text:
Whose Voice is it Anyway?
Commentary by Mayank Bhatt in Toronto
I published my debut novel, Belief, in Canada last year. It's the story of an immigrant family's struggle to integrate into the Canadian mainstream.
Just when everything seems to be falling into place after nearly two decades of struggle to survive in an alien land, facing constant rejection, the family discovers their son's apparent involvement in some sort of terrorist plot. Hurriedly, they consult their neighbours, who put them in touch with a police officer known to them.
The novel explores the family's trauma following the son's arrest.
The family's Muslim identity is central to the story. It deals with the manner in which people of colour who are adherents of Islam are generally (and often unconsciously) treated in a society that they adopt as immigrants.
This is an important issue because in their desperation to grab eyeballs, the mainstream news and entertainment media often forget to make it clear that Islam is not a monolith and all Muslims are not the same.
In writing my novel, I set out with a simple objective – that there is little to distinguish between people on the basis of their beliefs.
Parental dilemma
The other issue that I wanted to examine was this whole business of radicalisation and terrorism. It's important to underline that such a phenomenon doesn't occur in a vacuum. Young men such as Rafiq, the main character in my novel, go astray in an environment where they are unable to make an emotional or a material connection with society at large, and this leads to many complications for them, for their families and the society.
From the family's perspective, how different would a son's radicalisation and subsequent involvement in terrorism be from drug addiction?
I'm not saying that there is no distinction. Society will definitely distinguish between the two, and weigh down heavily on radicalisation and terrorism while condoning drug addiction, and we can argue that this has a lot to do with race, but that really is a different debate.
I'd still want to believe that it would still represent an enormous crisis from the parents' point of view. I don't know whether the parents of a son who's a drug addict would take comfort from the fact that their son is "only" dealing with a drug problem, rather than being radicalised as a terrorist.
Being Muslim
The other challenge I dealt with while writing the novel was that I'm not a Muslim. This is a sensitive matter. Would I be able to portray with accuracy and empathy the life of a Muslim family, the family dynamics, and the inner turmoil?
I was born in a Hindu family. However, but for my grandmother, nobody really practised the religion regularly or ritualistically. But I grew up and lived in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood for more than three decades in cosmopolitan Bombay (now Mumbai).
Also, as a journalist in Bombay, I covered religious violence that wreaked havoc on Bombay in 1992-93, witnessed first-hand the callousness of the state in bringing justice to the survivor victims of these riots, and recorded the adverse long-term effects of official neglect that Muslims in India have suffered.
And perhaps, most pertinently, I've been married to a devout Muslim for over two decades.
Cultural appropriation
Yet, to construct a novel was a grave responsibility. In recent years, there have been intense debates in the literary spheres about 'cultural appropriation'.
Lionel Shriver let loose a veritable storm last year when she defended her right to write about anything that she as a writer wanted to (Read her speech here, and Yassmin Abdel-Magied's response here).
Closer home, our own Giller Prize winner Joseph Boyden has been hauled over the coals for claiming to be Aboriginal; his defence is that he feels like one, even if he may not be one genetically.
Well-meaning Muslim friends of South Asian origin cautioned me that my attempt at depicting a Muslim milieu in Canada would lack authenticity and suggested that I abandon the "misadventure". I was, of course, not going to do that, mainly because I believe that imagination and craft could be better substitutes for experience.
I believe that a novelist's primary responsibility is to tell a story competently and responsibly. Innumerable novelists have created a world in their novels that are palpably real without ever being even remotely connected to the world they create.
I have done so in Belief and I'll leave it to the reader to judge whether the novel succeeds in portraying the complexity of being a Muslim in Canada.
Mayank Bhatt's debut novel Belief was published in 2016 by Mawenzi House. Read our review here - Novel Explores Road to Radicalization
Imagine the Stories Syrian Refugees will Tell in 25 Years
Book Review by Rosanna Haroutounian in Gatineau
The histories of Canadians are plentiful, rich, and complex. We can never know all of them, but even sharing just a few can open windows into many unknown pasts.
Coming Here, Being Here: A Canadian Migration Anthology brings together people's stories of arriving in Canada, as told through first-hand accounts and by those who have studied immigration and helped newcomers along the way.
Edited by Donald Mulcahy, this collection of stories about the immigration experience seems a long time coming. It is the first time I have had the chance to read about such a wide scope of experiences from across the country in one book.
On the other hand, this collection could not have come at a better time, as we seem of late to be in need of reminders about how integral these stories are to our national identity.
Struggles and successes
In the story titled "They Left Their Homes with Nothing, and Made a New Life with Hard Work," Dana Borcea shares the stories of some of the 6,000 Vietnamese refugees who came to Edmonton 25 years ago as "boat people." Learning about their struggles and successes, I could not help wondering what stories the newly arriving Syrian refugees will tell in 25 years about coming to Canada.
Like the stories of refugees from Vietnam, they will undoubtedly include working at menial jobs to support their families, struggling to learn a new language, and adapting to a new culture. Will they also realize their dreams for peace and belonging?
Another story I know will stay with me for a long time is "Prejudice," by Anton Capri. It recounts the author's arrival as a DP, or displaced person, in Canada after the Second World War. At his first baseball game, the other children laugh at the boy who can't hit the ball – except Dave, who becomes young Anton's first friend.
Anton feels guilty that the other students now shun both him and Dave, yet to his surprise Dave thanks him for being his friend. The impact of this short narrative is felt in its ending and for that reason cannot be revealed in a simple summary, but it is sure to leave readers pondering about the lengths and limits of that ugly word – prejudice.
Our privileged lives
The stories also present diverse viewpoints on the present state of immigration in Canada. Monica Kidd writes in "The Music of Small Things" about being "purple with rage" at the government after seeing the photo of the lifeless body of Alan Kurdi – a young boy who escaped the current violence in Syria, only to be swept up on a beach in Turkey.
"We lived privileged lives in a wealthy country and would find a way to sponsor a refugee family," Kidd decided with her friends.
Meanwhile, the prominent author Henry Beissel calls Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to settle 50,000 Syrian refugees in Canada in 2016 "hasty," adding that the government did so without regard for demographic and security concerns. His suggestion that this will lead to the creation of ghettos, the "breeding ground of discrimination and racism," contrasts with the image of a welcoming and pluralistic Canada described in an essay he delivered in 1985, also included in his contribution to this anthology, titled "No Country for a Master Race."
Story after story in this anthology illustrates the challenges people must overcome to arrive here, and how hard they must work to stay and ultimately belong here.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]They ultimately serve to keep us grounded in the reality of the immigration experience amid the xenophobic rhetoric the media bombards us with on a daily basis.[/quote]
Inventing enemies
Even the notion that our values and customs are under threat seems to be challenged when in "Writing in French in Alberta," Laurent Chabin points out: "No one threatens a language that is freely used, and there is no reason to invent enemies when all one really needs to do is practice and write in one's own language."
This can be said of all the traditions Canadians hold dear and fiercely protect. The best way to defend these qualities – which in my mind include equality, respect, and generosity – is to practice them freely.
As Batia Boe Stolar writes in "I Am an Immigrant," though they carry some burdens, the experiences of immigration should be accepted and acknowledged.
"Identifying myself as an immigrant is a self-conscious act that grants me a degree of agency, allowing me to exert some control over my identity," she writes.
"I must here confess that there is a part of me that sometimes relishes the fact I have a story to tell that others crave to hear…. My markings open doors and close others; they generate other stories about other people's experiences too."
Here's to hoping this collection of stories is a spark that ignites others to tell of the victories celebrated and hardships endured in coming to this country and calling it "Home."
The Darker Side of the Indo-Canadian Journey
Review by Anita Singh in Toronto
Almost 40 years ago, my grandparents changed our family's history by deciding to move to Canada. I recently asked my grandma about her immigration story.
She wistfully told me of the navy blue suits tailored for her husband and sons, her special saree, and the frock for her then-young daughter to wear on the flight.
With amazing clarity for her 80-plus years, Dadi recounted the first house she bought with my grandfather, how every member of the family worked to make sure the mortgage was paid and how they slowly but surely made Canada their home.
'Weather-Permitting & Other Stories' by Pratap Reddy is a collection of stories that taps into a similar wistfulness. The 12 short stories in this collection wonderfully narrate some of the universal aspects of the immigrant experience – the nervous excitement, inherent disappointment, and yet, steadfast determination for success.
What makes this collection unique is Reddy's willingness to talk about the darker side of this experience. His stories do not shy away from broken marriages, children sent back to India to stay with grandparents, the disabling lack of Canadian experience or education to gain employment, and most significantly, the loneliness associated with being far away from 'home'.
[youtube height="HEIGHT" width="WIDTH"]<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT1uydbqeyU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/youtube]
Unrealized Expectations
In 'Going West', the character named 'The Prince' is a creative foil to the newly-arrived Kumar, foreshadowing the learning curve of each immigrant when coming to Canada. "You should approach an employment agency. They pay about 12 dollars an hour for factory jobs," he suggests, highlighting the reality of some immigrants as they try to gain any foothold in Canada.
Kumar wonders, "Did he think I came halfway across the globe to become general labour? The Prince was aware that I had held a middle level position in HR in India."
Reddy also does an excellent job narrating the different stages of the immigrant journey, which does not begin or end on arrival in Canada, but lingers every day.
In 'The Toy Flamingo,' Venky, despite being settled in Canada for 10 years, discovers that an important part of his personal history still lies in India. As he surrounds himself with people and places in his new homeland, an uninvited memory invades Venky's outwardly perfect life, "'Hasve agataday' I cry out. Something falls to the ground with a crash. I hear him mutter in a strange language. I'm certain now that dinner will take even longer to come."
Venky's lifestory is an excellent metaphor for how an immigrant's relationship with their former homelands continue to affect their lives – even while attempting, desperately even, to become Canadian.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Kumar wonders, "Did he think I came halfway across the globe to become general labour? The Prince was aware that I had held a middle level position in HR in India."[/quote]
Relying on stereotype
However, as a second-generation Canadian, I do take issue with Reddy's continuous reliance on the stereotype that portrays settled Indo-Canadians as selfish, distant, uncouth and presumptuously inhospitable, who lose their 'Indianness' in their adoption of a new life in Canada.
This anti-Indo-Canadian bias runs tacitly throughout the collection.
In 'Mango Fool,' Kavita describes her Indo-Canadian customer as "a big woman, bulging out of her blue jeans and nondescript top" who becomes hostile when questioned about her sale purchases. In this story, Reddy pits the niceties of Kavita's Indian sensibilities against the brashness of the Indo-Canadian customer. Settled immigrants in Canada, Shyam and Shilpa in 'Her White Christmas' are barely tolerant of Shyam's Indian mother's presence in their home, while in 'Weather Permitting', the landlord Maya is scheming and unfair to the newly-immigrated Ravi, eventually kicking him out of the house into the cold Canadian winter.
In 'Demon Glass', the hardworking newcomer Lalita is targeted by the overwhelming libido of Indo-Canadian Prem, who preys on the single mother and her daughter. And in 'Going West', Kumar passes considerable judgment on his first entry into the Patel guesthouse, noting "I was at once assailed by the stale aroma of Indian cooking. I had not experienced such a powerful bouquet in India where a billion mouths fed on Indian cuisine everyday."
Reddy has told a one-dimensional story about Indo-Canadians, missing an opportunity to include the positives of the immigrant experience that have emerged from 100 years of Indian immigration to Canada. He ignores how the Indo-Canadian community has succeeded in developing a comfortable co-existence of Indianness and Canadianess, where cultural events, places of worship, cricket pitches, Indian languages and arts schools create a home and community for many immigrants, while becoming an integral part of Canada's multicultural society.
Despite these misgivings, Weather Permitting and Other Stories is a welcome addition to the growing Canadian literature on immigration. I look forward to Reddy's forthcoming full-length novel and new collection of short stories as an ongoing contribution to this important literature.
Anita Singh is Toronto-based consultant and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies at Dalhousie University. Her research examines the role of diaspora groups and their influence on foreign policy, particularly the Indo-Canadian community and Canada-India relations.
{module NCM Blurb}
Football Legend's Story Teaches Timely Lessons
by Rosanna Haroutounian in Quebec City
Racial profiling by police is not a new phenomenon. The ability to now document aggression by law enforcement against African Americans and other racialized people and broadcast the footage around the world makes this long-standing injustice hard to ignore.
Along with meaningful discussions though, these images are also sparking retaliation by some members of the targeted communities.
These acts of aggression, the feelings they create, and the history they are grounded in, are hard for adults to understand, let alone explain to a young person.
Thanks to the Internet and technology, children and youth today have the world at their fingertips. Yet defining how prejudice and racism continue to have implications in different realms of society are ongoing topics of research, policy discussions and public debate.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Chuck and other people who have black skin must live, learn, and play separately from those with white skin.[/quote]
Making children aware
Books like The Stone Thrower by Canadian author Jael Richardson are one way to start a conversation with children about the historical roots of some of the prejudice we continue to see today against African Americans.
The illustrated book tells the real-life story of Chuck Ealey, starting from when he was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1950. He grows up in the city's North End neighbourhood without most of the opportunities that many other children in America enjoy.
Because of racism against Black people in America — which often revolves around the idea that all Black people have characteristics that make them inferior to Caucasian Americans — Chuck and other people who have black skin must live, learn and play separately from those with white skin.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"It's an unbeatable story that amazes me, even though I've heard it all before, because Chuck Ealey happens to be my father."[/quote]
Chuck's mother works long hours for little money, yet still has time and energy to instill in her son the drive to get educated and follow the train tracks that go beyond the North End.
"How could he get out of the North End if they didn't even have enough money for food?" Chuck wonders.
He begins visiting the train tracks regularly to practise throwing stones at the passing freight cars. It helps him on the football field, and eventually his high school coach asks him to play quarterback during a game.
On the field, he is taunted by the rival team, but maintains his focus and determination to win.
The team's victory is the start of Chuck Ealey's long and successful career in high school and college football. After that, though, his time as a football player in the United States is over.
"The National Football League didn't believe that he could be a great quarterback because of the color of his skin," writes Richardson.
So instead, Ealey moved to Canada to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his first year as a quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, he led the team to the Grey Cup championship and was named the game's Most Valuable Player and the CFL's Rookie of the Year.
Colourful pages tell ugly history
"It's an unbeatable story that amazes me, even though I've heard it all before, because Chuck Ealey happens to be my father," Richardson explains at the end of the book. She has also written about her father's story in a 2012 memoir called The Stone Thrower: A Daughter's Lesson, a Father's Life, which was the subject of a TSN (The Sports Network) documentary.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]The Stone Thrower's colourful and animated pages tell of a history that was much uglier, hateful and violent.[/quote]
Chuck's story is remarkable, yet his experience with racism is not unique. Racial segregation was a reality for a huge segment of the population only about 50 years ago — in both the United States and Canada.
Children can relate to parts of the book about playing outdoors, practising sports and being part of a team. What might come as a surprise is that there was once a time when not all children could enjoy these things equally.
The Stone Thrower's colourful and animated pages tell of a history that was much uglier, hateful and violent.
The difficult legacy of race
While segregation was not enshrined in Canadian law, it still existed in all facets of social life. The story of Viola Desmond being arrested for sitting in the whites-only section of a New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, movie theatre is just one example.
These injustices continue to have repercussions that are felt today. While the days of slavery are over, poverty in Black communities and videos of police brutality against Black people are remnants of what U.S. President Barack Obama termed "the difficult legacy of race."
The NFL can no longer bar Black athletes from playing football, but law enforcement, employers and the justice system are still realms in which race matters. The Stone Thrower is a reminder of how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go.
However, Ealey's story is also a much-needed reminder for children and adults alike of what is possible when we work against division and towards inclusion. Through a basic retelling of how one man overcame injustice to be treated fairly, we see how difficult it is to explain and justify segregation and inequality.
On the other hand, we see how easy it is to defend everyone's basic right to work, play and live without discrimination.
Rosanna Haroutounian is a freelance writer and the assignment editor at New Canadian Media. She studied journalism and political science at Carleton University and now splits her time between Quebec City and Peterborough, Ont.
{module NCM Blurb}
Sacrifices of 'Nonnas' Should Not Be Forgotten
by Rosanna Haroutounian in Quebec City
The recent death of Abdirahman Abdi after his violent arrest in Ottawa and the 2015 police shooting of Andrew Loku in Toronto challenge the "meanwhile in Canada" dichotomy that says racial profiling only happens in America.
Racial profiling by police is not a new phenomenon. The ability to now document aggression by law enforcement against Black Canadians and Americans and other visible minorities and broadcast the footage around the world makes this long-standing injustice hard to ignore.
At the same time, we meet a younger cohort that is forcing down those walls in order to be heard.
More story needed
Short stories go well with short attention spans, delivering the main elements of a good story in one quick dose.
At the same time, they can leave many questions unanswered. To sum them all into one: "What happens next?"
Most of the stories in All My Fallen Angelas fall into the latter category.
Just as we are on the cusp of getting to know the characters, and finding our way around the intricacies of their lives, we are abruptly halted and told to move on.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]. . . it is hard to determine whether it's better for the author to provide more finality to her stories, or to allow readers to explore the possibilities on their own.[/quote]
This is a sign of Patriarca's ability as an engaging storyteller, but also begs whether some endings could be more convincing.
After much pondering, it is hard to determine whether it's better for the author to provide more finality to her stories, or to allow readers to explore the possibilities on their own.
Alice Munro, arguably Canada's most well-known short story writer, also gives readers much to think about through her writing.
On writing short stories, Munro told The New York Times 30 years ago, "I don't really understand a novel. I don't understand where the excitement is supposed to come in a novel, and I do in a story . . . I kind of want a moment that's explosive, and I want everything gathered into that."
Historical roots to popular images
Like Patriarca, Munro also writes about women; she has been called a feminist writer. While her stories focus mostly on women in Southwestern Ontario, Patriarca's reside in Toronto, from the 1960s onward.
We are introduced to characters that bear resemblance to the stereotypical Italian nonna — the grandmother who is the family's cook, religious authority and resident matchmaker. The classic image of the Italian male with slicked back hair and leather shoes also makes an appearance.
Though these characters seem caricatured in most other settings, Patriarca's stories provide a glimpse into their historical roots.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"How do I make her understand that the world has changed?"[/quote]
We learn about some of the traditions that Italian immigrants brought with them to Canada and their cultural importance.
While traditional interests, such as prayer and homemaking, persuade many older characters, the younger ones express the desire to break away from old customs by becoming entrepreneurs, refusing arranged marriages and deciding not to have families.
"Do I tell her that a man is not what I want?" ponders the narrator in "My Grandmother is Normal."
"Rather, marriage to a man is not what I want. My time, this place, allows me that choice. How do I make her understand that the world has changed?"
What was vs. what is
The stories also show us how some predominantly Italian neighbourhoods in Toronto have evolved as immigration to Canada has expanded.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]The stories also show us how some predominantly Italian neighbourhoods in Toronto have evolved as immigration to Canada has expanded.[/quote]
"The new residents in the neighbourhood, whose long braids are often covered by lovely scarves, seem reluctant to come into her shop although on occasion Vicky is challenged by the requests of a new customer who will bare her head to reveal black torrents of lustrous hair," writes Patriarca about Vicky's salon in the story "Blonde Forever."
The older characters also note the way they see their neighbourhood changing as a result of gentrification, technology and new social norms.
In "Anna at the Window," Anna laments the declining attendance at her church, the long distances she must travel for her groceries, and the fact that young gentlemen no longer tip their hats and open doors for her.
"The area now catered to a different crowd, a different way of life, and although she understood that time had moved and that was the natural way of the world, it did not make her feel any better. Time is about loss, she thought, and loss is never a good thing."
The contrast between young and old, between what was and what is now, is explored throughout All My Fallen Angelas and asks the reader to reflect on whether all change is really for the better, or whether as Anna suggests, it represents some loss.
These contrasts also suggest that while men have historically done most of the decision making in politics and business, it is women who witness and bear the brunt of how these choices affect society at large.
While women today may be better positioned to have an impact on the world around us, Patriarca's stories are a reminder to never dismiss the sacrifices of our nonnas and other women that brought us here.
Rosanna Haroutounian is a freelance writer and the assignment editor at New Canadian Media. She studied journalism and political science at Carleton University and now splits her time between Quebec City and Peterborough, ON.
{module NCM Blurb}
Story Book Gives Nod to Canada's Multilingualism
by Elvira Truglia in Montreal
The stories in the Best of All Worlds represent seven of the most commonly spoken immigrant languages in Canada's largest cities.
Reinforcing heritage languages alongside Canada's two official languages reflects policy that has set Canada apart from other immigrant-receiving nations when it comes to diversity matters
"When children see their heritage languages in books, they instinctively understand that their languages are valued and their cultures are important in Canada," says Gina Valle about a collection of multilingual children's stories which she brought together in The Best of All Worlds.
Published in 2015, the illustrated book features seven stories in their original languages — Arabic, Farsi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish — as well as in English and French translations.
"It sends a strong message about what it means to be Canadian," says Valle, founder of Diversity Matters and At One Press, the book's publisher.
The stories were selected from the winning and finalist submissions from the Multilingual Kid Lit Award competition organized by Toronto bookstore Rainbow Caterpillar. Valle initiated the project to mark 15 years since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established International Mother Tongue Day "to promote diversity and international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism."
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Reading a book in multiple languages is tricky.[/quote]
Multilingual stories, multicultural perspectives
Questions are to children what texting is to smartphone touting teenagers – second nature. The Best of All Worlds provides many opportunities to tap into children's inquisitive nature as it exposes them to culturally-specific symbolism, such as the Japanese kappa, and various writing systems including the Latin alphabet, Arabic script and Chinese characters.
New myths grounded in Canadian history, such as the 'Tulip Fairy' who helps keep the Tulip Festival alive in Ottawa, and original stories about what it means to be human and Canadian in today's world, can spur a flurry of questions as young children read along with a parent, grandparent or teacher in their language of choice or ability.
And if the stories don't pique a child's interest, the vivid illustrations will stand in, each with a unique style.
Kings, giants, fairies and fables
The Best of All Worlds has something for all tastes. From fables to fairy tales of kings, giants and other fantastical characters, each story has elements that make children's books fun to read for children and adults alike.
My 11-year-old daughter Sabina's favourite story was "The Happy King," originally written in Portuguese, because it was "weird, in a good way." Cursed with being sad by a wizard who wasn't invited to the royal party, love is what broke the curse and made the King happy again, explains Sabina.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]When it comes to language, you either use it or lose it.[/quote]
But her interpretation of the "message of the story" was an afterthought. What kept Sabina's attention was the quirky King who reminded her of the curses, wizards and witches she read in tales as a younger child.
"The Happy King" and other stories are filled with familiar tropes and original twists. The internal struggles and choices of the characters mirror lifelong and universal quests.
Sabina is an avid reader in English and French and is starting to read in Italian and Spanish – her first languages. When reading The Best of All Worlds on her own, she zig-zagged between all four languages and eventually stuck to one of Canada's official languages.
Reading a book in multiple languages is tricky. Like many children growing up in Canada, she needs some priming to continue speaking and reading her heritage languages.
Keep talking your mother tongue
Krista Byers-Heinlein, an associate professor of psychology at Concordia University, specializes in language acquisition and early bilingualism. She spoke to Panoram Italia Magazine about the three-generation rule: "In the first generation, the language is strong – it's how people communicate. In the second generation, there is a solid understanding of the language, but the writing or reading is weak. By the third generation, the language is at risk."
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"We can speak many languages and live with many cultures and be at ease with each."[/quote]
When it comes to language, you either use it or lose it. Passively watching TV won't do the trick, but reading together and having conversations about what you're reading is a great way to interact in your mother tongue.
Schools are an important audience for The Best of All Worlds and a great context for validating first languages. According to Valle, some 20 library systems across the country have ordered the book and a curriculum guide for Ontario teachers is currently in the works.
Making multilingualism a new norm
Valle says the book reflects who we are as Canadians.
"We can speak many languages and live with many cultures and be at ease with each," she says. "We can speak Mandarin at home, French at school, English on the soccer field and feel that no matter what we speak or where we come from, we can be full citizens in this country."
The Best of All Worlds was put together over 18 months with a team of writers, illustrators and translators who originate from some two dozen countries.
"There are bilingual books but there are no multilingual children's books in Canada," says Valle.
For that, The Best of All Worlds, is an important and new contribution to Canada's literary scene.
Elvira Truglia is a Montreal-based journalist who writes about the intersections of culture, politics and social issues. She has recently written for New Canadian Media, The Huffington Post, and the social justice radio program, Making Contact. She is also an emerging photographer whose documentary photos have recently been published in New Canadian Media's online library. Elvira has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years, focusing on communications, education and human rights.
{module NCM Blurb}
Exhibit Takes Guests to Libraries Around the World
by Vincent Simboli in Montreal
"The library is a mirror of the universe," writes Argentinian-Canadian author Alberto Manguel in his 2006 book The Library at Night. As print loses traction in our increasingly digitized world, are we in jeopardy of losing access to these sacred mirrors?
The Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal challenges this notion by using cutting-edge virtual-reality technology to connect contemporary audiences with the magic of libraries across space and time.
The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) opened its virtual reality exhibit The Library at Night (based on Manguel's book of the same name) at the Grande Bibliothèque in October 2015. The exhibit explores 10 of the world's "most fascinating libraries," exposing their "philosophical, architectural and social foundations."
Exploring an author's library
Guests begin by entering a replica of Manguel's personal library while they hear his voice explain the important role that books have had throughout his life. In the recorded introduction, he also muses about the importance of collecting knowledge and stories in a physical location, giving the poignant example of the clandestine library kept by children in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]. . . the viewer is left with the sound of gunfire and the quiet roar of flames, pondering what can and must be done in the face of historical and literary destruction.[/quote]
After Manguel's voice fades from the speakers, exhibition co-ordinator Alexis Benoit enters and tells guests to put on their Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. We walk past a revolving bookshelf and into an underground forest filled with books, desks and synthetic trees.
Manguel grew up in Tel-Aviv during his father's tenure as the Argentinian ambassador to Israel. He returned to Buenos Aires in 1955, when he was seven.
In June 1968, when the Argentine military junta began its "Dirty War" on its own civilians and literati, Manguel took cues from Julio Cortázar and other Argentine intellectuals and left the country for Europe to live and write without fear of being oppressed by the paramilitary forces running the country.
By 1982, he had emigrated to Canada and settled there to raise his family, eventually obtaining citizenship in 2000. He identifies primarily as Canadian, although his transnational experiences have had major influences on his career as an essayist, anthologist and author.
Witnessing culture being destroyed
Though the exhibit uses impressive VR technology, such as footage of life-sized birds flying about the Library of Parliament in Ottawa, by far the most emotional moment of the exhibit for me was the subtle and brilliant use of music and sound effects in the segment about the Vijećnica library of Sarajevo.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]". . . Vijećnica was targeted by the Republika Srpska army in an attempt of 'historicide,' the erasure of a people's cultural patrimony and identity."[/quote]
Vijećnica was built as the library and city hall of Sarajevo, Bosnia, in the late 19th century, and served as an architectural reminder of the city's multicultural heritage. The library was also a cross-cultural meeting place for the exchange of ideas among Sarajevo's Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Muslim populations.
The viewer is invited to look up at the ceiling while Manguel explains the significance of the architecture and the hundreds of thousands of priceless Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian manuscripts, marking Sarajevo as the "Jerusalem of Europe."
Meanwhile, the distant sound of gunfire can be heard.
"During the Siege of Sarajevo from 1992 to 1996, Vijećnica was targeted by the Republika Srpska army in an attempt of 'historicide,' the erasure of a people's cultural patrimony and identity," Manguel explains.
As the gunfire gets louder, a man in a tuxedo walks down the stairs of the virtual library. We are introduced to Vedran Smailović, a cellist in the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra.
His cello begins to drown out the gunfire, and though flames consume the regal library and destroy most of its collection, Smailović doesn't stop. The incredible true story of the cellist of Sarajevo, playing his mournful eulogy for the lost heritage of Bosnia, is an emotional one, but to experience it in virtual reality with enhanced sight and sound is indescribable.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"You see books you had when you were a kid, books you have now, and they remind you of what happened in your past when you were reading them."[/quote]
As the cello music fades from the headphones and Smailović walks away, the viewer is left with the sound of gunfire and the quiet roar of flames, pondering what can and must be done in the face of historical and literary destruction.
Libraries as personal histories
Benoit says that one of the goals of the exhibition is to make clear the importance books have in a person's life story.
"During his introduction, we learn about what Manguel explored, where he went, and what accompanied him throughout his life," he says. "Those things were his books. They define what a personal library is – a library is the story of oneself. [Our exhibit] is about a transfer from a personal library to a public library, where the goal is to accumulate all the knowledge we all have."
Benoit says the isolation of the VR headsets allows guests to experience the exhibition free of self-consciousness inside a "bubble" that nobody can burst.
"You see books you had when you were a kid, books you have now, and they remind you of what happened in your past when you were reading them," he says. "When you collect all these in the same space, you have this history about yourself."
Vincent Simboli is an American journalist based in Montréal. He is a recent graduate of McGill University where he studied international development and Hispanic literature. Simboli primarily covers issues of human migration and immigration reform for the McGill Daily, Forget the Box, Graphite Publications, and New Canadian Media. His portfolio is available at https://www.clippings.me/vincentsimboli.
{module NCM Blurb}
Queer Author Helps Other LGBT Iranians Seek Asylum
by Shan Qiao in Toronto
Queer activist Arsham Parsi took a risk when he left Iran and began to help other Iranians escape persecution for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
At a reading for his book Exiled for Love at the Toronto Public Library's St. James Town branch, Parsi recalls the first time he attended Toronto's Pride Parade 10 years ago, where he met an Iranian woman enjoying the parade.
He gave her his business card, hoping to get support from his own community.
"'This is not us, this is them!' she said and turned her face and walked away," Parsi recalls. "I think I must have ruined her day because she couldn't believe that Iranian LGBT exist."
In search of a community
Instead of clustering in Iranian-populated communities, Parsi says he chooses to reside in Toronto's LGBT-oriented enclave in the Church and Wellesley area. While Canada is embracing his sexuality, he says his own countrymen still deny him and other Iranian queers.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]While Canada is embracing his sexuality, he says his own countrymen still deny him and other Iranian queers.[/quote]
"[Former Iranian] President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was not the first one to say that we don't have homosexuals [in Iran]," says Parsi. "I clearly remember that lady saying, 'We don't have it.'"
Parsi was already active during his early 20s in providing support to gay men in Iran through an online community. Still in Iran, he planned his 22-year-old birthday party at home and invited all his gay friends, only to be warned by a relative that there would be a police raid.
He says he called off the party at the last minute and learned that the police were using the Internet to entrap gay men.
While he was never arrested, he knows other homosexuals in Iran who were. Of his gay friends who were taken into custody, some received 175 lashes on their backs, while others were tortured during interrogations.
Parsi says the immanent danger he felt every day was intolerant, forcing him to escape Iran. He told his family that he was going to study at a university in Cypress, but instead took a train to Turkey and sought asylum through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ankara.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"I continue with my work. It's still risky, but I don't like to admit it."[/quote]
From exile to acceptance
Parsi writes about being attacked with another gay Iranian refugee in Turkey while onlookers stood by. It took him a little over one year to finally receive refugee status and be accepted to Canada.
"Since arriving at the Canadian Embassy in Ankara, I had been treated with genuine openness and warmth," Parsi writes in Exiled for Love. "The man smiled. I hoped that everyone in Canada would be like him."
Upon arrival in Toronto in May 2006, Parsi says he, "inhaled deeply and felt the tears create wet paths across my cheeks . . . I felt as if I could breathe without pain."
Parsi was 25 when he came to Canada as a government-sponsored refugee in the Refugee Assistance Program. During his first 12 months in Canada, he received financial assistance to cover basic needs – $604 a month to be exact.
"Not much, but it helped," he says.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"This wonderful country would be where I would live, but one day I would go home."[/quote]
Parsi still receives threats from the Iranian community – something he says he deals with, but tries to ignore.
"I have professional relationships with the Iranian community, but I don't participate in their events because sometimes they make me very upset," he explains. He says there are members of the Iranian-Canadian community who are intolerant and don't support each other.
"I don't care what they say," says Parsi. "I continue with my work. It's still risky, but I don't like to admit it."
Railroad of support
In 2008, Parsi founded the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR). As of December 2015, the IRQR has helped more than 1,200 Iranians who identify as LGBT claim refugee status.
According to the UNHCR in Ankara, more than 26,500 Iranian refugees were registered as of May 2016. UNHCR has registered 1,177 refugees who identify as LGBT as of June 2016 – 1,046 being from Iran, representing gay, lesbian and transgender individuals.
Parsi and the IRQR are following 820 of the 1,046 LGBT refugee applications to help them go through UNHCR processes and eventually lead them to gain refugee status in Western countries. During the process, IRQR provides support and counselling to members of Iran's LGBT community.
"I would accept the generosity and security Canada offered me. I would use it to continue my work for others back in Iran," writes Parsi in Exiled for Love. "This wonderful country would be where I would live, but one day I would go home. Until that day came, I would be in exile."
{module NCM Blurb}
Story Revisits Vietnamese Revenge Plot of 1908
by Tazeen Inam in Mississauga
Many leaders of the East who fought to decolonize their countries from Western authoritarian rule were also educated in the West. Upon returning home, they became trapped in a mental rift – they owed their education to the Western system, which also worked to colonize and ruin their countries and people.
This dichotomy is relatable to the main character of Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains, a novel by Canadian author Yasuko Thanh.
It was usually lawyers or social scientists who became leaders and policy-makers to fight rigid authoritarian powers. However, in Thanh's story, a group of Vietnamese nationalists enlist their friend – the refined, educated Vietnamese physician Dr. Georges-Minh Nguyen – to poison the French general and his garrison.
Dr. Nguyen has a medical degree from Lycée Condorcet in Paris. What he owes to the French and how they've taken over Vietnam clash to carve rifts in his psyche and cause him to slowly go insane.
The close-knit group of friends makes up a revolutionary cell called the Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains. They plot revenge on the French for the oppression they forced upon the Vietnamese – an act they hope will send a message to the colonizers that revolution has begun in Vietnam.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"Most of the doubt was gone from his mind now. He was quite certain he could kill a man."[/quote]
Justifying revenge
The book is based on the true story of the Hanoi Poison Plot of 1908, which took place in Saigon.
Dr. Nguyen is overcome by the guilt of the prospect of killing someone, until his pregnant wife escapes a rape attempt by a French soldier.
"Though he hadn't told [his friend] Khieu about the rape his anger about it had made him steely. Most of the doubt was gone from his mind now. He was quite certain he could kill a man. Part of him was looking forward to trying."
Khieu, a determined member of the revolutionary group, has his mind set on plotting revenge. His commitment is what allows the plan to continue.
However, the plot is foiled when cooks at the garrison confess to it, providing the names, places and dates of the plan to a priest. This forces the Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains members to flee to other provinces.
Dr. Nguyen avoids capture, but must leave his wife and his newborn son behind after they are caught by French soldiers.
"He'd never imagined kissing her for the last time. Not once. He'd never imagined last times for anything. He simply ran."
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]It sheds light on how discrimination by French imperials aimed to make the Vietnamese feel shame and responsibility for their plight.[/quote]
Laying blame
The book depicts the era of the French colonial period in Indochina, during which people were suffering from social deprivation and using drugs to quell their anguish. It sheds light on how discrimination by French imperials aimed to make the Vietnamese feel shame and responsibility for their plight.
Dr. Nguyen encounters a French doctor at the Centre for Infectious Disease Control to discuss the "Paddy Fever," or yellow fever. He is taken aback when Dr. Michaut calls the Vietnamese "teachers of moral vice" because he believes they have "corrupted" the French soldiers.
"What was this man on about?" thinks Dr. Nguyen. "If only he didn't need his help, his lab, his equipment, he'd pop him in the jaw."
Instead, Dr. Nguyen suggests Vietnamese boys engage in prostitution in opium dens to pay for their own opium habits, or to acquire goods they can't afford.
From the French doctor Michaut's perspective, the offence is less evident: "I don't include you in these comparisons. You studied in Paris, like me," he says to Dr. Nguyen.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Vietnam's colonial history reflects some of today's challenges of occupation and abuse of people's land.[/quote]
Suffering under colonialism
Thanh tells us stories of capricious characters that go to great lengths to overthrow their colonial oppressors. Her characters survive living amongst imaginary, yet dangerous, ghosts.
She takes us to a savaged, but vivid, colonial Vietnam, where streets are filled with fierce threats in the form of killing, rape and rebels' chopped heads mounted on bamboo poles as warnings.
After his marriage with Dong, Dr. Nguyen lacked solace and drifted away from his wife. Once, in conversation with her, he justifies his absence by explaining the historical colonization of Vietnam by one power or another, resulting in turmoil and agony for the country's women.
"Our country is in crisis," he said. "Men abandon their families and leave their wives in charge of feeding the children. The women have no money and they do what they must to survive. This country was the possession of the Chinese, and now is the mistress of the French. For a thousand years we've lived under the dominion of others. It's why everyone's going mad."
Vietnam's colonial history reflects some of today's challenges of occupation and abuse of people's land. In war zones like Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and many others, colonialism results in the total disarray of a country's inhabitants, and leaves their attempts at survival and revolution against past oppressors unfulfilled as they are quickly taken over by new ones.
Thanh's novel shows that the lust for power results in horror and misfortune for the colonized and is ultimately reflected in the truest form of human tragedy – the loss of innocence.
Tazeen Inam is passionate about both print and electronic media. She has a master's degree in mass communications, has worked as a senior producer and editorial head at Pakistani news channels and has contributed to BBC Radio Urdu in London, England. Inam is presently pursuing a course in digital media studies at Sheridan College.
{module NCM Blurb}
Graphic Novels Help Minority Women Share Stories
by Shan Qiao in Toronto
Without saying anything, Farrah Khan hands out a clipboard with a piece of paper on it to each person in the room.
"Now, I want each of you start to draw what was in your head at 9 a.m. this morning," she says. "When time is due, you'll hand the clipboard to the person next to you and continue on another person's drawing." Khan then plays a song by Beyoncé on her iPhone.
Several participants, including Khan, finish drawing different parts of each other's pictures before they are returned to the original artist. The result is a joint effort made by each member of the group to explore their fellow participants' mindsets.
Politics in comics
It is the starting point for The Panel Is Political, a discussion on how to use comic books for social change, at Another Story Bookshop in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood.
The discussion is also led by Seemi Jamil, a youth group coordinator at the Afghan Women's Organization in Mississauga, and Nicole Marie Burton, a comic book illustrator and founder and co-owner of Ad Astra Comix – North America's first publisher dedicated to comics about social justice themes.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]"They are interested in talking about what it is like to be low-income in Canada but also assimilated within society."[/quote]
Jamil and Burton worked together early this year to develop a youth program that teaches immigrant and activist youth to draw and express their feelings. The program involved one-and-a-half hour sessions, held once a week for eight weeks.
"Nicole [Burton] comes by and does workshops with the youth groups and teaches them how to do graphic-novel style storytelling," Jamil explains.
"We wrote a paragraph about a challenge we had to deal with in anonymity," begins Burton, describing one of the group's activities. She says the written paragraphs were ripped into pieces, folded, and mixed in a hat.
"Everybody drew out a story and had to tell it in a comic form," she adds. "It was incredible to me how much could have been done with that," says Burton about the activity.
Other activities focused on character design, practising different dimensions and shapes, and drawing about current events. She adds that there never seemed to be enough time in each session to meet the youth's high level of interest in each activity.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Graphic novels, Jamil says, not only help immigrant and refugee youth to understand, but to be able to learn how to tell their own story.[/quote]
Visual storytelling
"I was trying to get low-income youth groups to have some art form where they can talk about their own stories," Jamil says. "They are interested in talking about what it is like to be low-income in Canada but also assimilated within society."
An example of a political comic book that helps youth understand global events, says Jamil, is Persepolis – a graphic novel about the revolution in Iran.
"We've seen a large trend in youth groups trying to express themselves through different art forms as opposed to just writing," she continues.
She says the program's young female participants are of Afghani and Pakistani descent, and that the workshops focus on minority voices, people of colour, women of colour, and political situations all over the world.
Graphic novels, Jamil says, not only help immigrant and refugee youth to understand, but also to be able to learn how to tell, their own story. She stresses that for marginalized groups who do not have the same vocabulary or English proficiency as other Canadians, art can help them understand and share ideas.
Political comics gaining momentum
Burton started Ad Astra Comix in 2013 in Toronto. She says she is passionate about social justice and wants to see more political comics that touch on topics such as sexism, racism, colonialism, homophobia and transphobia.
[quote align="center" color="#999999"][Khan] says white comic book artists often portray South Asian women stereotypically.[/quote]
Ad Astra Comix not only publishes, but also creates its own graphic novels, including its first full-length graphic novel Drawing the Line: Indian Women Fight Back, a collection of stories by Indian women about topics including harassment, race, class and political struggle.
Khan, the inaugural Sexual Violence Support and Education Coordinator at Ryerson University, has more than a decade of experience speaking about violence against women.
As a trauma counsellor, she has led several educational programs, including comic book projects, to help women express their feelings and fears through drawing.
In 2012, Khan put together a program to run a comic book workshop specifically for South Asian women. She says white comic book artists often portray South Asian women stereotypically.
The project resulted in a comic book called Heartbeats: The IZZAT Project, featuring stories and illustrations by South Asian women about violence and resilience in their lives.
The book was chosen by the Tahirih Justice Centre to be part of a tour to raise awareness about forced marriage in the United States.
One of the stories the book features, titled "Cage," resulted in the escape of one of the program's participants from her abusive family. Khan says the young woman was able to find help at a women's shelter two cities away from her home during the project.
{module NCM Blurb}


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Speech Archive
Speech Archive
This page contains speeches by former Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. and speeches by former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
June 28, 2016In a speech at the National Charter School Conference in Nashville, Tenn., U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. called for charter schools to become leaders in rethinking student discipline so that more students remain in the classroom and have the opportunity to learn. The charter sector, like traditional public schools, is showing improvement in this area, but there is more work to be done to ensure all students are in the classroom learning every day. King urged charter schools to...
June 18, 2016
Thank you, Nada. You and all of today's student presenters and performers have been wonderful so far.
Good morning, T.C. Williams graduates! You make us proud. You inspire us. You are the reason the outstanding educators here – Superintendent Crawley, your school board members, Dr. Dingle and his exceptional faculty – are working passionately to make T.C. a state-of-the-art, high-performing high school, where all students succeed.
June 5, 2016Servant-leaders in the 21st century civil rights movement
May 13, 2016Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., spoke to the graduating class at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) on May 13, 2016. The Secretary noted that community colleges like MATC are creating paths to opportunity for so many students across the country each day, and he encouraged the graduating class to pay forward the benefit of the higher education they have received by mentoring others and serving their communities.
April 30, 2016Secretary of Education John King celebrated the achievements of the class of 2016 at the commencement ceremony of Florida A & M University on April 30, 2016. He encouraged the graduates to live a life of purpose, saying that the fight for civil rights continues today. He told them that the nation needs their wisdom and knowledge and commitment to solve its problems and advance its ideals.
April 14, 2016Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., delivered remarks at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education for every student in America. The Secretary highlighted the benefits of a rich and rigorous education that engages students, allowing them to discover interests and aptitudes in the arts, sciences, world languages, and many other critical subjects.
March 25, 2016Secretary of Education John King spoke about the role postsecondary education plays in ensuring society is equitable, healthy, and high-functioning. He also urged colleges and universities to reimagine higher education, including providing ambitious standards of access, affordability, and completion.
March 25, 2016In a speech to the California Association for Bilingual Education, Secretary of Education John King discussed the benefits that bilingual and multilingual students bring to our nation's classrooms. To overcome 21st century challenges, everyone – from federal, state, and local governments, to community-based organizations, to schools and districts – must be diligent about preparing students equipped with the skills they need to be college- and career-ready.
March 21, 2016
Remarks Before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on the Nomination of Dr. John B. King Jr., to serve as Education Secretary
Thank you, Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Murray, and members of the Committee for welcoming me here today. I am humbled and honored to appear before you as President Obama's nominee for education secretary.
I am proud to be here today with my wife, Melissa, and our two wonderful daughters, Amina and Mireya.
I am grateful to the President for his faith in me.
March 8, 2016
Good afternoon. I'm John King, Acting U.S. Secretary of Education. It's wonderful to be here today. What an amazing place this is—it's incredible to think that this was once an abandoned rec center in downtown Baltimore. Today, the Digital Harbor Foundation Tech Center is a public makerspace, with a focus on giving disadvantaged youth the resources and the tools to tinker, create and learn. It's a place where kids can be kids—and also scientists, builders, engineers and coders.

subset: commoncrawl


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Online Games
Location: Board index » Games » Audition » World in Audition
by -GLT-MiKa » March 25th, 2016, 7:17 pm
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Yujin wrote in Re: Does the Korean servers of World in Audition have IP blo:Virginia. and I just use my normal IP haha.Edit; omg I typed AP because I've been playing Kingdom Hearts Unchained x nonstop........OTL
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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Congressman Brian Higgins and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand invite local firefighters to an upcoming firefighters grant program workshop in Western New York. The workshop will be held Monday, July 29, at 7 p.m., at Niawanda Park Pavilion, 600 Niagara St., City of Tonawanda.
A Department of Homeland Security Regional Fire Program specialist will be on hand to provide information about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The workshop will help potential applicants understand the purpose of the FY 2013 AFG program, changes since fiscal year 2012, funding priorities, award evaluation, and a brief description of other AFG funding opportunities.
The AFG program provides competitive grants to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the U.S. All applications are submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit-based review ranked by factors established by a panel of fire service professionals.
For more information on the fire grant program, visit the federal fire grant website at: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants. Contact Congressman Higgins' office at 716-852-3501 or Sen. Gillibrand's office at 716-854-9725 if you have any questions.


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Final Appeal (Mass Market)
HarperTorch, 9780061042942, 352pp.
Publication Date: February 2, 2000
Grace Rossi is starting over after a divorce, and a part-time job with a federal appeals court sounds perfect. But she doesn't count on being assigned to an explosive death penalty appeal. Nor does she expect ardor in the court in the form of an affair with the chief judge. Then Grace finds herself investigating a murder, unearthing a secret bank account and following a trail of bribery and judicial corruption that's stumped even the FBI. In no time at all, Grace under fire takes on a whole new meaning.
About the Author
Lisa Scottoline is a New York Times bestselling author and serves as president of the Mystery Writers of America. She has won the Edgar Award, as well as many other writing awards. She also writes a Sunday humor column for the Philadelphia Inquirer, titled "Chick Wit," with her daughter, Francesca Serritella. There are thirty million copies of Lisa's books in print, and she has been published in thirty-two countries. She lives in Pennsylvania with an array of disobedient but adorable pets.


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If you're looking for sun, surf and superb gastronomic delicacies, then you should definitely want to consider booking a holiday in Sardinia. Holidays in this sunny Italian island are coveted the world over - from honeymooners looking for a special getaway to families taking a break from the rigours of everyday life.
If you want to make your visit even more memorable, you should attempt to include some fun new experiences. Luckily for you, the island is full of fun and exciting sporting activities to tempt you.
You can hire a wide variety of boats from one of the many coastal communities in Sardinia - from the northern coast of Capo Caccia to Porto Sao Paolo. You can ultimately choose your own type of boating expedition - from cruising along at a relaxing pace on high-end luxury yachts, to hiring a fishing boat to try your hand at catching the local marine life.
Ocean kayaking is a great new way of experiencing the safe, open seas around Sardinia. Holidays that include kayaking excursions are a great way to get the blood flowing while exploring the lovely coastlines of the island - with everything from sandy beaches to rocky cliff faces.
The glittering azure seas of Sardinia hide a treasure trove of sea life beneath the waves, which is why diving is so popular with tourists visiting the island. You will, however, need to coordinate closely with either your tour agency or a local diving organisation to ensure you have the gear, the knowledge and the certification to dive here.
Surfing is one thing, but surfing with the power of the wind is quite another! Windsurfing is an energetic sport attractive to the adrenaline seekers or extreme sportsmen. With the proper tuition, you'll be trying out high-flying tricks in no time - and wipe-outs are a lot softer than on dry land!
Horseback Riding
The island has a long, distinguished history of horsemanship, which is why there are plenty of ranches and equestrian centres all over the island. The beauty of the island's natural scenery makes horseback riding an even greater joy, from the sand dunes of the coast to well-worn trails leading inland.
Trail Hiking
The island is absolutely ideal for hiking and trekking, with plenty of well-marked trails available. Ramblers will enjoy hiking up the mountains - savouring the solitude and tranquillity of the experience. Those looking for a challenge may want to take a closer look at the Supramonte Massif. The rough and rugged terrain will test the mettle of even the most experienced hikers.
Segway Touring
Believe it or not, there are actually Segway tours in Sardinia. Holidays can become significantly more fun when you explore the island's sites on these quirky vehicles. Not only will you be able to explore some rich historical treasures, you'll also create unforgettable memories of doing so while riding on a Segway.
Keep these fun and exciting activities in mind as you plan your travel itinerary for your visit to Sardinia. Holidays are, after all, much more memorable when you expand your horizons and try something brand new.


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Who we are
Argo Strategies is a full-service political consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience in campaigns. During the last three years, our work has received national recognition – earning the firm sixteen Pollie Awards for our direct mail, websites and other voter contact by the American Association of Political Consultants. We have also been honored with two Reed Awards and a "2011 Excellence Award," which named Argo the "Democratic Dream Team" for compliance.


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WASHINGTON — Jon Favreau's career took off when, at age 23, he interrupted U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama during a speech rehearsal to offer some suggestions for improvement.
That cheeky move led to a seven-year tour as Obama's lead speechwriter, an assignment that ends March 1 as Favreau considers trying his hand at another form of drama — as a screenwriter, perhaps in Los Angeles.
The departure subtracts a vivid personality from the president's operation, defined since the beginning by Obama's spoken words and the team that wrote them.
After Favreau landed in the White House four years ago, he became the most recognizable in a coterie of young staffers. Sporting aviator sunglasses and a buzz cut, he occasionally lit up social media with his antics.


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An Irish Castle With a King's Wine Cellar
From a Viennese villa with a modern upgrade to a grand castle that is home to Ireland's biggest wine cellar, here is a look at some of the properties featured in Europe's House of the Week. Photo: Ganly Walters.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... is used ... this view ... that means a lot with them on an upgrade to Bring castle that is called on him and speak is wine cellars ... he is a look at some of the properties featured in Europe's house the week ... Neal Soss on the outside ... its thirteen thousand nine hundred and ninety three square foot home in Fiennes it seemed ... like a modern at bay ... the owner says the holder to give the modern features bought the same time keeping the original character ... after bookshelves to Brown that three story homes made reception from ... the lower ground floor has achieved and spa area that gets to see as well as changing facilities on the site and in a sauna ... it also causes an offbeat style wine cellar that can hold about five thousand bottles ... this property is listed at thirty two point seven million dollars ... lately between the cities of or in line with this castle has sports infections islands because points on ... the twenty three thousand square foot castle was built in the nineteenth century in the Scottish Iran deals I'll ... the castle has fourteen Atkins and her team after its present owners to sign the plan to cut black for unions and those at the back of the furniture ... the castle also feature the island's largest wine cellar capable of holding fifty five thousand bottles ... this property is listed at three point nine million dollars ... this unusual villa on Lake cultlike dates back to thirteenth century ... villa has many characteristics and an added but there is only over the past eight hundred years ... the five thousand nine hundred twenty square foot home at fifteen point six seconds depending on how the space just east ... of the evil main square one I was just the three male walk away ... they allege the steep for five million dollars ... looking out over the paper tends to Georgina home in West point It makes is the opinion but that you're right there ... the house has fantastic views over the upper bridge ... the Routan first floors of the three thousand three hundred four square foot house ... it roaring ... nineteen reception records as well as she began to study the property which has a fifty foot Eckhart ... is listed for fourteen point two million dollars ... the Wall Street


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Now, reports Page Six, the L.A. Department of Children and Family Services is wondering the same thing. A source says that DCFS has called the pop tartlet trying to set up a meeting, and that they want to check up on Sean Preston and Jayden James. And, of course, as TMZ reported last weekend, Britney's family, especially her mother, is deeply concerned as well, but haven't been able to get through to Britney to intervene.
A rep for the DCFS didn't comment to the Post, but it wouldn't be the first visit they've made to the Spears household. Back in April, when Sean Preston fell from a high chair (and Britney almost dropped the baby on a New York street), the authorities came in to have a look around. No action was taken.
Paris – I Want to Be a Mommy Too!
Meanwhile, Paris Hilton might be a role model to Britney, but it looks like Britney's become a role mommy to Paris. The lodging heiress now says that she wants to have not one, not two, but four babies by the age of 30, according to Life & Style. (Well, she'd better get cookin' --she's almost 26.)
And these motherly impulses are being inspired by none other than Britney – the BFF pair recently spent time with Spears' boys after a night out. What's Paris' particular qualification to be a mother? "I look after animals, so I'd have a lot to give my kids," says Ms. HIlton.
Vaughniston Is Comprehensively Over, We Think
Notice that we took the question mark off that title, because it seems that, after all the ups, downs, engagement rings, and DVD releases, our modern Romeo and Juliet, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, are very much finished. PEOPLE reports that the pair, according to reps, have "mutually agreed to end their relationship but continue to be good friends today." The Wagnerian history of the pair's romance is too elaborate to recount here, suffice to say that both did their best in recent weeks (Vince with a lawsuit, Jen with an appearance with Oprah) to give their sinking relationship at least the mirage of buoyancy. Vaughniston, Vinnifer, rest in peace.
Bilson and Brody Call It Quits, For Real
The cutest brunette couple on TV – Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody of "The OC" – have ended their three-year relationship, says People. "It was a typical romance and they just grew apart," says a source. "They've been on and off for a while." The apple-cheeked Bilson was absent at a recent Viper Room gig by Brody's band, Big Japan, which fueled speculation about the couple's status. Still, in October, the pair were spotted holding hands in Toronto, which prompted a source to say: "Exes do hang out."
Party Favors: Rosie Might Star on "Nip/Tuck?" ... Bitchfight Brews Between Trump and Graydon Carter ... Audrey's "Tiffany" Gown Sells for $807,000
Rosie O'Donnell told audience members at "The View" yesterday that she might take a part on "Nip/Tuck" instead of doing a spin-off show, says Access Hollywood.com. Her character Dawn Budge would own the plastic surgery clinic at the center of the series ... Oh, snap. After years of absorbing abuse from Graydon Carter (and Spy magazine), Donald Trump is clawing back. He tells Page Six that, while he likes Graydon, the "Vanity Fair" editor would, without the backing of his boss Si Newhouse, be "another overweight editor with bad hair" ... The black Givenchy gown that Audrey Hepburn wore to such mesmerizing effect in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" has sold at a Christie's auction for $810,000, and British tabs are whispering loudly that the buyer was none other than Victoria Beckham.
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Rule #1 - Be Patient - Rule #2 - Don't ask when, if you don't contribute - Rule #3 - You have coding skills - LinuxMCE's small brother is available: http://www.agocontrol.com
I want to be able to play greek subtitles when I watch movies. I have tried to edit /etc/pluto/xine.conf but I was not successful. Does anybody knows how can I view greek subtitles under LinuxMCE? Is even greek subtitles supported under linuxmce?
Hi,I have tried what you suggested and replacing archive.ubuntu.com with old-releases.ubuntu.com did allow me to download the grek language pack, but I still only see commas and fullstops when I play movies with greek subtitles.


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Have you decided to take a unique vacation to an exotic location? Have you grown weary of vacationing close to home? Are you ready to branch out and discover everything the world has to offer? If you answered yes, then you are making a wise vacation choice – and Central America should be on your list of potential destinations.
When you hear Central America, you may find yourself wondering if this is a safe destination for the average tourist. While it is true that there are some Central American locations that may not be tourist-friendly, that's true of any location around the world. The key to enjoying a Central American vacation is to choose the right destination. Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is ripe with tourism. Our beautiful, protected environment makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations for people just like you – those wanting to take a "real" tropical vacation.
There are numerous Central American resorts in Costa Rica that you can choose from for your vacation. While each one has its own benefits and disadvantages, many say the Sano Banano Beachside Hotel is the best. Here, you will enjoy all the beauty, wildlife, culture, and breathtaking sites that make Costa Rica such a popular destination. At the Sano Banano, you'll have luxury accommodations, top-notch customer service and access to all the area activities and events. If you're ready to take your first out-of-country vacation, make sure Central America is on your list of possibilities – and be sure the Sano Banano Beachside Hotel is at the top of your list.


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Philly Stay Gettin Money: Meek Millz & Mill Millionz Showin How Much Cash Flows Out Of Them
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2010 Referee Week In Review Week 10
The usssoccer.com Referee Week in Review is designed to address the issues facing referees at all levels by using video highlights from professional games as well as the U.S. National Teams. Written by U.S. Soccer Director of Referee Development Paul Tamberino and U.S. Soccer Manager of Assessment and Training Brian Hall, the Referee Week in Review will highlight specific areas of focus and current U.S. Soccer initiatives designed to improve performance and aid in the development of officials across the country.
Week In Review 2010
Week 10 – Ending May 30, 2010
For the first time this year, the "Week In Review†will examine contact above the shoulder in which the player's arm/hand/elbow is used as a weapon and not as a tool. In another clip, the referee incorrectly interprets contact above the shoulder where "incidental†contact occurs and the referee misreads the incident as violent conduct. Finally, a handling decision that involves an understanding of the 2009 "Handling the Ball†directive will be discussed.
Week In Review Podcast: For each "Week In Review,†U.S. Soccer produces a related podcast that covers the topics of the week.
Contact Above the Shoulder: Tool or Weapon?
One of the 2009 educational focal points for U.S. Soccer referees was "contact above the shoulder.†The directive, "Contact Above the Shoulderâ€Â was published to assist match officials with correctly interpreting the use of the arm/hand/elbow that makes contact with the opponent in the neck and facial region. The concept of arm/hand/elbow use as a tool vs. a weapon is vital in managing the modern game. The following diagram depicts the differences in the use of the arm/hand/elbow as a tool vs. weapon.
|Arm used for balance
|Excessive force used
|Normal body movement
|Safety of the player is endangered
|No swing of the arm INTO the opponent
|Hard surface (forearm/elbow/hand) contacting soft surface (facial and neck region)
|Opponent into arm/elbow/hand – not arm/elbow/hand into opponent
|Arm/elbow/hand UP and IN to opponent
|Arm/elbow was out before the challenge was initiated
|Arm/elbow/hand is swung toward opponent's facial region
|Not UP and IN – just UP
|UP and IN – arm used as a â€battering ramâ€
|Injury results
The tool vs. weapon comparison is useful in translating player actions into the appropriate decision. Remember the following GUIDELINES:
- Tool: consider a foul and/or yellow card if contact is made
- Weapon: a red card is mandated
Review "Week In Review 9â€Â for the discussion on area of contact and mode of contact as this will assist with understanding the concept of excessive force as it relates to "contact above the shoulder.â€
This clip shows the use of the hand as a weapon. In cases similar to this, the referee cannot hesitate to send the player off for violent conduct (no challenge for the ball). The hand (hard surface) is clearly used to strike the opponent in the facial region (soft surface). Excessive force is used and the opponent's is at risk for serious injury.
The referee recognized the following weapon criteria and correctly issued the red card:
- Excessive force is used.
- Player safety is endangered.
- Hard surface (hand) contacts a soft surface area (throat and neck).
- The hand goes UP and IN to the opponent.
- Injury results.
Clip 2 can be used to compare and contrast with clip 1. In clip 2, the player uses his hand more as a tool than as a weapon. As a result, the referee must feel the situation and decide, after awarding a foul, whether to caution the player for unsporting behavior or use his presence to send a strong message. When the hand/arm/elbow is used more as a tool than as a weapon, then the referee should consider a foul or a foul and yellow card.
By asking himself the following questions, the referee can assist himself in making the correct decision:
- Does the player need the card?
Since there is gray area in determining whether a caution is needed or just a foul and admonishment, the referee should evaluate the player's behavior to that point and use that information to assist in the decision.
- Does the game need the card?
The referee's feel for the temperature and atmosphere of the game can be used to assist in determining the course of action (foul or foul and yellow card).
Although contact is made with the opponent, it is done as part of normal body movement and the hand is not swung UP and IN to the opponent.
Note: Contact between a hard surface and soft surface does not mean a red card is mandated. The other tool vs. weapon factors must be considered when determining the appropriate course of action.
Handling the Ball: Making Yourself Bigger
In 2009, U.S. Soccer enhanced the criteria to be used to decide whether a handling offense occurred or not when it published the "Handling the Ball†directive. The directive explores the following three criteria, each of which should be the primary factors considered by the referee when deciding whether a handling offense has occurred:
- Making yourself bigger
This refers to the placement of the arm(s)/hand(s) of the defending player at the time the ball is played by the opponent. Should an arm/hand be in a position that takes away space from the team with the ball and the ball contacts the arm/hand, the referee should interpret this contact as handling. Referees should interpret this action as the defender deliberately putting his arm/hand in a position in order to reduce the options of the opponent (like spreading your arms wide to take away the passing lane of an attacker).
- Does the defender use his hand/arm as a barrier?
- Does the defender use his hand/arm to take away space and/or the passing lane from the opponent?
- Does the defender use his hand/arm to occupy more space by extending his reach or extending the ability of his body to play the ball thereby benefiting from the extension(s)?
Is the arm or hand in a position that is not normal or natural for a player performing the task at hand.
In considering all the "signs†described above, the referee should also consider the result of the player's (usually a defender) action. Did the defender's action (handling of the ball) deny an opportunity (for example, a pass or shot on goal) that would have otherwise been available to the opponent? Did the offending player gain an unfair tactical advantage from contact with the hand/arm which enabled him to retain possession? In other words: Did the player benefit by putting his hand/arm in an "unnatural position?†The referee needs to be able to quickly calculate the result of the player's action to determine whether an offence has been committed.
After applying the aforementioned criteria, if the referee is still uncertain as to whether handling the ball has occurred, the referee should then incorporate the following two criteria as part of his decision making process:
The less time a defender has to react, the less likely there has been a handling offense. For example, a ball struck from a close distance, or a very fast moving ball, or a ball coming in from a direction which is outside the defender's view gives little or no time for the defender's reaction to be "deliberate.†The referee must take into consideration whether the defender's reaction is purely instinctive, taken to protect sensitive areas of the body as the face. Distance is a factor in determining "reaction time.†The further the ball, the more reaction time a play may have.
Referees must be ready to judge whether the player moved his arm to the ball thereby initiating the contact. Additionally, the referee should evaluate whether the player deliberately readjusted his body position to block the ball thus intentionally playing the ball with his hand/arm.
This is a clear case where the defender makes himself bigger by extending his arm outside its natural playing area to prevent the opponent from getting the ball. The defender knows that he is beat and, if the ball gets by, the opponent will be positioned to receive the ball. The defender disguises his actions by immediately chasing the handled ball. Image 1 provides a visual as to the position of the defender and the attacker at the time of the handling. The referee should award a penalty kick and caution the defender for unsporting behavior. All elements of denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) are not evident. Hence, a send off would not be appropriate. The "4-D's†are used to determine whether DOGSO exists. The four elements are:
- Number of Defenders
- Distance to goal
- Distance to ball
- Direction of play
Both distance to ball and number of defenders are missing in this case. The attacker does not have or may not gain clear possession of the ball. Concurrently, the defender who handles the ball and the other rushing defender may have been able to prevent an obvious scoring opportunity.
As Image 1 shows, the referee can aid his decision by taking a more strategic position and by moving as the ball is crossed in the penalty area. The referee needs to move closer to the "drop zone†and the ball comes down in the penalty area after the semi-bicycle kick. The referee cannot assume that the next phase of play will be "safe.â€
Note: Referees should always be moving their feet. This does not always mean always running. Often times, a few steps as the ball is moving can assist in creating a better angle of vision to play. Move, don't watch. Anticipate, don't react.
Looking Forward – Week 11
Preparation for the increasing heat and humidity of the season is vital to a solid 90 minute plus performance. Through proper hydration, nutrition and physical preparation, match officials need to be equipped to address the additional challenges presented by the advent of summer. Proper attention to these pregame items will go a long way to ensuring extra fuel is left in the tank as the game concludes. On the other hand, failure to address these items can put a strain not only on one's body but also on the mind thereby negatively impacting clarity of thought and vision.


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Ross_Varn wrote:Silvadream- what? I'll put you in as my second.
He might as well be the second for each person, i don't see why we need three.
Moderators: Zupponn, Killer Karetsu, Moronstudios
Ross_Varn wrote:Silvadream- what? I'll put you in as my second.
Colonel-Kermit wrote:If we are going to post a battle does it have to be Halloween based or can it be what ever we want. For example hippies vs transformers or do you want it more along the lines of skeletons vs vampires.
BFenix wrote:The idea is great but the timing is kinda bad. I wont be playing Brikwars on Halloween, got way bigger plans for this year
Couldn't we post a battle from 29th October or 1st November? Im going to like, 3 different Halloween costume parties
dilanski wrote:Unfortunately I'm going on holiday, on the 1st and will be busy on Halloween, can I play the battle before Halloween possibly the Wednesday and post it on Halloween.
Ross_Varn wrote:It doesn't really matter, I'd just like it to be on Halloween to encourage a huge dose of Brikwars on... somebody's birthday. Not sure if it's Mike's or the game's. Anything with HH in the title from the day before and the day after will count.
And no, you don't have to play it on halloween, and it doesn't have to be themed. Just as long as you post it on halloween it counts.
Ross_Varn wrote:Not sure if it's Mike's or the game's..
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Good morning, my name is Yash Katsumi and I visit your site quite a bit. I just recently had a Hampsten Mudpig built by Hampsten via Co-Motion.
2007 Hampsten MudPig
Frame: Size 54cm, Reynolds 853 Tubing with a Pearly Mica White Paint
Fork: Alpha Q CX-20 painted
Race Wheels 1: Fast Fast Fast conditions...
Wheels: Shimano 6600 Ultegra hubs, DT spokes, Velocity Escape Tubular Rim
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace 7700 12-27
Tires: Dugast Typhoon 700X30
Race Wheels 2: Little rougher conditions...
Wheels: Reynolds Solitude Wheelset
Tires: Schwalbe 700x35 Fast Freddy Lite
Cassette: SRAM 970 12-26
Shifters:Shimano Dura-Ace STI, 7700
Front: Derailleur Shimano Dura-Ace 7700
Rear: Derailleur Shimano Dura-Ace 7700
Crank: Shimano Dura-Ace Ten speed with 48/38 FSA Rings
Bottom Bracket: Dura-Ace Ten speed
Pedals: EggBeaters Sl
Saddle: 2007 Specialized Alias 143mm
Seat Post: Ritchey WCS Aluminum
Handlebars: Ritchey WCS Aluminum Classic Bend 44cm, OS
Stem: Thomson X2 Silver 100mm
Headset: Chris King 1.125" Silver
Cable Hanger: IRD Long Drop
Brakeset: Shimano BR-550 with SwissStop GHP brake pads and Salsa Wide Yoke
Total weight 14 pounds + some number X.
I took it for a quick ride last night after building it. After riding a track bike for 4 months, it felt strange to have gears and to ride so upright. The bike feels twitchier than my specialized and I feel that I am more confident going around those slippery 180's. There is some toe overlap, actually there appears to be a lot more than on my specialized, but I think it should be okay.
Some neat things: The rear brake boss is pretty trick, and it is not drilled to accept water bottle cages.
The frame is a Hampsten, built by Co-Motion.


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Here in Frankfurt, Land Rover just revealed this prototypical new Defender, the DC100 concept. Is it square? Indeed. Does it hearken a new model from the recently coined JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) motors? Yes. Is it what we'll see in 2015? Probably not exactly. But close.
Note that although the new design retains a certain Defenderality, it also ropes in design elements introduced with the latest car-based Evoque. The company hasn't specifically said whether or not it's coming to the US, but company bosses did say it'll appeal equally to a commercial buyer in Brazil as a surfer in California.
Sounds like a hint to us.