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Saturday, December 1, 2012

James and Tate's novella

Hi everyone,

How's winter treating you all?
As you may know, around two months ago I landed in Helsinki, Finland. I'd been living in Spain for the past seven years, so you'd be right to assume winter is NOT being kind to me :-)
Anyhow, all this moving around Europe has really messed up my writing schedule, and I'm very sorry for it.
It's going to take some months before James and Tate's novella gets published, but I get asked so often about it I thought you guys deserve reading the beginning. Enjoy!
(just keep in mind this isn't the final version, it hasn't been edited yet and it may be subject to change.)

Chapter One

“Girls, prepare your Franklins, we got more strippers!” someone yelled the second James and his crew entered Rosita’s.
Yup, that’s exactly what he wanted to hear while crashing his bride-to-be’s bachelorette party.
There were around twenty pink bunnies running rampant around the restaurant, some dancing, others already waving bills at them, whistling and catcalling—all of them totally shit-faced. James rolled his eyes and, ignoring the mayhem, scanned the place in search of his woman. The second he spotted her, his tongue got stuck to the roof of his mouth.
Oblivious to his presence, Tate was up on the counter, dancing barefoot. Her eyes were downcast, her arms over her head holding her wild mop of hair up, showing off the sexy curve of her neck while her hips sinuously swayed to the music. She was a bit out of tune though, as if she were drunk. The pink bunny ears over her head stood a bit skewed, and she had on a black skirt that barely covered the essentials and a tiny scrap of a pink shirt that all but had her boobs popping out. The text on her front said ‘Bunny number One ready to party.’
Fuck, had she been strutting that sweet ass of hers all over Boston dressed like that?
James reached her and left the two six-packs he was carrying on the counter. As he caught her backside, he realized that a pink fluffy cottontail was bouncing on her behind, and her shirt read ‘Buy this thirsty bunny a drink and she may forget all about getting married.’ Well, didn’t that explain it all. It was a miracle she was still standing and not crawling on the floor.
He was so going to kill Elle.
Even lost in the music, Tate must have sensed him for her glazed eyes lifted towards his. She looked confused for the second her brain took to catch up, but then a wide smile broke across her face.
“If it isn’t my knight in shiny tattoos,” she said, her words a bit on the slurry side.
She was so cute when she was trying to be funny. “If it isn’t my bigoted drunk bunny.”
Tate laughed and threw herself at him—literally—not a second’s hesitance, completely trusting that he would catch her. Which he of course did. He enveloped her in his arms and buried his face in her neck, breathing her in, relishing the feeling of her sweet body against his. There had been a time, not that long ago, when Tate had not only not thrown herself at him, but she’d run in the opposite direction as far and as fast as her cute sexy legs could carry her. He’d caught up with her—the proof was the motherfucking huge rock he’d put on her ring finger—and the wedding band that he’d slide beside it in a month, but he’d be lying if he said her lack of faith in him hadn’t pissed him off a time or two.
He curled his hand around her neck and, with his thumb on her jaw, tipped her head back, taking her mouth in a hard, deep kiss by the end of which, both he and Tate were breathing hard.
“So, strippers, uh?” he asked against her lips, his eyes never leaving hers. They’d gone clubbing, he could tell. She smelled like alcohol and cigarettes, but underneath all that, there was that sweet fresh smell with a hint of coconut characteristic of his woman, like she spent her days bathing under the Caribbean sun instead of running an Italian restaurant in Boston.
She smirked, the minx. “Police officers. Don’t worry, they got nothing on you.”
“I surely hope so,” he said with a laugh. "Elle was in charge of dress code, right?"
"Yep. Why?"
"Just making sure whose neck should I wring for this."
She smiled. "What? You don't like it?"
Like wasn't the right word here. He wasn't even sure what the right word was. Seeing as his cock and his head were in total disagreement but both about to explode, mind-blowing would be a good choice.
“Come on, let’s dance,” she said as an old Jon Bon Jovi ballad started playing.
She was too short for him, especially without her shoes on, so she placed her feet on his boots and he wrapped himself around her.
“You kick ass at dancing; that’s why all those grandmas love you so much down at the Eternal Sun resort.”
He snorted. “You’re giving me shit about some old ladies in Florida when you just got police officers stripping for you?”
Tate didn’t answer, just smiled against his throat. “You realize you crashed my party, right?”
“Couldn’t stay away?”
“Nope,” he answered shamelessly.
Tate kissed him softly on his neck. “You know, the only reason I didn’t go searching for you was that I knew you’d come to me.”
“Yeah, that and the fact that if you tried driving in this condition, you’d end up spending the night in jail.” And maybe the next couple of years too. For DUI and indecent exposure.
“There’s that too,” she conceded. “We may have overdone it.”
May have? He shook his head. “I knew there was a reason I didn’t want to have this party the day before the wedding.”
“I thought it was because you wanted to allow for some travel time in case Max shipped you to God knows where.”
Well, there was that too.
“And speaking of the devil,” she continued. “How did your stag party go? Did Max behave?”
“Max never behaves, princess. Giving my baby brother carte blanche to organize a bachelor party is like giving an alcoholic the keys to a bar.”
She narrowed her eyes. “So you got strippers too?”
“I got mermaids.” At her surprised look, he chuckled. “Don’t ask. I didn’t touch them, but Max may be in serious need of an intervention.”
Then again, he doubted there was an intervention out there capable of saving his brother. Max was too good looking for his own good—and too damn charming. All he seemed to have to do was smile in their direction and females dropped left and right. Surreal. His job, well the arguably less disreputable of the two he had, the one Mike and Cole got him when he came back from his stint in the military and they feared he was losing it, didn’t help much either. There was something about working for Hollywood, even if it was only jumping from moving vehicles and burning buildings that drove women wild.
Tate looked towards Max, who was already surrounded by giggling girls, all fawning over him. “Mermaids? Well, that explains his wet shirt—sort of.”
Yeah. Sort of.
The party kicked in all around them as they danced. Every once in a while, someone came to talk to them, but they were for the most part left alone, until Paige, Tate’s gothic waitress, prepared another round of mojitos, and Elle, who was too brazen to even consider giving them a wide berth, brought the drinks over.
“You and I will talk later,” he said to her, doing his damnedest to sound stern. It was a useless attempt though, as nothing ever intimidated Elle.
She winked at him. “Sure, bro.”
James moved to the nearest table, placed the glasses down and tugged Tate to sit on his lap.
She went compliantly and snuggled against him, one arm wrapped around his lower back, the other resting over his chest, her head tucked into the crook of his neck. The mojito, thank God, was long forgotten.
“I love you, James,” she whispered.
He squeezed her in his arms and nuzzled the top of her head. “I love you too, princess.”
It had taken for-fucking-ever for her to say these words to him, and even though he’d heard them countless times by now, they never failed to leave him breathless, socking him in the gut and tightening his chest. Especially as James still broke out in sweats at the memory of how close he’d come to losing her eight months before—to losing everything. If Elle hadn’t been in town and hadn’t alerted him, and if Jack hadn’t had his back, he probably would have.
“Something wrong, babe?” she asked as she sensed his tension.
He shook his head. No, nothing wrong. She was alive, happy and in his arms—he was good.
It had been in this very same restaurant, just a couple of meters from where they were now sitting, where that sick motherfucker had pointed a gun at Tate’s head, ready to shoot her. And James hadn’t been close enough to stop him from pulling the trigger.
He’d never had any trouble sleeping at night before. He couldn't say the same now.
As he kissed Tate’s temple, something caught his attention. In the far corner, his older brother Cole was facing off Zack, looking quite feral and yanking Christy behind him. He barked something and Zack backed off, his hands lifted, a smirk on his lips. Christy was rolling her eyes as Cole unceremoniously dragged her away.
“God, babe, your girls are wreaking havoc among my people.”
She followed his gaze. “What exactly is going on there?”
“My guess? Poor Zack committed the ultimate sin and tried talking to Christy.”
“But I thought Cole didn’t—”
“Cole is fighting it, honey. Fighting and losing. Ex-marines aren’t too keen on that.”
“He’s stubborn,” she said with a sigh.
Stubborn? Stubborn didn’t even begin to describe his brother. “Falling in love is fucking hard on the knees, especially on the untried and unwilling ones.”
They both watched as Cole hauled Christy to the stairwell leading to Tate’s old apartment.
“Should we be worried?” Tate mumbled.
“For her? Nope. For him? Absolutely.” The guy was in total meltdown. That there, I can’t even explain,” he finished, motioning with his chin at Elle, who was talking to Jack. Well, not talking, by her stance, she was egging him on—like always. One hand was hitched on her hip, attitude galore. In typical Jack fashion, he had his arms crossed over his chest and regarded her with a closed expression. Whatever she said, Jack’s jaw tensed. Leaving her in mid-sentence, he turned his back on her and headed for the door, an unlit smoke in his hand. Elle threw him an aggravated look and went in the opposite direction.
“Total havoc,” James muttered. Grown men trembled at the sight of Jack’s jaw pulsing, but apparently, it didn’t do jackshit for Elle. The crazy girl enjoyed poking him. Like pulling at a tiger’s tail for shits and kicks wasn’t fucked-up enough that you had to show him your tongue while you were at it.
“I bet you think it’s my fault, with Elle being my sister and all that, but you have to agree that Jack is not Mr. Congeniality,” Tate said turning to James.
“And thank God for that because neither is your sister. She may smile like an angel, but she doesn’t hold her punches. She’d eat Mr. Congeniality alive.”
“True. Maybe getting them to be maid of honor and best man wasn’t the greatest of ideas.”
“Don’t worry. They make it through the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception unscathed, we are good,” he said.
"You know, we have our birth certificates ready at home. Let's make humanity a favor; find a judge of peace and elope."
He chuckled. "Not a chance, princess. Besides, there isn't a judge of peace in the whole of Massachusetts that would marry a girl that can barely stand upright."
James shook his head, amused, and keeping one arm on her back and curling the other under her knees, he stood up. “Let’s get you home, gorgeous. You’re dead on your feet, and you’re wasted.”
His friends and brothers could hack it without him, he was done—his woman too.
She wiggled her eyebrows. “Hoping to get me alone to have your wicked way with me?”
“I love fucking you, baby. That time in the garage with the swivel chair and the rope proved beyond any doubt that taking you when you’re drunk is even more earth-shattering than usual, but you’re totally smashed. I’m not too big on you puking over me.”
She pouted. “I’m not that drunk.”
“I’ll make you a deal, princess; if you make it home without passing out, I’ll bend you over the sofa and give it to you again and again until your voice is gone from screaming my name. This time you'll have to bury your face into a pillow though.”
“Such a gentleman,” she said with a laugh, hanging onto him tight.
“Not having the cops show up again, baby.”
“Aww, but wasn’t it sweet from old Mrs. Ramsden to worry about your safety?”
“Ha-ha,” he muttered as she dissolved into laughter.
He loved seeing her like this; relaxed and laughing, and not stressed out, withdrawn and sad like she’d increasingly been these past days as the wedding date approached.
It seemed that from all the wedding-related events they were dealing with, the bachelorette party was the only that didn't have her on the verge of an emotional breakdown.
Alcohol, of course, had a lot to do with that.
Maybe he should keep her in a steady supply of mojitos.
As they reached his car she kissed his jaw. “Thanks for coming to get me.”
“Always, baby. Besides, your sis was organizing this shindig, and she’s a fucking menace.” Not to mention that since agreeing to marry him, she’d been staying at his place in Alden. No way was he sleeping without her. Besides, he wasn’t sure he could.
“You telling me you’re scared of Elle’s parties?”
“What do you think? The last party she threw for you, you came home with an inflatable cock on your head as a tiara, totally drunk and singing Gimme, gimme gimme. And carrying a huge basket full of sex toys.”
Not that he’d object to sex toys, but when your woman came home fully loaded and talking nonsense about being forced to fly solo after the wedding, well, you fucking worry.
“It was a Pleasure Party, James. The consultant gave me those sex toys as a present in case married life doesn’t work for me and I need to take matters into my own hands.”
Yeah, right, like that would ever happen.
“In hindsight,” she mumbled to herself, “she did say she was getting a divorce, so she may have been biased.”
“And the gag ball? Care to explain that one?”
She smirked, her silver eyes flashing, and whispered into his ear, “Ah, the gag ball I bought. You’re too bossy—wouldn’t hurt for you to be quiet from time to time.”
James burst into laughter. “Dream on, princess.”

© Elle Aycart, December 2012
All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: this excerpt is not final and is subject to change

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Heavy Issues to be released on May 29

Steering clear of relationships has never been difficult for demolitions expert Cole Bowen, but now, with his brother's engagement sending the female population into full-blown hysterics and the town of Alden's month-long festivities helping along, he finds himself in hell. When he discovers Alden's new resident and the object of all his wet dreams, Christine Sheridan, has sworn off relationships and is going to hire a gigolo to get professionally laid, he decides to kill two birds with one stone.

Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange of fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.

Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.


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Thursday, August 29, 2013

An Italian Villa Retreat

I've recently had the urge to redo my guest room. It has always been this glam purple and silver theme, which if you know me, it isn't me at all. I only chose it because I wanted something girly I hadn't done before. But lately I am realizing that it doesn't suit me, or the style of my house.
This urge really came over me when I came across this photo on pinterest...
 I had a hard time explaining the exact makeover style to my friends, as well as finding any other photographs like it. That is, until I realized it reminded me of an Italian villa, and based my search off that!  So I am labeling the room makeover "Villa Retreat".

While researching villa styles I came across this breathtaking villa and absolutely felt inspired to share this amazing place with you.

Col delle Noci is a renovated 17th century farmhouse located on the beautiful Umbrian countryside in Italy.
 Noci sits on Castello di Reschio, a very private 2,700 acre estate that borders Tuscany.
Noci consists of two buildings: The main house, and a self-contained guest annex.  The terraces, gardens, and pool allow you to take in the stunning views of the entire Reschio estate and nature reserve.
 I adore the bed frame below and am wondering where I could find something similar!
 I love the exposed wooden beams in these rooms.
 The master bedroom has it's own bathroom, fireplace, study,  and access to the garden.
 I am in love with the light breezy, yet vintage countryside charm of this room.
 Wooden shutters are really a must to complete this Italian countryside look.
 Old worn wood, wrought iron elements, and tile floors seem to be other staples in this look.
 The photograph below of the main living area is just call to me saying, "Come home"!
 I can picture myself standing here chopping fresh herbs from my garden right outside those double doors. Listening to my children's laughter outside the open doors as the breeze floats in. My husband napping on the sofa, or lounging in the pool after a hard day of work...oh that would be the life!
 And then once the children are to bed, lounging out on this beautiful terrace, sipping on wine, enjoying the view with my wonderful husband. *sighs*
Hey, I can dream right??

So what do you think? Does this sound like a good style/theme to base a guest room off of?
I hope you approve because I am starting the redecorating immediately! Hopefully I will have some photographs to share in the near future!

~ Elle

*All photographs are from http://www.italianvillas.com/villa.aspx?villa=111492. I do not claim ownership to any of them. Please visit Italianvillas.com for more information on this lovely villa.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

A "Roaring" Good Time - Deleted Scenes

The long awaited bloopers from my "Roaring 20's" themed party!

Oh, real quick...a HUGE special thanks to this Gal, who was my right hand "woman" in putting this all together!! I would never have gotten it all done without her!!

 NOW for the bloopers..

(Prohibition Punch = Non-alcoholic punch)
*Please be aware: There was no alcohol in the making of these photos...
We are just naturally retarded!

Clean up time! The party is OVER!

~ Elle

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Thursday, September 28, 2006

Borders event tomorrow!

If you're in or around Syosset Long Island tomorrow (Friday) at 8 pm, I hope you'll pop into the Borders on Jericho Turnpike. I'll be doing a reading and signing there. Even though I've told everyone I know about the event, I'm still nervous no one's going to show up. Most folks told me they might come, which usually means, "Leave me alone you insane, neurotic writer. I have a life, too, you know."

Anyway, if you do come, can you please laugh like crazy at all my jokes?

I'm jotting down notes now for what I'm going to talk about, trying to think of a few funny things to say. I have to do it fast, though, because I have a lot to do today. Other things on my To Do list for this sunny Thursday:

  • Clean kitchen, make beds, do laundry, etc. etc.*

  • Get in touch with my web guy about my soon-to-be launched promotions for teachers and PTA members

  • Write to my editor and agents about the cover ideas for the trade paperback version of Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA

  • Pack up all my kids' old shoes to send to the shoeless children of Afghanistan. If you can participate in this program, I hope you'll click here for more information.

  • Go to BJs Discount Club for supersized quantities of things we need.

  • Make various doctors' appointments for me and the kids.

  • Carpool, help kids with homework, cook dinner, etc. etc.

  • What's on your agenda?

    *(When I did a Google image search on "housewives" to get that picture on the right, nearly every image picture was of a naked housewife having something sucked. Can someone please tell me exactly when housewives became porn fodder? And if you're someone who found their way to this blog by Googling "naked housewife having something sucked," you can redeem yourself by clicking on one of the links to your right and buying my book. Just don't send me any pictures.)

    Myfanwy Collins said...

    I wish I could be there. You are going to wow the crowd. No doubt about it.

    Katie said...

    EVERYTHING can turn into porn on the web.

    I love to-do lists. They soothe me.

    Stephanie said...

    You know, I think I must have a child-filter turned on. I don't ever get any porn on google. And it would be just like me to choose the child-settings.

    I'm sure you'll do great at the reading!

    Anonymous said...

    Ellen, as I busily avoid my To Do List, I popped into your blog. A very funny post. Ah, porn. What would we joke about without sex and politics? -- Tavia.


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Some Strawberries And Some Sugar

One of the things I have wanted to try for ages is jam making.
 My lovely daughters gave me a jam making set for my birthday last year and I'm ashamed to say I never used it.
But on Saturday I changed that!!!
I bought some strawberries and jam sugar and had a go.
I thought I'd blog about it so that in years to come  (when I'm really good a jam making lol) I can look back at this blog and see where I started.

 Well,  I bought my Preserving Book a couple of years ago (I seem to plan well in advance don't I) and I have to say it is a really good book with lots of lovely mouth watering recipes.

The ingredients needed are
1kg (2 1/4 lbs)  hulled strawberries
6 tablespoons lemon juice
900kg (2lb) jam sugar

Who would have thought just these 3 three ingredients could make something so tasty!!!

 So, off I went and bought my strawberries - don't they look tasty?

 And I couldn't resist doing a close up shot!!!

Lemon Juice

Pop strawberries and lemon juice into the jam pan and heat gently until strawberries are soft - about 5 minutes..

Add sugar to the pan and heat gently, stirring until sugar is all dissolved. Then turn up the heat  and bring to the boil. When it reaches a rolling boil cook for around 15 minutes until setting point has been reached.
I used a jam thermometer and the temp should be 220F (105C) . Remove pan from heat and check for a set.
I used a cold saucer and put a spoonful of the jam mixture on the saucer, let it cool and pushed with my finger. If it is separates it is set.

I then let it cool slightly and poured it into jars.

Well pleased with myself  :) - 'cause it looked really, really good.

Here are my jars with my fancy labels (and smudged writing as well).

Well on Sunday I made some bread and toasted it. I got out my lovely jam and stuck the knife into it.

Problem - definitely not spreadable.

So I had lumps of jam instead of a lovely spread. I can only gather that I let it boil too much.
Any expert jam makers out there agree with that or have any idea what the problem would be?

It does taste delicious though :))

I am going to try again - I will NOT be beaten lol.

Sharing my jammy tale today with

Well done you, our problem is we make the jam from all our excess fruit and then do not know what to do with it all :)
Jill said…
Good try, Ellie! I think you're right on boiling it a bit too long. I've taken to making strawberry freezer jam. Must easier, I think.
Mira Crisp said…
Oh, I bet this jam was a fantasy combo with fresh bread!
tinajo said…
Must taste great!
Sandra said…
Hi Ellie, Strawberry jam isn't very easy because this fruit has very little natural pectin. After lots of hit and miss situations in the past, I now buy a packet of natural powdered pectin. It takes all the guesswork out of jam making with those low pectin fruits. Another advantage: you can put in only half the amount of sugar (so less calories!) Good luck with the next batch.
i've never made jam...but it sure sounds YUMMY!! even if it wasn't as spreadable as you wanted!! =)
As long as it tastes good! It sure looks yummy! I use SureJell when I make jams & jellies.
Your jam sugar is obviously not the same as we have here!!! 1kg jam sugar to 1.2kg fruit and no lemon juice required as jam sugar has pectin in it. Bring to boil, boil for 5 mins and then bottle. These are the instructions on the sugar packets. Check the sugar and maybe forget the book. OR come to France and buy your sugar here :-) I have never had a flop yet. Maybe I am lucky Diane
It took me 3 x to get strawberry jam right. All I can say is...3rd times a charm :-) And yes, it tastes good regardless!
Molly said…
It has been too long since I made jam... the home-made stuff is always the best.

Rose said…
I am ashamed to say this...though I have canned things, and froze fresh stuff to have in the winter, I have never made jam or jelly, except to help my mom a little. She basically did it by herself.

It looks pretty and if it tastes good, that is the important part.
Good for you for trying! I have always wanted to do this & someday I will stop putting it off.
Debbie said…
they sell jam in the food store, so i don't make it (wink)!!

sorry, i could not resist!!
Maple Lane said…
I would love to try jam making! I like your can-do attitude!
Nancy Claeys said…
Have you tried the Jello jam Ellie? I haven't but I understand it's easy and basically fool proof.
ZielonaMila said…
It seems that it is wonderful recipe for titbits. I am greeting
Renae said…
Freezer Jam is my favorite to make and eat.

hi, I'm your newest follower!
Terri Buster said…
It looks tasty! I haven't ever tried making jams or jellies- but I do like to make salsa!
Too bad that your jam turned out too thick. It does look good. I am sure the next time you make it will be just the way you want it,

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Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Eye flicks!

Firstly, sorry I havn't posted in a while I've been so busy! But i'm back with another post :)

So the one part of make up I've always been uhh not the best at.. is doing flicks with liquid eyeliner! I can never seem to make them even and I prefer them more triangular than a curvy flick which I find even harder! However the other day I tried it again and I was actually kind of proud of myself!

Yes, I am aware that this looks like a cyclops!
I used No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Wheatsheaf, Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner, Natural Collection Black Eyeliner and Natural Collection Lash Build Mascara in Black.

I also added a picture of my lips as I used a lip gloss I havn't used before, I got it for christmas in a No7 set and its kind of a browny red but as you can see its really pale when you put it on! I'm not sure what it's called but it only came in the christmas sets and so won't be available anymore. However i'd definitely recommend No7 lipglosses!

So please let me know if you've got any tips on the liquid eyeliner as I know this was just a lucky day haha!

Emily xxx

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Saturday, July 09, 2005

Cigarette taxes revisited

The Tax Foundation goes into great detail about why cigarette taxes just aren't a good idea. The Tax Foundation reports that the last ten years provide ample evidence of how cigarette taxes work (or not). Looks like it might be time to add the Tax Foundation to the list of willful obstructionists responsible for Louisiana's failure to increase teacher pay during the recent legislative session. The Foundation argues the last ten years demonstrate "to any dispassionate observer that the greater mobility of people and goods, along with instant communication, have made excise taxes obsolete. This is especially true of the cigarette tax because the product is lightweight, compact and highly taxed." Among the problems states have discovered: --"Revenue estimates are rarely met, causing budget problems." --"Bonds sold against future master settlement revenues are unattractive except at preposterously high interest rates, and even then they are downgraded by the rating agencies." --"In a replay of Prohibition-era social decay, law-abiding citizens learn to break the law routinely, and states respond by adopting intrusive and sometimes abusive tactics to catch them." --"Organized criminals and terrorist cells begin trafficking in smuggled cigarettes, and the states spend prodigiously to catch them, with almost no success." --"Businesses and jobs, along with their tax revenue on income, sales and property, are lost to interstate competition." Should increasing cigarette taxes ever resurface as a proposed source of revenue for Louisiana, the anti-children, anti-education supporters of Big Tobacco now have more ammunition.


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Analysis Assignment 2

            Jean-Luc Goddard is considered to be one of the directors that changed the face of cinema: his usage of elements from New Wave style greatly influenced filmmaking during his time, until this day. Goddard’s cinematic style breaks every rule in the book, defying conventional Hollywood. The point in making Breathless (1960) was to provoke and mystify the audience, making them think about the medium they were viewing over the narrative. The scene where Patricia is having lunch with the man who is getting her to write articles makes use of the distinct stylistic techniques of jump cuts, direct sound, and lens flares to convey the intentional action of self-reflexive cinema to focus the audience on the filmmaking process as opposed to the narrative, which was the main idea behind New Wave cinema. Breathless was the beginning of a cinematic revolution.

     This scene visually portrays what is going on in the film, rather than employing the narrative to do the job. The scene is very simple: two people are at a table, talking, overlooking a busy Paris street. It is typical of French New Wave; complicatedly detailed scenes seemed to be frowned upon by directors of the movement. The scene, which is about 24 minutes into the film, starts with Patricia’s friend standing up to greet her, then they both sit down and Patricia settles in her chair, taking off her coat. The man pushes a book that she is going to read in preparation for her interview with the author, and he expresses concern for her well being, and Patricia for her unhappiness and feelings of wanting to seclude herself. He attempts to distract her by telling a “story”.

     As he is telling the story, which is really about him wanting to sleep with Patricia, jump cuts are observed 13 times, making us conscious of the fact that the filming process is not continuous within one point in time. Goddard intentionally chooses not to edit this scene so that viewers will realize the self-reflexive style of the process in which he made the film. Within the jump cuts there are lens flares that do the same thing to the process and intention of the film. By utilizing the distinct techniques of New Wave Goddard makes the audience think about the meaning of what is going on. Goddard breaks the illusion of narrative in Breathless, preventing you from losing yourself in it and noticing the filmmaking process instead. This distances viewers from the film because we aren’t invested in the plot.

     Aside from the non-digetic music, which isn’t nearly as dramatic as in other scenes, we simply hear the traffic outside and Patricia and her friend talking. They move back and forth from French to English language, showing that they are both American. Patricia’s concern with self-seclusion is touched upon in the scene but not focused on. This shows how issues of the characters were not directly addressed in New Wave cinema, rather actions and visual elements are referenced to “dance around” these issues. There is also an intense amount of medium-close up, which allows us to focus in on the characters’ expressions rather than what is being said. The lack of attention Goddard places on the narrative and plot allow for more attention to be placed on the techniques used that Goddard wants people to notice.

     In the 1960’s there was a great deal of turmoil in Europe that influenced directors such as Jean-Luc Goddard. A lot of this chaos wasn’t happening yet during the filming of Breathless, nevertheless, he was very involved in political issues and was also influenced by film noir and mise-en-scene. These directors began to make films that defied conventional Hollywood and its glamorous and finicky sets, actors, and plots. Hollywood films of the previous decades were the complete opposite of New Wave cinema. Breathless is a series of random moments in the lives of everyday people, which creates an absence of narrative, or lack of focus thereof, forcing the audience to think critically about the meaning behind the medium.

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Dracula (Extra Credit) Clip Analysis

     The coming of sound and color occurred in the mid 1920’s, and began showing up in the films of the vertically integrated Hollywood Studio System. Lee DeForest invented the sound on film process that had a vacuum tube to amplify sound. The Studio System adopted DeForest’s idea, in addition to the sound on disc process, Warner Bros. being one of the users. Once sound and Technicolor was introduced, the Studio System began birthing all kinds of film genres, with each conglomerate specializing in a different type. More about this is in Chapter 4 of Dixon and Foster.

     Dracula (Tod Browning, 1931) was produced under Universal, giving birth to the horror film genre. Dracula was typical of the horror film genre, with fantastical plots featuring monsters and dramatic musical scores. Escapist films were popular during this time because people were affected by 1929’s Great Depression. These films, of course, weren’t realistic but allowed citizens to escape the troubles of their everyday lives. The demand for fantasy production was intense. This film was a product of the Studio System of the 1930’s. The Big Five Agreement of 1927 made the change to easier sound distribution. Sound on film and Sound on disc was adopted. Universal Studios, while considered one of the minors, operated in a similar manner, although they never owned more than a few small theatres at one time.

            The scene I found most significant is about 11 minutes into the movie, (it isn’t on Youtube, but it is on instant Netflix movies), when Dracula is coming down the stairs to greet his guest. This scene is pretty quiet except for dialogue and small noises made by animals and insects living in Dracula’s castle (solely digetic sound). It cuts back and forth from the guest to Dracula, showing the guest’s frightened face and Dracula’s creepy stare. The camera angle is looking up towards Dracula and down towards his guest, demonstrating the power Dracula has, or will have, on his new victim. Dracula says “I am Dracula. I bid you…welcome”. This is a famous line from the movie and very typical of horror films of the era, meaning that monsters created by Universal had signature lines and looks.

     Common in this film, and especially this scene, is the long shot and close-up of Dracula. When he is talking to his guest we see his whole body, allowing close attention to be paid to his cape and body movements. This scene is all about getting a close look at Dracula. Also, close-ups of his face are offered throughout the movie, although not in this scene, which lends to the creepy feeling of the movie. Shadowing is in the background when close-ups of his face are shown, as well as bright lighting on his close-up. Long shots in this scene show the camera moving towards Dracula, coming in closer and closer which each progressive second. This is characteristic of horror film genres, because it causes the scene to be all the more eerie. Although this scene doesn’t have a close-up, Dracula is still well lit in contrast to the background.

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Pather Panchali

     This movie was different from any other foreign film I have seen, as I have never seen a product of India. It was familiar to neo-realism , with the gloomy and melodramatic plot and the on scene setting. It also reminded me of Ozu’s “Early Summer” because of the slow pacing. While the slow pacing is a bit irritating, the point of it is to really see the everyday struggles of normal people. You can definitely see how Satyajit Ray was influenced by the neo-realist movement.

     The poverty in “Pather Panchali” was so depressing, even more so than in “Umberto D”, and I didn’t think I could be any more depressed by a movie. The family struggles with debt, feeding themselves, and having clothes on their backs. It is a raw look at what goes on in India within poor classes, and it surely struck a cord in me. What really annoyed me was the father, Hari. He kept promising his wife a solid life but he never lived up to his word. Then he ran off to “find work”. Although he did come back with some money, I don’t think he should be forgiven. It doesn’t seem like he deserves to be able to come back home to his wife whenever he pleases. Unfortunately, in this time and country women couldn’t just decide they didn’t want to be married anymore because they were co-dependent on their husbands. I sympathized with the mother because of this.

     Some scenes I found striking: after Durpa passes away, her little brother, who has always counted on her to help him get ready for school, is combing his hair on his own. This is something Durpa used to do. You see that life is going on without her, but more importantly that her little brother is growing up and learning to do things for himself. It was really sweet to watch him learn and grow.

     When Durpa is sick and her mother keeps applying wet cloths to her forehead, a storm is going strong. We see the camera move back and forth to the ailing mother, the sick child, and the curtain that is about to bust from the wind. This seemed to create a lot of tension in the scene; the mother’s agony is just as strong as the storm, as is Durpa’s sickness that kills her in the end.

     I also found it nice how the woman who had previously hated the family tries to help them when Durpa is ill. I hated her character up until then.

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    Walking to my car in the dark alone gave me an uneasy feeling after watching Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960). The music is what resonated most with me, as it followed me on the walk to my car and during the drive home. I kept looking in my rearview mirror to make sure no one was following me. In any event this is one of my favorite horror flicks of all time. I first saw it when I was about 12 with my Aunt in her old, creaky house Upstate. It scared me then, but I must say that it scared me much more now that I understood it more and could apprectiate it.

     While I am tired of constant Freudian references in criticism, I must agree…there is definitely a theme of voyeurism in “Psycho”. This is why so much emphasis is put on eyes in this film; Norman Bates’ eye peeping in on Cabin 1, Marion’s eyes as she is driving and when she is being killed and after. The focus on the eyes was very creepy to me. Normans Bates’ alter ego (his mother) watches Marion not only to peep in on an undressing woman, but the power that is behind watching someone that doesn’t know they’re being watched. The alter ego wants control, which is really what the actual Norman Bates wants. He acts as his mother so he can control her, because he couldn’t when she was alive.

     The way cameras worked in this film was spectacular. I can’t believe 78 were used to film the 45 second shower scene. It was effective because I feel that this was one of the most powerful scenes. We get to see Marion being “chopped up” by the camera rather then the knife, which makes it all the more creepy because we can’t see exactly what is going on. Hitchcock left a lot to the imagination here. This was also because “Psycho” was pushing boundaries, such as in the nude (ish) shower scene as well as Marion’s whole nontraditional character.

     I still can’t understand completely Hitchcock’s views towards women. He liked to put them in roles that were totally against societal norms, I get that. But was he a feminist or an anti-feminist? He didn’t like the fussy, glamorous type of actresses, but rather women that were able to have their psychological boundaries pushed. The way he worked was surely different, and I can relate to his need for control! I can honestly say that he is one of my favorite directors.

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Umberto D

     The Italian neo-realist film Umberto D (DeSica, Dear Films, 1952) follows an old man and his everyday tribulations with his only true friend, his dog Flick. Umberto struggles financially and is peeved by his spiteful landlord on a daily basis. Umberto is very depressed but somehow gets through every day with the help of his dog’s loyal companionship and conversations with his landlord’s maid, Maria. The scene where Umberto tries to work up the courage to beg in the street uses low key lighting, non-digetic musical score, and medium close-up to convey the harsh reality of his poverty and the shame he faces because of it. This scene makes use of these formal elements to show one individuals anguish as an example of what the people of Italy were dealing with after WWII. Umberto D is a realist look at the poverty and fate of working people.

     The scene opens up with Umberto making his way towards where he is going to try begging with his dog. The musical score lets us know that this is going to be another heartbreaking scene where we will continue to feel sorry for Umberto. The loud violins included in the non-digetic sound lend a dramatic tension to the scene. The music goes with Umberto’s internal struggle to keep his pride during his struggle to obtain enough money to keep him in his apartment. The sad sound of the music is meant to contribute to the melodramatic nature of the film to show Umberto’s gloomy situation.

     The scene makes use of medium close-up to let us see the troubled facial expression of Umberto. Umberto removes his hat with his eyes pointed downward towards the ground because he is embarrassed of what he is trying to do. We never get to see the look in Umberto’s eyes in this scene but the tension in his face shows how pained he is. He reluctantly holds out a cupped hand for people to put money in, but turns it over when a man is about to because he changes his mind about begging. Umberto wipes the sweat off of his brow and tugs on his jacket at this point; showing his discomfort. He also looks up when he un-cups his hand to pretend he wasn’t trying to beg, which also shows his shame.

     The natural, low-key lighting allows the scene to be simplistic in that it solely illustrates emotions of the main character. There is no digetic sound in this scene because what DeSica wants to portray is easily done without the use of speech. The facial expression of Umberto shown with medium close-up are all the scene needs to portray his poignant struggle. Italian neo-realist films were shot on location using natural, available light. These films were very dark to show the struggles of working class people like Umberto. The storyline in films like Umberto D weren’t dramatic, but the way they were portrayed seemed so because it was a detailed look at one person’s unfortunate situation. These films meant to be melodramatic to show us what is was really like, unlike “white telephone” films of the past that focused on spectacle in order to let the audience escape from the realities of their life.

     While the neo-realist genre sought to de-dramatize Italian films, dramatic score was sometimes necessary in certain neo-realist films to demonstrate the individual situations of everyday people. These characteristics are evident in Umberto D. Vittorio DeSica does a wonderful job with this melodrama by using medium close-up, non-digetic sound, and low-key lighting to focus on the affect this poverty stricken Italian society has on his main character. DeSica also switches off the camera angle from either side of Umberto to add to the effect of the medium close-up. With this 1:06 scene DeSica’s intent was to give us an unromantic look at life during wartime.

Extra Credit

     Professor Herzog’s mention of the film “Rebel Without a Cause” inspired me to analyze a clip from this “teen movie” from 1955. It was directed by Nicholas Ray out of the production company Warner Bros. During the mid-1950’s the rise of novelty in the film world was evident in “teenage exploitation” films. These films were about teens for teens, with the intention of attracting a lot of box office attention and making a lot of money. The birth of rock and roll led to an increase in these films, mainly because rock and roll and delinquency seemed to be interlinked. Also, teens identified with rock and roll because artists seemed to be going against the norms of the past.

     This film was made quite a while after WWII, but still before the Production Code was lifted, so there were still limitations to artistic representations in films. A lot of things still had to be left to the imagination.  The director did a wonderful job of working with such limitations, even though teen movies didn’t show as much creativity during that time. “Rebel Without a Cause” depicted troubles that teens dealt with during the time and still today. It was also very characteristic of film noir, which fell between the years 1941-1958. I must also mention that James Dean is quite a heart throb!

      The clip I am going to analyze is when James Dean comes home from the “chicken run” and is arguing with his parents in the living room. It is a 4:31 scene that serves as a moment of high tension and climax in the film. The formal elements I noticed were lighting, sound, and especially compositional tension. First, there is no sound in this scene, which allows you to focus on the characters’ argument. There are no distractions and you can feel their anxiety. The lack of sound lets you notice the dramatic facial expressions of Jim and his parents; the characters’ feelings are what make the scene special.

     The placement of Jim above his parents shows how they are helpless in what to do with their problem child. I feel like the composition was the most significant formal element in this whole film. That is why this scene is so famous. When Jim is starting to tell them what happened at the “chicken run” he slowly stands up, so that he is higher up in the composition. The parents are meant to feel helpless and inferior. They know that what their son is saying is true, and they don’t know how to handle it. Throughout the whole scene Jim’s parents are looking up at him, creating tension and a feeling that they are “small”.

     When Jim and his mother end up on the stairs, with the father right below, a diagonal line is created, along with the same line seen in the stairs. This creates a “compositional tension”. Shadow is seen in the backround and the characters’ faces are illuminated. Chiaroscuro is the play on dark and light. Stylized lighting effects in this movie lend a special aspect to its artistic intent. Dark is around the characters, while light is saved for them. After the staircase argument Jim starts a physical fight with his father…but you’ll have to watch more of the movie then this short clip to see that!

Written on the Wind

     This film by Douglas Sirk is a melodrama indeed! The scenes were so dramatic that they made me sit on the edge of my seat. One scene in particular that made me feel this way was when Kyle’s sister comes home from yet another rendezvous and starts dancing maniacally in her room while her father is falling down the stairs. The tension was so high here. When she was shaking her hips it makes it seem like that was the force that made her father fall. Of course this isn’t true, but the parallel action wants to draw this comparison and make us feel this tension.

      The director pays special attention to human emotion. He shows the characters at times of realization or trauma in mirrors. For example, when Kyle’s sister alludes to an affair between Mitch and Lucy Kyle looks into a mirror and if I remember correctly smashes a glass on it. The dramatic effect of the reactions of the characters’ emotions is important to pay attention to because it shows the way melodrama operates. I also found that this helped character development.

     The music also lent a dramatic effect to the film; like when a character felt uneasy eerie music would come on, etc. It demonstrates the high anxiety of the situations. Now another note on character development. Mitch is the real stand up guy here; he comes to the rescue when Lucy, Kyle or his sister are in danger. He is the character I found my sympathies leaning towards the most. Although his personality is the driest I found him the most real with others and himself. The fact that Mitch acts like this is a threat to Kyle.

    In Kyle’s fathers eyes Mitch has always been the better man, being mature unlike his son with his alcoholic episodes. In the end this is what almost gets Mitch killed. Mitch demonstrates a mature masculinity that Kyle doesn’t possess and subconciously Kyle knows this. I felt bad for him because he was so sick but I still found him quite pathetic. He wasn’t trying to better himself; he kept wallowing in his depression and resentment towards his best friend.

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Film Analysis

     The thriller M (Lang, Nero Film, 1931) is a film about a child murderer and the police and townspeople’s’ efforts to track him down and punish him. It follows the struggles of the police in finding the murderer, and the murderer living in fear of being caught and dealing with his psychological issue: the uncontrollable urge to kill little girls. In M, the scene in the beginning of the film where an innocent civilian is accused of being the murderer makes use of synchronous sound and medium close-up to convey the element of paranoia and the lack of privacy in Germany during this time. The idea of a murderer living amongst everyday folk is enough to turn people against one another. Trauma from WWI, along with Germany’s problems such as hyperinflation, political violence and hostility led citizens feeling vulnerable and paranoid, with the feeling like they had to keep themselves safe by limiting others’ privacy.
     Twelve minutes in, the scene starts off with an older man in glasses walking in the street. He passes a little girl and advises her to hurry home, and asks her where she lives. A tall man and two women watch him doing this. The tall man confronts the older man once the girl leaves, asking him what he wants knowing where the child lives. The tall man accuses him of being a child murderer, and the older man insists that it isn’t him, shouting “This is an outrage!” Other people are drawn to the spectacle and support the tall man. The police show up, the people continue to shout, and finally everyone is led away.
     As the tall man is questioning the suspect Lang uses medium close-up to create tension between the characters. Medium close-ups show the characters’ emotions and let the audience know that this town has limited privacy because the murderer is being looked for: nobody is left unsearched. The hostility amongst the townspeople is evident in this scene. Nobody trusts anybody else, leading to extreme paranoia. The angle of the camera during the questioning of the older man illustrates a power dynamic. The camera is angled downward toward the older man and upward toward the tall man. This shows that the tall man is trying to scare the older man and get him to confess using his large stature and powerful attitude. The child murderer is disrupting peace and harmony, and people are frantic to find him so that everyone can feel safe again. Synchronous sound is also used in this scene, that being simply the voices and shouting of the people. It creates a very realistic feel, making it seem that you are witnessing this event happen.
     Turmoil followed WWI in Europe, particularly in Germany. Hostility towards Germany after the war led to political violence between right and left wing groups. The film M was made during the Weimar Period (1917-1933), which was after the war and during all of this upheaval. Hyperinflation was another thing that happened after WWI, followed by a communist uprising and the rise of Nazi power. People were left traumatized after the war, leading them to feel paranoid and not able to trust fellow German citizens ( During this time there was also a serial killer, dubbed the Vampire of Dusseldorf, which left people petrified for their safety, as well as not trusting people as easily as they had in the past (cyberroach).
     M is an example of the disruption of peace and harmony in society, and the scene analyzed reflects peoples’ paranoia. It is also an example of how people couldn’t trust anyone and felt the need to keep a close eye out on others’ actions. By watching fellow citizens’ every move people felt that they had a lack of privacy. The older man in the scene couldn’t even make innocent conversation with a child without being attacked. It takes seconds for the people to pounce on him with accusations. This film is a battle between social order and outsiders, just like it was during the Weimar Period. Outsiders, such as the Vampire of Dusseldorf, threatened social order. The political problems of Germany also threatened this after WWI. The attacks on children in Fritz Lang’s M deals with the same battle, and the feelings of paranoia that go along with it.

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“Public Enemy”

     This movie was so much fun to watch, as it was so different from the gangster films of today. When I heard the title of this film I immediately thought of Johnny Depp’s “Public Enemies”, which wasn’t much like the one from 1931. “Public Enemies” was long and drawn out, paying too much attention to lengthy shooting scenes and especially Jonny Depp’s love interest. Nowadays it seems that movies are all about how many special features you can fit into it. “Public Enemy” in contrast spent more time developing the main character and the background of the time period.

     This film used a lot of digetic sound that could be seen and not: gunshots could be seen being shot, only heard, or you could see it but not hear it going off. This lent a suspense to the film because you didn’t know where the shooter was or when he was going to shoot. The film also uses exaggerated gesture, for example, how Tom nudges his loved ones on the chin constantly, sometimes 3 times in a row. Something about this felt awkward but I suppose the director was trying to make Tom’s character more quirky and possibly dramatic. While this was a film about a serious topic, Wellman includes a lot of comic relief throughout, making it lighter.

      The women characters in the film were quite different from the men and even the women in today’s movies. Tom’s two love interests in the movie don’t serve a leading role, and their relationship with Tom never goes much further than I love you, you ignore me, your job makes me feel unsafe but I know you don’t care. All of the women in this film are passive. Tom’s mother is the worst of the bunch, with her son’s every move dictating her moods. These women are co-dependent, but I am not blaming the women. The time period is to blame.

     Tom started out as bully from the time he was a young boy up until the time he died. I remember from the readings that during the time of censorship in Hollywood, villains in films had to be punished. Tom was definitely punished for his actions. In “Public Enemy” it is a battle between “good” and “bad”: the good wins. People are labeled “good” or “bad”. Tom is the “bad” brother and Mike the “good”, trying to lead an honest life for the sake of his family. Tom is “bad”, letting himself get mixed up with other “bad” people, which leads to his demise.

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“M” by Fritz Lang

     I am German, and although I don’t speak the language, I always enjoy hearing it whether it be in music, movies, or from my relatives. I feel that German films are very rich and dramatic in their acting, storylines, and directing. They are dramatic without being too over the top. “M” uses exaggerated facial expressions and body movements from its characters, especially the murderer when he is being chased around.

     The film had a sad storyline, but Lang managed to lend some lightheartedness to it by the comedic actions of its characters. For instance, when the policemen are around the table from time to time discussing the child murderer case they begin to disagree with each other and a hilarious fight breaks out. Or when the murderer thinks he has escaped the men chasing him, only to hear that they are trying to open the door he is behind, he gets this look of dread on his face, which is so dramatic it couldn’t be anything else other than funny. Lang uses a multitude of close-ups to stress the emotions of the characters in his film. While the murderer doesn’t voice his emotions until the end of the film when he is finally caught, through his body language you are painted a vivid picture of what his life is like. Not that a child murderer is ever justified, but I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him, being that he had a mental illness that he couldn’t control.

     The whistling in the film added a creepy aura to it. You would hear whistling when the murder was about to do something bad, or when him or someone else was feeling anxious. Most of the time you couldn’t see the whistler, but the one time you could was when the murder feels like he has been found out, and starts whistling it seems out of nervous habit. There is also whistling when he is buying Elsie a balloon. Letting his inner demon go that wants to kill Elsie is making the murderer anxious, therefore he starts to whistle because it might comfort him for some reason or another.

     I found the theme of social order v. outsiders very interesting. When the police are out of ideas they hire the beggars to help with the case. The underworld has collaborated with the “normal” people here. The murderer is considered an outsider because he is going against social order. The outsiders wreak havoc on the community and make them turn against each other. In the end of the film the police have turned savage and start taunting the murderer because they are so fed up with chasing him. It is a switching of roles, and now the hunter has become the hunted. Everyone has become ultimately the same because of these awful crimes that have shook the neighborhood. “M” reminded me of a German foreign film called “The Secret Lives of Others”. In the film everyone was being watched by the secret police and no one could trust anyone else.

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Virtual City

Build the city of your dreams! Construct houses and industrial parks, produce goods and deliver them to shopping malls, and setup a mass transit system to take people to the other places you build, including parks, movie theaters and stadiums!
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Saturday, August 23, 2008

I see dead people......

One day on the subway after a particularly gruelling day, I sat across from a man. He looked like most everyone else on the train: tired, unwashed , unshaven and taking up 3 seats . That isn't what caught my attention, though. It was his 2 pet ferrets which were resting on his shoulders and crawling in and out of the collar of his shirt. The huge clear trash bag of cans and redeemable bottles weren't nearly as interesting or unexpected as those ferrets. He was a host and they the creatures living off him. No one seemed to notice him, almost like he was just there for me...a ghost dressed in trash filled bags and overly playful rodents. When the train went a few stops he made a heaving sound like labored breathing and rose from his seat. With agility I never would have imagined, he gathered what must have been a couple thousand bottled filled jumbo trash bags and moved towards the door. The ferrets kept right on frolicking as he lumbered along. Just as he got in front of me he paused and lowered his arms just enough so that I could get a look at him and gave me a big toothy grin. Toothy,because all he had in his mouth were a few teeth. But what almost made me scream with laughter was his tee-shirt. It said in big bold red letters " I SEE DEAD PEOPLE". You know something ? I believe he did.

When I read about Isaac Mizrahi being given the design directorship of Liz Claiborne along with John Bartlett doing the menswear equivalent, I couldn't help but think about the man on the train. The fact that the company keeps selling off and shutting down companies which have been huge money makers for them, like Sigrid Olsen and downgrading to the extent of putting a pillow over the face of Dana Buchman ,makes me wonder what is really going on there.
Isaac Mizrahi is indisputably one of the stars of American fashion. Certainly in the 80's and 90's he was pretty popular. A critical success definitely. Having the blank check book of the Werthheimers behind his company certainly helped to keep the dream alive. Larger than life runway shows, press, self and brand promotion were all his. Why true financial success eluded him is an interesting question. Personally, I loved the clothes. Loved the verbiage behind what spurred his creative juices and the way it all caught your eye. Color , color and more color. Fantastic shapes and odd tricks, like the coat which could be worn right side up or upside down. That one piece has stayed in my mind for 20 years.

So why didn't it all add up to a company with MEGA written all over it? Why did in one day the Werthheimers take away the checkbook and lock his doors. It was so sudden and seemingly without any warning. ISAAC, the secondary /bridge collection was cramming every major department store all over the country. That cash cow collection, drenched in press and promotion sat there on sale growing hair from the first day it was introduced. That was the proverbial writing on the wall. The public loves a clever fast talking, TV and film referencing entertainer, but if they don't get the point, the point being his clothes, the tent can stay up but so long before the road show is forced to make room for the next act in line.

Isaac the entertainer, best buddies with so many of the rightest people has gone on to do lounge acts, host a cable show, created a collection of Demi-Couture sold through Bergdorfs and a handful a specialty stores ,while simultaneously doing a collection of clothing and home furnishings for Target . It appears to have been successful, but again you never can believe all you see or hear or read....that could include this piece, but let's suspend our imaginations and go along for the ride a bit longer. I bought sheets and towels of his for my winter hideaway and loved it. The clothes that I saw at Target as I headed for the check out line didn't appear to be checking out, but I was happy with what I had.

So to hear the Target thing is now finished and he has been brought in to do Liz C. is just dumbfounding. It's like a brilliant corporate strategy that eludes me and probably many of you as well. What do they expect he will bring to the table which didn't get served and spoil a few times before? I've never found sustenance from an other's ego and I doubt anyone else has . Perhaps , they see him as that biblical character who took one bagel and a little cream cheese and made it feed millions of starving consumers. That is another example of not believing everything you read. I know it's the good book, but still that's a stretch for the most optimistic of us all. How is it they make these choices ? What parallel universe do they live in? I guess it's the one where ones bank balance blinds one to the other one. That other one being this one where stuff doesn't sell anymore unless it's unbelievably right or on triple markdown.

So we'll just have to wait and see. Like Patrick Robinson at Gap and Todd Oldham at old Navy
this appears to be a parade of zombies.

I'm starting to think that man on the train was right.

Anonymous said...

I recently discovered your blog while searching for an old article about my clothing line. You wrote of me(among others)in one posting in very flattering terms. Reading that lifted my spirits more than I can say. I have since read everything you have written here enjoying and agreeing with you. Thank you for your blog. This should be a must read for everyone in the FASHION BUSINESS.
Best Regards,
DresSmakeR For

P.S. I probably know you. If not I'd like to.

Fluff said...

I could write a whole piece just on your work and career. You have always been someone I've admired, who's taste and technique is so elegant, spare and very romantantic.I've often wondered how you think and create your collections in a way that's appears so effortless. The stores that carry you are the smart ones.You should sleep, though .3:30 in the morning to be awake is awfully late. What I've admired most about you is your enigmatic quality. Quiet, composed and above all considerate. Very cat-like, more Siamese, Royal and fine.

shawn said...

hello fluff
I apologize for not replying sooner.
Ever since Helmut and Calvin decided to show before Europe I haven't enjoyed a Labor Day weekend. They have retired but the rest of us still suffer.
Thank you for those extremely flattering comments.
I think you can see my email now?
Please write. I would really like to talk with you.


text:
How DTE Energy’s CFO Group Gives Back – One group, One day and over 200 employees

Tags: , ,

When DTE Energy unveiled the “DTE Month of Caring” – a month-long volunteer initiative to activate and engage 1,000 employees across the company to volunteer in their community – the controllers organization didn’t even bat an eyelash at how they were going to give back.

They simply turned to their CFO Community Outreach Committee (CCOC), which helps to coordinate and plan ways to give back to the community throughout the year. Whether it’s donating money for Friday jeans days, participating in annual THAW events, organizing floor fundraisers or connecting with local nonprofits around the city – these employees are making a difference in the lives of people in every way.

“I see this as an opportunity to live up to our aspiration and serve the communities where we live and work,” said Robert Ljucovic, senior business financial analyst for the controller organization, and co-chair of the CFO Volunteer Committee. “We’re really focused on taking an active role in supporting local organizations because you can see how much they appreciate the assistance we provide through our volunteer efforts.”

The CCOC began planning its August activities earlier in the year by dedicating a session at its all-hands meeting to showcase and get feedback on what the organization wanted to do. Then, they began planning.

“As a newer employee, I was impressed with how embedded these values are in our business,” said Kenneth Gavin, a business analyst within the controller’s office, and co-chair for this year’s CFO Month of Caring activities. “You can see that it starts with our leaders. They have a passion around it and because of that, they created a platform that allows us the opportunity to grow our involvement and show what it means to be DTE in the community.”

And grown, it has. This year, the CFO organization – that includes treasury, tax, audit and controllers departments – has 13 different volunteer activities planned for August 26, with nearly 250 employees signed-up and ready to get their hands dirty. From food packing at Gleaners Community Food Bank, Forgotten Harvest and Food Gatherers, to filling backpacks for The Children’s Center of Wayne County, and gardening and beautification for the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Project – the organization is doing a little bit of everything throughout the community.

“In two days, we had filled 63 percent of the volunteer opportunities that we had arranged,” said Ljucovic. “It’s almost easy for us because it’s a tradition. Everyone in the organization knows that we always have a day dedicated to giving back, and are ready and excited to be part of it.”

Yet arranging all those opportunities wasn’t easy. Ljucovic and Gavin said they relied on their team of site leads and committee members to connect and build relationships with the nonprofits for each event.

“A lot of the site leads who stepped up already had built relationships with key people at the agency,” Ljucovic said. “The agencies know what to expect of us at DTE. They know that when we call on them, and say we have 50 people who are willing to come out for a day to do work – they answer and know that we’re going to follow through.”

But for the CCOC, giving back doesn’t end when the annual volunteer day is over.  Through the DTE Energy Foundation, each volunteer group can submit an application for a Walter J. McCarthy Service Award grant to further support the nonprofits and causes they care about.

“The recognition component is great because it means we can give back in more ways than one,” said Ljucovic. “We decided to apply for the grant after the service events because while it’s a nice thing to come out for the day and help people – and it’s even more rewarding to supplement our work and give the agencies a nice surprise to use for things they really need.”


text:
Reloading can save you money, particularly on rifle and large-caliber handgun ammunition. You can also produce more accurate rifle ammunition than any factory because:

  1. Your spent brass is “fire-formed” to perfectly fit your rifle’s chamber
  2. You can fine-tune your loads to your gun’s unique barrel harmonics
  3. You can adjust bullet seating depth to your gun’s unique bore

You can build up hot loads that push your gun to the limits of its performance, or you can build extra light or subsonic loads for quiet and easy practice.

I began reloading in 2009 for all of these reasons, and also because I became fascinated by the science of ballistics.  Initially reloading can look like an overwhelming hobby.  But after a few months of research I compiled a list of equipment and processes that should serve as a good starting point for anybody.

Step 0: Get a C&R License

If you’re reloading to save money, the first thing you should do is get a Curio & Relics (C&R) License, a.k.a. FFL 03, from the BATFE.  This allows you to get dealer pricing from MidwayUSA and Graf & Sons, the two best mail-order sources of reloading gear, as well as at Brownells and other popular sources of shooting accessories.  Request Form 7CR from the ATF and send it in with the $30 fee.  This will pay for itself on the first order you make at dealer prices.  And since you will easily spend over a thousand dollars just on initial setup and stocking of your reloading bench the savings will really add up.

Step 1: Buy Equipment

All prices are what I paid (dealer rates) to buy this gear in 2009.

  • Manual: Lyman Reloading Handbook, hardcover.  ($25)
  • Second Manual: Lee Modern Reloading.  This is somewhat specific to Lee’s equipment, and I only recommend it if you end up using a lot of their gear, as I have.  It’s inexpensive and has the advantage of listing loads based on volume, not just weight.  ($12)
  • Press: LEE90064 Lee Classic Turret Press.  Even if you never take advantage of the automation afforded by a turret, this is worth the small premium over a comparable single-stage press just because it’s so easy to set your dies once in a turret, and then just lift out turrets when you want to work on a different cartridge. ($80)
  • Turret: LEE90269 Lee 4-hole Turret.  Buy one turret for each cartridge you want to reload to hold your dies. ($9)
  • Turret case: LEE90535 Lee Round Die Box.  Buy one for each turret to store and protect your dies. ($3)
  • Primer feeder: LEE90997 Lee Safety Primer Feed Combo. ($20)
  • Case tumbler: LY7631327 Lyman Turbo Twin Tumbler. ($56)
  • Rotary Case/Media Separator:  GR17.  ($22)
  • Primer Pocket Cleaner: LEE90101. ($2)
  • Digital Calipers: GR12. ($21)
  • Chamfer ToolLEE90109. ($2)
  • Case TrimmerLEE90899 LEE Zip Trim ($16) or else LEE90110 Lee Trimmer, Cutter, & Lock Stud ($4) and LEE90275 Lee Cutter with Ball Grip ($5) for use with power drills.
  • Powder Funnel: LEE90190. ($2)
  • Powder Measure: LEE90058 Lee Perfect Powder Measure. ($21)
  • Powder Trickler: RCBS05000 #5 Powder Trickler. ($18)
  • Balance Scale: RCBS09069 RCBS 5-0-2 ($58).
  • Loading Trays: MTM LT150M Large Universal Loading Tray. You need at least two of these. ($6)

If you want to take full advantage of the turret press’s more automated, high-volume loading capacities then you will need to get the following components to automatically dispense powder:

  • LEE90429 Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure. ($32)
  • LEE90195 Lee Double Disk Kit. ($10)
  • LEE90792 Lee Adjustable Charge Bar. ($7)
  • LEE90100 Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit. ($8)

For each rifle cartridge you want to reload you will want the caliber specific:

  • Lee Deluxe 3-die set.  Contains a bullet seating die as well as both full-length and neck-only sizing dies.  You only use one or the other of the sizing dies.  The advantage of only neck-sizing brass is that you don’t need to lubricate it, and you rarely have to trim it.  However, new brass, or brass fired in other guns, has to be full-length sized when first loaded. ($25)
  • Lee Factory Crimp Die. ($10)
  • Lee Case Length Gauge and ShellHolder.  Use to trim case to correct length. ($4)
  • Lyman or Wilson Case Length Gauge.  Tells you whether you have to trim a case. ($18)
  • LEE90194 Lee Rifle Powder Charging Die.  For turret loading: Works with either a powder funnel or the AutoDisk Powder Measure to load powder without removing the case from the press. ($9)

For each pistol cartridge you want to reload you will want the caliber-specific Lee Carbide Deluxe 4-Die Set ($34).

  • Case lube: HRN9991 Hornady One-Shot Case Lube, Aerosol. ($6)
  • Cleaning MediaLyman Turbo Brass Cleaning Media Treated Corn Cob, 6lb easy-pour container.  ($13)
  • Dryer sheets: You will need to occasionally wipe everything that touches gunpowder to prevent static cling.
  • Nitrile gloves and finger cots: You’ll probably prefer keeping your skin out of contact with the primer and powder residue, cleaning compounds, oil, and brass filings that you’ll be handling during the reloading process.  Not to mention that skin oil tarnishes brass.  (Note that you can often find cots cheaper on eBay.)
  • Gun Powder: Hodgdon Varget is the go-to powder for most rifle cartridges, and Titegroup is the standard for pistol cartridges.  Unless you have picked out something specific to what you’re loading, start with these powders.
  • Primers: Early in 2009 it was basically “buy whatever you can find.”  Between Winchester, CCI, or Federal it doesn’t make a big difference.  They all price about $30/1000, and another $5-10 for “match-grade,” though unless you’re a benchrest shooter it’s unclear whether that makes a difference.  All else equal I buy Winchester primers, primarily because they’re made by the same company as the powders I recommend.
  • Bullets: The bullet market seems reasonably efficient, so for standard bullets each manufacturer’s offerings should perform comparably for comparable prices.

Step 2: Build a Bench

You will want a large bench for your press that will absolutely not budge as you carefully measure out powder and then crank out rounds.  Inspired by this article I built one of my own out of a solid wood door screwed onto two pieces of carefully levelled framing lumber: One anchored to a concrete wall, and the other screwed into two iron pipe legs anchored to the concrete floor.  It does not move.  It’s perfect.

I also cut and painted accessory plates from thin plywood that I can clamp to the edge of the bench when I need to use my powder measure, trimmer, or brushes.

Step 3: Reload

Keep rifle brass segregated by firearm.  This allows you to take advantage of the fire-forming to your chamber that occurs the first time the brass is shot in a gun.  It also allows you to neck-size only, which reduces wear-and-tear on your brass as well as the need to lubricate and trim your cases.

Prep Brass

  1. Tumble, Sift, Wipe.  Tumble brass in cleaning media until it is as clean and shiny as you like it.  You don’t want to put dirty brass through your dies since that can gum or scratch them up.  After tumbling, sift the cleaning media out using your rotary separator.  Take each case out one at a time, hold it upside down to make sure there is no media or dirt left in it, wipe the outside with a cloth to remove cleaning dust, and then put it in a case or tray in preparation for step 2.
  2. Brush, Size, Deprime, Clean Primer Pockets.  I have a cleaning brush screwed vertically into one of my accessory plates, and before putting a case into my sizing die I twist the neck over the brush.  This is a second chance for any debris to fall out, and it wipes away dirt that could scratch not only the neck sizer but also the bullet that’s going in there in the end.  Put the case on the press and run it through the sizing die, which will decap the spent primer.  If you want your brass really clean at this point you need to take it off the press and scrape the primer pocket clean with a twist of the primer pocket cleaner.  (If you happen to be using once-fired military brass on which the primers were crimped you’ll need to re-cut or swage the primer pockets.  The best way to do this is with the $90 Dillon Super Swage 600, since it doesn’t remove any brass like cutting/reaming does.)
  3. Gauge, and if necessary Trim and Debur.  You can put your cases into case length gauges at any point to see whether they need trimming.  As said before, if you are only neck sizing you will only rarely have to do this.  But when they need it, this is the time to do it.  After cutting them down be sure to deburr the neck with a few twists of the chamfer tool.  You might also want to debur if you haven’t reloaded the case before and the neck is rough, since that could scratch and apply uneven pressure to the bullet.  The most demanding benchrest shooters also take measures to uniform their neck thickness at this point, but neck turning requires extra equipment and time, and it has the potential to cause more problems then it solves.

  1. Prime
  2. Charge the case with your selected load of powder.  Note that the powder type and weight is one of the key variables you get to modify as a reloader that can affect the accuracy and performance of your gun.
  3. Seat the bullet.  Seating depth is a second-order factor in accuracy that you can use to optimize the performance of your gun.
  4. Crimp the bullet.  Some claim that a consistent crimp can increase accuracy over relying on neck tension alone to hold a bullet against the pressure of firing.  This is an optional step for low-recoil or single-shot rifles.  For any situation where the bullets need to withstand field handling, or where they might be in the magazine or cylinder of a heavy-recoil gun before being shot, crimping is more important.  The Lee Factory Crimp Die is the most versatile tool for applying a crimp, and it can even provide an adjustable crimp to bullets that do not have cannelures.

Further Reading

3 thoughts on “Reloading

  1. federalist Post author

    Alternative: If you want to crank out more rounds in less time you need to step up to a progressive press. It’s more expensive and complicated than a turret, but if that doesn’t deter you then buy the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP press — currently $370. You’ll also need a $30 Shell Holder for each cartridge base type you want to reload.

  2. Pingback: The Time Cost of Reloading | EmptorMaven

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Ministries's Headline

GKYM Rochester 2016

Hundreds of Young Adults and Youth Commit to Missions at GKYM Conference

About 600 individuals committed to missions at the annual ‘GKYM Conference’ which took place this year at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center from December 27 to 30. GKYM Conferences have taken place in different cities each year, and the conference last took place in Rochester three years ago in 2013.

UBM Old Testament

Christianity Daily Presents Awards to Seminary Students

Christianity Daily, in partnership with with United Breakthrough Ministries (UBM) and Bliss Travel, hosted an essay competition for which participants were required to attend a seminar on the Old Testament and submit an essay in response to the seminar.

Faith Harvest Angel Tree

Faith Harvest Church Hosts Christmas Party for Children and Families of Incarcerated Individuals

Faith Harvest Church, located in North Hills, CA, hosted a rather special Christmas party on Sunday — one for the children and families of incarcerated individuals. The party was hosted through the ‘Angel Tree’ program of the Prison Fellowship, a non-profit which ministers to individuals within the prison system, prepares them to readjust to life outside of prison, and helps them to maintain healthy relationships with their families.

5 Breads 2 Fish

In Skid Row, ‘We Experience the Miracle of Jesus Everyday’

A few blocks’ walk eastbound past the flashy area of downtown Los Angeles is Skid Row. Within the U.S., Los Angeles is home to the most individuals who are homeless, and within Los Angeles, most of those who are homeless call Skid Row their home. And in the middle of Skid Row is 5 Breads 2 Fish, a ministry that serves those who are homeless and poor in the name of Jesus.

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text:
ﻣﻮﻗﻊ ﺻﺪﻱ اﻟﺒﻠﺪ

Elham AbolFateh

How to get rid of a bruise: Home remedies

Tuesday 21/November/2017 - 03:19 PM
Sada El Balad
Bruising is a normal response to an injury. Tiny blood vessels beneath the skin can be damaged by even a small impact، leaving behind blood trapped beneath the skin.
This trapped blood is eventually reabsorbed by the body as the injury heals. In the meantime، it can leave a gray، bluish، or purple patch that is tender to the touch.

Bruises can be difficult to treat، as most of the damage is beneath the surface of the skin. However، some home remedies may be able to speed up healing، minimize their appearance، and prevent them from happening in the first place.

1. Arnica montana
Arnica montana، or arnica، is an herb widely used for pain and bruising. This is because it contains compounds that are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can be absorbed through the skin.

Some research has found that arnica may be an effective remedy for bruising.

One study found that people who took oral arnica after a rhinoplasty (nose job) had improved appearance of post-surgery bruising.
Another study found that applying a 20 percent arnica ointment to the skin sped up healing time when compared with a placebo.
People should look for oral arnica، arnica gel، or arnica ointment that contains at least 20 percent arnica. It can be applied as directed on the product package.

If using oral arnica، it is usually best to let the pill dissolve under the tongue. An arnica mouth spray should also be used to coat the underside of the tongue.

A person should stop using the product if irritation or a rash develops.

2. Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in the pineapple plant. These enzymes may have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce bruising and swelling when applied to the skin.

A study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found that oral bromelain improved pain and swelling after tooth extractions when compared to a painkiller and a placebo.

A person can apply a cream or gel containing bromelain two to three times a day or as otherwise directed.

Oral bromelain supplements can cause unwanted side effects، including digestive problems and increased heart rate. People who are allergic to pineapple should not use bromelain.

Bromelain supplements are sometimes recommended after surgery to help minimize bruising، but a person should only take bromelain by mouth if directed by a doctor.

3. Quercetin
Similar to bromelain، quercetin is a flavonoid derived from certain fruits. It may have natural anti-inflammatory powers that can help heal bruises.

Some skin creams and gels intended to help with bruising contain quercetin، usually in combination with bromelain، vitamin K، or other ingredients. Creams or gels containing quercetin can be used as directed on the package، typically twice a day.

Taking quercetin by mouth has not been proven to be safe. It can also interact with many medications. Avoid taking oral quercetin supplements unless directed by a healthcare professional.

4. Vitamin K cream
The body needs vitamin K to help the blood clot when necessary. But a pill may not be the best solution، especially for those taking blood thinners or other medications. Topical vitamin K، however، shows some promise as a remedy for bruises and is generally safe for most people to use. Anadolu Agency said.

A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that people who applied a vitamin K gel after having a cosmetic procedure had less bruising than those who used a placebo.

Many different vitamin K products are available over-the-counter. A person should look for one that lists vitamin K near the beginning of its ingredients، and apply it as often as directed.

5. R.I.C.E.
R.I.C.E. stands for rest، ice، compression، and elevation. Many people who have had surgery or have sprains or strains employ this tactic to aid recovery، but it has benefits for bruising as well.

These actions aim to temporarily reduce blood flow to the injured area، which can help prevent some swelling and bruising.

Elevating and resting the area، as well as applying ice for up to 20 minutes per hour and using a light compression bandage، can help decrease the blood flow and inflammation that contribute to bruising.

Following R.I.C.E. as soon as possible after an injury and throughout the healing process can also decrease pain.

6. A bruise-healing diet
A person's diet can have an impact on all areas of health، including how their injuries and bruises heal. Certain foods can strengthen the body's blood vessels، which may minimize bruising.

Other foods can help keep the body's skin and tissues strong and pliable. Eating a healthful، balanced diet that includes the following foods may help prevent or heal bruises:

Pineapple. Eating fresh pineapple gives the body a natural dose of bromelain، which may help the bruise heal faster.
Fruits with natural quercetin. Foods with high amounts of quercetin include apples، citrus fruits، red onion، dark-colored berries and cherries، and leafy green vegetables.
Citrus fruits. One study found that citrus flavonoids significantly improved bruising in seniors who had senile purpura، or ongoing bruising. Citrus fruits include oranges، tangerines، and lemons.
Foods with vitamin K. A diet that includes vitamin K will prevent deficiency and may help a person bruise less. Good sources include kale، spinach، broccoli، Brussels sprouts، lettuce، soybeans، strawberries، and blueberries.
Lean protein. Fish، poultry، tofu، and lean meat provide protein to help strengthen capillaries. Avoid sources of protein with high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol، such as hamburger or fried meats.
Zinc-rich foods. Zinc helps the body heal wounds and tissues. Good sources of zinc include crab، lobster، spinach، pumpkin seeds، and legumes.

Edited by rehab sayed

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text:
Summary | Biography | Discography | Photos | Audio/Video

Peter Weekers in 1982

14-04-1953 - current

fluit, folk, instrumental, panfluit, percussie, pop, tin whistle

fluit, panfluit, percussie, tin whistle

Mentioned in the biography of

1981   Flairck
1986   Flairck

Biography Peter Weekers

Played in

Flairck   fluit, panfluit
Zenga   doedelzak, fluit, panfluit, percussie, tin whistle, zang

Discography Peter Weekers

In the discography you will find all recordings that have been released listed chronologically. We restrict ourselves to the title, the type of audio, year of publication or recording, label, list of guest musicians, plus any comments on the issue.

Photos Peter Weekers

Audio/Video Peter Weekers

Video Peter Weekers

Peter Weekers - The lonle...
Peter Weekers - The lonley shepherd
Peter Weekers - Wish you ...
Peter Weekers - Wish you were here (panflute)
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Peter Weekers - Wish you were here (panflute)

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2017 November 14 13:45

ICS & CMI update campaign on maritime treaty ratification

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – whose member national shipowner associations represent over 80% of the world merchant fleet, and the Comité Maritime International (CMI) – the international association for maritime lawyers, have released an updated brochure to promote the importance of governments ratifying international maritime conventions, especially those adopted by the UN IMO, ICS said in its press release.

The aim of the brochure ‘Promoting Maritime Treaty Ratification’ is to encourage more widespread ratification of some key maritime instruments that would benefit from a greater level of global acceptance. This includes a number of important instruments which have not yet received adequate ratifications from governments to enter into force globally.

The new campaign particularly focuses on three key IMO instruments: the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling; the 2003 Protocol to the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions concerning oil spill compensation; and the 2010 Protocol to the HNS (liability) Convention.

“While the slow pace of ratification of these crucial IMO instruments remains disappointing, there is now some cause for optimism.” explained ICS Chairman, Esben Poulsson.

“In particular, the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling has been ratified by the world’s largest flag State, Panama, having previously been ratified by Belgium, Denmark, France and Norway. Turkey, a major ship recycling nation, is also expected to ratify soon. But other IMO Member States now need to build on this momentum or else be faced with the confusion likely to be caused by unilateral or regional regulation."

CMI Secretary General, Rosalie Balkin, added “We are pleased to again be co-operating with ICS on this important campaign, which we hope will enhance the profile of some important IMO instruments that are sometimes overlooked."

The new brochure, which can downloaded from the ICS and CMI websites, also highlights a number of other conventions that require wider ratification, including the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, which entered into force in September, and the ILO (Revised) Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention.

The brochure also promotes several other instruments that address international liabilities and compulsory insurance cover for ships.

ICS and the CMI continue to emphasise that shipping is an inherently global industry reliant on global regulatory frameworks to operate efficiently. The alternative would be a plethora of regional or unilateral regulations, which would lead to chaos within the international shipping industry while hindering the smooth flow of global trade.


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NorthWest CampCon

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NorthWest CampCon is an "outdoor Furry convention located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Lake Cle Elum, Washington", USA.[1] It was "Thursday, July 11th until the following Sunday, July 14th 2013."[1] The CampCon website stated "The first year was very successful, with over 50 attendees! Come camp with us Thursday, July 17th until the following Sunday, July 20th 2014."[2]

NorthWest CampCon 2016 is scheduled for June 23 - 26, 2016 and "has always been, and always will be free to attend."[3]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  2. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  3. Retrieved May 15, 2016.

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