Neutral nation may refer to:

• Neutrality (international relations), a nation that has taken a neutral stance in a particular conflict or is a permanently neutral state by policy or law
• Neutral Nation, an Iroquoian nation of North American native people who lived near the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.

A nation may refer to a community of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, or history.^[1] In this definition, a nation has no physical borders. However, it can also refer to people who share a common territory and government (for example the inhabitants of a sovereign state) irrespective of their ethnic make-up.^[2][3] In international relations, nation can refer to a country or sovereign state.^[1] The word nation can more specifically refer to people of North American Indians, such as the Cherokee Nation that prefer this term over the contested term tribe.^[1]

According to Joseph Stalin writing in 1913 in Marxism and the National Question: "a nation is not a racial or tribal, but a historically constituted community of people;" "a nation is not a casual or ephemeral conglomeration, but a stable community of people;" "a common language is one of the characteristic features of a nation;" "a nation is formed only as a result of lengthy and systematic intercourse, as a result of people living together generation after generation;" "a common territory is one of the characteristic features of a nation;" "a common economic life, economic cohesion, is one of the characteristic features of a nation;" "a common psychological make-up, which manifests itself in a common culture, is one of the characteristic features of a nation;" "A nation is a historically constituted, stable community of people, formed on the basis of a common language, territory, economic life, and psychological make-up manifested in a common culture." According to Stalin, this would exclude Jews as they have no common territory.^[4]

An alternative view, expressed by Otto Bauer, author of Social Democracy and the Nationalities Question (1907), that "A nation is an aggregate of people bound into a community of character by a common destiny." would include Jews. R. Springer, author of The National Problem (1909), also cited by Stalin in his discussion of this matter, held similar views.^[4]

Etymology[link]

The word nation came to English from the Old French word nacion, which in turn originates from the Latin word natio (nātĭō) literally meaning "that which has been born".^[5]

As an example of how the word natio was employed in classical Latin, the following quote from Cicero's Philippics Against Mark Antony in 44 BC contrasts the external, inferior nationes ("races of people") with the Roman civitas ("community"):

"Omnes nationes servitutem ferre possunt: nostra civitas non potest."
("All races are able to bear enslavement, but our community cannot.")

— Cicero, Orationes: Pro Milone, Pro Marcello, Pro Ligario, Pro rege Deiotaro, Philippicae I-XIV^[6]

An early example of the use of the word "nation" (in conjunction with language and territory) was provided in 968 by Liutprand (the bishop of Cremona) who, while confronting the Byzantine emperor, Nicephorus II, on behalf of his patron Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, declared:

"The land...which you say belongs to your empire belongs, as the nationality and language of the people proves, to the kingdom of Italy.'"

— Liutprand, Relatio de legatione Constantinopolitana ad Nicephorum Phocam ^[7]

[edit] Medieval nationes

A significant early use of the term nation, as natio, occurred at mediaeval universities^[8] to describe the colleagues in a college or students, above all at the University of Paris, who were all born within a pays, spoke the same language and expected to be ruled by their own familiar law. In 1383 and 1384, while studying theology at Paris, Jean Gerson was elected twice as a procurator for the French natio. The University of Prague adopted the division of students into nationes: from its opening in 1349 the studium generale which consisted of Bohemian, Bavarian, Saxon and Polish nations.

In a similar way, the nationes were segregated by the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, who maintained at Rhodes the hostels from which they took their name "where foreigners eat and have their places of meeting, each nation apart from the others, and a Knight has charge of each one of these hostels, and provides for the necessities of the inmates according to their religion", as the Spanish traveller Pedro Tafur noted in 1436.^[9]

See also[link]

References[link]

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Al Gomes is an American record producer and songwriter from Providence, Rhode Island. Gomes has been in the music business for over 35 years, is the co-founder of Big Noise, and was part of the team that launched the career of multi-platinum Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera.^[1]

Early Years[link]

After winning first place in an art contest in 1973 at the age of 13 (juried by Rhode Island School of Design faculty),^[2] Gomes set his sights on a career in arts and entertainment. At this time, Gomes began writing, producing, and selling homemade cassettes of both original songs and comedic skits featuring neighborhood friends.

He attended high school at LaSalle Academy in Providence, RI, pursuing a Liberal Arts curriculum. By 1976, he was a DJ at Brown University's student-run radio station WBRU-AM. He also served as News Director for a Junior Achievement-produced youth-oriented radio show at WPRO-FM (92 PRO-FM) called 'J.A.M.,' and as an on-air student reporter for The Providence Journal-owned WPJB-FM (JB 105).

Gomes earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications and Graphic Design at Rhode Island College in Providence. While attending college, he worked for the school paper, The Anchor, first as a columnist, then as Arts and Entertainment Editor. After the college radio organization, WRIC-FM, recruited him as a DJ, Gomes produced an on-air interview and music show, Backstage Pass, for the station. Guests included The Police, Spyro Gyra, The Tubes, Dead Boys, Ellen Foley, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters, and The Neighborhoods.

His ongoing interest in songwriting solidified when Rhode Island College approved and financed a student-produced staging of Gomes and his new songwriting partner Jim Deragon's musical play, 'Suite Samantha' in 1983.^[3] The play's poster was designed by noteworthy artist Spencer Crooks (Who's Who In American Art). A sequel to the musical, 'Rich Moves,' was later staged at the concert venue The Living Room in Providence, RI.^[4]

Career[link]

Bandwagon[link]

In 1986, inspired by Bob Geldof's Band Aid project, Gomes conceived the Bandwagon Project with publicist Jamie Kurtis, and co-wrote and executive produced the 3-song benefit recording, 'Three Sides of Hunger' featuring ‘Surrender to Serenity’ performed by co-writer Jim Beaupre, ‘Where Homes Is’ performed by co-writers Mark Cutler and platinum recording artist John Cafferty, and ‘A Piece of Our Hearts’ (co-written with Mark Bram and Jamie Kurtis), performed by a 150-person celebrity chorus consisting of musicians, journalists (including MTV Networks executive producer Bill Flanagan), TV broadcasters, politicians, and human service agency heads.^[5][6] Soloists on ‘A Piece of Our Hearts’ included Cheryl Wheeler, and Belly and L7’s Gail Greenwood. ‘A Piece of Our Hearts’ received widespread radio airplay.^[7]

Gomes also produced two sold-out televised Bandwagon benefit concerts. ^[8][9][10] Bandwagon’s goal was to elevate awareness of the plight of the poor in America and raise monies for American agencies that aid the hungry and homeless. For his efforts, Gomes went on to win The Jefferson Award from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foundation for Outstanding Public Service,^[11][12] joining past recipients Oprah Winfrey^[13] and Bob Hope.

Big Noise[link]

In 1990, Gomes, along with partner A. Michelle, founded Big Noise, an international music production, artist development, and independent A&R firm. Gomes has assisted with the release of 300+ recordings of diverse musical genres by superstar and independent recording artists. He has managed many of the projects from concept to completion including assisting the artist with setting a budget for each project, choice of the artist's material and producer, hands-on A&R direction in the studio, art direction of recording package, manufacturing of finished CD, and the publicity, marketing and distribution of the release. Gomes also assists with the branding of an artist, image, their business strategy and decisions, and the overall direction of their career.^[14]

Gomes was part of the team that helped launch Christina Aguilera's career.^[1] After Aguilera was discovered by his good friend and colleague Steve Kurtz, Gomes served as Director of Online Entertainment and Marketing for Aguilera and her company, Three Wishes Productions, Inc. from 1998-2003, working as her publicist and webmaster ('Best Sites of the 21st Century' - Entertainment Weekly ^[15]), as well as being her biographer and archivist, and serving on her promotion and marketing team. In addition, Gomes produced two singles for Aguilera ('Holiday With Christina'^[16][17] and 'What A Valentine Wants'^[18]) and executive produced a #1 dance remix of her single 'What A Girl Wants' for RCA/BMG Records.^[19]

He also conceived and produced American Idol's Katharine McPhee's iTunes Christmas single, 'A Gift to You,'^[20][21] as well as serving as a regional judge for the TV show.^[22]

Gomes has also worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jim Brickman, Béla Fleck, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Little Anthony and the Imperials, Jay Geils, Paul Doucette (Matchbox 20), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Freddy Cole, multi-platinum producer Shelly Yakus, actor/directors Andrew McCarthy, Tiffani Thiessen, Stephen Collins, and William Shatner, and many others.^[23]

Gomes’ work has earned him gold and multi-platinum awards from the Recording Industry Association of America.^[24]

Gomes has produced 26 award-winning CD compilations including CDs for First Night Boston and the National Association of College Broadcasters (which featured R.E.M., Anthrax, Primus, Cowboy Junkies, Henry Rollins, Cracker, Eve's Plum, Luscious Jackson, and Mazzy Star). The NACB CD received Print Magazine's annual 'CD Design Award.'^[24]

Gomes also produced the original motion picture soundtrack CDs for the directorial debuts of actors Andrew McCarthy ('News for the Church')^[25] and Tiffani Thiessen ('Just Pray,' which featured Paul Doucette from Matchbox 20 and Lori McKenna).^[26] He also produced two music documentaries, 1988’s 'The Rash Christmas Special' and 2005's 'Billy Gilman: The Making of Everything and More.'^[27]

Gomes is a full voting and nominating member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (The Grammy Awards), as well as serving on the Grammy Nomination Craft Committees for Best Recording Package and Best Box Set.

Gomes has composed songs with many award-winning and renowned songwriters including two-time Emmy Award Winner Sean Callery ('24,' 'Medium,' 'La Femme Nikita'), John Cafferty ('Eddie and the Cruisers'), Jimmy Crane (Elvis Presley, Doris Day), Mike Viola ('That Thing You Do,' 'Walk Hard'), David Minehan (Paul Westerberg, The Neighborhoods), Chris Dominici (National Geographic Network, Fox Sports), and Mark Cutler (The Schemers, The Raindogs), among others.^[28]

In 2010, Gomes produced and co-wrote all of the tracks on pop singer Derek Carvalho's debut CD, 'Simple As That.'^[29]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website
• YouTube Official Channel
• Al Gomes at Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Michael Thomas Morgan (born October 8, 1959 in Tulare, California) is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades (1978–2002).^[1] Upon his retirement, Morgan held the major league record for most teams played for, with 12 teams; this was surpassed in 2012 by Octavio Dotel.^[2]

Morgan was nicknamed "The Nomad" by his teammates due to his constant travel from team to team.^[3][4]

Major League debut[link]

After attending Valley High School in Las Vegas, NV and pitching for the baseball team, Morgan was selected by the Oakland Athletics on 6 June 1978 in the 1st Round (fourth overall) of the Major League Draft and on June 11 made his major league debut, throwing a complete game in a 3-0 loss to Scott McGregor and the Baltimore Orioles.^[5] After going losing his first three starts in Oakland, Morgan was sent down to AAA Vancouver for the rest of the season, going 5-6 with a 5.58 earned run average (ERA) in 92 innings pitched. Although he had put up less than spectacular numbers, he had pitched over 100 innings between AAA and the majors as an 18-year-old and despite an alarming strikeout-to-walk ratio of 0.5:1 (31 strikeouts and 62 walks) was clearly on the fast track.

After starting the 1979 season with the AAA Ogden A's, Morgan was called up again to the big club after posting a 5-5 record with a 3.48 ERA in 101 innings. However, he again appeared overmatched, finishing the season 2-10 for the A's. Morgan then spent the next two seasons in the minor leagues. After finishing 1980 with another unspectacular season, finishing with a 6-9 record back at Ogden, Oakland decided to cut bait and traded Morgan on November 3 to the New York Yankees for 33 year old infielder, Fred Stanley.^[6] Thus was the start of Morgan's vagabond career. The Yankees then demoted Morgan and assigned him to AA Nashville where he posted an 8-7 record with a 4.42 ERA in 169 innings.^[7]

"The Nomad"[link]

In 1982, Morgan pitched the entire season for the Yankees, seeing time in 30 games with 23 starts. On December 9, Morgan was traded again, this time to the Toronto Blue Jays along with outfielder/first baseman Dave Collins, and future all star first baseman Fred McGriff for minor league third baseman Tom Dodd and reliever Dale Murray. Morgan then split time between Toronto and AAA Syracuse in 1983 before spending the entire 1984 season at Syracuse. In December 1984, Morgan was taken off the Blue Jays' 40-man roster and was subsequently chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the Rule 5 draft. After losing much of 1985 to arm trouble, Morgan then spent most of the next three seasons pitching for Seattle and compiling similar numbers to his career average, going 24-35 with a 4.53 over 429 innings with 216 strikeouts and 144 walks. In a hint of later career success, Morgan collected his first career save in 1986. Although showing himself to be a solidly average starting pitcher, he would continue to struggle with his control, annually sporting ugly strikeouts-to-walk ratios, and fail to show the promise that made him a first round selection. On December 9, Morgan was shipped to the Baltimore Orioles for righty starter Ken Dixon and would spend the 1988 season splitting time between Baltimore and AAA Rochester. That year he was recognized for hi humanitarian work by winning the Little League's Junior Cy Young award.

After being traded to his sixth franchise in March, in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for center fielder Mike Devereaux, Morgan would spend 1989–91 with the team. This time would include Morgan's first winning season as a pro in 1991, his lone All-Star season, with a 14–10 record. However, Morgan was also known for an infamous footnote. On July 28 of that year, he was at the losing end of Montreal Expos pitcher Dennis Martinez's perfect game, even though Morgan himself was perfect through the first five innings.

After leaving Baltimore as a free agent, Morgan would spend his first stint with the Chicago Cubs from 1992–95. In 1992, Morgan seemingly put it all together, finishing the season 16–8 with a 2.55 ERA over 240 innings - easily the best season of his career. However, he could not repeat his efforts and went 12-25 over the next two seasons after again experiencing arm trouble.

After seeming to bounce back in the beginning of 1995, starting the season 2-1 with a 2.19 ERA for the Cubs, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals along with minor leaguer catcher Francisco Morales and first baseman/third baseman Paul Torres for third baseman Todd Zeile and cash, and went 5-6 in 17 starts the rest of the way. In 1996, Morgan would return to form, posting a 4-8 record with a 5.24 ERA, and would be released by the Cardinals on August 28. He would not be unemployed long as he signed with the Cincinnati Reds on September 4 and spent the remainder of the 1996 and all of 1997 with the Reds.

Post-season play[link]

After leaving the Reds as a free Agent, Morgan signed in December 1997 with the Minnesota Twins. After putting up good numbers with the Twins through August (4-2 with a 3.49 ERA and only 24 walks in 98 innings), Morgan was traded on August 25 back to the Cubs for pitcher Scott Downs and cash. While with the Cubs, he was on the mound when Mark McGwire hit his record-tying 61st home run. He also went to the postseason for the first time, relieving in two games without giving up a run, but the Cubs lost to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series. On 29 January, 1999, Morgan joined his 11th team, signing with the Texas Rangers as a free agent. Although he pitched to a 13-10 record, he had an ERA of 6.24 and was demoted to the bullpen late in the season. It appeared that his career was officially over.

Prior to spring training in 2000, the 40-year-old journeyman signed with his 12th team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who successfully converted Morgan to a full-time reliever and emergency starter. Morgan excelled in this role and appeared in 60 games and over 100 innings compiled an ERA that was only slightly above career average. After pitching in 31 games in 2001, including his last start, Morgan was again in the post-season with the D-backs and would appear in all three rounds including throwin 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief as Arizona defeated the New York Yankees in seven games to win the 2001 World Series. He was back for another go-round in 2002 and pitched 28 games over the first three months before being sidelined by an injury. He came back to make the final appearance of his career on September 2, pitching 1 1/3 innings and giving up an unearned run in a 19-1 loss to the Dodgers,.^[8] Morgan would finish the season 1-1 with a 5.29 ERA, and was not included on the D-Backs' post-season roster. Following the season, Morgan would retire from baseball after 21 seasons.

Morgan was the last active player to have competed during the 1978 season and one of the last four (the others being Jesse Orosco, Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines) to have debuted in the 1970s who continued to play past the 2000 season. In the 597 games Morgan pitched, 411 were starts. His career record was 141-186 with a 4.23 ERA, 1403 strikeouts and eight saves in 2772 1/3 innings.

Morgan was tied with National Hockey League player Mike Sillinger and MLB pitcher Matt Skrmetta for the most teams played for in any North American professional sport through June 2006, when Skrmetta signed with the Chicago White Sox, his 24th professional team and 13th organization.^[9]

Personal life[link]

Morgan currently resides in Ogden, Utah and owns "World Championship Outfitters", company which takes people on private hunts with Morgan as the guide. He also instructs youth baseball players one-on-one through the company "Ultimate Sports".

In 2009, he became a volunteer coach on the Pleasant Grove High School baseball team in Pleasant Grove, UT and continued with Pleasant Grove through the 2010 season. In 2010, he created the "Robinson's Transport Wounded Warrior Hunt", a hunt for military members who have received a Purple Heart.^[3]

See also[link]

• List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
• List of baseball players who went directly to the major leagues

References[link]

External links[link]

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube