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Sat 21st to 23rd – We were up at dawn to take some photos of the pillar, it was freezing cold. We packed up and then headed into Alice.
The road into Alice was much smoother than the previous dirt roads we had been on. As you approach Alice from the south heading north you go through this amazing pass with deep red cliffs on either side of you. When we arrived in Alice we looked up where to stay, avoiding anything close to the Todd River as we had heard by several good sources it could get very noisy. We decided on the Wintersun Caravan park, more on this later.
They say first impressions count, so that is what we will give you of Alice Springs, but to be fair we spent all of our time there doing, washing, shopping, chasing around bits and pieces and fixing up a serious issue we had with the ute that we didn't know about until we got to Alice, our time was not relaxing.
Things can be a little hard to find as things are spread out, which would be typical of a lot of large country towns. In the cities we have shopping centres that have everything in the one spot, in Alice, Target is in one area of town, Kmart in another, little shopping complexes here and there. Just takes a bit of getting used too. There are great supplies at Woolworths and Coles. There is a sort of industrial area that has heaps of different business including hardware stores, camping, Harvey Norman, Super Cheap, Repco as well as your more industrial type of businesses like engineering, bolts supplies etc. Alice pretty well has everything covered, prices were a little dearer than the cities but that's to be expected but they weren't exorbitant. Every shop keeper we dealt with was very friendly.
To get the best view of Alice and help put where everything is into perspective go up to Anzac Hill, great view of the whole town and you can clearly see where it sits in relation to the ranges and why it would of been an ideal spot to establish a town.
The bad, the place is filthy. There are free toilets near the info centre in town which are filthy and stink, you can also have a shower there for $3.50. The toilets in the Woolworths shopping centre cost 50 cents, you can workout yourself why they charge you to use loos in Alice. Some of the locals gather in small or large groups and just sit around. In the gutters, in the parks, on rocks, on dry creek beds, anywhere. On several occasions we saw groups with lots of rubbish around them. We're had heard that some of the locals gather on the Todd River, which is usually dry, have fires, makes lots of noise and often fight. Our caravan park was across the road from Charles River, also dry. Every night we heard lots of yelling and screaming that went on into the wee hours. We heard several gun shots every night. Most places have high fences with barbed wire on the top, our caravan park included. When we checked into our park we were handed a brochure on personal security of yourself and belongings. There are lots of police around the town and the Woolworths shopping complex seems to hires it's own security with at least 3 guards walking around the place. At the time we were there, there was some sort of rally or protest in one of the parks opposite the police and court house. TV crews where there and more police than protesters. This went on for at least two days. We heard from some others travellers that they were told to stay away from Alice for several days due to something being on and that police reinforcements were call in. Of course that wouldn't happen every day. Nevertheless we certainly were very aware to keep everything locked and not leave the ute unattended for too long.
This was our experience and could change from one visit to another. It's a pity there is this element that isn't very pleasant as it could be an amazing town in an awesome location. Because of our situation we didn't get to just stroll up the streets and fully take the town in, we hope to be able to do this when we got back after doing the ranges and Ayers Rock.
The Wintersun caravan park was ok, our biggest issue was we were stuck on a small site, where it was previously part of a bigger site that had been cut in half. Our site backed onto a high fence with barbed wire, so the view wasn't great. The second issue was the grass or lack off was very very dry, to us worst than the dust as bits of grass would get onto everything. We were told by people who had been there before years ago the grass and grounds used to be well watered, not the case now. We have learnt to ask for a concert slab next time and a larger site. The area was noisy, dogs howling at night, gunshots, and yelling and screaming from the locals, all none of the parks fault. Price was $34 a night for powered which isn't too bad. If you want better then expected to pay for it, the Big 4 caravan park that is in a quieter area is $47.
These extremely rough, corrugated roads sort out the strong and week points of any vehicles . Last time it was the tyres and springs for us. This time the bolts that hold the canopy to the chassis of the ute had come loose or had broken leaving only one of the six bolts loose but there. We could of lost the canopy on the side of the road somewhere thank God we hadn't. Long story short with some suggestions from the manufacture of the canopy Chris found a suitable solution to the problem, which included replacing the bolts with high tensile bolts and Ross Engineering making up some plates for the front brackets/support of the chassis that had actually broken. End result it is probably stronger that it was to start with. Metalink will do a proper repair when we get home. Metalink did say that when they do go on rough roads they check the bolts that hold the canopy on to their vehicle at the end of everyday. Something they neglected to tell us, so Chris will now add them to the list of things to check everyday.
All these things run fine and smooth in the main towns and on the bitumen but some of these outback roads are very harsh and hard on any vehicle, it's a real test on man and vehicle. As the say "stuff happens", we could stay at home or stick to the black top, play it safe but then we wouldn't see all these amazing things. Gives you a real appreciation of how harsh and difficult it would of been for our early settlers and explorers.


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Houston host
Anderson Castro @awkwardanderson
Also from this event
Taking risks and making sacrifices can pay off.
Saying no to people or clients, among others, can bring in new opportunities.
About the speaker
Rebel, you say? That's her middle name. And rebelliousness is the very foundation for her agency – Black Sheep.
"To shock. To awe. To be the agency that changes minds." That's the company's mission statement, and it's top of mind in every decision she makes.
As President of The Black Sheep Agency, Aimee Woodall isn't just the Leader of the Flock, she's a passionate collaborator who is shifting perspectives and driving change for her clients.
With a rebellious spirit and a firmly rooted belief in the power of remarkable experiences, Aimee helps clients rally their troops, build meaningful connections with brand advocates and ignite movements that inspire powerful change. Aimee's work reflects her philosophy that credibility begins with the individual, and by giving people a reason to care, brands can inspire them to carry the torch and spread the word. By adopting a non-traditional approach to branding, marketing and public relations, Aimee develops talkable, innovative solutions that engage and empower clients and those they're trying to reach.
A loud and proud advocate for local community and League of Women Voters "Rising Star," Aimee is dedicated to elevating and celebrating Houston. When she's not hosting large-scale, cause-driven events or shepherding the flock at The Black Sheep Agency, you can find her serving on the Board of Directors for the Houston Interactive Marketing Association, the Advisory Board for Theater Under the Stars and the planning committee for TEDxHouston. As for her spare time, keep an eye out around town for the blonde with the bullhorn. You never know where she'll show up next.
Favorite quotes from this talk See all
"Say no to the stuff you don't want to do anymore." — Aimee Woodall
"Taking the risk of walking away from people we were badly with". — Aimee Woodall
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Hosted by Dance Source Houston
Date February 28, 2014
Dance Source Houston
Photographer Trish Badger
Videographer Ian Leonard
Videographer Jonathan Leonard
Photographer Shawna Forney

subset: commoncrawl


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The eruption of primary teeth (also known as deciduous or baby teeth) follows a similar developmental timeline for most children. A full set of primary teeth begins to grow beneath the gums during the fourth month of pregnancy. For this reason, a nourishing prenatal diet is of paramount importance to the infant's teeth, gums, and bones.
Generally, the first primary tooth breaks through the gums between the ages of six months and one year. By the age of three years old most children have a "full" set of twenty primary teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages parents to make a "well-baby" appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the first tooth emerges. Pediatric dentists communicate with parents and children about prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of a sound, "no tears" daily home care plan.
Although primary teeth are deciduous, they facilitate speech production, proper jaw development, good chewing habits, and the proper spacing and alignment of adult teeth. Caring properly for primary teeth helps defend against painful tooth decay, premature tooth loss, malnutrition, and childhood periodontal disease.
In what order do primary teeth emerge?
As a general rule-of-thumb, the first teeth to emerge are the central incisors (very front teeth) on the lower and upper jaws (6-12 months). These (and any other primary teeth) can be cleaned gently with a soft, clean cloth to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. The central incisors are the first teeth to be lost, usually between 6 and 7 years of age.
Next, the lateral incisors (immediately adjacent to the central incisors) emerge on the upper and lower jaws (9-16 months). These teeth are lost next, usually between 7 and 8 years of age. First molars, the large flat teeth towards the rear of the mouth, then emerge on the upper and lower jaws (13-19 months). The eruption of molars can be painful. Clean fingers, cool gauzes, and teething rings are all useful in soothing discomfort and soreness. First molars are generally lost between 9 and 11 years of age.
Canine (cuspid) teeth then tend to emerge on the upper and lower jaws (16-23 months). Canine teeth can be found next to the lateral incisors and are lost during preadolescence (10-12 years old). Finally, second molars complete the primary set on the lower and upper jaw (23-33 months). Second molars can be found at the very back of the mouth and are lost between the ages of 10 and 12 years old.
What else is known about primary teeth?
Though each child is unique, baby girls generally have a head start on baby boys when it comes to primary tooth eruption. Lower teeth usually erupt before opposing upper teeth in both sexes.
Teeth usually erupt in pairs – meaning that there may be months with no new activity and months where two or more teeth emerge at once. Due to smaller jaw size, primary teeth are smaller than permanent teeth, and appear to have a whiter tone. Finally, an interesting mixture of primary and permanent teeth is the norm for most school-age children.
If you have questions or concerns about primary teeth, please contact our office.
I am so excited today as I have had my first Laser Snoring Treatment (Fontana Light Walker NIGHTLASE). I will not lie, I DO snore (which keeps me from going (overnight with friends), and according to Bob, I snore LOUD and A LOT! Dr. Hansen of Hansen Dental Treatment Center in Pasco, WA is Educated and Certified in the field of Laser treatment for a variety of ailments. He has the very latest in laser equipment here in the Tri-Cities, WA. Within 3 months and 3 treatments I should have my snoring arrested! Did the laser treatment ?hurt?? Only mild discomfort but the treatment is so quick and non-invasive. How long was the treatment? 15-30 minutes. If this works, I will sing Dr. Hansen?s praises! You can click on this link if you have any interest in what I am talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=bH_jAoMJYgY
So?while I was at Dr. Hansen?s office, I was also able to experience my first treatment to tighten my facial skin, i.e.: bags under eyes, wrinkles from my eyes, above my lips, general tightening of the facial skin to improve my overall aging and improve my collagen production (age 66 years YOUNG). The laser treatment forces collagen to begin reproduction within the epidermal layers of my skin. I honestly can say, that after my first treatment, I noticed a difference in my overall skin tightness and am excited to get my 2nd of 3rd treatments. I have had collagen treatments and Botox in the past. THAT was the ?past?. I am definitely vying for a non-invasive and no down-time via the laser technology available today at a MUCH the reduced cost!
What I love is the virtually pain free, and non-invasive procedures done with the laser treatments.
This is not the main reason for the laser equipment in Dr. Hansen?s office. He is a dentist and the laser equipment he has performs an abundance of dental procedures?catapulting us into the advanced age of less painful, if not, painless dentistry!
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hansen when you consider your next need for dental or aesthetics,(i.e. skin scaring from acne, a face lift without the downtime, and the list goes on and on) without the excessive expense of traditional treatments.
Please give Dr. Hansen?s office a call and talk to his friendly staff regarding your needs today!
D. Morris
I actually look forward to my visits to Hansen Family Dental. Dr. James Hansen and his staff have taken care of my dental needs for over five years and everyone has always greeted me with smiles and worked together as a happy and cohesive team, showing each other courtesy and respect while treating me like family. So, the word "Family" in the name of their business takes on real meaning.
As a woman in her late 70s, my dental problems are not without challenges but Dr. Hansen and his staff have worked together to find the best solutions for me. Whether the procedure is a simple cleaning, filling or a root canal, my comfort is important to each one of them and I never feel tense or nervous. Their smiles are sincere and make me relax. In addition, their willingness to work out an affordable payment plan that works for me and enables me to get the care I need without undue hardship is greatly appreciated.
As a child my wisdom teeth grew horizontally, pushing my other teeth forward. My wisdom teeth were removed when I was about 27 years old but over the years the bottom teeth drifted forward and caused so much crowding that it became almost impossible to floss. I could see that my gums were being affected and felt sorry for any hygienist that had to clean my teeth. I realize that healthy teeth and gums play an important part in my overall health so after asking about solutions to my problem, invisalign (virtually invisible alternative to braces) was suggested as a possibility.
I hesitated because of my age, but realized that with people living longer these days, I could live another 20 years. So, the office staff helped me work out a payment plan that would work so that I could actually have my teeth straightened, something I had wanted to do for many years but didn't think would be possible. It is exciting to see that, after just a few weeks, my teeth are already moving. Within a few months I won't be biting the inside of my bottom lip anymore, will be able to floss and clean between all of my teeth, won't have to feel sorry for the hygienist, won't have the threat of gum disease, and I'm sure I'll feel better about my smile.
Thank you Dr. Hansen and each member of your staff for making it so pleasant to take care of my teeth! In addition, I thank you and your staff for your service and giving back to your community through your volunteering and distributing of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to over a thousand low-income families each year that have sought help at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Pasco. You set a great example of caring about your neighbors in need. You are a dentist I can highly recommend as I know your staff reflects your values!
Linda S. Hermann
Pasco, WA
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Specialty Aluminum Trims & Extrusions
Over 30 Years Aluminum Experience
Call US! 800-888-2044
Eagle Mouldings manufactures, warehouses, and supplies stackable aluminum slatwall, slatwall inserts, and cutter bits for the slatwall inserts we source. We stock them in standard mill finish or we supply satin or clear anodized finish, Brite Dipped, bronze or black finish upon request.
Slatwall is typically used by commercial store fixture and store display companies to display merchandise. Homeowners, retail shops, garage owners, industrial companies, and corporate offices utilize it to organize tools, gear, and equipment and to exhibit items. Stackable Slatwall and slatwall inserts create storage and display systems that utilize hooks and other accessories. These systems allow users the ability to display, organize, hang, or store virtually anything. The hooks used to secure items can be changed and rearranged as needed to meet your specific needs. Aluminum slatwall adds strength to any panel and can help prevent damage to panels from the heavy weight of display items while adding a streamlined, aesthetically appealing style. Our slatwall enhances any panel it's applied to.
Eagle Mouldings is a Manufacturer, Stocking Warehouse, and Supplier of Standard, Custom and OEM aluminum slat wall, slatwall insert and cutter bits. Our custom and OEM aluminum extrusion services allow us to meet any need our customer may have. We can cut to length or miter, punch, drill and countersink, form or bend any extrusion to specifications as well as offer many standard and custom anodized colors and finishes including satin, Brite dipped and brushed finishes. If we don't have the stackable slat wall,slatwall insert or cutter bit that meets your requirements, our professionals will assist you in engineering and creating one that will fit your specifications.
At Eagle Mouldings satisfied customers are our passion. We strive to provide fast, friendly and helpful customer service. We supply only highest quality extruded slatwall, slatwall inserts, and cutter bits. Each order is professionally packed and shipped to anywhere in North America. Call us today or shop our easy website to get started on your aluminum extrusion project.
Eagle Mouldings is your aluminum extrusion resource. Need more? Explore our catalogue. We also carry and stock Z Clips and Panel Hanger and T Slot Systems.
We are committed to providing turnaround times that ensure you are able to meet your tight deadlines. Eagle Mouldings is committed to providing the shortest lead times in the industry. With an in-house engineering staff, we have the ability to get you from concept to finished, anodized extrusion in as little as a few weeks, while many others may require three weeks alone to simply get a die made.
Relationships are a big deal to us. If you have questions about how Eagle Mouldings changes the game of store fixtures and display, contact our team of industry experts. We'd love to work personally with you, while asking the right questions to make your job easier. Our service commitment is centered on ensuring you receive what you need, when you need it, while being at or under your specified budget.


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- เสื้อเชิ้ต
- OLYMP Luxor
- OLYMP Level Five
- OLYMP No.Six
- เนคไทและเครื่องประดับ
Your Advantages
An essential item for any business outfit: the chianti coloured OLYMP Luxor modern fit shirt is not only impressive in terms of its product benefits, but also its contemporary design and subtle detailing. The non-iron finish means that this shirt is not only resistant to excessive creasing, but also creates a positive overall impression. Men in OLYMP.
- Pattern: Modern Fit
- Material: 100%Cotton
- Color: Chianti
- Fabric: Solid Plain
- Collar: New Kent
- Long sleeve
- Chest pocket with embroidery
- Adjustable combi cuffs
- Business non-iron
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- Breathable and kind to the skin
- Italian button panel / Button on sleeve slit
- Shape-retaining
- Basic
This stylishly contemporary type of cut fulfils the current trend for a slim silhouette thanks to its light waistline.
This collar gets its name from its characteristically flared look. It is also known as the 'spread collar'. The wide distance between the collar wings leaves sufficient space for a large tie knot.
Shirts with other collars
The fabric used for OLYMP shirts is made from pure cotton. An indicator of the high quality is the long staple i.e. the length of the individual fibres. The natural product is durable, kind to the skin, permeable to air, tear-resistant, breathable and absorbent. In order to achieve product characteristics the fibres undergo sophisticated finishing processes, which, as well as retaining the natural properties of the cotton, must conform to comprehensive human ecological requirements in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
OLYMP Luxor – For best results, even without ironing
- Always wash white and coloured garments separately.
- To preserve the brightness of colours, we recommend that you use a detergent which is specially formulated for delicate fabrics. Only use an all-purpose detergent for whites.
- Always check the article's care label and follow the washing instructions.
- Turn shirts inside out and fold collars and cuffs inwards to reduce wear and tear on edges.
- For best results wash a maximum of 6 shirts per washing cycle.
- Spin with a maximum speed of 600 rpm.
- After the wash, shirts should be hung immediately on hangers, and collar, cuffs and button panel smoothed out.
- Shirts dried in a tumble dryer should also be hung immediately on hangers after the drying cycle and pulled into shape.
- Once dry the shirts are smooth. However, if you still wish to iron them, avoid using an overheated iron (maximum 2 points) and keep in mind that the set temperature may diverge noticeably from the actual ironing temperature. Collars and cuffs should be lightly ironed inside out. Any remaining wrinkles disappear automatically during wear as a result of your body heat.


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Are you ready to get your ha-ha on in the Mile High City? After you've stopped at one of the hundreds of cannabis dispensaries in Denver, you might find yourself itching for a great comedy show. So, where do you and your newly stoned friends go for a few hours of laughter and jolly good times?
We're here to help by giving you the down low with this list of the three best comedy venues in Denver, Colorado.
#1: Comedy Works South
Located in the Greenwood Village suburb of Denver, Comedy Works South is a true-to-form comedy club that features smaller acts as well as some touring comedians. This venue does have a 2-drink minimum, and pricing is a little on the higher side when compared with the other clubs on this list.
You might like Comedy Works South if you're located on the southern side of town and want a casual, fun place to have a few laughs. Some nights are 18+ restricted, so be sure to check beforehand so you're able to attend the show you want to see.
#2: Denver Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant
The Denver Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant is a one-two combo of great laughs and great eats. The venue features a 'pub and grub' style food menu, and the laughs come thanks to a multitude of local comedians with the occasional bigger name tossed in for variety.
You might like The Denver Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant if you're looking for shows including names like Cedric the Entertainer and Chris Porter. Also, it's on the east side of town, so plan ahead to avoid the city traffic.
#3: The Voodoo Comedy Playhouse and Bar
This spacious comedy lounge offers guests a full bar alongside some of the funniest comedy acts to be found in Denver. Located right off 22nd street in the downtown area, The Voodoo Comedy Playhouse and Bar is the local's choice for stand-up acts, karaoke, and even comedy classes for those who want to learn how to make their friends laugh!
Colorado's capital city has no shortage of great comedians and comedy acts available to those looking for some great laughs. Why not hit up all three of these venues, and then report back to us with your own opinion on which is best? Tell us which one busted your gut the most. We'll be waiting to hear from you!


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I always wonder what Americans eat apart from Burger, bread and grilled meat. This curiosity of mine made me to pick up a book on American Regional Cooking from the library here. At last I knew what cooks in their kitchen. Their cuisine is as diversified as India though I would not call it tasty. My taste buds are so Indian that I couldn't enjoy the food here. But I love the cookies, muffins, tarts and cakes that bakes in their kitchen. On the occasion of Diwali I decided to go American and picked up the Coconut Macaroons recipe as it required minimum ingredients that was already available in my kitchen.
When I tasted the final product it tasted like a distant cousin of coconut(thenga) biscuit that we usually get in India. My husband liked it so much that he almost finished everything.
- All purpose flour / Maida - 1/3 cup
- Salt - Pinch
- Dry Unsweetened Shredded Coconut - 3 cups
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - 3/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
- In a bowl mix flour and salt and then add coconut. (You can also sift the flour and salt first and then add coconut. )
- Pour in the condensed milk.
- Add vanilla extract and stir from the center to make a very thick batter. (I added around 5-6 tbsp of water and 3 tbsp of condensed milk as my batter was very dry.)
- Grease the cookie sheet with butter/ghee. Drop heaped tablespoonful of batter on the sheet. (I did not have a cookie sheet so I used the muffin pan and loaf pan.) I shaped them to look like flower pot cracker.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake Macaroons until golden brown or 20 minutes which ever is earlier. Let it cool and remove the tray. Coconut Macaroons are ready to be served. (I baked it for 20 minutes and the bottom part of the cookie went dark brown. So check on regular intervals until its baked)
I would like to send this to "Satisfy your sweet tooth" Blog event hosted by Sudeshna. My very first participation since I started blogging. Looking forward to hear your comments.
This recipe is taken from the book "American Regional Cooking" written by Carole Clements, Laura Washburn & Patricia Lousada and it solely belongs to them.


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Settle back with a cup of your favorite hot tea and let's chat about the year ahead.
I certainly could have posted a more beautiful photo to wish you well for the new year. I'm just drifting a bit to the philosophical side of the path on this January One. Yes, there is a great deal of brown in the picture and the trees are bare. It's not spectacular. But there is a bridge — and we're crossing over into the unknown. And there is a curve on the path that leads to the unseen. That's what I'm thinking about as I wish all the best for your 2012.
I walked this exact path today. It's one of my favorites. Yes, there is brown stretching as far as the eye can see. But occasionally, there are great patches of blue. The water laps a soothing rhythm at the edge of the lake shore and soon — I am surrounded by beauty. That is what I hope for you — to be surrounded by moments of surprising splendor in the midst of the every day brown.
Oh, there have been days that I've walked this path and spied a rattlesnake sunning its coils about a foot from my ankle. Oh, yes. This is Oklahoma. I've walked it with my daughter and heard a grrrrrrrr in the bushes that most definitely sounded like a bear. Our pace to the car picked up considerably. (We later decided it had to have been a wild boar.) (Do they growl?) I don't know — bear — wild boar — none too great to meet up with in the back woods.
I've walked this path with a friend and listened to her ghost story and nearly jumped out of my skin when an armadillo rustled in the leaves. I mock-punched her (my friend, not the armadillo) in the arm for scaring me out of my wits. Then, we laughed all the way back to the car.
Two of my daughters walked this path and watched a cougar pass in front of them — not twenty feet, they say. (Well, one says bobcat, one says cougar.) Once again — who cares which? It was a bit too close for comfort. But it was an amazing moment they will never forget.
So, why do we keep walking this path?
Well, it's Oklahoma. And this is where we live. I can't stay holed up forever. Sometimes it's a little wild out there.
There was also the day when a hawk "accompanied" me the entire 3 1/2 miles around. It would fly and perch on a tree top. I would walk. It would fly and perch. I would walk. It would fly and perch. I can't explain why. It really happened. It was just there and it was peaceful.
I've seen a blue heron, Canadian geese, wild ducks, woodpeckers, cardinals, blue birds — all on the same day. Chirping, warbling, whistling, honking songs created a bird symphony to accompany my steps, which lightened considerably. Those are the spectacular times.
The spring puts on a wildflower show that you wouldn't believe. I've photographed pink wild roses, towering golden yucca, and masses of Indian Blankets and Indian Paintbrush.
I've learned to appreciate all of the seasons. Each one holds unexpected bounty. I've experienced the heady, summer fragrance of wild honeysuckle. I've trudged up an incline in the snow, determined to get some exercise and chase off a touch of cabin fever. I've even ran (okay half-jogged, walked, half-jogged some more, walked some more, crawled — just kidding) the entire route in the pouring rain.
Some days I've struggled to walk a mile, much less 3 1/2. But there have been a few that I've mustered up enough energy to circle it twice. Either one brews a certain sense of accomplishment.
The sunsets are amazing. The water reflects amethyst, sapphire, and diamond flames. Talk about rich — it's like a private art-show in the sky. Except it's not exclusive. All you have to do is look up.
So, there's a trade-off. I walk. Nature puts on a show. Sometimes it may seem a bit perilous. Sometimes it's breathtaking. Mostly, it's soothing … and always — the sun comes back up the next day and sets again that evening. And I can participate in as many of those as I choose to.
That's kind of how I see the new year. I know right off the bat that it's not going to be all sunsets and roses. There may be some rattlesnake moments. Maybe not.
But I'll keep walking.
That's what I wish for you.
One foot in front of the other. I hope that this year soothes you, dazzles you, takes your breath away in beautiful moments and goes easy on you with the lions and rattlesnakes and bears. Oh my. And the wild boars. And the armadillos.
Happy New Year from Miss Cynthia in Oklahoma. I hope that you have many moments of TranquiliTEA to cherish.
(Take a moment to say, "Howdy," and leave a comment below, okay? I'd love to have more conversations with you this year. Let me know you stopped in, won't you, Friend?) The tea is always on.


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In 2012, a record 6,412 Sri Lankan people made the journey by boat to Australia (boat migrants) without passing through an offcial Sri Lankan port, including over 1,000 Sinhala people.1 In the same year, the Sri Lankan authorities claim to have intercepted over 3,000 Sri Lankans en route to Australia.2
The numbers have continued to rise in 2013, with over 1,730 Sri Lankans arriving in Australia to July (Doherty 2013a). This is a record number of Sri Lankan migrants in Australia. Even during 2009, at the end of Sri Lanka's civil war, Australia received only 736 Sri Lankan boat migrants (UNHCR 2012b). During 2011 only 211 Sri Lankans arrived in Australia by boat (ibid). In 2012, for the first time Sri Lankans comprised the biggest single national group among boat arrivals in Australia,3 this too in a year in which Australia received the largest number of boats on record. During the same period, asylum applications from Sri Lankans dropped in Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.4
Four years after the end of Sri Lanka's civil war, it is difficult to pinpoint what has caused this sudden and exponential surge in boat migrants to Australia. Why are so many Sri Lankans choosing to make this journey now? Are they escaping ongoing con?ict and persecution inside Sri Lanka? Are they simply looking for economic betterment abroad? Why has Australia arisen as the most popular destination for Sri Lankan boat migrants?
Rhetoric of Economic Migration
If you believe the rhetoric of governments, the boats are full of "economic migrants" simply seeking jobs and higher living standards in Australia. According to Sri Lanka's high commissioner to Australia, Thisara Samarasinghe, the boat migrants are not flieeing persecution, but are economic opportunists seeking a better life.5 Likewise, Sri Lanka's minister for external affairs, G L Peiris, says that the boat migrants are "certainly not political refugees because there is nothing to run away from" (Richardson 2013).
The Australian government, managing competing electoral, legal and moral imperatives to stop the boats arriving, whilst complying (or at least wishing to be seen to comply) with its obligations under the Refugee Convention, has been only slightly less emphatic. The Australian minister for foreign affairs, Senator Bob Carr, has said in relation to all boat arrivals in Australia that they are all or primarily economic.6 Jose Alvarez, Australian immigration's south Asia director, described Sri Lankan boat migrants as "economic refugees", saying that the majority of Sri Lankan boat migrants arriving in Australia from Sri Lanka had economic reasons for their journey (Alvarez 2012).
The claims of Carr and Alvarez have no basis in relation to Sri Lankan boat migrants. An overwhelming majority of Sri Lankan boat migrants have claimed asylum on arrival in Australia and none of the people who arrived after August 2012 have had their claims processed (Hall 2013).7 Historically, 90% of boat arrivals in Australia are found to be refugees.8
Admittedly, Australia has forcibly returned nearly 1,000 Sri Lankans for apparently failing to articulate a refugee or broader complementary protection (torture or mistreatment) claim upon arrival. However, this is still a small proportion of all the Sri Lankan arrivals and there is also a controversy about how the government assessed the returnees' claims. Critics point out that the returnees did not have a proper refugee status determination and that the assessment process they faced was secret, truncated, with the applicant having no access to lawyers and the decision to deport them not subject to review (HRLC 2013).
Clearly some of the boat migrants may have purely economic reasons for leaving Sri Lanka. But it is simply too early to discount the numbers of refugees among the boat migrants or to assert any empirical or evidential basis for doing so.
Motivations of Recent Migrants
What do we know about the motivations of recent migrants? I recently travelled to Sri Lanka and met people who were intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities en route to Australia. Their stories provide an insight into some of their reasons for departure. They demonstrate that the economic concerns that are motivating people are themselves inextricable from the effects of the war, post-war struggles, political problems, persecution, systemic discrimination and other forms of injustice.
Brami9 is a Tamil woman living in a militarised area of the northern province who tried to leave Sri Lanka by boat with her three children, but was intercepted en route by Sri Lankan authorities. Brami is one of an estimated 40,000 women living in a female-headed household in the country's former conflict zones.
When asked why she tried to leave, Brami initially stated that it was for the future of her children, to support their education, and because of her fears of being home alone without her husband. Brami described her concerns as "commonplace". However, after further discussions, Brami disclosed that her husband had been "disappeared" five years earlier, taken from their home and not seen again. Since that time, the Sri Lankan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) visited every month and, they would "stay a short time if my children were there but longer if they were not. They would call me and ask to go somewhere, that kind of thing". CID has her phone number and she gets "midnight calls" where they "talk rubbish". In Brami's words, "They know I am alone so they are trying to get a benefit".
Although Brami characterised herself as an economic migrant with the same commonplace fears of many women in female-headed households, she also indicated physical and probably sexual harm at the hands of the police that regularly visit her home.10
Kedish, a young Tamil man in the Vanni area of Sri Lanka's northern province, also tried and failed to go to Australia to improve the financial situation of his family. Kedish's family had been displaced multiple times during the final phase of the war and then held in Menik Farm for nearly a year. Before the war, his family had a paddy field, a house and vehicles but after returning from Menik Farm, he found just a few coconut trees and bushes; everything else had been destroyed in aerial attacks and the blasts had created big holes in his land. "In my family there are three girls and two boys. After the displacement we lost so much and had no money to live. I want to go abroad to earn money for my family," he said. His house and land were so destroyed that it was difficult for him to locate it when he returned. Kedish tried to migrate because of his economic loss. "Earlier we were wealthy people and now I feel like poor people so I want to leave", he said.
Kedish now lives in a militarised area of the Northern Province under a tarpaulin, in fear of war returning. He also fears for his sisters' safety; they are vulnerable living among the high numbers of military officers in the area. "There is a narrow road to home and the military are on both sides. They tease women as they pass. In the evening the girls do not go out," he said. Sending a family member abroad to earn money is not seen merely as a matter of economic survival but as a requirement for safety. "I want to look after my sisters. It is not a sustainable situation in Sri Lanka. If conflict comes, we will be displaced again. If a member is abroad it will safeguard us", Kedish said.11
Unsurprisingly, former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) combatants are also among the boat migrants. The Sri Lankan government says, it has now "rehabilitated" 11,770 male and female ex-cadres who surrendered to security forces at the end of the war. Rehabilitation involves detention in rehabilitation centres without judicial oversight or legal representation for the detainees, followed by ongoing monitoring by local security forces upon release, when ex-cadres return to their villages.12
Some ex-combatants feel threatened because they are monitored by the security forces and harassed by frequent visits to their homes. Moreover, they have to report at the local military bases for questioning. In addition, they also face difficulty getting financial loans or employment opportunities because of prejudice or fear in the community.
In January 2013, the Jaffna High Court acknowledged that private firms are reluctant to employ the rehabilitated former LTTE cadres and that banks are reluctant to provide them loans. This discrimination, the court said, leads to economic disadvantage that causes people to leave the country illegally with the hope of making a better future.13
Continuing Insecurity
It is not just "rehabilitated" ex-combatants either. One young former LTTE combatant in the eastern province said that he had tried to leave for Australia by boat because of his poor opportunities for employment. Parathis had not fought during the final stages of the war or been "rehabilitated". Nonetheless he had been forcibly recruited as a boy and lost those years of his youth, that might have been spent at school, in service to the LTTE. Parathis was about to graduate from university, but he was not a confident student and he believed his prospects for earning more than Rs 10,000 a month upon graduation were limited.
Parathis himself had no immediate security concerns. However, he believed that there could be war again because after three years the government had done nothing to address the grievances of Tamils. He worried that his past association with the LTTE meant that he would be the first to be blamed and targeted when the war comes. "So far [I have] no problem with the army, but a bit of concern if war comes that we will be subjected to torture", he said. Parathis felt that only Sinhalese people get job opportunities in police and military services and that even in development projects in the Eastern Province, the unskilled workers are from other communities, like the Sinhalese or Muslims. For Parathis, this discrimination and economic exclusion of himself and other Tamil people was linked to his sense of security about the future: "I feel nervous about why we were not asked to take those unskilled jobs".14
For others, the impact of unchecked operations of pro-government paramilitary organisations had driven them to free. Aingkaran works as a bicycle repairman in the Northern Province. He was intercepted en route to Australia by Sri Lankan authorities. He cited economic pressures for leaving, particularly the difficulty of bringing up girls, finding a dowry and having lost his uncle in the war who had previously been a source of financial support. However, Aingkaran had also been forced to give money to "unknown people" after receiving threats by phone and a grenade was thrown into his home, killing his dogs and damaging the property. His family had given money, their vehicle and other assets that had previously provided some financial security. Despite reporting these incidents to the police, he has heard nothing further from them about any investigation into the attack on his home.15
Aingkaran's experience is a local level illustration of the breakdown of the rule of law. At the other end are the unconstitutional impeachment of the chief justice and the beating of the president of the Judicial Services Commission, attacked in broad daylight in Colombo last year after resisting political interference in courts. There may be less outrage in Aingkaran's case, but his economic defeat by paramilitary forces is a catalyst enough for him to seek greener, safer pastures elsewhere.
The motivations for boat migration do not always arise from fears for personal safety and security. Differential treatment of people in war-affected areas and the failure to devolve power to the Tamil-majority areas in the north and east create livelihood challenges and a sense of frustration, hopelessness and despair about any possible change in the future.
Fishermen who tried to leave Sri Lanka on boats speak about the injustice of the "pass system" for fishing and the incursion of Sinhala and Indian fishermen in local waters.16 Some Tamil fishermen complain that although they are allowed to fish, they are unable to fish for the more lucrative catches, such as sea cucumbers, because they could not obtain a permit that enabled them to use an oxygen tank (or "cylinder"), while fishing.17 Others in the Northern Province expressed frustration at the use of their traditional fishing grounds by Sinhalese and Indian fishermen, with no protection of the fishing areas by the state and limited financial means to compete.18
A striking tone of many of the boat migrants interviewed was their hopelessness at the intractability of the situation they found themselves in. Four years after the war, many Tamil people felt no hope for peace or safety living in the northern province. "I have lost all hope that I can have a life here; there is no guarantee for life here. It is better to go to other countries so that I can live peacefully", one man said.19 Others believed that there was no future for Tamils in Sri Lanka, with one man declaring that "in 30 to 50 years time Tamils would not be in Sri Lanka".20
Boat migration is not limited to Tamil people – 1,000 Sinhala people arrived in Australia in 2012. Even for those people, discrimination can coexist with their economic motivations. One young Sinhala man who had been forcibly returned after arriving in Australia said that his first preference had been to work overseas on a migrant workers programme, but that he had not been chosen to be in the programme for political reasons. "I passed the government exams to go to Korea but because of political problems, I was not selected. I support the opposition United National Party (UNP). It is a family tradition to support that party so I am associated with it, even though I do not actively support it or directly engage with it. I am 'branded' with the UNP through my ancestry", he said.21
These stories highlight the inadequacy of "economic" as a label for boat migrants' experiences. Far from being simply economic, people's motivations are often multiple and cross a broad spectrum related to systemic discrimination, persecution or political disenfranchisement. Boat migrants expressed livelihood issues, concerns for their own and their family's safety, fear of sexual violence, fear of being arrested and detained, discrimination in the job market, poor employment and educational opportunities, land acquisitions and exclusions, the need for medical treatment, the fear of war returning, harassment and interrogation by security forces, fear of reprisals for political activity or speech, the need to secure their family's financial future and the need to rise above the financial hole they found themselves in. These problems were often an impact of the war or the lack of post-war assistance.
Of course, some migrants may simply be leaving for economic reasons, and if that is the case, there should be fair and mature public debate about that. But what is needed now is acknowledgement of the complex and interconnected factors that cause Sri Lankans to leave.
Sri Lanka has a long history and culture of migration, both forced as well as voluntary and documented as well as undocumented. This includes Burgher migration in the decades after Independence, Tamil migration following the 1983 riots and throughout the civil war, labour migration to Italy in the 1990s and the long history of migrant workers to west Asia since the late 1970s.22
Australia may simply be the latest chosen destinations for Sri Lankans. But, recently, Australia's "pull" factors have not changed markedly. Australians, on the whole, continue to enjoy relative economic prosperity, and the freedom of a functioning healthy democracy. So why Australia at this time? Part of the answer does not lie with the migrants themselves. To some extent, the destination is not determined by those seeking to leave, but by those organising the transport and safe passage.
By 2012, Australia was the cheapest and easiest destination for people wishing to leave by boat to the West.23 Passengers could pay smugglers as little as Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 3,00,000 (AUD$824 to $2,474) to board a boat on a promise to pay the balance on arrival in Australia. In total, boat journeys cost around Rs 8,00,000 to Rs 12,00,000 (AUD$6,600 to $9,900).24 Australia was comparatively affordable to Europe or Canada. It is common for people to pawn their family jewellery, sell land or take a loan in order to pay for passage. People are transported in multi-day trawling boats and can sail directly to Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, in around 10 to 20 days.
During 2012, as the number of boats increased and the media covered the story, people's expectations of successful journeys also grew. One young Tamil man said: "Before I had an idea that people were going, but it was only this year that I got the particular information about how to leave. I saw on the news that people were going to Christmas Island and it was positive".25
Communications and Travels
Boat agents and subagents operated openly in the villages, visiting houses to tell people of the boat opportunity. Misinformation was spread about Australia's views on the arrival of the boats. In Negombo, for example, a rumour was spread that 20,000 new jobs were available for Sri Lankans in Australia.26 (This was likely a distortion of Australia's announcement that it would increase its annual humanitarian intake to 20,000 people.) As one man said, "I thought the Australian government wanted me to go. But I knew it was illegal (to leave Sri Lanka on the boat). They had announced 20,000 new jobs were available in Australia. That was the only reason that I left. All my friends were saying to go".27
Boats bound for Australia departed from locations all over Sri Lanka: from Negombo in the west to Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the east, from Galle, Mirissa and Hambantota in the south to Point Pedro in the north. Boat migrants did not necessarily depart from a location near their villages; agents could arrange passage on a boat departing from the other side of the country. Migrants would often be transported overland to the coastal town of departure where they would be housed in a guest house awaiting the call that their boat was ready to leave.28
During 2012, in some pockets of Sri Lanka, going to Australia became a craze among the groups of largely young men, who sought to leave and encouraged each other to do so.29 In towns such as Udappuwa in the western province, a high proportion of the young people have tried to leave for western countries (Kannangara 2012). One Tamil trishaw driver from the northern province described how all his friends in the three-wheeler business were selling their vehicles and going to Australia. "If you ask my friends, "where is your brother? I have not seen him", they would say "He's gone to Australia". I know 50 or 60 people who have gone to Australia", he said.30
Miscommunications and Travails
For some, the decision was not informed or considered. "I fell into the trend of going to Australia and did not really think about it twice", said one Sinhala man who has since been returned to Sri Lanka.31 Another said, "In (late) 2012 everybody was going so I also took the decision to go. Earlier my friends were there and people said they were eating very well in the camps and I should come".32
Australia has some of the toughest border protection policies in the world, with mandatory and indefinite immigration detention, offshore processing of asylum claims (including now in "regional processing centres" in Christmas Island, Papua New Guinea and Nauru) and a policy of immediately returning people who do not make a claim at first instance that raises persecution or torture concerns in their country of origin.33 In July 2013 the Australian government announced a "Regional Resettlement Arrangement" in which all persons arriving by boats in Australia would be unable to settle in Australia and would, instead, be sent to Papua New Guinea for resettlement.
Despite Australia's increasingly draconian measures aimed at deterring boat migration, boat migrants themselves had a staggeringly low level of knowledge on what to expect on arrival in Australia. Some Tamil people were simply guided by a sense that Australia was a deeply humanitarian country that would not deport them. "I still think that the Australian government will not ask a Tamil person to go back to Sri Lanka. They would only send Muslims and Sinhalese", one woman said.34 Another boat migrant said that, "Australia is known as a humanitarian country; most people are eating well, there is no problem with the journey and the Australian navy takes all people safely to Christmas Island".35
Some Sinhala returnees also believed in the benevolence of the Australian government. "I had confidence in the Australian government that I would be absorbed into the Australian community. Plus I had financial problems. I only earned about Rs 20,000 (AUD$160) per month. I thought I would get a job in Australia – I had a lot of faith and confidence in that".36 Some were unaware that they would be subject to mandatory detention on arrival in Australia,37 while others erroneously believed that they could work while in Australian immigration detention centres or that the Australian government would provide an allowance.38 Others did not realise that the Australian immigration detention is not an open camp, but more akin to a jail.39
Word of mouth played a crucial role and migrants were encouraged by people who went before: "Those who went before kept calling to say, 'come; conditions are good'! Information was that we would be detained for two-three months at most, trained in various aspects and paid an enormous amount while in detention and then absorbed (into the Australian community)."40
Border Security in Sri Lanka
It is a violation of Sri Lanka's immigration law to leave the country other than through an official port. Boat migrants who are caught by the Sri Lankan authorities when they tried to leave Sri Lanka are taken into custody and charged with illegal migration under the Sri Lankan law. Most are granted bail, but those who are suspected of facilitating the operations are remanded and prosecuted. To its credit, the Sri Lanka's office of the solicitor-general does not seek sentences of imprisonment in their prosecution of the passengers.41
Australia works very closely with the Sri Lankan authorities on anti-people smuggling operations. Since at least 2009, the Australian Federal Police officers have worked on the ground in Sri Lanka to support the Sri Lankan authorities' work in this area. The Australian officials share intelligence and provide training and resources to Sri Lankan police, navy and coast guard.
In September 2011, the then Australian high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Kathy Klugman, praised the Sri Lankan security forces' work in intercepting a "people smuggling boat". She claimed that the effectiveness of the two countries' coordination was demonstrated by the fact that no boat had reached Australia from Sri Lanka since November 2009 (Flitton 2011).
Despite these significant commitments by Australia, and massive increases in the budget of the defence ministry, nearly 6,500 people slipped through the net in 2012 and only around 3,000 were caught. The sheer scale of the boat migration and the openness with which agents and subagents operated in the villages raises the question: why were more boat migrants not stopped before they left Sri Lanka?
In February 2013, a report appeared in the Australian press alleging that a "senior Sri Lankan government official was complicit in people smuggling" and was effectively undermining the joint attempts to stop boats in Sri Lanka. The report alleged that Australia's intelligence agencies had identified a "high profile" official who is "close to President Mahinda Rajapaksa", who has "the power to 'turn on the tap' and unleash untold asylum boats". It said that intelligence agencies believe this official is responsible for authorising numerous boats from April 2012 to February 2013. This, it was reported, has fuelled the surge of asylum-seekers from Sri Lanka that has threatened to overwhelm Australia's detention system.42
Another report stated that Australian officials had considered whether the surge in boat migrants to Australia might have been sanctioned at senior levels of the Sri Lankan government in retaliation against Australia's co-sponsorship of a March 2012 Human Rights Council resolution that called for Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of war crimes committed in 2009.43
No names were provided in the media reports and the Australian government rejected any claims that it had seen evidence of this corruption. Likewise, Sri Lanka denied that there was any truth to the allegations.44
Further reports in the Australian press in March 2013 alleged that the Sri Lankan navy were involved in people smuggling operations, while at the same time, accepting Australian resources and assistance to stop that trade. The allegations were made by the Tamil National Alliance politicians, returned asylum-seekers, community leaders and non-governmental organisations. The Sri Lankan navy categorically denied any involvement by any navy personnel in the smuggling operations, dismissing the allegations as baseless (Doherty 2013b).
In April 2013, The Island reported that the Sri Lankan Police CID was investigating "the alleged involvement of security forces elements with a criminal gang which organises smuggling of people by boats to Australia" (Randu 2013).
The involvement of authorities, or at least some people in government or the navy, in people smuggling cannot be discounted as a possibility. Like many countries, Sri Lanka struggles to contain corruption. In a survey of public perceptions of corruption conducted by the Transparency International, more than 50% of the Sri Lankan respondents felt that corruption was on the rise and 23% had paid a bribe in the previous year. Political parties and the police were viewed as the institutions most likely to be corrupt (Transparency International 2011).
Human smuggling by boat is also not new. A report prepared for the International Organisation for Migration calculates that human smuggling by boat started in 1994, with unofficial Sri Lankan government figures estimating that by 2002 around 2,000 Sri Lankans were smuggled out, mostly to Italy.45 The LTTE operated an extensive international maritime net work through which it smuggled arms, and some say people and narcotics, into and out of the areas that it controlled.46 The power vacuum left by the LTTE's defeat provides an opportunity for newcomers. However, no evidence has come to light that would categorically link the government or the navy with the boat smuggling.
Nonetheless, among people who are trying to leave Sri Lanka on boats, there is a widespread belief that the navy and the government either operate the smuggling or condone it. As one man in the Northern Province said, "Last year people did not know about the boats but now the agents are starting to function better. This year the military is supporting the operations."47 Some of the people intercepted by the navy at sea believed that they were caught because their boat had not paid the navy appropriately.48 As one man said, "The navy is giving much support for the agents. If the agents fail to pay the navy then they cannot leave; the military will stop you".49
Whether the rumours are true or not, they are so widely believed that it created the impression among some boat migrants that there was a "safe" passage through to Australia as long as you got on a boat that was sanctioned by the navy.
Some Tamil people believe that the Sri Lankan government is involved in the smuggling because it wants them to leave. One Tamil man who had been intercepted by the Sri Lankan navy en route to Australia and detained in Negombo said that, he believed that the Sri Lankan government tacitly supported Tamils to go to Australia. "In prison in Negombo, the police told me that I should go to Australia. I think the government wants the young people to go...Those who leave from here are all Tamils – the military are more concerned to catch the Sinhalese. I think they want the Tamils to go abroad," he said.50
Paradigm of Economic Migration?
The rumour of the Sri Lankan government's involvement in boats only adds headache to the Australian government's foreign affairs and domestic immigration policy.
In Australia, the arrival of record numbers of asylum-seekers by boat has become a political catastrophe that threatens to bring down the Rudd government in national elections to be held this year. The prevailing political climate is one in which the two main parties compete for the harshest, most restrictive policies to punish and deter boat migrants. This is not new. The 2001 Australian federal election is widely believed to have been won by the then Howard government on the back of its seizing of the M V Tampa, a Norwegian freighter that had rescued 400 asylum-seekers at sea, and the subsequent implementation of the Pacific solution in which new arrivals were sent offshore for processing in Pacific islands.
Since the boats began to arrive in large numbers in 2012, the Australian government reintroduced the Pacific solution, a policy abandoned nearly five years earlier.
Australia's border security cooperation with Sri Lanka to stop boats before they leave is seen by the Australian government as a key plank in slowing the number of boat arrivals. In terms of Australia and Sri Lanka's bilateral relations, it has emerged as the pre-eminent, if not the primary concern. Australia has become increasingly reluctant to engage critically with Sri Lanka on human rights issues for fear of jeopardising the strategic border security partnership.
The change can be seen over the past year or so. In March 2012 Australia co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution calling on Sri Lanka to address allegations of war crimes at the end of the civil war.51 (It is this act that some commentators believe caused a Sri Lankan official to unleash the tide of boats.) Even in October 2012, Australia made a strong statement during the Universal Periodic Review of Sri Lanka's Human Rights record at the Human Rights Council, addressing ongoing problems of uninvestigated ab- ductions and disappearances and concerns about torture and mistreatment by police and security forces.52
By December 2012, after the arrival of more than 6,000 Sri Lankans by boat, Australia's tone had changed. Carr, visited Colombo to reconfirm the border security relationship, intent on appeasement and collaboration. He declared Australia to be "very, very happy" with its relationship with the Government of Sri Lanka and "very very happy that they are cooperating with us in facilitating the return of people who are not asylum-seekers, who are economic refugees and have no claim to jump the queue".53 "I welcome Sri Lanka's strong support for anti-people smuggling activities, and look forward to increased co-operation in destroying the people smuggling business model", he said.54
In December 2012, Sri Lanka was again under the international spotlight with the impeachment of the chief justice in motion and questions about its suitability to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), given its failure to investigate allegations of war crimes. Nonetheless, in December 2012, Carr committed Australia to attending CHOGM in Colombo and encouraged other like-minded states to do the same.55
Australia's criticism of Sri Lanka's human rights record has been diluted since that time. Australia made no statements of concern upon the impeachment of the Sri Lankan chief justice in January 2013, despite many like-minded countries and international organisations expressing their concern at the unconstitutionality of the impeachment and the threat it posed to an already compromised rule of law in Sri Lanka.
When the US sought co-sponsors for another Human Rights Council resolution in March 2013, Australia announced its decision to co-sponsor it at the 11th hour, effectively balancing its competing interests to avoid making a statement critical of the Government of Sri Lanka in the Human Rights Council chamber, while maintaining its reputation as a good global citizen, particularly during its current tenure on as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.56
In April 2013, Carr downplayed evidence of ongoing human rights abuse in Sri Lanka.57 Carr insists that engagement and not isolation is the best way to deal with Sri Lanka.58 After a long hiatus in any public criticism, in May 2013, Carr indicated that he had raised human rights with the Sri Lankan government. Carr acknowledged that "media and civil society continue to operate in a difficult environment" in Sri Lanka and raised concerns about the impeachment of the chief justice.59 While these issues are of real importance in Sri Lanka, Carr sidestepped other critical issues such as military occupation, devolution of power, ongoing systemic discrimination and persecution and women's insecurity, all of which contribute to the flow of boat migrants to Australia.
Australia's myopic "stop the boats" approach to Sri Lankan foreign policy leaves it vulnerable to Sri Lanka's demands viz, silence on human rights violations, provision of intelligence taken from detainees in Australian immigration detention and increased resourcing for military.60 If Australia criticises Sri Lanka's human rights record or even acknowledges ongoing abuse and persecution there, it risks losing the backing and support of its key partner in stopping boats and providing legitimacy to asylum claims made by boat arrivals.
On the other hand, as Australia mimics the rhetoric of economic migration, it closes off an important avenue through which to make progress on the political and security causes underlying boat migration, it isolates itself from its usual allies in international relations and sullies its international reputation.
If the claims about the Sri Lankan government's involvement in people smuggling are true, Australia's border security partner is not just unreliable, but is preying on Australia's weakness.
The likelihood of change in the future is bleak. Australia is due for a federal election in late 2013 and any change in government at that time is unlikely to yield a positive change in Australian foreign policy on Sri Lanka. In fact, after a five-day visit to Sri Lanka in January 2013, the Australian opposition praised the reconciliation and reconstruction efforts of the Sri Lankan government and said that they saw no evidence of ongoing human rights abuses. The opposition has committed to using the Australian navy to tow all boats back to Sri Lanka without doing any form of assessment of the passengers' claims for asylum.
Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, the cost of electricity and fuel rise, the military continues to have a domineering presence in the Tamil-majority areas and people's lives are affected by economic, political and physical insecurity. Only 1,200 Sri Lankans came by boat to Australia so far this year, but there seems to be no end in sight to the matters at the heart of it.
Image: A Tamil mother and her children wait on the Australian Customs vessel Oceanic Viking, after permission was refused to unload asylum seekers at Indonesia's Bintan Island. | Roslan Rahman - AFP
Emily Howie is currently the director of Advocacy and Research at Human Rights Law Centre, Melbourne, Australia. This article, first appeared in the reputed Indian journal 'Economic and Political Weekly', is posted with permission from the author.
1. Email from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship to the author on 5 February 2013 (copy on file with the author). The term "migrant" itself may at times be used to the exclusion of people seeking asylum. In this paper "boat migrants" is used inclusively to refer to all people who sought to leave Sri Lanka for Australia by boat without going through official channels, regardless of their reasons for leaving. Of the 6,412 Sri Lankans that arrived in 2012, 1,027 were Sinhalese and 5,215 were Tamils. A further 170 detainees' ethnicity is not yet determined.
2. Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia in Kelly and Hodge (2013) To some extent the term migrant is used in discourse to define the group of people who migrate but do not seek protection under the Refugee Convention. For the purposes of this paper, the term boat migrant is used inclusively to describe all people who are leaving Sri Lanka without passing through an authorised Sri Lankan port, regardless of their motivations for leaving.
3. Naomi Selvaratnam, "Why do asylum boats keep coming from Sri Lanka?" SBS Radio, available at http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1722996/Why-do-asylum-boats-keep-coming-from-Sri-Lanka, accessed on 15 April 2013.
4. Statistics on boat arrival are available through the Australian Parliamentary Library, see Janet Phillips and Harriet Spinks (2013). See UNHCR (2012). Australia received 371 asylum applications from Sri Lankans in 2011 that increased to 2,345 in 2012. By comparison, the number of asylum applications from Sri Lankan nationals decreased slightly in the other top receiving countries between 2011 and 2012: Canada (629 in 2011 and 414 in 2012); France (3,183 in 2011 and 3,085 in 2012); Germany (521 in 2011 and 430 in 2012); (US 260 in 2011 to 237 in 2012); United Kingdom (2,142 in 2011 to 2,128 in 2012), save for Switzerland which fell by just 10 people (433 in 2011 and 443 in 2012). (This is despite Australia implementing a system of off-shore processing which denies many of the boat arrivals from making an asylum claim at all.)
5. Sri Lankan high commissioner to Australia, Admiral Samarasinghe, stated "The people are fleeing not because of leaving the shores, not because of any persecution; there are economic opportunities coming to Australia for a better life", ABC Lateline, 10 April 2013, available at http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3734398.htm, accessed on 11 April 2013.
6. See Bob Carr's comments on ABC Lateline, 28 June 2013, available at http://www.abc.net.au/ lateline/content/2013/s3792346.htm, accessed. 29 July 2013.
7. Martin Bowles, Secretary to DIAC during questioning in Senate Estimates, 27 May 2013, reported in Hall (2013a).
8. Department of Immigration and Citizenshi statistics, reported in Hall (2013b).
9. Not her real name. All of the names in this paper have been changed to protect the identity of the interviewees.
10. Interview with Brami, northern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
11. Interview with Kedish, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
12. 24 January 2013 http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/15251 for numbers; See also the Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on advice and technical assistance for the Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, 11 February 2013, available at http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession /Session 22/A-HRC-22-38_en.pdf, accessed on 4 June 2013.
13. See order in Navaratnam Govinath vs CID High Court Case No & Bail Application: 537/12 before Hon Mr J Viswanathan, Judge of the High Court (Jaffna), 15 January 2013 [copy on file with author]. This acknowledgement by the judge supported his finding that the former cadre, who was held on charges of trafficking in persons, had 'exceptional circumstances' under the Immigration and Emigration Act Article 47 Section A (1) and 45 C, which resulted in his release on bail.
14. Interviews with Parathis and his brother (E), Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
15. Interview with Aingkaran, northern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
16. For a discussion of the difficulties facing fishermen in the northern province, see Scholtens et al (2012).
17. Interview with II, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
18. Interview with DD, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
19. Interview with II, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
20. Interview with E, eastern province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
21. Interview with Q, southern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
22. See Gamage (1998) and Van Hear (2004).
23. Interview with NN, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
24. Interviews in Sri Lanka, October 2012 to February 2013.
25. Interview with NN, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
26. Interview with X, western province, Sri Lanka, December 2012.
27. Interviews with X, T, U, V and AA, western province, Sri Lanka, December 2012.
28. Interviews in Sri Lanka.
29. Government statistics on the age and gender of boat migrants is not available. However, from the interviews and media reports it seems that it was primarily young men travelling alone.
30. Interview with GG, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
31. Interview with T, southern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
32. Interview with H, eastern province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
33. For information on Australia's immigration detention policies and practices see the Australian Human Rights Commission website: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/immigration-detention-asylum-seekers-and-refugees. For an explanation of 'screening out' see Rachel Ball (2012), "'Screening out' asylum seekers undermines rule of law and risks returning people to face torture", Human Rights Law Centre, 20 December 2012, available at http://www.hrlc.org.au/screening-out-asylum-seekers-undermines-the-rule-of-law-and-risks-returning-people-to-face-torture, accessed on 15 April 2013.
34. Interview with D, eastern province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
35. Interview with F, eastern province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
36. Interview with S, southern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
37. "Nobody said anything about detention. We were told we would be apprehended by the navy and maybe held for three weeks and then given jobs": Interview with T, southern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
38. "I would not be able to work in the camp but there is an allowance you get in there": Interview with NN, northern province, November 2012; "The camps are better than our camps here. It is possible to work in the camp as well and to go back at night": Interview with OO, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012; One man's friends who had made the journey told him that they get 2,00,000 SLR for their welfare in camps, which means that they can save money. They also said that they get medical attention, food, they are happy with their friends and they can play inside the camp: Interview with E in eastern province, Sri Lanka, October 2012.
39. "If I go, I will be put in a camp, not a jail, then given a card to go and work. After two years I would have brought my family over to Australia": Interview with DD, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
40. Interview with O and P, southern province, Sri Lanka, February 2013.
41. Interview with Kapila Waidyaratne, deputy Solicitor-General, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
42. It was then reported that a "senior Sri Lankan government official was complicit in people smuggling" in Stewart and Maley (2013).
43. The Australian, 2 February 2013, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/surge-sri-lanka-payback/story-fn59niix-1226567055411
44. This matter was first reported in The Social Architects, "Troubled Waters: Corruption and Human Trafficking in Post-war Sri Lanka", Groundviews, 19 July 2012, available at http://groundviews.org/2012/07/19/troubled-waters-corruption-and-human-trafficking-inpost-war-sri-lanka/, accessed 15 April 2013. It was then reported that a "senior Sri Lankan government official was complicit in people smuggling" in Cameron Stewart and Paul Maley (2013). Both governments deny the claims. See for example Wroe (2013).
45. Danesh Jayatilaka, "Research Study on Human Smuggling in Sri Lanka: Windows for Intervention by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)".
46. Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (1999), Commentary No 77: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) International Organisation and Operations – A Preliminary Analysis, 1999, available at http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/pblctns /cmmntr/cm77-eng.asp, accessed on 20 May 2013. See also Smith (2011) and Peiris (2001).
47. Interview with HH, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
48. Interview with HH and CC, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
49. Interview with II, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
50. Interview with HH, northern province, Sri Lanka, November 2012.
51. See Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Country Brief on Sri Lanka, available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/sri_lanka/sri_lanka_country_brief.html
52. Australian Statement to the Human Rights Council, 1 November 2012, available at http://www.geneva.mission.gov.au/gene/Statement391.html (accessed on 29 May 2013).
53. Ministry of Defence Statement, "Australia Sends 48 More Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers Home", Ministry of Defence, 14 December 2012, http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Australia_sends_48_more_Sri_Lankan_asylum_seekers_home_20121214_04
54. Statement by foreign minister, 17 December 2012, available at http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_121217.html
55. Daily Mirror, 17 December 2013, available at http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/24331-australia-assures-support-for-cwealth-summit.html, accessed on 2 June 2013.
56. Statement by foreign minister, 16 May 2013, available at http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2013/bc_mr_130516a.html
57. ABC, "Carr Rules Out Sri Lanka CHOGM Boycott", 27 April 2013, available at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-27/carr-rules-out-sri-lanka-chogm-boycott/4654954, accessed on 3 June 2013.
58. Press statement, Bob Carr, 17 May 2013 available at http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2013/bc_mr_130516a.html
59. Press statement, Bob Carr, 17 May 2013 available at http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2013/bc_mr_130516a.html
60. Amanda Hodge, "Returns Will Stop the Boats", The Australian, 28 July 2012 (copy in Leebron email file), in which the Sri Lankan immigration department complain that Australia doesn't provide enough information taken from immigration detainees.
Alvarez, Jose (2012): "Economic Hardships behind People Smuggling", Daily Mirror, 12 November, available at http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/23415-economic-hardships-behind-people-smuggling.html, accessed on 9 April 2013.
Ball, Rachel (2012): " 'Screening out' Asylum Seekers Undermines Rule of Law and Risks Returning People to Face Torture", Human Rights Law Centre, 20 December 2012, available at http://www.hrlc.org.au/screening-out-asylum-seekers-undermines-the-rule-of-law-and-risks-returning-people-to-face-torture, accessed on 15 April 2013.
Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (1999):Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) International Organisation and Operations – A Preliminary Analysis, Commentary No 77: 999; available at http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/pblctns/cmmntr/cm77-eng.asp, accessed on 20 May 2013.
Doherty, Ben (2013a): "Hard Line Asylum Stance Won't Stop Them Leaving, but It May Stop Them Arriving", Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July, available at http://www.smh.com.au/world/hard-line-asylum-stance-wont-stop-them-leaving-but-may-stop-them-arriving-20130720-2qawo.html (accessed on 29 July 2013).– (2013b): "Sri Lanka's Navy Accused of Helping People Smugglers", The Age, 6 March, available at http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/sri-lankas-navy-accused-of-helping-people-smugglers-20130305-2fj6z.html#ixzz2UkcFL0Za, accessed on 30 May 2013.
Flitton, Dan (2011); "Sri Lankan Navy Thwarts Refugees", The Age, 15 September, available at http://m.theage.com.au/national/sri-lankan-navy-thwarts-refugees-20110914-1k9nj.html
Gamage, Siri (1998); "Curtains of Culture, Ethnicity and Class: The Changing Composition of the Sri Lankan Community in Australia", Journal of Intercultural Studies, 19:1, 37-56.
Hall, Bianca (2013a): "Up to 25,000 Asylum Seekers Expected This Financial Year", Sydney Morning Herald, 27 May.– (2013b): "Boat People Genuine Refugees", The Age, available at http://m.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/boat-people-genuine-refugees-20130519- 2juvg.html, accessed on 31 May 2013.
HRLC (2013): "Screening Out Risks Returning Genuine Refugees to Persecution", Human Rights Law Centre, 4 April 2013, available at http://www.hrlc.org.au/screening-out-risks-returning-genuine-refugees-to-persecution, accessed on 15 April 2013.
Kannangara, Nirmala (2012): "Tales of Udappuwa Asylum Seekers", Sunday Leader, 23 September, available at http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/09/23/tales-of-udappuwa-asylum-seekers/, accessed 13 April 2013.
Kelly, Joe and Amanda Hodge (2013): "Part of the Solution: Turning Back the Boats Helps Stem the Sri Lankan Tide", The Australian, National Affairs, 28 March.
Phillips, Janet and Harriet Spinks (2013): "Boat Arrivals in Australia since 1976", Parliament of Australia, updated 29 January 2013, available at http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/ Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/2012-2013/BoatArrivals, accessed on 11 April 2013.
Randu, Hemantha (2013): "Security Elements too Behind People Smuggling Bids?", The Island, 22 April, available at http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=77426
Richardson, David (2013): "Sri Lanka Fights Smugglers", Today Tonight, 26 March, available at http://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/life-style/article/-/16448432/sri-lanka-?ghts-smugglers/, accessed on 14 April 2013.
Peiris, G H (2001): "Clandestine Transactions of the LTTE and the Secessionist Campaign in Sri Lanka", Ethnic Studies Report, Vol XIX, No 1, January.
Scholtens, J, M Bavinck and A S Soosai (2012): "Fishing in Dire Straits: Trans-Boundary Incursions in the Palk Bay", Economic & Political Weekly, Vol XLVII, No 25, 23 June.
Smith, J O (2011): "Maritime Interdiction and Sri Lanka's Counter-insurgency", Small Wars and Insurgencies 22(3), 448-66, 453 [problematic piece, v pro GSL.
Stewart, Cameron and Paul Maley (2013): "Blow to Asylum Battle as Intelligence Links Sri Lankan Official to Smugglers", The Australian,1 February, available at http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/blow-to-asylum-battle-as-intelligence-links-sri-lankan-official-to-smugglers/story-fn9hm1gu-1226566319961, accessed on 15 April 2013.
Transparency International (2011): "Daily Lives and Corruption: Public Opinion in South Asia", 2011 available at http://www.transparency.org/country#LKA_DataResearch_Reports
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (2012a): Information Note: Mixed Maritime Movements in the Asia-Pacific Region, Annex 4, available at http://unhcr.org.au/unhcr/images/Attachment%20B%20Information%20Note%20on%20IMMs%2025%20April%202012.pdf (accessed on 14 April 2013). – (2012b): Asylum Trends 2012: Levels and Trends in Industrialised Countries, 21 March, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sri Lanka.
Van Hear, N (2004): " 'I Went As Far As My Money Would Take Me': Conflict, Forced Migration and Class", COMPAS Working Paper No 6, University of Oxford.
Wroe, David (2013): "Canberra Denies Sri Lanka People-smuggling Report", The Age, 1 February, available at http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/canberra-denies-sri-lanka-peoplesmuggling-report-20130201-2dp7p.html, accessed on 15 April 2013.


text:
CFD Modeling Of Smoke Reversal
Published Date:0/1/1900
Personal Author:
Description:In the design for a fire or smoke emergency, a main concern is maintaining an evacuation path that is free of smoke and hot gases. In ventilated tunnel fires, smoke and hot gases may form a layer near the ceiling and flow in the direction opposite to the ventilation stream. The existence of the reverse stratified flow has an important bearing on fire fighting and evacuation of underground mine roadways, tunnels, and building corridors. In the present study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program is used as a design tool to model floor-level fires in a ventilated tunnel. The fire is simulated by a diffusion flame of propane issuing from a circular hole on the tunnel floor. The computed profiles of velocity and temperature along channel cross sections are similar to those obtained experimentally. The computed reverse-flow layer length has been correlated with a densimatric Froude number with some success. A non-dimensional parameter involving the source fire intensity is also used for the correlation. These analyses show that an appropriate ventilation air current must be maintained to provide an evacuation path from the source fire clear of smoke and hot gases. It is believed that CFD modeling, employed correctly and interpreted carefully, can be a useful design tool for fire protection.
Main Document Checksum:urn:sha256:b1a43c9f8ee16a9bf0a04b53c3e62bf38e9474466a3e795f0b637b780a4bb0ef
Supporting Files:No Additional Files
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|The Quilt and Needle Forums
|Random quote: There is a purpose for every fabric and a fabric for every purpose. -- Cindy Prince
- (Added by: Jess)
| Creamy Neutral Layer Cake Swap 2011
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 636
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Not to worry Pat, I am soo looking forward to getting my batik layers back, I am prepared to hang in there! Besides, if I can get mine in the mail Monday, then you mail the following Monday, it will take care of the month of February for surprises in the mail! and I like those kind of surprises in the mail ...
DH is preparing for his first 5K run this morning in almost a year. He damaged his achilles tendon last May and hasn't been able to compete or run much since. Then tomorrow, before the Super Bowl, we will go to his office and lay out the neutrals. Now, I do promise to be neat and not too untiedy. But then, that would take all the fun out of fondling all those layers
I'm sorry to say, but it is suppose to be 66F today and higher tomorrow. Lots of sun. Everyone please take care in all the snow and rains out there.
Elite Veteran
Posts: 636
Location: Las Vegas, NV
You are so generous! Thank you. I found some lovely surprises as I laid out the layers this morning.
All layers have been swapped, counted twice, packaged and taped for mailing tomorrow after work. I get off at 3:00 and will head to the post office. Most all are going priority mail, so you should receive them by the end of the week.
I do apologize to a few of you. There will be some duplicate fabrics due to the number of layers sent. You did not get your fabrics back though!
Thank you all for such a wonderfully fun experience. Please let me know when your packages arrive.
Edited by Annette 2011-02-06 5:47 PM
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1057
I got a package on my front porch when I got home from work today.
At first I thought it might be my Secret Santa gift, then my Secret Valentine gift.
But then I noticed that it was MY handwriting on the envelope, and I new that it was one of the swaps.
I tok a quick peek at the fabrics and they look really great!! Can't wait to figure out what to do with them.
Thanks so much for all your efforts with this swap!!
Midge W
Posts: 4008
Location: New England
I am sewwwwww happy today!
Annette ... my layer cakes arrived!
All the fabrics are beautiful. Thank you to everyone who swapped! I particularly like the creamy seashells ... and the toiles ... and the paisleys ... ah ... and the florals ... and the vines ... the dots ... the swirls ... oh, I just love them all ... ... oh, and the batik!! ... wish I could find that one locally ... not a great selection of neutral batiks near me ... I have been looking for a background fabric to go with my jewel batik layers and am having a tough time finding one so nice!
I still have my fabrics from the Americana swap from last year and I am going to use many of these scrappy neutrals in a quilt together ... a project I am looking forward to making this summer I hope.
Annette ... you are such a great hostess ... and thanks to Dusty for his help ... thank you for all the work you have done on this swap ...
Elite Veteran
Posts: 636
Location: Las Vegas, NV
You both are very welcome. I'm glad they are arriving safely. Happy planning and sewing. I'm still thinkin' on this one
Posts: 179
Location: Independence, Tx
|My layers came in the mail today! it was nice to have a little surprise, the weather has been soo icky lately
Posts: 3574
Location: Portland Oregon
| YEAH! my creamy neutrals were waiting in my mailbox today! I've leafed through them and love them all! I don"t have a specific plan for these at this point, so I guess they'll join the other swap packets. the 30's sets.... the beachy sets.... the flower sets.... the patriotic sets..... and the batik sets when they get here..... at least I can proudly say that i've used the black and white sets....
Annette - thank you so much for hostessing this swap..... we appreciate all the work it takes to make it run smoothly.
Posts: 3012
Location: Golden Shores, Arizona
|Got my yummy neutrals--love them!! Annette, thank you so very much for doing this one!!
Elite Veteran
Posts: 636
Location: Las Vegas, NV
I'm so glad everyone is liking the neutrals. It was a fun swap to do. I still haven't heard from Laura, Sherry or Lynn whether their packages arrived. I sure hope they did!
I've been going through patterns and trying to decide how to best use these beauties. I'm open to suggestions.
Posts: 282
Location: Bryan, Texas
Hi, Annette,
My squishy package arrived yesterday and I've already put some of the yummy fabrics to use for Miss Cindy's row robin.
Thank you so much for handling the swap. You rock!
Have a great weekend, Laura
|Short Not Sassy
Posts: 1455
|Thanks Annette! I got mine yesterday too! These are all just great! Thanks again for such a wonderful swap!
Elite Veteran
Posts: 636
Location: Las Vegas, NV
I received a PM from Lynn and her layers arrived last Wednesday. All layers are home and accounted for, so to speak. Yeah!
Thank you Pat for being a wonderful Co-Hostess and Jess for providing the Q&N so we can "play".
Enjoy the layer cakes and let us know how you used yours.
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Jonathan Yeo doesn't need additional exposure being one of British most prominent Contemporary painters. The artist known for his realistic and unapologetic portraits, in his new solo show exposes hyper-sexualized representation of human body and the pornographic underlying of advertisements. Exposure solo exhibition consists of Jonathan Yeo's Leaf Works that are created as an extension of his Porn Series that deals with the proliferation of the body in media contents. The exhibition will include paintings that were previously displayed in New York and Los Angeles but also new works created especially for the visitors of Circle Culture gallery in Hamburg.
Exposure exhibition will present the works from Jonathan Yeo's acclaimed Leaf Series that question the hyper-sexualization of human body in the media. The series consists of foliage collages with the pornography structures cleverly hidden underneath. Jonathan Yeo's Porn series started back in 2007 with the notorious portrait of George W. Bush and continued with the portraits of other famous people who have in certain ways, traded their sexual morality. The problem of pornography in everyday life has captured the attention of the author after the birth of his second daughter. The artist was concerned and appalled by the increasing objectification of women in advertising industry that has become so acceptable that it's almost inconspicuous.
The artworks created for Exposure exhibition are condemning the modern society while at the same time mirroring it. Delicate falling petals reveal the fragments of reproductive organs and sexual acts, undoubtedly much less romantic imagery. The pornographic component is so overwhelmingly present in the media that it has become inseparable from other content and invisible just like the genitals on the canvases. Concealment of the sexual acts in Jonathan Yeo's imagery was taken even further with the wallpaper inspired artworks that will be presented at Circle Culture gallery in Hamburg. The wallpaper pattern hides pornographic material with maximal efficiency while the artist incorporates leaf portrayed sex subtext in his works. Additionally, the British artist will display a series of artworks inspired by classical nudes. Artworks such as Catherine and Pepper, are toying with the cannons of art history while incorporating explicit pornographic elements to what's considered to be an acceptable depiction of nude human body.
Exposure exhibition at Circle Culture gallery in Hamburg will open on Thursday, July 10th. Opening reception will be held the previous day July 9th, from 7 pm till 9 pm. This will be the first exhibition for Jonathan Yeo in Hamburg and his second in Circle Culture having exhibited in their Berlin gallery in 2012. Exposure solo show explores the artist's fascination with human body and identity and the way it's being affected by society. This will be the first and possibly the last time Jonathan Yeo's Leaf series of works are shown together, as a group in their own right. The exhibition will last till September 18th, 2015 at Circle Culture gallery in Hamburg.
Urban and Contemporary artworks are exposed in My Widewalls every day, so sign up for FREE
All images cortesy of Jonathan Yeo
Berlin, Germany


text:
I, as much as the next man, love to see the rich punished.
Income disparity, tax avoidance, their habit of miserly tipping, my limitless resentment of someone better off than me ... I can think of plenty of reasons to hate the rich. Who said: "Behind every great fortune there is a crime"? I would claim that honour, except that would be stealing. And I leave that to the rich.
But it's never occurred to me to hate the rich because of a plan for a bike lane.
Yet that, in the case of Point Grey Road, is what has transpired. In Vancouver city council's plans to put in a dedicated bike lane down Point Grey Road, and restrict access to Point Grey Road from Macdonald to Alma, critics — whose arguments are propelled, in part, by class resentment — claim the city will be creating a residential enclave for the wealthy who live along that stretch of Point Grey Road.
To which I would say:
Yes, that is exactly what the city is doing.
To which I would then say:
So what?
The city has created dozens of residential enclaves through road closures all over Vancouver, in rich and middle-class and poor neighbourhoods. The city does this by restricting ingress and egress to these neighbourhoods on arterial streets, just as it is planning to do on Point Grey.
And the city has done this because commuters, many of them coming from outside Vancouver city limits, have used residential streets as commuting routes, streets that were not designed for the volumes of traffic they see now. And that is what has happened on Point Grey Road.
But these critics, aside from taking issue with the nuts and bolts of the plan, seem as equally angry that the plan will benefit the rich. Wrote one emailer on the issue, drawing attention to the seaside mini-parks in the area:
"The current proposals would result in most of those mini-parks becoming the almost exclusive property of the already incredibly wealthy, who apparently want nothing more than to have the portion from Macdonald to Alma almost entirely to themselves — plus a few, very few, cyclists who might wander through its gates.
"Sorry you didn't catch that point; it would be a pity if it takes another decade or so for you to realize that we are missing a great opportunity to preserve a public amenity from being grabbed by the privileged few. But that is Vancouver these days; money talks and big money talks really loudly."
Those mini-parks, by the way, will still be accessible to the motorized hoi polloi who can reach them by way of West Fourth. But about that road closure the emailer thought was extraordinary: It's nothing new.
"This is not an uncommon thing to be done in the city," said Vision Vancouver councillor Heather Deal. "In the '70s, the West End was changed significantly when it was determined people were cutting through it to commute. So Chilco was shut down completely and that had been a very common shortcut for people to take. And it was simply determined that those streets were not intended for commuter traffic; they were intended for local traffic.
"And then we've had several examples since then. Seventh Avenue is crossed off to any through traffic — it's just west of Cambie at Heather Street, and it's been shut down for several years now. Other examples: Ontario at 29th right by Nat Bailey Stadium. There were a lot of cars using Ontario as a faster route to Main, and Ontario was not designed for that; it was designed as a residential street, and a residential collector, but not as a commuting route. So that's been shut down to through traffic in one spot. And then in Strathcona, Hawkes Avenue has been shut down for some years to through traffic. So this has been done all over the city."
The question is, where will the diverted traffic off of Point Grey Road go? It will likely go down Macdonald and then down Fourth Avenue, because traffic, like water, finds the easiest route.
But that is exactly the problem: People drive because it is easy. People drive because they are lazy. And that is the real issue, not bike lanes or the rich.
Why — in a compact city that can offer alternative forms of public transit, transit that is so much more environmentally benign — are so many people still in their cars?