message in a Bottle will take the stage at Queen's Theatre later this month.
Owen James, lead singer, met band members Alan Moore, Phil Dean and Andy Whitaker at school in their hometown of Harrogate, north Yorkshire.
He began learning the bass guitar while at school which led him to gravitate towards Stings music.
Speaking about his love for The Police and Sting, Owen said: "You learned all the famous bass guitarists such as Paul McCartney as there weren't as many of them.
"I gravitated to Sting because he was the lead singer as well as the bass guitarist.
"He was naturally more interesting to me than other bass players."
Late into his teens, Owen began singing in bands and soon after he saw his musical career take off.
Now in his mid-30s, he has travelled on cruise ships, performed abroad and at weddings and has starred in other tribute bands.
But the dream of being part of a theatre agency was yet to be fulfilled.
The band members have all been involved in other musical performances but came back together five years ago to begin their Sting and The Police tribute band.
Message in a Band was eventually found online by an agency, fulfilling their ultimate goal.
"I always had an aim to get a theatre agency and it took five years," said Owen.
"We've turned down a lot of gigs. We knew what we wanted."
This year sees the start of their first UK tour with 20 tour dates across the country.
Fans can look forward to hearing iconic hits including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, So Lonely, and Can't Stand Losing.
There will of course be the world famous hits from Sting himself including, Fields of Gold and the beautiful Englishman in New York.
The tribute band has had many gigs throughout the last five years, leaving their lead singer to reflect upon some of their most memorable experiences.
"We've done some really good festivals, we recently did Rock and Bowl festival in Shropshire," he said.
"We've also done the Isle of Wight and some gigs along the South coast.
"A few months ago our drummer's wife went into labour while we were on our way home from a gig. We got him there with an hour to spare. You always remember the gigs that are slightly unusual."
This will be the bands first time in Hornchurch with Owen adding, "We like an Essex audience."
The show of course features the highly anticipated song Roxanne.
Owen said: "We have to play that song. Everyone knows we have to play that song. There's always cheering and clapping as everyone's expecting it."
"I think even if you're not 100per cent a Sting fan I think you'll enjoy the show a lot more than you think."
Speaking about his favourite song to perform, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You Owen said: "It was the first song I ever listened to that I realised I really liked Stings music."
The show has received five star ratings with the lead singer adding: "We have an attention to detail for the right sound.
"We spent £5,000 on equipment to get it is authentic as to what the Police used."
Owen added: "We'll have to wait and see for the future. Hopefully word gets out there about us.
"We hope to get the same venues and hopefully more next year."
Message in a Bottle will be playing at Queens Theatre, Billet Lane, on Sunday July 29.
To book tickets contact the box office on 01708 443333.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Romford Recorder. Click the link in the orange box below for details.


text:
On view will be Krzysztof Wodiczko's historical work Homeless Vehicle, Variant 5 (c. 1988), created to provoke discussion on the struggles of those marginalized in public space as a result of speculative real estate development and gentrification. Critical thinking within the contested field of public speech is also evident in Alfredo Jaar's new neon I Can't Go On. I'll Go On. (2016), which quotes Samuel Beckett's novel, The Unnamable. Similarly engaged with the sociopolitical issues of our time is Etel Adnan, whose accordion-fold books, or leporellós, synthesize her interdisciplinary practice as a politically active poet, painter, and writer with a focus on the Lebanese civil war and Arabic- speaking diaspora.
The artists included also showcase Galerie Lelong's longstanding commitment to representing important women artists spanning several generations: Ana Mendieta, Zilia Sánchez, Carolee Schneemann and Nancy Spero. Their works explore the representation of the female body, or as Schneemann called it, "being the image and the image-maker." Mendieta disects her own identity in Untitled (Cosmetic Facial Variations) (1972), distorting her appearance with shampooed hair as if she were a sculpture. Sánchez's Troyanas, políptico (Trojans, polyptych) (1999), features multiple canvases stretched taut over wooden armatures in organic, repetitious shapes that have been acclaimed as alternative, gendered interpretations of Minimalism.
The use of his own body has been an essential part of Andy Goldsworthy's practice; he continues to explore in depth his relationship with nature through physical actions, tapping into an energy that is met with resistance or a new set of problems. Meanwhile, McArthur Binion explores notions of identity and self-titled "black abstraction" in his DNA series. Binion splices his birth certificate, address book, and IDs as layers of meaning under a geometric grid, emphasizing the persistence of the body through time. Los Angeles-based Sarah Cain offers a perspective from the newer generation using unconventional mediums in abstraction.
The selection of international and multi-generational artists on view at Galerie Lelong's booth at Frieze New York presents work that is uniquely realized while investigating tensions and conflicts on both a personal and societal level.


text: Zero & Company, an Italian manufacturer with consolidated knowhow in the production of kidswear and licensee of brands of excellence is presenting the new Cesare Paciotti 4US Kids collection atPitti Immagine Bimbo. The brand's return to the event in Florence after four seasons has a single diktat: new ideas. Colour and attitude are the must-haves for spring/summer 2019. The new collection's style has been studied by the Zero & Company creative lab, and the motto "chic whatever the occasion" sees the Paciotti 4US Kids collection bloom in three different palettes of colours that are an ode to joy! Blue, yellow and cornflower make up the first tangy offering for the new collection, teamed with macro prints and embroidery on techno fabrics such as nylon. Plus macro words, coloured stripes and over-printed or embroidered fabrics that lend extra appeal to Tees and pants. For this company based in Puglia, Pitti Immagine Bimbo is not just a return by Paciotti 4US Kids, it is also the stage for presentation of My Clòset. The label stems from the idea to fill kids' wardrobes with little dresses, sweaters, trousers and blouses in cottons, water prints and embroidery. All in neutral sober shades. The fair will also see presentation of the second season of the collection Kid's Company. Backed by the success of the previous collection, the brand confirms its role as the top product by this company whose strong points are product quality, style and Made in Italy.


text:
Dear Friend :
Greetings from a forest ! Autumn: it is so calm and peaceful to be in a afternoon forest. The leaves are falling, the yellow leaves of maple, rowan, birch, aspens - they fill the air while the green firs and pines are the background of a beautiful scene. It is so fresh to breathe in the forest. It is a fine medicine to spend time in the forest !
Yes, I like your messages !
Have a fine October !


text:
Framing Question:
What relationship do cultural values have with ecological priorities and actions?
-Our framing question is derived from our desire to study Irish and Scottish literature. When we first joined together as a group, we had seemed to concede on an idea to look into Celtic culture and the Gaelic language. However, as we each shared our specific ideas, it molded itself into wanting to study Irish literature, culture and how that effects and influences forestry management. This would allow each of us to look at something that we wanted to–this being mapping with QGIS using metadata, using narrative and literary analysis, and creating graphs and tables using information gathered from Excel. Looking at culture is no easy task, and the broader implications of the culture are hard to grasp and understand, so it was important for us to look at just one aspect of Irish culture in order to make it easier on ourselves. That's why we decided to look at heritage trees, which leads us into our focus question.
Focus Question:
How are modern Irish woodlands/forestry management and protection framed by cultural values (i.e. Heritage trees)?
-Our focus question is derived from our broader desire to look at some aspect of Irish culture. Heritage trees combined the perfection combination of qualitative and quantitative data, giving us plenty of information to look at. However, the information gathered from heritage trees in Ireland isn't enough on it's own; what can we do with it? So we decided to see how the heritage trees (the ways in which they are valued, their meaning, and how the people feel about them) influence and affect the choices of Irish Forestry Management. We can see how groups that advocate for heritage trees, and how the general population views them dictates what the Irish government does with their current and projected forest areas.


text:
This website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users. This helps us to provide you with a good user experience and also allows us to improve our website. Privacy & Cookies Policy
Please enter a keyword and click the arrow to search the site
Or explore one of the areas below
Assistant Professor of Accounting
BASc (Waterloo) MBA (Michigan) MS PhD (Berkeley) CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Dr James Ryans' research interests focus on investors' use of financial information; on the effects of government monitoring on firms financial disclosures; and on aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including synergies, deal risk management, government intervention, and the impact of short-sellers and activists. Dr Ryans has published studies in prestigious academic journals such as the Journal of Accounting and Economics, The Accounting Review, and the Review of Accounting Studies. His work has been cited by the New York Times and the Sunday Times, and has been presented to regulators and researchers at the SEC and PCAOB.
In the private sector, Dr Ryans has worked in investments and business development in the insurance industry, and formerly was a consultant at Deloitte & Touche in Toronto. In his professional capacity, Dr Ryans currently serves as an independent director and chair of the audit committee for Virgin Galactic Holdings, the NYSE-listed human spaceflight company.
Dr Ryans is member of the CFA Society of the UK and currently serves the global CFA Institute in various program support roles.
In addition to his research and professional activities, Dr Ryans is an award winning teacher at London Business School, named Best Teacher for the Masters in Management programme in 2017.
Lawrence A; Ryans J; Sun E; Laptev N
Journal of Accounting and Economics 2018 Vol 66:2-2 p 399-414
Lawrence A; Ryans J; Sun E
Accounting Review 2017 March Vol 92:2 p 123-149
Laurion H; Lawrence A; Ryans J
Accounting Review 2017 May Vol 92:3 p 209-237
Dechow P M; Lawrence A; Ryans J
Accounting Review 2016 March Vol 91:2 p 401-439
Even-Tov O; Ryans J
Social Sciences Research Network
Ryans J
Social Sciences Research Network
Lawrence A; Ryans J; Sun E; Soni A
Social Sciences Research Network
Ryans J
Social Sciences Research Network
Lawrence A; Ryans J; Sun E; Laptev N
Social Sciences Research Network
Ryans J
Social Sciences Research Network
Laurion H; Ryans J; Tan S T
Social Sciences Research Network
Our teaching offering is updated annually. Faculty and programme material are subject to change.
A key part of our Masters programmes curriculum.View courses Show less
Short programmes offering academic excellence, global focus and exceptional diversity of perspective.View programmes Show less


text:
Worldwide Test Delivery
Free Shipping for orders in Southeast Asia. *Terms applied
Create your own private Label. Sell to a Global Market
500 Manufacturers for all your sourcing needs
The one-stop marketplace for all your business needs. Scale up your business with Tradedi.com
Sorry. No results match your search.
Free shipping for selected SKUs


text:
"Smashed avocado" on toast has become a popular breakfast among young people in the West, but this fruit would serve a whole family.
A Hawaii woman is waiting to hear back from Guinness World Records to find out if the massive avocado she found is the world's largest. Pamela Wang from Kealakekua on Big Island was out walking when she saw the 2.35kg fruit on Sunday. "I see avocados every day, and I pick up avocados every day, but this one… It was hard to miss. It was as big as my head," she told the West Hawaii Today newspaper.
Ms Wang said her giant avocado came from a 40-year-old tree that overhangs a street she regularly walks along. In Hawaii, fruit that overhangs or falls in a public place is free to claim.
She had Ken Love, executive director of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, witness the avocado's weighing. Guinness's verification process requires an expert to be present and the fruit to be photographed. She provided photographs of the avocado to West Hawaii Today.
"I've seen [avocados] longer and I've seen them fatter, but not both," said Love, who verified the fruit's weight at 2.35kg. "I think people have other ones that they don't weigh, but I think this one, it was way up there."
Ms Wang is due to hear back from Guinness within two months.
She ate the massive avocado with friends after the weigh-in. "It tasted excellent. The tree is very good. We had 10 people there and didn't even use up one half of the avocado," she said.
Guinness previously verified in January 2009 an avocado submitted by Gabriel Ramirez Nahim of Caracas, Venezuela, which weighed 2.2kg.


text:
A Russian fisherman has access to some of the most bizarre creatures ever seen on planet Earth. If you've ever seen some crazy underwater creatures online before, they might have come from Roman Fedortsov who operates a deep-sea trawling vessel around Murmansk, Russia. Because he works on a trawling vessel that sends its lines deep into the water, he comes across some of the most interesting-looking and creepy-crawly creatures you'll ever see in your life.
Not only does Roman come across the creatures, he knows how to photograph them in a way that makes them appear as bizarre as possible. Whether he leans them so their heads are back and their mouths gape open, or he squeezes their dead bodies, so their eyes bulge, Roman has become a master of making the creatures he comes across look as photogenic as possible.
The 39-year-old trawler spends most of his time on the open water. That means there is not always that much to do. Thankfully, his vessel comes across some of the most bizarre creatures in the deep, deep ocean, and because he works for a Russian commercial fishing company, they don't care much about the fact that these critters could be endangered.
Although the vessel Roman works on is supposed to catch cod, haddock, and mackerel, they sometimes find these bizarre critters stuck in their nets. That's why Roman decides to give them a chance and show off the way they look by taking weird photos of them to appease his many followers on social media.
Roman attended the Marine University in Murmansk and is an expert when it comes to processing and preparing fish for the commercial market. He spends most of his time in the Norwegian and Barents seas and comes across these bizarre specimens whenever they get stuck in one of the vessel's nets. Because he loves marine life, Roman created a social media account to share his rare finds and give them some glory on the internet. People love to follow Roman's social media pages because they're guaranteed to come across deep-sea specimens that are sure to shock and entertain.
In a previous interview with the Press Association, Roman said: "All kinds of fish are beautiful in their own way. I cannot say they are 'scary' or 'ugly.' People are very interested in unusual sea creatures. I think the reason for such popularity was the fact that an ordinary sailor can face life with unusual 'fantastic creatures.'"
Roman understands that he is privileged to get to be so close to such rare deep-sea specimens. That's one of the reasons he loves sharing images of these creatures on his profiles. However, he admits there are some misconceptions out there when it comes to his fans.
"Readers have the impression that with each trawl we bring abroad unusual fish specimens. In fact, this is far from the case. It is a rarity. On the other hand, even a famous fish can be photographed so that it will seem to be a 'monster.' Most of the raised fish do not survive due to the difference in pressure. Commercial fish is processed, non-food bycatch is used for the production of fish meal."
What do you think about the images?
Every time you share an AWM story, you help build a home for a disabled veteran.


text:
The Tale as old as Time, is new again (twice)
Back in January, my wife and I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D, part of a trend of older movies getting the 3D treatment we've been treated to this year. While I enjoyed the experience, I think I mostly just enjoyed seeing Beauty and the Beast in theaters again, the 3D was just so-so. It reminded me a lot of pop up books, each layer was flat and it was just a bunch of layers stacked on top of each other to give the 3D effect.
Not only did this excuse the human appearances, but it also had the advantage of increasing the urgency of the situation in the story. The implication is that eventually they will be completely inanimate, unable to move or speak, making the breaking of the spell that much more important to the characters.
The productions of the songs from the movie were excellent in the play, especially "Be our Guest," "Gaston," and the title song "Beauty and the Beast." The song added to the play that was cut from the original movie ("Human Again") was likewise excellent, however they also added many additional songs, presumably to lengthen the play, and not a single one of the additional songs was any good (in my not humble opinion). They were dull, and a times made me so bored I found myself wondering if the song would ever end so we could get back to the dialog (not what you are supposed to be wondering when watching a musical).
Overall I really enjoyed seeing Beauty and the Beast the musical, and I'm looking forward to catching Mary Poppins when it comes to town in late May.


text:
Bookstore Tour •
Events & Readings •
Storefront Banner Series / Mural •
Map/Directions •
Contact Us
Preserving Fire recounts the life and thought of Surrealist, Beat Generation, and San Francisco Renaissance poet Philip Lamantia through his fugitive prose works. Ranging from poetry to politics to mythology to dance, from manifestos to travelogues to wartime declarations of conscientious objection, these writings—expertly collected by Garrett Caples—offer a dynamic picture of Lamantia's multifaceted intellectual life and the artistic movements he helped shape.
261 Columbus Avenue at Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
phone: (415) 362-8193 • fax: (415) 362-
4921 • Open daily 10 am to midnight


text:
The "alkali-silica reaction" causing miles of road construction every summer. The source of a de facto speed limit on the autobahn, this is a materials issue wherein silica (Kieselsäure, lit. "gravel acid") reacts with cement to form a gel bubble that pushes up to the driving surface, making it as soft as sand. The ingredients in new autobahns are said to be no longer susceptible to this but old ones are crumbling. Much research has been done over the years into ways to slow down Betonkrebs without replacing too much road. Sprays tested have included epoxy resin, boiled linseed oil and/or "hydrophobization," according to ZDF heute journal reporting on 26 July 2012.
(Oll call ee KEE zell zoy reh ray ock tsee OHN.)


text:
5 – 21 October 2018
Two artists from Croatia and one from no-man's-land.
Sračok & Pöhlmann is occupying (being hosted by) studio1.1, London for the sixth time in as many years, confirming a relationship which might be more than platonic. Love Lost, Alternative Truths brings together three artists bound by … amongst other things a restructured geography and a natural scepticism.
Sracok & Pöhlmann, founded in Susak in 2006 by Herman Sracok and Rupert Pöhlmann, has long been a vital force in the contemporary art scene. It supports the work of leading contemporary artists as well as putting forward new and exciting artists, presents a broad and critically acclaimed program of exhibitions to a large public through international exhibition spaces in London, Susak and New York.
Their shows often explore contemporary cultural values, and eschew the bombastic tactics of other galleries for a more subtle approach which manages to be both glamorous and intelligent.
Tomislav Brajnovic was born in 1965 in Zagreb. He completed his first year of study in fine arts in Den Haag, but he graduated in Zagreb, from the Academy of Fine Arts, in 1999, under professor Đuro Seder. In 2003, he earned his MA in fine arts at Central St Martins College of Art & Design in London. Brajnović teaches New Media, City Mapping and Recontextualisation at the Rijeka Academy of Applied Arts. In time of end of history ethical crisis it is unthinkable to engage in anything else but ethics. In this endeavour, I move from art towards life. I abandon forms (illusions) and emphasise the contents instead; I live the answers to the questions I pose as an artist. This emphasis has a form, but it becomes less visible; its effect disappear, there are no embellishments; the message stands out, like a naked medium. In this 'digital era' my main concern is the redefinition of art with the idea that digital media's sterility has snuffed out content and that's what is seen as the 'death of art', the disappearance of the unclear, the magic of the media and touch of the hand. The future of art does not lie in a new forms and ambiguous questions, but in a true content, it is time for clear answers. Such a dramatic conclusion derives from the awareness that the technological man is striving towards 'general knowledge' and 'direct link' to the digital. I see it as a critical moment of losing our humanity, space of free will and resistance. The only artistic discourse, as I see it, is the race between man (artist) and artificial intelligence to absolute knowledge.
Anamarija Ami Podrebaracis an extension of her alter ego AI named FOX. She was born in 1990. In Karlovac, Croatia and tried to fit her own conception of world inside given identity and bizarre existence. She graduated from Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka and started her postgraduate degree at Central St. Martins in 2017. where she studies today. Centre focus of her work is to question our position in interpretation of art and expand our understanding and our own perceptions of the world by rejecting traditional ideas of the human form. Her work position technology as a centre of knowing rather then putting technology in position of "other".
Herzog Dellafiorecame to prominence on the art scene in the early 1990s. Although he had a fair amount of success –some solo shows, several group shows –he was disillusioned with the art world, feeling that the art (including his own) lacked meaning or, if there was some kind of meaning, it was superficial and just an excuse to make and sell art objects. He considered that art had degraded from its height, during the peak years of conceptual art in the late 1960s / early 1970s –with Lucy Lippard's dematerialisation of the art object –to the back-door return of Greenbergian formalist ideals.


text:
Synopsis: When an archaeological dig in 1980s England finds a Movellan power pack buried amongst Iron Age artefacts, the Doctor and Romana have no choice but to investigate. And what they discover worries them very much indeed.
A Movellan ship is buried under the ground. Soon the robotic enemies of the Daleks are making their way to the surface, but they are not the biggest threat humanity faces.
Because on board this ship is the greatest weapon the Movellans have ever devised. A weapon that could stop the Daleks forever… and anything else that gets in their way.
Review: I rewatched Destiny of the Daleks prior to listening to the Big Finish sequel The Movellan Grave. Granted, the Daleks were the titular villains in the original story. Even with that, however, I was struck by how much of an afterthought the Movellans seemed to be in their own introduction. As a result, I hoped The Movellan Grave would be a sort of Genesis of the Movellans, providing them with depth they desperately needed. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
Moving past that subjective disappointment, I listened to the story for its own merits. What I got was a solid, if somewhat boilerplate, alien robot runs amok after experimental reprograming to improve tactical function narrative. Basically, the Movellans sought to end their stalemate with the Daleks and failed. The time travel element and the origin of the new emotion template were what elevated the tale.
Tom Baker and Lalla Ward were worth the price alone, both for their performances and their anecdotes in the behind-the-scenes interviews. Baker's memories of original Davros, Michael Wisher, were particularly marvelous.
- You can purchase Doctor Who: The Movellan Grave here.
Written By: Andrew Smith
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs
Tom Baker (The Doctor), Lalla Ward (Romana), Camilla Power (Carrie Pierce), Polly Walker (Commander Narina), Chris Jarman (Chenek), John Banks (Robin Lyon), Jane Slavin (Mary). Other parts played by members of the cast.
Producer David Richardson
Script Editor John Dorney
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs
- Performances
- The story was a bit boilerplate.
- Story7.0
- Performances10
- Audio Production10


text:
First-of-Its-Kind Symposium Releases Working Papers to Advance Efficacy Research in EdTech
Year-long initiative brought together leading researchers, university and K-12 district leaders, faculty, entrepreneurs, and investors in education to explore the impact of edtech
WASHINGTON, DC—July 19, 2017—The University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, Digital Promise, and the Jefferson Education Accelerator today released a series of papers developed by a cohort of ten working groups during a year-long collaboration focused on the role of efficacy research in education technology. The papers reflect a desire to improve the availability of efficacy research and the need for new policies and better data to inform the more than $13.2 billion of annual spending on education technology and ensure the technology effectively supports teaching and learning.
The first draft of these papers was presented during the EdTech Efficacy Research Academic Symposium, May 3-4 in Washington, D.C., which represented the culmination of 275 stakeholders who rarely collaborate in support of education technology: academics; researchers; entrepreneurs; district and university leaders; investors and philanthropists; and teachers and professors.
Leading up to the Symposium, each working group performed original research intended to identify the barriers to using research and other credible evidence in edtech decision-making.
"The Symposium uncovered some eye-opening structural problems in this space, as well as a series of paradoxical narratives that require unconventional alliances to address," said Bart Epstein, CEO of the Jefferson Education Accelerator and Research Associate Professor at the University of Virginia. "Our research shows that educators and administrators nationwide want to understand why certain products thrive when implemented in one location, and fall short when implemented in another. And yet implementation research is neither funded at scale nor generally valued by the academic community because it is seen by government funders and academics as too commercial."
"The net result," said Aubrey Francisco, Chief Research Officer at Digital Promise, "is that educators and administrators have little actionable intelligence when it comes to making individual product choices. We heard loudly from Symposium participants that this needs to change."
The Symposium papers also uncovered a serious collective action problem, according to Katrina Stevens, formerly Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Technology. "Nearly every institution wants to use research to make decisions," said Stevens, "but no one educational institution or district has the incentive to invest in the sort of research necessary to test a product's efficacy. New forms of collaboration are necessary to provide educators and administrators the information they need to make better decisions."
At the Symposium, each working group issued working papers summarizing its findings and implications for the role of efficacy research in the development, adoption, and implementation of edtech moving forward. The reports explore a range of topics, including:
- The Role of Research in K-12 District Decision-Making
- The Role of Research in Higher Ed Decision-Making
- Research Spending & the Most Popular EdTech Products
- Evidence and Quality of Efficacy in Research Approaches
- Institutional Competence in Evaluating Efficacy Research
- Investors and Entrepreneurs
- The Goals and Roles of Federal Funding for EdTech Research
- Education Philanthropies
- EdTech User Voice
- Crowdsourcing Efficacy Research and Product Reviews.
"The event was the first-ever convening of stakeholders around the issues of efficacy research and the importance of elevating merit over marketing in edtech decision-making," said Curry School Dean Robert C. Pianta. "With a better understanding of stakeholder perspectives and the barriers to collecting and using evidence of efficacy, we can now move to discussing the dozens of potential solutions raised for consideration by the Symposium participants."
Each report is available for download on the Symposium website here: http://curry.virginia.edu/symposium/reports/
The EdTech Efficacy Academic Research Symposium was made possible by Strada Education Network, with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Overdeck Family Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, NewSchools Venture Fund, Gallup, Kaplan, Pearson, and Sterling Partners.
For more information about the Symposium or to be notified of future related events, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
About the Curry School of Education
The University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, located in Charlottesville, Va., is ranked among the nation's top 20 graduate schools of education. To its 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the school offers nationally-ranked degree programs in education and health centered around human development.
Through 3 research centers, nearly 20 labs, and dozens of individual projects, faculty and students conduct rigorous, practical research that supports both the quality of teaching, learning and clinical practices, and the decision-making of district, state, and national leaders.
About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a nonprofit organization that builds powerful networks and takes on grand challenges by working at the intersection of researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators. Our vision is that all people, at every stage of their lives, have access to learning experiences that help them acquire the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and continuously learn in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow @digitalpromise for updates.
About Jefferson Education Accelerator
The Jefferson Education Accelerator (JEA) brings together the know-how, capital, and resources to address the unique needs of educators, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Combining the unabashedly innovative spirit of education technology with the academic rigor and excellence of one of the nation's top-ranked education programs, JEA identifies the most promising growth-stage education companies, and helps them learn how to optimize their implementation models, set up new pilot programs at schools, colleges, and universities across the U.S., and raise capital that will put them on track to achieving scale and making an impact. For more information, visit www.jeauva.com.
Media Contact:
Sarah Herring, email@example.com, 202-851-3606


text:
The Chimera Games Vol. 4 went down in Tokyo, Japan at the weekend and as one part of the huge action street sports and music festival, the FMX had one hell of a rider line-up. The freestyle demo saw Tom Pages, Jeremy 'Twitch' Stenberg and Taka Higashino join Japanese riders Shinichi Kaga, Kaga Akiri, Tatsuya Kobayashi, Takahashi Jin, Daichi Kangwon, Sky Kohgahara and Manton Kaneko to entertain the huge crowds with some rad tricks.
Check out some of the FMX shots from the Chimera Games in the gallery below.


text:
How to Create a Living Trust
What You Need to Know About Living Trusts
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
What You Need to Know About Revocable Trusts
Estate planning can be a complicated process, but it is well worth it to have the peace of mind of knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass. There are many different forms of estate plans you can use, and your individual circumstances will determine the best estate planning approach for you.
What is the Difference Between a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust?
Five Reasons You Should Set Up a Trust
What is a Trust Administrator?
What to Keep in Mind When Setting Up Your Trust
There are many things to consider when you begin estate planning. You will need to decide what type of estate plans you want to include, such as whether you want to include a trust or just a will. If you choose to include a trust, you will have to decide whether you want it to be an irrevocable trust or a revocable trust. There are benefits to each type of trust, so you should keep in mind your financial goals of what you wish to accomplish by creating a trust in order to make sure you make the best estate plan for your needs.
Benefits of a Living Trust
Which Type of Trust is Right for You?


text:
Fans Will Not Be Happy About This Male R&B Singer Calling Out Beyoncé, SZA And Cardi B
"Stop using that f**king pain to make it OK to say some bullsh** on your record and get nominated for a Grammy..."
After all of the mystery, suspicion, decoding and trace-finding about Jay Z's new album, it turns out the internet was right.
Scattering all of his New York home turf with obscure "4:44" imprints, the Roc Nation helmer has finally peeled the curtain back to reveal details around his forthcoming 13th studio album. The anticipation from fans have drawn closer and closer with each new discovery of the project, and considering Jay hasn't unleashed new sound on us since 2013, patience for the official release date is running thin. For now, however, we'll have to make do with what Mr. Carter has been gracious enough to share thus far in preparation for his next opus undertaking: 4:44.
Mysterious Jay Z-Related "4:44" Project Gets A Release Date https://t.co/AAg0qpCBl2 pic.twitter.com/jAGbWVASak— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) June 16, 2017
.@S_C_ just announced '4:44', his new album available to @TIDALHiFi & @Sprint customers on 6/30. https://t.co/sReVN9XpPK #TIDALXSprint pic.twitter.com/4yHd9eClVH— Roc Nation (@RocNation) June 19, 2017
(Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for TIDAL)
"Stop using that f**king pain to make it OK to say some bullsh** on your record and get nominated for a Grammy..."
Here are all the artists who posted tributes to the late R&B singer.


text:
This business is listed in the roofing section of our website
- 07857148011
- lancashire
- Lytham St Anne
- http://http://maxiroofing.wixsite.com/mysite
- Other Pages: - -
- Based in lyham st annes , we offer homeowners and businesses from across the fylde coast all aspects of roofing.
we have brought the highest standards in roofing services and roof maintenance for over 20 years Established as a family company, we have stayed true to the principles of quality work and customer service.
It is thanks to this dedication and quality workmanship that we enjoy regular recommendations and repeat work from customers who know they can rely on us to deliver competitive, quality services whatever they need done on their roof.Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, our highly skilled and professional team of roofers know flat roofs, pitched roofs, chimneys, rooflines, slates, tiles and membranes inside and out. This enables us to provide truly expert and unbiased advice through initial surveys and regular maintenance checks for homeowners and businesses.
- Maxwell Roofing Specialist Is Also Listed In:
roofing in Lytham St Anne
lancashire Business Directory
Lytham St Anne Business Directory
roofing in lancashire
roofing Directory
New to business-directory.org.uk.
You can add your business to our Free Business Advertising page.


text:
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership
- Accredited IEW Instructor
- 30 years of teaching experience
Holly is passionate about teaching students to write. Writing is one skill students need for life, and it's often the first impression someone gets of you, whether from a cover letter, an email, or a college essay. Good writing takes practice AND guidance, and Holly's classes provide both.
Holly Dodson holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership. She taught public school for seven years and has been doing private tutoring in grades K-12 for more than twenty years.
Holly attended numerous workshops taught by Andrew Pudewa and completed his Teaching Writing: Structure and Style training. She is an accredited IEW instructor, and has used his formula for teaching reluctant writers with students of all ages. Holly also attended several Nancy Fetzer Writing Institute trainings for Common Core Reading and Writing and incorporates common core standards in her some of her classes.
Holly began teaching small group writing classes in 2008. Even reluctant writers found Holly's teaching style approachable and fun, and many young writers transformed from "I hate writing" to "Can I take another writing class with Holly?"
In order to make her writing classes available to more students, not just local ones, Holly expanded her writing classes to include an online option.
Holly is an approved vendor for River Springs Charter School, Harbor Springs Charter School, Sage Oak Charter School, Excel Charter School, Julian Charter School, Sky Mountain Charter School, Inspire Charter School, Granite Mountain Charter School, Carrillo Point Academy, and Mission Vista Academy.
For more information or to enroll your student, call Holly at 951-302-0540 or email at email@example.com


text:
E3 Press Conferences – Monday
June 7th, 2011 - Jason
All right, so I'll admit that I didn't think I'd have to really write anything today. Chris and Ryan were going to watch the press events and then do a podcast about them, and I was just going to relax. Turns out I watched them all and they didn't see any (except part of the Sony one) – this being the case… Get ready for my review of what happened today. If you don't want to see details, scroll to the bottom for the day in a nutshell.
Typically not the best for E3 press conferences, they did a bit better this year. While they did say Kinect about 23,405 times, they brought out some exclusives that fans of the console will more than likely love (Gears 3, remake of Halo 1, introduction of the new Halo trilogy starting with 4), and of course the multiplatformers like Modern Warfare 3 and Mass Effect 3 (no new IPs outside of Kinect – one such game being the new Sesame Street one created by none other than Tim Schafer of Grim Fandango, Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle fame. Or, more recently, Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, Stacking, and Costume Quest ). They announced that the 360 can now play Youtube videos, use Bing, and play television (on a television… weird), as well as the Kinect having more functionality. The celebrity of the press event was Ice-T, who played the Gears of War 3 demo with Cliffy B. Ice-T announced he'd be getting his band Body Count back together for… a song about Horde mode in Gears. Oh yeah, awesome. A good year? Well, when you put it like I just did, it sounds like it kicked a lot of ass. I left out all the boring parts… reading about a press event is usually a lot better than seeing it (aside from the fact that you don't get to see the trailers and gameplay live – but you can probably find better quality versions of the videos now). Oh yeah, that Star Wars game for Kinect was shown. I thought it looked pretty cool, and then they showed how it played. My brother put it pretty well when he said "I think the Force Unleased for the Wii is a big competitor for this." Overall, I'd say they delivered a B-, thinking about it in my head (grading on a curve…). If you asked me right after it, I probably would've said worse.
9 developers, 9 games, no need for celebrities. Basically that is what was stated at the beginning of this press event. It started off with Mass Effect 3, saying it's the best in the series. I would certainly hope so, being that you always want to do better than your last attempt (see: Assassin's Creed series) in anything. I didn't start running to get worse at it… In any case, other games included Need for Speed: (on) The Run (I say on the run because for whatever reason, the game includes you getting out of a vehicle for getaways in a Heavy Rain QTE fashion), Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (what looks like it started off as an MMO and got turned into a single player game with minds of the Elder Scrolls games, Todd McFarlane, and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling working on it. Whahuh? It looks cool), SSX (the reboot of the action sports snowboarding series), Overstrike (the new Insomniac game that looks promising, as usual), sports stuff (during this point, three football players came out… what was that about not needing celebrities?), and Battlefield 3 (the true Modern Warfare killer, without a doubt). Again, I'm remembering this a lot better than it actually was. We'll go with a B for this one.
They've been around for 25 years now… did you know that? As long as Mario and Zelda. Crazy… anyway, aside from the ridiculousness of the people hosting (and the AWFUL Mr. Caffeine (Aaron Priceman) who made dick jokes and Wayne's World references. Not funny references, just the noise and gesture when he "went back in time." Oh, and it was pertinent to mention dick jokes, because he himself justifies it), the line up looked halfway decent. Rayman Origins looks beautiful, and goes back to 2D platforming. Driver: San Francisco looks better than the previous couple iterations in the series, but we'll see. Far Cry 3 looks… okay. A bit outlandish; think a more serious, fps version of Just Cause. Brothers in Arms: Furious Four is Borderlands meets WW2 (I'm somewhat looking forward to this, despite disliking BiA games). There were some less interesting games (Just Dance 3 is now on all current gen home consoles. Ghost Recon looks… bleh. TrackMania 2 is… Modnation Racers. Some more Kinect stuff. Rocksmith, which Ryan wants to try, but what they showed was boring), and they closed it with the new Your Shape game, where there is more Kool Aid to be made (if you recall our reaction podcast last year to E3… you may laugh at that)! Well, and then they actually finished it with Assassins Creed Revelations, which is… the next AC. Yup, it'll be cool. No Beyond Good and Evil 2. Thanks a lot, Ubi… C+ because of your host.
Well, this company really stands out in my mind next to Nintendo at last year's E3… so did it do as well this year? Starting off they apologized for the PSN issue. Kind of. It wasn't that great, it was more of a joke. Uncharted 3 is shown, it looks gorgeous (obviously). Resistance 3 is next, which looked decent enough – lots of things happening on the screen at once (not sure if it was all ambient, or if you could interact with it). 3D television that is Playstation branded looks… pretty awesome, actually. For 500 dollars you get that, a 6 ft. hdmi cable, Resistance 3, and 3D glasses. The best part of the tv is something I saw on the news years ago, and it's the first I've seen in real life: split screen is no more, because now you wear glasses and see your screen and the other person sees theirs. One tv, "two" screens thanks to the 3D tech (or something – I forget the actual technical aspects behind it). Ken Levine came on stage and said Sony bought him out, PS Vita (PSV as the STD market calls it) was announced as the NGP's final name. Uncharted for the PSV was shown; it looks great. So do the other games like Modnation Racers and Ruin. The controls seem to be easy to maneuver between, which include normal controls (face buttons), on screen touch, and sixaxis tilting. Overall a solid system, priced at $249 and $299 for the non-3G and 3G versions, respectively. It was a decent show, but nothing that really grabbed me like Gabe Newell at last year's conference. But I'd say the best for the day, with a B+ or A-. Here's hoping Nintendo will steal my heart as I've been hoping ever since I covered it last year for our podcast.
UPDATE: Nintendo didn't steal my heart. But they did a decent enough job. I'd say tied with Sony, maybe a little less.
Don't want to bother with my rambling banter concerning the press events? Well, here's what I thought of the conferences in school ratings that don't mean anything to anyone.
Microsoft – B-
Ubisoft – C+
Sony – B+/A-
Don't agree with what I thought? Did I miss something you were stoked about? Let me know why or what I missed in the comments.


text:
Aussie tourist dies with partner while trying to take selfie
Travel agents might consider warning their clients about the dangers of taking selfies, following yet another selfie-related fatality – this one a double tragedy involving an Australian.
A couple from Britain and Australia plunged to their deaths from a wall overlooking a Portuguese tourist beach, having apparently lost their balance while taking a selfie. Local media identified them this morning as Australian Michael Kearns, 33, from Perth, and his partner Louise Benson, 37, from Bristol in England.
Portugal's Correio da Manhã newspaper reported the couple had died on the Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) near Ericeira.
An account in the Guardian said officials suspected the couple had been taking a selfie on a wall above the beach when they toppled over and plunged 60 metres onto the sand below.
An official was quoted as saying that a mobile phone had been found on the wall, and everything suggested "the victims might have been taking a selfie, when they allowed the phone to fall, leaned over to grab it and fell".
Local Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias spoke of fishermen discovering a "horror scene".
"At first the fishermen thought the corpses, from far away, might be people sleeping on the beach," the newspaper said. "Only when they got closer did they realise that it was a dead couple…"
The cliffside beach at Ericeira
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was providing consular assistance to "the family of an Australian who died in Portugal".
Photography can be a hazardous pursuit, as demonstrated in Sydney only last week. See: Did whale-watch photos lead to man's death in Sydney?
Mishaps can befall tourists in all sorts of ways, however – it's not just selfies.
In 2015, a picturesque French castle off the coast of Normandy, loved by tourists, became the site of a tragic accident when a couple fell off a high wall.
The incident had similar elements to the recent tragedy in Portugal, but in the French case the couple, aged in their early thirties, were not taking a selfie. It is believed they were having sex on the castle battlements before a tragic miscalculation caused them to plunge 12 metres into the moat.
In that incident, the couple plummeted to their doom from the castle walls at Vauban Fort on the island of Grand Île in the English Channel's Chausey archipelago.
Police in Britain and France confirmed that the naked bodies of a man and woman were found in the moat while their clothes and belongings had been placed on the castle wall immediately above.
Written by Peter Needham


text:
My father in law was 72 years old, and had lived a full life. Today, my Heart is Sad…for it feels the loss of this wonderful "Spirit" who touched my life in so many ways. He lived his Joy and Bliss…like a Hummingbird, guiding from strength and Love. There is so much more I could say about my father in law. Instead, I simply want to thank him for always making me feel like a part of the family. I want to thank him for having raised such a kind, considerate, gentle human being. If a man's children are in any way a measure of himself and his own accomplishments, then my father in law must have left this earth content.
A wonderful man with a loving, warm heart. Known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, He never knew a stranger and always had room at his table for you. When he would enter a room everyone would know it…believe me, everyone knew it! Everyone loved Him, he was as genuine as the day is long. The fact he left behind a place that cannot be filled will be the highest tribute to the uniqueness of his soul.
His greatest joy in life was his family and he will always be remembered for his unconditional love. He especially treasured his time with his grandchildren, who provided him with warmth and laughter in his later years. He will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion to countless people. Conversations were one of his primary sources of entertainment.
This special man will be dearly missed and will always be remembered for his humorous, outgoing personality and his loving devotion to family, friends. Raymond was especially proud of his grandchildren, as he watched them grow up and play sports in school and though he might have never been on the stands, they could always count on him in his truck watching with binoculars. As Katie puts it best "He was my biggest fan" His legacy of love, sense of humor and laughter is carried in the hearts and lives of all who knew and loved him. He gave freely of himself and his time, loved without condition and welcomed all into his heart and home.
Knowing Raymond has been an honor and a blessing for me over the years. In the days ahead without him I will miss our truck talks and exchanging "I love You", but I will always remember his strength, his love, and smile. May God hold you in the palm of His hand….You will always be loved and greatly missed. Matthew 7:16 puts it best You shall know them by their fruits. Raymond was a man whom produced many fruits.
Stacey Hitch


text:
KARACHI- A meeting was held at the DMC's Arag Auditorium, to condone sad demise of Dr. Rafique A. Memon, who passed away on 20th August 2013. Dr Memon was a pioneering dentist and Dean – Faculty of Dentistry & Allied Sciences, Isra Dental College & Hospital, Hyderabad.
Paying tribute to the services of the departed soul, Prof. Dr. Mizra Muhammad Shakir, Principle,Dow Dental College, DUHS expressed his heartfelt grief, sorrow and deepest sympathies with the family members of the deceased.
He shared his emotional feelings in some valuable Urdu Verses. He said that Dr. Memon was considered a pioneer and great contributor, and was the one who brought new advancements in the field of dentistry. He upgraded the level of operative dentistry and composite at LUMHS, Jamshoro. He would always be remembered for his contribution to the cause of education, especially in the field of dentistry, Prof Dr MM Shakir said.
The Meeting was attended by professors, doctors, senior faculty members of Dow University and recited Fateha and Dua to bless his soul.


text:
MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management
About the course
The MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management aims to provide a critical and conceptually sophisticated understanding of biodiversity science and the socio-economic, political, cultural and institutional environments within which management and policy decisions are made.
The course design is informed by the recognition that biodiversity conservation, as a domain of science and policy, needs to become more contextual and multi-level in its conception. The course content is rooted in our established strengths in conservation biogeography, governance and planning, in global change and in research design. The course design also responds to the rise of market-based conservation including engagements with enterprise and the transformative potential of new technologies.
The specific course objectives are to develop your abilities to:
- critically engage with concepts and theory in biodiversity science and management from interdisciplinary perspectives and at an advanced level
- describe by whom and by what space and territory is produced and governed in conservation over time
- critically assess the modes through which conservation builds and extends power and describe in detail the factors that explain the emergence and performance of different governance modes;
- appreciate the role of ethics, values and norms in producing culturally attuned and effective conservation interventions
- embrace the implications of new technological forces for the future of biodiversity science and management
- link theory, hypothesis, methods, data and field work so as to identify and develop advanced research questions and design.
The objectives are delivered through nine core modules: conservation landscapes, conservation biogeography, conservation governance, ecosystems, species responses to climate change, conservation and society, economics of the environment, professional research practice and research methods.
The core modules are assessed by written examination. You will also study two electives which are each assessed through a 4,000-word essay. You will also write a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars and study days which provide in-depth exploration of key issues. The elective modules offer a tutorial-style teaching and discussion environment within smaller groups, based on a suite of contemporary research themes that reflect the specific interests of core faculty and visiting research associates. The teaching aim is to foster discussion and debate between academic staff and students to identify and explore theory, methods and practice in an academic space that encourages a critical dialogue.
There is a two-day 'induction' field trip, currently to Dorset, and a week-long field trip during the Easter vacation, currently to Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
An independent and original dissertation is an integral component of the course. In order to equip you with the necessary skills to undertake high quality research, course modules in research design and research methods teach skills and competences in a suite of common and emerging research practices and methods employed in biodiversity science, policy and management research.
For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the School of Geography and the Environment and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Geography and the Environment.
Graduate destinations
The aim of the course is to train future leaders, managers and policy makers in biodiversity, conservation and natural resource management. Thus the course teaches conservation as a dynamic discipline integral to all the major areas of human concern - social and political governance, political economy, spatial planning, agriculture, population growth, human and institutional capacity, and investment and markets, in addition to the hard science of biodiversity.
Past graduates have gone on to obtain positions in a range of leading conservation and academic organisations and enterprises. Examples include policy positions in government departments, such as the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), management positions in global conservation NGOs, such as Conservation International and WWF, technical positions in sustainability consultancies, and international bodies such as IUCN. A significant number of students use the course as a gateway to start DPhil (PhD) research.
The department's Alumni Office helps alumni keep in touch with each other and organises alumni events.
Changes to this course and your supervision
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Other courses you may wish to consider
If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.
All graduate courses offered by the School of Geography and the Environment
Oxford 1+1 MBA programme
This course can be studied as a part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme. The Oxford 1+1 MBA programme is a unique, two-year graduate experience that combines the depth of a specialised, one-year master's degree with the breadth of a top-ranking, one-year MBA.
Entry requirements for entry in 2020-21
Proven and potential academic excellence
Degree-level qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications:
- a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University's minimum entry requirements.
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in interdisciplinary thinking and action in the area of conservation science and policy. In particular research and/or work experiences (including internships) in the areas of environmental governance, enterprise, management and/or activism.
- You are not required to submit publications.
English language requirement
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Detailed requirements - higher level
The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are:
|IELTS Academic
|Minimum 7.0 per component
|TOEFL iBT
Minimum component scores:
|Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or C1 Advanced
|Minimum 185 per component
|Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or C2 Proficiency
|Minimum 185 per component
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. For more information about the English language test requirement, visit the Application Guide.
Supporting documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including references and an official transcript. See 'How to apply' for instructions on the documents you will need and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview
Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.
Any offer of a place is dependent on the University's ability to provide the appropriate supervision for your chosen area of work. Please refer to the 'About' section of this page for more information about the provision of supervision for this course.
How your application is assessed
Your application will be assessed purely on academic merit and potential, according to the published entry requirements for the course. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. Whether you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.
Admissions panels and assessors
All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).
Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.
After an offer is made
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, you will be required to meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In accordance with the University's obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
The School of Geography and the Environment undertakes world-class interdisciplinary research, addresses societal and environmental problems, and advances knowledge within an intellectually vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment that combines natural and social sciences and has geography at its core. The department has six research clusters, in biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation; climate systems and policy; landscape dynamics; technological life; economy and society and political worlds, which hold seminars throughout term-time. Graduate students are encouraged to attend these seminars and most MSc courses also hold their own seminar series and practical workshops.
The course has an Academic Director and a Course Director who looks after the day to day running of the course. You will have a personal advisor who is a member of the School's academic staff and who provides academic welfare support.
The University of Oxford has an extensive library system and the Radcliffe Science Library is the main lending service within the University for the material required for the course. The Social Sciences Library also holds collections which are valuable for students pursuing geography programmes. A tutorial on using the library and IT facilities will be provided at induction by the Geography Subject Librarian.
The department has a computer room available for all graduate students. There are dedicated IT times each day when you can seek help from IT staff. There is a dedicated social space for MSc students where they can meet and discuss your studies. Where appropriate, you are able to use the departmental laboratories for your dissertation research.
Research skills training is provided in preparation for the dissertation. As well as developing an understanding of the research process, these sessions will cover such things as social surveys, data analysis and statistical techniques. Throughout the course, fieldtrips and visits to external organisations support the lectures and seminars and deliver valuable skills training.
There are over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships available across the University. You will be automatically considered for over two thirds of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant January deadline, with most scholarships awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. To help identify those scholarships where you will be required to submit an additional application, use the Fees, funding and scholarships search and visit individual college websites using the links provided on our college pages.
Annual fees for entry in 2020-21
Fee status
Annual Course fees
|Home/EU (including Islands)
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don't cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
For more information about course fees and fee liability, please see the Fees section of this website. EU applicants should refer to our dedicated webpage for details of the implications of the UK's plans to leave the European Union.
Additional information
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
Most costs associated with compulsory fieldwork are paid for by the department. This excludes the costs associated with obtaining the appropriate visa required to attend the non-UK based field trips. Non-EEA nationals might require a visa in order to travel to the country where the field trip is being held and any costs associated with obtaining the appropriate travel visa is the responsibility of the student. Students will also have to pay for some meals during the field course. Furthermore, as part of your course requirements you need to develop and research a dissertation topic. Depending on your choice of topic and the field work research required to complete it, you may incur additional costs (eg relating to travel, accommodation, field assistants, lab fees and/or research visas). You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants/bursaries from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
Living costs
In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
For the 2020-21 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,135 and £1,650 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2020-21, you should allow for an estimated increase in living expenses of 3% each year.
The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management:
How to apply
You are not required to make contact with an academic member of staff in the department before you apply.
The set of documents you should send with your application to this course comprises the following:
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
A CV/résumé is compulsory for all applications. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.
Personal statement:
Up to two pages
Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
This will be assessed for:
- your reasons for applying
- evidence of your enthusiasm for the proposed area of study, over and above what would be expected from an undergraduate course of instruction
- the ability to present a reasoned case in English
- commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
- capacity for sustained and intense work
- reasoning ability
- ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.
Your statement should focus on the subject area rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations. This might be demonstrated by, for example, having undertaken independent fieldwork or research, vacation employment in a relevant discipline, or having already made research publications or presentations.
If you have already graduated, at least some of the time since graduation should have been spent on activities related to the proposed course of study, or a sound reason why this is not the case should be given.
Written work:
One essay of 2,000 words
The written work must be in English and can be either an essay you have written, a chapter(s) of a thesis, a published scholarly paper or even academic work written specifically to support your application.
This work should demonstrate your ability to write a good academic document though it does not need to be related to the proposed area of study.
An extract of the requisite length from longer work is permissible. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.
This will be assessed for evidence of good basic knowledge, understanding of problems, powers of analysis, ability to construct a coherent train of thought, and to shape an argument, and powers of expression. The quality of English expression and of presentation may also be part of the assessment. Students with disclosed disabilities will receive appropriate consideration according to their particular needs.
References/letters of recommendation:
Three overall, of which at least two must be academic
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
Your references will support your academic achievements, interests, and personal motivation. In order to assist assessors in their consideration of applications references should be from experienced scholars and teachers of graduate students. In view of this, it is recommended that at least two of the three references are from academics.
Start or continue an application
Step 1: Read our guide to getting started, which explains how to prepare for and start an application.
Step 2: Check that you meet the Entry requirements and read the How to apply information on this page.
Step 3: Check the deadlines on this page and plan your time to submit your application well in advance.
Step 4: Our Application Guide will help you complete the form. It contains links to FAQs and further help.
Step 5: Submit your application as soon as possible (you can read more information about our deadlines).


text:
Liv Avail SL 1 Disc (2019)
From epic solo adventures to group road rides, avail is light, comfortable and engineered for female riders.
The lightweight avail sl disc is handcrafted with aluxx sl, our highest grade aluminium. Avail optimises a woman's riding style, providing pedaling efficiency, razor-sharp handling and added compliance. Disc brake technology offers braking confidence and control in variable conditions, and the integrated d-fuse seatpost reduces road vibration and fatigue. Other features include the overdrive steerer tube for increased frontal stiffness and precise steering, along with the powercore bottom bracket that transfers power directly from each pedal stroke to the road.
Key Features
Frame: aluxx sl grade aluminium
Fork: composite, alloy overdrive steerer
Shifters: shimano 105, 22sp
Crankset: shimano rs510, 34-50t


text:
How can you advance your PR career and stand out from the masses? These five tips will get you started on a path to a bright future.
1. Become a member of an industry organization
Joining an industry organization like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the perfect way for a PR professional to stay connected throughout the industry and enhance their skill-set. With a community of over 30,000 communications professionals and over 120 chapters throughout the country, PRSA gives its members unparalleled access to professional growth opportunities and other industry experts. PRSA also releases webinars, publications and e-newsletters, and hosts conferences and networking events that educate on trends, industry news, best practices and thought leadership.
2. Never stop learning!
Steve Jobs said it best, "Learn continually, there's always 'one more thing' to learn." The same holds true for PR professionals, regardless of how seasoned you are. The Press Previews team recommends tuning into webinars, attending seminars and keeping up with thought leaders. The valuable information you gain will give you the background knowledge you need to take your career to the next level.
3. Stay up to date with industry news and trends
The industry is always changing and new trends are always on the rise, so it's up to you to stay in the know. While it may seem daunting to constantly keep up, there are few tricks that make it easy. Publications like PR Week and O'Dwyer's have daily e-newsletters that give you a quick snapshot of the latest news and trends. Another great way to stay up to date is by signing up for industry related e-newsletters from SmartBrief, an e-newsletter curator.
4. Utilize PR resources
PR resources can help save PR professionals valuable time and optimize their efforts. From tools that help you locate contact information for journalists, to a monitoring tool that keeps track of all your clients' coverage, to a database of the best influencers, there really is a PR resource for each of your needs. In a previous post, the Press Previews team discussed their favorite tools that they use every day.
5. Find a mentor
The PR industry is comprised of so many amazing leaders and brilliant minds. If you're just starting out in the industry or your career in PR began a while ago, it is very important to find a mentor who can teach you valuable lessons and guide you through the complex industry. The right mentor will be extremely well-connected from their many years in the industry, and can introduce you to the right people so you can build your own personal network.
What tips do you have for advancing a career in PR? Comment and share with us below!


text:
The very first step is to recognize the signs and seek treatment. Thus assisting you to relieve not merely the signs but also improving the overall operation of the thinking process.
The indicators of ADHD can vary from mild to severe, but in many instances, the disorder significantly impacts a child's as well as an adult capability to function every day.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is often connected with children but manifests itself different in adults
Generally, in Adults, the hyperactivity dissipates and the inability to concentrate and or inattentiveness is prevalent.
Personally, when I was a child ADHD wasn't invented yet, or should I say it was discounted as he's a trouble maker, or he doesn't care or I don't know why he can't sit still.
Also, I don't understand, you know how to read why don't you understand what you just read. In my case as an eight year old I banged my head against the wall until I fell asleep.
Medication is just a percent of the overall treatment plan. Psychotherapy should play a big roll in learning how to live and even thrive without medication
Medication is generally the first line of Defense. Generally, stimulants are the first line of defense medications. They generally produce the best results and work quickly. Other medications known as SSRI's are becoming more widely used as well as non-stimulant medications such as Straterra.
Medication really isn't the answer! It can, in fact, be the biggest disrupter. Medications are often powerful in managing a number of symptoms, but not all of them. There are those who believe that ADHD medications are dangerous and cause more damage than good, especially in regards to children.
Non-stimulating ADHD medications can actually be a better route if the patient finds them effective in controlling the symptoms. As early stated they are also preferred over stimulants that have addictive properties and have the potential for abuse.
Alternative avenues include Herbal supplements Many herbal supplements are made in pharmaceutical businesses that might not be licensed and accepted by the FDA. Herbal supplements and homeopathic remedies have gained popularity because of the numerous advantages that are connected with them.
Whatever route you choose, it's essential you have child's peditrician or psychiatrist manage the treatment plan. It's essential that a plan is put in place as untreated ADHD can have significant impacts on a child's self-esteem.


text:
Team Travel is Hiss Gig
"There are lot of little details that become big ones if you forget one." That's how Frank Coppenbarger, Director Team Travel & Clubhouse Services, describes his position. As a 10-year-old he helped out in the clubhouse of his home town team, the Decatur (IL) Giants of the Midwest League. It was the start of a path that carried him through the minor leagues to the big leagues in 1981 with the St. Louis Cardinals (assistant equipment manager). He was brought to Philadelphia in 1989 by GM Lee Thomas to take over the Phillies clubhouse. Ten years later he also assumed the traveling secretary duties.
Frank's office is the first door on the right once you walk through the double door entrance to the large clubhouse area. His desk resembles any other work area but his room is decorated with numerous framed photos of all sizes and occasions, a large bat rack, miniature models of each major league stadiums, a small cooler, caps from the postseason years and a large painting of 2008. A mini-museum so to speak.
For a home night game, Frank usually wanders in around 12 noon and leaves about an hour after the game. Up until 2014, he made every road trip. Now he misses a couple per season. If there is a day off at home, Frank has a day off. The Clubhouse Services portion of his role is to oversee three managers, Phil Sheridan (home clubhouse), Dan O'Rourke (equipment and umpire services) and Kevin Steinhour (visiting clubhouse).
There's also Joe Swanhart who works for the Phillies from February through the end of the season. "Swanny" prepares and organizes all food, beverage and snacks for our clubhouse in spring training and the season. Made to order breakfast from Lenny's Restaurant is available at Bright House Field every morning followed by lunch and snacks and a post-game spread. At Citizens Bank Park, Swanny will prepare lunch and a full post-game meal for the players, manager and coaches. (Breakfast on day games). Snacks are available all the time. He'll also have some of Philadelphia's finest restaurants cater pre and post-game meals instead of wearing a chef's hat in the clubhouse kitchen. Tables and chairs are in a dining area next to the kitchen. Cost for the food and beverage and certain equipment is covered by a monthly fee the players and coaches pay Coppenbarger and his staff.
The Team Travel portion is his biggest and most time-consuming duty. He's basically a one-man travel agency scheduling buses, trucks, trains, airplanes and hotels for a traveling party that normally includes 55 persons. For the postseason, that number swells to 120-130 as player wives, ownership and club executives will travel with the team.
"I usually get the first draft of next year's schedule in June," he explained. "Game times are missing and slight adjustments can be made but I will know where and when we will be on road. First priority is selecting hotels in each city. Changing hotels may require a trip there after the season. Need to see everything first hand and meet people face-to-face.
"Bids for charter flights are handled early in the postseason. We need a 737 800 series aircraft with the exception of the west coast when we will use a larger plane. Once all the game times have been set, which can be as late as December, I'll reach out to the bus and truck companies and provide them with a detailed schedule." That schedule will include departure times to and from the ballpark, or hotel or airport. Also included is "spot time." "We need to have them on the spot 30 minutes prior to departure. They sit and wait but that's better than having them arrive late because of one reason or another," Frank explained. In most cities, Frank will arrange for the bus to shuttle from the hotel to the ballpark and back again for a second trip. Post-game, one bus. No bus is needed in San Diego as the ballpark is across the street from the hotel.
Travel to and from New York means a couple of buses. Trips to Baltimore and Washington are Amtrak charter trains. Equipment is trucked to those cities. Dress code for trips is determined by the manager. For most recent seasons, sport coats, dress slacks and collared shirt are required until Memorial Day at which time sport coats become optional.
When the Phillies are leaving for a road trip, Frank will post a sign in the clubhouse of the bus departure time (usually one hour after the last out). Two days prior, he calls the bus and truck companies to review the times and locations needed. Hotels receive a rooming list. United Airlines, the 2015 charter provider, will let Frank know if the airplane has landed and waiting at the Philadelphia airport. On the rare occasion when the aircraft is late getting to an airport, mostly because of weather issues, Frank will delay the bus departure from the ballpark until he has heard from the airline. Security checks are generally done at the ballpark through TSA. "I really don't know how traveling secretaries did this job before cell phones," he days shaking his head.
Glitches do occur. "One time the equipment truck went to the wrong airport in Houston. Another time, we were playing in Oakland but staying in San Francisco. We flew into SF but the equipment truck was waiting for us at the Oakland airport. Buses have always been in the right place at the right time, knock on wood."
While rooms are booked well in advance and hotels are very cooperative in providing additional rooms at the last minute, Frank's experienced three hotel nightmares. "We were rained out in Boston on get-away day and the Red Sox decided to hold us over to play the next day. We had checked out of the hotel and couldn't get back in because they were sold out. Players were in the clubhouse anxious to get back to the hotel. Had to scramble to get rooms. Similar thing happened in New York twice. Once the United Nations General Assembly was in session and rooms were nowhere to be found. Finally came up with three different hotels which meant adjusting the bus schedules. In the postseason that's the biggest worry, enough to keep me awake at night. It happened to the Rays in 2008 when the game here was suspended. They wound up getting rooms in Wilmington because Philadelphia hotels were booked solid," he said.
Then, there was Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia late in the 2015 season. The Phillies finished a weekend series in Washington, DC, on Sunday, September 27, their last road game. Travel plans called for an Amtrak charter train that evening for the traveling party of 60. Frank had to change plans as the parking lots in and around the sports complex were being used for tourist buses, some streets in center city were closed and it was questionable that Frank's buses could meet the team at 30th Street Station.
"If you live in outlying suburbs, you can get home on your own Sunday night," Coppenbarger told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. "One of our athletic trainers lives in West Chester, so I think he'll head home after the game. But the Pope's not going to be in West Chester." Many of the rookies on the team were staying in a center city hotel. Getting there could be an issue because of traffic and street closings. "Some of our guys haven't been here that long and they only know one way home," Frank added. "The GPS doesn't factor in the Pope." Instead, official team travel didn't happen until Monday." Instead of 30th Street Station, the Phillies got off the train in Wilmington and bused to Citizens Bank Park.
Through the basic agreement players are entitled to four complimentary tickets for family and two for friends. They are taxed for the tickets. All tickets in the postseason must be paid for as there are no comps. Tickets are another Coppenbarger chore. Each clubhouse is equipped with two computers for the players to request tickets. Computers are turned off two hours prior to game time. A ticket list and tickets are delivered to Frank from the ticket office. He places tickets in envelopes putting all families in the same section. The envelopes are returned to the ticket office and placed at the will call window.
What's in his office refrigerator?
Budweiser beer, Coca-Cola and a bottle of champagne. Champagne? "We needed it when Charlie (Manuel) won his 500th game as our manager and when Doc (Roy Halladay) pitched his no-hitter in the playoffs. You never know when something special may happen," Frank explained. He went on to tell the story of Cole Hamels' no-hitter in Chicago in 2015. "After the sixth inning I asked Mike Burkhardt, (Cubs' visiting clubhouse manager) if he had any champagne. He was busy working, didn't realize what was going on and asked why. I told him I didn't want to jinx anyone but Cole is pitching a no-hitter. Burkhardt said he would send a clubhouse worker to a nearby liquor store to get a bottle." Within minutes of the final out, the Baseball Hall of Fame e-mailed Frank asking for Cole's hat and a ball from the game. Cole wanted the pitching rubber and/or home plate as souvenirs and Frank began the process of requesting both from the Cubs.
When the Phillies call up a player from the minor leagues Frank will get a hotel room in Philadelphia if the player doesn't have a friend on the team who will allow him to move in. When a new player comes to the Phillies via a trade, Frank is responsible for arranging transportation and a hotel room. The other team will provide the same for the player leaving the Phillies. Uniform numbers come under Frank's jurisdiction. After Jimmy Rollins was traded, Coppenbarger decided not to issue #11 for a while. Same for 35 (Cole) and 26 (Chase Utley). Eventually the numbers will be worn again. The Phillies policy on retiring uniform numbers is limited to their Hall of Fame icons.
Baseball, majors and minors, annually hold meetings in December. Hotel accommodations for the Phillies group is handled by Frank. November and January are less demanding months as far as time at the ballpark for him. February means the start of spring training. At the end of the season the Phillies are responsible for providing transportation to a player's home. Same applies for getting to Clearwater. Hotel needs don't exist in spring training but two busses are needed for each road trip. And, tickets kick in again. Following the last game, an airplane awaits at the Tampa International Airport ready to take the Phillies to their season-opening destination. Rest assured, Frank will call to make sure. After all, there are lot of little details that become big ones if you forget one. No airplane would be a giant blown detail.
(Looking for a birthday gift? My newest book, Fightin' Phils, would be perfect. Book was published in April by Triumph Books and available online or in book stores. One of the eight chapters is Behind The Scenes).