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Reviewing Randal Rauser's "The Swedish Atheist…" Chapter 17
Chapter 17: A Giant Mickey Mouse Balloon and the Keebler Elves
Now that we've made it past the halfway point, we're clearly over the hill. It's only downhill from here. I mean that in both senses. The apologetics up to this point has been strained, and the only thing that is certain is that it can only become absurd from here on out. The alternative is, well, that Randal proves the existence of God. I for one am pretty certain that's not going to happen, at least not with a book such as this.
There is a lot to cover this time, so let's get cracking.
Last time Randal posited that God is an answer, or explanation, and what's more, he affirmed God is a simple answer.
In this chapter he takes to task Sheridan's challenge to explain how that's even possible. Randal begins by pondering:
"Consider one of the most basic question there is: 'Why is there something rather than nothing?' That's a question that can be answered with the same two option we use when explaining the movement of … keys. Is the origin of the universe best explained by a personal agent cause or an impersonal event cause?"
Randal then states that "asking whether the universe has a personal cause is not hopelessly arbitrary. Rather, it's a simple and very reasonable question."
Yes, it is. It's a simple and reasonable question for those who ignore reality. The reality is, the universe appears to govern itself, and function, according to very specific natural laws (or rather, what we call natural laws).
Randal's plea that the question of whether the universe has a personal cause is, in fact, arbitrary because of Occam's Razor. Thus far, the physical observations of nature's so-called "laws" yield us with enough explanatory power that God simply isn't needed to explain any of it. Therefore, why would we jump to the conclusion that, knowing God isn't required to explain anything within the universe, that he must be used to explain the universe? This is not a logical deduction.
Just as was French astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace's response, when questioned by Napoleon, why his celestial mechanics didn't include God. Laplace merely replied, "Je n'avais pas besoin de cette hypothèse-là." Or, in English, "I had no need of that hypothesis."[1]
Randal is, once again, simply allowing his preconceived biases to interfere with his reasoning. The question, of whether or not a the universe has a personal cause, only makes sense to ask if you've rejected the very premise of naturalism. But looking at the universe, there is no reason to assume the universe is governed by anything other than natural phenomenon. So the question must ignore both the fact that the universe functions naturally without any apparent signs of an underlying supernatural metaphysics, and the fact that science, and the observation and measurement of these physical laws, yields all the explanation we need to form better theories about the existence of the universe. As such, this shows that the question is arbitrary, and what's more, based on a bias that ignores the evidence.
What I find interesting is how the question itself focusses on the lack of information—that since we do not know (yet) how the universe came into existence—it must be God. That is, of course, a possibility. But it's an arbitrary possibility given what we know, and until there is convincing evidence for a sound metaphysics which can explain the universe as accurately as standard physics, there is no need to assume the natural world is the product of any higher order of metaphysics. Basically, the question wants to use our ignorance as a reason to posit God. But then it simply becomes a God of the gaps type argument. If cosmologists and physicists were to discover tomorrow that the universe was formed, for example, by quantum fluctuations, and had evidence to support it, this would effectively render the Prime mover argument theologians like to latch onto in their ignorance obsolete.
Meanwhile, the philosopher can still ask the question, as long as they do not pretend it's a "very reasonable question."
Arbitrary questions which ignore the state of the evidence cannot be considered entirely reasonable. Additionally, since Occam's Razor says that the simplest explanation is more probably correct, then why posit God—which is additional information on top of the already collected information we do have? It's superfluous, so the honest philosopher must side with Laplace's sentiment, God is simply not a hypothesis which is required to explain things.
Randal then takes to task arguing against Sheridan's point that the universe could just exist, full stop. Randal then launches into a horrible analogy, and reveals that he doesn't understand the first thing about causality.
He gives the example of spotting a helium filled Mickey Mouse balloon floating above the woods. He asks, "Wouldn't you wonder how that balloon got there? … Surely you must agree there is a reason the balloon exists."
Well, the balloon exists because somebody made it exist. Nobody is contending whether or not balloons need creators. But this is the problem with Randal's reasoning, even balloons exist in temporal space and time. Only things that exist within the known universe have a direct relationship with space and time, and therefore share causal relationships.
Outside of space and time, however, it makes little sense to talk about causal events, because with no time, there can be no events to mark on a timeline, and no space to put them in.
If for example, in our universe, we roll a marble, it will roll until it loses its kinetic energy and stores it as potential energy, or it will roll until crashed into the other marble, and thus the transfer of kinetic energy, and will propel the stationary marble.
This represents our thinking of causal events according to a scale of time. Event A, the rolling marble, impacts with the stationary marble, event B, and the transfer from potential to kinetic energy causes the stationary marble to move. We can plot it out according to the events as they are caused. But without time, what sense does it make to talk about events A, B, or C?
Another problem with Randal's reasoning is that he takes for granted that the universe appears orderly. Things happen in order of A causes B, but at the quantum level, events are random and order does not matter. The best analogy for this random, arbitrary, nature of the quantum realm is best explained by the analogy of Schrödinger's cat.
If you aren't familiar with the example, Schrödinger painted a visual analogy for the strange randomness of quantum events by asking us to think about a cat inside a box. The cat is alive when we put it in the box. But inside the box is some poison, and when the box is closed the poison is released, killing the cat. But according to quantum mechanics (specifically the Copenhagen interpretation)[2] the cat is both dead an alive (at the quantum level).
Thus, if we opened the box at any given time, we might find the cat dead or alive, or both simultaneously. Now, a classic understanding of Einsteinium physics makes it difficult to understand how this can be, since we expect cause to function as one event impacting another. But at the quantum scale, this does not follow. Events at the quantum level are often spontaneous, that is, they appear uncaused.
This is one of those cases of science being counter intuitive. Our intuition often proves to be inaccurate, and due to the strange nature of the quantum our intuition of reality isn't always precise enough to be relied on without any supporting evidence.
It seems that Randal is experiencing a case of intuiting the wrong questions based on his apparent ignorance of a specific field of science. That is to say, contrary to what Randal may think, God is not a reasonable question. It's simply a case of his intuition failing him.
A good question would be to ask whether or not Loop Quantum Gravity is a feasible theory.[3] And, if so, how would we go about testing it? Not understanding how quantum theory complicates causal events or to misunderstand the framework in which causal events can happen, is no reason to assume "God did it."
Randal then asks us to blow the balloon up to the size of the universe, and then asks is the question any less interesting, and to tell the truth, yes it is. It not only is predicated on the same wrongly intuited thinking, but it shows once again that Randal strong suit isn't physics.
Randal's level of understanding of physics is, sorry to say, simply abysmal; and that's putting it mildly. It doesn't get much worse than when he says things like
"Whether we're talking about the balloon or the universe, we have a contingent material object that requires a cause for its existence."
Actually, appalling might be a better word than abysmal. The above comment could only come from someone who has simply ignored the entire field of quantum mechanics and misunderstood classical physics, because it's not a statement any type of trained physicist would make. It's not even a statement that I would make, knowing what little I know about physics.
Let me reformulate Randal's example to show how horrible it is. Imagine we have a ball. We drop it. Gravity pulls on the ball and it falls down. Cause and effect, right? Now imagine that we enlarge the ball to the size of the whole universe. Well, obviously, someone must have dropped it, right?
But this is Randal's thinking here. But does gravity exist outside of the physical universe? Probably not (not being an expert in the field however, don't take my word for it). Just like time may not exist outside of our universe, at least not as we understand it.
Randal then claims the universe is a "contingent entity" and says that because of this it is meaningful to seek an explanation for its existence.
Contingency, in the way Randal is using it, simply means: the absence of necessity; the fact of being so without having to be so.
What I fail to see however, is why do so many theologians love to talk about the contingency of God and the universe, but then demand that the universe must be explained but that God, for whatever reasons, is incomprehensible?
It seems to me a double standard is at work. But the double standard, as used by the apologist, is merely a ploy to avoid the problem of infinite regress that occurs when one demands that something contingent be explainable. If something did cause the universe to come into being, then what caused it to come into being, and so on and so forth?
The only way to avoid the regress is to flat out assert that God has always been, and that nobody created him. This type of assertion is what is commonly known as a cop-out.
Also, I have no qualms pointing out that these tools of the apologist, whether it is fallacies, double standards, and strategic cop-outs are so obvious as to be laughable. The only people who are taken in by them are those who lack good critical thinking skills and couldn't for the life of them explain what the problem with an invisible pink unicorn existing is, never mind about God.
But then, we have to wonder, how could God ever be used as an explanation at all? An explanation demands, by its very definition, that we are able to understand and make sense of the information presented. This requires us to have a theory which can make testable predictions, otherwise we could never hold the information up to scrutiny or see which of our theories passed muster and which failed. Once the information passes a certain level of testing, it becomes evidence in support of a qualified theory. Only then does the explanation of events, the information, and the theory itself all make sense.
The problem is those who invoke God as an "explanation" do not do so with the understanding that God is an explanatory mechanism as powerful as the scientific method. Rather, they posit God as an "explanation" because they are too lazy to take to task the responsibility of demonstrating their claims.
Randal isn't done with bad analogies though. Extending his balloon metaphor into the realm of cosmology, he says:
"Imagine that fourteen billion years ago there was nothing, and then suddenly a Mickey Mouse balloon sprang into existence out of nothing and that balloon has been inflating ever since. Doesn't that make you even more inclined to think that there must be some reason for the beginning of its existence?"
No. Not really. It only makes the person who doesn't understand that the universe is inseparable, if not indistinguishable, from space and time thinks that such a question is one worth asking. But because the question is predicated on a faulty premise it will lead to a faulty conclusion. This is because our intuition is fallible, and therefore, we cannot rely on intuition as Randal wants us to simply to determine whether or not the question in itself is reasonable.
Next Sheridan raises the counter point that the physicist Michio Kaku has posited that it's plausible for a technologically advanced alien race to have created our universe, and asks if this is possible, why would God be an equally plausible assumption?
Randal doesn't seem to get the point here, and asks Sheridan, "Even if that were the case, you could still ask what reason there is that the aliens' universe exists."
Well, yes. We could still ask that. But all we really needed was to explain the existence of our universe. If these universe incubating aliens turned out to be real, then we'd have the answer. The explanation would be found in their technology, and how it works, and we could theoretically learn from them and create our own universes as well. When it comes to positing God, all we are doing is positing a non-explanatory-theory (yes, it's an oxymoron since theories are supposed to be explanatory).
The question is, would Randal be willing to admit the same? If he posits God as the cause, then is he willing to ask what reason is there for God to exist? If he resorts to the old theologian shell game of stating God has always existed, then he's employing the double standard and isn't approaching the question fairly.
Sheridan sarcastically replies, "Maybe it was created by aliens from another universe."
Employing the infinite regress here is actually quite smart, because it reveals that the problem exists for all things that one wants to consider contingent.
Randal becomes defensive, however, and snaps:
"You have officially lost the right to call any of my beliefs crazy."
No, Randal. You've missed the point that is being raised here by atheists.
The point being: an infinite regress for God would be a defeater for the God of classical theology. The God who claims to be the ONE and only TRUE God™ could not, in point of fact, be the ONE and only TRUE anything if there was a prior God which needed to exist in order to create it.
The universe doesn't suffer the same disproof, because the infinite regress does not contradict any claims about how the universe ought to be.
I find it funny how Randal can parrot the atheist argument word for word, but frequently doesn't get why the argument is being made.
Sheridan laments the fact that he doesn't see why everything needs to have an explanation, and I for one feel his pain. Really, the only one demanding explanations here is the theologian. Because they want God to be real, so they have to make the demand a necessary requirement of establishing the possibility for God, so they may freely insert God into the equation.
The scientist doesn't make unnecessary demands. They simply look at the evidence, and if something is beyond their comprehension then they wait until a better theory comes along. But they don't force unnecessary theories to explain things they don't have evidence for. That's the wrong way to do science, which is why you'd need a theology degree to ever think that such a schema would work to explain anything at all.
Randal finally says something I can agree with when he informs:
"I'm not claiming that being a Christian is as simple as believing there's a personal cause of the universe. But opting to believe that there is a personal agent cause behind the universe raises the question of how that cause should be described."
Yes, this is all true. If you believe something exists in such and such a way, then figuring out how one goes about accurately describing it is a perfectly valid aim.
Sheridan then asks the question that's on all of our minds.
"How can you justify your particular description of this personal agent cause?"
Randal loops back to his key analogy. How do we know whether a quake knocked the keys off the table or if a person did? In other words, how do we know whether it was an event with a personal causal agent or a natural causal agent?
Randal explains that the person could eliminate non-intelligent (natural) causal agents by detecting whether or not an earthquake took place between the time the keys were on the table to the time they were discovered on the floor.
Randal then uses his ignorance of science to make this astounding statement:
"When it comes to natural events there are also an infinite number of possible non-intelligent and intelligent causes, but the scientist excludes the vast majority out of the gate and only considers a few as live candidates. And this is the way it must be or a scientist could never formulate a single specific hypothesis or test a single specific theory."
If you gave yourself a bloody nose from the ensuing face-palm, be sure to get a tissue on that right away.
Randal is misrepresenting science in the extreme. Scientists are able to narrow down their ability to determine causal events because they are good at measuring these events, collecting information, making observations, and gathering evidence. It is because of this strong wealth of information and evidence that a scientist can formulate a hypothesis and test a theory. They do not do this in spite of everything else, which is really a strange way of looking at science.
I have to assume this is merely a reflection of Randal's profound scientific ignorance, because I have never heard the claim that scientists arbitrarily dismiss information so they can settle on other information to test. They dismiss information that isn't relevant to their area of focus, this is true, but that's not what Randal is claiming. He's claiming they are arbitrarily dismissing and choosing the evidence they want—and that simply isn't the case.
Like I said, having past the halfway point in the book, the only place it could go is downhill. I simply couldn't imagine how fast it would plummet. I think we hit terminal velocity with that comment. But Randal isn't finished. Far from it.
"So whether you're a scientist, a devout religious person or anything else, the same fact remains. We all have to exclude most possibilities when we're surveying potential non-intelligent and intelligent causes."
It springs to mind that scientists typically don't consider intelligent causal agents when examining or explaining the natural world, since non-intelligent (natural) causal agents, such as the laws of physics, is all there is. From this understanding, scientists can eliminate all intelligent causal agents for explaining natural phenomenon.
Also, as we reflected on above, the evidence a scientist gathers often contributes to their hypothesis of whether or not something would be the product of a causal event.
The greenhouse effect being linked to global warming is one such example. The evidence of fossil fuel burning, and the subsequent rapid increase of carbon monoxide being put into the air by humans, as compared with the evidence of Co2 levels contained in ice samples dating back as far as 300,000 years old, strongly suggest that humans are the main contributors to present day global climate change.
In this way, evidence allows scientists to keep the focus of investigation on the direct link between human activity and climate change, thereby allowing them to rule out other potential non-intelligent (natural) causal agents. But scientists don't actually rule out other events, they actually have looked to see whether or not natural events, such as weather or the ocean, lend to global climate change at the same rate as that observed by human causes. And they do not, so they actually have ruled out non-intelligent (natural) agents because they tested them too, and came to the conclusion that, ultimately, it's intelligent causal agents, mainly humans, that are causing this drastic, undeniable climate change.[4]
Randal closes this chapter with a bit of banter with Sheridan, debating the fact of whether or not he's pulling a "debater's trick" simply to one up Sheridan all the time. Randal denies it, naturally. But having finally, and gladly, finished this chapter I don't think Randal is tricking anyone but for himself.
I apologize for the length this time around, but it couldn't be avoided, mainly due to the fact that when tasked to fill the seemingly infinite void of the infinitely ignorant with facts, you spend more time correcting their mistakes than you do covering relevant new ground. If you've stuck with me this far, give yourself a pat on the back.
In chapter 18, "From Personal Cause to Most Perfect Being" we will find out how the vague and nebulous hypothetical personal causer agent who spawned the universe is the one and only Perfect Being as described by Christian theology. But let's look on the bright side, at least Randal's heinous attempt to murder the spirit of science is over with.
In chapter 18, "From Personal Cause to Most Perfect Being" we will find out how the vague and nebulous hypothetical personal causer agent who spawned the universe is the one and only Perfect Being as described by Christian theology. But let's look on the bright side, at least Randal's heinous attempt to murder the spirit of science is over with.
[1] Wikipedia provides a good overview on this anecdotal exchange between Laplace and Napoleon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre-Simon_Laplace
[2] Schrödinger's Cat analogy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrodinger%27s_cat
[3] Loop quantum gravity is also a theory about quantum space and quantum time, two things which Einstein's theory of special relativity cannot adequately account for. See more about loop quantum gravity online at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_quantum_gravity
Meanwhile, for more on how Quantum theory continually defies our basic intuition, read Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw's brilliant introduction to the subject matter, The Quantum Universe, De Capo Press, 2012.
[4] See the documentary on global warming presented by the Discovery Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcVwLrAavyA&list=PL4F1D91565722D350&index=16


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If you've been paying attention to certain circles of UK rock press as of late, you'll undoubtedly be aware of the 'phenomenon' of New Grave. Basically, it's a scene that's essentially been plucked out of thin air, encompassing any generic metalcore or post-hardcore bands with more of a focus on a gothic image that actual music. Bristol's Ashestoangels have been given the dubious honour of being poster boys for the whole scene, with the expectations of something great consistently resting on their shoulders. Judging by new album How To Bleed though, there isn't really too much to get excited about.
To their credit, this album at least shows that there's more of a focus on actual songwriting with Ashestoangels compared to the vast majority of their peers. The thing is though, while that may be the case, a large chunk of How To Bleed sounds so dated, more suited to many a post-millennium emo band than anything in 2016. It begs the question of why this band are raking in the hype they are, especially seeing as there's virtually nothing on How To Bleed that bands like Aiden or The Used haven't done at some point in their career.
Still, pragmatism is the main problem facing Ashestoangels, as a lot of How To Bleed is solid enough in terms of actual songwriting; if Wil Francis worship was the overall aim, they've at least done a decent job of it. Not In My Name couples some dexterous, Avenged Sevenfold-style guitar work with a powerhouse chorus, while Down We Go shifts down a few gears for a Thirty Seconds To Mars-esque ballad with some of the best vocal work from frontman Crilly on the entire album. There's nothing life-changing or world-beating on this album, but it can't denied that, for the most part, Ashestoangels have a good track record at penning strong post-hardcore songs with an ever-so-slightly gothic tinge. Nothing Lasts Forever is probably the best example of their abilities when at full pelt, with its driving guitar line and surprisingly impactful screams, acting as a great change of pace from the album's hitherto more melodic, clean-driven tracks.
It's not without fault though, and while many of the low points are more forgettable than outright awful (the one-two of Bound And Broken and Something To Believe is bound to incite more shrugs than anything), there are a couple of instances where Ashestoangels put out some absolute howlers. I Could Never Miss You is your standard wet, emo ballad that really isn't helped by some incredibly one-note vocals (it should be noted that the vocal performance on this album is really inconsistent), and the flabby electro-bore Ghost In The Machine limps along with no presence. It's probably not entirely the band's fault – the advent of the hype machine is bound to have some sort of effect on how this album is viewed from a critical standpoint – but even on their own, these songs feel inescapably generic.
How To Bleed really is a difficult album to get to grips with. While it is, without a shadow of a doubt, the evidence needed that Ashestoangels are streets ahead of the rest of the New Grave crew in terms of quality, a few stupid, easy to avoid mistakes avoid How To Bleed from becoming a great album in its own right. It's still good overall, but there's still a bit of work needed to get the longevity they'll ultimately need.
For fans of: Aiden, FVK, New Years Day
Words by Luke Nuttall
'How To Bleed' by Ashestoangels is released on 15th April.

subset: commoncrawl


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LingoMap: Entertainment and Leisure
Vienna like any major European city has a lot to offer in terms of things to do in your free time. If it's grand imperial palaces and crown jewels you want, Vienna has it. If you'd rather enjoy some fine art both new and old, Vienna has got you covered as well. If it's outdoor activities you're looking for then why not visit the beautiful Wienerwald rent a city bike and ride along the Donaukanal. Some cycling and a bit of art is all very well though, but what sort of thing can Vienna and Austria uniquely offer for you to do in your spare time. Depends what you want really. Für jeden das Passende!
To kick things off, why not a night at the opera? Now first of all I will admit two things, I go past this building pretty much every day on my way into university or into the city so I'm well up for writing about it, and secondly I've never actually seen an opera. Despite that second admission I can thoroughly recommend a visit to the Wiener Staatsoper. Guided tours are offered in English and German and even ignoring all the culture and history you can find in a building like that the tour is well worth it for a glimpse at the massive chandelier (about as large as a medium sized UFO) that hangs above some of the more expensive seats in the house. Of course though if a night at the opera is your kind of thing then there is a production on literally every night of the week, including an occasional ballet for those also interested. What better place to listen to Strauss or Mozart than in the city they called home?
The first place I went to when I arrived in Vienna (after my hotel) was the Prater. I'd heard a lot about its practically ancient Riesenrad and creaking Achterbahnen and seeing as I was staying just around the corner and I couldn't resist. I wandered through late at night not really knowing what to expect. The whole place was alive with ghost trains, giant dinosaurs and coupled with German accents I couldn't really understand, which turned out to just be the local Viennese, it all felt a bit surreal. Still though it was really great fun! I've been back countless times now and it really is just as mad as my first visit. On a sunny afternoon the place is full of families enjoying a day out and it even still feels alive late into the night when the combination of Würstel, local beer and Geisterzüge prove a big hit with party people as they wander between attractions to some of the bars and clubs scattered around the place. The Prater was originally a large forested area on the edge of Vienna but over time it evolved into a public park and now a corner of it is dedicated to a fairground with some attractions surviving from more than a hundred years ago. To choose a local phrase, der Prater ist leiwand.
Did you know that Vienna invented both the modern European cafe and croissants? Except from in Vienna a croissant is a Kipferl and coffee comes in countless varieties. Like always the Viennese like to do things a little differently. A Kaffeehaus in Vienna is quite far removed from your typical Starbucks or Costa Coffee. Typically a Kaffeehaus is somewhere with a few Stammkunden tucked away in a corner sipping a Verlängerter or a Melange and perhaps reading a newspaper or playing cards. Though of course new customers are always welcome! And what better to go with a proper coffee than some proper cake? In this regard Vienna is certainly not lacking. You might want to try a slice of Sacher Torte, a couple of Marillenpalatschinken or maybe a Krapfen or two to go with your coffee. My personal favourite combination has to be an Einspänner, a kind of espresso with whipped cream, and an Esterhazy Schnitte which is a slice of cake with almonds and icing. Whilst it's not the healthiest option in the world you can't get a more Viennese experience than relaxing with Kaffee und Kuchen im Kaffeehaus!
Winter sports are to Austria what rugby and football are to Wales. Though whilst skiing probably isn't as accessible as a quick five-a-side, what with the ski boots and poles and winter wear, it really is just as fun. Austria has some really incredible scenery with much of the country being dominated by mountains and valleys, so much so that it's often referred to as the Alpenrepubublik. Now of course you can enjoy the Austrian great outdoors in the summer and see its many peaks and lakes that way, but what makes die Alpen a little bit different from the Brecon Beacons is the Skisaison every winter. Austrians really do love a bit of skiing, if you switch over to a sports channel during the winter for example your pretty likely to come across some kind of ski event on the telly. I'm very lucky to have been skiing once or twice and whilst it can be a bit difficult to organise the equipment and dragging it up and down mountains all day, it really is very rewarding looking back up at a peak and see how far you've come. I can see why the Austrians enjoy it so much. Perhaps the only thing Austrians like more though is the Après-Ski party and to partake in a bit of schnapps und jausnen whilst listening to some so bad it's good Austropop. "Anton aus Tyrol" is a particular favourite of mine! You can ski in almost every part of Austria and the nearest ski resorts to Vienna are little more than two hours away by car or train. Die herrlichen Aussichten lohnen sich!


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Play, Dine, Shop and Explore – Discover What's New and What to Do Along the
LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — October 24, 2012 — Milder temperatures and smaller crowds make the fall and winter season a great time to explore the LA Waterfront in San Pedro and Wilmington. Set against the stunning backdrop of America's Port®, the Port of Los Angeles -- the LA Waterfront is quickly earning a reputation as a destination filled with all kinds of activities for visiting families, cruise-bound tourists or people looking for a fun night of dining, art and shopping.
With miles of newly renovated public promenades and walking paths, exciting landmarks like California's largest fountain or the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge, and a host of renowned attractions, historic landmarks and museums, the LA Waterfront has something to offer everyone. As the year-end holiday season approaches, the LA Waterfront has attractions and activities that families, foodies, history buffs, shoppers, or weekend explorers are sure to find of interest.
Explore the USS IOWA Battleship, the World War II icon known as the Battleship of Presidents. Opened in July as Los Angeles' newest "floating" museum attraction, the 887-foot, 45,000-ton vessel – designated the "World's Greatest Naval Ship" because of her power, speed, heavy armor, longevity and modern technology – holds tours daily.
Catch a ride on the Waterfront Red Car Line, a vintage electric red car line that runs north to south along a 1.5 mile route connecting San Pedro's World Cruise Center and the Gateway Fanfare Fountain to other attractions, shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Stop for a visit at the L.A. Maritime Museum or Ports O' Call Village, or end the journey at the 22nd Street Landing, a great starting point for a stroll along Cabrillo Marina promenade, 22nd Street Park walking trails or the new CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, a handmade artisan marketplace.
Visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium with its spectacular natural setting adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Port of Los Angeles. It's a great place to explore sea life, especially for kids. The historic Frank Gehry-designed aquarium displays the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world.
Probe the treasures of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, located in the historic 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum celebrates the history of Los Angeles Harbor and the ferry system that transported thousands of passengers to canneries and shipyards, as well as to military bases on historic Terminal Island.
Shopping abounds throughout the LA Waterfront. Try CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, a unique and vibrant marketplace housed in a historic Navy warehouse. CRAFTED buzzes each weekend with the hum of makers -- from jewelers to bakers, woodworkers to leathersmiths, quilters to scrapbookers, and many more. Shoppers will find the perfect gift or something special to keep. The marketplace only features goods handmade in the USA, which you can often see being made right in the artist booths.
At Ports O' Call Village, you'll find an intriguing assortment of shops, restaurants and attractions waiting for discovery. Visitors can follow the brick pathway to explore the truly authentic, local shops and find just the right treasured trinket, treat or souvenir. Or they can swing by the renowned Ports O' Call Restaurant to bid hello to the famous "Fisherman" statue in front, modeled after the legendary fisherman of Gloucester, Massachusetts. San Pedro Fish Market is also a popular gathering place, especially on the weekends.
Shopping generates an appetite, and the options on the LA Waterfront are endless.
Like a trip around the world, the restaurants in Historic Downtown San Pedro feature a wide range of cuisine, from Hungarian to Mexican, Mediterranean to Italian, Japanese to California Fresh and everything in between. There are more than three dozen full-service, family owned and operated restaurants. Owners are there daily including Raffaéllo Ristoránte, Niko's Pizzeria, and Neil's Pasta & Seafood Grill carefully planning their menus in their popular eateries.
San Pedro Brewing Company features great American fare, award-winning ales and offers free tours. The ambiance in Mishi's Strudel Bakery and Café, with homemade Hungarian-style pastries, feels like sitting in a café in Budapest. Then there's Limani Taverna, a fun and thriving Greek restaurant. Think Café is a hidden gem, as well as Baramee Thai Restaurant whose owners greet patrons and offer an authentic menu that rivals the best in Los Angeles.
The ambiance and food at The Whale & Ale English Pub & Restaurant proves that the 17-year-old English Pub has patrons returning for something more (including live music) than just fresh fish and chips. The many dining opportunities combined with San Pedro's lively 1st Thursday Art Walks are a great way to explore the local scene. The colorful mix of unique shops -- you won't find a franchise or chain store -- makes a stop here a must.
Make sure to check out the Catalina Express Ferry Terminal at the end of the Cruise Ship Promenade. The new Catalina Sea and Air Terminal is not only popular with Catalina-bound tourists, its Catalina Bistro and Express Grill offer great food with an awesome view of the Port's main channel.
Come to the Gateway Fanfare Fountain, a welcoming landmark and promenade located at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street in San Pedro. The largest water feature in California, the spectacular water display pumps 400,000 gallons of recycled water with streams as high as 100 feet. Worth a watch, the dramatic choreographed dancing water shows happen every 30 minutes throughout the day/evening and more frequently during peak hours.
Another option is Cabrillo Beach and Cabrillo Way Marina , The Cabrillo Beach area is a favorite among boaters, out-of-area day-trippers and schools on field trips because of beach access and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Visitors or vacationers staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in the outer harbor can also now enjoy a jog or leisurely stroll around the completely transformed 700-slip Cabrillo Marina Phase II, covering 87 acres of land and water, located just south of 22nd and Miner Streets. The area includes nearly a mile of public waterfront promenade, with sweeping views of the outer harbor, dining and fishing out of 22nd Street Landing, and one of the newest art installations at the Port – "Ship in a Bottle" public art by popular artist Mark Dion.
The Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port supports more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.


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Tartrazine (otherwise known as E102 or FD&C Yellow 5) is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye used as a food coloring. It is derived from coal tar. It is water soluble[1] and has a max absorbance in an aqueous solution at 427±2[2] nm
Tartrazine is a very commonly used color in Africa and Sweden — obviously used for yellow, but can also be used with E133 Brilliant Blue FCF or E142 Green S to produce various green shades. Use of tartrazine is banned in Norway and was banned in Austria and Germany, before European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC lifted the ban.
Additional recommended knowledge
Products containing tartrazine
The foods in the following list may contain Tartrazine or not, depending on the manufacturer or the cook in charge; however, for several decades (since the 1950s) they have been known to frequently have various proportions of it, while nowadays the trend is to avoid its addition, or to substitute it for natural dying substances, like anatto, malt color, or betacarotene (see Sensitivities & Intolerance, below).
Confectionery, soft drinks, instant puddings, flavored chips (Doritos, Nachos, etc), cereals (corn flakes, muesli, etc.), cake mixes, pastries, custard powder, soups (particularly instant or "cube" soups), sauces, some rices (like paella, risotto, etc.), kool-aid, ice cream, ice lollies, candy, chewing gum, marzipan, jam, jelly, gelatins, marmalade, mustard, horseradish, yogurt, noodles, pickles and other pickled products, certain brands of fruit squash, fruit cordial, chips, tim tams, and many convenience foods together with glycerin, lemon and honey products.
Non-food products
Soaps, cosmetics, shampoos and other hair products, moisturizers, crayons and stamp dyes.
Vitamins, antacids, medicinal capsules and certain prescription drugs.
Rumors began circulating about Yellow 5 in the 1990s regarding a link to its consumption and adverse affects on male potency and penis size. These rumors most likely were spun from confirmed cases of allergic reactions and sensitivities to Tartrazine. There are no documented cases supporting the claim that Yellow 5 will shrink a man's penis or cause it to stop growing.
Sensitivities & Intolerance
Tartrazine appears to cause the most allergic and intolerance reactions of all the azo dyes, particularly among those with an aspirin intolerance and asthmatics.[3] The mechanism of sensitivity is obscure and has been called pseudoallergic. The prevalence of tartrazine intolerance is estimated at roughly 360,000 Americans affected, about 0.12% of the general population.[citation needed] According to the FDA, tartrazine causes hives in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people, or 0.01%.[4]
Symptoms from tartrazine sensitivity can occur by either ingestion or cutaneous exposure to a substance containing tartrazine.[citation needed]
Reactions can include anxiety, migraines, clinical depression, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, heatwaves, feeling of suffocation, purple skin patches, and sleep disturbance.[citation needed] In rare cases, the symptoms of tartrazine sensitivity can be felt even at extremely small doses and can last up to 72 hours after exposure.[citation needed]
Some researchers have linked tartrazine to childhood Obsessive-compulsive disorder and hyperactivity.[5]
A study commissioned by the UK's Food Standards Agency found that when used in a mixture of other preservatives, increased levels of hyperactivity in children were observed.[6]
Organic foods typically use betacarotene as an additive when yellow color is desired and more use has been made of Annatto (E160b) for non-organic foods.
United States
Under FDA regulations, the presence of tartrazine is required to be declared on food and drug products (21 CFR 74.1705, 21 CFR 201.20).[4] The FDA regularly seizes products found to be containing undeclared tartrazine; these have often included Chinese "egg noodles."[1]
Total avoidance is the most common way to deal with tartrazine sensitivity. [7]
Progress has been made in reducing people's tartrazine sensitivity in a study of people who are simultaneously sensitive to both aspirin and tartrazine.[8]
Categories: Azo dyes | Food colorings
|This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Tartrazine". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.


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In the first game of a two-game weekday series, the Pittsburgh Pirates (17-18) grabbed a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins (18-17) last night in South Florida. Tonight, they're looking to complete the sweep, as Kevin Correia gets the start for the Buccos at 7:10 p.m. EST on ROOT SPORTS.
The Pirates tweeted out their lineup for tonight earlier this afternoon. Here it is:
1. Jose Tabata - RF
2. Neil Walker - 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen - CF
4. Pedro Alvarez - 3B
5. Garrett Jones -1B
6. Clint Barmes - SS
7. Alex Presley - LF
8. Michael McKenry - C
9. Kevin Correia - SP
For the latest on the Bucs, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh and check out Bucs Dugout, SB Nation's Pirates blog. For more on the Marlins, visit Fish Stripes. For more baseball news, check out the SB Nation MLB Hub Page.


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Stage 1
Stage 1 work samples and activities
In Stage 1 the curriculum emphasises the importance of students acquiring knowledge and skills in literacy and numeracy.
Sample Stage 1 class activities and graded student work samples for English and Mathematics are available on the BOSTES NSW Syllabuses site.
Each sample is aligned to the Common Grade Scale, illustrating standards midway through and at the end of the stage.
Select a subject below to visit the site and the samples:


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I think I've found an answer (for now) for the pair of questions that's been bothering me over the last year. I've been chipping away at both of them; depression worked itself loose much more easily than anxiety.
The questions:
What to do/take advantage of when I'm depressed? (What is the min/max approach to dealing with my depressed days?)
What to do/take advantage of when I'm anxious? (What is the min/max approach to dealing with my anxious days?)
My answers:
Depression is a lowering of the ego. Study and practice self-care (hydrate, eat healthfully, exercise, personal hygiene, journal, etc.).
Anxiety is an opening of the possibilities (which are often terrifying). Solvitur ambulando and go on a wool-gathering mission while walking. Also, self-care and coffee (when I'm anxious, it slows me down).
These may not be your answers; these may not even be your questions. But they are mine; they soothe my inner two-year-old and make her feel like she's been listened to, no need to make things worse. And that's all I need: a loophole that lets me keep functioning.
Like this blog? Check this out: Redheaded witches whose words make magic—as long as they don't wear it out cussin'. An urban fantasy short story.


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Nuclear Industry Lobbying: Data
The New York Times ran a story today on the nuclear industry's lobbying efforts over the past decade to revive the industry. The lobbying and PR campaign has been brilliant and effectively catapulted the nuclear industry into the discussion of clean energy in Washington that brought both parties together on a pro-nuclear consensus. That consensus looks to be fraying after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor disaster currently unfolding in Japan.
The Times story cites and links to a story I wrote earlier this week, so I thought I'd share some of the data directly. Here's the relevant Times quote:
And the industry has spent tens of millions more lately on lobbying. Last year, electric utilities, trade groups and other backers spent $54 million hiring lobbyists, including former members of Congress, to make their case, according to a separate analysis by the Sunlight Foundation, which also tracks money and politics.
And here's the relevant quote from my post:
An analysis of the lobbying expenses of electric utilities operating a majority of the nation's nuclear reactors and the main industry trade group show a doubling on lobbying spending since 2004. The industry's lobbying jumped from $27 million prior to the nuclear-friendly Energy Act of 2005 to nearly $54 million in 2010.
In collecting this data I looked at the thirteen major companies operating nuclear reactors and the main industry trade group, the Nuclear Energy Institute. Some reactors are operated by government cooperatives or the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), so these were excluded. I also had to exclude Pacific Gas & Electric because they file their lobbying disclosure reports in a dramatically different way than the other utilities. Including PG&E's numbers would have wildly skewed the data upwards.
PG&E reported spending over $45 million on lobbying in 2010. Only a small fraction of this number was actually spent on lobbying the federal government. The rest was spent on state-level lobbying and campaigns against propositions they opposed. PG&E does list, as a note, a separate amount for federal lobbying on their quarterly filings, however, this is not consistent for the number of years that I covered in reviewing the nuclear industry's lobbying.
Anyway, here's the list of companies and trade group that I looked at and their lobbying spending year over year. (All data came from the Center for Responsive Politics):


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Palo Alto, Calif. – Hewlett-Packard today introduced several wireless-ready Pavilion notebook computers and the company's first wireless home networking solution.
The Pavilion zt1000 and ze1110 notebooks each come with optional embedded 802.11b and Bluetooth capabilities. The notebooks are available through HPs configure to order program at the company's online store and retail kiosks. The zt1000 cost will range from $1,399 to $2,099, while the ze1110 will start at $1,099. The zt1000 can handle either a DVD/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive. Other specifications were not available.
The HP Wireless home networking line up features several 802.11b based devices including the hn200w wireless gateway, suggested retail price $199, hn210w USB network adapter, $129, and hn220w wireless LAN PC card, $119. All are available at retail.


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Red Sox rally with 4 runs in 9th for 8-7 win over Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Mookie Betts went deep on an elevated fastball, and Dustin Pedroia came home on a pitch that got past the catcher.
Betts hit a tying two-run homer with two outs in the ninth, and Pedroia later scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in Boston's four-run ninth inning as the Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 8-7 on Friday night.
"We caught a break on the wild pitch," manager John Farrell said. "This is a huge boost when you consider the confidence you can generate and gain from a win like this."
After falling behind 6-0 -- when David Price had another tough start against the Rangers -- the Red Sox got two-run homers from Hanley Ramirez in the fourth and Jackie Bradley Jr. in the sixth.
The big rally in the ninth came against Jake Diekman and hard-throwing rookie Matt Bush after the Rangers decided to give closer Sam Dyson some extra rest following their off day Thursday.
Betts' 15th homer came off Bush (2-1), who had just taken over after pinch-hitter Sandy Leon hit an RBI double on the 11th pitch of his at-bat against Diekman. Pedroia then walked and went to third on Xander Bogaerts' single.
Betts' homer went out just over the 404-foot sign in center.
"That one was one of the ones I figured was going to go out. If it didn't, I would have probably cried," Betts said. "That's a huge win."
Heath Hembree (4-0) worked a scoreless eighth before Koji Uehara struck out the side in the ninth for his second save.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister said the inning had set up well for lefty Diekman, plus he wanted to give Dyson some extra rest. Dyson, with 13 consecutive saves since taking over as closer May 18, came in leading the majors with 39 appearances.
"We've got to monitor, make sure and take care of," Banister said. "We've got to have other guys out there to be able to pitch in those type of situations, other than Dyson."
Shin-Soo Choo hit a leadoff homer against Price, and the first four Texas batters reached, including a two-run single on the first of Elvis Andrus' three hits.
Prince Fielder hit his sixth homer for Texas, a solo shot in the fourth off reliever Matt Barnes.
Ian Desmond also had three hits for Texas, including an RBI single in the second after Bobby Wilson snapped an 0-for-15 slump with a double. An inning later, Wilson had a two-run single to chase Price with the Rangers up 6-0.
Price had gone at least eight innings in his previous three starts, and had a 2.47 ERA over his last eight starts for the Red Sox. The left-hander has given up more hits only once in his 234 career games, when the Kansas City Royals had 13 hits in 6 1/3 innings while he pitched for Detroit last season.
His ERA in seven regular season starts at Texas is now 7.68 -- by far his worst at any opposing stadium.
"I'm definitely comfortable here, I just haven't thrown the baseball (good)," Price said. "I've just got to come out and throw the baseball better against these guys."
With the bases loaded in the first, Fielder hit a grounder to first baseman Ramirez, who threw home for the first out and then got back to the base to take the relay throw that completed the double play. Boston's Travis Shaw grounded into an inning-ending 3-6 double play in the fourth, when first baseman Jurickson Profar fielded the ball, touched first and threw to second base where Andrus had to tag the runner.
Red Sox: OF Chris Young was sore after being put on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain sustained Thursday, but manager John Farrell said Young's "range of motion is not too bad at this point." ... OF Brock Holt, who has missed 32 games since a concussion, could rejoin the team as early as next week if his rehab games with Triple-A Pawtucket go well this weekend.
Rangers: C Robinson Chirinos got an extra day off because of his sore right wrist, which is still bothering him after getting hit by a pitch. He played in both games against Cincinnati on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Red Sox: Right-hander Steven Wright (8-4), the AL leader with a 2.01 ERA, is 3-0 in four starts in June. The knuckleballer's only no-decision in that span was Monday, when he allowed one unearned run in nine innings before Boston lost 3-1 in 10 innings to the Chicago White Sox.
Rangers: A.J. Griffin was 3-0 with a 2.94 ERA his first six starts before going on the disabled list May 8 with right shoulder stiffness. The Rangers will activate him from the DL to face the Red Sox for the first time since 2013.
TEX Wins 2-1
Game Information
- Umpires:
- Home Plate Umpire - Adrian Johnson
- First Base Umpire - Ramon DeJesus
- Second Base Umpire - Gary Cederstrom
- Third Base Umpire - Eric Cooper
2023 American League East Standings
2023 American League West Standings
|Los Angeles


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05 Aug 2015 No Comments
Beads & Baubles on Sale
OMG…stands for oh my gnome, right?? Obviously, says our sassy pants bead gnome (photographed above). Our Unique by Color 40 Piece Bead Specials are some of the prettiest specials we offer. It's 40 of our super fancy beads – bohos, seeded, pave, fiber-chain, and more – all for just $0.50 per bead. The beads in this special typically retail at $1.50, so needless to say this Gnome wasn't kidding when he held up his little sign reading O.M.G.!
Happy trails!
Sarah James and Your Friends at JesseJamesBeads.com


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ACCT 505 Week 4 Midterm (Version 1)
- Page One
- (TCO A) Direct material cost is a part of:(Points : 6)
- (TCO A) A cost incurred in the past that is not relevant to any current decision is classified as a(n): (Points : 6)
- (TCO A) The cost of lubricants used to grease a production machine in a manufacturing company is an example of a(n): (Points : 6)
- (TCO A) When the activity level is expected to increase within the relevant range, what effects would be anticipated with respect to each of the following?
- (TCO F) Emco Company uses direct labor cost as a basis for computing its predetermined overhead rate. In computing the predetermined overhead rate for last year, the company included in direct labor cost a portion of indirect labor. The effect of this misclassification will be to: (Points : 6)
- (TCO F) Which of the following statements about process costing system is incorrect?(Points : 6)
- (TCO F) The weighted-average method of process costing differs from the FIFO method of process costing in that the weighted-average method: (Points : 6)
- (TCO B) The contribution margin ratio always increases when the:(Points : 6)
- (TCO B) The unit sales needed to attain the target profit is found by: (Points : 6)
- (TCO E) In an income statement prepared using the variable costing method, variable selling and administrative expenses would: (Points : 6)
- Page Two
- (TCO A). The following data (in thousands of dollars) have been taken from the accounting records of Larklin Corporation for the just completed year…….. Required: Prepare a Schedule of Cost of Goods Manufactured statement in the text box below.(Points : 15)
- (TCO F) The Indiana Company manufactures a product that goes through three processing departments. Information relating to activity in the first department during June is given below:……..The department started 290,000 units into production during the month and transferred 300,000 completed units to the next department………. (Points : 20)
- (TCO B) A tile manufacturer has supplied the following data:………Calculate the company's unit contribution ratioc. If the company increases its unit sales volume by 5% without increasing its fixed expenses, what would the company's net operating income be? (Points : 25)
- (TCO E) Lehne Company, which has only one product, has provided the following data concerning its most recent month of operations:………The company produces the same number of units every month, although the sales in units vary from month to month. The company's variable costs per unit and total fixed costs have been constant from month to month……..(Points : 30)


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Compromise is one of the most important things that parents learn during child custody cases. If a battle is waged to win custody of kids, there are bound to be casualties. By compromising, parents prevent their children from suffering any negative consequences. A custody lawyer can help parents compromise on arrangements without either one relinquishing custody rights.
Fights for custody can become very ugly very quickly. There is no reason to wage war when a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be reached through compromise. Each parent takes a more flexible approach to custody negotiations, expressing a willingness to give up some of what he or she initially expected. By meeting in the middle, neither parent is unfairly impacted and children reap the benefits.
Compromise can be difficult, especially when it involves childrearing. Each parent may have difficulty relinquishing some control but this may be necessary to prevent a custody battle that damages everyone involved. By being more flexible, parents can prevent a fight that spills over to affect their children in a negative way. Giving a little can prevent long-term damage to the family unit.
As an objective third party, a custody lawyer can prove invaluable during this situation. Though attorneys ensure that clients know and exercise their custody rights, they also keep custody discussions under control. By identifying opportunities for compromise, a lawyer helps parents come to an agreement without engaging in emotional combat. Parents emerge with most of what they desired from the custody negotiations and children are not negatively affected by the discussions or the outcome.
Fights for custody can have far-reaching and long-term fallout. Children can tell when their parents are not getting along. Some parents may even unconsciously take the situation out on their kids. This can permanently damage the parent-child relationship, leading children to get into trouble as they get older. No parent wants to limit the potential of their children but the emotional damage caused by custody battles can do this.
Compromise prevents potential negative fallout from custody negotiations because it reduces conflict. Each parent gives a little so the family unit benefits in the end. By serving as an intermediary, an attorney can make it easier for parents to compromise on child custody. This legal professional helps parents find common ground in proposed custody arrangements, creating a positive future for their children. Through compromise, a situation that could be very unpleasant becomes relatively amicable.


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The Reserve Bank of India should make managing inflation its main objective and set monetary policy by committee, a central bank panel has recommended, a shift that would bring its practices in line with many other central banks.
The recommendations are widely expected to be accepted. They were issued late on Tuesday by the panel set up by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, which also recommended using consumer prices as the primary measure of price changes and setting an eventual inflation target of 4 percent.
(Read more: Is India's recoveryalready over?)
The reforms are aimed at making policy-setting more effective and transparent in a country that has long struggled with high inflation.
They would mark the most dramatic change implemented by the 50-year-old Rajan, a high-profile former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, who took office on Sept. 4 with an ambitious agenda and amid high expectations.
"This is one of the most important steps taken by RBI in at least the last 15 years, when we moved away from money supply targeting to repo, reverse repo," said Samiran Chakraborty, head of research at Standard Chartered Bank in India, referring to the current policy rates.
"Since then, there has been no proper revamp in the monetary policy framework, while the economy has moved into a different inflation, growth trajectory," he said. "The world has become more integrated."
(Read more: World's richest havesame wealth as 3.5 billion poorest)
In its 130-page report, the panel recommends that managing inflation take precedence over the bank's two other current main objectives of economic growth and financial stability.
If adopted, the RBI would use consumer price index inflation, which now stands at 9.87 percent, as the benchmark for targeting inflation. It would aim to pare CPI inflation to 8 percent over the next 12 months and 6 percent in the following 24 months, with an eventual target of 4 percent.
Historically, Indian policymakers have relied on the wholesale price index, which eased to a five-month low of 6.16 percent in December, and did not set a specific target. Rather, the RBI was perceived to have a comfort zone of WPI inflation of around 5 percent.
As expected, the panel recommended that monetary policy decisions be made by a committee, which would consist of five members including the governor, a deputy governor, the executive director in charge of monetary policy and two external members appointed by the RBI.
(Read more: Asia currencies in2014: Survival of the fittest)
Currently, the RBI governor is the sole decision maker on monetary policy, though he is advised by his four deputy governors and a technical advisory committee.
Some of the proposals require legislative changes, while others can be implemented by Rajan. RBI officials were not available for further comment late on Tuesday.


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July 5, 2006, - 1:08 pm
300 Million "Strong," Thanks to Illegal Immigration
Today's USA Today cover story, "A Nation of 300 Million," presents some interesting and very important information.
As the US nears the 300 million population mark (expected in mid-October), the paper says that immigration–legal AND ILLEGAL–is the single biggest driver of population growth in America. No surprise to those in the know, but according to the article, a big surprise to most Americans who are not aware of the population figure (they think it's much smaller), but are waking up to the immigration factor.
And by the way, the U.S. has added 100 million people since 1967, mostly from immigration. More:
About 53% of the 100 million extra Americans are recent immigrants or their descendants, according to Jeffrey Passel, demographer at the Pew Hispanic Center. Without them, the USA would have about 250 million people today. . . .
Once here, they had babies, which helped the nation maintain a birthrate that is higher than that of Europe and Japan.
A demographic graph in the print edition of the article (pictured above) shows that, every single day, America gains 8,500 new Americans–2,800 of them (1/3) are immigrants (5,700 through births minus deaths, which also includes many illegal aliens' anchor babies). Are all of these 2,800 per day here legally and/or with the best of intentions? NO, to both. Even if only a small percentage of this daily figure comes to America with bad intentions, that is a huge number and more than our law enforcement authorities can handle.
As for the birthrate, it is highest among immigrants–again BOTH legal AND illegal:
Women have to give birth to an average 2.1 babies to offset deaths and keep the population even. . . . The overall birthrate is slightly above two – just below replacement levels.
When the U.S. population was at 200 million in 1967, women had an average of three children and the government expected the population to hit 300 million as early as 1990. By the 1980s, the birthrate had tumbled and government estimates projected that the country wouldn't get there until the 2020s. The flow of immigrants turned those projections on their heads.
And a strange dichotomy for America: It's finally waking up to immigration problems, yet still remains somewhat clueless:
Half of Americans say their communities have grown a lot in the past five years, but more than three-fourths say growth is a minor problem or no problem where they live, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken in early June. Though about a third say growth will become a major issue in their communities, more than half say it will be a major problem for the country as a whole. Almost half attribute population growth to immigrants. . . .
Oddly, most Americans don't have a clue how many people actually live in the USA or how many are expected to. Twenty-nine percent guessed the population at 200 million or less, and 19% put it at 1 billion or more. Twelve percent came within 50 million of guessing correctly.
Important stuff, lest we be invaded and birthrated out of existence in America as we know it.
Tags: America, Debbie Schlussel, Europe, Japan, Jeffrey Passel, law enforcement authorities, Pew Hispanic Center, United States, USA Today


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There are several circumstances in which a child born outside of the United States may acquire citizenship. The first one I will discuss is when the child's parent is a citizen of the United States. Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act lays out the conditions in which a child born outside of the United States may automatically acquire citizenship. Section 320 states that a child born outside of the United States automatically acquires citizenship when:
When a child does not meet the above conditions as set out in Section 320, a look at Section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act may be required. Under Section 322, a parent who is a citizen of the United States may apply for citizenship on behalf of a child that was unable to automatically acquire citizenship under Section 320. In our next discussion, I will delve further into Section 322 and its requirements. Additionally, I will provide examples of cases under Section 322. If you're considering filing for a child, or simply have questions regarding the immigration process, please call the Law Office of Robert L. Booker, P.C. today. We will take the time to explain to you the law and discuss with you every option available.


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Sylvester J. Schieber
Abstract — Here we provide an overview to a set of papers that analyze various facets of the shift to cash balance and other hybrid pension forms that has become controversial and widely discussed phenomenon in the evolution of private, employer-sponsored pensions in the United States. These new plans take on the characteristics of defined contribution plans from the perspective of workers but continue to be funded and operated as defined benefit plans from the perspective of plan sponsors. The shift to this new style of plans began in the mid 1980s but then took off and accelerated toward the end of the 1990s. This paper describes the context in which this shift in plan types being offered by employers took place because it helps to explain various features of these plans addressed in the remaining papers and the underlying reasons that employers have adopted the new plans. The latter part of this paper provides a very brief summary of the conclusions drawn from the remaining papers in the set.


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Naples, Fl Wedding Venue
Two Venues Two Styles
Two Locations
Naples Wedding Barn
It's Your Day!
We see you – pinning, planning, and dreaming big about your wedding day. You've got lots of inspiration pins,
and all of them aren't a typical Florida beach wedding.
You've got your heart set on a beautiful outdoor wedding, but let's face it – it gets very hot in south Florida. If you've been looking long, you know it seems impossible to find a charming outdoor venue
with a stunning indoor reception area with AC.
We're glad you're here, because Naples Wedding Barn is about to "check all the boxes" and find its way to the top of your short list.
Whether your vision is a lavish evening with over-the-top florals, a big name band, or a lovely casual wedding day surround by your closest friends and family, we can't wait to meet you.
We pride ourselves on having transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and offer Naples and Fort Myers area couples a beautiful affordable alternative to basic banquets halls and high-priced hotels.
So pull up a seat and stay a while.
Everything you need to start planning your big day at Naples Wedding Barn is right here on our website.


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Cause of Peyronie's Disease
Although the cause of Peyronie's disease (PD) is still unknown almost 375 years after Peyronie first wrote about the condition, it is now generally agreed there are multi-factorial issues that contribute to this problem. While the cause is unknown, this does not mean there is no cause and it does not mean there is no effective Peyronie's disease treatment even though the medical profession does not acknowledge the ability of the body to repair this problem 50% of the time. . An undetermined cause is only a reminder of the complexity of this condition, and that more needs to be done to unravel its many mysteries.
Multifactoral origins
As a general statement, all authors and clinicians maintain that the single most likely factor causing PD is direct or indirect trauma. More than 75% of men with PD are between 45 and 65 years of age, when the collagen of the penis is less elastic and more susceptible to injury.(1) This ties in neatly with injury as the primary causation. Of those men who recall an event of penile trauma, it is often reported to be something like an invasive examination procedure, blunt trauma or a bend-injury during intercourse, at the site of subsequent plaque formation. While the evidence for trauma to the penis as the total or partial cause of PD is strong, clinicians admit that many times no injury can be recalled prior to the onset of the condition. This then leads to speculation about the minor nature of injury, one so small – even a bump – as to be easily forgotten, that can start the problem.
While significant trauma might explain the sudden onset of PD, it does not explain why most cases develop slowly and with absolutely no memory of trauma, even minor. Further, trauma does not explain why some cases of PD disappear rather quickly, or why similar conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand do not start after trauma.(1-4)
Genetic predisposition is a possible cause of PD, because it is fairly common for men with PD to also have health problems from a particular list of conditions. The most common condition found in association with PD is Dupuytren's contracture. This is a similar problem of excess dense tissue formation in which a cord-like hardening develops across the palm of the hand, usually at the 4th and 5th digit. In fact, up to 47% of men with PD also had another condition associated with loss of soft tissue elasticity, such as Dupuytren's contracture or Ledderhose's disease (fibrosis of soft tissue on the bottom of the foot). Other less common conditions and situations that occur with PD are diabetes, tympanosclerosis, Paget's disease, hypertension and gout.(9,10) Studies of Peyronie's patients have even implicated an autoimmune component.(11,12) This gives support to the theory that men with genetic predisposition to these conditions respond to mechanical injury and micro-hemorrhage of the tunica albuginea with an unusually excessive wound healing reaction.(1, 3-15) Thus, men with these particular conditions could possess a genetic background that causes excess scar development and predisposes to development of Peyronie's plaques.
Medication is also related to occurrence of Peyronie's disease, although not as a significant factor since the type of drugs implicated were not known or used in the time of Peyronie when the condition already existed. The drugs suggested as a possible cause belong to a class of blood pressure and heart medications called beta blockers. These drugs are also used to treat glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and seizures. Developing PD as a side effect of these drugs is rare. Check with your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed drug.(16)
Along with the reduced soft tissue elasticity that is associated with the aging process, there is another factor that could contribute to PD that does not seem to appear in the medical literature. That factor is reduced blood circulation in the older male, including the penis. If about 75% of the men with PD are between 45-65 years of age, these men could also have reduced blood flow and poor oxygen supply to the penis as well as other parts of the body. If you recall from the pathology section of this website, you learned that "lack of oxygen would therefore increase collagen (scar) formation." So if oxygen is critical in keeping scar development in check, and oxygen is carried by the blood, then anything that increases blood flow and oxygen to the penis can decrease scar development of PD, and maybe even cause elimination of existing scar tissue in the latter phase. Keep this in mind as we discuss treatment ideas in other sections, and how it nicely ties a few treatment ideas together.
There is a direct, safe and effective technique for manual penis stretching that has been researched and developed by PDI. For details, click on stretching curved penis.
1. Devine CJ Jr, Somers KD, Jordan SG, Schlossberg SM. Proposal: trauma as the cause of the Peyronie's lesion. J Urol 1997;157:285-90.
2. NIH Publication No. 04-3902 – December 2003
3. Van de Water L. Mechanisms by which fibrin and fibronectin appear in healing wounds: implications for Peyronie's disease. J Urol 1997;157:306-10.
4. Jarow JP, Lowe FC. Penile trauma: an etiologic factor in Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction. J Urol 1997;158:1388-90.
5. Desanctis PN, Furey CA Jr. Steroid injection therapy for Peyronie's disease: a 10-year summary and review of 38 cases. J Urol 1967;97:114-6.
6. Somers KD, Dawson DM. Fibrin deposition in Peyronie's disease plaque. J Urol 1997;157:311-5.
7. Rodriques CI, Njo KH, Karim AB. Results of radiotherapy and vitamin E in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1995;31:571-6.
8. Morales A, Bruce AW. The treatment of Peyronie's disease with parathyroid hormone. J Urol 1975;114:901-2.
9. Carrieri MP, Serraino D, Palmiotto F, Nucci G, Sasso F: A case-control study on risk factors for Peyronie's disease. J Clin Epidemiol, 51: 511-515, 1998.
10. Nyberg LM Jr., Bias WB, Hochberg MC, Walsh PC: Identification of an inherited form of Peyronie's disease with autosomal dominant inheritance and association with Dupuytren's contracture and histocompatibility B7 cross-reacting antigens. J Urol, 128: 48-51, 1982.
11. Schiavino D, Sasso F, Nucera E, Alcini E, Gulino G, Milani A, Patriarca G: Immunologic findings in Peyronie's disease: a controlled study. Urology, 50: 764-768, 1997.
12. Stewart S, Malto M, Sandberg L, Colburn KK: Increased serum levels of anti-elastin antibodies in patients with Peyronie's disease. J Urol, 152: 105-106, 1994.
13. Devine CJ Jr., Somers KD, Jordan SG, Schlossberg SM: Proposal: trauma as the cause of the Peyronie's lesion. J Urol, 157: 285-290, 1997.
14. Devine CJ Jr., Horton CE: Peyronie's disease. Clin Plast Surg, 15: 405-409, 1988.
15. Diegelmann RF: Cellular and biochemical aspects of normal and abnormal wound healing: an overview. J Urol, 157: 298-302, 1997.
16. 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).


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5 Stars
"The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded 107mm in rainfall this month – compared with the usual 57mm for the full 30 days". Train stations are under water, driving on the roads feels like you're living out that scene from Twister, umbrellas are inverting everywhere and tonight, Not the Worst Productions happens to have scheduled it's opening performance of Andrew Bovell's 2008 play: When the Rain Stops Falling. Oh the irony.
When the Rain Stops Falling, penned by the same playwright of Speaking in Tongues (known more commonly to many in the form of the film Lantana) is a mind-bending story of the twisted history of a man's family that plays on the concepts of Belonging, Love, Identity and Acceptance. In a similar fashion to Tongues, it uses interwoven storylines and timelines to blur the narrative and challenge it's audience to pay attention to detail and piece together a mystery lined with tragedy and deceit.
Not the Worst Productions' follow up to their 2014 production of Neil Labute's The Shape of Things bears all of the marks of a company that has matured and progressed, to the point that it would easily be mistaken in memory for a production that one saw at the MTC.
Many aspects of this production are in short, flawless. The set design by Stephen Ritchie is simple but effective. The transparency of the suspended panels that adorn the space, beautifully accompany the intrusion of characters from other time frames in the background of the forefront scenes. Musical compositions by David Cheshire (the man worked on Lift Off!) are played effortlessly by his brother John Cheshire on a subtle piano to the side of the stage. The music is composed in such a way that one would expect film scoring to be written – it eases in and out of the scenes almost unnoticed, yet it heightens the intentions of the text so remarkably that it would almost feel criminal to play out the scenes without it.
Director David Mustafa has done an excellent job with a stellar group of actors. Mustafa has beautifully mastered the tapestry of Bovell's complex storylines and structure. As two of the story's protagonists, Adam May delivers a breathtakingly stunning performance. May is a truly gifted storyteller and a marvelous physical actor. Delivering perhaps the most epic opening monologue ever written, May does not drop a beat. His performance as both Gabriel York and Henry Law is engaging, disarming and heartbreakingly raw. "If I remain standing, my son won't know that I don't wear socks." A line that cut through the air so fine, that my heart nearly exploded. And that was only five minutes into Act One.
The other exceptional performance in this production is that of Red Stitch alumni's Nikki Brumen as the young Gabrielle York. Brumen is sharp, dry and delivers a performance with a vigerous bite. As reticent as the character is written, Brumen's performance is believable and honest. She's just a girl who tells it like it is. She's also the reason you may wish to bring along a tissue or twelve.
For the most part, the remainder of the seven-strong cast is strong. Don Nicholson as the unwaveringly patient Joe Ryan gives an incredibly grounded and well-rounded performance – which I must commend given he is surprisingly new to the acting scene, having entered it only three years ago. Company founder Warren Logan makes for a beautifully gentle Gabriel Law, although his confusion of an English/Irish accent was at times, quite distracting. Stephanie Powell as Gabriel's mother is cold and dogmatic. A very committed and focused performance though I did wish for a slight shift in her cold exterior in her final scene to allow for a slight display of a more colourful emotional depth. Particularly given how incredibly heightened her younger portrayal (played by the unceasingly high-pitched Catherine Jardine) was presented.
Complimenting the entire conceptual design of the production is a soundscape provided by David Ward. It truly is remarkable what a difference an intelligent combination of sound effects and music will make to a production. Lighting by Candy Cooper is creative and highly effective. A true artist who understands that when it comes to lighting in smaller theatrical spaces, often less is more.
This is a play that really does need to be seen. It's so refreshing to see theatre that is more than mind-numbing amusement where all of the answers are served on a silver platter. And even more so to see it performed by a company who know how to deliver it.
Running for a very limited season, I implore you to buy a ticket.
When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell.
Presented by Not the Worst Productions
Brunswick Mechanics Institue
April 26 – May 6, 2017.
Photos: Ben Fon
#TheatreMelbourne #TheatreReview #Theatre #MelbourneTheatre #AndrewBovell #NottheWorst #WhentheRainStopsFalling #StraightPlay #Play


text: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, seen here in November 2010, appeared on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Kimberly White/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Kimberly White/Getty Images Opinion Pop Culture Happy Hour Mark Zuckerberg Meets Jesse Eisenberg On The 'Saturday Night Live' Stage January 30, 2011 Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg showed up on Saturday Night Live to come face-to-face with Jesse Eisenberg, who played him in The Social Network. As the video shows, Zuckerberg is no comedian, but he put in a good effort.


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In On the Move, our regular column about migration, we present pairs of distribution maps from eBird that you can use to compare where interesting birds are at different times of year. We featured Harlequin Duck pictured above, in our December 2016 issue.
Harlequin Duck
During the breeding season (left map), Harlequin Duck is the master of its domain, ably navigating fast-flowing mountain rivers throughout its breeding range, from Alaska south to Washington, in the northern Rockies of Idaho and Montana, and also in northern Quebec and southwestern Greenland.
During the nonbreeding season, ducks occur singly or in small groups of a few birds up to tens of individuals. Wintering individuals occur along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, from southern Alaska to central California and from Newfoundland to the Mid-Atlantic states. Important wintering concentrations occur along the coast of British Columbia, at Vancouver Island, Canada, and in Puget Sound, Washington. Small numbers also inhabit the Great Lakes, where they should be looked for near rocky jetties and piers.
See eBird's real-time distribution map for Harlequin Duck.
Read about Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island's Harlequin hotspot.
A version of this article appeared in "Birding Briefs" in the December 2016 issue of BirdWatching.
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Sign up for our free e-newsletter to receive news, photos of birds, attracting and ID tips, descriptions of birding hotsspots, and more delivered to your inbox every other week. Sign up now.
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Originally Published


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Instagram is moving towards a crystal clear policy for everyone when a post has been paid for by an advertiser. The move comes in at a time when ethical issues have been raised from various quarters about the nature of advertisement and promotional content in modern day social media. Influencers of the future may have to clearly mention about the post being part of an advertisement campaign.
Increased transparency
Influencer marketing is a major source of revenue for many celebrities – internet and otherwise. People having significant following due to their content being targeted by companies for promoting their business. The exercise has seen social media celebrities earn valuable business; volume of which depends on the influence circle of the account under question.
Also Read: Instagram Update: Upload Pictures At Mobile Web Version Without The App
The problem however has become an ethical dilemma. At times the content shared on media often comes out without disclaimers. This ends up leading to situations which aren't ideal at all times. Internet groups have voiced their concern about 'hidden marketing tactics' and now Instagram seems to be listening to such voices more carefully.
The disclosure statement
Influencer marketing where brands pay Instagram celebrities to promote their products may come with a crystal clear disclosure. Currently many sponsored posts come with ambiguous language or the details are mentioned in the 'more' button. An example of ambiguous language is when influencers just add a tiny "Thanks, [Sponsor Name Here]!" in the middle or end of a long caption.
Instagram's Creative Programs Director, Charles Porch said that most influencers and advertisers are looking for a clear, straightforward way to make these disclosures.
"People are building amazing businesses on Instagram all over the world, at all sorts of scale," Porch said. And those users are "looking for ways to be super transparent with their followers when they have a partnership."
The new feature will help the influencers tag a brand as the sponsor for their post. This will accomplish a label "Paid partnership with" notification at the very top of the post. The disclosure will also show up on instagram stories if it's part of a promotional campaign.
Also Read: Instagram Stories Now With Advertisements
Porch explained:
"Right now, we're still in phase one. The goal is to one, educate people and two, get a ton of feedback … There will be enforcement, but first we want to get feedback on how everyone reacts."
Being an avid social media user, I think this is a right move, at a very good time indeed. Hope that other social media platforms will follow suit as well.


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We have created three more presentations for the Institute, which today are used in direct communication with clients and business partners. Layout, choice of colors and graphics, is a compromise between minimalism and tradition.
In February 2018, we have developed a presentation that created an important element of the stage design of of the awards event which took place at the InterContinental hotel in Warsaw. The sky and stars theme defines contrast with the text. The whole, perfectly visible even from a distance, was a beautiful background for photos with the laureates.
In May 2018, we have launched a new Retail Institute website, which is the essence of the style developed over the last months. Check it out for yourself at http://einstitute.com.pl
ARPI Network is a part of ARPI Group, a Norwegian holding which started to operate in Poland in 2001.www.arpi.com


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weeblrAMP SEO setup
We always pay a lot of attention to SEO, and AMP pages requires the same attention. weeblrAMP has a number of SEO-related features, that basically comes down to trying to help search engines to understand your page content more easily.
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Posts Tagged 'Brendan Nguyen'
Review: WasteLAnd Summer Concert Series Finale
On Saturday evening, August 1, 2015, the final concert of the WasteLAnd summer series was given in Clausen Hall at Los Angeles City College in Hollywood. The music consisted of works for piano and voice, with Stephanie Aston, soprano and Leslie Ann Leytham, mezzo-soprano the featured singers. Richard Valitutto and Brendan Nguyen accompanied.
The first piece on the program was Got Lost (2007/2008) by Helmut Lachenmann and this began with whooshing and breathy sounds from Stephanie Aston while a series of low solitary notes issued from the piano, played by Richard Valitutto. This continued for a some minutes but gradually some humming was heard along with a few musical fragments of tunes. This escalated, and rapid runs on the piano keyboard collided with powerfully sustained pitches by Ms. Aston as the dynamic balance shifted back and forth between them. As the piece continued the voice parts became more musical and the piano took on a split personality with Richard Valitutto skilfully executing a number of extended techniques. The piano strings were variously strummed, plucked and stopped by hand as a note was played and this gave rise to a number of interesting effects in quick succession; it actually seemed as if there were two different instruments accompanying the vocals. Perhaps the most intriguing effect was when the piano was silent but with the sustain pedal held down. Ms. Anston gave out a short fortissimo passage that was caught by the piano strings and heard as a ghostly echo. Lachenmann's unconventional techniques were on full display in this piece – all the more impressive as none involved electronics or amplification of any kind.
Got Lost is without any sort of beat and the performers were seen to be cuing each other as they worked their way through. Their timing and coordination were admirable given the unorthodox demands of the score. The various clicks and pops of the vocal sounds were like a frustrated foreign language, just on edge of intelligibility. The piano added to the alien, anxious feeling with sharp, stabbing notes and loud crashes at unexpected intervals. Got Lost astonishes the listener with its ever-changing series of complex sounds, textures and dynamics and the performance on this occasion was smoothly and skillfully realized.
5 McCallum Songs (2011) by Nicholas Deyoe followed, again featuring Stephanie Aston and Richard Valitutto. This piece consists of five sections, each a setting of the text from the series Love Poems, by poet Clint McCallum. The opening section begins with deep, solemn chords from the piano and the airy soprano voice above singing "I want you to look at me with throbbing eyes…" This sets the tone – plaintive, yet with a smoldering passion. High soprano notes arced gracefully above the piano accompaniment and with the words "I want to show you the cover, and snatch the book away" Richard Valitutto slammed shut the keyboard cover on the piano to end this section.
The second section seemed yet more sorrowful and the quiet vocals had a feeling of lonely sadness about them that hinted at distress. In section three the singing was stronger and more active with soft piano notes and chords underneath. The text "Your begging eyes free my soul, I'll never let you go" was especially moving. Section four had a single line that was repeated: "to convince you" and this was beautifully sung by Ms. Aston in a small, soft voice. For the final section the piano was tacet and the emotion from the soprano voice singing " and as I turned you grabbed me and kissed me" was very moving. 5 McCallum Songs filled the spacious hall with a quiet economy of sound yet completely imparted all of the sentiment embedded in the text.
The final piece in the concert was Canti della tenebra (2011) by Swiss-born composer Beat Furrer and this was the US premiere. The featured singer was Leslie Ann Leytham, mezzo-soprano and the pianist was Brendan Nguyen. Canti della tenebra, a setting of text by Dino Campania, was sung entirely in Italian and proceeded in a series of sections. The first began with a deep rumble in the lower registers of the piano that dominated the soft vocals and this established the feeling of faint tension that suffuses throughout the entire work. The voice line soared briefly above, but the piano became more agitated, with notes running rapidly up and down the keyboard. The voice retreated into low, quiet tones, as if subdued, and this added an understated color to the overall texture. Eventually, the piano dropped back a bit as if to give the vocalist some space for a final declarative statement to conclude the opening section.
There were moments that overcame the early bleakness. In a later section, the singing of Ms. Leytham took the lead with a lovely chromatic melody line with the piano in a supporting role. This produced a more introspective feeling, aided by some masterful singing in the lower registers. Still another section had a more uplifting feel as a line of single piano notes was followed by warm, sustained tones in the voice that made for some lovely harmony. The later sections restated the initial sense of anxiety with waves of active piano notes and a series of strong vocal passages filled with tension. Towards the close an extended piano solo moderated the disquiet and the singing became gentle and reassuring. Some very lovely singing and playing followed as the piano slowly faded away at the finish.
Canti della tenebra contains a wide range of emotions that must flow through the voice and piano. The singing of Leslie Ann Leytham – especially in the lower, darker registers – was admirably suited to this task and the playing of Brendan Nguyen provided the ideal accompaniment.
This final concert of the WasteLAnd summer series proved how powerful and evocative the simple combination of voice, piano and poetic text can be in the right artistic hands.