Post by Josette Wheeler » Thu Nov 12, 2020 10:57 pm
I want to start this post off by saying that I love this community and I deeply care about its ability to thrive and continue to grow in a healthy way. It is a creative outlet for so many people, especially during difficult and challenging times.
That being said, I have been extremely disheartened by the level of toxicity in play amongst fellow writers both IC and OOC. Quite frankly, it has reached a level where I find myself reluctant to participate in these wonderful events that our fellow community members have worked so hard to create for us all to enjoy and explore.
The incident that happened recently at the Isle on Tuesday, left me deeply saddened. I find that bad behavior is too often hidden behind comments such as, "I'm just playing my character how they would be." There are other ways to express your character's discomfort/displeasure without running down a particular setting or special event that took a lot of care and time to create.
I understand that not all writers will be able to get along or even agree on everything and I am certainly not trying to tell anyone how they should write their own character. But there should at least be a basic level of respect and decency for fellow writers and consideration of their feelings.
I respectfully ask that if you cannot do that, then please keep your thoughts to yourself. Such actions do not contribute to the health and well being of our community.
Kalamere
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:45 pm
Location: Dragon's Gate
Contact Kalamere
Post by Kalamere » Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:04 pm
I am sorry to hear you feel that way Josette. I never like to hear anyone feeling interactions with others on our server felt toxic. If I may though, I'd like to share a different point of view. I have no expectation this will change your mind - you feel how you feel - but maybe just to highlight a different side of it.
I think that, as writers and players, we are all going to occasionally piss off someone else or step on toes. It's not a lack of mutual respect when that happens unless it is done intentionally or with callous disregard. It's simply the side product of living in shared worlds and not all of us being familiar with something that might be important or a sensitive topic to others. The show of mutual respect is what happens after one is made aware.
I personally look back on the conversation Tuesday night in the Green Room and it makes me smile. One player was displeased with how certain characters interacted with the scene and pointed it out. Conversation ensued and it read like both sides made strides to understand the other's motives and it, all in all, was a very friendly interaction that set matters straight. That, to me, was a fantastic display of mutual respect.
The counter, perhaps, to your respectful ask would be (and this is not at all aimed at you, just a general stance) for folks not to assume the worst. If someone is tweaking a sensitive spot for you, there's a good chance they aren't doing it intentionally and wouldn't being doing it all if they knew. Open a dialogue. Let them know (preferably in a nice / civil tone) that their play is bothering you. Explain it and work through a means of co-existing. Most of us are reasonable and rational adults more than happy to work things out, but none of us can read minds and some times miss cues or just fail to think fully through how a given thing might be interpreted.
Post by Royal » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:24 pm
I'm trying to figure the best way to word this...
In the past I was very vocal about the concept of "It's what my character would do" or "It's just IC, don't take it seriously ooc." — and in truth, much of it was; but by doing so I was disregarding the feelings of those who may have been negatively impacted by how I played the character. By going through with this method, and even saying such things as "If I'm doing something you dislike, please contact me! I don't know any better if you're unwilling to reach out.", I was inadvertently putting the blame off myself and instead saying it was on others to speak with me.
A good example is that my character, along with others, would say things like: Duel of Fists is the best sport. Swords and Magic suck. Etc.
While this wasn't true OOC, as I was one of the few who actively sought out DoM titles and, at that time, had held many of them, the words of my character brought up issues OOC with people who did not know me as well and resulted in me and others being branded as Duel of Fists centric and this became apparent in heated conversations on the forums. Through my negative actions IC it resulted in the idea that I must be like this OOC.
I'm not saying that this reaction was deserved, though I did not help it any by my choice of: If I'm doing something you dislike, please contact me! I don't know any better if you're unwilling to reach out.
As of now I try, the keyword is try here (because we're all not saints and mess up at times), to be more relaxed when it comes to negative commentary IC; though at times it's hard to do so when a decision or such is made about a setting/sport I've invested in or enjoyed — but at the same time I think it's important to stand back, cool off, and think over possible choices and what their outcomes could be.
I can only speak for myself and not others, but I know that negativity can create issues with others who are possibly watching a room OOC, feel the vibe of what's happening, and then want to not take part in actively playing due to not wanting to be involved in something negative.. Which is why, when usually an event is ongoing, I feel it's best for me to not do anything - or post something - that could possibly negatively impact the enjoyment of the event for others.
It would be as if I went into someone else's backyard and stomped on their flower garden. That person running the event took their time and energy to create something fun, and I wouldn't feel good if I did something to possibly upset their efforts.
This makes me recall a post that was made in the past on another forum. You, as the writer, have the power over your character -- and IC and OOC is inherently blending due to that. A writer/player makes the decision to place their character in play somewhere with the full knowledge of what will come due to it. This isn't word-for-word what the post said, but I believe it's the feeling they were trying to get across. When I had read this all those years ago I scoffed at it, but I suppose that's what time does — we, or I in this case, looked back and realized that maybe I was wrong.
Post by Josette Wheeler » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:47 pm
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Kalamere. I am always open to hearing a different point of view of a situation. I was also happy to see that apologies were made for the behavior and that the resolution made you smile. We all could certainly use more reasons to smile these days!
Respectfully, (and I understand this is not just aimed at me) but I am not the type of person to assume the worst in anyone. On the contrary, I try to see the best in everyone. However, I am able to spot patterns of behavior and if this were an isolated incident, I would not have taken the time to write this post to begin with because for the most part, I do see our members treating each other with respect and kindness. There are other times over the past few months however, that I have not seen this and there were no apologies offered for the behavior.
I understand there can be misunderstandings and miscommunications along the way between players. I merely have a different point of view from what I have personally observed and felt strongly enough about it to speak up and bring awareness to it. I am merely asking that during these difficult times, we all try to show a little bit more kindness and compassion to each other.
To quote Royal's excellent point above, "That negativity can create issues with others who are possibly watching a room OOC, feel the vibe of what's happening, and then want to not take part in actively playing due to not wanting to be involved in something negative."
I appreciate the open dialogue and respect that you have your own perspective on what transpired. I sincerely hope in my heart of hearts that a trend of mutual respect will be given to all players in the future.
Claire Gallows
Legendary Adventurer
Location: Dunmovin (Outside of Rhydin City), Underwood (New Haven), or Caelum Training Center
Post by Claire Gallows » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:57 pm
Prepare for a Claire-ramble.
As one of the parties to the aforementioned situation, I wanted to put in my two cents. I had multiple people reach out to me during and after behind the scenes to say that what happened wasn't cool. And I agree. Contrary to Kalamere's reread of it, I did not come away from the situation smiling. I felt that one party genuinely made strides to acknowledge it and open a proper dialogue on it, which I immensely appreciated and enjoyed talking about it with them. The rest of it? I honestly felt like my feelings were swept aside and invalidated by the excuse of "I'm just playing my character the way they are" and non-apologies which, in short, is bullshit and we all know it. I know there are rumblings going on elsewhere that are trying to justify this behavior but honestly, I second Josette's call.
I said something in the moment because it bothered me and frankly hurt me. I am no longer staff, I have minimal obligation at this point to contribute to other people's fun and I could just as easily screw off and focus only on my chars and my stories. But I have an immense love for Duel of Magic, the Isle, and the DoM community and as such, wanted to throw these events to celebrate a massive milestone for the sport. I spent my free time that I could have easily spent elsewhere, all for the sake of making sure others got an opportunity to have fun, enjoy the sport some of us love so much, and celebrate this milestone year. Between hosting, plotting, and executing these events, I've easily spent 50+ hours on this. Not for me. For the community. So when the first thing I see when popping into this event is talk about how the place is gross and makes people feel icky (paraphrasing), it was a kick in the teeth. Like thanks. I really appreciate it.
Between my events and everything that Max and Royal have done to develop the setting as more than a dueling venue and make it more welcoming and open to all characters, that was such an insult and honestly I will feel that way every time someone pulls this (because it's happened before and it'll inevitably happen again) and it seems unique to the Isle. I don't see people walking into the Perch and trashing it through word or action, or any of our other settings for that matter. And honestly, it's old. I've seen it for years, this isn't the first time that someone has done it and it isn't the first time that it's been pointed out that it isn't very cool to do. But you come to my event and pull that? I'm not going to take that lightly and yes, I'm going to say something about it. Whether it changes anything is up to others, but I'm not going to idly sit by and let behavior like that slide.
I play multiple characters that would be classified as "assholes" by most that know them or see them in passing. But I do not hide behind their temperament and allow them to run roughshod over someone else's creation or event just because they're assholes. It's pretty simple if you don't like an area, a player, an event, etc; Don't go to it. Nobody forced anyone to come to the Isle. Nobody forced the IFL match to happen there considering the IFL Garden is open every night and a duel can count for regulation in any dueling room. And if you absolutely cannot avoid an area/player/event, don't be a dick about it. From early on when RoD was first getting its legs under it and things were still pretty off the cuff, the only general concept that people seemed to agree on was the rule "Don't be a dick" and that's what happened Tuesday night. Dickishness for the sake of "This is my character". Nobody is saying don't play your (general you) character as they are, so don't twist the narrative to the contrary. It's far more complex than that and we all know it. Rather we all should look at how our choices to have our chars say or do certain things will impact others both ICly and OOCly. Because for as much as we want to say IC is IC and OOC is OOC, those actions still have the ability to make someone feel poorly about things they have genuinely put time and effort into and we as a community are better than this.
I tried really hard to be nice about things despite my initial gripe. I tried to have a dialogue about it and to talk it through and my hurt was invalidated for what? If that doesn't matter to you, then fine. What's funny is it isn't even about only me, because this has happened multiple times and it's impacted multiple people. I'm just the first person to call it out and make a stink about it publicly. We should all be working toward a community focus. Disregarding how we make others feel for the sake of 'My char's an ass, that's just how they are' is selfish and the exact opposite of community.
Josette said it so much more eloquently than I ever could and for that, I give her props. But here's Claire's brash two bits tacked on just for good measure. This type of divisive stuff should not be a trend and I have definitely recognized some of the same that she mentioned above. A little kindness goes a long way and if you can't be kind, at least don't engage.
Post by Delahada » Fri Nov 13, 2020 4:38 pm
Talking about "toxicity," from my perspective this post serves no purpose other than to point fingers and publicly shame specific individuals in an effort to chase them away from the community, myself among them. This is apparent from the start given that Josette has chosen to quote me directly.
Fact: "I'm just playing my character how they would be."
This has been true for the 16 years that I have been playing/writing Salvador. If you don't like it, don't read me. I make no apologies and I'm not going to start playing/writing him differently just because you choose to perceive my In Character actions as a reflection of my Out of Character, personal thoughts and feelings. This is not the first time I have been accused of such irrational and completely untrue nonsense, nor do I suspect that it will be the last, because I'm not going to be bullied into adapting my writing style just to suit a general you's extremely sensitive personality and inability to separate fiction from reality.
To quote another from elsewhere: "It's exhausting to think about having to consider everyone's feelings [before writing anything]. That's incredibly prohibitive."
I play and write here for my enjoyment. Not for yours or anyone else's. I play and write with the people I enjoy writing and playing with, and who enjoy writing and playing with me. If others don't want to write and play alongside me, I take no offense. I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea, and I do not strive for the approval of the entire community. Nor should I have to.
Honestly, I thought this situation had been resolved. Instead of talking to me like an adult, here you are on a public forum spouting your holier than thou opinions without bothering first to discuss things with me or anyone else to get a read on the reality of the situation.
Let me state this publicly, then.
Claire, I apologize for upsetting you. It was never my intention. The truth of the matter is that I was offline until the very last minute. It was too late for me to ask Yuzuki and Xanth to please move the IFL match to the IFL Gardens by the time I got home. And to be honest, I forgot that there was an event happening on the Isle. In hindsight, I regret not asking them to do so in advance to avoid the possibility of inadvertently upsetting anyone. And I did not think my narrative pointing out how uncomfortable my character was would be taken so personally.
I felt uncomfortable about bringing Sal to the Isle to begin with because it has been an established part of his character since his inception, even long before I ever knew about the Isle, that magic has a unique and volatile affect on him. I don't bring him to the Isle unless there is a very good reason. Coming out to support his team mate while she was fighting her match for IFL was a very good reason. I had him leave as soon as it was over.
How my character feels about the Isle in no way reflects how I feel about the setting, and I'm personally disappointed that you even for a moment felt that way. Not only about me, but about Skid, who makes no secret of the fact that he also plays/writes Mart, the character responsible for the creation of the special elemental Keeper dueling rings and a person who talks constantly about finding ways of making the Isle even more inclusive and welcoming and fun.
Your public chastisement has turned me off from ever wanting to participate in DoM ever again, I must confess, and I know I'm not the only one. Don't forget that I have other characters I've made specifically for the purpose of participating in DoM and playing on the Isle, and I've had fun doing so. Now I'm just discouraged and turned off.
I was actually excited for you, and DoM in general, for celebrating 25 Years of Magic. I'm sorry that I just wasn't as interested in helping you celebrate it by playing into the event with any of those other characters. Especially not after that public chastisement in the Green Room. But again, I'm sorry that I upset you.
When given an opportunity to talk about it and despite me saying that wasn't a valid reason to shit on someone else's stuff, my concerns were brushed aside and invalidated by not just you but Skid as well. So, tell me, why should I make effort beyond that to reach out. I encourage you to re-read Royal's post about putting the burden onto other people coming to talk to general-you when something you do is bothering them. I tried to talk about it. I was disregarded. I have zero motivation or obligation to continue telling you why what you were doing was hurting or upsetting me and hoping that you hear me.
Nobody is saying you have to consider everyone's feelings before writing anything but when you play an asshole character, as some of us do, I think it's our responsibility to consider how their behavior may be taken by others. That onus is on us, the players of asshole characters. Why should we be putting the emotional labor on others to excuse our characters' behavior? That isn't cool or fair.
"I play and write here for my enjoyment. Not for yours or anyone else's." You say this, but this is a community. Where we work together to utilize this mutual setting and the cooperative stories everyone makes together. Nobody has a delusion that we'll all get along or even approve of each other, but at the end of the day, it is a community endeavor, a mutual one, you might say, and that makes it a community responsibility when it comes to making it an environment where all can play without feeling like their stuff is going to get stomped on.
I appreciate the apology, genuine as it seemed in contrast to the rest of what you've said. I wish I felt that it would mean anything here or the other night would have an impact on the state of things, but I don't think it will judging by the rest of your post. If anything, I'd like to hope that people who have some connection to the Isle would be even more cognizant of how it is damaging to pull stuff like that. Gods know I had the same revelation when Lilith would say stuff like 'Magic's for nerds' despite being Archmage. That was damaging and promoted a narrative that 'This place is different from the others and people should treat it differently' and as a member of that community specifically, was irresponsible of me. So I learned from it, changed how I approached it and while Lilith definitely still thinks magic is for nerds, she doesn't go around spouting that off. See how easy that is? Zero compromising of character, zero negative impact on others. Win-win.
If you're discouraged about participating, that wasn't my intent and your feelings are valid, but I can't help but feel like... well, now maybe you can imagine how I felt the other night when I was discouraged from doing stuff like these events for others like I have been, if it was only going to get crapped on. It was a thing specifically celebrating DoM and the Isle, so it's like I said Tuesday... can we just not? It's one night out of the month that I was asking for people to not pull that stuff. So you wanna talk disappointment? We can all be disappointed then because I'm not going to let someone sit by and do that to me, my effort, and my time, without me saying something. To try and guilt me into feeling bad for wanting to validate my feelings and disappointment by holding your participation (and others? I guess?) hostage because gods forbid I call it out when something isn't sitting right with me? That's on you, not me, and you're welcome to find your enjoyment where you find it. If that's in other settings or sports, then cool, I hope you find something that works for you. As for me, I don't think asking what I asked for was unreasonable and I don't think that people should feel they have lay down and take it when something others do is affecting their ability to enjoy their time here. Not everyone will speak up like I do. Some will just... stop coming, and I don't think that's what this community wants or needs either.
My intent in writing my post was not to publicly shame or "bully" anyone. It was a request for basic human compassion, kindness and empathy regarding the feelings of other people. If that makes me an "extremely sensitive personality," because it bothers me when I see that other people are hurting...I'm good with that.
Post by Bailey Raptis » Fri Nov 13, 2020 6:20 pm
As someone who participated in the conversation about this around the time it happened (feel free to check back in the Green Room logs), and at the risk of seeming like I'm engaging in false balance/bothsidesism is discussing this...this is a very very tough situation for me to consider, and it's not as simple as saying "This person is 100% right and that person is 100% wrong." At the time, I wondered why the match wasn't fought in the IFL Garden setting, given the fact that there were multiple characters who, IC, don't like being on the Isle, but I figured it was a situation where the match (between two characters who weren't those who feel ill at ease on the Isle) was scheduled on the Isle because that's where regulation dueling was scheduled that night, and where the people were going to be. I think it's the very definition of a no-win situation -- it's easy for me to say "Just move the match to the Garden!" or "Just pretend your character isn't ill at ease on the Isle!" or "Just don't have them show up!" but there are a lot of things swirling around IC and OOC that make this hard to balance out.
I'm honestly not sure what to say here. I can say what I would have done, but I'm not any of the people were directly involved in this, so my opinion may very well not matter for it. Bottom line, I want people to duel in Magic, and I want people to be respectful of others. At the risk of saying something incredibly obvious, I don't think these are mutually exclusive things.
I'm sorry I don't have anything more insightful to add, but I wanted to say something even if I've been a little less than active lately because of RL obligations.
There are a lot of levels to this and in some ways I think I stepped into a mine field saying anything at all. I do think though that there are levels to the "it's what my character would do" concept. I say this because in a lot of ways I agree with what Royal and Claire say around the topic, and what Royal said about the inherent blend of IC and OOC is something I've always believed to be true. None of that necessarily means all negative reactions fall into this bucket though.
"DoM is for nerds" is an implied insult to anyone involved in the sport or those who run it. Seeing a negative reaction from others towards this statement isn't that difficult.
"Being surrounded by magic feels gross", is speaking to a character condition. I'm not saying this can't be insulting because it obviously can, but foreseeing that is much more difficult to me.
If I take Kal into the arena and have him ride the elevator down, he's going to complain about it. He'll look suspiciously at technology he doesn't trust or understand and bemoan having gotten on the death trap construction. It's not a bit of play I would foresee as casting judgment on those who ride elevators. I would hope it doesn't insult anyone or make them second guess their presence in the arena.
Certainly that could insult someone though. Maybe there's an event, maybe the person who came up with having an elevator in the arena is there and reads more into this than I intended, maybe someone is playing an elevator repair guy and thinks I just insulted their character. Whatever. Because this isn't something I would have foreseen though, I would hope someone would contact me and mention it.
I think there's maybe more going on here than I see and for all I know discussions have been had in the past, so I'll apologize for whatever layers to all this I'm over looking. I don't see a character's personal physical reaction to being around magic really any differently to Kal's elevator issues. It doesn't read to me like some negative judgment on those characters who suffer no ill effects or even revel in it. It doesn't seem to fall easily into the "own your own jerkish behavior" category to me. It's negative yes, but not overtly insulting. But, again, I have only the logs of the night to read from and may be missing quite a bit.
In such a case though (whether an accurate description of Tuesday's events or not), speak up. If the person isn't willing to stop or at least curtail what was being seen as insulting, then there is a mutual respect issue.
Coydog
Location: Most often away from civilization
Contact Coydog
Post by Coydog » Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:55 pm
Hi everybody! Strap in, peeps. It's gonna be a bumpy ride.
I used to play on DM and had since 2010 until I quit because even though I was never involved in the drama on there (Real Life is hard enough as is!), I saw how people were being treated and it was disheartening and disgusting, but most of that was out of character. This site and its server are so far removed from that toxicity that it makes me happy to be a part of this community.
I'm not on a whole bunch, nor do I duel (I have the attention span of a Cheez-it), but I was on the night in question and for what I did get to play it was fun! However, I did not see where the event was slammed or put down IC or OOC. It was a good event, Claire. I do not believe that anyone has said otherwise.
What I DID see were characters reacting to a setting the way that they were going to react. I play a character who is both awe-stricken and terrified of magic, which is odd considering she's married to a mage, and has vocally called it 'bippity boppity bullshit'. Do I, the player, see it that way? Heck no! Just like how I know there are characters who do not like science fiction, but I have never once assumed that the players of those characters were trying to ruin my good time.
What I DID see were players hashing things out in the Green Room in a respectful manner. I saw communication, which as others have put far more articulately than myself is needed for a community like this to flourish. Once we start trying to govern what other characters can say or feel or do because something makes us feel uncomfortable* as players then we might as well not even call it Free-Form RP anymore.
(Edited to add: so long as there is no blending or like, puppy eating or anything. I think that would be upsetting to anyone.)
Last edited by Coydog on Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
Post by Claire Gallows » Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:17 pm
Part of the crux of the matter, Kal, is that I *did* speak up. I did speak up in the moment and my concerns were for the most part pushed aside with a reasoning of 'this is how my character is'. This is not a new discussion that is being had re; the Isle and after years of seeing it and conversations having been had behind the scenes, yeah, I'm gonna say something about it. Especially when it's during an event to celebrate the setting, the sport, etc. If someone cannot see the insult in that occurring during such an event, I don't know what to say.
Let me reiterate: This has been an issue for a long ass time. But Tuesday was my breaking point. That is why I spoke up. It was an accumulation of this happening repeatedly. But when I see it wham-bam-bam in a row from multiple parties in one go? I put out a general request that it not happen. I didn't call anyone specifically out, I just put out a terse, 'can we not'.
I had the opportunity to have a genuine and earnest conversation with one of the other players about this this evening and was able to gain additional insight into mindset, reasoning, etc and learned a lot. In turn, it seemed like they also took a different perspective from the convo too, which I appreciated. That's not to say that my mind is changed about the things I've stated before, and I stand by it when I say that we should be playing with community in mind, but that I have at least a new view on it and feel genuinely heard by them. That's enough for me.
Long of the short, to paraphrase Louis CK, when someone tells you that you hurt them, you don't get to decide you didn't. If my request for people to not crap on Twilight Isle during an event like that (or in general) is unreasonable, then say so. But I don't think it is.
I'm going to leave this thread at that because I feel like I've repeated myself ad nauseam and if it hasn't changed minds then so be it. It prompted a dialogue outside of this thread that I took to heart and felt heard by so like I said, that's enough. So I'm calling it a day on this. I think the spirit of Josette's message remains a good one to keep in mind. If you can't say anything nice, why say anything at all.
Post by Delahada » Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:02 am
As I said, Claire, I thought the issue was resolved. The discussion in the Green Room seemed civil and by the time I got to it long past. I hadn't even seen the discussion until after the fact. It's a channel I keep regularly muted because too often conversations that are completely irrelevant to play as it is happening wind up taking it over. When the IFL match was finished that's when I thought to check the Green Room so I could say, "Hey, good match and good win, Xanth!" Like I do. Never got the chance, though, because wow was I surprised to see something else that felt wrongfully accusatory.
The insinuation that it was deliberately done and essentially blending, stung. So yeah. I didn't say anything more than what I did. I can only apologize, as I have. I'm sorry that you felt brushed off, too. I needed time to process the whole thing. Other people said what I was thinking, so I pointed to that. You even gave me a heart emoji, so I figured we were cool. I had absolutely no idea you were still upset about it until this post, so why should I have DM'd you?
I've already explained why I even bothered to have Sal show up, but now I regret doing so at all. And I don't feel like I need to say anything more, because others have again come in and expressed thoughts I agree with since. Thank you, Kalamere and Coydog.
Josette, there's that saying. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." And, respectfully, the impression you are giving is a complete opposite of what you are saying. You absolutely are seeing the worst in people, given your accusations of toxicity. You absolutely are telling us how we should write by stating that there are "other ways to express your characters discomfort/displeasure." In fact, many of the responses thusfar, with few exceptions, are likewise giving me that impression.
Just as it was not my intention to deliberately insult a setting and upset the people who genuinely enjoy it, so apparently it was not your intention to point fingers and publicly shame people. I can only take your word for it, and you take mine. Perception is a funny thing, though. And here we are.
Post by PrlUnicorn » Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:44 am
I had a very long post ready to add to this thread. However, instead of wearing the Queen of Verbosity crown, I'll make this short and blunt.
I have yet to read about the specific incident and chat log that triggered this discussion. It's my understanding that the catalyst was due to having an IFL duel on the Isle during a Magic event. I have to ask ... WHY? There's a channel for the IFL duels. While I hadn't expressed an opinion either way on it before, I think this incident speaks volumes. Had the IFL duel been in the Garden, this particular discussion and hurt feelings would have been avoided. We have a dedicated chat for that, how about we use it in future?
Averting a problem is better than having to clean up a mess or do damage control.
Amending this to add that g is the room code for IFL Garden. Perhaps Kal can make the adjustment to the ?fil code to direct the IFL duels there instead of the dueling venue of the night.
Last edited by PrlUnicorn on Sat Nov 14, 2020 1:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
The idea that the IFL duel should or should not have happened on Twilight Isle should not be the takeaway from this. The players who chose to have their IFL match on the Isle were outside of the issue that took place in the green-room and I would not wish them to believe it was because of their choice of having their match on the Isle being why this conflict started. They should not be seen at fault for their choice to want to enjoy/participating in a setting they may like simply because other characters on their team may/may not enjoy the locale. Hindsight is a fickle thing, but should I have been in that situation I would have simply DM'd my teammate, wish them well, and say I can not join them due to prior engagements: both to ensure that they aren't put into an awkward situation and to not cause one myself.
In the end it comes to choices by the parties who were part of the argument. One which both Claire spoke up about and one which Salvador and others both publicly and privately apologized for.
As for the IFL gardens usage instead of a room slotted for regulation that night: It already can and there is a code in place.
edit to add:
To use the Garden in your fights you will need to use the standard ?chal syntax with g as the venue argument. Please also remember to a 1 at the end so that the fight can go beyond 15 rounds if needed. example: ?chal g dof "Jake" 1


BMJ Open Respir Res 2021 Sep;8(1):e000948.
Impact of dietary nitrate supplementation on exercise capacity and cardiovascular parameters in chronic respiratory disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abdullah S Alsulayyim 1 2, Ali M Alasmari 1 3, Saeed M Alghamdi 1 4, Michael I Polkey 1, Nicholas S Hopkinson 5
1 National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
2 Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Respiratory Therapy Department, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
3 Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
4 Clinical Technology Department, Umm Al-Qura University, College of Applied Medical Science, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
5 National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK n.hopkinson@ic.ac.uk.
Background: Dietary nitrate supplementation, usually in the form of beetroot juice, may improve exercise performance and endothelial function. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish whether this approach has beneficial effects in people with respiratory disease.
Methods: A systematic search of records up to March 2021 was performed on PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane and Embase to retrieve clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation on cardiovascular parameters and exercise capacity in chronic respiratory conditions. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts of potential studies and performed the data extraction.
Results: After full-text review of 67 papers, eleven (two randomised controlled trials and nine crossover trials) involving 282 participants met the inclusion criteria. Three were single dose; seven short term; and one, the largest (n=122), done in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation. Pooled analysis showed that dietary nitrate supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure (mean difference (95% CI), -3.39 mm Hg (-6.79 to 0.01); p=0.05 and -2.20 mm Hg (-4.36 to -0.03); p=0.05 and -4.40 mm Hg (-7.49 to -1.30); p=0.005, respectively). It was associated with increased walk distance in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation (standardised mean difference (95% CI), 0.47 (0.11 to 0.83), p=0.01), but no effect was identified in short-term studies (0.08 (-0.32 to 0.49).
Conclusion: Dietary nitrate supplementation may have a beneficial effect on BP and augment the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity. Short-term studies do not suggest a consistent benefit on exercise capacity.
Oral nitrate supplementation to enhance pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD: ON-EPIC a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised parallel group study
1 National Heart and Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK.
2 Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
3 Greenwich Adult Community Health Service, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Dartford, Kent, UK.
4 Respiratory Medicine, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone, Kent, UK.
5 Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton, Somerset, UK.
6 National Heart and Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK n.hopkinson@ic.ac.uk.


Home » OTHER SPORTS » Rugby Celebrates International Women's Day
Rugby Celebrates International Women's Day
Posted on March 9, 2014 by Abdul Rahim in OTHER SPORTS No Comments
Dublin, Mar 8, 2014: Women's Rugby players from around the world have united on International Women's Day to celebrate those who have played an inspirational role in the growth and development of one of the world's fastest-growing team sports.
Global participation has broken the 1.5 million mark for the first time and girls and women are getting into the sport in record numbers, across all continents, ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
2014 is already on track to be a landmark year on the field with Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 set to showcase the strength of the Fifteens Game, while the IRB Women's Sevens World Series is inspiring new young audiences around the world with its attractive brand of skill, speed and excitement across five global locations.
Off the field, the IRB's Get Into Rugby programme is introducing thousands of girls to Rugby in more than 40 countries, female referees, coaches and disciplinary officers are being identified and trained, while high-profile players are pushing the Keep Rugby Clean anti-doping message in their role as ambassadors.
The year will also see the IRB recognise the achievements of those who have excelled on the world stage through the IRB Awards, while inspirational players and pioneers will be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame at Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 in France.
International Women's Day caps a great week for women's Rugby, following the announcement that Sky Sports will broadcast in the UK and Ireland Women's Rugby World Cup 2014, while Ireland's women will play their first Test match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin today. England Rugby 2015 organising body CEO Debbie Jevans was recognised as the most powerful women in sport by a UK newspaper this week.
The popularity of social media is playing a major role in the attraction and growth of the sport, with players, coaches and match officials pledging their messages of support and excitement on International Women's Day by using the hashtag #WRUGBY and joining the conversation at the @irbwomens twitter account.
IRB Women's Development Manager Su Carty said: "Today is all about celebrating women's achievement in Rugby and those who have inspired change."
"We now have more women and girls playing and engaging in the sport than ever before and we have a really exciting opportunity with Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020 to ensure that women's Rugby is at the very forefront of team sport and is seen as an attractive sport to play, through its character-building values."
"I hope that International Women's Day has inspired a new generation of women and young girls to take up Rugby and look forward to hopefully seeing them in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and beyond!" —- IRB
London Set to Host Stars of Women's Sevens Rugby
Women's Rugby Set for Stellar Year in 2014
Exciting Plans for Women's Rugby Underlined at IOC Conference
Women's Rugby Continues With Key Conference
International Rugby Board Applies for .Rugby Top Level Domain Name
WFSGI Bicycle committee chairpersons
Inaugural FEI Sports forum declared a Huge Success
2017 ITU World Triathlon Series calendar complete


Construction begins on JBGB enclosure, restaurant could reopen in 2021
By Dustin Bartholomew · Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021
Photo: Courtesy, JJ's Grill
After being closed for more than a year, JBGB is showing some signs of life.
The restaurant, brewery, concert venue, and outdoor hang out spot closed in late 2019 with hopes of enclosing the patio area to allow for more frequent live music. Since then, it's been pretty quiet over on Steele Boulevard, but that is beginning to change.
Sister-company JJ's Grill has been hinting that news is coming for JBGB, but that "one final contract" would need to be signed before an announcement could be made.
"While we still can't publicly announce what is going on, have you driven by?" read a Twitter post on Jan. 25.
Today, a new post announced that the project is in fact still alive, and construction has finally begun.
"We've heard just about every rumor floating around about JBGB but rest assured, it's still alive," read a post on the JJ's Twitter account Tuesday. "Construction of our enclosure officially started earlier this month with a completion date around early Fall, possibly late summer."
The brewery located at the facility has remained in operation during the JBGB closure, as have the corporate offices of the Fayetteville-based restaurant chain.
We've reached out to JJ's officials for more information on the project, and we expect to have an update soon. Stay tuned.


Best Euro 2016 Betting Sites
Betting on Romania Online
Romania's history in international soccer dates back to the early 1900s when the Tricolorii played its first international match in 1922 and earned a 3-1 victory over Yugoslavia. Romania was one of only four countries to participate in the first three World Cups (1930, 1934, 1938). Historically drawn in tough groups, Romania's strongest international performance came at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, when it reached the quarter-finals before losing to Sweden on penalties. [+]
At Euro 2000, Romania made it out of the group of death, which contained Germany, Portugal and England, before eventually losing to Italy in the quater-finals. Formed in 1909, Romania, which is coached by Angehl Iordanescu, enjoyed its highest FIFA ranking at No. 3 in 1997. Romania returned to UEFA Euro 2016 after falling short of qualifying for the tournament in 2012 and being knocked out of the Group Stage in the 2008 championships.
In 2016 Euro qualifying, Romania finished unbeaten with five wins and five draws to place second behind Northern Ireland in Group F.
In total, Romania has qualified for seven World Cups, but haven't competed in the international tournament since 1998.
Romania has had its fair share of top scorers throughout the years — notably Gheorghe Hagi, who has 124 international caps under his belt and remains tied for all-time goals in team history with 35 along with Adrian Mutu.
Romania Next Game
Be sure to keep track of which team Romania will play next, whether it's a friendly or competitive game, allowing you to discover how the club stacks up against its opponents.
Finland @ Romania
2 -139
Romania Soccer Team Scores & Schedule
You can view Romania's full schedule for the tournament along with odds for each match in the table below. [+]
Considered an underdog in Group A, the road to Euro 2016 glory will begin with a tough match for Romania, which opens the championships against host France on June 10. Romania then faces Switzerland in its second match on June 15 before wrapping up group play on June 19 against Albania.
Friendlies (Int.)▼
Romania Soccer Team Standings Right Now
Romania qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing second in their group behind Northern Ireland. But can they advance to the knockout stage of the European tournament? [+]
Be sure to keep track of Romania's progress during the tournament using the standings table below.
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How To Win At Romania Betting
Advancing to the knockout stage of any international tournament is a victory for Romania, which history shows is a middle-of-the pack team when it comes to either the World Cup or the Euro championships.
Currently ranked 19th in the world, Romania is pegged at +1000 by Bovada to win its first-ever European crown.
Strikers Bogdan Stancu and Constantin Budescu will be expected to carry much of the offensive load. On the back end, Romania will be led by skipper Vlad Chiriches, who is a calming presence on defence. Typically not mentioned in the same group with other powerhouse soccer nations, Romania is considered underdogs to advance to the round-of-16 after being grouped in a division with host and tournament favourite France, Switzerland and Albania at Euro 2016.
Iordanescu, 65, is in his third stint as head coach of Romania — his first was in 1994 during the team's magical run to the final eight of the World Cup. The lack of offensive depth has Iordanescu focussing his tactics on the defensive side of the ball.
Romania qualified for Euro 2016 as one of the top defensive teams, having conceded just two goals in 10 matches. However, their group contained weak opponents. The Romanians tend to keep games close, which may work to their advantage when they open the tournament against France.
Having scored just 11 goals in qualifying, Romania will once again rely on its defence to earn success at Euro 2016.
Ready to place your bet on Romania? Here are some online sportsbook options for all your betting needs.
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RNT gets Digital
So that Nick Hytner really is trying to follow through on his talk of rejuvenating the profile of his Royal National Theatre. Not only do they have a Facebook page (yes, the Royal National Theatre on Facebook--what would Lord Larry say!), but can you imagine YouTube! Yes, they are producing video "trailers," interviews, and other treats to feature their classy nationally subsidized productions on YouTube.
Dumbing down? Hardly. Check out the snappy trailer for that rad new play, Gorky's Philistines.
Naturally I wonder if:
a) any NYC non-profit theatres will try this. (I'm sure B'way producers already have.)
b) if so, whether they would be so lame no one would watch.
Actually, I do hope some try it. It's often said how tv advertising has long been prohibitively expensive for most theatre productions--profit or non. But how much to slap something nice together online?
You can read up on RNT's foray in the Guardian.
Art said...
Let's hope if they do try it that the trailers are better than most of the cheesey radio ads that are produced both in New York and regionally.
Thursday, June 14, 2007 4:39:00 PM
Spring Awakening did a series of promotional videos that, I think, were available as video podcasts and via YouTube before or in the very early stages of the Broadway run. They were pretty effective I think.
Hey Garrett - Jeff from The Brick here. Just thought it would be appropriate to point out in this context that we created a video trailer for the Pretentious Festival - it's all smoke and mirrors (in some cases literally, but also in that no actual Pretentious Festival programming is replicated), but it was useful in terms of getting the ball rolling in terms of selling a concept to the audience before there were many specific examples of it to show. The curious can view the film at http://pretentiousfestival.blogspot.com/2007/05/illumination.html
Friday, June 15, 2007 1:11:00 PM
Slay said...
Aren't LOTS of theatre and dance groups using YouTube these days? Shouldn't the news be that The National's YouTube content is generally horrible? I guess it's news because it's the National, and maybe it's a surprisingly hip thing for them to do. (Facebook, wow.)
There was a conference for touring groups with the National Performance Network recently, and all the producers said they'd be disappointed to find a touring artist without stuff on YouTube. Heck, Available light (my group) uses YouTube, and Daily Motion, and has videos on our own site.
I realize these links are opening the door for criticism of our efforts, but that's okay. I can take it. The cost of these videos is very low, but it makes a lot of difference to some people.
AVLT on Daily Motion
AVLT on YouTube
MadLab has lots of trailers
Cassie Beck said...
Yes, I do think these theater "trailers" can be quite effective. I'm a Co-Artistic Director for a small independent theater company in San Francisco, Crowded Fire, and we've begun to create not only trailers for shows, but for our company in genereal, as well as behind the scenes videos of the rehearsal process. Because we are mostly producers of new works and world premieres, we like to feature pod casts and videos of playwrights and all involved in the debut of a piece.
Here's the catch, we use Equity actors. The contracts and agreements small non- profits have with AEA don't allow for much freedom of image. At least not online. We are really hitting a wall in the Bay Area as far as content and what's permissible footage to use as marketing tools. Even if we have written consent from our union performers, and even if we don't record a performance, the rules are tricky and out dated. Crowded Fire is trying to get our videos approved in a timely fashion in order to create buzz before a show opens. And we want to be above the boards and make these videos with everyone's consent.
Times are changing, and Equity needs to change with it! How can we ever be expected to keep up with an online audience if we don't have access to the technological tools of today to feature our product?
Check out our video for our production of Anna Bella Eema here, www.crowdedfire.org.
Saturday, June 16, 2007 7:58:00 PM


Category Press Release
Archive by category "Press Release"
Consular, Ministry Press Releases
Exemption of Pre-departure COVID-19 Testing – PCR Rapid Antigen Test – of Fully Vaccinated Travelers arriving in Sri Lanka
by SLDHC Chennai Feb 28, 2022
Exemption of Pre-Departure COVID19 testing PCR Rapid Antigen Test
In the Northern part of Sri Lanka, palmyrah palm is referred as "Katpahatharu (celestial tree)" or "the tree of life" for its multifarious uses. It is identified that almost each part of the palm, right from the top to bottom (root), has an economic value (nearly 800) being immensely useful to the life of the local population, contributing in numerous ways not only to food and nutrition, shelter and fuel but also to income generating activities.
The Government of Sri Lanka has established The Palmyrah Development Board to diversify, promote, develop & conduct research related to Palmyrah products. It has been identified that the value added palmyrah products has a developing market in European and South East Asian Countries.
On 18th February, 2022, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai had organized a small tea ceremony at the chancery premises to introduce diversified and value-added Palmyra based Products to the business community in Southern India. Under the invitation of Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Krishantha Pathiraja, Chairman, Palmyrah Development Board also participated the event.
Several diversified and value added palmyrah based products were introduced to the participants, whom expressed their interest to promote as well as to open few retail outlets palmyrah based products in Southern India. The event was concluded with a cup of delicious 'Ceylon Tea' served to the participants.
Consular, Mission Press Releases
Discussion with UNHCR
Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai and Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy, First Secretary met Mr. Oscar Mundiya, Chief of Mission, UNHCR – India and Mr. Satchithananda Valan Michael, Head of Field Office, UNHCR – Chennai, today at Chancery Premises, to discuss the updated situation of Sri Lankan Refugees in Southern India. Mr. Kiri Atri, Asst. External Relations Officer, UNHCR – New Delhi and Ms. Srividhya Mahesh, Senior. Admin Assistant, UNHCR – Chennai also presented at the meeting
Special Consular Camp 23.02.2022
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai has issued 208 Citizenship Certificates for Sri Lankans from Gummidipoondi and Puzhal in Tamil Nadu, at a special consular camps organized at the Chancery premises on 15th & 23rd February, 2022.
International Mudaliar and Pillaimar Association (IMPA) is a non-profit, non-political organization based in Southern India which consists of more than 25000 members worldwide. IMPA constitutes of reputed business owners with a South Indian origin and highly involved in development of economy, education, health and agriculture in rural communities in Southern India. Under the invitation of Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, around 60 business owners including Chairman & senior officials of IMPA participated a seminar on 'Investment and Business Opportunities in Sri Lanka' held at the Chancery Premises on 18th February, 2022. In delivering the keynote speech, The Deputy High Commissioner emphasized the fact 'why you should invest in Sri Lanka'. Presentation on 'Avenues of investing Sri Lanka' and 'Sri Lanka – the way forward) were presented by Mr. Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Second Secretary (Commercial) and Mr. Supun Deshaprema, Second Secretary (Cultural & Political). The event was followed by a Q & A session and an interactive working lunch also, which earned several positive responses in investing and establishing new businesses in Sri Lanka, for sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceutical products, handicrafts, textiles & IT/BPO etc.
Consular, Mission Press Releases, Press Release
Special Consular Camp-15.02.2022
A special consular camp was held at Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai on 15th February, 2022. 83 birth certificates were issued in this camp and applications for 64 citizenship certificates were also accepted from Sri Lankans from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram and Puthupatty, Gopalpatty & Adiyanuthu in Dindigul.
Special Meeting between Tamil Nadu Fishermen & Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries
As per the request of Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries in Sri Lanka, a special virtual meeting with Tamil Nadu Fishermen was organized by the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai. About 10 representatives from Fisheries Associations in several districts of Tamil Nadu participated in this meeting and expressed their concerns on disputes among the fishermen and the local authorities of both countries, prohibition of bottom trawling in the region, auctioning of Indian boats in Sri Lanka and limitation of number of pilgrims from Southern India for the Annual festival of St. Anthony's Church at Katchatheevu. Replying them, Hon. Minister highlighted the importance of such a joint venture for a sustainable solution for the fisheries dispute between Sri Lanka & India. He stated that bottom trawling cannot be permitted to practice, as it is prohibited in Sri Lanka. While explaining about the auctioning of Indian Fishing Vessels in Sri Lanka he mentioned that in 2020, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has informed all Government Stakeholders and fisheries communities in Tamil Nadu to retrieve their boats. But due to lack of responses for that, Indian High Commission in Colombo has requested Sri Lankan Authorities organized the auction. Further he mentioned that number of Indian participants for Katchatheevu Festival is limited due to rising Covid-19 Pandemic situation and agreed to seek the possibility of increasing the number of participants. In his discussion Hon. Minister mentioned about the proposal that Sri Lanka has shared with Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister of India on eliminating fisheries disputes between two Countries. But both parties were unable to pay a proper attention on that due to Covid-19 Pandemic situation which both parties got affected. Deputy High Commissioner Dr. D. Venkateshwaran and officials of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai also participated the meeting.
Mission Press Releases, National Day Celebrations
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates the 74th Independence Day of Sri Lanka
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, celebrated 74th Independence day of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 04th February, 2022 at the Chancery premises. Due to rising pandemic situation in Southern India, the Mission celebrated the Independence Day in a low key manner, only with the Mission staff and their family members. Prior to the official celebration, an almsgiving prepared by the Mission Staff was offered to Ven. Buddawansalankara thero (Ven. Gauthama Mauriyar thero) of Rameshwaram. The official ceremony was inaugurated with the hoist of National flag at the Chancery premises by D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India. Hindu, Islamic and Catholic dignitaries from Tamil Nadu also participated the event along with their blessings. The felicitation messages from Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister also conveyed to the audience at the event.
Cultural Events, Mission Press Releases
by SLDHC Chennai Jan 13, 2022
Pongal is a four days long festival, which celebrates to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. The festival falls every year in the month of January when crops such as rice, sugarcane, turmeric etc. are harvested. The second day of the celebration, known as 'Thai Pongal', is dedicated to the Hindu god 'Surya' (the Sun). It is widely celebrated in Southern India, thanking the 'Surya', and marking the prosperity, wealth & happiness. Marking the prosperity, wealth & happiness for Sri Lanka and all the staff of the Mission, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, celebrated Thai Pongal in the morning of 12th January, 2022 at the Chancery premises. All the auspicious formalities were performed by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner and Mrs. Venkateshwaran, his Spouse, at this occasion. Mission staff and their family members were also participated at the event and was concluded with a reception with traditional South Indian delicacies.
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK YEAR – 2022
by SLDHC Chennai Jan 4, 2022
he Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai conducted the commencement programme on 03.01.2022. Accordingly, the programme commenced at 9,00 a.m. with hoisting of the National Flag in the presence of all staff members followed by singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. Two minutes silence was observed to commemorate the war heroes and all others who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our motherland. After that, all staff members jointly read the 'Oath/Affirmation of Public Servants' in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. In his speech, Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner, emphasized the importance working together as a team with honesty and compassion for Sri Lanka and its people who are living in Southern India. He further highlighted that the Mission functioned very well in 2021amidst all the challenges and expects the same in 2022 also, All participants were served with Sri Lankan delicacies and tea.
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai successfully concludes a Special Consular Camp
by SLDHC Chennai Dec 30, 2021
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai has organized a special consular camp on 29th & 30th December, 2021 at the chancery premises. In this special camp, 47 birth certificates and 20 citizenship certificates were issued for Sri Lankans from Kottapattu in Trichy, Thottanuthu in Dindigul and Boganallur in Tirunelveli. Previously, special consular camps have been regularly organized by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai. Due to the COVID pandemic situation, it has been temporarily suspended in March 2020. But considering the enormous service extended to the Sri Lankan expatriate community living in Southern India via such camps, Mission has again initiated to organize these camps since October, 2021, adhering to all health & safety guidelines.
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai Celebrates Christmas
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, with the message of peace, celebrated Christmas on 21st December 2021 at the Chancery premises. The message of god and the prayers were delivered by Rev. Manova Santhosham, Pastor and Chairman, Egmore Wesley Church and Rev. R. L. Richardson, Pastor and Presbyter, St. Mary's Church at St. George Fort. Mission has invited teachers & students of C.S.I. Higher Secondary School for the Deaf in Chennai to share the joy of Christmas. As Christmas gifts, essential materials and equipment were donated to C.S.I. Higher Secondary School, with the financial assistance of the Mission Staff. Christmas Carols, dancing items by invited student, Mission staff and their family members were performed at the event and was concluded with a delicious dinner hosted by the Mission.
by SLDHC Chennai Dec 9, 2021
On behalf of Government & People of Sri Lanka, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai expresses its condolence to the Government & People of India, on the tragic demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff in India, and other officials. Sri Lanka may recall that General Rawat contributed to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and military cooperation based on mutual interests and understanding between Sri Lanka and India. Sri Lanka also takes in to account that he visited Sri Lanka in 2018 as the Chief of the Army Staff in India to participate the inauguration of the Communication Laboratory at School of Signals in Kandy to train the officials of Sri Lanka Army Signal Corps. Further, Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai shares its deepest sympathies with all the family members of those who suffered from the above accident.
A delegation of 'South India Powerloom Federation', the confederation of weaving associations in Southern States, along with Dr. M. S. Mathivanan, the Chairman of the Federation, visited Sri Lanka on 22nd November, 2021, under the invitation of Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India. As South India has the historical and largest contribution to the Powerloom industry in India, the objective of this visit was to strengthen business links between South India and Sri Lanka as well as to seek the opportunities to 'Invest in Sri Lanka' in Textile Industry. In this visit, the Delegation headed by Dr. Venkateshwaran met Hon. Basil Rajapaksha, Minister of Finance, Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, State Minister of batik, handloom, and local apparel products, Hon. Nalaka Godahewa, State Minister of urban development, Mr. Ajith Nivad Cabral, Governor of the Central Bank, Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage, Foreign Secretary and Mr. Sanjaya Mohottala, Chairman, Board of Investment to discuss new avenues on developing Powerloom industry in Sri Lanka. Further, the delegation visited National Chamber of Commerce and Colombo Business Association together with Urban Development Authority, to discuss about trade and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka, specifically in recently established Eravur Fabric Park, which led for several possible investment opportunities in Textile and Apparel Industry as the outcome.
Mission Press Releases, Other Events
Sri Lanka Felicitates at Innovative International Film Festival, Bangalore – 2021
by SLDHC Chennai Oct 21, 2021
Exploring opportunities for strengthening its film industry in the international arena, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai together with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, first-ever time organized a Sri Lankan film professionals` delegation at the 4th Edition of the Innovative International Film Festival (IIFF) which was held at JW Marriot Hotel & Innovative Multiplex theater in Bangalore from 14th to 17th October 2021.
IIFF is one of the biggest and prestigious international film festivals in South India which is organized by the Innovative Film Academy in Bangalore for years which means to promote the film art and cultures of participating countries, creating a networking platform for the international film industry with co-production opportunities in different countries.
Commencing the Sri Lankan session at the event on 16th, Dr. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner, given the impetus to the distinguished gathering, highlighted why Sri Lanka should be selected as their favorite film destination country. Followed by his remarks, the five-member Sri Lankan delegation, including Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Shyaman Premasundara, Film Director, Frames TV & Films, Yasas Rathnayake, Managing Director, Circle 360, Priyanga Kumarasiri, Producer, Crew for Shoots and Chathra Dias Weeraman, Film Director, made a comprehensive presentation elaborating the history of shooting international films in Sri Lanka, Island`s scenery destinations, availability of sophisticated infrastructure facilities and concessions/sops given for the international filmmakers.
Moving to the networking session, Mr. Sarvana Prasad, Founder, and Ms. Upasana Mittal, Creative Director of Innovative Film Academy introduced the Sri Lankan delegation to the conversant cine & entertainment industry professionals who had attended the session and worthwhile discussions were taken place alluring more opportunities to Sri Lanka. Joining the Sri Lankan session Mr. Allu Aravind an eminent & illustrious film producer in Telugu cinema had a cordial interaction and upon the Deputy High Commissioner`s invitation to visit Sri Lanka, he expressed his desire to explore Sri Lanka for his upcoming creations.
The four-day festival concluded with a fascinated closing ceremony with the participation of diplomats, government officials, industry professionals, and participant countries` representations. During the Ceremony, the newest Sinhala Movie called " AYU" which was directed by Chathra Dias Weeraman was awarded as the Best Asian film. IIFF`s 4th Edition was turned out by leading filmmakers, celebrities, directors, producers, film associations & diplomats from 30 heterogeneous countries, and 75 international movies from participant countries were screened in 45 languages. The Sri Lankan delegation was coordinated and arranged by Dilanga Hettiarachchi, Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, and Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris co- chairs meeting with Minister Namal Rajapaksa on upgrading the digitalization of Consular Services at the Foreign Ministry
by SLDHC Chennai Oct 8, 2021
Full Media Release – https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-upgrading-digitalization/
Providing Consular Services to Public by the Foreign Ministry
Full Media Release at: https://mfa.gov.lk/consular-services-fm/


Thoughtful Food
BY Kait Hanson | February 28, 2018 | Feature Features
Chef Ed Kenney is determined to make a difference with his multifaceted foodie operation.
Chef Ed Kenney carefully plates one of his creations at his restaurant in the Surfjack Hotel, Mahina & Sun's.
Walk into chef Ed Kenney's house on any given Sunday, and he will be serving up a feast alongside the people he cares about most in this world—his family.
"Sundays, I don't answer the phone. I turn it off late Saturday night and don't turn it back on until Monday morning. We go to the North Shore or the West Side, and sometimes we barbecue on Sunday nights. It's a time to be immersed in family."
It's a delicate balance for Kenney, who juggles family, food, his Emmy award-winning cooking show on PBS, championing sustainable seafood in Hawai`i and being the mastermind behind four flourishing restaurants on O`ahu. Featured alongside many top chefs and culinary personalities across the country in America The Great Cookbook: The Food We Make for the People We Love, Kenney draws culinary inspiration from Hawai`i's ethnic diversity and its ever-changing cultural climate.
"I'm committed to supporting local farms and showcasing local ingredients and traditional Hawaiian canoe crops such as kalo (taro) and ulu (breadfruit) on my menus."
After graduating from the University of Colorado and spending four years in commercial real estate, Kenney spent a year backpacking the globe, immersing himself in different cultures and self-reflecting.
"It was on a street corner in Hanoi over a steaming bowl of pho that my revelation occurred: Food is the unifying fabric of humanity, connecting us to the Earth and each other. From that point forward, a new path was forged for me."
And, Kenney says, all of his restaurants—Town, Kaimuki Superette, Mud Hen Water and Mahina & Sun's at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Clubs—follow one mantra: "Local first, organic whenever possible, with aloha always."
Photography Courtesy Of:


Denver Restaurant Openings
Snarf's Now Toasting Sandwiches, Beers on South Broadway
The lunch spot opened in a former Sinclair station at Broadway and Florida
by Josie Sexton@josiebsexton Oct 30, 2017, 1:45pm MDT
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Snarf's sandwiches is now open at 1490 South Broadway
Boulder-based Snarf's Sandwiches opened its 15th Colorado location on Friday, at the corner of South Broadway and Florida Avenue.
Snarf's adds a new fast-casual lunch and dinner option to the South Broadway and Platt Park neighborhoods, which are experiencing a boom in housing development and a turnover in businesses. Just down the street, the latest craft brewery, Alternation, is about to open. Earlier this year, Morning Collective and The Post Brewing moved into nearby Rosedale.
Snarf's took over a Sinclair gas station at 1490 S. Broadway that sat vacant for decades. Founder Jimmy Seidel says he prefers finding existing spaces to renovate for a Snarf's buildout. Working this time with architect Shaun Minné, Seidel kept the Sinclair's jutting exterior roof and installed underneath it an outdoor patio.
Just like previous locations, the shop sells toasted sandwiches and salads and offers a catering menu. In line with Snarf's Denver University location, draft and canned beers and wine also are available at the new spot. The first Snarf's sandwich shop opened in Boulder in 1996, and the brand has since spread to Chicago, St. Louis, and Austin.
Status: Snarf's is now open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1490 South Broadway.
Snarf's Sinclair Delivers a New Timetable for Sandwiches [EDEN]
Iconic South Broadway Gas Station to Become Snarf's Sandwiches [EDEN]
Twenty Years of Snarf's: Ups, Downs, Growth, and Drama [EDEN]
Snarf's Sandwiches
1001 East 11th Avenue, , CO 80218 (303) 832-9999 Visit Website


Meredosia looking for new police chief
Shirley Bilyeu For the Journal-Courier
The Meredosia Village Board is seeking applications for a new police chief to replace Curtis Williams.
Williams, who was arrested Dec. 8 on domestic battery and aggravated assault charges, resigned his post in February and pleaded guilty March 7 to the misdemeanor charges. He was accused of shoving Sherrie B. Gilbert, placing a gun to the back of her head and threatening to shoot her.
The board will advertise the position and accept applications until April 15. The police committee then will meet to interview candidates chosen from the applicants.
Board members already have interviewed three qualified applicants for an open village employee position.
In other business, an Environmental Protection Agency audit of the village found the village's water plant non-compliant. The village must buy a new generator for the plant at an estimated cost of $40,000 to meet EPA standards.
Board member Steve Staake suggested that the village's employee handbook needs to be revised, specifically sections on the employee code of conduct and wording regarding employee vacations. Staake and board members Ernie Gregory and Rob Ransom will form a committee to look at making the changes.
A resolution for street maintenance was passed.
Board members also approved the purchase of a new lift station pump for South Green Street.
Resident Bruce Schwalb addressed the board about getting funding for emergency flood control before the Illinois River floods. Mayor David Werries said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must first do a study before the village can pursue funding.


Beaver College of Health Sciences
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Fall 2020 Commencement
Leah Hamilton appointed Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Leah Hamilton, associate professor in the Department of Social Work at Appalachian State University's Beaver College of Health Sciences, was recently appointed as a Senior Research Fellow for the Jain Family Institute and Primary Investigator for the HudsonUP basic income pilot in Hudson, New York. HudsonUP is a collaboration between The Spark of Hudson and Andrew Yang's Humanity Forward. The project will provide $500 per month to 25 randomly selected participants for five years. The initiative, championed by Mayor Kamal Johnson, is designed in collaboration with the community and to demonstrate the power of basic income for all.
According to the HudsonUP website, "This implementation (while not truly "universal"), by virtue of being long-term, will afford tremendous new research and insights on the effect(s) basic income can have on an individual over time. In addition to data yielded by this research, HudsonUP will also create personal stories from those in the community who have been impacted by the program, both directly & indirectly. The HudsonUP team will work to develop and boost these voices in order to tell the story of how a basic income can change lives and transform communities."
Hamilton reflected on her role, "Sixty years of basic income pilots around the world suggest that universal, unconditional cash transfers can improve individual, community, and macroeconomic outcomes. HudsonUP is one of several pilots launching across the United States this year that are seeking to further investigate this approach in an array of contexts. I am honored to contribute to a larger national conversation around creating a social safety net that is effective and efficient, especially as the pandemic has further magnified the gaps in our current system."
Additionally, Hamilton was one of five selected speakers for the 2021 Society for Social Work and Research conference's "Brief and Brilliant" series, a TED-style event. The title of her talk is "Why Social Workers Must Champion a Universal Basic Income."
Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton and we look forward to your results!
Leah Hamilton
Published: Jan 13, 2021 10:59am
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Marussia to unveil car on 5 February
By Steven De Groote on Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:16 pm
Marussia F1 has become the latest and last team to announce the date of its car launch. The team have chosen to put the car on display in the Jerez pitlane on 5 February, just ahead of the start of winter testing.
This means the team will launch at about the same moment at CaterhamF1, who have also said to be unveiling their car in the pitlane, right before taking it to the track.
The MR02, as the car will be named, will debut at Jerez immediately after the launch, first driven by F1 rookie Max Chilton.


The Retirement Blog
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Bank Transfer's: How Long Does a BACS Payment Take?
December 6, 2020 by TheRetirementBlog.co.uk
If you want to transfer money either to friend or to pay for something, you have a few choices on going about it. In this article, we're looking specifically at Bacs payments, what they are, how much it costs to make a transfer and how long does it take to make it.
If you just want to know how long does a BACS payment take? It takes three working days or less. In the UK, if you want to transfer money, you typically have three choices Bacs, Chaps and Faster Payments.
Bacs stands for 'Bankers Automated Clearing Services' and is a membership program in the UK consisting of 16 leading banks. In the UK each year, 4.4 billion payments are made through this platform with a total value over 1.5 Trillion. Generally, there two ways to make a Bacs Payment, direct debit or Bank transfer;
Direct Debit is usually used as a simple way to make payments where same-day payment isn't required. Direct debit is both safe allowing customers to be protected from fraudulent payments, easy to set up and great for recurring payments.
Bank Transfer (Bacs Direct Credit) allows you to transfer money from one account to another quickly and safely. Currently, there are about 2 billion Bank Transfer payments made each year mostly for the workforce in the UK to get paid monthly with their salaries. Generally, a Bacs transfer takes three working days to clear, with strict cut-off times for processing payments, so it is not suitable for immediate and same-day payments.
How Do You Transfer Money Using Bacs?
Bacs payments are straightforward, which is the key advantage of the system, however, given there are two types of bacs transfers, there are two ways to make this payment. For a;
Bank Transfer (Bacs Credit) – your bank will allow you to transfer money to another account using your personal or business account. You need the name of the account, the name of the bank, the sort code and the account number. This type of transfer will cost between 5p and 50p, plus any additional fees your bank may charge.
Direct Debit – With this type of transfer you're authorizing your bank to take payment from their account which can be set up using a direct access via a bank, a bacs approved bureau or a third-party provider.
Faster Services
Both a Bank Transfer and a Direct Debit work on a three-day cycle to clear into your account. If you want a faster service, you have two choices in the UK today, Faster Payment Service and CHAPS
Faster Payments – was introduced to the UK in 2008 and provided near real-time (approx. two hours to clear) the transfer of money between accounts that can be made online, over the phone or in your local branch. There is a max of 250,000 per transfer
CHAPS "Clearing House Automated Payment System" – offers UK bank-to-bank Pound fund transfers that CHAPS system guarantees same-day clearance so long as instructions are received by 2pm on a working day. The key advantage over CHAPS as oppose to Faster Payments above, CHAPS has no limit to the amount of money your can send, although given it's an expensive service costing between £25 and £30 per transfer, it's usually reserved for large transfers.
What type of payment should you use? Personally, I use Direct Debit for 90% of all my transactions as it's a simple, cost-effective way to make recurring and one-off payments where same-day money clearance is not required.
For everything else, a simple BACS bank transfer is the best way to transfer money. I don't have to worry about the speed of clearance and as such do not need to use CHAPS clearance.
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Comforting the Comfortable
Homey Reserve Inn is a Hudson landmark.
By Elaine T. Cicora on Thu, Apr 27, 2000 at 4:00 am
Walter Novak
Comfort on a plate, at the Reserve Inn.
"This," said my friend George, over a Bombay Sapphire martini and a piece of veal, "is my idea of comfort food."
The two of us were sharing a weeknight dinner at the Reserve Inn, a cozy Hudson restaurant which, like the clocktower on the nearby commons and the Western Reserve Academy, is a local landmark.
Many of the old-timers in this bustling small town turned city can recite the history of the restaurant near the corner of Darrow Road and Route 303. Originally an Italian eatery, the building was purchased in 1958 by Minnie and Leo Wagner, who turned it into a friendly, casual dining spot with an emphasis on all-American foods. Although Leo passed away a few years back, he remains a palpable presence in the restaurant, not only in the handsome portrait smiling down at guests from the wall of the main dining room, but also in the popular Leo Salad, for which he was the namesake. As for Minnie, the diminutive 81-year-old with a halo of shiny white hair has retired from her official duties, although she is still an unofficial goodwill ambassador, cruising the dining room to chat with friends, both old and new, whenever the spirit moves her.
The restaurant is now in the conservative hands of the Wagners' son, Dennis, who likes to joke that he made the mistake of stepping into the kitchen at the age of 18, to see if he could do something to help, and hasn't been able to get out since. A born restaurateur, the younger Wagner has managed to keep up with the times while creating an atmosphere in which nothing ever seems to change too much.
Even a thorough interior updating, completed nearly two years ago, has left the two snug dining rooms and sheltering bar looking timelessly stylish, with a classically understated decor and fresh roses on every table. A colorful collection of leaded-glass lamps hovers over booths in the bar, where the locals gather for a late-night sandwich and a drink. And in the main dining room, New England landscapes by a local artist keep watch over the well-dressed clientele, some of whom have been coming here for almost a half-century.
Weird and wonderful little touches abound, though, creating a familiar, unpretentious feel: things like the paper placemats that guard the green table linens from unexpected splashes, and the paper coffee filters that are pressed into service as breadbasket liners. Plates -- heavy white ironstone, each banded with a garland of flowers and vines in a deep shade of pink -- look like something from a flea market. And slices of commercial, sesame-seed-coated French bread are served with a bowl of thick, old-fashioned apple butter. ("It really doesn't go with a martini," observed George, "but I always look forward to it anyway.")
All of which is not to say that the kitchen is stuck in a time warp. Wagner, along with his staff, constantly tinkers with the menu, adding some contemporary items and paring away the less popular ones. Many of the kitchen's more adventurous offerings show up as Saturday night specials, like a delicious appetizer of trendy wonton-wrapped shrimp inexplicably dubbed Shrimp Wellington. I admit that we cringed a little when we spotted the bright pink sauce beneath our five golden brown, medium-sized shrimp. But although the concoction -- mostly a blend of cream cheese and pepper jelly -- looked like frosting, its rich flavor and mellow heat made a great go-with for the crunchy, light, and perfectly prepared seafood.
A classic starter from the regular menu, French Onion Soup was also done up just right -- rich and savory, with lots of cheese, a thick, not-too-salty beef broth, and plenty of tender, almost caramelized onions. And an entrée special of fresh salmon showed an equally deft touch: Broiled to a still-moist degree of doneness, slathered with an unassuming butter sauce, and sided with a wedge of lemon, the thick filet was simple, tasty, and attentively prepared.
Despite the menu's more recent emphasis on fish and seafood, steaks and chops are still among the restaurant's most popular offerings. A modest Boston strip steak -- the Reserve Inn Special -- was done as ordered to medium rare and was juicy and well-seasoned, if not quite up to downtown steakhouse standards of tenderness. A Saturday night prime rib special was a generous cut of well-marbled, medium-rare beef with a wonderfully rich taste -- although again, it could have been more tender. Still, at the price -- $16.95 and $17.95, respectively -- we're not complaining.
Another house special, Veal Duvall, was a large, thin, tender filet topped with lots of sliced mushrooms, a few bits of artichoke hearts, and a light, sherry-scented demi-glacé. Although a bit on the salty side, the dish was satisfying and full of flavor. As for pasta alternatives, we found a real winner in Pasta Gina: a big bowl of wide, fresh basil-and-black-pepper fettuccine noodles tossed with plenty of juicy chicken breast strips, sliced black olives, roasted red pepper, crumbles of creamy feta cheese, herbs, olive oil, and a wealth of soft, sweet, and sticky roasted garlic cloves.
Entrées come with either a simple house salad or the fancified Leo Salad, which is by far the better choice. Although the salad begins humbly enough, as a mix of iceberg lettuce flecked with bits of romaine, shredded carrot, red cabbage, and radish, the toppings of freshly fried bacon bits and shredded sharp white cheddar, along with the mildly tangy dressing of aged vinegar, garlic, and salad oil, make it memorable.
Side dish choices include competently prepared but thoroughly ordinary rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, and french fries -- or the richer, more voluptuous home fries or twice-baked potato. The unusual home fries -- our current guilty pleasure -- had been assembled into a fat, round pancake and fried until irresistibly crisp and oily on the outside and meltingly moist and creamy within. And if that wasn't appealing enough, the potato patty was then topped with a mound of slowly melting white cheddar cheese. As for the twice-baked number, the filling was a cloud of light and creamy whipped potato, topped with melted Cheddar cheese and served with sour cream on the side. ("Which side would you like it on?" deadpanned our motherly waitress-turned-comedienne to one night's befuddled teenage companion. But we accepted the ribbing in good humor. While it is true that the Reserve Inn's serving staff includes people of both sexes and all ages, it is the mature, maternal waitresses that we prefer. Like our grandmas, they call us "Dear," tease us gently, and inquire about our plans for the evening -- all the while bringing our food, filling our water glasses, and keeping us afloat in an endless stream of iced tea refills, even on a hectic Saturday night.)
The staffers also keep a little secret: Although you'll look in vain for it on the menu, the Reserve Inn makes some of the best pizza around. Dennis Wagner calls it "backdoor pizza," since residents have been known to call in an order, drive over in their PJs, and pick up the goods from the restaurant's rear entry, without ever setting foot in the dining room. (While Wagner prefers to sell the pizza for carryout only, he will tolerate seeing it served in the dining room on weeknights or after 9 p.m. on weekends.) Our mouths are still watering from memories of the perfect little pizza pies that we ordered "to go" near the end of one of our meals: a "white" pizza with plenty of cheese, roasted red peppers, and sliced artichoke hearts; and a tomato-sauced number with generously applied black olives and pepperoni, both on thick, but surprisingly light and savory, crusts.
Desserts at the Reserve Inn are mostly the standard commercial offerings, including Granny Smith Apple Pie and Bourbon-Pecan Pie, which actually turned out to taste pretty good when warmed up and served à la mode. The kitchen also produces a good-looking crème brûlée, although by the time we got around to ordering it, the evening's allotment was sold out. But the real treat is the luscious Ho-Ho Cake, made by hostess Diane Topper (which, as George pointed out, obviously makes it a hostess Ho-Ho). Layers of moist chocolate cake interspersed with a creamy white filling (too sturdy for whipped cream, too rich for marshmallow topping, its identity is a closely guarded secret) and frosted with a really thick blanket of fudge-like chocolate, the dessert was as sweet and satisfying as a visit to a loving childhood home.
Which more or less summarizes what may be the restaurant's ultimate charm. Just as in that archetypal family of our dreams, the authentically friendly people, reliably well-prepared food, and timelessly attractive decor here combine to make the Reserve Inn as untroubled and welcoming a dining destination as you are likely to find.
Elaine T. Cicora can be reached at elaine.ci [email protected].
Elaine T. Cicora
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Chris A. Barker
Chris A. Barker, was born in Sheffield, Alabama, on July 24, 1965. He has been a member of the Bar of the State of Alabama since 1990, and Florida since 1991. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida; and, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama. Mr. Barker has also been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil Mediator, and is a member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators, Florida Circuit-Civil Mediator Society and National Association of Distinguished Neutrals.
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