USA news on Youtube Dec 21 2017

McKayla Maroney Sues USA Gymnastics: They Forced Me to Stay Silent

In October, McKayla Maroney revealed that shed been molested by her team doctor, Larry Nassar. That makes her one of more than 140 survivors who accuse him of the same thing.

From the outset, its been strongly hinted that there were people who knew about Nassars sexual predation and kept quiet. Now, McKaylas taking action against the people whom she accuses of covering up a monster in their midst.

McKayla is only one of many young women who have accused Dr. Nassar of molesting them when they were girls, preying upon them under the guise of treatment..

Nassar has been sentenced for child porn charges, and has pleaded guilty to molesting 10 girls. Obviously, thats just a drop in the awful bucket beside the number of women who accuse him.

Wednesday, McKayla Maroney filed a lawsuit against USA Gymnastics.for the role that she says that they played in covering up Dr.

As part of a financial settlement (of a reported sum of $1. 25 million) so that McKayla could get needed psychological treatments, USA Gymnastics allegedly included a non-disclosure agreement.

Maroneys lawyer says that USA Gymnastics forced this provision so that it could further conceal and shield from public scrutiny, outside investigation, and law enforcement, the true nature of Nassars horrific sexual abuse of minors.

Nassars misdeeds are not really in question. Again, this is a man who has already confessed to multiple counts of molestation. Plaintiff alleges that Defendant USAG had a plan to keep the sexual abuse of Nassar quiet, and allow Nassar to quietly leave USAG, further silencing his victims.

To be fair, apparently USA Gymnastics contacted the FBI with at least some information on Larry Nassar, but allegedly failed to raise any kind of public alarm. Which may have allowed him to find new victims.

The NDA would then appear to be a measure intended to conceal any wrongdoing by USA Gymnastics -- hiding their mistake in hiring Nassar and also hoping to bury his misdeeds forever.

If youre thinking gee, how can McKayla speak up on this if she signed a non-disclosure agreement? . well, funny thing about that. (Funny probably isnt the right word, here).

McKayla Maroney lives in California, where survivors of child sexual abuse -- like McKayla -- cannot be forced to sign NDAs as part of a settlement. Which is probably why McKaylas attorney, John Manly, had zero kind words to say about the agreement:.

He referred to it as hypocritical, immoral, and in this case illegal. Were no legal scholars, but it sounds like hes right.

Manly had further choice words for USA Gymnastics, and specifically for whoever among them new about Dr. Nassar but allegedly prioritized avoiding public embarrassment, allowing him to go on and find new prey at the University of Michigan.

Those responsible for this should be removed from the Olympic movement and USA Gymnastics. As punishment and as a deterrent, so that this will hopefully never happen again.

If they would treat one of the most famous athletes in world like this, how poorly would they treat a recreational gymnast abused by her coach.

Thats a really good point. McKayla Maroney is a household name. Shes met the President. (Well, the good one, from last year). Look at how hard McKayla is having to fight for justice, and shes a celebrity.

Someone with no celebrity status would surely be much more intimidated -- by Dr. Nassar and by any attempts to shush them by USA Gymnastics.

With more and more sex monsters being exposed every day, we hope that the world will become a safer place for women and girls. But thats going to take time.

Its also going to take these predatory men, and the people who helped keep their secrets, facing real consequences. That, we think, is what McKayla aims to do.

For more infomation >> McKayla Maroney Sues USA Gymnastics: They Forced Me to Stay Silent - Duration: 5:37.

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Flashback: Right Before Being Sworn in as President, Trump Sent New Year's Wishes to All - Duration: 1:59.

For more infomation >> Flashback: Right Before Being Sworn in as President, Trump Sent New Year's Wishes to All - Duration: 1:59.

-------------------------------------------

Under Boston, scientists found a 400-kilometer-long magmatic bladder. What happened on our Planet. - Duration: 3:29.

Researchers from Rutgers University (NJ, USA) found

lifting the surface huge amount of magma

in the northeastern United States.

After analyzing more information of thousands of sensors

were able to identify that the rising magma at a depth of 200 km is

unknown type of anomaly a bubble diameter

400 km and covers the states Vermont, Massachusetts and

New Hampshire.

Since the region lacks active volcanoes, scientists

hypothesized that this anomaly It was formed recently.

And how will behave this neoplasm unknown.

Our civilization has repeatedly He becomes a witness

volcanoes different forces.

Examples include the Volcano Tambora, which caused in 1815

, the effect of "volcanic winter "and destroy culture

Tambora.

As well as a series of eruptions chain of volcanoes in Iceland

in 1783 that has cost the lives of more 33 thousand. People and became

cause crop failure and hunger in Europe.

All of the volcanoes on the planet linked, if

vessels in the human body.

And if there is an eruption at least one supervolcano,

This causes a chain reaction in all other volcanoes

and subsequent to these different natural disasters.

It does not matter what kind of volcano explode first - Ira

in Japan, in Bárðarbunga Iceland or Yellowstone

Long Valley in the US, volcanoes on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, or

any other supervolcano.

The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano Iceland showed in 2010

mankind example of helplessness to such challenges of nature,

paralyzing the work of communication and transport.

And also the fact that Europe is not ready to manifestations of natural

disasters and that there is no United Center, responsible

for the coordination of activities in emergency situations.

People have seen that in the case of more serious disasters,

can only link there will be only short-wave

transmitters, but they can become unusable if

It falls to the ground a powerful magnetic storm.

Everything on Earth is interconnected and consider that I am personally

It does not apply to what is happening phenomenon on the planet is not correct.

To survive in this is not simple while we, the people, will be able to

Only by combining scientific the potential of the entire world

community.

It is also vital to speed up strategic studies

important for the survival of mankind Science - Physics Aboriginal

Allatra opening a multifaceted prospects in the sciences, who awards

victory over any disease, the possibility of obtaining

the necessary energy is literally from the air, food

and water - from a simple compound elementary particles.

And in the short term - the creation of any living

and inanimate objects (that It has confirmed today

a number of successful experiments in this area).

This will radically change the attitude every man to himself

within the meaning of their lives, lead to understand the most efficient

Use it for your spiritual and moral

transformation ...

Each person is able to help in this matter and to inform

this information to its environment.

We need to accelerate alert the world's population

and his union today, in time to take action

before natural disasters gain the strength and will to

point of no return.

For more infomation >> Under Boston, scientists found a 400-kilometer-long magmatic bladder. What happened on our Planet. - Duration: 3:29.

-------------------------------------------

Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Re-upload) - Duration: 12:31.

In the beginning the Creator formed the Wheel of Time with seven spokes, each representing

a different age.

The wheel turned through the power of the true source, and was like a loom using living

beings as threads to weave the pattern of the ages.

Yet when the Wheel came into existence, so too did a being of pure evil, a cosmic force

known as the Dark One, which was imprisoned outside the pattern.

The Dark One wanted nothing more than to destroy the wheel of time, after which it might recreate

the universe in its own image.

Given the dark nature of this being, many wondered why the Creator would allow it to

exist.

Yet some believe that human traits such as selfishness, greed and violence came from

the existence of the Dark One, and so his presence allowed sapient beings free will

to choose the path of their own lives.

Whereas the Dark one sought desperately to interact with the world and the beings within,

"The Creator had made the world and then left humankind to make of it what they would,

a heaven or the Pit of Doom by their choosing, The Creator had made many worlds, watched

each flower and die, and gone on to make endless worlds beyond.

A gardener did not weep for each blossom that fell."

Within one of the many worlds formed by the Creator, the true source could be accessed

through use of the One Power.

A form of magic which cast spells of Earth, Spirit, Water, Air, and Fire.

This energy was divided into two opposing forces called Saidin, channelled by men, and

Saidar, channelled by women, and through the use of this power created mighty empires and

great civilizations of advanced technologies reigning over long periods of peace.

Yet, a lasting peace was not to be found, as free will constantly led humanity to become

divided, warring against each other and destroying the progress achieved.

Although humans and other sapient beings could change the pattern of the ages in small ways

as they lived their lives, the overall pattern could not be disrupted.

When someone's actions or a great event started to alter the design, the wheel of

time sent a being with unique abilities known as a ta'veren, to correct the pattern.

These beings can range in their power and influence, and while their existence is necessary,

they are known to bring times of great struggle and hardship for the people around them.

The ta'veren themselves, live lives of destiny, and do not possess the same level of free

will as other beings, as they were spun out of the wheel for a specific purpose, and are

driven to complete their task.

Although no one can know how many times the wheel has spun, items and constructs from

previous ages sometimes survived into later time periods, and gave glimpses of both the

past and possibly the future.

The first spoke on the wheel, seemed to represent the First Age and some have come to believe

that this reflects a period of time in which humans named their planet, Earth.

Stories from later ages speak of mighty heroes and events from this era, such as Lenn who

"flew to the moon in the belly of an eagle made of fire", and Salya his daughter who

walked among the stars.

This may be in reference to the astronauts John Glenn and Sally Ride flying into space

aboard a rocket ship.

There was the war of giants between Mosk and Merk, who possessed spears or lances of fire

that could reach around the world, which may be the Soviet Union and United States of America

who developed nuclear weapons capable travelling great distances.

There are also references to Elsbet, Queen of All who may be Queen Elizabeth, and Materese

the Healer, mother of the wondrous Ind, which may be Mother Teresa.

Paintings and artefacts have also been found which may refer to the first age, like images

of giraffes and a relic with a 3 pronged star, which may possibly be hood ornament from a

Mercedes-Benz.

Some also believe that portal stones, used to travel instantly across the world, may

have been developed in this time.

After the events of these years came the second age, better known as the age of legends, when

Aes Sidai channelled the one power as Saidin and Saidar, using their abilities to help

forge an advanced civilization.

Though only a small percentage of the population was born with these abilities, those with

such abilities grew to be extremely powerful and could amplify their magic through the

use of angreal, sa'angreal, and ter'angreal.

Yet all were held to account by the Hall of Servants, who prevented abuses of power.

Led by a worldwide parliament, or "council", of democratically elected officials, the central

seat of government was found in the city of Paaran Disen.

Having eliminated poverty, all basic need was met and life expectancy rose between 150

– 200 years, while some Aes Sidai could live to be over 700.

Other technology of this age include Glowbulbs which provided light without the need of recharging

or replacement, 4 wheeled Jo-cars , floater jo-cars which hovered above the ground, Show-wings

used to travel overseas and a process called skimming which could be used to slip into

the void and quickly re-emerge in another location.

They also used portal Stones, activated by the One Power, to travel to other dimensions

and worlds within the universe of the Wheel.

Having passed beyond viewing material wealth as a measure of status, respect and recognition

could only be gained through service to the community.

In this way they might earn a third name, which was only granted to those of high reputation.

During this age, a man by the name of Lews Therin Telamon rose to become First Among

the Aes Sedai, sitting atop the high seat, and wearing the Ring of Tamyrlin, able to

summon the Nine Rods of Dominion.

In addition to being a great leader and brave warrior, he was the most powerful Aes Sidai

alive, rivalled only in ability by Elan Morin Tedronai, a great philosopher and theologian.

Although stories make this age seem like a utopian society, there were in fact a great

number of social problems growing beneath the surface, which were largely being ignored

by the ruling government.

And while these underlying issues may have grown larger in time, civilization actually

began to collapse with the discovery of a new source of magic.

Ever eager to expand their knowledge and improve their abilities, Aes Sidai researchers Mierin

Eronaile and Beidomon from the university of Collam Daan, discovered a new source of

energy that was unlike the One Power, in that it was a unified force, and did not need to

be divided into male and female halfs.

Choosing the Sharom, a large floating white sphere above their university, as the site

for their experiment, they attempted drilling a hole into the pattern of reality, in order

to access the True Power beyond.

Unfortunately, what they had actually discovered was the prison of the dark one, and by creating

an opening, known as the bore, Shay'tan as he became known was now able to directly

influence the world.

The resulting explosion then destroyed the Sharom, and with the dark touch of Shay tan

now loose in the world, the once tranquil island of Shayol Ghul was transformed into

a dark mountain surrounded by a desolate wasteland and became the focal point of the Dark One's

power, where the bore could be located.

Over the next century many turned to worship the Dark One, embracing violence, selfishness

and greed.

A number of powerful Aes Sidai also joined him in the hopes of great reward and positions

of privilege in his new order, such as Ishar Morrad Chuain, later known as Aginor, who

created the shadowspawn races such as Trollocs, which served as the main army of the Dark

One.

Yet of all the noteworthy figures who went over to darkness, none were more important

than Elan Morin Tedronai, the great intellectual who rivalled even Lews Theran in magical ability.

Later known as Ishamael, the Betrayer of Hope, he was unique among the followers of the Dark

One, in that he did not join because of a desire for power or position.

Nor did he join to gain access to the True power which made them capable of magic beyond

that of the One Power.

Rather he made his decision using reason and logic to determine that victory of the darkness

over the light was inevitable.

Elan became increasingly convinced that the seven ages of the wheel of time were repeating

in an unending loop, and that in every rotation the Dark One's direct influence was to be

unleashed upon the world.

And so in order for the Wheel to continue on, the people of the world would have to

unite and fight back against the Darkness, finding a way to seal him back in his prison.

However, this meant that the forces of light would have to constantly fight this battle,

over and over again for eternity just to survive, wheras the Dark One only had to achieve victory

one time, in order to destroy the wheel entirely.

Seeing no point in resisting the inevitable, Elan embraced the dark one and allowed himself

to become first among the forsaken, wanting nothing more than to end the cycle of existence.

However, because his reasons for joining the Dark One differed greatly from the others,

he did not sneak off and join the Shaytan in secret.

Instead he went directly to the Hall of Servants and announced his plans before all the Aes

Sidai, sparking outrage among those in attendance.

Following the years of collapse, when society significantly regressed, the war of Shadow

erupted, seeing the Forsaken and their armies of Shadowspawn spread violence and chaos throughout

the world.

Although the fighting went back and forth, after a decade of war Lews Therin Telamon,

known as the Dragon, defeated Elan Morin at the gates of Paaran Disen.

Yet this was not enough to end the war, and so Lews Theran developed a plan to seal the

Bore at Shayol Ghul using seven heartstone seals.

However, in addition to the six male Aes Sidai needed, seven powerful female Aes Sedai must

also be involved to complete the mission successfully.

But the female Aes Sidai reject his plan, coming up with their own involving two sa'angreal

which might create a shield over the bore.

However after suffering further attacks from the forces of the Dark One, this plan became

impossible, but still they did not support Lews Therin.

After an attack against Paaran Disen, the dragon decided to go forward with his plan,

without the aid of the female Aes Sidai, and would march to Shayol Ghul alongside 113 male

Aes Sidai companions, followed by an army of ten thousand warriors.

After battling the Forsaken and their dark armies, Lews Theran and his people made it

to the Bore and successful managed to place the seals, closing the hole in the Dark One's

prison.

In addition, they were able to trap the 13 most powerful forsaken as well, save for Elan

who was only partially imprisoned, able to return to the world for roughly 4 decades

every thousand years.

And while the plan of Lews Theran succeeded in its primary mission, it required using

Saidin to directly touch the darkness, which allowed Shai'tan to perform a counter stroke,

tainting the male half of the one power.

This taint then led male Aes Sidai into madness, using their mighty powers to wreak havoc and

chaos upon the world.

Lews Theran also went mad and used his powers to kill his beloved wife Ilyena as well as

all his friends and family.

Yet his insanity was so severe that he could not recognize his own actions, and spent his

days wandering around the ruins of his home, searching for his wife and children.

Because Ishamael was only partially imprisoned, he was able to appear before his hated enemy

Lews Theran, and used the true power to heal his madness, so that he might see the horrors

committed by his own hand.

Lews Theran was so distraught over the death of his family that he teleported far away

and killed himself with a great explosion of magic that created the island of dragonmount.

Yet according to the prophecies from the Karaethon Cycle, the Dragon would one day be reborn

to fight against the shadow once more.

As the world fell to chaos, those among the hundred companions who survived the battle

at Shayol Ghul, went on to abuse Saidin to such an extent they caused the reshaping of

continents.

Eventually, the surviving female Aes Sidai, were able to track down the last remaining

male chanellers and killed them or else gentled their mind, stripping them of their ability

to use the one power.

And so with the breaking of the world, they entered into the Third Age.

For more infomation >> Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Re-upload) - Duration: 12:31.

-------------------------------------------

Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Part 2 of 2) - Duration: 6:30.

Ever eager to expand their knowledge and improve their abilities, Aes Sidai researchers Mierin

Eronaile and Beidomon from the university of Collam Daan, discovered a new source of

energy that was unlike the One Power, in that it was a unified force, and did not need to

be divided into male and female halfs.

Choosing the Sharom, a large floating white sphere above their university, as the site

for their experiment, they attempted drilling a hole into the pattern of reality, in order

to access the True Power beyond.

Unfortunately, what they had actually discovered was the prison of the dark one, and by creating

an opening, known as the bore, Shay'tan as he became known was now able to directly

influence the world.

The resulting explosion then destroyed the Sharom, and with the dark touch of Shay tan

now loose in the world, the once tranquil island of Shayol Ghul was transformed into

a dark mountain surrounded by a desolate wasteland and became the focal point of the Dark One's

power, where the bore could be located.

Over the next century many turned to worship the Dark One, embracing violence, selfishness

and greed.

A number of powerful Aes Sidai also joined him in the hopes of great reward and positions

of privilege in his new order, such as Ishar Morrad Chuain, later known as Aginor, who

created the shadowspawn races such as Trollocs, which served as the main army of the Dark

One.

Yet of all the noteworthy figures who went over to darkness, none were more important

than Elan Morin Tedronai, the great intellectual who rivalled even Lews Theran in magical ability.

Later known as Ishamael, the Betrayer of Hope, he was unique among the followers of the Dark

One, in that he did not join because of a desire for power or position.

Nor did he join to gain access to the True power which made them capable of magic beyond

that of the One Power.

Rather he made his decision using reason and logic to determine that victory of the darkness

over the light was inevitable.

Elan became increasingly convinced that the seven ages of the wheel of time were repeating

in an unending loop, and that in every rotation the Dark One's direct influence was to be

unleashed upon the world.

And so in order for the Wheel to continue on, the people of the world would have to

unite and fight back against the Darkness, finding a way to seal him back in his prison.

However, this meant that the forces of light would have to constantly fight this battle,

over and over again for eternity just to survive, wheras the Dark One only had to achieve victory

one time, in order to destroy the wheel entirely.

Seeing no point in resisting the inevitable, Elan embraced the dark one and allowed himself

to become first among the forsaken, wanting nothing more than to end the cycle of existence.

However, because his reasons for joining the Dark One differed greatly from the others,

he did not sneak off and join the Shaytan in secret.

Instead he went directly to the Hall of Servants and announced his plans before all the Aes

Sidai, sparking outrage among those in attendance.

Following the years of collapse, when society significantly regressed, the war of Shadow

erupted, seeing the Forsaken and their armies of Shadowspawn spread violence and chaos throughout

the world.

Although the fighting went back and forth, after a decade of war Lews Therin Telamon,

known as the Dragon, defeated Elan Morin at the gates of Paaran Disen.

Yet this was not enough to end the war, and so Lews Theran developed a plan to seal the

Bore at Shayol Ghul using seven heartstone seals.

However, in addition to the six male Aes Sidai needed, seven powerful female Aes Sedai must

also be involved to complete the mission successfully.

But the female Aes Sidai reject his plan, coming up with their own involving two sa'angreal

which might create a shield over the bore.

However after suffering further attacks from the forces of the Dark One, this plan became

impossible, but still they did not support Lews Therin.

After an attack against Paaran Disen, the dragon decided to go forward with his plan,

without the aid of the female Aes Sidai, and would march to Shayol Ghul alongside 113 male

Aes Sidai companions, followed by an army of ten thousand warriors.

After battling the Forsaken and their dark armies, Lews Theran and his people made it

to the Bore and successful managed to place the seals, closing the hole in the Dark One's

prison.

In addition, they were able to trap the 13 most powerful forsaken as well, save for Elan

who was only partially imprisoned, able to return to the world for roughly 4 decades

every thousand years.

And while the plan of Lews Theran succeeded in its primary mission, it required using

Saidin to directly touch the darkness, which allowed Shai'tan to perform a counter stroke,

tainting the male half of the one power.

This taint then led male Aes Sidai into madness, using their mighty powers to wreak havoc and

chaos upon the world.

Lews Theran also went mad and used his powers to kill his beloved wife Ilyena as well as

all his friends and family.

Yet his insanity was so severe that he could not recognize his own actions, and spent his

days wandering around the ruins of his home, searching for his wife and children.

Because Ishamael was only partially imprisoned, he was able to appear before his hated enemy

Lews Theran, and used the true power to heal his madness, so that he might see the horrors

committed by his own hand.

Lews Theran was so distraught over the death of his family that he teleported far away

and killed himself with a great explosion of magic that created the island of dragonmount.

Yet according to the prophecies from the Karaethon Cycle, the Dragon would one day be reborn

to fight against the shadow once more.

As the world fell to chaos, those among the hundred companions who survived the battle

at Shayol Ghul, went on to abuse Saidin to such an extent they caused the reshaping of

continents.

Eventually, the surviving female Aes Sidai, were able to track down the last remaining

male chanellers and killed them or else gentled their mind, stripping them of their ability

to use the one power.

And so with the breaking of the world, they entered into the Third Age.

For more infomation >> Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Part 2 of 2) - Duration: 6:30.

-------------------------------------------

Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Part 1 of 2) - Duration: 6:43.

In the beginning the Creator formed the Wheel of Time with seven spokes, each representing

a different age.

The wheel turned through the power of the true source, and was like a loom using living

beings as threads to weave the pattern of the ages.

Yet when the Wheel came into existence, so too did a being of pure evil, a cosmic force

known as the Dark One, which was imprisoned outside the pattern.

The Dark One wanted nothing more than to destroy the wheel of time, after which it might recreate

the universe in its own image.

Given the dark nature of this being, many wondered why the Creator would allow it to

exist.

Yet some believe that human traits such as selfishness, greed and violence came from

the existence of the Dark One, and so his presence allowed sapient beings free will

to choose the path of their own lives.

Whereas the Dark one sought desperately to interact with the world and the beings within,

"The Creator had made the world and then left humankind to make of it what they would,

a heaven or the Pit of Doom by their choosing, The Creator had made many worlds, watched

each flower and die, and gone on to make endless worlds beyond.

A gardener did not weep for each blossom that fell."

Within one of the many worlds formed by the Creator, the true source could be accessed

through use of the One Power.

A form of magic which cast spells of Earth, Spirit, Water, Air, and Fire.

This energy was divided into two opposing forces called Saidin, channelled by men, and

Saidar, channelled by women, and through the use of this power created mighty empires and

great civilizations of advanced technologies reigning over long periods of peace.

Yet, a lasting peace was not to be found, as free will constantly led humanity to become

divided, warring against each other and destroying the progress achieved.

Although humans and other sapient beings could change the pattern of the ages in small ways

as they lived their lives, the overall pattern could not be disrupted.

When someone's actions or a great event started to alter the design, the wheel of

time sent a being with unique abilities known as a ta'veren, to correct the pattern.

These beings can range in their power and influence, and while their existence is necessary,

they are known to bring times of great struggle and hardship for the people around them.

The ta'veren themselves, live lives of destiny, and do not possess the same level of free

will as other beings, as they were spun out of the wheel for a specific purpose, and are

driven to complete their task.

Although no one can know how many times the wheel has spun, items and constructs from

previous ages sometimes survived into later time periods, and gave glimpses of both the

past and possibly the future.

The first spoke on the wheel, seemed to represent the First Age and some have come to believe

that this reflects a period of time in which humans named their planet, Earth.

Stories from later ages speak of mighty heroes and events from this era, such as Lenn who

"flew to the moon in the belly of an eagle made of fire", and Salya his daughter who

walked among the stars.

This may be in reference to the astronauts John Glenn and Sally Ride flying into space

aboard a rocket ship.

There was the war of giants between Mosk and Merk, who possessed spears or lances of fire

that could reach around the world, which may be the Soviet Union and United States of America

who developed nuclear weapons capable travelling great distances.

There are also references to Elsbet, Queen of All who may be Queen Elizabeth, and Materese

the Healer, mother of the wondrous Ind, which may be Mother Teresa.

Paintings and artefacts have also been found which may refer to the first age, like images

of giraffes and a relic with a 3 pronged star, which may possibly be hood ornament from a

Mercedes-Benz.

Some also believe that portal stones, used to travel instantly across the world, may

have been developed in this time.

After the events of these years came the second age, better known as the age of legends, when

Aes Sidai channelled the one power as Saidin and Saidar, using their abilities to help

forge an advanced civilization.

Though only a small percentage of the population was born with these abilities, those with

such abilities grew to be extremely powerful and could amplify their magic through the

use of angreal, sa'angreal, and ter'angreal.

Yet all were held to account by the Hall of Servants, who prevented abuses of power.

Led by a worldwide parliament, or "council", of democratically elected officials, the central

seat of government was found in the city of Paaran Disen.

Having eliminated poverty, all basic need was met and life expectancy rose between 150

– 200 years, while some Aes Sidai could live to be over 700.

Other technology of this age include Glowbulbs which provided light without the need of recharging

or replacement, 4 wheeled Jo-cars , floater jo-cars which hovered above the ground, Show-wings

used to travel overseas and a process called skimming which could be used to slip into

the void and quickly re-emerge in another location.

They also used portal Stones, activated by the One Power, to travel to other dimensions

and worlds within the universe of the Wheel.

Having passed beyond viewing material wealth as a measure of status, respect and recognition

could only be gained through service to the community.

In this way they might earn a third name, which was only granted to those of high reputation.

During this age, a man by the name of Lews Therin Telamon rose to become First Among

the Aes Sedai, sitting atop the high seat, and wearing the Ring of Tamyrlin, able to

summon the Nine Rods of Dominion.

In addition to being a great leader and brave warrior, he was the most powerful Aes Sidai

alive, rivalled only in ability by Elan Morin Tedronai, a great philosopher and theologian.

Although stories make this age seem like a utopian society, there were in fact a great

number of social problems growing beneath the surface, which were largely being ignored

by the ruling government.

And while these underlying issues may have grown larger in time, civilization actually

began to collapse with the discovery of a new source of magic.

For more infomation >> Wheel of Time: Before the Breaking (Part 1 of 2) - Duration: 6:43.

-------------------------------------------

Canyon//SRAM Women's Zwift Academy Final 2017 - Duration: 17:41.

- 2016 saw the first ever Canyon//SRAM Zwift Academy

where women from all over the world competed

on Zwift for the chance to win

a pro contract with the squad for 2017.

Now the winner on that occasion

was Leah Thorvilson from the USA

who impressed so much she's back in the fold for 2018.

And 2018 is why I'm here as very soon another

talented rider is going to be awarded

a pro contract for the forthcoming season.

It's why I'm at the Canyon SRAM training camp

here in rather snowy Koblenz in Germany

to find out exactly who that is going to be.

(intense music)

2,160 women from all over the world

enrolled on this year's Zwift Academy,

which involved a structured programme

of group rides, races, workouts, over a six-week period.

That number has now been whittled

down to just three finalists: Siri Hildonen from Norway,

- It will be life-changing but it will be racing

and I love to race, so that will be fun

and actually be a part of a team.

Tanja Erath of Germany,

- Yeah, I mean, it would obviously change my whole life,

I guess, I would have to move and I would

spend my time with cycling and racing,

but it would just be a dream come true.

- And American Bri Torkelson.

- For me, I've simplified my life, and, like, that's

why I work at a bike shop; I want more time on the bike

and that's all I, like, want to do.

Like, that's what I love,

and this would be an opportunity

to be surrounded by the best people

to make me the best cyclist I could be.

(intense music)

- Now before we see what is exactly

going to await our finalists, let's have a quick chat

with last year's winner, Leah Thorvilson.

Leah, it must've been an absolutely incredible experience

to spend a year with Canyon-SRAM

of course now you got a second year as well.

- Yeah, I can't believe it! (laughs)

It's still, you know, it was surreal

at the time that I won, I was literally speechless,

which you don't find me often,

but the coolest thing I've ever done in my life

and I just, I am so blessed to have had this experience

and really looking forward to a second year

hopefully to see, hopefully the year that's behind me

will translate into a bit more

successful year this year on the bike.

- As well as being monitored and assessed by team management

and their potential future teammates

on how they interact and cope with

being part of a team on a day-to-day basis,

the three finalists face three set challenges

designed to determine who has got the potential

to take it to the next level, focusing on strength,

on-bike skills, tactical awareness and application.

(funky music)

So Barry, we're here, the first real test

for our three finalists is a 30-kilometer

race on Zwift on the figure of 8 course.

It's not just about first across the line, though, is it?

- Yeah, no, the main objective in this race is to find out

how they approach the race, find out, you know,

where they sit in the bunch, their positioning,

their forward thinking of what,

their anticipation of what can be next, and, yeah,

and the end of the day we actually just looking to find

the racer in each of these, we're looking for a racer.

- Can't wait to see what goes on.

- Thank you, me too.

- The tension is palpable here in Koblenz, for round one.

Five seconds now to go of this race,

and they are off, here we go!

Big power straight away, this is incredible!

536 watts, 700 watts in the left there from Tanja.

Can they sustain it?

(rapid tempo music)

We're 12 kilometres in and Tanja, Bri and Siri,

well, they thought they were racing in complete

and utter isolation, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Because, the entire Canyon-SRAM

squad are watching from the sidelines.

(squad members laugh quietly)

Tell us what's going on, we're 12k in, we've seen

some fireworks but there's not

much between them at the moment.

- Yeah, Tanja made a brave move in the beginning

riding with a couple of the men and then got dropped.

She had to fight, obviously made another move as you can see

there a group here, we can see Tanja doing 305 watts.

A really nice big group going, working together.

We're really keen to see what happens and what they can do.

- Same here.

(pumping music)

With about 3 and a half kilometres to go now

Tanja has opened up, well, a quite incredible

probably unassailable lead, but it's a real

tight battle for second place.

(pumping music)

Well we're now inside the last kilometre of this race,

and it is Tanja who has got a big lead now.

She is gonna take the victory but it's been very,

very tight between second and third.

What a thriller this has been!

(pumping music)

200 metres to go, come on all the way, all the way!

(crowd cheers) Who's gonna take it?

- [Crowd Member] Go, go, go, go!

Is it gonna be Siri, is it gonna be Bri?

It's gonna be a photo finish on the line!

Who's gonna take it?

Ooh I can't even call it!

It was a photo finish.

(crowd member shouts)

So, Barry, that was a comprehensive

victory by Tanja, but a thrilling finish

for second place, a photo finish almost.

- Yeah, I mean, it was really exciting throughout.

We saw Tanja take a early initiative to go

with the men's group, you know, a big risk in that

'cause you could blow up completely.

A little bit of risk and, you know,

which, we were sitting inside there going,

"That was too much," and then you saw the others come back

and then obviously the early risk made her,

put her in a better position on the climb

and she could benefit from the next group

and consolidated her lead, the other two kept on at it,

and, yeah, awesome to see them fight in the last sprint,

and, yeah, a really, really nail-biting finish,

and exciting racing, and...

- So let's give you some good information

some good insight into how these riders tick.

- Yeah, so I mean, obviously, as we started out

we wanted to look for the racer in them.

The unique thing is that, by clicking through the screens

we could actually see what's going on with their heart,

what's going on with their power,

and have an idea of when they produce it,

when they're investing in their effort

and when they're saving, and that was fantastic to see,

and puts a big spectrum, I like the input

from my riders where they were

interested in the numbers, seeing what they were riding,

what effort they were putting in.

Yeah, so, from a racer's perspective,

from the effort perspective, as you can see the numbers

are a fantastic info session and super fun to watch

and excited to see what the outcome will be

in terms of the overall picture at the end of the camp.

- Fascinating stuff.

(upbeat music)

So Ronny, this isn't your usual weather conditions

for a preseason camp, but of course it's

about the Academy riders today.

What are we gonna be looking for in terms of assessment?

What is the objective today?

- Our aim is to throw them into the unexpected

and the unknown, and see how they deal with it.

That was the aim of the, to have that,

fine of an academy programme here in Koblenz,

for using the bicycles that they aren't used to,

using an environment that they aren't used to,

and trying to find out how they find solutions.

- Sounds good, let's do this.

So a two-hour mountain bike ride in the snow.

We have some of the finest mountain bikers

and road riders in the world.

(sighs)

(funky music)

This will give an insight into how they cope

with anticipating the flow and movement of riders

as well as adapting their pacing and gearing to the terrain.

It's important they can do this while producing good power,

and handling their bikes skillfully and effectively.

(funky music)

The ride took us in a very hilly two-hour loop

in and out of the forest in the

stunningly beautiful Rhine Valley,

featuring fire trails which included

some very technical rutted and rooted descents and climbs,

all of which provided the ideal opportunity for Barry,

who was riding with us in the group,

to witness and assess the bike handling ability

of Siri, Tanja and Bri, in some

extremely challenging conditions.

It was also a lot of fun.

(funky music)

Well there we go.

That was one serious mountain bike ride.

That was cool wasn't it?

- Super cool, now we're nice and dirty.

- Absolutely filthy.

That's part of the charm, though, isn't it?

- Oh, tea! - Exactly!

- Yeah, time for tea!

Hot tea, good morale, snow, what is not to love?

(funky music)

The last challenge will determine

how the finalists cope with riding on the wheel

in a dynamic race-like situation.

First up, each of the finalists will take part

in leading out one of the Canyon-SRAM sprinters

before they, themselves, get the chance

to be lead out by a member of the team,

the objective being to study how well they communicate

as well as looking at their technique

on the bike and, importantly, how they handle

themselves in the bunch at speed,

in close proximity to the other riders.

(upbeat music)

The objective in this scenario is for the Academy riders

to look after and deliver their partner to the finish line,

whilst also dealing with attacks

from the other riders in a race-like scenario.

Siri will be with Pauline, Tanja with Tiffany,

and Bri will be leading out Hannah.

Alexis Ryan is the first to go, launching a big

move early on on the three kilometre gradual rise

to the line that will be used in each test.

Rather than chase her down immediately,

the Academy riders must show discipline, not panic,

and most importantly, look after their partner,

as well as trying to smoothly neutralise any lone attack.

Just as a domestique would in a real race.

The test will not only look at their bike-handling skills,

but also their ability to make decisions under pressure.

After the attack from Alexis was brought back,

following a solid effort by Siri to try and negate it,

it was the turn of former triple world champion

of cyclocross, mountain bike and road,

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot to go on the offensive.

Given her current good form, she soon opened up a gap

that looked difficult to close.

You can hear Tiffany instructing Tanja not to panic,

instead, to gradually try and close things down.

Pauline manages to stay out in front,

and a couple of counterattacks came

from Elena Cecchini and Alexis Ryan,

with Tanja doing a long turn to carry Tiffany over the line.

Tanja here really showing how powerful she is.

(upbeat music)

Race two will see the pros lead out the Academy riders,

giving a real insight into how well they can follow a wheel.

Add to the mix cold conditions and wet roads,

and this will be a stern test of skill and confidence.

Hannah Barnes will be paired up with Tanja,

Tiffany will deliver Siri to the line,

whilst Pauline is with Bri.

First to launch is Alena Amialiusik,

who immediately gets some daylight.

As Siri closes down the Belarussian,

midway through the group Bri loses the wheel of Pauline

and swerves off-road and into the verge,

only just keeping the bike upright

but losing all momentum in the process.

Up the long drag, former British road champion

Hannah Barnes piles on the pressure

and splits the group, but like glue

and looking remarkably composed is her partner Tanja.

The rider in third spot is Elena Cecchini,

while Siri fights to remain in contact.

With Barnes job done and the group decimated,

Tanja moves into the wind and ups the tempo

to the extent that Elena cannot hold her wheel,

leading Tanja to time trial the last 500 metres

to take a very convincing win.

(upbeat music)

But just how did our finalists fare

in the lead-out challenge this afternoon?

- The first round we could really see a lot

of communication from the riders.

We saw Tanja really rides really well

with her communication trying to help her athlete.

Obviously, we had Pauline really strong

and they couldn't do anything about her,

but then, swap it around and put the

responsibility on the Zwift finalists,

we saw the clear winner from there

in terms of that competition.

Hannah was really patient and lots of things were happening

and she had Tanja on her wheel,

Tanja was sitting really patient behind her,

trusting her, trusting her knowledge,

trusting her experience, lots of attacks going away,

but Hannah chose the moment to start

putting on the pressure, went to the front,

kept it nice and high and yeah, I mean,

they got rid of most of the riders,

and she could've just sat there

but that killer instinct took over

and she put a blistering attack in to take

the win solo, and well done to Tanja.

- So some great food for thought

when it comes to the final decision.

This is the final evening now of this

week-long training camp and there's nothing more

that our Zwift finalists can do apart from sit and wait.

Awaiting, of course, the decision on

who's gonna be a part of the Canyon-SRAM team in 2018.

Now, it's not just Barry, Ronny and Beth's decision,

of course, the new member of the squad

is gonna be an integral part of the team,

so who best to help that decision than the squad themselves?

And that is what exactly is going on behind me.

(dramatic music)

So guys, the moment has nearly come.

You've had a chat with the team,

obviously clearly and important process,

getting their view on how the three finalists

have kind of integrated themself within the team,

both from a physical and a kind of psychological perspective

but overall Ronny, what's your general impression been

on the quality of the three Zwift finalists?

- I think it has been a good selection

of the three finalists, they have different personalities,

different strengths, and we need to find out now

who we think fits in best, and but, overall

it's gonna be a tough decision that we have to make.

But there, yes there can only be one winner.

- And I shall leave you to it, and well, we only have

a few moments to go to see who is gonna be

riding for Canyon-SRAM in 2018.

(dramatic techno music)

2,160 women started out on this

year's Zwift Academy, and we're down

now to three finalists here with Kate from Zwift.

That's Siri, Tanja, and Bri.

But of course, there can only be one winner,

and that winner will be rewarded with a contract

for 2018 with the Canyon-SRAM team.

Barry, who is that not lucky, deserving person gonna be?

- Thanks Matt. Yeah, it's been a

exciting few days getting to know the finalists,

getting to know the person behind

the screen, behind the numbers,

but, as Matt said, there can only be one winner,

and the winner is:

Tanja.

(audience applauds)

(uplifting funk music)

- So Tanja, essentially, if you don't mind me say...

Welcome to the Canyon-SRAM family.

- Thank you.

- Silly question: How does it feel?

- Right now I'm speechless (chuckles)

a little bit, especially in English, um,

great feeling (chuckles) I'm...

actually, even feeling better than after my exams,

that's kind of strange. - Wow.

- (laughs) Yeah, but, yeah.

- I think that pretty much sets it into context,

there's not much more to say, I know you're gonna have

a fantastic year and what a team to be a part of.

I know you're gonna add to the mix, this team's a brilliant

team, and I think it's gonna be even better with you

as one of it's number, so, there we go.

- I hope so. - Now... indeed!

Now, if you haven't already subscribed

to the Global Cycling Network,

you can do so by clicking on the globe,

I thought they might have kicked in then

but it doesn't matter, click on the globe

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Now, if you wanna have a look inside

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For more infomation >> Canyon//SRAM Women's Zwift Academy Final 2017 - Duration: 17:41.

-------------------------------------------

Ibrahim El-Salahi at the Prince Claus Fund Gallery - Duration: 3:37.

I found that

when I work in black and white

It's something which is, in a way, challenging

To have it in black and white and has the same sense, the same satisfaction

the same understanding of colour

I find it is a challenge

Which is quite exciting

Ibrahim came up with the idea of what he called

endless

organic gross paintings because the way he does it is that he starts

with a cube, and then he does a painting that almost looks full and then he builds up on it

And then at some point he feels like this makes a complete work

So you know as a child I

never thought of

becoming an artist I

remember my mother

told me that I would join the Quranic school

when I was two years old and

that's when I began to

deal with Arabic calligraphy

We call it sharafa, the honoring of the written word

To me, the written word

is something sacred

After I studied

European art I found that the written letter

doesn't just have one thing

It has so many things

But the title,

why that title 'By His Will'?

I mean, of course, it has a verse from the Koran and the birds appear in the Koran a lot

always as a miraculous creation, and I found in Ibrahim over the years

Like I always see these the birds, the motif of the bird

It's almost like the alter-ego of Ibrahim

who remained very consistent in his passion for freedom, not just freedom of creativity, but a freedom of

an individual, of the dignity.

I don't forget the time when I was

wrongly accused of

conspiracy

against the government. I've been put in jail

That taught me a great deal

When you are confined in a short space, you can't

branch out or open up yourself

to what you want to be.

He always dreams

of his artworks.

He has visions

Many times when I draw, I try to have the resemblance of human nature

But I inserted

the human fault

because I wanted not to make it a perfect kind of representation but

something coming from within.

Art

is a vehicle

for communication

that can bring what is within the individual

towards the community and others