By Gary L. Geipel Gary L. Geipel is an analyst at the University of Arizona.
AMONG the enemies of socialism, computing once ranked high. In 1953, a philosophical journal in Stalinist Russia described cybernetics, the mathematical analysis on which much of computer-science theory is based, as ``one of those pseudosciences which are generated by contemporary imperialism and are doomed to failure even before the downfall of imperialism.'' The power of computers to influence decisionmaking was seen as a threat to Marxism-Leninism. Even when fears subsided, poor management and barriers to innovation left the USSR and its East European allies lagging behind the West in the development of advanced electronics. While the US boasts more than 150 personal computers per thousand citizens, the USSR has yet to deploy one PC per thousand.
The realization among socialist leaders that their policies failed to create dynamic, high-tech-driven economies explains the wave of reform and free-market experimentation throughout the Soviet bloc. Information technology is now seen as socialism's savior rather than its adversary. Several factors may allow Western business to encourage and benefit from this sentiment.
First, socialists are disenchanted with the joint R&D and computer trade that exist in their own Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. CMEA still Lacks good scientific communication, currency convertibility, and effective supply contracts. Soviet-bloc computer shortages will not ease in the foreseeable future, and Eastern Europe looks westward.
Most socialist countries have amended their laws to ease Western participation in joint ventures. Although the socialist countries have managed to train computer scientists and programmers, these people flock to lucrative jobs in Austria or West Germany. East European authorities hope that joint ventures on their soil will help stem this tide. It is now possible for foreign firms to own 100 percent of a subsidiary operating in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, or Poland.
Tax laws have been changed to allow greater repatriation of profits to the West. In Hungary these laws are particularly generous to computer firms. Hungary also promises to enforce copyright laws, the flouting of which has deterred Western software vendors.
Western restrictions on the export of sensitive technology are becoming less severe - the result of reduced US-Soviet tensions and pressure from business and academia. This year, the US government has approved the sale to the Soviet bloc of IBM PC/AT-type computers, and lower-level versions of the IBM PS/2 and the Apple Macintosh.
Soviet-bloc use of data services will remain limited for some time by three factors: Their cost is high, the bloc has a poor infrastructure for data communications, and Western strategic concerns regarding East-bloc access to sensitive information are far from resolved.
Similar issues dampen the enthusiasm of Western manufacturers. Socialist enterprises do not have access to the Western hard currency required for large-scale computer buying, and governments facing shortages on every front find that they have insufficient resources to close the computer gap. While joint ventures remain an alternative, Western firms question the permanence of reforms and the financial viability of operating in countries where it is difficult to take profits in hard currency.
Those are short-term concerns. If anything guarantees Eastern Europe's economic reforms, it is the perception that those trends are essential to socialism's technological development. By exploring the Soviet bloc's untapped market for information technology, Western manufacturers can get in on the ground floor of that market and help seed the future spread of free enterprise and democracy. It is no coincidence that the most dynamic, market-oriented firms in Eastern Europe are also the most computerized. PCs once assisted Poland's Solidarity trade union to publish underground newspapers. Now Solidarity - and the PC - are above ground. The computer is both a beneficiary and a driving force behind perestroika and glasnost throughout Eastern Europe.


Every single bookstore. There it was. Stacked on the display table (not the shelves, no no. The table). Hot pink dots on the cover joined the phrase "Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008". It was irresistible to me, a book I felt deeply I should read as a reviewer, but also as a lover of books. This was one I couldn't miss. When I found A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE at ABC The Hague, well. In the shopping bag it went.
Still, it took me a while to actually read it (earlier this year), possibly because I read the Man Booker winner (Aravind Adiga's THE WHITE TIGER) and found myself to be rather underwhelmed. How would I feel about a nominee if the winner didn't do it for me?
The answer? I feel a little silly. The Man Booker is an important literary prize, but winning it says nothing about the quality of the other shortlisted books (or longlisted books – or books that didn't even make the cut).
I quickly realized when I started reading A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE that I liked this book so much more than the winning book.
Martin Dean's entire life has revolved around one important thing: his brother Terry's actions. A notorious criminal, Terry's been on a murdering spree – killing athletes who took pay-offs, for one – until his own death, which made him an even bigger legend. Ever since, Marty's been focused on being A Somebody Too, but that's not an easy feat when you're a cynical misanthrope who analyzes and philosophizes everything to death. Marty's son Jasper looks on in embarrassment, wanting nothing more than to be free from his father's overbearing opinions on life, but unable to because his dad is all Jasper's got. It's only when Marty dies that Jasper can actually look upon their lives together and their crazy adventures (in Paris, Thailand and their homeland, Australia) in a different, more independent light, allowing himself to discover who he is with, and without his dad.
A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE is Toltz's debut, and an impressive one: the fractions that make the book a whole are so, so strong.
Toltz is a fantastic storyteller; his work is highly imaginative without going inexcusably overboard. If you think Steve Toltz is insane, try reading a book by Christopher Moore – whom I adore, but yeah, he's insane. It's why I buy his books. They're delightful.
Steve Toltz has tons of ideas and he does go everywhere with his story – some of them are outrageous, especially in the end – but he goes everywhere with self-confidence, a goal. He's forgiven because he remains very much in control, careful not to let the crazy overshadow the heart of the tale. And there's plenty of heart.
FRACTION is absolutely lough out loud funny. This started immediately; I'd already laughed a gazillion times by the time I reached page 30. There was something witty on every page – at least, I felt it was witty. His humor seems to come natural to him; it doesn't feel forced, the jokes aren't done before. It's fresh, it's daring, it's cynical – but it never puts down serious issues which do occur in the book.
An important theme is suicide; one of the most moving moments in the novel is when Jasper's classmate commits suicide, and the effect it has on his father, a teacher none of the kids could stand. It's a moment I won't forget; FRACTION has a lot of these memorable moments.
It's moments like these which brings me to the strongest aspect of FRACTION, and that is its characters. FRACTION does have a plot line but is clearly a character-driven book. Moments in their lives define Toltz's characters, as do relationships with each other. It's about Jasper's coming of age, absolutely. But even more, FRACTION explores the relationship between father and son (who share the position of narrator), and the bond between two (competitive, and very different) brothers. This is what you need to realize when you read this book. The heart of the book lies between two brothers, and the son of one. Toltz writes about these men with feeling, with soul… and with his brains.
It's good that you're thinking about life and death, authors, and that you have questions and are seeking answers, but if you plan on dumping them on your readers (who expect a book about a dysfunctional father/son relationship, not necessarily a work containing a lot of philosophy), at least make it relatable, understandable, transferable. Toltz gets that and I appreciated this.
Furthermore, the reader doesn't have to agree with everything to see the literary value in Toltz's writing. His thoughts are so cleverly worded, that they make for enjoyable reading, so much that it didn't bother me that (my edition of) the book was 700+ pages long. I enjoyed every single word on every single page.
I'm such a huge fan of this author. Please please please, write another book, Steve Toltz. I'll be one of the first to read it. I have complete faith in this man's ability to write a brilliant sophomore novel.
It's not a big literary prize (it's not even real but shh, not the point), but it's a heartfelt one: the Karin Elizabeth Prize 2008, it's yours, Steve Toltz.


Vitamins are very essential for our body and health in general. There is a huge need for us to fill in the proper daily needs of various vitamins in order for our body to function properly. One vitamin that is essential for the body is the vitamin D. This particular vitamin is essential in strengthening the immunity and the bones. Nevertheless, new findings show that the deficiency of this vitamin may be interconnected with weight gain or even obesity. Give this article a read to know what the effects of vitamin D for weight loss are. Worry less, because you will learn a lot from reading this. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
Vitamin D: What is this?
1 Vitamin D: What is this?
2 Vitamin D: How is it related to weight gain?
3 Vitamin D for Weight Loss: Is it really beneficial?
4 Ways to Increase the Levels of Vitamin D for Weight Loss?
Vitamin D is what they also call as the sunshine vitamin as it is being synthesized when the body is exposed to the sunlight. Furthermore, it is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the fat cells. Not just that, this vitamin is also beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight.
Some of the major forms of the vitamin D are vitamin D3 or calciferol and vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol. The vitamin D2 is being added to various food sources and is actually man-made. On the other hand, the vitamin D3 is being synthesized in the skin when gets exposure from the sun.
As what is said earlier, vitamin D is beneficial in strengthening the bones and the immunity. Nevertheless, there is various research that suggests the deficiency of it may be in connection with weight gain or obesity. In fact, there are some dieters who find it hard to lose weight even though they are in a strict diet plan.
Vitamin D: How is it related to weight gain?
The connection between the lack of vitamin D and obesity or weight gain is still in its emerging stage. Nonetheless, there are enough researches that hypothesize obese individuals are really lacking with vitamin D and vice versa.
In the actual fact, one scientist suggests that the lack of vitamin D in the body was 35 percent higher in obese people and is 24 percent higher in those who are overweight. Furthermore, another study suggests that women who use vitamin D supplements have a significant reduction in the body fat mass.
Therefore, it is clear that those who are overweight and obese have a tendency to have vitamin D deficiency. Mainly because of the lack of sun exposure and less consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin D. nevertheless, more solid studies are still needed to confirm the precise mechanism of how the lack of vitamin D lead to overweight or obesity.
But will take vitamin D for weight loss may lead to weight loss? Continue reading to know!
Vitamin D for Weight Loss: Is it really beneficial?
Various studies show that increasing the consumption of vitamin D may lead to weight loss. The one4 study suggests by American scientists suggest that women who take 30 ng/ml or more of vitamin D have a lower weight than those who have lower dosage. Furthermore, another study from the Tehran University of Med. Sciences also found out that there is a significant reduction in the weight of women participant due to the increase in the vitamin D intake.
Thus, if you are able to manage in getting vitamin D in your system, you will be able to increase the chances of losing excess weight.
Ways to Increase the Levels of Vitamin D for Weight Loss?
Eat vitamin D-rich foods. This is ought to be the second best option in increasing the levels of vitamin D in the body. A lot of foods are rich in vitamin D, and is a must-have in the daily diet.
Sun Exposure. This is very important if you want to increase the levels of vitamin D in the body. In order to acquire this, you may get up early in the morning and go for a jog or walk. The fresh air will also be beneficial in healing the body and keeping you fit.
Vitamin D supplement. If you are not capable of doing the aforementioned ways, you may try taking some vitamin D supplements. With this, you will see some significant changes in the energy levels, have better sleep and memory, and feel less fatigued. Nevertheless, you should talk to your doctor first before you take some.
There is no denying that vitamin D is really beneficial in losing weight. So, if you want to level up your intake of vitamin D, follow the ways that you learned in this article!
Treatments For Edema: Are These Really Effective?


What follows is a written version of the eulogy delivered for my brother Mark at his service on November 12th..
I've included the music that was played before and after, and the piece below by Craig Cardiff is referenced in the eulogy itself. I've also included pictures of Mark throughout.
I'd offer here that for those looking to know Mark as we did and who are wishing to find their own completion, to carve out some time in a sacred space to take this all in. Listen to the music, read the words, sit with your own memories. Let him feel your love.
As you let it out, and as you take the next one in, feel the connection of your feet to the floor. Feel your seat in the chair.
As you continue to breathe, notice your breath as it first fills your belly. Notice the feeling as it then moves to fill your chest.
Notice what’s alive in your heart space right now. Whatever may be there or not there… is ok. Just feel yourself immersed, bathed in the present moment.
As you breathe, feeling your body in this space and its connection to the ground, call in Mark. Feel him in you, feel the taste of his essence in this moment, whatever it may be for you.
As you call him into the right now, feeling the flow of him in your body, remember a time he made you smile, or laugh, or feel loved. Remember a warm moment you had of him.
Feel what shining memory wants to stir in you, what wants to arise. Don’t worry at all about finding the right memory, or the best memory; just find a warm one and feel Mark in it.
Breathe in this personal, private moment you’re having with him right now. Bathe in it. Savor it with every inhale and exhale.
Mark Donald Leonard. We love you.
As you open your eyes and come back to the room, feel that love for Mark radiate in you, through you, and around you from everyone gathered in this room, and from everybody who knew him that’s still connected to us in the world outside these walls.
In the years we grew up together, my brother and I often saw ourselves as distinctly different from one another, if not total opposites. He had brown hair, I had blonde. He wore red, I wore blue. He was the builder and tinkerer, I was the reader and computer nerd.
As we grew into our teens and adult lives, this concrete red-and-blue, brown-and-blonde way of holding our brotherhood relaxed, and we began to understand what we really were: two halves of the same whole. So many times I found myself in a deeply respectful awe of how his qualities and capacities far outstripped my own in the areas he committed himself to, with that sentiment being mutually echoed from him to me.
I say this to make an important distinction. I’m not standing here today to speak about Mark, I’m here to speak to him. I’m here to give voice for that missing half lying peacefully here beside me, and to share perspective from the view of our whole we both made, a whole that’s been stitched and threaded together since his birth thirty-seven years ago last month.
An outsider looking in on Mark’s passing could, mistakenly, see his death simply. That outsider could see the facts of his death, draw conclusions, and leave it at that.
Let’s look at those facts, because they’re here in front of us, uncomfortably staring us in the face, and are the circumstances which have brought us here to mourn, grieve, and love today.
On the afternoon of November 8th, 2016, Mark Donald Leonard died. He died while in the care of a detox program at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. He was being treated for an addiction to opiates, an addiction which spanned several years. His death was very likely the result of an unintentional drug overdose, specifically of hydromorphone and fentanyl injected intravenously.
These statements and facts of my brother’s death leave me feeling deeply uncomfortable. They rankle me, they make me defensive, they get my back up.
Drawing conclusions on little more than these… facts… offends me. They may be true, but they are very, very partial.
In Vancouver, Chela and I live not too far from one of Canada’s worst drug neighborhoods, the Downtown Eastside, a several block stretch centered around the intersection of Hastings and Main. It’s a neighborhood teeming with the bustle of addiction. It’s full of people who have nowhere left to go, whose whole lives centre around the business of finding the next fix, whether it’s running any number of sketchy scams, or sitting on the dirty street with a cardboard sign and a hand out asking for change. It’s a neighborhood of barred windows and dirty storefronts; of under-resourced shelters and clinics. It’s a neighborhood that provokes discomfort and fear for “normal people” to walk through, and if you stop to watch these normals passing through, they often scurry past quickly, rigidly, with blinders on.
In the Downtown Eastside, a physician named Gabor Maté worked as the resident doctor for a system of long-term shelter housing converted from old hotels. The housing offered by these shelter clinics was unique because they didn’t push any particular agenda, rather having the mission only to provide apartments and assistance to those who had hit rock bottom.
Dr. Maté worked in these shelters and walked the Hastings and Main area for years, becoming a familiar face with a curious spirit for the locals who called the street their home. He was adept at leaving judgement aside, and doing so allowed him to become fascinated by the stories of the souls whose lives were consumed by the chaotic, manic fire of addiction… in all it’s distorted shapes, sharp colors, and slippery forms; and all the associated mental health concerns that come with it.
Gabor Maté’s celebrated book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, advances a view of addiction that fully embraces and fully empathizes with the unique life history of the individual; applying compassionate curiosity to hold both the painful, brutal behaviors of addiction right alongside the life story of the soul’s essence and its always perfect aspiration for expression.
I would offer that the arc of Mark’s life should also be held and viewed in this way. The final cause of his passing is clear, we’ve got those facts. I would offer that by way of being compassionately curious, understanding the high sky of ideals that Mark’s essence or soul was reaching for – and how the story of circumstance and choice conspired against him – it is in this way that we see the whole scintillating beauty of Mark’s life, in color both morbid and beautiful, and do honor to his memory instead of offense.
My past days have been spent taking and sharing in as much of my brother as possible. So many pictures have made my heart smile and my chest sob. I’ve smelled his clothes, read his journals, retraced his footsteps from inside his loving home on Draper to our childhood home on Evelyn, making every stop along the way. I’ve heard stories told about him that were well worn and familiar, but so many others that have surfaced around his fianceé Jennie’s living room and through messages sent that have had us exclaim with an astounded smile: “I had no idea!”, and all with the same thread of how he was able just to drop into penetrating, unassuming, heart-first connection with those around him.
For as long as I knew him, Mark had a deeply sensitive essence that longed for a structure of love that he could be held in, for a hearth of warm security where he could stay safe from the dark. One of my earliest memories, and maybe my earliest memory of Mark comes almost thirty-five years ago.
During the period in which my parents were en route to their divorce, which later on opened some really nourishing partnerships for each of them, there would be nights where fights broke out between my parents downstairs after they’d put us to bed upstairs. It was on nights like these that Mark, almost silently, would crawl into my bed to sleep with me. I remember the lightly visceral reaction of those moments when he’d do this, and life had made it clear that this was my younger brother, that the contract had been inked for me to protect him.
Mark’s desire to have and to contribute to a loving environment is a thread which wove its way through his entire life. Whenever the structure of the environments he loved were upset, he became upset. My father and I both came to this simple, shocking realization at different times in Mark’s life.
For my dad, it was when he broke it off with his live-in girlfriend in our house on Evelyn Avenue, when Mark was in grade 1 or 2. I think that he thought a clean break was probably best, and she just moved out. When Mark came home one day and found out, he burst into tears, devastated.
As Mark grew older himself, I either helped him move into new apartments or houses, or was excitedly invited over shortly after he settled.
Almost everyone I know, in the first couple of years after moving away from home, went through a phase of posters and pictures taped to bare walls, makeshift furniture, and any number of trappings of cheap and temporary living. From his very first apartment, Mark insisted on framed and mounted pictures, and solid furniture, because anything less didn’t feel like a home.
Whenever he moved into a new place, he’d carefully organize and place his unique, semi-vintage, semi-eccentric, semi-antique collection of belongings “just so”, in a way that when you were in Mark’s space, you knew it was his; his home was truly a creative extension of himself.
I credit Mark’s unique sense of style to two influences. Our granny and grandad were an absolutely rock solid and massive influence on both our lives, providing us with a regular cadence of ground and stability during rocky times in early childhood. The stable love they provided was done in spaces that felt grounded in tradition, steeped in history, and quietly understated in quality; both in their Ottawa home and island cottage.
The second influence is my mother, who had a decorative flair of her own. She supported Mark unconditionally and unreservedly in every one of his creative expressions, from music to getting his first tattoo to owning a restaurant. She’d often supply him with many of her own pieces of furniture or artwork which were the base on which the atmosphere of Mark’s homes were built on.
As he grew older, Mark’s desire to contribute and bring family together became more pronounced. Of the two of us, he was the one who had the ability to naturally reach out and connect.
The challenges and struggles we faced in childhood, both at home and at school, pushed us inwards but in different ways. For me, I went in and up to my head; finding myself most at home in the cognitive-intellectual, and fearful of leaning into emotion, connection, and putting myself out there. For Mark, he went in and down to his heart, finding the superpower of his intelligence in the waters of the creative-emotional realm.
What this meant for those around him was that they’d always get something from him… whether it was a ping or a conversation or a desire to get together, he was always genuinely intrigued and admiring of those closest to him; and nothing was closer or meant more to him than family. When he was at his best or, for that matter, even just his most average, his reaching out was done in the same unassuming, understated-yet-elegant way he lived the rest of his life. Whether he made something for you, held a conversation with you, or just sent you a quick Facebook message or text; his happy desire to reach out and be felt was always there.
My step-siblings, particularly my step-sisters in Ottawa, got to reap the benefit of Mark in his fullness. I don’t know if it needs to be said, but he loved and admired all of you so much; and what I find the most beautiful about it as I reflect on it now, is that it was precisely your own unique qualities and ways that you were admired for. He knew who you were, what you were about, and threw himself into his admiration. Ben, Jake, Caitlin, Kelly, and Tiffany; I could write paragraphs about what he saw in you and how he loved you, even when through his demons, there were bridges he burned.
Mark had a marvelous ability to connect with children. His nieces and nephews, you need to know that he loved you. You were such joys in his life.
He met Phoenix, my soon-to-be stepson, two summers ago. Mark spent a few days with Phoenix, canoeing and playing with him up in Gananoque. When we were back again this summer, Phoenix was so excited he spent three days getting ready for Mark’s arrival; excited and wanting to build and show things to him. It was a superpower of his.
His family at large, you’ve heard the impact he had on his Aunt Janie and Uncle Michael’s lives, and the impact they had on them. His Uncle Paul and Aunt Pat who can’t be here today. And conversations around the dinner table and forays into the forest and so much more… so many ways in which he unfolded into family and shared himself.
And, never more than at Gananoque, his most treasured place and where his ashes will be spread.
With all this laid out, I’d offer this… that Mark’s core structure, that pure gem of light set in the center of him… if you listen to it, free of all other circumstances and just for what it was reaching for… its aspiration was to build and create things out of love for others and in alignment with himself that were in social, environmental, and spiritual harmony with the world.
For many of you, if you think back to the memories of Mark that you first found at the start of my words, you can trace this. There was an element of building or creation, an element of love that resonated with both him and you, and a desire to be in harmony with his surroundings, the people in it, and a little farther down, the ultimate spiritual aspirations he had for himself.
With these parts of Mark’s story told, and they’re only parts – I’ve had to play the role of curator here, assigned the difficult task of being representative but being keenly aware of just how much I’ve had to leave out – I’d like to shuttle the loom from the weave of Mark’s brightness back to tread lightly on his dark.
In his book, Gabor Maté includes the portraits of several of his clients and patients that he writes about. Most look weary from shouldering the load, some look beaten, some look hopeful. But they are all adults, and they are all living with their own life’s fingerprint of circumstance and choice.
A theme Dr. Maté returns to several times in honoring the life story and path of his clients and patients goes something like this.
When we come across children who suffer developmental traumas, whether those traumas are biological or psychological, as a society we generally have no problem rallying around those children. We give them aid, support, shelter, and protection. We see this as our moral duty to those kids.
Yet, when looking at the thirty-seven-year-old addict, the one whose addiction is a highly correlated product and behavioral expression of those very same childhood struggles and traumas, we don’t see that child in them. We often lose our compassion. We turn a blind eye, resources drop off, they’re sent to the street, and need to fend for themselves at the point in their life when they need help the most.
I’d offer here that this is what happened to my best friend and soulmate Mark.
I’ve spoken about Mark’s move into himself and down, and some of the superpowers of creative-emotional genius that unlocked for him. But it would be disingenuous for me to stand here and say that many of his years in childhood were easy ones. They weren’t.
Mark got hurt in many ways, and was often on the receiving end of just plain bad luck of the draw. He was subject and witness to some experiences that no child should have a part of, and I believe they scarred him in ways that he never found nourishing means to heal from.
Being built as he was with a desire for creative, loving, expression and reception, Mark found chemical surrogates that artificially created these experiences and sensations for him. The shadowy wolves of addiction padded quietly around the edges of his heart and psyche in early years, gnashing their teeth and becoming bolder as time went on and the fires in his being burned unchecked.
For those of us that saw him at his darkest, before the dawn of the last couple of years started to break, the mania that burned within him almost tore him to shreds as those wolves of addiction closed in.
Many of us in this room were affected. In the absence of any formal support structures that we could leverage, many of us gave everything we could to pick up the torch and do our best to keep those wolves at bay.
I’ll tell you what I loved, though. I abso-effin’-lutely loved seeing him start to come out of it.
Beginning with his apartment on Bronson and the regular, no-strings-attached resources to independently sort himself out, he began to feel it. He began to take responsibility; he began to source help for himself.
I began to have conversations with him that felt like I was talking to MARK, not some guy I was walking on eggshells around trying to manage or be worried about his reactions.
I loved seeing him with Jennie, in a relationship that I was increasingly learning was founded on love, affection, care, and respect… which was something he’d never had in a consistent way with in a romantic relationship before. I loved that he had animals around him to care for, and a house with a partner that he could stretch and unfold a real home into, meeting his innermost longing.
In September, Mark had decided he’d had enough. He didn’t draw a line in the sand, he carved it in rock. He’d finally found and began to own his “no”.
He had already been working through a methadone program to ease him off the addiction for some time, but he’d found the strength of will to try completely cut his addiction out of his life. The withdrawal symptoms he experienced in those weeks were so strong they put him in the emergency room, and that’s how he came to the detox program at the Royal Ottawa Hospital.
I’ve spent a lot of time this week tracking my anger. I’ve kept a close ear on it, waiting to see if it would flare up towards Mark. It hasn’t. There hasn’t been a single wisp or trace of anger or even disappointment towards my brother for the last slip that cost him.
I think this is because I was intensely proud of him. I mean, I was always proud of him for so many of his abilities and capacities, but I was so proud of him for finding his “NO”. For taking up arms and bringing his full force to wage war against the wolves that were stalking him.
While I believe he was already on his way to finding it, I have to thank Jennie for helping him stand in it. And for giving him the most loving compassion, free of judgment, that allowed him to unfold and be open and honest in a way that I’d never seen him be before with a partner.
Those wolves were strong. One of them leapt as Mark was climbing with everything he had into the light.
... but only if you were the person you are now after being put through the experience of his death.
Guilt and regret are natural, and I will certainly be carrying mine over my brother’s death for years to come. Mark was the two-year-old in the onesie that crawled into my bed at night looking for protection, and there are many ways in the years between then and now that I let him down and I didn’t come close to meeting my contract with him as an older brother. Even though he was on my mind and in my heart nearly every day, there were emails not replied to, and calls I didn’t make.
I know my parents as they look to the memorabilia and pictures in this room of their beautiful baby boy, my brother, and they feel… intensely… all the dreams and aspirations they had for him; that they wonder if they could have done more in both the recent and distant past.
And I know it spirals out; sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, fiancées… they all wonder, whether consciously or not: “could I have done more”.
For me, this is the message of the song God Said No which played as a reflection before I spoke. We like to think that if we went back to who we would’ve been at any of these times in the past, that we’d be stronger, better, more able. We’d take the gun out of Cobain’s hands; we’re use one to take out Hitler; we’d stop the crucifixion of the most compassionate being the world has ever seen.
But we wouldn’t. We wouldn’t know, we wouldn’t be the people that we are now having gained the compassionate wisdom that these events led to.
The same goes with the passing of Mark as we get ready to leave him in this form. I’ll be saying goodbye to him for the rest of my life.
But if I don’t become more attuned from the day of his death onward to the questions of “could I do more? Could I put in more effort? Who needs my help? Who should I reach out to?” Then I will be a universe away from honoring his memory in the way he deserves.
It’s been an honor to be in this room and to stand in this place, feeling the love from the memory of Mark. I can even now feel the cycle of life that exists from this peaceful body at the front of the room, and the hearing the soft cries of a baby being held in the back of the room.
As I pause in this moment and take in your faces, I want you to know that Mark loved you all.


Resident asked under Freedom of Information Act to see emails written by Chair what effect could it have on Chair ?
Resident has spent months quarrelling with another resident and this has caused much disruption in past meetings which I wish to draw a close to. This looking at emails will just open another can of worms and is causing ill feeling towards her already.
Not everything is subject to FoI requests. And a request can be refused as vexatious, although this approach often leads to an unsatisfactory outcome. However, it's certainly worth considering whether the emails are subject to FoI - the commissioner's office is usually helpful in settling difficult cases.
But presumably the resident could ask to see any personal information about her (including personal opinions expressed by the Chair or others) under the Data Protection Act 2018? I think it would be questionable whether you could treat such a request as vexatious.
A vexatious request is one which is framed in an angry or aggressive tone or is judged to be deliberately designed to cause stress or anxiety. This could include deluging a public body with a large volume of repeated requests for the same information. Essentially the E mails have to be provided ( possibly part redacted) unless the Council can demonstrate a valid exclusion by reference to the appropriate article in the Freedom Of Information Act. Vexatious requests are one such exclusion.


Input text: the ground is visible. it is grass. a garage. a car is -6 feet in front of the garage. it faces back. a man is left of the car. he faces back. a cart is left of the man. it faces left. a small tv is 2 feet in the cart. it faces left. a suitcase is in front of the cart. it faces southwest. 1st large tan box is 1 feet left of and 2 feet behind the cart. 2nd large brown box is .4 feet in the 1st box. it is upside down. it faces southwest. a 4 feet tall boy is -13.5 feet in front of and -2 feet left of and -18.6 feet above the garage.
And where am I supposed to put the car now?


Suppose you were hiring a new superintendent for your diocesan school system. Whom would you select?
(a) A longtime Catholic schoolteacher.
(b) A Catholic business leader conspicuous for his fidelity to the teaching of the Church.
(c) A retired public school superintendent who (according to a former colleague) "sees public schools as more qualified than anyone-- including private or charter or other similar schools-- to provide what students need for the future" and who donated $300 to Hilary Rodham Clinton for US Senate Committee, Inc.
If you're the Diocese of Syracuse, your answer is (c).
No, no, it's (d) Barbra Streisand. Now, what's the problem with that???
The pandering of chancery education officials toward public education goes back to at least the 1960s when there was a push to have parochial schools accredited by the state. Even in good dioceses these problems are systemic; e.g., the diocese of Lincoln NB, permits or requires the DARE program in its schools.


Analysts are predicting that a flood of $200 to $300 tablet computers will hit the market this fall, prompting the essential question: Which device will come out on top?
Several analysts are betting on Amazon.com to be at the top of the heap with an expected $299 Android-based tablet introduced sometime in October. The reason it will do well is only partly because of the low price, which is below the market-leading iPad 2, starting at $499.
But analysts also expect Amazon to offer content for its 9-in. tablet that approximates or even exceeds the content that Apple can offer for the iPad. Amazon will make money on the content it sells, which is expected to more than make up for any loss it incurs in selling the tablet at a price below the cost of making it.
"Amazon has an ecosystem like Apple, with its own app store that offers music, movies and videos, and a bookstore," said Bob O'Donnell, an analyst at IDC. "Not only would you get a cheaper device [than the iPad], you would get the integrated Amazon experience. That's what makes Amazon's tablet the most interesting and where other [Android] tablets will be challenged."
In effect, Amazon's approach will be to entice buyers with a much lower price, "but have all the services of Apple," O'Donnell said.
Other Android tablets with which Amazon would likely compete include a $199 Lenovo IdeaPad A1 tablet announced Thursday, the cheapest 7-in. Android tablet from a top device maker. Another contender is the original Samsung Galaxy Tab, which is being sold on Amazon for $279.99, after having first appeared late in 2010 for $600.
That original Galaxy Tab is being replaced by the Galaxy Tab 7.7, announced Thursday by Samsung at the IFA conference in Germany. It includes a Super Amoled Plus display for greater clarity. Pricing in the U.S. hasn't been set, but the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is expected to cost less than $800 without subsidies, according to Samsung officials in Sweden.
Analysts wondered what the price will be for the new, thin Toshiba AT200, also announced at IFA on Thursday. It has the advantage of shipping with Android Honeycomb, the tablet-optimized OS, while Lenovo's device runs the older Gingerbread.
The HP TouchPad dropped to $99 after HP said recently it would stop selling the device, but HP this week said it would make a final round of the machines because of the sudden interest in that low price. The TouchPad price drop was further evidence of the importance of low pricing to buyers, analysts noted.
O'Donnell and other analysts said Samsung and most of the major tablet makers will likely bring prices down by the end of the year in order to compete.
Meanwhile, Apple isn't likely to drop its iPad 2 prices by much, if at all, in the next few months, according to O'Donnell and Jack Gold, an analyst at J. Gold Associates.
IDC recently said the iPad and the iPad 2 took 68% of the tablet market in the second quarter, a share that is likely to stay roughly in place over the next two years, even with a higher price. That has to do with the iPad's being first to market, but more importantly because "the iPad is considered a better device with a nice experience, and for buyers, the $499 starting price is low enough to give it a try," O'Donnell said. "Until now, there's not been enough of a price gap to find something else."
Gold said the iPad will keep its higher price for a long while, just because "it is regarded as the BMW or Lexus of tablets, while Lenovo historically tends to be more of a Chevrolet."
Keeping to his car metaphor, Gold said that at $199, a Lenovo ThinkPad A1 tablet could be perceived by buyers as something of less quality. "Perhaps a Hyundai?" Gold said.
With tablet prices between $200 and $300, "that opens opportunities for buyers," O'Donnell said.
Lenovo's $199 pricetag is especially interesting because Lenovo is considered an established manufacturer, analysts said. Some lesser-known device makers introduced tablets in the 2010 Christmas buying season for less than $200 without making much impact, O'Donnell noted. One company that did so, Augen, "is already out of business," he noted.
Gold said that manufacturers have to be careful to assure consumers that low-priced tablets "are not a piece of junk." Low pricing tends to put pressure on manufacturers to use parts that are one generation older, and therefore cheaper, than what is currently available, Gold said.
"While $199 is potentially very attractive for consumers, it can be fraught with problems for manufacturers," Gold said. "Can companies like Lenovo or Samsung make any money selling them at that price? You'll see a lot of low-end tablet devices this fall, but the key is if the makers can do it profitably. If they can't, they won't do it very long."


Why all the hate and bad feeling towards other people?
I'm always reading posts where people are wishing harm on others, foreigners hating Thais, foreigners hating other foreigners.
They are constantly calling for jail/injury/deportation for every offence, from the trivial to the unspeakable.
This is not posters complaining or venting, but actually wanting another human being to be harmed in some way.
So why do so many posters want other people harmed?
Is it mental illness, a character fault, or simply the way the world's moving?
The forums are becoming filled with such posts.
Like all the other topics on this subject you will no doubt get many hate filled responses. I don’t think there is a definitive answer to your question, however. Alcohol, mental health, personality disorders, the nature of anonymous forums, social trends and probably a myriad of other things play a part in what you observe.
I am also for deportation of violent foreigners and drunk (stoned) drivers.
That is not wanting to see others harmed, its about getting rid of people who can't behave.
I think its a sign that people are being fed up with bad behaviour.
I hate nobody, just dislike behaviour like drunk (or high) driving, violence and so on. There are enough violent Thais and drunk Thais do we really need crap foreigners too.
I don't have a problem with people stoned or drunk out of their mind when they behave.
1. Some folks are sitting in Mommy basement trying to shock.
2. Some folks get caught up in the Mob syndrome, sort of like pitchforks and rhubarbrhubarbrhubarb while running to the Old Windmill chasing the Barons creation.
3. Some folks truly believe in breaking on the wheel and hot pincers as the answer.
4. Some folks are just idiots.
5. Some folks are just haters.
Answer is simple . They are miserable and wish it upon everyone else.
why should anyone else live a life and experience good and bad when they can not .
personally I am greatful for having being arrrested and gone through Thai jail and legal system , as I have learned a lot.
while it was not the cheapest experience but very educational and an eye opener, all part of living not reading about it.
It would not be something I want to experience, what did you get done for.
Hate? What hate? I must have missed something!
the court sentences you to death.
That’s the difference between you and me, I enjoy new experiences no matter good or bad. Naturally I would not want to do it again but do not regret having gone through it.
you see the usual crap about Thai jails yet how many has seen or been in Thai jail. You see the crap about Thai courts, yet how many have experienced Thai courts?
Yes we are different and if you enjoyed it i can only say that it was not the purpose of jail.
I have not been in a Thai jail, i did experience Thai courts though a Thai friend who now is a lawyer. So i have my idea's about it.
I might have read your post and forgot about it. There are many things I don't consider a crime. But violence and endangering others (drunk driving for instance) get me angry. Especially as any of us can encounter an idiot that puts us in harms way.
or simply the way the world's moving?
fascism is in vogue now.
summary executions for traffic offenses would be a start when I am elected Maximum Leader.
Whilst wearing your new camera....?
"Good Morning Your Most High and Overwhelming Puissant Majestic God, we have several executions for today, would Your Most Extreme Leader and Dispenser of Justice, Grace and Plenty like tea first?"
Maximum Leader indeed. Wimp. I hate you. Off with your Head!
Its a function of social media. It has provided an outlet for all the anonymous ranting and raving that people seem to find amusing, or just an outlet for their inbuilt anger. TV is no different to all the other media outlets. Its also the human condition. Humans are just not a nice friendly species. Try to imagine a tribe of angry gorillas on social media and you have it about right.


How can I view Backupify 2.0 mail exports on my local machine?
Download and install the Mozilla ImportExportTools Add-on utility.
1. Go to the ImportExportTools download page.
2. Check the release notes to ensure the download version supports MBOX files, then click Download now.
3. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and select the Add-ons flyout menu in the upper right.
4. In the Add-ons Manager, click the Extensions icon in the left-hand menu, then click the gear icon and select Install Add-on from File.
5. Browse to the downloaded importexporttools.xpi file, then click Open.
6. Follow the installation prompts. Click Restart when the installation is complete.
Extract the .zip file received from Backupify.
1. Download and extract the Gmail Export sent to you by Backupify. The archive file is in .ZIP file format.
2. Once extracted, you will have several MBOX files, named according to the corresponding label in Gmail. Please note the location to which you extracted the files.
3. In file explorer, browse to the file extraction location. Select the MBOX file corresponding with the label that you want to restore, then click Open. All emails from that label will now import. This could take some time, depending on the file size. When the import completes, you can view the exported messages in Thunderbird.
1. In Thunderbird, in the navigation pane on the left, expand Local Folders and then select the folder below that has the name of the label that you are importing to Gmail.
2. Select the emails contained in the folder, then right click the selection and select Copy to -> [name of your Gmail account] -> [path of the label to which the emails should be restored]. All emails will import to the chosen label. This could take some time, depending on the file size. When the import completes, log into Gmail to see the restored emails.
Outlook only accepts the propriety PST file type. To convert MBOX Files into the PST format, use conversion software such as SoftLay's Backupify Converter.
Backupify has no affiliation with SoftLay or their Backupify Converter application. Any questions or support requests related to the Backupify Converter software should be directed to SoftLay.


Considering Finance for Your Investment Property?
If you're considering investing in property, you'll need to think carefully about the home loan you choose. Let's run through a few loans that will hopefully to give you a better idea of what's on offer and answer some of your questions along the way.
Choosing the right property is a critical part of property investing - but so is choosing the right loan to go with it.
Before you look at specific products, it's a good idea to take a step back and think about how you intend to pay off your loan.
Paying off principal and interest means that there are two parts to your payment the first is the repayment of the principal itself, the second is the interest accrued.
To begin with, you'll mostly pay interest. But as time passes and you chip away at the loan, you'll start paying a greater percentage of the principal.
With interest only repayments, you defer the repayment of your loan principal for a set period (usually the first 5 or 10 years). Once the agreed interest only period ends, you'll start repaying your principal.
There are two ways you can do this. You might pay it off each month (in arrears), or once a year (in advance). 'In arrears' is usually at the end of each month; 'in advance' is in that year's first month.
Paying interest in advance could help bring forward tax-deductible interest payments (which may reduce your taxable income). As always, it's a good idea to run this past your accountant first.
There are risks involved with getting an interest only repayment loan. For example, if your property declines in value during the interest only period, you could come out with no equity. Meaning, you may end up owing more.
The two main methods of repaying a home loan are making principal and interest payments or paying interest only.
If you've decided to build your own investment property, then a building and construction loan could be the way to go. With a building and construction loan you'll have the ability to draw down on your loan in increments, so you can pay the invoices associated with your build as they come in.
The advantage of paying each building invoice as it comes in means that you won't pay interest on your building costs until the work has been done.
For example - say you've had a $350,000 loan approved and the first invoice in is for the slab - $60,000.
If you draw down the full loan, you'd be paying interest on $350,000. But a well-structured construction loan can let you draw down the money you need when you need it. Keep in mind that you'll need to budget for your interest amount rising as you draw down more to pay your invoices.
Another tip is by having an interest only period, you won't have to pay off the principal of your loan during this period. This can give you better cash flow through the critical time of building which is when a lot of people have more expenses to handle at the same time as paying for rent and your new loan.
A line of credit is a set amount of funds that you can access at any time, meaning that you can choose how and when you make repayments. This makes it ideal for someone who is thinking about building an investment property.
The interest on a Line of Credit loan accrues on the amount you've used, so you'll need to keep on top of your interest payments.
Fox Finance Group is one of Australia's leading personalised financial service organisations. We have spent many years getting things right so that you can rest assured that you are getting the very best financial advice available on the market today. We work for you, not the banks, plus we can have a loan pre-approved ready to go the same day!
As a Fox Finance Group Client, you have access to your very own Accredited Loan Specialist along with access to your very own Qualified Financial Planner. Our team comprises of specialists with many years' experience in Car Loans, Home Loans, Bike Loans, Boat Loans, Jet Ski Loans, Camper Trailer and Caravan Loans, Truck Loans, Personal Loans, Business Loans, Insurance, Financial Planning and more. Yes, we have a large team here at Fox Finance Group ready to help you.
We pride ourselves on the unique personalised service that we provide our Clients. Your Loan Specialist can help you either over the phone, via email, at your home, at your work or at your own business. You get their direct email address and mobile number, which makes it easy for you to stay in contact with them when you have questions.
If you are keen to learn more or you are ready to act now, you can contact us on 1300 665 906 or you can get started here.


Electric scooters have brought chaos and outrage in cities across the country. Is Philly next?
An electric scooter from Lime, one of several companies crowding into cities around the country, often without permission.
In cities across the country, they've appeared seemingly out of nowhere, like mushrooms sprouting after a rainstorm. Dockless electric scooters — the latest sharing-economy disrupter — have been dumped, without warning, on sidewalks from San Francisco to Baltimore and Providence, as companies follow the Uber model of invading a city first and asking permission later.
In response, they've been met with cease-and-desist orders, after-the-fact regulation, outright bans, and even vigilante activism, as citizens have hurled the devices into rivers, set them on fire, buried them, or simply deposited them helpfully in trash cans.
The answer, according to city officials, is maybe — but they're doing their best to not be taken by surprise.
Whereas officials had to scramble to catch up with other tech-industry invaders like Airbnb and Uber that rolled into the city well ahead of regulation, they're trying to get ahead of the scooter situation.
Aaron Ritz of Philadelphia's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Services said that, beginning in January, the city made connections with many companies in the field — connections he thinks have discouraged them from charging ahead without authorization. Then, City Council passed an ordinance in June allowing for permitting and regulation of dockless scooters and bike shares, as well as any other "small vehicles" that may come into the market. Ritz expects that permitting process, developed with industry input, to be up and running by this fall.
"We wanted to make sure we weren't put in a situation — as some of our peers have been, and San Francisco is probably a good example — where somebody launched a program without any dialog with the municipality," Ritz said. "Those have generally proven to be problematic."
The scooters — which, unlike Philly's docked Indego bikes, have no dedicated parking — top out at 15 mph and are considered to be a "last-mile" solution, ideal for people who live or work in places that are just a bit inconvenient to public transportation. Rides, purchased via an app, are typically priced at $1 to start, plus 15 cents per minute. The companies take care of charging and maintaining the scooters, typically by paying gig workers $5 to $20 to take the scooters home, charge them, and return them to the streets.
But the two-wheeled invasive species, while met with enthusiasm by many riders, has also been greeted with outrage by citizens and officials. They cite the chaotic parking of scooters on sidewalks, lawns, and driveways as litter at best and a safety hazard at worst. When three companies invaded San Francisco with scooters in one week this March, complaints flooded in from people who tripped on the idle scooters, dodged riders on the sidewalk, and found the contraptions blocking access to their businesses. The media declared Scootergeddon.
Bird, a Los Angeles-based company, pioneered the model — if it can be called a model — of scooter-storming cities without authorization, starting with Santa Monica, Calif., in September 2017. Since then, the company has expanded to 30 cities, according to its website, and been valued at $2 billion.
It's also been kicked out of some of those cities, at least temporarily.
City governments have responded in other ways — some more nimbly than others. Los Angeles was trying to negotiate with Bird, the Los Angeles Times reported, when the company went ahead and rolled out scooters there anyway. Denver has been impounding scooters, according to the Wall Street Journal, while Austin, Texas, and Washington have imposed caps on the number of scooters companies may operate. According to the Boston Globe, Bird in August pulled its scooters out of Somerville and Cambridge, Mass., after the cities issued cease-and-desist letters.
Citizen protests, often carried out one scooter at a time, represent a separate challenge. An Instagram feed, Bird Graveyard, is dedicated to documenting the destruction: scooters set aflame, heaved into the ocean or piled in trash cans.
Given the Bird backlash, some other scooter purveyors are promising a more civic-minded approach.
Skip, which operates in the District of Columbia and four West Coast cities, touts a modest claim to fame: "Skip is the only operator never to have been issued a cease-and-desist," one spokesperson noted.
Instead, the company works with city officials and community stakeholders before launching, chief executive Sanjay Dastoor said.
"We're excited to come to Philly," he said — though conversations with the city would determine the date of the launch here, how many scooters will be operating and where they'll be concentrated, as well as whether the company will offer discounted rides for those who qualify for food stamps or other public benefits.
Bird did not provide details on its plans to launch in the city, and Lime, another large operator, didn't respond to a request for comment. But Dastoor thinks he's leading a shift in this industry that may help make the arrival of scooters in Philly more orderly.
"If you look at the way Santa Monica and San Francisco have discussed the permit process, what they're calling rogue launching isn't very well received," he said. "I suspect some companies may be following our lead in working with the city first."
>>READ MORE: Hoverboards: The commute of the future?
City Councilman Mark Squilla, who sponsored the legislation that could usher e-scooters into Philadelphia, now sees them as an inevitability. He just wants to manage the process, and is contemplating designated parking areas or requirements to lock scooters to poles or racks. (Skip scooters, at least, do come with built-in locking cables, though no city has yet made this a requirement, Dastoor said.) It's not yet clear how much the city will charge companies for permission to operate in the city, though officials said they intend to cover their costs rather than create a revenue stream.
"Done properly, it could be a big positive for the city," Squilla said. "It could be a complement to our existing bike-share program."
Ritz said the goal is to provide Philadelphians with options. Still, he acknowledged concerns about introducing competition to Indego, as private companies may be able to undercut the city program's pricing.
Perhaps an even greater worry is the fickle, fast-changing nature of the market for dockless scooters and bikes.
Ritz and colleagues had eagerly watched the rollout of Ofo, a dockless bike-sharing program in Camden — but the company pulled out after just two months of what was supposed to be a six-month pilot run.
La Salle University also had high hopes for a dockless bike-share service launched on its campus in March, but spokesperson Alyssa Porambo said the service won't return in the fall because the provider, Spin, has pivoted toward scooters. "We are currently looking into some options," she said. "We are very interested in bringing a bike-share program back to campus."
Still, cycling advocates are embracing the potential to bring a new demographic into the fold, said Randy LoBasso, a spokesman for the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia.
"There was a lot of chatter before they showed up in these cities that they might be dangerous, and we haven't seen any of that come to fruition," LoBasso said. "The purpose of cycling is to create an alternative to a car, and, like bicycles, scooters do that, so we don't have a problem" with them.
Actually, San Francisco trauma and emergency medicine doctors are only just beginning to study the health hazards associated with e-scooters, the New York Times reported. One physician told the paper he was seeing five to 10 cases each week associated with the devices, some of them extremely serious.
Despite such looming concerns, Squilla said he's anxious to bring Philadelphia's scooter-permitting process online.
"I hope it's sooner than later," he said, "because eventually they're just going to come in anyway."


I am going to marry a billionaire. I am going to marry a billionaire.
I am going to marry a billionaire.


What do we mean by the possibility of the victory of Socialism in one country?
We mean the possibility of solving the contradictions between the proletariat and the peasantry with the aid of the internal forces of our country, the possibility of the proletariat assuming power and using that power to build a complete Socialist society in, our country, with the sympathy and the support of the proletarians of other countries, but without the preliminary victory of the proletarian revolution in other countries.
Without such a possibility, the building of Socialism is building without prospects, building without being sure that Socialism will be built. It is no use building Socialism without being sure that we can build it, without being sure that the technical backwardness of our country is not an insuperable obstacle to the building of complete Socialist society. To deny such possibility is to display lack of faith in the cause of building Socialism, to abandon Leninism.
What do we mean by the impossibility of the complete, final victory of Socialism in one country without the victory of the revolution in other countries?
We mean the impossibility of having full guarantees against intervention and consequently against the restoration of the bourgeois order, without the victory of the revolution in at least a number of countries. To deny this indisputable thesis is to abandon internationalism, to abandon Leninism.
Where does Zinoviev stand on the question of the victory of Socialism in one country ?
When we speak of the final victory of Socialism we mean this much, at least: 1) the abolition of classes, and therefore 2) the abolition of the dictatorship of one class, in this case the dictatorship of the proletariat … If we are to get a clearer idea of how the question stands here, in the USSR, in the year 1925 [says Zinoviev further], we must distinguish between two things: 1) the assured possibility of engaging in building Socialism-such a possibility, it stands to reason, is quite conceivable within the limits of one country; and 2) the complete construction and consolidation of Socialism, i.e., the achievement of a Socialist system, of a Socialist society.
What can all this signify?
It signifies that by the final victory of Socialism in one country Zinoviev means, not the guarantee against intervention and restoration, but the possibility of completely building Socialist society. And by the victory of Socialism in one country Zinoviev means the sort of Socialist construction which cannot and should not lead to the complete building of Socialism. Haphazard construction, construction without prospects, building Socialism although the complete construction of Socialist society is impossible-such is Zinoviev’s position.
To build Socialism without the possibility of completing it; to build knowing that it cannot be completed-such are the absurdities in which Zinoviev has involved himself.
But this is a mockery of the question, not a solution of it!
Take, for instance, the things Comrade Iakovlev said at the last Kursk Provincial Party Conference. He asks: “Is it possible for us, surrounded as we are on all sides by capitalist enemies, to build Socialism in one country under such conditions?” And he answers: “On the basis of all that has been said we have a right to say not only that we are building Socialism, but that in spite of the fact that for the time being we are alone, that for the time being we are the only Soviet country, the only Soviet state in the world, we shall complete the building of Socialism.” (Kursk Pravda, No. 279, December 8, 1925.) Is this the Leninist method of presenting the question? Does not this smack of national narrow-mindedness?
Thus, according to Zinoviev, the recognition of the possibility of building Socialism in one country signifies the adoption of the point of view of national narrow-mindedness, while the denial of such a possibility signifies the adoption of the point of view of internationalism.
But if this be true, is it at all worth while fighting for victory over the capitalist elements in our economy? Does it not follow from this that such a victory is impossible?
Capitulation to the capitalist elements in our economy-that is where the inherent logic of Zinoviev’s line of argument leads us.
I assert that on this most important question of building Socialism Zinoviev is deserting Leninism and slipping to the standpoint of the Menshevik Sukhanov.
What does Lenin mean by the phrase “having … organized its own Socialist production,” which I have emphasized? He means that the proletariat of the victorious country, having seized power, can and must organize Socialist production. And what does it mean to “organize Socialist production”? It means to build a Socialist society. It is hardly necessary to prove that Lenin’s clear and definite statement needs no further comment. If it were otherwise, Lenin’s call for seizure of power by the proletariat in October 1917 would be incomprehensible.
You see that Lenin’s lucid thesis in comparison with Zinoviev’s muddled and anti-Leninist “thesis” that we can engage in building Socialism “within the limits of one country,” although it is impossible to build it, is as different from the latter as the sky from the earth.
The statement quoted above was made by Lenin in 1915, before the proletariat had taken power. But perhaps he modified his views after power had been taken, after 1917? Let us turn to his pamphlet On Cooperation, written in 1923.
In other words, we can and must build a complete Socialist society, for we have at our disposal all that is necessary and sufficient for this purpose.
I think it would be difficult to express oneself more clearly.
Compare Lenin’s classical thesis with the anti-Leninist reproof Zinoviev hurled at Iakovlev, and you will realize that Iakovlev was only repeating Lenin’s words about the possibility of building Socialism in one country, whereas Zinoviev, by attacking this thesis and castigating Iakovlev, deserted Lenin and adopted the point of view of the Menshevik Sukhanov, the point of view that it is impossible to build Socialism in our country owing to its technical backwardness.
One can only wonder why we took power in October 1917 if we did not count on completely building Socialism?
We should not have taken power in October 1917-this is the conclusion to which the inherent logic of Zinoviev’s line of argument leads us.
I assert further that in this most important question of the victory of Socialism Zinoviev has gone counter to the definite decisions of our Party, as registered in the well-known resolution of the Fourteenth Party Conference On the Tasks of the Communist International and of the Communist Party of Russia in Connection with the Enlarged Plenum of the Executive Committee of the Communist International.
The existence of two diametrically opposed social systems gives rise to the constant menace of capitalist blockade, of other forms of economic pressure, of armed intervention, of restoration. Consequently, the only guarantee of the final victory of Socialism, i.e., the guarantee against restoration, is a victorious Socialist revolution in a number of countries … Leninism teaches that the final victory of Socialism, in the sense of full guarantee against the restoration of bourgeois relationships, is possible only on an international scale … But it does not follow from this that it is impossible to build a complete Socialist society in a backward country like Russia, without the “state aid” (Trotsky) of countries more developed technically and economically.
As you see, the resolution regards the final victory of Socialism as a guarantee against intervention and restoration, which is the very opposite to the Way Zinoviev regards it in his book, Leninism.
How else can this be described if not as a struggle on Zinoviev’s part against the resolution of the Fourteenth Party Conference?
Of course, Party resolutions are sometimes not free from error. Sometimes they contain mistakes. Speaking generally, one may assume that the resolution of the Fourteenth Party Conference also contains certain errors. Perhaps Zinoviev thinks that this resolution is erroneous. But then he should say so clearly and openly, as befits a Bolshevik. For some reason or other Zinoviev, however, does not do this. He prefers to choose another path, that of attacking the resolution of the Fourteenth Party Conference from the rear, while keeping silent about this resolution and refraining from any open criticism of the resolution. Zinoviev evidently thinks that this will be the best way of achieving his purpose. And he has but one purpose, namely-to “improve” the resolution, and to amend Lenin “just a little bit.” It need hardly be proved that Zinoviev is mistaken in his calculations.
What is the source of Zinoviev’s mistake? What is the root of this mistake?
Recently, in the Political Bureau, Kamenev and Zinoviev advocated the point of view that we cannot cope with the internal difficulties owing to our technical and economic backwardness unless an international revolution comes to our rescue. We, however, with the majority of the members of the Central Committee, think that we can build Socialism, are building it, and will complete it, notwithstanding our technical backwardness and in spite of it. We think that the work of building will proceed far more slowly, of course, than it would have done had there been a world victory; nevertheless, we are making progress and will continue to do so. We also believe that the view held by Kamenev and Zinoviev expresses lack of faith in the intrinsic forces of our working class and of the peasant masses who follow its lead. We believe that it is a departure from the Leninist position.
The New Opposition is offended because Zinoviev is accused of lacking faith in the victory of Socialist construction in our country. But if after a whole year of discussion on the question of the victory of Socialism in one country; after Zinoviev’s viewpoint has been rejected by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee (April 1925) ; after the Party has arrived at a definite opinion on this question, recorded in the well-known resolution of the Fourteenth Party Conference (April 1925) -if, after all this, Zinoviev ventures to oppose the Party point of view in his book, Leninism (September 1925), if he then repeats this opposition at the Fourteenth Party Congress-how can his stubbornness, his persistence in his error, be explained if not by the fact that Zinoviev is infected, hopelessly infected, with skepticism as regards the victory of Socialist construction in our country?
It pleases Zinoviev to treat this skepticism as internationalism. But since when have we come to treat departure from Leninism on a cardinal problem of Leninism as internationalism?
Will it not be more correct to say that it is not the Party but Zinoviev who is sinning against internationalism and the international revolution? For what else is our country, “the country that is building Socialism,” if not the base of the world revolution? But can it be a real base of the world revolution if it is incapable of building Socialist society? Can it remain the mighty center of attraction for the workers of all countries that it undoubtedly is now, if it is incapable of achieving victory over the capitalist elements in its economy, the victory of Socialist construction? I think not. But does it not follow from this that skepticism regarding the victory of Socialist construction, the dissemination of this skepticism, will lead to our country being discredited as the base of the world revolution? And if our country is discredited the world revolutionary movement will be weakened. How did Messrs. the Social-Democrats try to scare the workers away from us? By preaching that “the Russians will get nowhere.” Wherewith do we beat the Social-Democrats now, when we attract numerous workers’ delegations to our country and thereby strengthen the position of Communism all over the world? By our successes in building Socialism. Is it not obvious, then, that whoever disseminates skepticism regarding our successes in building Socialism thereby indirectly helps the Social-Democrats, reduces the sweep of the international revolutionary movement, and inevitably departs from internationalism?
You see that Zinoviev is in no better position in regard to his “internationalism” than in regard to his “hundred -per-cent Leninism” on the question of building Socialism in one country.
Source: I. V. Stalin, Problems of Leninism (Moscow: Foreign Language Publishers, 1934), pp. 159-166.


Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question about Silkies is "How do you tell the girls from the boys?" Sexing Silkies just takes practice, patience and a sense of humor! One answer by experienced breeders is that Silkie cockerels crow and Silkie pullets lay eggs. However, if you are hoping to figure out the gender of your Silkies prior to maturity at 8 or 9 months of age, there are a few little tricks that will help. Here are a few suggestions for trying to figure out who is what.
The Comb: Usually, a male will have a larger comb than a female. Also, a Silkie cockerel's comb seems to develop faster than a Silkie pullet's comb. However, some males will have very small combs and some females will have very large ones!
The Crest: A Silkie cockerel's crest will be shaped differently that the Silkie pullet's crest. The male's crest should show "little streamers" coming from the back of the crest. It looks a bit "swept back." and not really round. The pullet's crest should be nicely round in shape without the tell-tale streamers.
The Wattles: Generally, a Silkie male will have larger and rounder wattles than a Silkie female. However, this trait is a bit easier to use for sexing with non-bearded Silkies. With top quality bearded Silkies, the wattles of both genders are nearly non-existent and even the males frequently show very small wattles.
The Spurs: Silkie cockerels will usually have them and the females usually won't.
The Eggs: Silkie pullets should eventually lay eggs. However, there are cases of cockerel-looking Silkies that lay. I would say that this case is rather unusual and laying eggs is the best indicator that your Silkie is a female!
The Feathers: Silkie cockerels will develop "male feathers" on their hackles and saddles. (For those folks in doubt about terminology, the hackle feathers are the ones on the neck and the saddle feathers are the ones just in front of the tail.) These male hackle and saddle feathers are longer and more pointed at the tips than the feathers on the Silkie pullet's hackle or her feathers in front of her tail. On Silkie cockerels, these saddle feathers may even tend to lay over the wings a bit.
The Tail: Silkie females typically have rounder and softer tails than the males. Silkie males usually show a more pointed tail because of the presence of "normal" or "hard" feathers in their tails. Keep in mind, however, that although the Standard allows some "hard" feathers in the Silkie cockerel's tail, in top show quality males, hard feathering in the tail is discouraged and often is not present. In creating a perfect "show" Silkies, the ideal for both male and female is a perfectly round and wide tail so this trait may not be as helpful in sexing Silkies as some others.
Here are a few funny stories... I know of a very reputable and honest master Silkie breeder that sold a pair of Splash Silkies to a newcomer to the breed. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the master breeder both turned out to be cockerels! It wasn't until the second male was nearly a year old before he developed proper male characteristics. The breeder was very embarrassed to be caught making such a mistake.
The ASBC Club president, Valerie Hirvela, sent me a mystery bird last summer. It was a non-bearded Black Silkie "something." The "mystery bird" was a year old and had some pullet features and some cockerel features. She guessed "it" was cockerel but couldn't tell for sure. I changed my mind 3 times over the next 6 months before deciding it was a cockerel. HE finally started crowing. In the same box was a non-bearded Black pullet and she had to go broody before I was convinced she was a SHE!
Frequently, in front of the cages where Silkies are exhibited at poultry shows, Silkie breeders openly debate where a particular bird is a cockerel or a pullet! In fact, I'd be willing to bet that with no other breed of bantam is THAT particular issue contested right among the show cages by experienced breeders!
Many, if not all, of the tips listed above require comparing males to females so I'm not sure how much the novice will be helped by these words. With sexing Silkies, the case is not so much "practice makes perfect" as practice tends to lend a better successful percentage. I guess sexing Silkies is a subtle thing. So many breeders tend to refer to a "feeling" that the particular Silkie is one gender or the other. By the time that my Silkie chicks are 8 to 12 weeks old, I can usually guess about half of the Silkie's genders right. Of the other half, I am as likely to get it wrong as right. All in all, it is slightly better than a coin flip. At three or four months old, I usually band my Silkie chicks. At this point, I'll make some notes on what I think I've got. A couple months later, I'll try again and compare my results. Still, I'm constantly surprising myself or perhaps I should say that those Silkies are constantly surprising me!!!


The essential ingredient of this work, Mr. Lloyd Webber emphasized, is that it's about real people, in a way that musicals rarely, if ever, are. The story is one that deals with love, as he put it, ``in the most full-bodied, heterosexual manner; it's a long time since the musical theater has taken that on, with all of its implications.
Six years later, the 41-year-old composer has taken a dramatic departure from musical theater as we know it - an unpredictable quality that makes any new work of his a major stage event. With two of his other shows - ``Cats'' and ``Phantom of the Opera'' - playing to packed houses on both sides of the Atlantic, not to mention in the many other parts of the world where these works have spawned productions, theatergoers now simply make a beeline for the box office the minute a new Lloyd Webber creation is announced.
In fact, before the first curtain of ``Aspects of Love'' went up recently at London's Prince of Wales Theatre, it was already sold out for a year - testimony to the enormous commercial appeal of the man who is generally regarded as today's most successful musical theater composer.
As for Lloyd Webber's reference to ``full-bodied love,'' there is, in fact, a great deal more to the musical than simply shifting physical affections. This latest offering is a complex, psychologically truthful tale about three generations of people who are bound up with each other through the multitextured strands of their mutual love. Set in the wine country of prewar southern France, a teen-age English boy, Alex, becomes infatuated with an ``older woman,'' a French actress in her 20s named Rose, and impulsively invites her to stay with him in his villa for two weeks while she is resting between productions.
The reality is that it's his uncle, Sir George, who owns the place. And when Sir George pops in unexpectedly, Rose drops Alex for this more sophisticated, sexagenarian suitor. Despite much pain, Alex finally accepts Rose and George's liaison. The latter marry and, much later, the m'enage `a trois is further complicated by their daughter Jenny, 14, who yearns to take up with Alex where Rose left off. Alex, in turn, has grown enchantingly devoted to the girl.
Sir George, through touching adoration of his daughter, becomes uncharacteristically jealous of Alex, so much so that it proves to be the death of him. Alex tearfully tears himself away from Rose and Jenny and flies to the arms of Guilietta, an exciting, free-spirited woman - one of George's amours of years past - whom he met at his uncle's heady wake of a funeral. Such are only some of the show's many aspects of love.
Unfolding almost entirely to music, this latest Lloyd Webber work, with its demanding story line, is more like opera than anything he has attempted before.
There are only three songs, as such, in the show, while the rest is dialogue, albeit poetic, put to music. Rhythms are irregular, and Lloyd Webber makes heavy use of minor chords. Orchestration is frequently minimal, forcing the audience to listen carefully to the thoughtfully constructed words. The only belted-out number - the composer's usual trademark - is a piece called ``Love Changes Everything,'' used as a leitmotif in various guises throughout.
All told, ``Aspects of Love'' is a piquantly curious production. Sensitively directed by former Royal Shakespeare Company chief Trevor Nunn (``Cats,'' ``Starlight Express,'' ``Les Mis'erables''), it slips through a dizzying 40-odd scene changes with masterly ease. Aided superbly by the ruggedly stoned, sepia-and-gray toned sets of Maria Bj"ornson (``Phantom of the Opera''), the show has breathtakingly atmospheric moments as it shifts to various French locations over nearly two decades.
All of the acting is first-rate - something rare in a musical. Michael Ball, for instance - much acclaimed as Marius in the London stage version of ``Les Mis'erables'' - confirms through his portrayal of Alex that he is indeed a major talent. Kevin Colson and Ann Crumb are also fine.
Certainly the show has its minor drawbacks, but the only area of major doubts concerns the music. In the past, British critics have frequently faulted Lloyd Webber for his supposed emphasis on overblown spectacle and commercially contrived songs. With ``Aspects of Love,'' the spectacle element has been admirably subdued. The music, however, while often highly effective, is, at certain points, low-key bordering on bland. There is nothing wrong with mundane parts of dialogue, such as placing an order in a caf'e, put to music, but a touch more memorably expressive melody amid the occasionally monotonous minor chords and tempo wouldn't have gone amiss.
That said, with ``Aspects of Love'' Lloyd Webber has created something which, if it falls short of perfection, is nevertheless, for the most part, a sophisticated and at times very moving work. Indeed, in his exploration of the intricacies of human emotion, he has, yet again, broken challenging new ground for musical theater.
Culture Cafe 'The Sound of Music Live!' was a success – what should be next?


MANCHESTER -- Paul Pogba has backed his Manchester United teammates to win this weekend's derby without him.
The midfielder, 24, will miss the game against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday after he was sent off in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.
It is a big blow for manager Jose Mourinho to be without his talisman for the top-of-the-table clash, but Pogba is confident whoever takes his place can help inflict a first Premier League defeat of the season on Pep Guardiola's side.
He said: "I have complete trust in the team. Even if I am not there, I will be there watching the game giving positive energy and hopefully we are going to win.
"I'm very disappointed because I really want to help the team and wanted to be there for this derby because obviously we are playing City and in this moment we need points and we need to win. It's an important moment, an important game so, like I say, disappointed."
Pogba was handed a three-game ban by the FA after a challenge on Hector Bellerin saw him dismissed by referee Andre Marriner at the Emirates.
The France international accepts the replays -- which showed his studs coming down on Bellerin's calf -- do not look good, but he insists the incident was completely accidental.
He added: "I didn't really speak after the game -- I didn't have time -- but I think Hector, I know him as well, and I would never give him a tackle like this.
"Unfortunately for me I thought he would put his feet and he was in a position that was a disadvantage for me so I have done it.
"It looks very bad but the intention wasn't like that. They had the decision, the referee got the red card and that's football."
Paul Pogba will sit out Sunday's Manchester derby through suspension.
United head into the game on the back of a club record equalling 40 games unbeaten at home. City, meanwhile, are looking to set a record of their own by winning a 14th consecutive game in the Premier League.
It is a clash of England's top two teams with City and United sitting first and second in the table.
Mourinho was criticised for his tactics in last season's league derby at Old Trafford -- the last time United lost at home -- but Pogba insists they will attack City on Sunday.
He said: "We need to. To win those games you need to give everything. You need to be there offensively, defensively. Kill the game when you have one chance because they are City and they have quality as well in front and they can kill the game at any time.
"They are first for good reason because they have been doing great at the start of the season. They keep winning and they didn't lose one game and obviously mentally they are very strong."
City's record of 14 wins and a draw from their first 15 games of the season has seen them open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
There is still more than half the campaign to play but Pogba, who helped United qualify for the round-of-16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night, says they will have to win the first derby of the season to stand any chance of catching their rivals.
He said: "It's a big derby and the atmosphere is going to be big. We want to win, we need to win as well.
"They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing. Manchester City against Manchester United has always been a big, big derby. One city, two clubs. You know how it is so I won't tell you what is going to happen.
"It's going to be a big atmosphere in the stadium and a big game with a big team and big players so that's the game you want to play. Unfortunately I won't play but I will be there to help the team mentally.
"We are still eight points [behind] so with eight points we cannot win the league. We are still behind. But if I don't believe [we could catch City] I stop playing football now."


How should I create a personal development plan for my life and career?
I have been feeling stuck in life for a while now. I am a psychiatrist. I spend all my days improving lives and helping people deal with different issues but I do not feel like I am where I want to be in life. I have bought books on how to grow as a person and ways to better yourself but I still feel the same. A friend of mine suggested I create a personal development plan. I thought this was a great idea but the problem is that I do not know how to do it.
Define your personal goals What are some of the goals you would like to achieve? Which ones are most important and would they make your life more meaningful? Your answer to this question will act as a guide on what you can do to make desirable improvements in your life.
Set a Deadline For each of the goals you have listed, set a deadline of when you want to achieve it. When setting deadlines, you need to be realistic. Do not assign little time to a complex project that requires a lot of time to execute. This will only cause frustration.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses It is very important for you to identify what you are good at and your weak areas. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses enables you to know where you might need help and where you will be able to cope on your own when working towards your goals.
You need to identify the habits that will make it difficult for you to achieve your goals and which ones will make it easier for you. For example, if you plan on achieving your goals in the next 50 years, you need to stop habits like smoking, unhealthy eating and not exercising that might affect your health and wellbeing. Also, identify good habits that favor your goals and work on them even more.
The intention is great but the action is what gets the job down. Therefore, when you are done listing your goals and you have created a plan, you need to come up with an action plan. List some of the things you will do on a daily, monthly or weekly basis that will enable you to get closer to your goal. Do this consistently. Before you know it, you will have achieved your goal.
A personal development plan is a very effective tool for success. The reason most people become unmotivated with life is because they have nothing to look forward to. They get comfortable in their daily routines and forget to take steps to improve themselves. With a development plan, this does not happen because you are constantly working on your goals. There are several things you need to include in a development plan to make it work in your favor. First and foremost, you need to include your goals. It can be career related or concerning any other part of your life you need to change. Next, write down why the goals are important to you. What does achieving the goal mean to you?Lastly, come up with steps on how to achieve the goal and start implementing your plan. I would advise you to start with small goals to test whether or not your plan works. Once, you have achieved the small goals, start working on the bigger goals.
From my experience, I know that personal development plan is effective when we understand where we want to move. I have motivated some people to improve lives as they do not find fulfillment in their life. Simple things are the main reasons that block most of them to get to the place where they are supposed to be. One of the common things is comparison. When you compare yourself to other individuals, you get it wrong. We work differently and we can never be the same. As you follow the plan, be keen to allow external pressure to influence your move.