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9/30/16

Reaching Out to Latinos? Trump Scores Again!

AND...this little ditty gets another run up the charts. Thanks, Donald!

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January Jones Addresses Rumor Ashton Kutcher Didn't Encourage Her Acting




January Jones has made it clear that her ex Ashton Kutcher is just a distant memory.


The actress appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” Thursday night and ended up talking about her one-time boyfriend when a snarky caller brought up an awkward past interview.


“January, have you ever talked to Ashton Kutcher since he said you couldn’t act, and what do you think about his acting skills?” the caller asked, and host Andy Cohen pointed out that she was referencing a 2009 GQ article.


Jones had told the magazine that her first boyfriend in Los Angeles wasn’t supportive of her acting, having told her, “I don’t think you’re going to be good at this.” Though she didn’t mention Kutcher specifically, writer Mark Kirby connected the dots and named the “That ‘70s Show” actor. 


“I said that someone I had dated previously wasn’t encouraging of my acting, not that I couldn’t,” Jones told the caller on “WWHL,” again refusing to call out Kutcher by name. “I don’t know if that person had ever actually seen me act.” 



After a successful run as Betty Draper on “Mad Men” and a few Golden Globe nominations, it’s safe to say Jones is the clear winner here. (Though, to be fair, Kutcher has won a Razzie award.)



“And I haven’t talked to him,” Jones added in her response to the caller. “I’m super happy for him and his family to be political and all that.” 


“Was it him?” Cohen asked, going in for the kill.


Jones simply laughed along with the studio audience, leaving us to think, how could it not be?


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U.N. Fails To Agree On Independent Inquiry Of Human Rights Abuses In Yemen




GENEVA ― Good news for the Saudis and not-so-good news for the civilians of Yemen: The United Nations Human Rights Council voted Thursday to establish a national inquiry into human rights abuses in Yemen with the help of a U.N. technical assistance team.


The decision is a major blow to the attempt, led by the Netherlands, at a resolution that would instead require an international inquiry into the atrocities unfolding in Yemen. This is the second year in a row that the council managed to agree only on a national inquiry, which tends to be one-sided and ignorant of the degree to which people are suffering.


The Netherlands withdrew its text on Yemen during the deliberations on Thursday and instead compromised on the draft resolution, which called for the national inquiry and was put forward by the council’s group of Arab states.



This decision comes as a relief to Saudi Arabia and the Arab states, which want to avoid international meddling into a conflict that they have a major stake in.


A Saudi-led coalition has been targeting Houthis in Yemen since March of 2015 after it helped run the country’s president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, into exile. It has mercilessly bombed civilian-heavy areas in the country, most recently targeting medical facilities and schools.


The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, aren’t innocent either. They’ve also been accused of repeated human rights violations, including the use of humans as shields during attacks.


Meanwhile, the team from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights working on Yemen is “disappointed” in the outcome, Mohammad Ali Alnsour, special assistant to the high commissioner, told The Huffington Post. “We did not have any say in the final text. It was a package deal so basically we have to live with it,” he said.


The resolution asks that the U.N. technical assistance team provide an oral update of its findings at the next council session in March and then put together a written report of human rights violations in time for next September’s session.


The OHCHR Yemen team just did this, and it wasn’t easy. It delivered a report recently about the situation on the ground after several months of investigating and found that Yemeni representatives were difficult to work with and didn’t meet the international standards for data collection.


Alnsour anticipates that the U.N. assistance team will face the same uphill battle in receiving credible information from the Yemenis this time around, he added.



Some nongovernmental organizations were more optimistic about the outcome.


“Although imperfect, the Human Rights Council resolution provides the UN High Commissioner a clear mandate to send more investigators to Yemen, vigorously investigate abuses by all sides, and report publicly,” John Fisher, Geneva director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. “With this vote, council members overcame obstruction by Saudi Arabia and showed they recognize the need for accountability for the grave human rights violations in Yemen.”


The U.K., although allied with Saudi Arabia, did shift its position and come out in support of the international inquiry.


The United States, unsurprisingly, did not. It’s also a longtime ally of the Saudis, and reports have indicated that some of the coalition bombs used in Yemen were sold to the Saudis by the U.S.


The U.S. delegation is pleased with the resolution, which “includes a much more robust and explicit mandate to report on human rights abuses and violations,” according to Ambassador Keith Harper, the U.S. representative to the HRC. He views it as a major improvement compared with last year, even though the resolution itself doesn’t differ much.


And while diplomats continue to spar in Geneva, the humanitarian situation on the ground in Yemen continues to deteriorate. 


“At least 7 million people ― a quarter of the population ― are living under emergency levels of food insecurity,” the World Food Programme said in June.


The toll of war has been particularly hard on children. Preventing disease and death among children in the country has been set back almost a decade, according to UNICEF. More than 1.5 million children are suffering from malnourishment. 

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Jada Pinkett-Smith Helps Kids Find Their Dream Careers



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Toddler Imitates Irish Dancer For Adorable Street Performance Duet




Just call her the Little Lady of the Dance.


Two-year-old Georgia couldn’t resist joining in the fun when she spotted Sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan performing in the street in Galway, Ireland, on Tuesday.


She adorably imitated the All-Ireland champion’s moves — and even managed to pull off a killer jump. 


“She hasn’t danced before as such,” Jakob Stenberg Vester, Georgia’s father, told The Huffington Post on Friday.





But Vester said he has played Irish music for most of his life, and he believes that might have inspired the toddler’s impromptu performance as she was walking through the town center with her mom, Almudena Carrascosa.


Vester’s mother has also taught Irish set dancing in his native Denmark for the last three decades, while his father has played Irish music for the same amount of time. 


“So maybe it is in the blood,” he said.


Galway now Magazine posted the clip to Facebook, and it had garnered more than 4.7 million views as of Friday. 


“Myself and Georgia’s mother are both a bit overwhelmed by everything,” Vester added.


Check it out in the clip above.


type=type=RelatedArticlesblockTitle=Related Coverage + articlesList=55f73842e4b09ecde1d96156,5756db1be4b0ca5c7b500e5f,573c7832e4b0646cbeeb9c73

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Sustainability and Active Participation: At the Heart of Improving Lives

This is a guest post by Wendo Dorcas, chief executive officer of Dandelion Africa. One of the capacity-building opportunities that Segal Family Foundation offers to its partners is a small grant to support "Learning Visits" to see other SFF partners in action. It's a low-cost way to share ideas, gain inspiration, and make our community of creative collaborators even stronger. Here is the story of one such visit...

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Photo credit: Dandelion Africa


When your organization is ready expand and grow, what do you do? The NGO I founded, Dandelion Africa, serves the people of three rural Kenyan counties and was in need of renewed energy and ideas to move us forward. Thanks to the suggestion of our partner Segal Family Foundation, we decided to visit another one of their grantees in an effort to learn from them.

Five hours after leaving hot, dry and dusty Mogotio, we arrived in Rarieda village, a beautiful area with lush, green plantations and well-maintained roads. We knew immediately that this visit would be beneficial for us because we noticed that the staff of Rafiki not only spoke about sustainability, they fully incorporated it as the basis of all their work. Rafiki Wa Maendeleo improves the well-being of the community by focusing on the health, education, and social development of children. The beauty of their work is that they fully support children throughout different stages into adulthood. Our team clearly saw similarities in our models and the improvements we could make.

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Photo credit: Dandelion Africa


For instance, Dandelion Africa focuses on adolescent sexuality and mentorship through our Girls for Leaders Club program. Last year, we worked with 442 pupils in the Girls for Leaders Club. Our approach is to provide sanitary pads for girls and to create a forum for boys to understand their role in the community. The girls build their self-confidence, and the boys learn to champion the rights of the girl-child. While our approach has reportedly reduced child marriage and female genital mutilation in the villages where we work, we decided to review our method and resources for our Girls for Leaders Club after visiting Rafiki. We realized the importance of shifting our perspective from viewing the youth as beneficiaries to seeing them as active partners in our work. The learning visit reinforced that there is room for even children's participation in the club through more group discussions, as well as involving them in data collection in their communities and teaching them hands-on skills that they can use later to earn a living.

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Photo credit: Dandelion Africa


Dandelion Africa is also currently constructing the Dandelion Resource Centre in Sarambei village, which will serve 80,000 people. Our visit to Rafiki inspired us to envision a sustainable Dandelion Resource Centre. We had not fully comprehended the potential it has! Our resource centre will allow us to offer two new services: a sexual reproductive health clinic and the first village library and ICT centre in Rongai. Since most rural children have never been inside a library or seen a computer, our goal is to create a culture of reading and connect the rural children to the world. We realized that all our programs can work together to create a holistic approach in community development and improve the economic livelihoods of the communities in which we work.

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Photo credit: Dandelion Africa


We returned feeling motivated, renewed, and excited. We started to dream about how the Dandelion Resource Centre will look like in five or ten years, and how much more we can do. A huge, heartfelt thank you to Rafiki Wa Mandeleo and Segal Family Foundation for giving us the opportunity to learn!

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The Biggest College Admissions Myth

There is no formula in college admissions, and for that reason it can be easy to pick and chose what ideals we think schools most value. We dream up myths behind seemingly "perfect" applications, but the truth is that no Top 50 admitted student harbors every quality these rumors praise. Nonetheless-- we've all been guilty of thinking these thoughts and feeding the proverbial beast, so let's explore the biggest application myth, and the data behind it:

The Myth: "I need a major life changing event or passion to set my application apart"

I call this the "personal statement crisis," and I find it is the most common college admissions myth. Students think they need an incredibly specific life crisis or dream/passion to write about for the personal statement portion of the Common App/ other applications and supplements. Oftentimes these applicants will compensate by trying to cover everything they're involved in, in one essay, and it makes them appear unfocused and over committed. This is a major red flag to admissions officers.

A majority of Top 50 Admitted students will tell you-- they didn't all have a quirky singular interest or life altering crisis. So what did they write about? Something they love, something that changed the way they think or see the world. It can be a minuscule moment or an impactful school involvement; it doesn't really matter what it is, but rather what it means to you. At its very core, the application is about presenting your most authentic self. It takes thought, theme, and vision, but that doesn't mean you need only ONE dream, passion, or phenomenal life experience. In fact, on a scale of 1-4 with 1 being of LEAST important value, Harvard University gave Admissions Essays a "1" in terms of importance. The essay does not determine your fate; readers are looking for more than that.

The Truth: You need to build your story, using the life experience and insight you already have. The magic of admission is crafting something seemingly ordinary into an emotional story.

There are innumerable ways to get creative with your personal statement/supplements. Check out this article to learn more about boosting your impact with extra curriculars, and for more info visit Synocate to learn about how we can maximize your college chances in college admissions.

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The Millennial Fashionista - How To Look Great On A Budget

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Young people with a passion for fashion are doomed to torture, really. Not enough money and not nearly enough clothes - if you have these problems, then you're just like me. It doesn't have to be so frustrating and it took me quite a while to learn this.

Your only solution here is resourcefulness. Looking good on a budget requires time and developing a sixth sense for discounts, but the good news is that this is something you can learn. However, I should warn you that this is a full-time job, and it requires your undivided attention - a millennial fashionista never stops looking.

Discounts, Obviously

Being in love with brands is a sort of relationship where only one half is doing all the work, and I must be the one to inform you that you're it. I know this may be quite difficult to comprehend, but it's just the way it is.

However, there's a well-known way for you to keep your rent money and still get a branded item you like - discounts. Every now and then, a huge fashion name has a sale, and you need to be in the front lines before those doors even open. Most of them also have loyalty cards that offer a discount when you collect a certain number of points, so you should grab one of those as well.

Buy Used Clothes

The fact that someone wore an item before you did doesn't make it any more likely that it has cooties. If you're still on campus, I bet you can find people who exchange used clothes or sell them for a couple of bucks and I'm sure you'll be able to get something you like.

You should also go around second hand shops - you wouldn't believe what kind of treasures lie there just waiting for you to pick them up. Make sure to ask their staff when they get new merchandise, so that you can make a visit schedule.

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Avoid Social Pressure

Shopping with your friends can be quite fun, but it also has its bad side - a lot of people out there have problems with social pressure when shopping and they either end up with an item they don't really like or they overpay for something. If you're one of those people, my suggestion is to start shopping alone, or perhaps with just one person who doesn't make you feel bad in any way. A good piece of advice is always welcome in these situations, so choose your shopping buddy wisely.

Shop Online

An enormous amount of time and money can be saved if you shop online, but it's not as simple as click and pay, because you have to pay special attention to their size charts and product descriptions. In order to know exactly what you ordered, you should get familiar with various types of fabrics and their characteristics, so that you can be more confident about what will flatter you without you actually trying it. Basically, you need to do some thorough research before you start shopping online.

Also, not every website is trustworthy. This is another thing that comes with experience - in time, you'll know whether a website is worth your while or not without a second glance.

Find a Good Tailor

If you have particular garments in mind, but you can't seem to find them anywhere, you should get a piece of paper and a pencil and start sketching. Chances are that you have a talented tailor nearby and, if you only give them those sketches, I'm sure you'll be able to work something out.

One more thing - if you have clothes that almost fit, you should have them tailored instead of sold. A few inches here and there can make a significant difference - a reason more to make friends with a good tailor.


Make Your Own Jewelry


Precious metals are pricey and that's not about to change any time soon. Until the time comes when you can get anything you want without even thinking (a decade or so), you should find alternative ways to accessorize. My suggestion is to make your own jewelry - find designs you like, go to a store that sells pearls, gems and strings, or order them online and roll up your sleeves. Besides being useful, this activity is very creative, and you should have some friends over and have some fun.

I know that question you have in your mind right now, and the answer is yes - it's worth it. You'll appreciate your clothes even more if you put all this effort into collecting them and thus, your outfits will be even more meaningful - I'm sure you'll have a fun story for each new item.

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Campaign of thrice-married adulterer is determined to keep us talking about adultery

Funny, isn’t it, how the Trump campaign really, really wants us to be talking about that thing that Donald Trump ostentatiously didn’t quite say on Monday night. Adultery expert Newt Gingrich thinks Trump “was a gentleman” and “proved that he had the discipline to remain as a decent guy” by not explicitly talking about Bill Clinton’s past behavior The twice-divorced Trump is not concerned about how the issue might bring up his own history, because “I have a very good history.” They really think they have a winning line here. All this has Republicans who remember how this all played out in the 1990s and/or have tested the issue with actual voters cringing and head-desking:

Tim Miller and Katie Packer, two Republican strategists who oppose Trump, conducted focus groups before the primaries where they tested attacks tied to the former president's sex scandals with female swing voters. They concluded it was a political dead end.

"These voters were completely turned off and disgusted by it," Miller said in an e-mail. "We found time and again these attacks turned Hillary into a victim and that it engendered sympathy for her."

Greg Sargent has a theory that this isn’t a lead-up to putting Hillary Clinton on the spot in a debate:

No, what’s probably going on here is that the Trump campaign is trying to get the media to talk about the idea that Hillary’s supposed enabling of Bill’s affairs should somehow undercut her highlighting of Trump’s misogyny and chauvinism. That’s why Trump and his advisers keep telling the press that Trump himself didn’t bring up Bill’s affairs at the debate — even though he could have! — out of respect for Chelsea Clinton…oh, and by the way, political reporters, make sure you mention Bill’s affairs and Hillary’s alleged enabling of them in your stories about Trump’s self-restraint!

Now, any theory that relies on Donald Trump’s impulse control when he’s been challenged is subject to being abruptly undone when he loses his temper. But this certainly seems like the plan right now. Send out surrogates to talk about the Clintons’ past incessantly just to keep it in the news, especially as a distraction from Trump’s grotesque attacks on former Miss Universe Alicia Machado.

For her part, Hillary Clinton simply said “no” when asked if it was her responsibility to “speak out on a spouse’s indiscretions or past.”

Can you chip in $3 to help elect Hillary Clinton?

Are you a member of MoveOn? No matter where you live, help defeat Donald Trump and take back the Senate by texting MoveOn members in swing states to knock on doors where they live.



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FDA Tests Confirm Oatmeal, Baby Foods Contain Residues of Monsanto Weed Killer

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is quietly starting to test certain foods for residues of a weed killing chemical linked to cancer, has found the residues in a variety of oat products, including plain and flavored oat cereals for babies.

Data compiled by an FDA chemist and presented to other chemists at a meeting in Florida showed residues of the pesticide known as glyphosate in several types of infant oat cereal, including banana strawberry- and banana-flavored varieties. Glyphosate was also detected in "cinnamon spice" instant oatmeal; "maple brown sugar" instant oatmeal and "peach and cream" instant oatmeal products, as well as others. In the sample results shared, the levels ranged from nothing detected in several different organic oat products to 1.67 parts per million, according to the presentation.

Glyphosate, which is the key ingredient in Monsanto Co.'s Roundup herbicide, is the most widely used weed killer in the world, and concerns about glyphosate residues in food spiked after the World Health Organization in 2015 said a team of international cancer experts determined glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen. Other scientists have raised concerns about how heavy use of glyphosate is impacting human health and the environment.

The EPA maintains that the chemical is "not likely" to cause cancer, and has established tolerance levels for glyphosate residues in oats and many other foods. The levels found by the FDA in oats fall within those allowed tolerances, which for oats is set by the EPA at 30 ppm. The United States typically allows far more glyphosate residue in food than other countries allow. In the European Union, the tolerance for glyphosate in oats is 20 ppm.

Monsanto, which derives close to a third of its $15 billion in annual revenues from glyphosate-based products, has helped guide the EPA in setting tolerance levels for glyphosate in food, and in 2013 requested and received higher tolerances for many foods. The company has developed genetically engineered crops designed to be sprayed directly with glyphosate. Corn, soybeans, canola and sugar beets are all genetically engineered to withstand being sprayed with glyphosate.

Oats are not genetically engineered. But Monsanto has encouraged farmers to spray oats and other non-genetically modified crops with its glyphosate-based Roundup herbicides shortly before harvest. The practice can help dry down and even out the maturity of the crop. "A preharvest weed control application is an excellent management strategy to not only control perennial weeds, but to facilitate harvest management and get a head start on next year's crop," according to a Monsanto "pre-harvest staging guide."

In Canada, which is among the world's largest oat producers and is a major supplier of oats to the United States, the Monsanto marketing materials tout the benefits of glyphosate on oat fields: "Pre-harvest application of Roundup WeatherMAX and Roundup Transorb HC are registered for application on all oat varieties - including milling oats destined for human consumption." Glyphosate is also used by U.S. oat farmers. The EPA estimates that about 100,000 pounds of glyphosate are used annually in production of U.S. oats.

Glyphosate is also used on wheat shortly before harvest in this way, as well as on other crops. A division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture known as the Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has been testing wheat for glyphosate residues for years for export purposes and have detected the residues in more than 40 percent of hundreds of wheat samples examined in fiscal 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Even though the FDA annually examines foods for residues of many other types of pesticides, it has skipped testing for glyphosate residues for decades. It was only in February of this year that the agency said it would start some glyphosate residue analysis. That came after many independent researchers started conducting their own testing and found glyphosate in an array of food products, including flour, cereal, and oatmeal.

Monsanto and U.S. regulators have said glyphosate levels in food are too low to translate to any health problems in humans. But critics say such assurances are meaningless unless the government actually routinely measures those levels as it does with other pesticides.

And some do not believe any level of glyphosate is safe in food. Earlier this year, Taiwan recalled more than 130,000 pounds of oat supplies after detecting glyphosate residues. And San Francisco resident Danielle Cooper filed a lawsuit in May 2016 seeking class action status against the Quaker Oats Co. after glyphosate residues were found in that company's oat products, which are used by millions of consumers as cereal and for baking cookies and other treats. Cooper said she expected the oat products, which have been labeled as "100% Natural," to be pesticide free.

"Glyphosate is a dangerous substance, the presence and dangers of which should be disclosed, the lawsuit states.

Quaker Oats has said any trace amounts of glyphosate found in its products are safe, and it stands by the quality of its products.

HERBICIDE IN HONEY

In addition to oats, the FDA also earlier this year tested samples of U.S. honey for glyphosate residues and found all of the samples contained glyphosate residues, including some with residue levels double the limit allowed in the European Union, according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The EPA has not set a tolerance level for glyphosate in honey, so any amount is problematic legally.

Despite internal discussions about a need to pursue action after the honey findings in January, the FDA did not notify the honey companies involved that their products were found to be contaminated with glyphosate residues, nor did it notify the public.

The FDA has also tested corn, soy, eggs and milk in recent months, and has not found any levels that exceed legal tolerance, though analysis is ongoing.

"These preliminary results showed no pesticide residue violations for glyphosate in all four commodities tested. However, the special assignment is ongoing and all results must go through the FDA's quality control process to be verified," said FDA spokeswoman Megan McSeveney. The tests on honey were not considered part of the official special assignment, said McSeveney.

"Dr. Narong Chamkasem, an FDA research chemist based in Atlanta, tested 19 samples of honey as part of a research project that he individually conducted," she said.

The glyphosate residue testing by FDA may be headed for a slow-down. Sources say there it talk of closing the FDA's Atlanta laboratory that has done glyphosate residue tests. The work would then reportedly be shifted to other facilities around the country.

The revelations about glyphosate residues in certain foods come as both European and U.S. regulators are evaluating glyphosate impacts for risks to humans and the environment. The EPA is holding four days of meetings in mid-October with an advisory panel to discuss cancer research pertaining to glyphosate, and debate is ongoing over whether or not the team of international scientists who last year declared it a probable human carcinogen were right nor not.

Aaron Blair, the chairman of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) working group that classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans, said that the science on glyphosate is still evolving. He said that it is common for it to take years, sometimes decades, for industry and regulators to accept certain research findings and for scientists to reach consensus. He likened glyphosate to formaldehyde, which many years ago was also classified by IARC as "probably carcinogenic" to humans before it later was accepted to be carcinogenic.

"There is not a single example of IARC being wrong, showing something is a probable carcinogen and then later it is proven not to be," Blair said.

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Win No. 2 for LCCP

GRAND LAKE — A week removed from its first win in program history, Lake Charles College Prep dominated Grand Lake 29-13 Thursday night for win No. 2.

“Our kids are playing hard and they are doing everything we ask them to do,” LCCP head coach Erick Franklin said. “I told them one day that it is going to click and it is finally starting to click.”

The key to the Trailblazers’ (2-2) second consecutive win and 2-0 start to District 4-1A play was the play of their defensive front seven and junior quarterback Kevin Guidry. The Trailblazers’ defense held the Hornets to 288 yards and forced three turnovers.

Junior linebacker Chris Meeks got things started in the first quarter for LCCP when he intercepted Grand Lake (3-2, 0-2) quarterback Kade Delcambre and returned it 68-yard for the touchdown.

Junior linebacker Kendrick Simmons and defensive lineman Shannon Booker each recovered a fumble and recorded a pair of tackles for a loss. Simmons fumble recovery led to Guidry’s first touchdown pass, a 26-yarder to Dre Gregory with 11:04 left in the second quarter.

Guidry threw a season-high three touchdown passes to three receivers and%



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Etienne fuels efficient Bulldogs

JENNINGS — Jennings didn’t need long to put up big numbers against Lake Arthur in its 56-28 victory against the Tigers on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs (5-0) scored on three of their first offensive plays from scrimmage and lead 28-14 at halftime despite having possession for less than 5 minutes.

Jennings had four drives in which in needed just one play to score, and all but one drive ended in a touchdown. They Bulldogs let time expire on their final drive.

“We haven’t had that all year long,” said Jennings head coach Rusty Phelps. “It kind of reminded me of last year. We ran four plays and had 21 points. I’m proud of our coaching staff and proud of our football team.”

After forcing Lake Arthur (3-2) to turn the ball over on downs in the opening drive, Jennings quarterback Kendrick LeJeune took a carry 51 yards to set up a 2-yard Tyrik Sonnier touchdown run.

Lake Arthur responded with a long, lumbering touchdown drive capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by running back Trey Hargrave.

But the tie did not last long as Travis Etienne maneuvered, then sped his way past the Lake Arthur defense for a 51-yard touchdown score.

After forcing another turnover on downs, Jennings extended its lead with another one-play touchdown drive when LeJeune took a keeper 78-yards to the house.

Lake Arthur closed the gap with an 8-yard touchdown run from Jayren McZeal, but Jennings took a 28-14 lead into the halftime break after another Etienne touchdown, this one from 8 yards out.

The Bulldogs needed 12 plays and more than 4 minutes to garner 228 yards and four touchdowns in the first half.

Jennings blew it open with on the opening play of the second half when LeJeune found Etienne for a 49-yard touchdown pass.

Less than 3 minutes later, Jennings regained possession on an interception and LeJeune once again ran one into the end zone from 41 yards out to give Jennings a 42-14 lead that allowed the Bulldogs to coast to their fifth consecutive win.

Etienne finished with eight carries for 147 yards, and LeJeune ran for 191 yards on six carries.

Hargrave led the Tigers with 47 carries for 205 yards. The performance but him over 1,100 yards for the season.

Jennings will kick off its District 4-3A schedule next Thursday when it hosts Iota.



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Prep football this week

Barbe (3-1, 0-1) at New Iberia (2-2, 1-0)

The Bucs saw their three-game winning streak end in heartbreaking fashion with a one-point loss at Acadiana. Bucs starting QB Gavin Nettles left injured for the second game in a row. Backup Luke Richard has showed promise filling in, and the Bucs defense has shown improvement compared to last year. Kirkland Banks had nearly 200 yards of offense last week. NISH had perfect balance last week, with 138 yards rushing and 138 passing. The Yellow Jackets allowed 197 rushing yards, a bad omen when facing Banks. NISH has allowed seven points over the past two weeks after allowing 80 in two season-opening losses to Breaux Bridge and Carencro.

Acadiana (2-2, 1-0) at Sulphur (4-0, 1-0)

There are five weeks left in the season after this week, but the District 3-5A race could be decided tonight at Matt Walker Memorial Stadium. Acadiana has been the top dog in the district for most of the last decade while the Tors are looking for their first district title since 2007, which was also the last time they beat the Rams on the field (Sulphur won by forfeit in 2010). Acadiana runs its usual championship winning veer offense led by running back Ziggy Francis (74 carries, 624 yards, 9 TDs) but they will have to find a way to stop the Tors who are averaging 38.8 points and 492.8 yards per game. Sulphur’s J’Cobi Skinner is the top back in the district with 103 carries for 770 yards and six touchdowns.

Sam Houston (0-4, 0-0) at Comeaux (3-1, 0-1)

It will be Sam Houston’s District 3-5A opener as the Broncos try to right the ship and avoid their first 0-5 start since 1993. But Comeaux is coming off a 42-41 heartbreaking loss to Sulphur and will be looking to take their frustrations out on the Broncos. Sam Houston will have to watch out for Spartans wide receiver Tanarious Achan who had a career game last week with 11 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown. Sam Houston will need to clean up its play on offense, losing three fumbles last week. Sam Houston has seven turnovers in four games.

Crowley (1-3) at DeQuincy (3-1)

After suffering its first loss of the season, DeQuincy will look to regroup at home against a dangerous Class 4A Crowley team that has lost three games by a combined nine points. The Tigers will need a strong defensive performance to stop Gents running back Keith Wilson (78-464, 9 TDs). The Tigers’ balanced offense (867 rushing/690 passing) will be key to make up for last year’s 51-6 loss to the Gents. Dual-threat quarterback Will Smith has 683 yards through the air, 273 on the ground and has accounted for 12 touchdowns.

Leesville (2-2) at Iowa (3-1)

Two high-powered offenses will face off in a nondistrict finale that will also act as the Yellow Jackets’ homecoming game. Andre Sam caught three touchdown passes, in addition to returning a punt and a blocked punt for touchdowns in Iowa’s 41-14 win against Oakdale. After losing two straight, Leesville returned to winning form last week with a 41-21 victory against Pineville.

Ferriday (2-2) at Washington-Marion (0-4)

W-M head coach Freddie Harrison will face his former team. The Charging Indians feature one of the area’s top running backs in Jacobi Taylor (423 yds., 2 TDs), but has struggled to find consistency on offense, scoring 31 points through four games. Ferriday committed six turnovers and allowed defensive and special teams touchdowns last week in a loss to Wilkinson (Miss.) Count. Ferriday features playmakers at running back and receiver in Milak Williams and Dantrieze Scott.

DeRidder (1-3) at Westlake (1-3)

After a two-game road swing, the Westlake Rams return home to host the DeRidder Dragons. At 1-3, both teams are looking to turn their seasons around. The Rams will have the added incentive of homecoming festivities but will need to shore up a defense that has given up more than 40 points three times. DeRidder’s offense has struggled lately, scoring nine points in its last three games.

Vinton (3-1) at South Beauregard (4-0)

Vinton will face its second straight undefeated opponent in the second game of a four-game road trip. The combined record of those four opponents (Northwest, South Beauregard, Kinder, DeQuincy) is 14-2. South Beauregard has been battle tested after facing four Class 4A schools and will be playing a smaller school for the first time. The game will feature two of the best small school running backs in Southwest Louisiana in Vinton’s Tony St. Julien (46-495, 8 TDs) and South Beauregard’s Matt Uhlik (102-501, 4 TDs).

Pineville (0-4) at St. Louis (2-2)

The Saints got back on track last week with a 13-7 victory on the road at Cecilia. Quarterback Bailey Hardy will look to put up big numbers against a winless Pineville squad that has allowed 40 points per game. The Saints’ defense, which has held three opponents to under 15 points, will look to keep Pineville in check and improve to a winning record.

Welsh (4-0) at Rosepine (0-4)

The Greyhounds have looked dominant as they’ve run through its nondistrict schedule with an average winning margin of 32.8 points per game. Rosepine will have to find a way to slow down Welsh’s powerful running game of Reggie Jackson, Charlie Watkins and quarterback Zach Hayes in order to pull off an upset and earn its first win.

Pickering (3-1) at Mangham (4-0)

Mangham, which lost the 2A championship game to Kinder last season, has showed no signs of slowing down. JaKarie Nichols leads the Dragons with 575 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The Pickering defense has been dominant over the past three weeks, allowing a total of 12 points with two shutouts. Pickering QB Patrick Hinson was hurt last week. If he can’t play, RB Codie Williams (422 yds., 4 TDs) will have to take on a bigger load for the Red Devils.

South Cameron (1-3, 0-1) at East Beauregard (3-1, 1-0)

Since being held to eight points in an opening-week loss to undefeated Ascension Episcopal, East Beauregard is averaging 34 points per game in a three-game winning streak. South Cameron has gone the opposite direction since losing starting QB Jakin Morales, getting shut out twice since opening the season with 40 points in a win over North Central. With one returning starter, the Trojans figure to improve over the course of the season as its youngsters continue to gain experience.

Hamilton Christian (1-3, 1-0) at Elton (0-4, 0-1)

After going 0-3 in nondistrict play, the Warriors looked like the defending district champions with a dominant 47-22 in which they posted 26 points in the fourth quarter. Kenan Fontenot thrived at a mobile quarterback position, running 12 times for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Oberlin (2-2, 1-0) at Merryville (1-3, 0-1)

The Tigers jumped out to a 1-0 start in District 4-1A with a one-point victory against Elton last week thanks to a stopped 2-point conversion near the end of regulation. Oberlin will look to improve to 2-0 in district against a Merryville squad coming off a 50-20 district-opening loss to East Beauregard.

Port Barre (1-3) at Basile (1-3)

Basile has scored 13 points in its three losses, which have come to teams with a combined record of 10-2. Port Barre has followed a similar script, scoring a total of 26 points. The Red Devils shut out St. Edmund 6-0 last week, holding the Blue Jays to nine first downs and 144 yards of offense. Port Barre held Basile to a lone touchdown in last year’s 18-7 home win.



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Want to understand your child's test scores? Here's what to ignore

Why An Israeli Company Is Sucking Water From The Sky

In the face of a changing climate and the challenges that come with it, companies the world over have been attempting to pull solutions out of thin air — literally.


There are firms turning air into fuel and others transforming it into stone. Some are even extracting clean drinking water from it.


Israel’s Water-Gen has built devices that create and store drinking water by harvesting condensation from the air. It was among a group of Israeli firms that presented their technological innovations at the United Nations General Assembly last week.


Put simply, [our technology] leverages the same process as a dehumidifier, but instead captures and cleans the moisture,” said Zach Gorin, a company spokesman, in an email this week. “This ‘plug-and-drink’ technology is fully independent of existing water infrastructure. All we require is an electrical outlet and the humidity found in the air.”





Water-Gen isn’t the only company to market such a technology, but it says its machines ― known as atmospheric water generators ― are far more energy-efficient than any other water production device currently available.


“Our technology takes one-fifth of the amount of energy used by other methods ― around three liters of water produced for every kilowatt of energy. That makes the water we produce much cheaper, too,” Gorin said.


At current energy prices, Water-Gen estimates the water its machines generates would cost less than 10 cents per gallon. 


The company’s devices come in three sizes: industrial, medium and one for use in the home or office. Each machine comes equipped with a system of plastic “leaves” which cools the air and then collects any resultant condensation. The water collected then passes through a water filtration system which filters out any chemical and microbiological contaminants.


The smallest device can yield up to 5 gallons daily, while the largest can produce more than 800 gallons a day. Gorin noted, however, that the technology is easily scalable. 



Water-Gen got its start providing its water generation technology to the Israeli military and other armies, including those of the U.S. and France. But the company said its focus has recently shifted to providing the technology to communities facing water scarcity. 


“We think it’s possible to bring drinking water to all countries. Humidifiers, army solutions, etcetera are a secondary issues,” Maxim Nasik, Water-Gen’s chairman, told Business Insider in an interview this month. “What’s important for us is to bring water to the people. This is a basic human right.”


The company is in talks with several governments, including the United States, India, China, Brazil and Mexico. And it’s currently doing field tests in cities such as Mumbai, India, and Shanghai, China. 


Water-Gen said it’s also working with industrial manufacturers to scale up production for its home appliances. The company’s products are expected to be commercially available in 2017.


We’ve all seen the numbers about the global water crisis: under conservative estimates, one out of every ten people in the world lacks access to safe water; one out of every five deaths of children under the age of 5 is the result of a water-related disease,” Gorin said. “Global leaders have made it clear that all sectors ― government, business, and non-profit ― must take significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint while conserving existing resources. Water-Gen’s technology is a critical to expanding access to safe, clean, and sustainable water supplies.”


According to the World Bank, 1.6 billion people live in countries and regions that struggle with water scarcity. That number is expected to balloon to 2.8 billion by 2025. 


“There is zero doubt that the threat posed by global climate change means that water supplies will be under increasing amounts of stress each year,” Gorin said. “We’re excited about the impact we can make for the world.”


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On which side of the blade...By Sarah Perle, Israel

In the fall of 2015 my friend and colleague, Hamze, and I had the chance to go to Rwanda to learn about forgiveness and reconciliation. During our trip we listened to many stories about the genocide that claimed the lives of close to 1 million people in 1994. 1 million victims in just 100 days - those numbers are hard to grasp. 1 million people...100 days...10,000 victims per day. Men, women or children - no difference was made. If they were Tutsi, or if they were helping their Tutsi friends or neighbors, they were systematically massacred.
Among all the stories we had the honor to be told, one still haunts me.

His name is Didas. We met him in his village. A very small village in the country side, a couple of hours away from Kigali, the capital city, or a lot more if you don't have a jeep and a driver who knows his way around. His house, the house he built with his own hands, is situated on the top of a small hill and is surrounded by trees. Like all the other houses of the village, it is made of mud and wood. There is no electricity in the village and, as we arrived much later than expected, it was already dark when we entered Didas' home and started our discussion.

Didas, who spoke French, started by telling us about his village. It is a peace and reconciliation village, which means that it was built by people from both sides of the conflict who today all live side-by-side. He also told us about his wife and children. His wife was a Tutsi refugee who came back to Rwanda after the genocide. After showing us photos of his wife and sons, a Bible that he always keeps open and the paper work showing that his reconciliation NGO is now officially open, he walked us outside and told us more about his story. After the genocide, he went to prison for many years. There, he was offered the chance to be part of a reconciliation process that took place on a national level starting in 2005. This process is called Gacaca. The perpetrators (the killers) had to go back to their community and explain everything they did, to whom, and when, and more importantly, they had to answer all the questions of the survivors. Didas went through this process and this is why he was able to get out of jail and settle in this village.

While he was telling us this, we were standing outside, surrounded by trees, half way between the jeep and Didas' house, which we couldn't see anymore in the darkness. Our faces were lit only by the light of the video camera. From afar we probably looked like 3 floating heads in the middle of the forest. Didas told me: "It was a Monday morning and the sun was high is the sky. I can even tell you what I ate. I remember everything about this day. It has been in my head every single day since." After this and every sentence, I had to turn to Hamze, who was standing on my right, and translate what I just heard from French to English. Didas went on: "Young men from my neighborhood entered my house and gave me a machete. They told me I had to kill my next door neighbor because he was Tutsi. I had to prove I was a good Hutu. I was afraid. They put the machete in my hand. I entered the house next door. I killed him. I knew him." His tone was calm - empty of any emotions - but his eyes were telling a different story. I tried not to stare at him and turned to Hamze. I didn't know how to translate those words. I didn't know how tell those sentences. A part of me wanted to run away. To run as far as possible from this dangerous man. I was terrified. I looked into Hamze's eyes and slowly repeated the words. I could see that Hamze was going through the same thing I just went through. We were both scared and shocked...but how could we judge him and show him fear when his own country, his own community, forgave him? Who were we to show him disrespect and run from him when his wife, a survivor of the genocide, forgave and loved him? We were torn by all those conflicted ideas and feelings.

I turned back to Didas. Emotions were back in his voice. I think he felt relieved. The rest was easier to say. He told me: "I would never live anywhere else. Because here people know what I did and they still accept me. Here I can have a life without hiding. Here I know my children are safe. But I think about what I did every day." Hamze and I thanked him and slowly walked back to the jeep. We stayed quiet for the entire ride. The words of Didas were heavy in our minds.

One year later today I am still processing his story. I carry it with me every day. It changed me deeply and irreversibly. Didas killed a man, and after this he was never the same. He wasn't born to be a killer - nobody is. No child is born to kill or be killed.
Shortly after we came back from Rwanda, the knife attacks started in Israel and in the West Bank and I couldn't react the way I would have reacted before our journey...because today I know: no one is born to become a killer; no child was born to carry a knife or be killed by a knife.

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You Can Sleep Over The Sea In Mexico's Glass-Bottomed Bungalows


If you’re spending your days dreaming up ways to escape the swiftly approaching winter, there’s a brand new option for you to consider ― and it’s straight out of a dream.


Earlier this month, a colony of 30 overwater oases popped up in the turquoise waters of Riviera Maya, Mexico. The bungalows are part of the El Dorado Maroma resort, located on the northeastern shoreline of the Yucatan Peninsula.


In this heavenly corner of the Caribbean, the weather is warm and the water crystal clear.



According to Karisma Hotels, these are Mexico’s first overwater bungalows, meaning it is now much easier for those of us in the Americas to experience this kind of villa, which is typically found on South Pacific islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti.


The group of bungalows juts out from famed Playa Maroma, a white sand beach with calm water and bright blue sea as far as the eye can see. Each unit has a panoramic view of the ocean and beach, as well as its own ladder so you can hop in the water whenever you want. Each one also features an outdoor shower, private infinity pool, jacuzzi and sun deck.


And if being surrounded by ocean isn’t enough for you, you can even see the water from inside the bungalows, through glass panels in the floor.



The resort also features an overwater spa and restaurant, just steps away from the bungalows. 


And if you’re looking for a vacation that goes beyond sunbathing and relaxation, there is plenty of adventure near the resort.


Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, with rainforests, aquatic adventures and archaeological treasures to explore. Tulum, which is about an hour south of the resort at Playa Maroma, is home to some of Mexico’s most incredible Mayan ruins.


Breathtaking, absolutely. But one of the bungalows will cost you a pretty penny, starting at $950 per adult per night. The price is inclusive, which means food, drinks and some of the resort activities come with your stay ― but still, bliss doesn’t come cheap.


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9 Ways Influencer Marketing Can Exceed Traditional Advertising

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By Joe Gangliese

Traditionally, online content was made to be delivered in a commercialized way, similar to pop-up ads and YouTube pre-rolls. But the problem with content like this is that it's built with a brand's perspective in mind, not a customer's. This results in content that doesn't resonate or engage with an audience.

To successfully resonate with a target audience, content must emulate something or someone that the customer relates to. The overwhelming nature of ads explains why marketing efforts through print, email campaigns, mainstream digital and TV are becoming less effective. But a new extension into the marketing world, known as influencer marketing, is making waves.

At its core, influencer marketing leverages people with heavily-engaged audiences to communicate a brand's message. It breaks through the noise and connects to the masses, making it more likely to be seen, heard and absorbed than traditional advertising alone. 

As the founder of a global influencer marketing and talent agency that has launched hundreds of campaigns for brands, I've come to understand the value behind the industry and how the space really works. Here are nine reasons why influencer marketing is exceeding traditional advertising.

1. It's Organic 

Brands that allow for influencers to have more creative freedom achieve incredible results with their content. According to data from Twitter, there is a 5.2 percent increase in purchase intent when users are exposed to both brand and influencer tweets, versus a mere 2.7 percent increase when users are exposed to tweets from brands alone. 

2.  It's Shareable

Shareability is the driving force behind what makes social media as powerful as it is, as it takes word-of-mouth marketing to an entirely new level. For instance, it's likely someone will feel more compelled to share a video of a lifestyle YouTuber conducting a beauty tutorial than sharing a product advertised on a YouTube pre-roll. In fact, 94 percent of people skip pre-roll ads after the five-second mark.

3. It Promotes Trust

Trust is the foundation that needs to be built between a consumer and a brand, and influencers assist in bridging the two. Consumers can feel comfortable relying on influencers for recommendations on a certain brand or product just as they would with a friend. 

4. It Can Tap Into Specific Audiences

Influencers can be the key to tapping into a target audience: This is because influencers aren't unique to one area; they're spread throughout the world. Each influencer audience differs significantly from one another, whether it be by location, age, gender, etc. More so, influencers tap into a variety of interests, including travel, food, art, sports, beauty, DIY, etc.

5. It Can Be Amplified by Paid Media

Paid media through social is a large part of many marketers' current spend, and its landscape is ever-changing as platforms continue to transform. Paid media can be used to amplify influencer content on brand platforms, or within the influencer's channel.

6. It's Cost-Effective

When compared to mainstream marketing, influencer marketing is more cost-effective in many ways. Traditionally, the costs associated with creating content can be extremely high, but influencers create content as part of the cost of leveraging their network. Content from creators is typically much more vibrant and engaging, thus achieving a more valuable result. Organic reach and the quality of the audience's attention delivers more value than comparable media prices, with access to the same audience.

7. It Serves More Than One Purpose

Influencer marketing is not about merely posting to a large audience. Content produced by influencers can be reused for paid media, distribution, social content and commercials, just to name a few. Influencers have the ability to be multifaceted with a brand, just as content creators, strategists, brand ambassadors and spokespeople are. 

8. It Attracts a Younger Audience

Today's generations aren't engaging with advertisements on TV as previous generations once did. According to Think with Google, in 2015, 18- to 49-year-olds spent four percent less time watching TV, and 74 percent more time watching YouTube. Influencer marketing offers access to audiences that have been disengaged and grants more communication with them than ever before. 

9. It Connects the Consumer to the Brand

In traditional forms of advertising, there is little that ties the consumer to the brand. Influencer marketing has the ability to dramatically increase the way consumers interact with a brand, as influencers can create a voice for that brand. Consumers may also rely on influencers to dictate their decisions and preference. 

Ultimately, it comes down to this: Would you rather have a pop-up ad tell your story or a trusted voice? Influencer marketing is still overlooked and misunderstood in many ways within the media industry, but the amount of brands and agencies that are embracing influencer marketing continues to increase.

Joe Gagliese is the Co-Founder of Viral Nation. Joe is an industry thought leader on all things social.

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Green Partnership for Growth and Sustainability

Pressure mounts on the world's resources as population and wealth grows. Ensuring a sufficient supply of energy and water is crucial to enable further economic growth and welfare around the world - including the United States. Avoiding pollution affecting local air and water as well as the global climate is paramount to ensure the well-being of humans, and ultimately of our planet.

Fortunately, modern technologies exist to ensure higher, cleaner, energy production, higher efficiency in use of energy and water, and environmentally friendly reuse, treatment and disposal of waste resources.

Denmark is a first mover in resource efficiency. Recurrent energy crises in the 1970's spurred development of efficient energy, water and resource management systems and technological solutions. They have enabled Denmark to become a world leader in energy efficiency and green energy production. And despite its plentiful local water resources, Denmark is among the OECD countries with the lowest water consumption per capita.

Today, America is a strong mover in green and sustainable technologies. The partnership between Denmark and America in development and deployment of modern, green solutions is vibrant. The increasing number of wind turbines that enable a still greener power production in most parts of the United States have been developed in Denmark. Modern city planning with energy efficient buildings and energy systems, liveable urban spaces, and sustainable management of water and waste resources benefit from Danish knowledge and technology as well.

The outlook for further collaboration is extremely positive. The strong trade development in green products is a proof of that, and today America is the second largest export destination of Danish energy technology. The increasing number of formalized partnerships at state, city and company level further adds to the momentum - as does the high frequency of educational and promotional visits between energy and environment stakeholders in both countries.

Denmark plans to stay ahead of the curve. Our goal is a society independent from fossil fuels by 2050. Our innovative activities continue relentlessly.

The Danish-American partnership for growth and sustainability is a reality. Bringing together a first mover and a strong mover it is a perfect match with a great promise for the future of doing MORE with LESS.

This article is part of a series of articles about the #RoyalVisitUSA. On September 27-30, a Danish business delegation, presided over by T.R.H. the Crown Prince Couple of Denmark, will be traveling to the U.S. for one of the most comprehensive trade missions from Denmark to date. The delegation represents 60 innovative Danish companies from the Healthcare, Agriculture and Food, Sustainability and Maritime sectors - all of which are leading economic sectors in Denmark. Joining the delegation are the Minister for the Environment and Food, the Minister for Business and Growth as well as five of Denmark's leading trade organizations. More than 650 Danish companies have subsidiaries in the U.S. These companies contribute to U.S. growth and job creation and employ more than 60,000 people nation-wide.

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The Return of Eastern Europe's Princes

Co-Author Zuzana Palovic - CEE and Migration Expert

In an age of political instability, America is undergoing a soul searching. One that is shaking it to its core on a global stage, leading up to the election. The British people have equally ratified a revolution. Tearing away the UK from its neighbors, in a dramatic rendering of democracy. Amid the turmoil of modernity, it is easy to forget the history of the families that have governed Europe for centuries. A myriad of royal and noble houses stretches the continent. Interestingly, in post-Brexit Britain, England's only royal family is European in their heritage. The Queen's very husband, Prince Philip was born in Greece, and comes from a Greek-Danish royal bloodline. Within the community of European noble families, two families in particular have staged two triumphant returns in the last two decades.

William Lobkowicz was a 28 year-old real estate broker, who switched on the television in 1989 to see the fall of communism. What made William different from the billions of other people also watching. Was that the major events taking place on the screen before him, were taking place around the buildings that he recognized. These buildings had once belonged to his family. In fact, the word building is a loose term, because we are in fact talking about castles and palaces. One of which, Lobkowicz palace, is situated inside Prague castle, arguably the most famous castle in the world. The collapse of the regime, brought back 28 years of suppressed memories for William. A history which included not just one, but two major thefts of his family. First by the Nazis in 1939, second by the communists in 1948. After which, stripped of everything they owned the Lobkowicz's left into self-imposed exile to the United States. Hence, why Williams was watching the fall of communism in Boston, and not from his palace in Prague. William and his American wife, who in a further twist of the story is coincidentally from a Romanian royal background, decided then and there to return to Czechoslovakia, now Czech Republic. To reclaim not just what had been materially taken from them, but to restore the proud European legacy of the House of Lobkowicz.

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"From a business perspective we are in the 'cultural tourism' business, where we are taking family palaces, castles and other properties and finding ways to make them open and accessible to a wider audience" William Lobkowicz

Sitting with William in his office in Lobkowicz Palace overlooking Prague, and with the President of the Czech Republic as his neighbor, it is all too easy to overlook the pain experienced between his return and today. Far from a triumphant victory. William was treated as an outsider. The journey, to regain title of the castles and priceless works of art, such as Beethoven's original manuscripts, was fraught with challenges, hearts breaks and emotion worthy of a Hollywood script. Far from being a privileged Prince, William took out loans from numerous financial institutions, nearly driving himself to bankruptcy. Just to prove to the post-communist government that he was in fact Prince Lobkowicz. When the government finally did give him the keys to his family's castles. He found crumbling messes, in desperate need of renovation. Quick on their feet, William together with his wife Sandra, masterminded a business rescue worthy of Wall Street. By throwing the doors of their family establishment open to the public, they have been able to help restore some of their properties into their former glory.

Closer to home, Karl, Prince of Schwarzenberg was watching the fall of communism with similar emotions, and a similar vested interest. Coming from one of the most powerful noble families in Europe, the Schwarzenbergs were once the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. Who from the 17th century onward, choose Bohemia as their primary seat of power. This lineage was broken, when like the Lobkowiczs, they were forced into self-imposed exile following the savage confiscation of their family's properties. This time to Austria, instead of the United States. But, to be removed, yet so close to his native Prague, proved to be a great source of pain for Karl. In an effort to cope, the Prince threw himself into public affairs in Austria and Germany. However, his heart remained elsewhere, forever longing to return to his native Bohemia. For the next 4 decades, Karl fought for his homeland from abroad. Distraught over the terrors of the totalitarian regime, he became an ardent human rights activist. Heavily monitored by the Czech secret police, he still managed to form a strong alliance with then dissent playwright Vaclav Havel, and visit the country whenever circumstances would allow.

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"I was always engaged in politics, when the old regime toppled, I tried to use my connections from the outside to help advance my country" Karl Schwarzenberg

Immediately after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and exactly 41 years after his initial departure, Prince Schwarzenberg returned home a proud patriot. Throwing himself into politics once again, but this time with his heart in it. He went on to become the close adviser to the newly elected Czechoslovak President. Surprisingly, none other than is personal friend and fellow dissident, Vaclav Havel. Since then, Karl has become a household name in the country. Now in the autumn years of his life, he leaves behind a dynamic legacy. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, and runner-up for Czech President in 2013. His presence continues to be strongly felt in Czech politics today, as one of its most popular members. In so doing, he has also restored his family's political legacy. Sitting in his office, in the chamber of deputies. Directly under the Prague Castle and coincidently - Lobkowicz Palace. He is surrounded by artwork depicting portraits of his close ancestors, the Princes and Princesses of the elapsed Hapsburg Empire. However, Karl, a humble leader attributes his greatest achievements not to restoring a dynasty, but to his good service to the Czech people.

In a time when the future of Europe is in question and the continent is at its most unstable since World War II. It is comforting to know, the consistency and continuity that these dynasties contribute. By their existence, they provide a tangible link to the past. Being the wealth holders, they equally hold a critical responsibility. Just like the governments of today - these families have helped to elevate society, in their patronage of the arts, culture, science and business. In upholding a golden standard from centuries past, they teach modern society a vault of valuable lessons. The return of the Princes to the former Soviet Bloc, has helped to completed and close a painful European cycle. Once privileged and then stripped, these men have crossed a challenging path. One that has awakened and inspired them to contribute to modern society through acts of leadership and service.


2016-09-28-1475100630-5791147-ZuzanaPalovicHeadshot.jpg
Co-Author Zuzana Palovic - Central Eastern Europe and Migration Expert

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Racism, Sexism And Third Graders

Last week, one of my third graders was sitting on the rug before Morning Meeting and said to his friends, "Girls are like, 'Ooooh, shopping!'" as he flung his hands out dramatically. I stared at him, felt my heart break slightly, and said, "That's sexist. How would you like it if I said, 'Oooh, boys only like cars and video games.' It's not true. It would make you feel bad." That shut him up, but I knew he had not really understood what I was saying. Later in the day at the beginning of Math, another student was taking a really long time to pick his whiteboard marker to use during our lesson. I said, "What's taking so long?" He replied, "Well, the first marker I pulled out of the bucket was pink." I sighed. "What's wrong with that?" I asked, feigning ignorance. "Well, you know..." he trailed off. I simply said, "Get your marker and sit down."

It was difficult for me to realize that my suspicions were true: the kids in my class, even at age eight, had already absorbed so much sexism from our society that it affected the way they perceive and act in the world. I knew something had to be done.

The next day during Morning Meeting, I wrote the word "stereotype" on the whiteboard. I then asked the students if any of them knew what it meant. A few kids raised their hands and said things like "a music system" or "a stereo." One kid said "it has to do with segregation." I defined stereotype for the students as a negative viewpoint that someone has about a specific group of people. I used the example of a white person having a negative perception of black people. The kids were shocked that I was talking about this in class and stared at me with wide eyes.

I then wrote the words "sexism" and "racism" below "stereotype." I explained that sexism and racism stem from negative stereotypes about whole groups of people, like women or people of Latinx heritage. Then, without prompting, the kids started sharing examples of racism and sexism they had faced. More and more hands went in the air after each kid shared. They told us how when they were playing in the street, people would drive by and yell racist remarks. They told us how when they were shopping at the mall and were going to make a purchase, some people looked at them funny. Even the two kids who had said the sexist remarks the day before were active participants in the conversation. One of them told us how there was a girl on his football team and she was the best player. The other told us that there was a girl on his baseball team who was also one of the best. It was as if the kids had been itching to tell these stories for a long time but had never had the words or the opportunity to.

I was in total awe of my kids during this conversation. For the first time ever, I didn't have to tell anyone to stop talking out of turn or to come back to the group; they were more engaged in this discussion than anything else we had done all year. This was about their lives, their reality. I was disappointed when I had to end the conversation to begin our next lesson, knowing that this conversation, this discussion of the racism and sexism that was already plaguing my kids' lives at such a young age, was so much more important.

I concluded the conversation with a series of questions: "Is pink a girl color?" I asked. "No!" my students yelled. "Can boys play with dolls?" I said. "Yes!" they shouted. "Can girls play sports?" I yelled. A resounding "Yes" rung out across the room. I smiled to myself triumphantly as I realized this mini-lesson had been more successful than I had ever imagined. I told the students we would continue to have these conversations as the year went on, and that even though there is a lot of racism and sexism in our society, it will not be tolerated in our classroom.

Later on, the kid who had rejected the pink marker the day before intentionally chose the pink marker to use during Math that day (I swear, I didn't tell him to). That day was the highlight of my year so far. To anyone who thinks that these topics are too heavy for children to talk about: these issues are already affecting them every single day, and pretending that they don't exist is doing the kids a disservice. Only if we do begin having these conversations with kids at an early age, and continue having them, will they grow up to be the kind of socially aware adults who will be able to challenge our existing systems and change them. No matter what some adults may think, children do get it. And educating them about these things early on is the best way to equip them with the tools and language to fight against them in the future so that one day, our kids won't have to worry about racist remarks from strangers when they are simply playing in their backyards.

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Buick Avenir will be made...as a trim level instead of a car

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Apparently Buick thought the name was the only marketable part of the Avenir concept.

Continue reading Buick Avenir will be made...as a trim level instead of a car

Buick Avenir will be made...as a trim level instead of a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2016 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cartoon: Debating the debate

Well, the first presidential debate didn’t go exactly as Donald Trump planned, even though he (and plenty of “voters” from Russia) claimed otherwise. No matter what you think about Hillary Clinton’s policies, she played Trump perfectly at the Hofstra University debate.  

Donald Trump’s achilles heel is the fact that he refuses to ever admit he was wrong about anything. And he doesn’t just change the subject or evade the question the way most politicians do, he doubles and triples-down, insisting he was right about everything from calling Rosie O’Donnell a “fat pig,” to humiliating a young Miss Universe.  

The days after the first debate have been even more interesting than the debate itself (which was fascinating), mainly because The Donald continues his “triumphant” rampage. He even says he’s picking up more of the female vote because of the nasty things he didn’t say at the debate. Enjoy the cartoon, then go take a shower, then visit me on Patreon and join me behind-the-scenes.  



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Trump shames ex-beauty pageant winner for her sexual past

NEW YORK -- Donald Trump shamed a former beauty pageant winner Friday for her sexual history and encouraged Americans to check out what he called her "sex tape," in an early-morning tweet-storm that dragged him further away from his campaign's efforts to broaden its appeal to women.

A day after he injected former President Bill Clinton's dalliances into the campaign, Trump accused Hillary Clinton's campaign of helping 1996 Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado get U.S. citizenship, but offered no proof. He said Machado had a "terrible" past that a "duped" Clinton had overlooked before holding her up "as an 'angel' in the first presidential debate.

"Did Crooked Hillary help disgusting (check out sex tape and past) Alicia M become a U.S. citizen so she could use her in the debate?" read a missive from Trump posted on his verified Twitter account at 5:30 a.m.

Trump's taunt appeared to refer to footage from a Spanish reality show in 2005 in which Machado was a contestant and appeared on camera in bed with a male contestant. The images, posted this week to a newspaper's website, are grainy and do not include nudity.

The show took place almost a decade after Trump invited reporters to watch Machado exercise and mocked her publicly for gaining weight after she won Miss Universe, which Trump owned at the time. In Monday's debate, Clinton brought up Trump's taunts of Machado.

Shaming Machado over intimate details from her past was particularly risky as Trump tries win over more female voters, many of whom are turned off by such personal attacks. It also risks calling further attention to the thrice-married Trump's own history with women.

The outburst was an extreme reminder of how Trump has seemed unable to restrain himself from veering into unhelpful territory, even with the election less than 40 days away. Trump's allies have implored him to stick to attacks on Clinton over her family foundation, her emails or her long history as a political insider, critiques that fall further out of view whenever Trump sparks a new controversy.

Rather than back way from the comments about Machado, Trump has repeatedly pushed it back to the center of the conversation, even as early voting in critical states gets underway. He said this week that Machado had gained "a massive amount of weight," adding that it was "a real problem."

On Friday, Trump said Clinton had been "set up by a con" in holding up Machado "as an 'angel' without checking her past, which is terrible!" He suggested Clinton had helped the Venezuela-born actress gain citizenship. Clinton's campaign, which has released videos featuring Machado and arranged for reporters to interview her, has highlighted her status as a new American and her plans to cast her first vote for Clinton.

Clinton's campaign had no immediate formal reaction. But Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon took to Twitter to ask, "What kind of human being is this?"

The flurry on Twitter began shortly after 3 a.m. on the East Coast when Trump complained about stories about his campaign based on anonymous sources and told his supporters not to believe them.

"There are no sources, they are just made up lies!" he wrote.

Trump has repeatedly gotten himself in trouble with his late-night and early-morning tweets, which appear to be written by the candidate himself. The reality TV show star once said that aides help him tweet during the day but that in the evenings, he tweets by himself. Trump has, at various points during his campaign, toned down the content of his tweets, but rarely for long.

His latest broadside against Machado came the day after he warned voters that a Hillary Clinton victory would bring her husband's sex scandal back to the White House. It was Trump's latest effort to bounce back from Monday's debate performance, which was widely panned for being less effective than Clinton's.

"The American people have had it with years and decades of Clinton corruption and scandal. Corruption and scandal," Trump said Thursday. "An impeachment for lying. An impeachment for lying. Remember that? Impeach."

The fresh rehash of the 1990s Monica Lewisnky scandal came despite Trump's insistence that he's been showing impressive restraint by not bringing it up. Trump has said he declined to mention it during the debate out of respect for Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, who was in the room.

Clinton has tried largely to stay out of the fracas over Trump's comments about women and her husband, hoping not to get in her opponent's way while he keeps stepping into controversies her campaign sees as damaging his prospects. Asked Thursday about the possibility that Trump would raise her husband's infidelities, Clinton said he could run his campaign "however he chooses."

"That's up to him. I'm going to keep talking about the stakes in this election," Clinton said.

Trying to draw a contrast with Trump, Clinton has delivered a mostly positive message in the days since her debate performance re-energized her candidacy. On Friday she was campaigning in Friday, a key battleground, where she planned a speech focused on national service in Fort Pierce and an organizing event in Coral Springs.



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