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Chapter Thirteen
I decide to meet up with my girl, get in an hour of gung fu and have lunch. A taxi has me in the guts of Chinatown in a few minutes, Janah's in her office.
"I'm here, going to change and get in a workout, see you at lunch."
Janah, "Twins at the diner?"
"Yep, Dasha's making the southern style green beans, bacon and ham chunks, onion, simmer all day. She's also got the pot roast to prepare for po-boys, another long cooking process."
Janah, "What's she making with the green beans for tomorrow's hot lunch?"
"Meat loaf with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, cornbread."
Janah, "I know where I'm having lunch tomorrow."
I'm changed and on the practice grounds, it's forms and weapons for an hour, the monks have already been at it for two. Then to see David Li and Manolo in the garden.
Manolo is watering plants, "Master Sylk, I see you have been at practice."
"Yes, after lunch I'm sticking around for hard gung fu this afternoon, where's David Li?"
He points to our elevated nursery, "On the third level. We have ripe tomatoes to be picked."
"Going to be some at lunch today?"
Manolo, "Yes."
Looking forward to that. David figured out how to grow Creole tomatoes in Manhattan, and they are some of the tastiest natural delicacies on Earth. Other than a hint of salt and pepper, they run without add ons, the unique flavor eliminates the need. He can only grow enough to use at the monastery, and the plants only bear fruit in the early summer, it isn't a cash crop. He sells herbs to local shops, there's not much money in it, we can't produce enough after he makes his liniments and medicines for the temple. I move through the bamboo and sit in Tan's hut, fold up into meditation until time for lunch.
Janah, These tomatoes are a work of art, lunch is served and eaten in silence, but the appreciation for it is evident in the faces.
Our atmosphere encourages laughter and joy, even the contemplatives and mystics are not always stoic and serious, one always feels welcome warmth. During the rest period after lunch, I help clean the dining room, chat with the kitchen staff.
"Armando, lunch was excellent, thank you. Spicy fried rice, silky egg drop soup, I see our bread provider is still on his game, crusty French as good as ever."
Armando, "They have great breads, same company you found years ago. I thought over making our own, but it is time consuming and I doubt we can make it better than professionals. We make our own cornbread, something else you introduced. In the winter, we make vegetarian cornbread dressing, usually with garden meatloaf, macaroni and cheese or your southern green beans, mock duck and grapeseed oil instead of bacon fat."
"That's how we make it at home for Janah. Dasha is cooking the meat version at the Village Diner right now."
Armando, "She still goes in two days a week then."
"She finds the craziness of Mini's kitchen relaxing, you know how it is, you cook for a lot of people, you have to be in the moment, the time flies by. She says it's like she shows up, starts work and the day's over in what seems like minutes."
Armando, "Tired young lady at the end I suspect."
"Pooped, in that good way, like when you do something worth doing and get in the zone."
Armando, "I can relate."
We swap bows, I'm off to be brutalized, and dish out some of my own brutality, all with compassion of course. It sounds strange, but our training is compassionate. Not gentle, that's not compassion. Compassion is helping others get the most out of training, discover they can endure more than they think. And you receive their compassion the same way, we are obliged to deliver pain, receive it and learn from it. That's not to say we do mortal combat. It isn't about broken bones. But we learn what sharp blows feel like, and we learn that we can continue after receiving them. Our bodies harden and adjust over time, there is pain, but we mentally and physically acclimate. It takes years, and needs regular combat to maintain; no different than any athletic training, if you aren't hurting, you aren't progressing, the cliché no pain, no gain, has become trite, nonetheless true.
I don't bother to shower, Janah is coating me in liniment, I have a few bruises and an ankle strain. Once I'm sufficiently soaked and massaged, we walk to the apartment. Keeping the ankle in motion is better than propping it up on a pillow and David Li's liniment is nothing short of magical. Most balms only warm the surface skin, or chill it, but doesn't penetrate very deeply. His infuse, almost burn for a while. Bruises evaporate in hours, tissue around sprains bathed in warmth.
Amaya, "Eeew, you reek of compost and camphor. Immediately to the shower, stinky, give me those jeans and your shirt, they must be washed immediately or we will all be dizzy and nauseated."
"You ought to smell me from my nose," I strip off my clothes, head up the steps, I hear the washer filling before I hit the top of the stairs.
Dasha, you are still at work?
Da, we will leave now, just feenish putting beans away for overnight. I am tired, Vesnushki will make tea, you will tell her.
See you soon.
"Chloe, Dasha has assigned you tea duty, the girls are on the way. If you're busy, I'll do it."
Chloe, "They will want to shower first, everything will be ready."
As I'm drying off I hear Amaya again, "Yuck, more clothes, Dasha you smell like a fry cook, give them to me and get a shower."
Dasha, "Eemaya, what ees to expect? Cook in busy keechen all day, not sit around typing in laptop. Look at myself in mirror thousand times."
I hear Chloe and Janah giggling.
Amaya huffs, "Just do as your are told, communist sympathizer, yech, I may gag, hurry up, grease monkey."
Dasha, "Eemaya ees isporchennyye otrod'ye."
Amaya, "See, commie-speak, I knew it! What does it mean?"
Daria, "Spoiled brat."
Amaya laughs, "Of course, who more deserving? Now go, and scrub, plenty of hot water, urchin."
Dasha, "What ees urchun?"
Daria, "Malʹchishka."
On their way upstairs, Dasha tells her sister, "Kommunisticheskiy malʹchishka, Eemaya ees sumasshedshiy capitalist."
Daria, "Da."
Amaya, "What now?"
Janah, "Crazy capitalist."
Amaya, "Oh, a compliment, how sweet."
When we get downstairs, Nikko and Zi have arrived, our own Group of Eight around our tea table relaxing.
Nikko, "I see you got beat up today."
"Stayed for hard gung fu, there's a reason they call it hard. Either I'm getting worse or the monks are getting better, I thought Master Alex might have cracked a rib, just a nice bruise though."
Zi, "Nikko and I need a session after tea, we've been up to it with the new ranch and a school."
Chloe, "I know Janah found a place for the new ranch, in New Mexico. Do you have a spot for the school?"
Nikko, "The building where Chris' taekwondo school is located. Susan and Daphne turned over operations to two 5th degrees after Chris passed away, but she owns the entire building. The top four floors are office rentals, the studio is on the second floor, the ground floor is retail. Third floor I let go empty a few months ago, leases expire at the end of this year on four and most of five, sixth has two more years. We can open the school, start with the first and second grades, maybe even third. It will give us a chance to go slow, be picky about students. Do fourth through sixth over time. The kids moving up will automatically fill those grades."
Chloe, "The school has no history, how do you get students?"
Amaya, "Dear One, Chapman's students have younger siblings. Once this is pitched as an entry level Chapman's, they will have too many students."
Chloe, "Of course, pretty slick. How does Susan make out on the deal?"
Nikko, "We do the remodel, she is donating the space, gets a much needed tax deduction. Janah wants to operate as a 501c3 educational Trust. We already have one, The Sylk Trust. Mrs. Epstein has pledged a million, our school is flush and we don't have any students yet."
Daria, "Trust will pay salaries for Daphne, all of family, everyone will teach at school, salary for that. We pay income tax, but not the Trust."
Amaya, "Can I donate instead? I am already making money from book and movie royalties, I do not spend close to that. I have no rent, no insurance costs, no medical, not even food costs."
Chloe, "It's the same for me. Right now, my income just goes to the brokerage account."
Nikko, "We know that. Our lawyers and tax people are creating structure to minimize tax and demonstrate that the Sylk Trust assets are being appropriately disbursed. So, I'm afraid you are going to have to take a check and sing for your supper. You will have legitimate roles, either in the school or in the management of the Trust. Amaya, for instance, will be on salary as a creative director, as will Chloe in some designated role, geisha studies, I don't know, she can create it. Daria is easy, she's in finance. Daphne is director, Dasha can oversee nutrition, gymnastics if she wants. Janah is an educational consultant, Zi and I are operations officers."
Amaya, "It's like no matter what we do, we make more money."
Zi, "The nature of wealth. If you give it away unwisely, it's wasted. If you hoard it, it does no good. We are trying to spend it in ways that make sense, either for education or to get the abused into a new, safer life. But we can't just go dripping dollars out the window. And the tax rules for 501c3s are such that we have to operate within certain constraints."
Amaya, "I understand, then we will take on our roles and perform for our pay. I will manufacture dozens of creative genius sprites."
Chapter Fourteen
Friday is relaxed, except for the twins, Janah and I go over to the diner for lunch. Daria's at the register pretending to like people, Dasha's back to me over the stove. The place is packed, we go to the storage room, which has a table and chairs, a fair number of quiet meetings take place there, it's empty today.
On the way I wave at Mini, hand sign we're going to the room. We can eat in there and not suck up customer space.
Couple of minutes later, we're loading up on meatloaf, well me, not Janah, creamed corn mashed potatoes, green beans, mine regular, her's veg, and jalapeno cornbread. There is apple and cherry crumble for dessert, with or without a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Janah, "Geez, Daph, Dasha's stuff is so good. I know it's mostly Ms. Alva's recipes, but still, she makes it come out perfectly."
"She does, and she does it in volume, which is different from a few servings. We experiment at home, she takes some of it here. It's her idea of fun."
Janah, "I didn't know there was a market for vegetarian green beans at the diner."
"There isn't, she made them just for you."
Janah looks at me, "I'd say you're kidding but you're not. Good gosh, what a simple touching gesture. You didn't…"
"No, I didn't plant it in her brain, I'd say it was a small gift, but they don't think that way. She just knows you're a veg and that we would come here for lunch today."
Janah, "Still, it occurred to her in the midst of a boatload of preparations and actual cooking. It's her version of thoughtfulness, even if she doesn't realize it."
We bring our plates and utensils to the kitchen, kiss Dasha, Janah adds, "Thank you for thinking of me, I loved all of it, but the green beans were a special happy treat."
Dasha nods, she's cutting chunks of meatloaf, the cook next to her filling plates with the sides, we move on, pass through the restaurant dodging customers, wave at Daria.
I hear her tell the guy checking out, "No Jack, I will not marry you and move to castle, I live already in castle. Go to work, don't waste time being foolish, thank you for coming, have a nice day, come again soon, bye-bye."
I hear him laugh, tell his friend, "I ask her every week, same answer, an honest woman. I'm in love."
We buck the line out the door, it snakes around the corner. Meatloaf, green beans and blunt force trauma from Daria, who'da thought?
We opt for a long walk through Soho, not Broadway, too crowded, wind up in a circle after three miles, then home.
Susan calls, "Taylor and I are off to London, then Paris next week. Eloise will be in and out, Kara will water plants, you shouldn't need to check on the place."
"Do you want to get a home automation system installed while you're gone? Daria and Eloise have it all worked out, you can monitor the condo from anyplace."
Susan, "Cool, it's no trouble?"
"You'll be gone a month, they can do it in two or three days. After trial and error on ours, they have it cold."
Susan, "Then go for it. Is it expensive?"
"How's free?"
Susan, "I ought to give them something, the equipment, their labor."
"A thank you will be sufficient, bring them something from Paris maybe."
Susan, "That's easy. I posted our schedule, hotels, flights on the family website. I see you've updated progress on the school. You're going to be busy."
"You were generous, donating the building space."
Susan, "It was going to you and Janah eventually anyway, now it's in the Sylk Trust, same thing. Nikko, Zi and Daria have taken over my investments, it's already feeling good, turning new corner from a life in front of a computer screen."
"You have arranged the car to the airport?"
Susan, "Yep, we're first class Virgin Atlantic to London, taking the train to Paris, Virgin back home. We have a driver for London and another for Paris. Eventually we're doing south of France and Spain perhaps. We're considering a cruise around Japan next year, then to Beijing and Hong Kong. We're both excited, Taylor has acquaintances in Paris, her agency is bugging her to do a shoot there."
"She going for it?"
Susan, "I told her she should, a kind of farewell to modeling. In her head she's already left, but I think if she can get it done in a day, she'll go for it. She doesn't want a weeklong project."
"Cheerio and bon jour, send photos."
Susan, "Things will show up on the website, take care of your girls."
We click off, I am so happy for Sis. Entering semi-retirement, enjoying the money she's earned over her career, taking in the rest of the world at her own pace. We, on the other hand, have less carefree things to do. Shadows roam the land, we have to bottle them up.
I find Daria, she's up in the workroom tinkering with Eloise the Elf.
"Daria, when you and Eloise have a free day or two, please automate the condo for Susan. I don't know if Kara wants her place done, I'll ask."
Daria doesn't look up from her worktable, covered in electronics, "Da, next week, finish drone first."
The elf is on the other side of the table, a grinder starts and sparks sparkle from whatever it is she's molding. She looks like a fly, big safety goggles on her tiny face, I return through the twins' bedroom, Dasha still on the computer. It's quiet in the room, once we saw lathes and grinders being installed, soundproofing became an obvious necessity. The new room is filled concrete block, except for a shared wall between the girl's bedroom and the workspace. Part of that wall in the workspace is the new bathroom. That's half the wall, and provides its own soundproofing. The connecting door is soundproof, the rest of the wall lined with a specialty composite that's just peel and stick. The silver metallic Mylar isn't homey, but it's a workspace, not a living room. And the stuff does the job.
"Dahfoney, ees time to kill Shadows now?"
"Soon. We have projects drawing to a close this week, we'll travel next week"
"Who ees to go?"
"Janah's still thinking it over. She and I for sure, you if you want to go. Daria and Eloise have things to work on here, Either Chloe or Zi, we will need a Sensitive. We think there are only two, but Surveillance is still collecting information."
Dasha, "How ees Surveillance to tell Shadow?"
"They can't. We're going on behavior. Things they do, walk into a store, walk out with whatever they want, cashier hands them money out of the register, doesn't even recall doing it, or even anyone being in the store."
Dasha, "Haf they kill persons?"
"We have no evidence of that, only speculation, Surveillance has video of them injuring a man, just a push to the ground, but he was never touched, didn't trip. The target was near him, there were words, the man fell backwards as if he'd been shoved."
Dasha, "We will kill them, come home."
Ah, the black and white world of the sociopath, "No, we will go and investigate. If they are Shadows, we do what we do."
Dasha blinks up at me, "Booley pushes man, cracks skull, like Manolo, haf to anyway kill. You will kiss me now, Dahfoney, we will make lunch."
How her mind works remains a mystery, three topics in a row. Still, kissing her is pleasant duty, I snag her soft cheek, go downstairs to rustle up lunch.
I take turkey and cranberry on toast, chips and sodas up to our toymakers, I have to issue a command, last time I did this, the food was still sitting when I went back an hour later, "Stop now, sit over here and eat."
Daria, "Da, one minute only, finish with screw."
Eloise is under a worktable, rummaging through a box of chips, pulls one out, stares at it, replaces it and takes another, after scrutiny, she's satisfied, stands and lays it on the table next to two others. She starts back under the table.
"Eloise, don't even think about it. Come, sit, eat, Daria, minute's up."
Daria, "Forty two seconds only," she has a stop watch in her head, she can tell you how much time has passed to the second and two decimal places. I know, I've timed her.
Despite her eighteen second cushion, she slides onto the stool in front of her plate, Eloise next to her, I wait with my arms folded, "Take the sandwich in your hands, eat it. No crap, mine is downstairs getting cold, I'll be back in ten minutes and I'll be watching the camera to make sure food is going in geek mouths."
Daria takes a bite, then Eloise, won't be a problem now. Once they start, they finish, occasionally need a little push. Daria was eating regularly until she got absorbed in her mechanical projects, now she's like Kara with a painting and the world disappears.
Downstairs, Dasha, Chloe and Amaya need no encouragement.
Amaya, "The waif makes great sandwiches, thank you Dasha."
Dasha, "Dobro pozhalovat," she eats a couple of chips, we like the basic kind, with sea salt and cracked pepper, or vinegar and salt, a little extra bite.
Chloe, "What are the engineers working on?"
"The drone, it's why they're so distracted, it's almost ready. There were bugs, the range wasn't what Eloise wanted and it was too slow. Once they have that figured out, then they have to install the camera and make sure it feeds video properly."
Amaya, "I thought it would also do audio."
"Video first. They are methodical, one step at a time."
Chloe, "I'm no engineer, but won't adding more stuff interfere with the range and speed?"
"Yes, which is why they added weight to the prototype, to compensate."
Chloe, "Dang, they are thorough. I couldn't put together a model airplane."
Amaya, "You did farm work, you must have some mechanical skill."
Chloe, "I was a kid, I milked cows, grew vegetables on a small scale, cleaned house. If there was a mechanical problem, mostly my deranged father did it. Anyway, that was big stuff, none of it electrical,"
Amaya, "Mechanical escapes me if it gets beyond operating a lipstick."
We laugh, well, not Dasha, if she's paying attention, it doesn't show, she says, "They haf feenish, I will get tray, Dahfoney, we will clean."
Amaya and Chloe would gladly help, they also know Dasha likes her routines, which includes clean up. They sneak in other services, change the twins' sheets, clean their bathroom, Amaya still buys all their clothes and accessories. Why in Dasha's mind one kind of help is different from the other, I have no clue.
Chapter Fifteen
Dasha, Janah, Zi and I fly to Wichita Falls, it's in Texas if you're geographically challenged. We fly private to Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, everything is arranged, an SUV, since Amaya isn't with us, I'm designated driver. The town is a hundred thousand people, we stay at the Hilton Homewood, better than acceptable, two king suites, which means a king bed and a separate sitting area.
It's noon Wichita Falls time, had lunch on the plane, we unpack and Janah checks the website. Our targets share an apartment. The mission is both to determine how dangerous they are and why Shadows are here at all, Wichita Falls is hardly a Mecca of illegal activity. It is, however, only a hundred twenty miles from Dallas, up Hwy 287, a straight shot northwest. Don't know if that has anything to do with anything, it's just the nearest big city.
Janah, "Let's roll, ladies, we have to determine why two potential Shadows are holed up in this smallish town."
"Any ideas?"
Janah, "Beats me, perhaps they're parked someplace small and off the radar because of something they want to hide or hide from. Maybe this is a practice ground. Maybe they are part of something bigger and this is their end of it. Maybe they just like it here. One thing we can be sure of, if they are Shadows, it isn't good."
"The biggest employer is Sheppard Air Force base, a training center, have they been hanging around that?"
Janah, "Not as far as we know. They drive around town, grocery shop, eat at a couple of restaurants. They have internet and satellite TV, no unusual activity, no fascination with porn sites. Vanilla."
We're in the SUV, a Lincoln, nice wheels. We've seen photos or our targets, one man appears to be fortyish, the other over fifty. Both are off the rack, not fat, not thin, no beards, hair cut close, not military, the older one is balding a bit. Caucasian males, no middle eastern or Asian influence. The names they use, Kurt Findley and Dale Bishop, don't register on arrest reports, don't much register at all. Pretty clear those aren't their real names, we've been working off the photos to see if they show up as someone else on old driver's licenses or passports. Surveillance lifted fingerprints from restaurant glasses, those weren't on file anyplace either.
Janah, "Our boys have been invisible, and we're in this with less information than usual. With Susan out of town, Daria and Eloise are trying to match up current photos with a variety of databases. And they're checking the Findley and Bishop who rent the apartment, somebody pays for internet service, phone bills, utilities, the things you can't mentally coerce people into."
"Unless they have the landlord under control and it's all on his tab."
Janah, "Yes, and if he or she shows up on all those bills then they aren't paying rent either. That would take a fair amount of energy, if that's how it's going down these guys are good in their evil and more dangerous."
"I think it's more likely than less. You noticed they picked a fourplex, not a mega complex where there's a paid staff who have no ability to let the rent slide, and you have to get your own utility, internet and satellite TV services."
Janah, "No, they can't control all that, it's all done online or on the phone and customer service is separate from billing. Neither Chan nor I can grab a mind over the phone, we have to be in physical proximity."
Zi, "Doesn't it eventually occur to the landlord that he isn't getting paid? They can't control people twenty four hours a day."
Janah, "Paper trail. They get a receipt from the landlord. If the landlord challenges them later, they show him the receipt. Now it's back on the landlord. They take his mind again, he believes they've paid, off he goes. They can play that game forever. Even better, convince the landlord he took their money and spent it, not their fault he didn't post it to their account."
"If that's what's happening, it doesn't take that much control, only when they pay the rent. Maybe they even plant the idea to spend their imaginary payment right away and it never even occurs to him that they didn't pay, even implant something to buy. In his mind, he collected cash and doesn't have to report the income."
Zi, "Geez Daphne, I'm glad you're on our team, that's nicely efficient and deliciously devious."
Dasha, "Daria will find out. We haf dinner now, vodka first."
Excellent suggestion, Zi and I don't drink, but Janah and Dasha do. We repair to the self created bar in our room. Wichita Falls is not a place to go for fine dining. On the flight, I'd explored restaurants, nothing surfaced as worth a special trip, most of it is barbeque or steaks, which is great, but ordinary, the specialty places, Chinese or Italian, range from mediocre to sad. There is no gourmet, or even upscale, it's a working class town. Fortunately, we can get decent vodka, wine and sparkling wine, order pizza or take out fried chicken or BBQ. Tonight, it's pizza. After a search, I find The Spot, a pizza joint. We decide to drive over and eat at the restaurant.
Turns out to be good, not Marconi's, but I admit bias. We have standard, Dasha likes pepperoni, anchovy, mushroom, Janah is veg, Zi and I are fine with anything. At nine thirty, we're back in Janah and Zi's room, Dasha is having another vodka, Janah a glass of cabernet, we sort of watch a movie, then Dasha and I go to our room. We don't get up to anything but sleep.
Chapter Sixteen
Homewood has a good hot breakfast, similar to what you would see in a Hampton, a touch more upscale maybe. They have waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal. The coffee is good, not brown hot water. We make our selections and locate a table off to one side.
Zi, "This isn't bad for buffet, nothing like the eggs and waffles Dasha spoils us with."
Dasha is dealing with a piece of bacon, she'd managed to find several crisp slices in the steam tray and brought a plateful to the table for the other two carnivores. Janah is happy with fresh fruit, oatmeal and a waffle. I'm doing oatmeal, Dasha and Zi have eggs.
"What's the plan, Daph?"
"Drive to the apartment, let Zi have a look around, get a read on our targets. I will hover nearby and make sure there's no interference, Dasha and you stay in the car. Zi, you will need to be sneaky, get a bead on them and move on. If they're any good, they will sense a Shaolin presence. I'm not ready to confront yet, let's see what Daria and Eloise can come up with."
We're back in the rooms doing minor disguise, we had flown out not looking like ourselves, temp hair dye, color contacts. Apart from that, we don't see the need for much elaboration, just sunglasses and hats.
Wichita Falls isn't big, seventy square miles, twice the size of Manhattan with six percent of the population. We're down from the target's place in ten minutes. It's a standard fourplex, two floors, two apartments each. According to the records, all are two bedroom cookie cutter. Parking is around back, stairs up in front and in the rear. Our targets' car, a Ford sedan something or other, is in its slot. They aren't living large.
Zi and I get out, there's minimal traffic, a residential neighborhood, people are generally at work, school's in session and it's only ten o'clock. Our targets live on the first floor right; unfortunately, curtains are open and the blinds up both in front and on the side. Zi has a bag of groceries in one hand a cell phone in the other, I drop off at the far left corner. Her phone rings, it's Janah. She doesn't want anything, just to make it appear Zi got a call, giving her a reason to stop just to the right of the apartment. She stands pretending to be listening and talking, clicks off, then fakes typing in a text and staring at the phone like she's waiting on a reply. Then she continues past the driveway and down the block. I move backwards down the street away from her. When I get to the next house, the apartment door opens and a man steps out, Findley. He trots to the sidewalk, looks down the block towards Zi, she stops, almost as if she'd been pulled from behind. I feel a surge of energy coming from Janah, Zi rolls her neck, like loosening tension and starts walking again. Findley cocks his head, jogs towards Zi. She and I don't mental, nor does she with Janah. But Zi is a Sensitive, she feels his oncoming presence. She ducks down the next driveway down the side of the house and does what Shaolin do, disappears.
I'm now behind Findley, "Excuse me, sir, is Malvern Avenue up ahead?"
I know it is because we'd just come down it.
He stops and turns, he stares at me perplexed, he can't figure out why he doesn't see my mind, I'm qi'd up with a Janah back, he can't get through the wall.
"Sorry, sir, Malvern Avenue?" I point in its direction.
He's pissed, he's lost the scent of the woman and he can't catch mine, "Yeah, yeah, two blocks," he stomps off, turns back halfway to his apartment, there's only empty street, I'm Shaolin too.
Janah picks us up, "Close, they must be good, what did you get, Zi?"
Zi hesitates, then, "The whole place is full of them."
Janah, "All the apartments?"
"All four. The rest not home, I got the residue they leave; without them physically, I can't gauge their level. Findley and Bishop are deadly dark, on a scale of one to ten, eight or nine."
Janah, "And now they are on guard."
"We had to find out, now we know."
Janah, "Should have waited until nighttime."
"For what? Then the others are home and they still could have sensed us. A pile of Shadows pouring out of the apartments would have been worse."
Dasha, "Ees better this way."
Janah, "They're going to be paying attention now."
Dasha, "So what? Ees gud, make them scare, be stupid."
Janah smiles, "You may be onto something. Let's go back to the room and see if Daria has anything."
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What have you been doing since leaving Parliament?
I've been enjoying the liberation of not being an elected politician. I am chair of University Hospitals in Birmingham and I set up a charity in Birmingham that works with young girls at risk of gang violence. I still do a bit of radio work and presenting: I made a documentary (Porn Again – an in-depth look into the porn industry). I've been doing some international work on political development in the Middle East. I also got to know my husband and my kids again, which was nice.
What appealed to you about your role at Westbourne?
I'm attracted to the way Westbourne works because I'm passionate about campaigning and making a difference. It's the same approach I always took to my elected politics – building broad coalitions, making arguments and bringing the public along with you. The role at Westbourne plays to my strengths while happening at an extremely challenging and interesting time in the political environment.
What do you regard as the most important issues in public affairs at the moment?
What's important is how people are interacting with politics. When I went into Parliament in 1997 there was a traditional approach to politics; decisions were made centrally, in London, with politicians and civil servants pretty much a part of what was going on. What we are now seeing, which is a development I welcome, is power being diversified. The public is less committed to individual parties and more interested in specific issues. People feel strongly that they should be part of the political debate. Westminster and Whitehall remain important but decisions are being made regionally.
At Westbourne the development of city regions means the political decision-making environment has become more complex. I can't ever remember changing my view because of someone offering to take me out to lunch – this is totally irrelevant today.
How will your experience help you in your new role?
I've been around a hell of a long time in the political world. I know what it's like to fight a marginal seat and the pressures on MPs – it's not from direct lobbying operations; it's the issues people are talking to them about in the media. I know how the Government operates and I've got a more sophisticated understanding of how it makes decisions.
What do you miss about being in politics?
I haven't left politics, I've left Parliament. I still go campaigning and knocking on doors to talk to people about their concerns. I can get engaged with policy development, building support and ideas. There isn't much I miss about Parliament.
I did enjoy being able to change things – as Home Secretary you're a powerful person but even then it's not a case of saying "I rule". The police is a good example – I understand from working with the police how important it is to build a consensus, for example with the development of neighbourhood policing. Policy can't be delivered from a diktat from the centre.
I used my influence and pressure where there was a bit of resistance. It's powerful being in Government but it's not all-powerful. I can show our clients that bringing about policy change is quite a complicated and nuanced thing and you need a sophisticated approach.
What are your thoughts on Labour's election strategy?
Election campaigning is about being clear about your message and able to communicate it – not just the detail of your policy, but also for people to feel like you know what their lives are like. Communication needs to be made at a local and national level. Ed Miliband is absolutely right when he talks about the four million conversations. There is scepticism among national media about the message political parties are putting out and they quite rightly challenge that – coincidentally when people make mistakes or there are supposed gaffes. It all makes good copy.
But what matters is whether Labour's message is going to chime with people, and I think its arguments about whether we are all benefitting from an economic recovery, whether people are still feeling the cost of living pressure and if we are living in a society where there are some vested interests who aren't operating in the best interests of the rest of us – all those things can be communicated at a local level.
The hordes of Labour activists, of which I am one, knocking on people's doors engaging in conversations aren't going to hit the headlines but they will be what makes a difference in the seats that matter.
In the light of the Jack Straw/Sir Malcolm Rifkind scandal, what are your thoughts on how ministers should behave?
Look, the supposed Chinese company was not a proper public affairs company so this is not a scandal about lobbying, as were none of the others. In most companies the idea you would make some crass approach to a minister and say "help us below the radar" is just not how things operate.
You change people's opinion by taking the public with you, not by sidelining them, and by being open about what you're doing. There's nothing shady about me bringing my political experience and commitment to the political process to work at Westbourne.
I know them both and I feel very sorry that someone's distinguished political career can end in that way but it's a statement about their slight foolishness in what they said, not about the process of public affairs or even politics more broadly.
When you were Home Secretary, were there any issues that arose because you were a woman?
I was enormously proud that I was the first woman Home Secretary – I was the first person to co-ordinate a cross-government approach to violence against women. I was pleased I did this because it honoured some of the things that brought me into politics in the first place. I remember the first 48 hours into the job, when there was a foiled attack in London and then an attack on Glasgow Airport and I had to make a public statement in front of Downing Street. Some of the comments at the time were hilarious; people said I appeared to be very assured and calm. I thought, I'm an experienced politician, spent eight years as a government minister and I'm confident in the police and security forces. Why do you think, just because I'm a woman, that I would come running out of Downing Street saying it's all too difficult?
When you are able to change people's attitudes, which to be fair, Theresa May has done as well, and get people to understand that it's not a big deal for an experienced woman politician to do her job, then it's great, but it's what we should be expecting.
We think we have won the battle for women in politics but there's still only one woman for every three men in Parliament, and it's still possible for a national newspaper to tell Rachel Reeves that she can't do a job in the Cabinet because she might have a baby. I had two young children while being a minister. There are some people's attitudes that still need to be brought into the 21st century.
There are plenty of women without kids -facing discrimination and men with young families, who equally have those pressures – you don't say to a man, you've been up in the night and you're knackered, so you can't do your job. It's ludicrous.
What are your thoughts on positive discrimination?
The idea that you wouldn't want the widest range of people making everyday decisions, including new mums, is just bad politics. Decisions would be worse if women weren't able to be an active part of them.
I was selected on an all-women shortlist and I'm proud I was. After the next election the reason why there will be nearly 50 per cent Labour MPs who are women, and a far fewer proportion of Tories and Lib Dems, is because Labour has been willing to put its action where its mouth is.
I'm afraid that in a first-past-the-post political system the only thing that's been proven to work is positive action in the way of all-women shortlists. People can go on as much as they like about how they wish there were more women in politics, but if you want it to happen you've got to make it happen and Labour is so far the only party that has done that.
Why are there not enough women in Parliament and how can this be addressed?
The sort of working practices and pressures expected in Parliament are hard – women look at the treatment other women get in politics and think, I want to make a difference but not in that way. Quite often women will come into politics because they've got involved in their kids' school or are interested in a particular issue and think party politics may be the way they can pursue that.
Opening up political ideas and campaigning more widely is the right thing to do as a company but it also chimes with the way women get involved in politics.
How will the election affect your work at Westbourne?
It's going to be an enormously interesting election, potentially what happens afterwards in terms of forming the next Government – it could go in a whole range of different ways. Being able to talk to our clients about what that might mean for the way Government operates and what priorities are going to be will be interesting.
What type of work will you be doing?
HS2 is a very good example – ministers don't operate in a vacuum. When you've got MPs asking why you are spending all this money, it's not enough to simply say it's a good thing. You've got to build support more widely, get the public feeling part of an overall story. We need to develop an argument to put -pressure on ministers and change opinions. People say I've gone over to the dark side but everything I've seen so far has been pretty open. Honestly, in this day and age, if you keep something undercover firstly, why would you want to? And secondly, you ain't going to succeed.
Jacqui Smith: 'I haven't left politics, I've left Parliament'
In 1997 Jacqui Smith entered Parliament as one of 'Blair's babes' on the back of an all-women shortlist. By 2007 she had become the first female Home Secretary and for two years was the most powerful woman in British politics. But she lost her Redditch seat in the wake of the MPs' expenses scandal. Now she is back as chair of Westbourne Communications' public affairs practice. She discusses politics, PR and passion with Anna Reynolds.
What have you been doing since leaving Parliament?

subset: commoncrawl


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For those old enough to remember this series on Doordarshan, I khojed up videos of Bharat Ek Khoj on YouTube. For the uninitiated, Bharat Ek Khoj (translated "Discovery of India") is a television series from 1988 based on Nehru's book Discovery of India.
My memories of the series are inchoate except for the tune in its title track. Two episodes watched so far and I can say with confidence that I would not have comprehended the philosophical inquiry or appreciated the culture dose of classical music and archaeology footage back in 1988. If there was a cartoon network in 1988, the 1988-me would have most likely changed the channel. Certain things take time to appreciate, and Bharat Ek Khoj is one such.


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Have you ever found yourself wishing you could buy things online without worrying about security or the form of payment?


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Avail Special 30% Discount on Your Food & Beverage Bills at our Restaurant 1951. For reservations Pl Call +91-9336312074 / 6390080222 / 9336835253 or Email - firstname.lastname@example.com / firstname.lastname@example.com.
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text:
US society
What do Americans actually think about the issues that Trump is loudest about?
With all the usual caveats that attend such polls and surveys, let's start with immigration. A Pew survey finds that American views of immigrants have improved throughout the Obama years, representing a complete reversal of what they were twenty years ago:


text: Mixed media--most often in the form of altered books--is a new medium for me. Much of the work below derived from my emotional reactions to the research I did while earning my doctoral degree. I find mixed media works well for emotional work, and can be more intuitive in process than classical painting and sculpture. The work posted here at present is not for sale, but I hope to begin producing mixed media altered books for sale in the near future.


text:
2010 Porsche 911
cylinders: 6 cylinders
drive: rwd
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type: convertible
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text:
Hmmm well, I was actually going to reject this, because it didn't seem to work on any of the programs I've got, i.e. WINAMP, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime.
BUT, I tried it on RealPlayer (I have v10) when I tried to run it, it said, something like, it couldn't play the movie because it didn't have the required files, it also asked whether I would like to look for updates to run this movie, I clicked yes, and it pointed me to this site where you could download the files required to run this movie, It was called DivX Player (with DivX Codec) 5.2.1, anyway, I downloaded the file it pointed me to, and installed it, and the movie ran fine! :)
It's a trailer for the LoE (Lords of Elements) clan, and its not too bad, the guy at the start sounds like he has a Sweedish accent or something, and that sounds cool lol. Theres some decent saber fighting in the movie, and the music works well. All in all it's a decent movie, and if your thinking of joining the LoE clan or are affiliated with them, then this is worth a download.
The only things I didn't like were that movie didn't run very smoothly, some of it was jerking around a bit, and that some of it was very dark, and I couldn't properly see what was going on.
Not bad though :)
~{ The LoE Trailer }~ Hey Its me Molteor. Thats a trailer for my favourite clan, LoE - Lords of Elements I hope u will enjoy it. Just open the avi file with Windows media player, Real player or other video opening program www.lordsofelements.com firstname.lastname@example.com
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There's a hell of a distance between wise-cracking and wit. Wit has truth in it; wise-cracking is simply calisthenics with words. –Dorothy Parker
One of the oddest things about my writing history is that it's full of silly newsletters. One of my strange skills as a writer is taking work events and turning them into occasionally witty silliness. I've done this at least three times, four if you count this blog. Well, maybe five.
The first newsletter I remember working on was during the summer I spent working in the Chelsea District of Kansas City, Kansas as part of a Kansas State University development project. I was part of team that consisted of five brilliant women and me (technically the mascot). Oddly, we all got along well, worked together well, and, well, didn't like our boss. (Long story.)
Unfortunately, although we were often busy, occasionally we weren't. During those times, I took it upon myself to "report back to headquarters", which we were encouraged to do, via a strange newsletter I think I called the Gremlin. Its catchphrase was "Because We Know You'll Pay". In it I reported the odd news events involving us. Usually I reported our successes, but I also remember reporting on the issues two of our number had with cockroaches. It was silly, but well received, but full of the kinds of stuff you "had to be there" to find funny. (For example, the story of the girl, the cockroach and the towel that had been used for days.)
The next summer, I did the same thing when I was assigned to work in Jetmore. I don't remember the name of the newsletter or its catchphrase, although I do remember reusing "Because We Know You'll Pay" and then changing it.
My next newsletter appeared when I was in Albania. This one I also called the Gremlin and it also had a catchy catchphrase that has slipped my mind. The Peace Corps Gremlin was more angry than the others and was written and printed during my frequent trips to the Peace Corps office. (I may still have a copy one of these tucked away somewhere but the odds are slim.)
The next newsletter came about as my friends were leaving the JET Programme. As I've mentioned before, I kept friends up to date on sumo news and Japanese pop culture news. I dubbed it the "Crazy Japan Times" after the slightly more prestigious Japan Times newspaper.
When I put it online, my only real gimmick was a series of ever-changing "Pithy Epigraphs" under the masthead of the page. They were random, often famous, often insane and, to my mind were often funnier than the newsletter:
Jolly Obfuscatory
A Tale Told By An Idiot
Prohibited Where Voided By Law
Crusty But Benign
Life With the Boring Parts
The Only Sane Man In The Room
Never Better Late
Eas In Crucem (Note: To hell with You.)
Bobby Thumbed a Diesel Down Just to Watch Him Die
These newsletters have been a lot of fun, but they are ultimately empty and, if I were to go back an look at them, dated. (In my defense, in the last news letter I wrote back in 2006, Shinzo Abe was Prime Minister so maybe it's not THAT dated.) They also didn't have any momentum.
As for this blog, well, it's my latest newsletter.


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Zenith'sBronia Hartley writes:Newham London Borough Council v Arboleda-Quiceno QBD(Lambert J) 31/07/2019The defendant local auth...Full Story
Justin Crossley
Wells v Wood and Nottingham County Council CC (Lincoln) 09/12/2016
This is another case in which the court considered a Defendant's application that a claim was statute barred following the payment of an incorrect court fee on issue. Zenith Chamber's Gordon Exall acted for the successful Claimant.
The Claimant had been injured in an RTA in September 2012. He issued a claim just on the cusp of limitation against the driver and the highway authority. The Claim Form limited the claim to £15,000. The correct fee was £675 but the Claimant paid £455. Particulars of Claim were not served until December 2015 which then pleaded that damages were expected to exceed £25,000.
In its Defence the First Defendant pleaded that the failure to pay the correct fee resulted in the claim not being properly brought and was therefore statute barred. The Claimant had obtained permission to amend the Claim Form to increase its value to £25,000 with effect from the 24th April 2016, paying the increased court fee.
The matter came before His Honour Judge Godsmark QC to consider the failure to pay the fee as a preliminary issue. The issues for the court to determine were:
It was the Defendant's contention that if the correct fee was not paid, then the claim has not been brought in time, such as to stop time running in respect of limitation. They argued there was no difference whether the mistake in relation to the payment of the issue fee was accidental or deliberate.
Within his judgment, the Judge carried out a review of the existing case law relating to court fees and limitation. This included the Ward Hadaway case which had previously sent a shudder through Claimant solicitors' firms up and down the country.
The Judge determined that the starting point was that a Claim Form issued by a court was effective in stopping limitation from running, irrespective of whether a correct or incorrect fee was paid. This position in that respect was not undermined by the recent case law. The judge rejected the Defendant's submission that "bringing" a claim was separate to "starting" a claim. In this case the claim form was issued within limitation and with that step the claim had been "brought" and started.
However, the Judge did recognise that a claim may be struck out as an abuse of process if there was a deliberate decision to avoid paying the appropriate issue fee. However he went on to say that the finding of such an abuse of process and the court's discretionary approach to such an application is quite separate from the limitation status of the claim.
In relation to the question of payment of the wrong fee – which had clearly happened in this case, the Judge went on to hold:
60 "In my judgment, questions of payment of court fees are primarily between the paying party and HMCTS. Such matters may become of interest to other parties where it is alleged that there is abuse of process or in the particular circumstances of investigating whether a party has done all in its power to set the wheels of justice in motion so as to have brought the claim before issue. It may be that having a shortfall in payment brought to his/her attention, the Judge will stay a claim pending payment of the correct sum but that will be a judicial decision. Otherwise non-payment of the correct fee may well attract the operation of CPR 3.7 and 3.7A with notices being sent giving them opportunity to pay before being struck out."
The Judge went on to consider what his approach would have been if he had been required to consider applying his discretion for the purposes of Section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980. He found that the most important of all of the circumstances was that the claim had been issued within the limitation period. He found that a letter of claim had been sent seven months after the accident which led to the issue of proceedings within time. Further, that the delay in payment of the correct court fee had not caused any prejudice to the Defendant. There had been no substantial effect on the cogency of the evidence and therefore if required the court would have exercised its equitable jurisdiction and applied Section 33, thereby allowing the claim to proceed.
The Defendant's arguments were therefore rejected and the preliminary issue determined in favour of the Claimant.
The decision is extremely helpful in establishing that where a claim form has been issued and sealed by a court it is effective in stopping time from running for the purpose of the Limitation Act 1980, even when an incorrect fee has been paid. It does, however, very much leave alive the potential for a claim to be struck out as an abuse of process if a Claimant has deliberately paid an incorrect court fee in effort to avoid a higher fee.
Bronia Hartley
Zenith'sBronia Hartley writes:Newham London Borough Council v Arboleda-Quiceno QBD(Lambert J) 31/07/2019The defendant local auth...Full Story
Frances Lawley
British Airways Plc v Prosser [2019] EWCA Civ 547, [2019] All ER (D) 30 (Apr)Personal Injury analysis:Frances Lawley, barrister ...Full Story


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"The Other Cam" is a sure-fire Top-10 talent
An abundance of defensive line prospects means there will be a plethora of steals to be had in the mid-late 1st round.
#1 Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn – If Ron Rivera's gang selects Cam, they will have a tremendous opportunity to turn things around, a la Tampa Bay. A strong draft class could translate into a 10-win season within two years. I project Newton as a better pro than Josh Freeman. A top-10 QB as early as '12. "I've seen all I need to see as far as him throwing a football," Rivera said. "I'm already convinced."
#2 Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama – Just like at 1, this pick is set in stone. Broncos transition to the 4-3 defense makes it even more obvious. As good as Patrick Peterson will be, I don't think Denver wants to spend the second overall choice on a defensive back.
#3 Buffalo Bills: TRADE (Receive Cleveland's 3rd round pick, #70). #6 Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – Dealing up to scoop A.J. before division rival Cincy gets the chance to at 4. An upgrade is needed for the team with the worst receiving group in the NFL. Buffalo can still get their man at Cleveland's spot.
#4 Cincinnati Bengals: TRADE (Receive Dallas' 2nd round pick, #40). #9 Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Peterson, CB, Louisiana State – 'Boys swing for the fences and hit a home run. Bengals are more open to trading down now Green's off the board. Peterson will not slide past both Arizona and Buffalo. Move allows Marvin Lewis and company flexibility to go "B.P.A." over need with first pick.
#5 Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – Safe, easy selection for Cards. No-brainer. Miller fills need at LB and is BPA. Detroit calls for pick, but who will be there at 13?
#6 Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – Patience and rolling the dice pays off. On the offensive side of the ball, Bills future looks very promising. Gabbert offers hope more than anything.
#7 San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina – Worthy of top-5 consideration, taking Quinn eases the pain of Peterson being unavailable. Scary combo of Willis-Quinn will give opposing quarterbacks nightmares. Jim Harbaugh will have to wait for Alex Smith's competition in the 2nd round.
#8 Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – What a coup for Tennessee. Addition of Auburn standout gives Titans an even more formidable defensive line. Super-talented Fairley makes sense at this point in the draft.
#9 Cincinnati Bengals: TRADE (Receive Minnesota's 2nd round pick, #43). #12 Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington – Vikings park right in front of 'Skins and their bid for Locker. High, lofty aspirations still present for the Washington Husky. My #2 QB in the draft; Minnesota cannot let him fall to Washington at 10. Bengals can grab Jones at Vikings spot.
#10 Washington Redskins: Cam Jordan, DE, California – Not a bad consolation prize. Jordan has the skills to become a imposing force at the next level. Shanahan figures he can bolster the offense in rounds two and three. I envision the Cal product producing immensely right away in D.C.
#11 Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt next to Super Mario. Impressive 1-2 punch for Wade Phillips' 3-4 system. No LB is worthy of a choice this high in the draft. At this stage, expect Houston to go BPA or address CB position.
#12 Cincinnati Bengals: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Word on the street says Cincy may prefer Julio over A.J. In that case, trading down makes sense. For Jones, the sky's the limit. Cedric Benson will enjoy having an extra big-time blocker.
#13 Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – A few weeks ago you thought Detroit would have to work its way up in the draft to get their hands on Prince. Lions are a few pieces away on defense from becoming a stellar unit. The Cornhusker cover guy, is surely one of those pieces in the process. I believe they can better Stafford's protection with their second selection. Serious contenders in the NFC North if Stafford stays upright?
#14 St. Louis Rams: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – What a fall. Da'Quan gives the Rams some explosive fire off the edge. As for a weapon for Sam Bradford, none available possess a first-round grade. You can't go wrong with Bowers at 14.
#15 Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Perfect match. Ingram is going to rush for over 1,000 yards his rookie campaign. Miami is in desperate need of something to help jolt their lackluster offense.
#16 Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri – Fits like a glove. Smith is the type of guy the Jags desire to help give their ailing pass rush a lift. This Tiger's stock has been rising, so I don't know if he will be here when Jacksonville's on the clock.
#17 New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona – Another guy who's stock has been skyrocketing. Tedy Bruschi clone? Both attended Arizona and can drop back in coverage; although, Reed is more of an athlete/pass rusher. This seems like a Patriot/Belichick type of football player. I have a peculiar hunch this will be New England's choice.
#18 San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple – Big fan of Wilkerson. San Diego would do themselves a favor by nabbing the big guy from Temple. Bolts still looking for Jamal Williams' replacement on the defensive front.
#19 New York Giants: Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California – Smith slips into the hands of a thrilled suitor. Giants really could use a left tackle to help shield Eli's blindside in a fierce, intimidating NFC East.
#20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois – Rams are in play for a defensive lineman. Liuget continues to make his way up the draft board. The Fighting Illini playmaker was too high to be chosen at 14. According to the National Football Post, they say St. Louis is high on him. TRADE (Rights to St. Louis Rams #14 pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson; for 1st & 2nd round pick #51). No secret Tampa has to get a perimeter rusher. Da'Quan fits exactly what they need to go along with McCoy and Price. Defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris will get the most out of the Clemson standout.
#21 Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor – Smart, clear-cut choice. Another rock-solid, impact draft for the Chiefs could mean 11-12 wins in 2011. Simply put, Taylor selection increases their chances.
#22 Indianapolis Colts: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky – Risky play passing up improving Peyton's protection; however, gutsy move is what makes Colts a fun team to watch during draft. Cobb will thrive in the slot. Remember, it was the offense, not the defense, that let down Indy in the Playoffs against Jets. More playmakers are necessary for club to excel in January again. Why not make a reach?
#23 Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – Way too talented to pass up. Philly has no other consistent corners to compliment Asante Samuel. Missing piece to what could be a postseason run? Defense is set with Smith in the mix.
#24 New Orleans Saints: Cameron Hayward, DE/DT, Ohio State – Will Smith gets someone from his Alma mater to help make things easier on the line. The Buckeye will make his presence felt as a rookie. Smooth, seamless crossover to Sundays. He could have came out and been drafted higher last April.
#25 Seattle Seahawks: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – Ready to make a contribution as first-year pro just like his brother. Well, at least that's what every expert is proclaiming. Steal at 25.
#26 Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Florida) – Ray Lewis gets a "brother" from his family, the "U". You have to believe Baltimore rolls with upgrading the OL or secondary; two areas that disappointed them against Pittsburgh during the 31-24 loss in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. I still think Raven fans wake up in the middle of the night from the bomb that Roethlisberger completed to Antonio Brown on 3rd & long. This pick will likely ensure it won't happen again against the Steelers, right?
#27 Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Purdue product falls late in first to Dirty Birds, who would like to bolster their chances on getting to the QB. I'm also hearing Kyle Rudolph's being mentioned here as an eventual replacement to Tony Gonzalez. WR is a pressing need, too. Matt Ryan, Roddy White are seeking another outside threat to relieve pressure.
#28 New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – Worth mentioning: Tom Brady is the team's franchise QB/player/prized possession. Jets pass rush, Dwight Freeney/Robert Mathis duo are always a threat. Protect your expensive investment, chances on winning another Super Bowl. Destination Indy begins with a pair that has ties to the organization: Brooks Reed DE/LB hybrid from Arizona, think former Wildcat Tedy Bruschi and Castonzo would join forces with fellow B.C. grad on the offensive line, Dan Koppen.
#29 Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – The team wants to keep Jay Cutler clean and healthy. Sherrod is too promising of a left tackle to pass up. 60 sacks allowed led the NFL. Club's other need, defensive tackle, can be addressed in the second round.
#30 New York Jets: Akeem Ayers DE/OLB, UCLA – With Wilkerson and Taylor gone, nose tackle will not be the choice here. That leaves Akeem the pick without question or doubt. You could see Ayers becoming a terror in this Jets scheme.
#31 Pittsburgh Steelers: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia – Ability to offer Black & Gold extra range as nickel back in dime packages on 3rd down passing situations. Rising up the draft charts. Very intriguing athlete. Has size, speed, and attributes to become a special player in secondary. Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau will love this kid. Last first rounder from UVA selected by team: Heath Miller, 30th overall, 2005.
#32 Green Bay Packers: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia – It's almost guaranteed Super Bowl Champions will draft a pass-rushing end/outside linebacker hybrid to team up with menace, Clay Matthews. Certainty surrounds this pick, as Houston could go as high as 20 to Tampa. So, it's a bargain to go with the Bulldog with the final pick in the first round. The club also is in position to take a gamble and look elsewhere, say wide receiver; since James Jones might be gone. Due to the bonafide value selecting Houston, I speculate they will wait for their second pick to give Aaron Rodgers another toy.
Note: Round Two will be published tomorrow.


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Gergely is an assistant professor at the CrySyS Lab. He received the PhD (2010) and MSc (2003) degrees in Computer Science from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology from 2011 to 2014. He was a Fulbright Visiting Researcher to Northwestern University between 2007 and 2008. He also held a researcher position at Ericsson Research Hungary from 2003 to 2007.
His research interests are in economic incentives in networked systems with a recent focus on privacy and security. On the side, he also dabs in more general incentive problems and human mobility modeling. His prior interests include a wide range of computer networking topics: 5G, data centres, energy efficieny and transport protocols.


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This slimline broom closet cabinet is more than just a practical solution to storing your cleaning essentials like brooms, mops, feather dusters, buckets, and so on. It makes a stylish addition to any contemporary kitchen. The broom closet features door and face frames constructed from top grade 3/4″ solid birch wood and a single door mounted on concealed, adjustable hinges to ensure it open and closes smoothly and sits flush with the cabinet's façade. A simple cross beam splits the single cabinet door into upper and lower sections further highlighting its understated appeal. The quality craftsmanship of this broom closet is also evident in the upper and lower door panels which have been treated with MDF to combat warping and cracking. The cabinet's natural maple veneer interiors and light grey waterborne UV finish again serve enhance its elegant simplicity and ensure it will complement the most modern kitchen. Includes a CAM lock assembly system. Does not include knobs or handles.
Additional Product Specs
- Shipping Time: Ships in 1 to 2 business days if in stock
- Sides: 5/8″ A-Grade plywood with wood veneer
- Top & Bottom (Wall): 5/8″ A-Grade plywood with wood veneer
- Bottom (Base): 5/8″ A-Grade plywood with wood veneer
- Back Panel: 5/8″ Picture Frame recess style
- Shelves: 5/8 " A-Grade plywood with wood veneer
- Toe Kick: 5/8″ Plywood
- Sides Panels Finished: No
- CARB Compliant: Yes


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Colbeh - Bosham
In 2011, Helyer Davies Architects was appointed to carry out a design to renovate this dated house. The renovation included a large rear extension to house a new kitchen and utility room. The side of the property was also extended to include a new entrance and vaulted stair landing area.
Due to the success of Colbeh, we have been appointed by the neighbouring property owner to carry out extensive works including a rear and front contemporary extension.


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The month of October marks Women's History Month in Canada. Over the month, Canadians celebrate and honour the countless women in our country who have pushed for progress.
"It is on the shoulders of these women that we stand; because of their perseverance and determination as activists, we have the rights and resources that we do now," said Lisa Kelly, Unifor Director of Women's Department. "Women's History Month reminds us all of how far we have come, but also reinforces that we must honour the legacy we have inherited and continue to fight for change."
As part of Unifor's commitment to this front, the Women's Department has long advocated for effective pay equity and universal child care at the provincial and national levels. In pushing for these measures, activists call for women's equality, workforce participation and poverty reduction to be prioritized in our communities and reflected in budget decisions.
From raising awareness in communities from coast to coast to coast, to rallying for progressive change, to actively participating in government consultations, the Department has been at the forefront of developing and implementing multifaceted solutions to the systemic barriers to women's equality. In addition to this, the Women's Department has developed various resources that address women's issues in the workplace and beyond. Resources include tips on forming a local union women's committee, as well as insights on bargaining domestic violence leave policy and program.
The Women's Advocate program is another way in which Unifor activists are charting the way forward. The program trains workplace representatives to assist women with concerns such as workplace harassment, intimate partner and domestic violence and abuse, and to provide support for women accessing community and workplace resources.
Several education courses are also offered in collaboration with the Education Department, to equip members with tools to advocate for women's economic and social equality. Courses allow participants to reflect on and discuss a wide range of issues such as women's work, history and activism. The variety of offerings prepares activists to advance their leadership on numerous fronts, from bargaining to organizing to engaging in political action. Click here for the listing of courses offered.
This year, Women's History Month was themed #MakeAnImpact, acknowledging the contributions of many women, from all walks of life and from all across Canada. Paying homage to their integral contributions to the labour movement, here are some of the women activists who have played a crucial role in advancing workers' rights.


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Scientists at Cardiff University have built an artificial blood vessel system that simulates the environment that cancer cells encounter in the body. The model has already been used to help understand the effectiveness of a new targeted drug for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), one of the most common types of blood cancer.
The model accurately mimics capillary beds - the interweaving networks of capillaries where oxygen is transferred from the bloodstream to tissues and carbon dioxide is collected for return to the veins. Capillaries are the thinnest blood vessels in the body, with lining just one cell thick, also allowing for cells to migrate through the vessel walls.
CLL cells leave the circulatory system through these capillary beds and enter the bone marrow and lymph nodes where they can evade cancer treatment.
To create the model, which has been nicknamed 'Maisy', scientists introduced endothelial cells, which are the cells that naturally line the inner surface of blood vessels, into hollow fibres. When subjected to shear force by passing fluid through the fibre like blood through a vessel, the endothelial cells flatten against the fibre to form artificial capillaries. Leukaemia cells are then circulated through these vessels and their interactions with the endothelial cells studied.
The work, published in the journal Blood, was supported by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and the Leukaemia Research Appeal for Wales.
CLL cells that migrated out through the vessel walls had significantly higher levels of several molecules on their surface, the protein 'CD49d' in particular, compared with CLL cells that remained in circulation. The CD49d protein is thought to control cell migration. The observation that CLL cells that express CD49d are those that most readily 'escape' the blood stream provides some explanation for why patients with increased levels of this protein are known to have a poorer prognosis
Dr Elisabeth Walsby, who led the project at Cardiff University's School of Medicine, said: "If leukaemia cells spread outside of the blood vessels into other parts of the body, it is much harder to kill them with traditional cancer drugs. This model has helped advance our understanding of the complex interactions between leukaemia cells and their microenvironments and the genes and proteins that govern this process."
The researchers used the model to test a new antibody drug called Natalizumab, which can specifically seek out CD49d proteins on the surface of cells. When leukaemia cells in the model were treated with Natalizumab, there was significantly reduced migration out of the blood vessels, but it did not stop altogether. This suggests that either the inhibition of CD49d was not complete or that other characteristics of CLL cells enable them to migrate out of the vascular system.
Professor Chris Bunce, Research Director at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, said: "This innovative model provides important new opportunities for the study of new drugs that target molecules involved in cancer cell migration and homing. CLL is currently incurable - understanding gained from this research could have a profound impact of the design of treatments for the disease."


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Memoral Flowers Preserved Forever!
This Memorial Pressed Flower Art is made up of Orange Lilies, Blue Hydrangea and White Daisies, gathered at the memorial service of a loved one.
Each flower is taken apart, pressed, dried, color enhanced, if needed, then put back together again according to your wishes! Photo's and other flat memorabilia may be added to make your Memorial Heirloom even more special, at no additional cost.
After the art is finished, it is vacuum sealed and professionally framed.
Flowers can be shipped to me from anywhere in the U.S. Contact me for shipping instructions.
Pressed Garden ~ Preserving Your Floral Memories!
Annie Fentz ~*
Made in Austin, TX
By Pressed Garden
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by expert makers.
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Every maker has a story. Be a part of Pressed Garden's story by placing an order, leaving a review, and seeing your review appear here.


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Welcome to gated Heather Glen! Very private and very secluded with tremendous availability to everything. Prime lot right at the end of Heather Glen cul-de-sac. Luxury homes on both sides of lot. 1.170 acres is a Huge lot. This is now the most exciting building site available. Take advantage of today's market with tomorrow in mind!!!!
By searching you agree to the Terms of Use.
All measurements and all calculations of area (i.e., Sq Ft and Acreage) are approximate. Broker has represented to MetroList that Broker has a valid listing signed by seller authorizing placement in the MLS. Above information is provided by Seller and/or other sources and has not been verified by Broker. Copyright 2019 MetroList Services, Inc.
Listings marked with V* indicate the seller is willing to entertain offers within a Listing Price range. For example, a Price of $140,000-$170,000 indicates the seller will entertain offers from $140,000 to $170,000.
Listing information last updated on December 12th, 2019 at 2:07pm PST.


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The energy industry is facing growing challenges these days. The increasing demand for energy to fuel economic growth globally with climate change and the need to replace conventional fossil fuel based energy resources in one hand, and transition to a more sustainable energy systems in the other hand pose staggering challenges for the industry as a whole in years to come. The major milestones are:
- Finding alternative energy resources (e.g. renewable, bio-energy and etc..);
- Integrating the new energy sources to the existing or future energy infrastructure;
- Designing future low carbon energy infrastructure;
- Energy efficiency and demand side management (e.g. waste management, better design, planning, changes of lifestyle and etc...)
- Socioeconomic-cost benefits analyses of the future energy systems;
To deal with these challenges, we need to build strong communities that work across industries and with multiple stakeholders to address these issues. Hence, having an understanding of energy issues in community and regional levels would pave the way to a more comprehensive solution globally. The aim and scope of the special issue is to provide a multidisciplinary platform for the discussion of energy related issues and solutions in community and regional levels for all researchers, scientists, engineers, technology developers, planners and policy makers working in the areas of energy management, production (including power generation, transmission and use), conversion, conservation, systems, technologies and applications, and their impact on the environment and sustainable development.
Guest Editors
|Dr. Marouf Pirouti
|National Grid, United Kingdom (UK)
|Dr. Siqi Bu
|National Grid, United Kingdom (UK)
Research Article
Degradation of Power Generation Performance due to Effects of Various Ice Shapes and Accretions on Wind Turbine Blades
Pages : 42-53
DOI : 10.3844/erjsp.2015.42.53
Published On : September 11, 2015
Geometry Modification of Flywheels and its Effect on Energy Storage
Pages : 54-63
DOI : 10.3844/erjsp.2015.54.63
Published On : September 28, 2015
Analysis of Combined Natural Convection and Radiation Heat Transfer Using a Similarity Solution
Pages : 64-73
DOI : 10.3844/erjsp.2015.64.73
Published On : October 16, 2015


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Thursday, June 18, 2009
The oxidation problem
Note: while Jim & I have started to produce silverpoint drawings, they are currently in a difficult state to accurately scan & reproduce here, due to the time it takes for the silver traces on the page to oxidize, darken & turn a brownish hue. In the meantime, we'll build up a supply of pieces, I guess, & when they start to mature, they will start to appear here. Stay tuned...
Posted by William T. Ayton at 7:25 AM
Labels: oxidation
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Home > Franchise Opportunities
Kona Ice
Learn more about opportunities with Kona Ice. Request your free information...
Learn more about opportunities with Kona Ice. Request your free information...
Cash Required
Total Startup Investment
$127,750 - $151,550
Net Worth Required
Year Founded
Franchising Since
Franchising Locations
We have a question for you. What determines the success of a franchise? Is it luck? Coincidence? Why was Kona Ice ranked Highest in Franchisee Satisfaction by TWO separate agencies, or even #1 in Category (Dessert Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine)? We think we might know why. Not every idea is franchise-worthy. Not everyone can offer the support. So why are some concepts instantly successful and others just aren't?
Over the last ten years, we've received a lot of awards - but the one we're most proud of is our Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review. We've made the top ranks over the last six years and in the last few years, we've had the distinct honor of coming in at #1 overall. We don't think it's luck at all. It's the combination of a fresh concept, strong corporate support with a vision, and a desire to make the world a better place.
So you may be knee deep in the franchising process with tons of questions, but we have just one for you. Why not Kona Ice?
At Kona Ice, we believe you should go into business for yourself, but not by yourself.
We pride ourselves on our franchising process. When you decide you want to start your own business, we understand that you don't want to wait years to make that dream a reality. We can guarantee that we'll have you in business, generating revenue within 30-60 days of your deposit.
The Kona Experience is not just for our customers. We strive to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our franchisees too. And that all begins at Kona Kollege.
Your Kona Ice journey begins with an all expense paid trip to the training program at the Kona Ice Corporate Headquarters. You'll meet your support staff and gain firsthand knowledge in the following:
You'll graduate from Kona Kollege with a 30 day plan that will have you primed and ready for success. On top of your startup plan, you will be set up for multiple follow up calls throughout your first year to ensure a smooth and successful start to your business!
Kona Ice has a full time marketing team of graphic designers, digital marketers, copywriters and videographers that create content for Google AdWords campaigns, Facebook campaigns and Instagram campaigns. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on these marketing campaigns that are designed solely to make the franchisee's phone ring and fill up their inbox. You focus on building your contact database, as corporate provides:
"I think the vision Tony has for Kona is very exciting. So it allows us on a local level to really promote a brand that we believe in." -Linnea Weikleenget, franchisee in Jackson, MS
ISLAND RUSH Rush through the island of Gooba Jooba with none other than Kona the Penguin. With fun gameplay, branded content and tangible rewards, your customers will love that they get to interact with Kona Ice in this unique way. Check out Island Rush on the Google Play and App Stores.
KONA ICE READER APP Ever wonder how a penguin like Kona made it to the tropical island of Gooba Jooba? Well wonder no more! Listen as the narrator takes you through the story of Kona's journey. Great for kids four and up, it's a reader app that allows them to read along. There's a few hidden games in there as well!
KONOLOGY: the business of shaved ice
We place a great deal of our time and resources on the continuing education of our franchisees. If every franchisee had the same information as our most successful franchisee, then everyone has the potential to succeed. We cover such topics as:
We sell shaved ice, but that's not what we're all about. Company-wide, we've given back and raised over $60 million dollars to communities and organizations all across the country since our inception in 2007. It's more a part of who we are than any other aspect of our brand. It is how we operate. To put it simply, giving back is who we are, selling the world's most incredible shaved ice is what we do.
One of the best things about Kona Ice is that the business model is simple. The brand works for you, not the other way around. Our goal at corporate is to make your Kona Ice experience as enjoyable and stress-free as eating a cup of shaved ice!
MEET THE KEV: The Kona Entertainment Vehicle
Having built over 1,000 of these wonderful trucks, Kona Ice has perfected the KEV. This state-of-the-art truck is literally a mobile billboard for your business - it sells itself!
ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT: Year Round Opportunities
Kona doesn't just sell gourmet shaved ice, it brings an unforgettable experience that appeals to the kid in all of us!
"With Kona, I have put more smiles on kid's faces and received more genuine thank you's in 8 months than I ever did in my 25 years in the consumer electronic business." Cheri Wells, franchisee in Ventura, CA
Ever wonder if you're making a difference? With Kona Ice, you'll see it happening right before your very eyes. With over $60 million dollars given back to local communities all across the country, Kona Ice is defined by our community involvement. Because we're a mobile franchise, this allows you to be directly involved in your community at every touch point.
Ranked the #1 New Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2013 and Highest in Franchisee Satisfaction from 2014-2018 by Franchise Business Review, Kona Ice's reputation is proclaimed as being one of the most innovative brands and "be your own boss" businesses around. In fact, we've made the Fastest Growing list the past six years. Kona Ice is thriving all across the map - from New Hampshire to California. And as of 2014, it's been proven to work in three international markets as well. And in addition to that, roughly 75% of franchisees are purchasing a second unit within the first two years.
Who knew shaved ice could be healthy? Kona Ice is redefining dessert, by creating a nutritious and delicious treat. Our constant innovation puts us on a pathway to success. The food and beverage industry is becoming exceedingly harder to excel in with the nutrition standards that have been put in place. The innovative and progressive spirit that our company was founded on continues in our search to provide a healthy option for our customers. Through our sister company, Kreations Flavoring, we have worked with flavor scientists to procure a completely proprietary product. From the nutritious base, filled with vitamins and sweetened with all-natural Stevia, to the completely proprietary flavor line we've developed that surpasses all other flavors currently available in the market, we believe we have the healthiest and most delicious shaved ice option around! Because we develop our own products, we're constantly creating new flavors that can only be found with Kona Ice and discovering ways to make our product better for our customers.
KONA KRAFTED In 2017, we unveiled our brand new Kona Krafted flavor line. With flavors that were specifically developed to cater to a more adult audience, we've been able to expand segments of the business like never before. Upon conducting market research, we determined this set of flavors would be our new Krafted flavors: Coconut Lime, Aprium Rosé Sangria, Wildberry Honey, Tamarind, Rose Petal Lemonade, Pineapple Sunrise, Bourbon Black Cherry Vanilla, Blackberry Mojito, Lavender Lemonade and Passion Fruit. You'll want to try them all!
We have pre-arranged financing with a sister company in place specifically for Kona Ice, giving you the opportunity to expand at your own pace.
Kona Ice is the fastest growing mobile franchise in the country. Meeting or exceeding most expectations, franchisee satisfaction is through the roof! Don't miss this opportunity!
Territories are still available in major markets! Contact us for more information.
We've been awarded top in Franchisee Satisfaction, but don't take it from us, see what our franchisees are actually saying:
"I couldn't believe how fast I was up and running with my Kona business. It felt like just weeks since my initial phone call to when I was driving my Kona Ice truck away from Kona Kollege completely ready to do business!" Natasha Pharis
"I would have never imagined that I could practically pay off my entire year's royalty in one weekend. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people that love coming up to the truck - there's always a line. And I never thought I'd be able to do this full time, but after just a year in the business, I was able to make Kona my full time job." -Megan Stevenson
"As far as Kona is concerned, what really drew me in was the low barrier of entry. There wasn't a lot of risk, in my opinion. You know, you're buying a truck. You actually have an asset to work with. And I appreciate that the business is built around the effort you put into it. If you want to put the effort in, you're going to have a growing business, a profitable business." -Garvin Wong
"The Kona Ice truck is a wonderful sales tool. It was a lot easier to sell than I had imagined it would be. I have hardly ever had anyone turn me down when I asked them for their business. The truck basically sells itself!" Charles Love
"The way Kona operates is honw every franchise should operate. It's a truck! So I can work whenever I want to work. I get to wake up every morning and be my own boss. No more 9-5 for me! And best of all, I never have to miss my son's basketball games ever again." Jon Black
"The fact that we have a nutritious and delicious product that's fortified with vitamins and meets all the federal guidelines for working in schools has been a game-changer for us. We're the only vendor that's allowed to be on school property. That's huge!" Lisa Quiroz
"We've been Kona franchisees for 6 years now and the ancillary equipment Kona provides has allowed us to expand within our territory. They provide a great return on investment while still keeping the brand." Ted & Sandra Andrews


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Ronald Reagan's Best Speeches
Reagan reminisces about his eight years in office, telling the American people, 'We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.'. (Washington, D.C. | January 11, 1989)
Jan 23, 2018|21:29


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text: Certified Network Associate (Cisco CCNA) certification demonstrates your knowledge to deploy, maintain, secure and operate a small or medium-sized network using Cisco technologies. Cisco CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small to large networks and expertis e on several key protocols: IP, PPP, Frame Relay, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, Switching , Access List, NAT, Firewall, VPN, Cisco Wireless etc. Protocols. Upon successful completion of our program, you will be receiving a Creative Networking certificate of Completion. And you will be ready for Cisco CCNA Certification Exam.


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Farm Financial Management School
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County-level 4-H Advisory Committees
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Around the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering one of his trade-mark stump speeches in Allahabad last Monday, breathing fire and arms akimbo, the pusillanimous Rahul Gandhi was making one of his querulous attacks on the Akali Dal, Punjab's drugs crisis, and the censors' silly chopping of the movie 'Udta Punjab'.
To be fair, Rahul has raised several alarms about drugs in Punjab over the past few years, but has it registered on your radar screen? It took a movie to remind many people of next year's Punjab election. Rahul said Congress would end Punjab's drug problem in one month. It sounded suspiciously like the joke about Lalu Prasad Yadav promising to turn Japan into Bihar if he was given a month.
The way things are going, with recalcitrants like Haryana's Bhupinder Hooda, turncoats like Chhatisgarh's Ajit Jogi, and revolts in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, the Congress party is starting to look like a wasted rump.
But then Congress is like the axolotl, the Mexican amphibian that can regenerate various body parts, change colour, and bemuse biologists. The party has split many times since Independence; it keeps going. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its prequel, the Jana Sangh, on the other hand, is the only national party in India to have never split. You can grumble and grouse if you are side-lined, but you hang on like a barnacle on the side of the mother ship – you don't, like Mamata Banerjee or Sharad Pawar, go and create a new party.
Old warhorse Veerappa Moily is convinced Rahul Gandhi will revitalise Congresspeople when he takes over as president soon. "The only regret is he has taken too much of time to learn," Moily says without the slightest trace of irony. "Now he has to take the next step. He should have done it much earlier. But now he has become totally matured. The time has come to act."
Moily joined the party in 1969, when Indira Gandhi and S. Nijalingappa were the lead players in the Great Split. He is not bothered by the rebellions. "Those people who are opportunists, those who only want, it is better they are chucked out," he told me. He says the party will not hold out power as a glue to hold rent-seekers together. He is convinced Congress will come back to power in 2019, and win a string of state elections en route.
The elephant in the room, of course, is the Uttar Pradesh state election. On Monday, Modi exhorted the huge Allahabad crowd to switch on their phone flashlights and shine them towards Assam, a mere 1,200 km away, where the BJP won power last month. The multitude dutifully whipped out their phones. It was a dazzling display of demagoguery.
Modi spoke of breaking the jugalbandhi of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who have traded power in Uttar Pradesh over many years, and he spoke about development. "We need a vikas ka yagna (sacrificial fire for development) in Uttar Pradesh," Modi thundered. "We have to make offerings (aahuti) to this fire. And this homage will be successful only if we make offerings of ego, of nepotism, of the poison of caste and communalism, of corruption, hooliganism, dishonesty."
It was a rousing speech, but then Modi is a quick-change artist. The same day he spoke in a more measured manner to the BJP's leaders at a closed-door meeting, where he said it was time to stop the sloganeering. He offered his colleagues a seven-word mantra for success – sewa bhav (spirit of service), santulan (balance), sayyam (self-discipline), samanvaya (coordination), sakaratmak soch (positive attitude), samvedana (empathy) and samvad (dialogue).
You couldn't ask for a better code of conduct for a ruling party. It was hard to believe that just five days earlier Modi had delivered a masterful speech to the U.S. Congress. Listening to him in Allahabad (1,277 km from Ahmedabad) it was easy to see why Modi, who roamed across India during his days as an RSS pracharak, can be so wide-ranging and felicitous. He could tell the UP crowd he was a son of their soil; after all he is a Member of Parliament from UP and won his Varanasi seat two years ago with a whopping margin of 570,128 votes. And should American lawmakers have had any doubts that the Indian leader didn't know their country, he reminded them: "Long before assuming office, I travelled coast to coast, covering more than 25 States of America."
This is what makes Modi unique. He seems to have been prepping all his life for this role, and no other political party in India has a leader who can take him on toe-to-toe. A senior official who is a member of the once-charmed inner Gandhi circle told me this is why the Americans have taken to Modi. His chaiwalla (tea-seller) origin that is even now sneered at by Congress leaders appeals to Americans, who love nothing better than a Horatio Alger-ish story of a rise from humble origins, through hard work and determination, to a lofty height. With his family history and his sense of entitlement, Rahul Gandhi certainly did not have to do any hard climbing.
The UP elections are technically not due for another 11 months, but then the BJP must needs dissemble and destabilise and be a bahurupiya if it wants a decent shot at brushing aside the state's ruling SP, the BSP and the Congress party. The stakes are sky-high: UP delivered one-quarter of the BJP's seats in the Lok Sabha in 2014.
One thing is sure: Congress will not win UP. There has been no Congress chief minister in UP for 27 years. If you look at other 'cow belt' states, Congress has not ruled in Bihar for the past 26 years, nor in Madhya Pradesh for the past 13. In last month's state elections, Congress lost badly in the only state it ran alone. Everywhere else it was an also-ran in alliances.
One senior Congressman told me: "Do you hear Congressiyas talking about development? That's not the line they are taking at all. The line they are taking is, 'These guys (BJP) are not secular, we are secular.' And nobody is convinced. The truth of the matter is, it all depends on what you mean by secular. If you mean you always stand in principle by the minorities, even when the political going is tough, the Congress cannot claim they have done that. They have very often succumbed." They have succumbed. That sounds like an epitaph to me.