Daily Archives: February 27, 2020

What commander of NATO in the Yugoslav war, banished from the army – International Law Lawyer News

Posted: February 27, 2020 at 2:22 am

History 25/02/20 Photo: EPA PHOTO EPA/ELVIS BARUKCIC that the commander of NATO forces in the Yugoslav war drove the army

Early retirement in 2000, commander-in-chief of the United NATO forces in Europe, General Wesley Clark, at the time caused a lot of controversy and speculation. In the end it turned out that Clark is lost on their actions in the Yugoslav war, including and because of their attitude to the Russian peacekeepers paratroopers, seized in one night in June 1999 of the Pristina airport Slatina.

It is not considered a professional

General Wesley Clark to Kosovo war was considered in America as one of the most authoritative representatives of the generals of the US armed forces Vietnam veteran, holder of Bronze and Silver stars for participating in this campaign, was wounded in the battle, but continued to command his soldiers kontratakuje the Posts of commander-in-chief of the United NATO forces in Europe and acting commander of the European command of US armed forces, he served almost 3 years, from July 1997 to may 2000. As he wrote in 1999, the new York times, Clark has decided to release from these posts two months before the official term of office expires.

the Newspaper Kommersant, citing a source in the defense Ministry of Russia reported that Russian generals undisguised satisfied with information about the resignation of Clark: in the armed forces of the Russian Federation the General is not quoted as a high professional, and his radicalism in the Kosovo war were considered not justified. Clark ordered the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO aircraft, they during the operation allied force lasted from late March to 10 June 1999, and according to Yugoslav estimates, killed more than 2 thousand civilians, more than 5 thousand people were injured.

Im not going for you to start a Third world war

the Confrontation with Wesley Clark, the commander of British peacekeepers in Kosovo, General Michael Jackson, who de jure had to obey a higher commander, but did not, called one of the most widely discussed reasons for the termination of his military career Clark. British diary The Daily Telegraph called this conflict staged confrontation.

This story actively commented on the publication of the Central USA and great Britain (and the British media clearly supported the act of a countryman), and the Pentagon in their official review was called a sticky situation with the insubordination of Jackson Clark disturbing.

on the night of 11 to 12 June 1999, the consolidated battalion airborne Russian armed forces, were part of the peacekeeping forces stationed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupied the airport near Pristina. Edition of the new York times reported that the Russian unexpectedly intercepted the NATO initiative: international airport Slatina NATO troops were going to capture themselves, to make their ground units in the direction of Macedonia after the end of operation allied force. Russia was against the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and, on the basis of the official comment of the foreign Ministry, occupation airborne Slatina has become for our country a part of the process of strengthening its own geopolitical interests in the Balkan region.

Wesley Clark, wrote the new York times, ordered Jackson using armored vehicles to repel the Russian airfield. The Chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Henry Shelton said in comments the newspaper that Clark wanted to block the airport that the Russians are unable to use it. Jackson in response to the order uttered the phrase, publicized in 1999, dozens of the worlds media: Im not going for you to start a Third world war. And did not obey Clark.

the act of the British caused a stir at the Pentagon, officials didnt know how his right to comment. In the end decided that the airport is not worth the split among the military leadership of NATO. The British generals defended the position of his compatriotand, while General Henry Shelton actually allowed to cancel the orders of General Clark, commented, new York times this situation, Pentagon spokesman. And in the same publication one of the most respected American print media descended on Clark (in 1999 still held both posts) with sharp criticism: according to the newspaper, during the 10-week operation allied force he had resolutely insisted on a more active use of the Apache helicopters, and generally to regulate the relationship with the Pentagon, which General Wesley Clark in the Kosovo war clashed repeatedly.

has been Replaced with another

British guardian commented that in 1999, information on the early resignation of Wesley Clark spoke more specifically than the new York times: as reported by the newspaper, the decision on early resignation of Clark was made a few days before his conflict with Jackson commander of the shrew just wants to replace General Joseph Ralston, Vice Henry Shelton. Clark, according to the Pentagon, preferred the more aggressive tactics, insist on the use of attack helicopters Apache, but it rejected the proposal, fearing a large number of victims among the pilots (one Apache during the operation allied force was wrecked, two crew members were killed).

Laridian wrote that Clarks orders were ignored not only by Jackson: after the rebellion the British did not obey the American General and commander of NATO forces in southern Europe, James Ellis, whom Clark had asked to land the helicopters on the runway Slatina to prevent the landing of Russian transport aircraft Il. However, Admiral Ellis also refused to execute the order, stating that General Jackson will not like it.

After retirement in 2000, Wesley Clark was actively involved in politics, even ran for President of the United States. However, his political career did not. Clark is the author of two autobiographical books about his military past.

Nicholas Syromyatnikov

Source: Russian Seven

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Photographer from Deeside on ‘cloud nine’ with accolade – LeaderLive

Posted: at 2:21 am

A PHOTOGRAPHER from Deeside says she is on 'cloud nine' after being highly commended at a special awards ceremony.

Stacey Oliver from Sealand was a finalist in the Creative Wedding Photographer category at The Welsh Wedding Awards 2020.

The awards aim to reward those within the wedding industry that make the special day as perfect as possible, including the caterers that provide delicious reception meals, decorators who make the wedding venues flourish or hair and makeup artists who make the brides look and feel on top of the world.

Accolades to be awarded include Wedding Venue of the Year, Caterer of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Specialist Wedding Supplier of the Year and many more.

Mrs Oliver said: "I cant believe I was nominated, so to be highly commended in creative wedding photographer of the year for the whole of Wales is something I could only dream off.

"Words cant explain how I'm feeling at the moment - Im on cloud nine."

A spokesman for The Welsh Wedding Awards 2020 said: These awards seek to recognise everyone in this sector that has shown excellence, commitment and have the customer satisfaction as top priority in their business. Working in the wedding industry can be challenging at times and these finalists have managed to stand out amongst the rest, despite the difficulties."

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China firms in $10 billion share sale rush as funding rules eased amid virus worries – Reuters

Posted: at 2:21 am

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Listed Chinese companies are queuing up to issue shares and have already announced plans to raise more than $10 billion in the past week after fundraising rules were relaxed to help ease cash strains caused by the coronavirus.

FILE PHOTO: A woman wearing a face mask crosses a road after the extended Lunar New Year holiday caused by the novel coronavirus outbreak, in Beijing's central business district, China February 10, 2020. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

More than 50 companies, including Bank of Ningbo (002142.SZ) and battery maker Yinghe Technology (300457.SZ), have published as of Thursday fresh or revised plans to raise as much as 73 billion yuan ($10.4 billion) through private placements, according to Reuters calculations.

The new rules allow companies to sell shares worth up to 30% of their share capital via private placements compared with 20% previously. The number of investors allowed to participate in such placements was lifted to 35 from 10.

The changes also make the deals more attractive to investors by halving the lock-up periods and enabling more flexible pricing.

The rush to market comes as China has been pumping liquidity into the financial system, cutting interest rates as well as easing other funding avenues, in a bid to limit the economic damage from the coronavirus that has killed over 2,000 people and stalled many business activities.

The share sales will also be helped by a resurgent stock market. The blue-chip CSI300 .CSI300 has rebounded roughly 13% from a low hit on February 3 when traders returned after the new year break, compared with 3.8% for the U.S. S&P 500 .SNP benchmark over the same period.

China cut its benchmark lending rate on Thursday, helping lift the tech-heavy ChiNext index .CHINEXTP to the highest level in almost three years.

Investors are encouraged by monetary easing, and are looking beyond the epidemic, said Wu Kan, a portfolio manager at Soochow Securities Co.

China needs a booming stock market to help channel funding to the real economy.

Relaxation of the rules comes as a relief to many companies. More than 75% of respondents in a survey of over 140 companies by Sealand Securities, said the epidemic was straining their liquidity, with smaller firms saying they will burn through their available cash within three months unless the situation normalizes.

Some companies badly hit by the virus reported an 80% slump in revenue.

But the relaxed standards represent a reversal of Chinas stance since officials sharply tightened share placement rules following the 2015-16 market crash, where reckless fundraising was seen as a contributing factor.

Xu Chao, analyst at the Pacific Securities, said the rule changes represented a very strong loosening signal from the authorities.

Private placements raised just 122.9 billion yuan last year from a peak of 1 trillion yuan in 2016, according to Kaiyuan Securities, which expects fundraising via this route to at least double in 2020 from 2019.

The easier access to funds could increase the risk of moral hazard, some analysts have warned.

Its a double-edged sword, said Fan Lei, economist at Sealand Securities, who said the moves implied regulators were becoming more tolerant toward market speculation, often dubbed stir frying.

A bit of stir-frying helps attract money into the market, Fan said.

Editing by Jennifer Hughes and Muralikumar Anantharaman

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The Lunar New Year’s most talked-about watches – High Horology Journal

Posted: at 2:21 am

Celebrations for the Lunar New Year were dampened by the spread of the coronavirus, with rising fears as towns were placed under quarantine. Parades were cancelled, travel bans imposed across China and many brands shut down stores. Nike, for example, temporarily closed half its stores and Apple closed all its stores. In a reversal of roles, instead of cashing in huge profits, as one would expect from a nation that is expected to make up 65% of the worlds luxury spending by2025, brands have been giving back, with big names such as LVMH and Kering donating money towards efforts to fight the virus. Chinese tech giants, including Baidu, have also pledged millions towards medical research and supplies. So, in a very different context to usual, which watch brands came out on top this Lunar New Year?

Methodology: Using a social listening tool, we analysed which five watch brands made the biggest impact on social media during the Lunar New Year. Here are the results.

Each year Chopard releases an astrology-inspired watch to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The dial of this years execution shows a rat (for the Year of the Rat), depicted using the ancient Japanese art of Urushi painting. Chopard kept up a steady stream of social media posts throughout the period, a possible reason why the brand ranks high on our list. This included nine posts on its Instagram account in red and gold, the traditional colours of the Lunar New Year, including a video showing the craftsmanship behind the dial. The dial itself could be another reason for this popularity. It shows Chopards respect for Chinese tradition, featuring symbols such as spring flowers to represent the spring festival. The watch is produced in a limited edition of88, which is a lucky number in Asian cultures.

The brand didnt run any special social media campaigns for Lunar New Year but it did release a watch inspired by Chinese astrology, a tradition it began in2009. This year marks the 12thedition and therefore the conclusion of the 12-year cycle of the zodiac. That this is the end of this tradition within a tradition could be why Panerai was so prominent on social media. The watchs bold design compared with other Chinese zodiac watches could also explain its popularity. A hinged cover on the Luminor Sealand 44mm is etched with a rat using the sparsello technique, following which layers of gold threads are hammered into the etched surface. This was also a limited edition of88.

Cartier, along with other brands including Louis Vuitton and Gucci, built on the New Year tradition of older family members giving red envelopes containing money to younger members red being the colour of good fortune and happiness and created its own red envelopes. Cartiers envelopes gave the starring role to its panther and were embellished with gold leaf as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Knowing that the brand didnt release any special New Year watches, its spin on the red envelopes explains why it was so popular on social media. Cartier is investing heavily in China, including the opening of an online store on the Tmall Luxury Pavilion platform. While there were no specific campaigns on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, the brand is active on WeChat, Chinas largest messaging app.

For the2019 Lunar New Year, Bulgari launched a controversial marketing campaign with a play on words that many found offensive. Looking at social listening, this doesnt appear to have affected the brands popularity this year possibly the result of heavy investment in China where Bulgari plans to open new stores and expects to see its jewellery sales double over the next five years. Six Instagram posts in traditional red and gold highlighted the Divas Dream collection. The desirability of its jewellery amply compensated the fact the brand didnt release a special New Year watch.

After Omega, Rolex is the largest luxury watch brand in the Chinese market, and this desirability no doubt explains why it remained popular during the celebrations, despite not releasing any New Year watches or posting about New Year on its social media accounts.

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Sanders Ascension Taking a Toll on Health Care Stocks – Investopedia

Posted: at 2:19 am

The SPDR Select Sector Health Care ETF (XLV) sold off more than 3% in sympathy with broad benchmarks in Monday's session, but it's likely that Bernie Sanders' ascension to Democratic front-runner contributed to the decline. The candidate has called for a dismantling of America's private health care system, replaced by a government-run Medicare-for-All. Pundits don't believe that this legislation would pass congressional muster, but we've learned in the past four years to expect the unexpected from Washington D.C.

The health care sector has been under fire since the election of Barrack Obama in 2008, with the original legislative debate going through all sorts of gyrations intended to wrest power from the industry. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, rose from the ashes of that dispute, but the current front-runner for the Democratic nomination wants to throw out what remains of the now-popular law and take sick Americans on a journey into unknown territory.

Health care providers have come under periodic fire in the last decade, but their stocks have shaken off those headwinds, booking healthy profits under the new law. However, key players that include Dow component UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) have walked away from the program, instead focusing their efforts on more profitable employer and group health care plans. High-deductible coverage options have exploded all across the industry during the same period, infuriating policyholders while making a government-run solution seem more palatable.

The SPDR Select Sector Health Care ETF tested the 2001 low at $21.00 in 2009, finding support 63 cents above that level, ahead of a recovery wave that reached the 2008 rally high at $37.89 in 2012. The subsequent breakout attracted intense buying interest, lifting the fund into the mid-$70s in the third quarter of 2015. A modest correction into 2016 ended in the mid-$50s, giving way to a slow-motion uptick that reached new highs in the second half of 2017.

Channeled price action into January 2020 mounted the triple digits at the same time that the stock hit channel resistance, yielding a trading range bounded by support at the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) and psychological $100 level. The fund sold off to support on Monday and is trading lower by a few cents on Tuesday, waiting for the next large-scale impulse, higher or lower. A breakdown would bring 2019 support in the low $90s into play, while the 200-day EMA in the upper $80s marked a major line in the sand for sector bulls.

UnitedHealth Group hit a seven-year low at $14.51 in the fourth quarter of 2008 and turned higher, completing a round trip into the 2005 rally high in the mid-$60s in 2013. The subsequent breakout gathered momentum into the 2015 high at $125.99, ahead of a one-day correction during the August mini flash crash. The stock rallied to a new high in the second quarter of 2016 and posted steady gains into the December 2018 high at $287.94.

It was a tough year in 2019 for the health care giant, with a multi-wave sell-off finally ending at an 18-month low near $200 in April 2019. A third quarter decline posted a slightly higher low on the first trading day of October, completing a double bottom reversal that set the stage for a sustained uptick into 2018 resistance The stock broke out at year end, lifting into an all-time high at $306.71 last week.

This week's decline has triggered a failed breakout over the 2018 high and psychological $300 level, igniting sell signals that raise the odds for a test at the narrowly aligned February low and 200-day EMA between $265 and $270. Ominously for bulls, the Oct. 15 gap between $220 and $232 remained unfilled and could generate a magnetic target if dip buyers don't show up at short-term support.

Health care stocks are retreating in reaction to macro headwinds and the rise of Bernie Sanders in the 2020 presidential race.

Disclosure: The author held no positions in the aforementioned securities at the time of publication.

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Ascension St. Marys of Saginaw adds high-tech cancer fighting tool – MLive.com

Posted: at 2:19 am

SAGINAW, MI - A Saginaw hospital is offering a new fast and accurate option for cancer treatments.

Ascension St. Marys Seton Cancer Institute in Saginaw, 800 S. Washington, has announced the addition of a new TrueBeam Radiotherapy System as a part of Ascensions $50 million investment in its northern health ministries.

TrueBeam enables us to treat even the most challenging cases with tremendous speed and precision, said Dr. Salam Yanek, radiation oncologist at Ascension St. Marys Seton Cancer Institute. This system will make it possible for us to offer fast, more targeted treatments for tumors, even those that move when the patient breathes, such as lung tumors.

The TrueBeam system is engineered to deliver powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision, according to Ascension. The technology allows cancer treatment teams to select the optimal treatment for different types of cancer while enabling them to use advanced radiotherapy options, as needed.

Dr. Charbel Habib, medical physicist at Ascension St. Marys Seton Cancer Institute and clinical assistant professor at Central Michigan University School of Medicine said, This evolutionary technology is able to automatically synchronize imaging, beam shaping and dose delivery, while performing accuracy checks every ten milliseconds throughout the entire treatment. It represents a quantum leap in our ability to help people fight cancer.

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With housing off the table, Church of the Ascension could become community space – Buffalo News

Posted: at 2:19 am

A nonprofit arts group formed at the urging of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York is proposing to turn the former Church of the Ascension in Allentown into a community assembly and performance space, after a prior attempt to create affordable senior housing in the church fell through.

Ascension for the Arts, led by board president and attorney A. Peter Snodgrass, wants to make the large church and parish hall available to theater companies or community groups that need a large gathering space, including for shows.

The complex at 67 North St. is still owned by the Diocese, so Ascension for the Arts which was formed in 2017 signed a lease in November, and will rent out the space for events and other tenants.

The group will probably start with a 100-person capacity in the church nave or sanctuary, "but I think we could grow to 200," Snodgrass said.

But that might require more bathrooms and other changes to bring it up to code, which in turn costs money, he said.

"We just want to get it open, get it moving and then pursue grant funding to make improvements that are needed," Snodgrass added.

In the meantime, the arts group plans to focus on preparing and marketing the separate parish hall, which has an assembly area on the first floor with a small stage, a kitchenette and a couple of bathrooms. That's ideal "if somebody wanted to do smaller productions or educational workshops," said Snodgrass.

The second floor has four offices and a bathroom, so the group hopes to lease that office space to nonprofits, Snodgrass added. That way, the building will start generating revenue that Ascension for the Arts will need to make repairs in the nave, Snodgrass said.

City to review apartments planned for former Church of the Ascension

The plan is a significant departure from the Diocese's original $7 million proposal to renovate the Medina sandstone church into 28 low-income apartments for seniors. The church has been vacant since January 2015, when the 164-year-old congregation moved to the Church of the Good Shepherd at 96 Jewett Parkway.

But the plan relied heavily on obtaining state and federal historic tax credits, as well as low-income housing credits. It fell through initially in 2014 when the National Park Service would not allow alterations to the nave and demanded design changes, prompting the Diocese to pursue a community use for that part of the church while leaving the apartments for other areas. That led to the creation of Ascension for the Arts.

The project appeared to be back on track in late 2017 after winning approval from park service for a historic preservation project, and then winning Common Council approval despite opposition from the Preservation Board. However, it still faced resistance within the Linwood neighborhood and from local preservationists.

Ultimately, officials failed to win the credits they needed last year, so Diocese officials switched direction and again asked the nonprofit if it would just take on the entire building.

Ascension for the Arts is seeking a special-use permit from the Common Council to allow the change in purpose.

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Around Ascension for Feb. 27, 2020 | Ascension – The Advocate

Posted: at 2:19 am

Jr. high, high school rodeos this weekend

Louisiana High School Rodeo Association Southeast Louisiana Junior andHigh School Rodeos are Friday through Sunday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

Watch as some of the best young cowboys and cowgirls compete in several events. For times and information, visit http://www.rodeosportsnetwork.com/files/20SE.pdf.

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Stormy is set to perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 7 in the Donaldsonville DowntownLive @ Crescent concert series.

The band, weather permitting, will perform at Crescent Park.

For more information, call (225) 445-1383.

Cara's House, a nonprofit animal group that operates the parishes animal shelter, is hosting a fundraiser that promises to "egg your house" just in time for Easter.

But this egging is not the messy kind. For a fee, the group will fill your yard with stuffed eggs on Easter morning. The service will be provided for 25 eggs at a cost of $15; 50 eggs for $30 and 100 eggs for $50.

Orders must be placed by April 3.

To order, visiteggtheyardch.formstack.com/forms/egg_the_yard_2020

B.Y.O.C. is a monthly craft club that will meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the Ascension Parish Library in Galvez. Bring your own project (or find inspiration at the library) while you meet and socialize with other crafters in the area. Coffee and assorted equipment will be provided, as well as a selection of instructional material and patterns to get you started. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Dont want to show up empty-handed? The library has partnered with Creativebug to provide free access to thousands of arts and craft video classes. For more information about the monthly craft club or how to access Creativebug, contact the Ascension Parish Library in Galvez at (225) 622-3339.

The Ascension Parish Library is screening "Music Dreams: An American Story," a local independent film that profiles musician/songwriter/music entrepreneur, Henry Turner Jr. and his band, Flavor. The presentation will highlight blues music in Baton Rouge, how reggae influenced the blues, and how to make it in the music business. Film showing and a panel discussion with Henry Turner Jr. and others will be held at noon Feb. 29 at the Galvez branch.

For more information, call the Ascension Parish Library in Galvez at (225) 622-3339.

The Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association, under the direction of the LSU AgCenter, is holding its spring library series of educational workshops with gardening and landscaping tips geared to both novice and advanced gardeners. The workshops to be hosted by the Ascension Parish Library are:

Louisiana Iris: From the Wild to the Garden: March 3, 6:30 p.m., Gonzales

Patrick OConnor, Iris Hybridizer and board member of the Society of Louisiana Irises, will discuss the five native species of Louisiana Iris and their history, the early discovery of these plants and their progress to modern cultivars through hybridization, current efforts to preserve the wild form, and the growing culture of the irises in water and regular garden soil. To register, call the Gonzales location at (225) 647-3955.

Give Plants the Soil They Need Customing Your Own Potting Soil for Containers and Gardens: March 24, 6:30 p.m., Galvez

Quality soil mixes are ideal for establishing healthy plants. Join Ed Bush, LSU Professor of Plant Environmental & Soil Sciences, as he explores types of soil mixes for different applications such as containers, hanging baskets, raised beds, and garden beds. To register, call the Galvez location at (225) 622-3339.

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Doctor Who season 12, episode 9 recap: Ascension of the Cybermen – Show Snob

Posted: at 2:19 am

Doctor Whois going all-in with its two-part finale for the season, and we kick off exactly where the season has been leading tothe Cybermen. This particular villain has been a big part of the franchise and one of its most feared (besides the Weeping Angels and Daleks).

The story has been gradually building up to this point, and its safe to say, this episode reminds us how crazy things are about to get. We begin the season 12 finale as the Doctor, Yaz, Graham, and Ryan land on a planet that looks worse for wear. It looks like the apocalypse has taken its toll on the planet and left behind just a few people in its wake.

This is all thanks to the Cybermen and when the Doctor and her companions land on this planet, its clear their help is needed. Unfortunately, theres not much they can do once they arrive because all their equipment is destroyed, thanks to the flying Cybermen head drones.

Talk about creepy and freaky!

Eventually, the group is split apart as Yaz and Graham find their way onto the refugees ship and Ryan and the Doctor are left behind in the chaos. Once in space, the refugees ship boards a huge carrier that is reminiscent of the Death Star. And its no less dangerous as we soon come to learn that this carrier is a huge vessel carrying an entire Cybermen army.

They are dormant for a little bit, butDoctor Who doesnt waste any time bringing back them to life. Can I just say that it is incredibly jarring and scary to see thousands of them marching around the ship? I fear for whatever mayhem they are going to cause in the finales conclusion.

Meanwhile, Ryan and the Doctor board Ashads ship (remember the lone Cyberman we saw last week?). They end up making their way to a place where a man known as Ko Sharmus resides. Hes been guarding and looking over a portal, and its the key to this mess.

Its the only place Cybermen cant go. So, whats the deal with it? I think we have yet to learn but as the episode comes to a close, a huge reveal shakes us to our core. The Master jumps out of the portal which seems to lead toGallifrey. The home of the Time Lords, the home of the Doctor!

And if thats not crazy enough, throughout thisDoctor Who episode we see a young baby thats adopted by a couple after being abandoned. We see the baby eventually grow into an old man over the years, but its what happens to him following retirement is something to take note of.

As he retires and walks out of the police station, hes greeted by his father and the police officer. But the weird thing is that they havent agedwhats the deal with that? Even weirder? They hook him up to all these wires and wipe his memory away.

Are we talking about something Cybermen related here? Is he the first Cyberman? Is there a connection with Ashad? Tune in next week to find out!

What did you think of part one of theDoctor Whotwo-part season 12 finale? Share your comments below!

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Doctor Who S12E9: Does Ascension of the Cybermen Actually Rise to the Occasion? – 25YearsLaterSite.com

Posted: at 2:19 am

Last we met, the Doctor gave the Lone Cyberman what he wanted and now she and the TARDIS fam have to save the world from destruction. Hows that for the beginning of a two-part finale, eh? Wellits not as straightforward as it would seem.

We open with an abandoned baby being found and adopted by a nice Irish couple. This backstory will weave in between the future story where the Doctor and her companions find themselves. But, as far as historical stories go, its compelling in its own right and leads to lots of questions as the episode unfolds. The baby grows up to be a boy named Brendan. He decides to be a police officer, but one day is shot pursuing a robber and falls off a cliffonly to survive. (Please tell me I wasnt the only one waiting for Bowie to start playing before Gene Hunt showed up in some ridiculous sports car. Is there life on Mars? Im happy, hope youre happy too)

Then theres the actual action part of the story. The Doc and her companions show up in the last days of the Cyber Wars. Theres very few humans left and those that are have pulled together a rickety ship with the goal of getting to The Boundary, where they may pass into another world and be safe from the Cybermens grasp. After the Doctors protective efforts are destroyed by Cybermen patrol, she and her companions are split up. Graham and Yaz end up with the few human survivors (Yedlarmi, Ravio and Bescot) and Ryan and Thirteen are left behind with one other human straggler named Ethan. The Doctor steals a Cybershuttle, which she and Ethan are able to hotwire quickly into warp drive.

Yaz and Graham stay hopeful and think about what the Doctor would do when the transport ship theyre on begins to fail. They use what burst of energy they have left to push them into the docking space of a Cybercarrier. Once aboard they try and get the ship up and running, its discovered there are thousands of dormant Cybermen still on deck. It doesnt help that the Lone Cyberman can sense where they are and makes his way to the Cybercarrier where he terrorizes a few of the Cybermen awake by drilling into them and making them feel (which technically, they shouldnt be able to do, but the Lone Cyberman wasnt finished so my guess is he wants others to experience what he does.)

Meanwhile, the Doctor, Ryan, and Ethan have found the Boundary, manned by one person by the name of Ko Sharmus (initially believed to be a place, not a person). He takes the travelers to the shore where the portal opens up to reveal Gallifrey. Yaz has also found a way to communicate with the Doctor across the comms channel and warns theyre on their way but everyones in great danger. And if that wasnt enough, the Master pops up at the last second, much to the Doctors dread.

Whew.

The problems that have plagued this whole season continue to persist. The episode has too much going on and its cluttered with characters we may or may not care about (truly, your mileage might vary here). Then theres the whole side story about Brendan. Is he a Cyberman? A time lord? A Cyberman time lord? And if that wasnt enough, throw in a portal to Gallifrey and the Master rattling on about the timeless child and how this is when everything changes. (Oi, quit stealing River Songs lines, dude.) Also, what about Captain Jack? Or Ruth!Doctor from Fugitive of the Judoon?

What has this season even been about? Over the course of the last nine episodes, weve seen Chibnall try for a so-called traditional season of Doctor Who, filled with aliens and long-time baddies. Some episodes have fared better than others (the Nicola Tesla and Mary Shelley historicals are at the top of my list, along with the yet-to-be explained unknown Doctor) but Chibnall has shown us time and again that he still hasnt quite figured out what to do with the Doctor just yet.

Looking back at Season 11, at least the themes feel consistent. Those ten episodes were a meditation on humanity and what it means to be human or have courage and hope. That approach was at least thoughtful. Throwing the Master and the Cybermen back into the mix so quickly this season seems to undo all the work that Steven Moffat did in Season 10 with Peter Capaldis Twelfth Doctor and Michelle Gomezs dazzling and operatic arc as Missy. Im still hoping this latest incarnation of the Master is from an earlier point in time (pre-John Simms would be fab, thanks) or an alternate dimension all together (which would explain Gallifrey popping up at the end of the episode as well as Ruth!Doctor). One things for certain, the Lone Cyberman is truly terrifying and he made my skin crawl as his drilled into other Cybermen. The overall costume design got to shine this episode, too, showing how incomplete the Lone Cybermans build is (while referencing numerous past Cyber designs).

Theres been so much potential with Thirteen and her companions. Ive desperately wanted more for her and the fam storywise, but Im not sure this is it. Still, theres one more (extended) episode to golets see how many loose ends we can tie up, eh? Weve got all the time in the world, it seems.

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Doctor Who S12E9: Does Ascension of the Cybermen Actually Rise to the Occasion? - 25YearsLaterSite.com

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